VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Development and comparison of processing routes for the manufacture of oxide dispersion strengthened steels

Ferritic oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels reinforced by evenly and densely distributed Y, Ti and O enriched nano-sized precipitates (NP) have emerged as one of the most promising structural materials candidates for next generation (Generation IV) nuclear fission and future nuclear fusion concepts, since they can both withstand more intensive neutron irradiation, and maintain strength and creep properties at higher operating temperatures than current standards.
The conventional processing route for ODS steels is a two-step powder metallurgy process, consisting of mechanical alloying (MA) of an Fe based matrix and a normally nano-sized Y2O3 powder followed by consolidation into bulk. However, major disadvantages such as prolonged processing time, small batch size, tendency for contamination and high inherent cost of feedstock powders have prevented industrial application of the MA based route.
This thesis has explored two alternative processing routes for ODS steels. In the first approach, Y2O3 was replaced with Fe3Y during MA, followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) consolidation. The use of Fe3Y did not disrupt the standard MA process for powders, while the consolidated alloy possessed a narrower grain size distribution, higher room temperature ductility and slightly better high temperature microhardness compared with a reference alloy produced using Y2O3.
In the second approach, the whole MA process was replaced with melt spinning of an Fe-5Y or Fe-1Y-1Ti (wt%) alloy. Relatively uniform spatial distribution of Y and Ti was achieved in the melt spun ribbons. The process demonstrated consistent yield (> 60% by weight), fast processing time (< 10 s), good scalability (up to > 100 g feedstock material) and repeatability across equipment in three different institutes. Internal oxidation investigations also validated the potential of forming < 20 nm Y oxides in the ribbons.
The Fe-1Y-1Ti melt spun ribbon was then pulverised and consolidated into bulk by field assisted sintering (FAST). Simultaneous internal oxidation was achieved with the addition of nano-sized Fe3O4 powder, and successfully generated a high number density of sub-micron Y and/or Ti enriched oxides. Further formation of oxides took place during annealing, resulting in an approximate 20% increase in hardness at temperatures below 300 °C. However, the use of Fe3O4 powder reduced sinterability of the ribbons and undermined density of the alloy, which lead to mechanically incoherent prior ribbon boundaries and a significant property drop above 400 °C.

Advisor: Grant, P
Zhang, H
Studies toward the application and development of rhodium-catalysed hydroacylation reactions

The described in this thesis is primarily concerned with the development of Rhhydroacylation based approaches to heterocycle synthesis. In addition to investigations on a number of heterocyclic scaffolds, work has been undertaken to increase the synthetic appeal of hydroacylation by expanding the range of functional groups that can be employed as chelating tethers.
Chapter 1 is a literature review surveying the key milestones in the development of efficient, selective intermolecular hydroacylation. The use of chelating tethers, and the development of highly active ligands for their use, is detailed, as well as a summary of attempts to circumvent the requirement for such a tether using Rh and a number of other late transition metals and NHC catalyst systems. The application of a number of Rh-catalysed reactions to the synthesis of heterocycles has been discussed.
Chapter 2 describes attempts to synthesise 1,3-dicarbonyl analogues, commonly used as intermediates for the synthesis of a number of five- and six-membered heterocycles. In addition, an approach to pyridines featuring a novel disconnection is also detailed.
Chapter 3 presents a detailed investigation into the synthesis of diversely substituted quinolines via Rh-catalysed hydroacylation. Whilst this approach was successful across a broad range of substrates and substitution patterns, a number of minor limitations were encountered. Methods to overcome each of these drawbacks are detailed, including the synthesis of tether-free quinolines through tandem hydroacylation – C-S functionalisation protocols.
Chapter 4 concerns the synthesis of N-containing heterocycles through intramolecular hydroimination. In addition to the conditions employed for intermolecular hydroacylation, a diverse range of hydroacylation catalysts was evaluated.
Chapter 5 documents exploration of the use of the removable MTM-directing group. In addition to extending range of hydroacylation reactions, efforts were made to apply the methodology developed to the synthesis of the natural product sphingosine.
Chapter 6 summarises the research presented and the potential for future work.
Chapter 7 presents the experimental data.

Advisor: Willis, M
The Movement for Unicity and Reform: between da'wa and Dissent

This dissertation examines the roots and emergence of the ‘Movement for Unicity and Reform’ (‘MUR’), one of the largest Islamic political movements in Morocco. The objective is to outline the movement’s history, ideological outlook and structure in order to present a complete picture of MUR’s objectives.
The empirical section of this thesis is based on fieldwork, consisting of interviews with senior members of the movement, activists, PJD MPs, academics and former members, observations of the movement’s activities on the ground, movement documents, literature and newspapers.
The first chapter presents MUR’s history, from its roots in the revolutionary Chabiba Islamiya, through to the various ideological reforms undertaken by the different strands which subsequently make up the MUR. It looks at both the internal and external pressures on the movement’s leaders which led them to re-examine their outlook and ultimately opt for a unique form of critical support for the monarchy.
The second chapter outlines the ideological roots of the MUR in the Salafiyya reformist trend, in particular through the influence of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, but also subsequently through the integration of critical perspectives, as well as local intellectuals. Finally, it examines the movement’s core documents, its charter and its publications to present the MUR’s idealised conception of the state and its distinct strategy for change. In particular, it examines how specific religious aspects of the King’s legitimation are re-worked and wielded to seek to create formal mechanisms of accountability between the King and the people and ultimately create a measure of the King’s ‘performance’ as a ruler, based on the very ideals he premises his legitimacy on.
The third chapter looks at the MUR’s activities in society and is broken into two sections, the first on the MUR’s ‘specializations’, its network of social and cultural organizations which operate at the grassroots level, providing services branded with the MUR’s ethos. It examines how the MUR’s particular conception of daʿwa manifests in its outreach and creation of alternative solutions to social problems.
The second section looks at the MUR’s view of the political sphere and in particular, its evolving relationship to the PJD, a party which initially grew out of the MUR’s political specialization, but which has since developed an autonomous identity. The MUR’s political ideals as laid out in its literature are far more subversive than those of the PJD and point to inherent tensions between the MUR’s project and the PJD’s current incarnation.
The thesis presents a detailed and comprehensive understanding of the MUR, both to inform a better understanding of the gradual, grassroots change being undertaken in view of achieving a particular vision of society, but also ultimately to resituate the PJD within a much broader project for change, of which formal political activism is merely one of several avenues for achieving the MUR’s vision.

Advisor: Willis, M
Fixation of the cementless oxford unicompartmental knee replacement

The Oxford Unicompartmental Knee Replacement (OUKR) is an effective treatment for symptomatic end-stage anteromedial osteoarthritis. In contrast with data from specialist centres, the National Joint Registries suggest a higher revision rate than total knee replacement. The cementless version of the OUKR was introduced to prevent cementation errors, improve fixation, reduce the incidence of radiolucent lines and ultimately reduce the discrepancy between the results of specialist centres and National Joint Registries. There are, however, anecdotal reports of tibial plateau fractures with cementless fixation. The aim of this thesis was to assess the clinical outcome and key biomechanical aspects of the fixation of the cementless OUKR.
A systematic review demonstrated that modern cementless unicompartmental knee replacements (UKRs) are safe and effective.
The cementless OUKR had a 10-year survival of 97% and 88% good or excellent clinical results in a prospective, consecutive case series of 1000 cases from two centres.
The primary stability of the cementless OUKR relies on the interference fit. The 5-year results of a randomised controlled trial using radiostereometric analysis demonstrated that cementless components are as stable as cemented. Although sufficient in providing component stability, the interference fit could be excessive increasing the risk of fracture. A biomechanical test was carried out to study the effect of interference on the force required to implant the tibial component (push-in force) and the fixation strength (pull-out force). The results demonstrated that a reduction of the interference up to 50% significantly reduces the force required to implant the components without affecting their primary stability.
In conclusion, the cementless fixation of the OUKR is safe and effective, with excellent long-term survival. The stability of cementless components is reliable and at least as good as that of the cemented implant. However, the interference fit around the tibial component is excessive. A reduced interference fit could decrease the risk of fracture without affecting the stability of the components.

Advisor: Pandit, H
Murray, D
Mellon, S
Neolithic agricultural management in the Eastern Mediterranean: new insight from a multi-isotope approach

The work presented in this dissertation explores the nature of agro-pastoral strategies developed by Neolithic farmers as a way to understand how early food production was inter-twined with environmental and socio-economic opportunities and constraints. Towards this end, a multi-isotope approach is used to address questions of scale and intensity of crop cultivation and animal management at the archaeological sites of Kouphovouno, southern Greece, Makriyalos, northern Greece, and Çatalhöyük, south-central Turkey. Measurements of stable carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and strontium isotope values of carbonized plant remains, human and animal bone collagen and animal tooth enamel are used to examine the similarities and differences in the types of treatments that individual species of plants and animals received during the agricultural cycle at the distinct locations. The results show that farmers at the three sites developed variable methods for exploiting the arable and pastoral landscape and catering to their economic and culinary needs. The discussion considers the implications of these findings to our understanding of the complexity and adaptability of early farming systems.

Keywords: stable carbon isotopes
Aegean Neolithic
strontium isotopic ratios
stable nitrogen isotopes
Anatolian Neolithic
stable oxygen isotopes
Advisor: Lee-Thorp, J
Bogaard, A
Thermo‑mechanical performance and novel applications of nanocomposites incorporating metal‑organic frameworks

This work investigated the thermo-mechanical responses of two classes of prototypical polymer/Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) composites: Matrimid/Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework (ZIF)-8 and Polyurethane (PU)/ZIF‑8, and explored their potential application in the uptake/retention of iodine and the reversible uptake of ethylene. The aim is to develop a structure-property relationship and elucidate the influence of ZIF-8 nanoparticles on the performance of the nanocomposite, while establishing a contrast between glassy (Matrimid) and rubbery (PU) matrices vis-à-vis its interactions with ZIF‑8 nanoparticles (MOF fillers).
Experimental techniques such as dynamic mechanical analysis, uniaxial tensile tests, and nanoindentation were employed to study the variation to thermo-mechanical properties as a function of the concentration(s) of MOF nanoparticles. With 30 wt.% ZIF-8 content, it was demonstrated that the addition of filler nanoparticles decreased the quasi-static mechanical properties of the Matrimid/ZIF-8 nanocomposite (17.5% decrease in the Young's modulus and ~90% drop in ductility), but benefit the PU/ZIF-8 nanocomposite (~700% increase in the Young's modulus while retaining ~70% ductility of the neat PU matrix). The dynamic mechanical response of Matrimid/ZIF-8 nanocomposite remained almost comparable with its matrix, but PU/ZIF-8 nanocomposite exhibited tunability in its dynamic response. Higher concentrations of ZIF-8 nanoparticles resulted in a significant rise in storage moduli and decrease in loss moduli.
The PU/ZIF-8 (30 wt.% of ZIF-8) nanocomposite exhibited significant uptake/retention of iodine (~32 wt.%) and reversible uptake of ethylene (~0.6 mmol g-1 at 5 °C). This is attributed to the molecular accessibility afforded by the PU matrix in conjunction with the porosity and chemical affinity of the 2-methylimidazolate ligands with iodine and ethylene guest species. In contrast, the glassy Matrimid matrix demonstrated poorer uptake performance due to its limited accessibility and robust microstructural features, which greatly limited the interactions between the ZIF‑8 nanoparticles with iodine and ethylene. It was also confirmed that the response of the matrix dictates the overall performance of the nanocomposites because they constitute the structural majority of the composite system, and determine crucial factors such as accessibility to the functional MOF nanoparticles incorporated within.

Advisor: Tan, J
On the use of metacognitive signals to navigate the social world

Since the early days of psychology, practitioners have recognised that metacognition - or the act of thinking about one’s own thinking - is intertwined with our experience of the world. In the last decade, scientists have started to understand metacognitive signals, like judgments of confidence, as precise mathematical constructs. Confidence can be conceived of as an internal estimate of the probability of being correct. As such, confidence influences both advice seeking and advice taking while allowing people to optimally combine their views for joint action and group coordination.
This work begins by exploring the idea that confidence judgments are important for monitoring not only uncertainty associated with one’s performance but also, thanks to their positive covariation with accuracy, the reliability of social advisers, particularly when objective criteria are not available. I present data showing that, when adviser and advisee’s judgments are independent, people are able to detect subtle variations in advice information, irrespective of feedback presence. I also show that, when such independence is broken, the use of subjective confidence to track others’ reliability leads to systematic deviations.
I then proceed to explore the differences existing between static and dynamic social information exchange. Traditionally, social and organisational psychology have investigated one-step unidirectional information systems, but many real-life interactions happen on a continuous time-scale, where social exchanges are recursive and dynamic. I present results indicating that the dynamics of social information exchange (recursive vs. one-step) affect individual opinions over and above the information that is communicated. Overall, my results suggest a bidirectional involvement of confidence in social inference and information exchange, and highlight the limits of the mechanisms underlying it.

Keywords: advice taking
belief change
metacognition
decision making
confidence
Advisor: Yeung, N
The impact of walking and cycling infrastructure on personal travel and carbon emissions: the case of Cardiff Connect2

There is a growing recognition of the role that walking and cycling can make in reducing traffic congestion and air pollution whilst also contributing to improved personal health and wellbeing. While studies suggest that infrastructure is required to promote walking and cycling, there is a lack of evidence at the micro level on how interventions aimed at improving connectivity for walking and cycling influence travel behaviour and whether they promote a modal shift away from short car journeys.
The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which the implementation of a high quality traffic free route, delivered by a recent programme targeted at everyday walking and cycling in the UK – the Sustrans Connect2 Programme – influenced individuals' day-to-day travel decisions, changed the spatial and temporal nature of their journeys and impacted on overall carbon emissions from motorised travel. To achieve this aim an in-depth longitudinal panel study of a community of residents living next to a totemic Connect2 scheme in Penarth, Cardiff, was conducted. A panel of purposively selected participants (N=50) were interviewed and asked to record their travel behaviour using personal GPS devices and travel diaries over two seasonally matching 7-day time periods in 2011 and 2012. This novel GPS based mixed-method approach provided a detailed account of participants' travel behaviour in the local area (n=2664 journeys) and a comprehensive understanding of how, why and for whom the Connect2 intervention was likely to influence travel behaviour and the longevity of effects.
The findings revealed that participants used the new Connect2 scheme regularly during the period of the study (36% in 2011; 26% in 2012); however, the new scheme was likely to have a greater impact for recreational journeys rather than for everyday travel. Spatial data provided new insights into the complexities of walking behaviour and factors influencing cycling for everyday travel or recreation, including route choice decisions, destinations where activities were conducted and the role of the new Connect2 infrastructure in supporting this. Further findings support the potential of active travel in replacing short car trips (20%) and its impact on carbon emissions from personal travel (4.9% among the study sample). However, results suggest that the new Connect2 scheme alone was unlikely to promote a significant change in travel behaviour and carbon emissions from (displaced) car journeys.
The study contributes to the debate on the effectiveness of interventions targeted at promoting walking and cycling and the importance of wider infrastructural improvements that may be required to encourage their wider uptake. The combination of methods for data collection developed and employed in this study also helps to inform future travel behaviour research.

Keywords: GIS
Cycling
Carbon emissions
Travel surveys
Personal travel
Travel behaviour
Walking
GPS
Advisor: Brand, C
Jones, T
Active shortening in the Alpine-Himalayan belt

In this thesis, I use a multi-disciplinary approach to investigate the accommodation of tectonic strain within the Alpine--Himalayan Belt by thick-skinned compressional faulting, to constrain seismic hazard potential and probe the earthquake cycle in regions of distributed deformation. A case study on the fault which generated the 2011 Van Earthquake is used to link the instrumentally observed earthquake behaviour to the late Quaternary slip rate and the regional tectonics of the Turkish-Iranian Plateau. At the Van fault, the surface geomorphology and topography are dominated by slip in the uppermost &Tilde;10km, and so models based on surface observations are likely to underestimate the full depth extent of seismogenic structures in the region. A second case study focuses on the Karkara Rangefront of the Terskey Range in the Tien Shan, which regional GPS suggests is creeping at a significant fraction of the total shortening rate across the northern Tien Shan. Dating river terraces along the rangefront, I estimate a late Quaternary slip-rate consistent with the present day creep rate, though it is unclear whether creep is the long-term deformation mechanism. Building on the Karkara Rangefront case study, I construct a transect of late Quaternary slip rates and earthquake recurrence intervals through the Kazakh Tien Shan and Dzhungarian Alatau. I find that deformation is distributed across numerous faults with slip rates of &LT;0.6mm/yr and recurrence intervals of &RT;5ka (and maybe significantly longer). Finally, I develop a new method to exploit the full power of new high resolution digital elevation models in estimating fault slip from surface fault scarps.Combining multiple measurements along strike, I use the variation in surface offset with topographic geometry to solve for the three-dimensional slip vector.

Advisor: Walker, R
Parsons, B
Quantum simulation of fermionic models

This work is a theoretical study of fermionic models. We focus on problems where highly controllable quantum simulators of these models have an important role, and we utilise both the analogue and the digital paradigm of quantum simulation.
In the part on analogue quantum simulation, we focus on the proposed 'spin-asymmetric' Josephson effect where Cooper-paired spins display frequency synchronized Josephson oscillations with spin-dependent amplitudes. We consider different scenarios where the phenomenon could manifest in ultracold atomic Fermi gases. We study a Fermi gas Josephson junction in the recently realized Josephson plasma oscillation regime with an additional spin-dependent potential and show that the asymmetry in the resulting spin-dependent plasma oscillation amplitudes is on the order of a couple of per cent. We also demonstrate numerically that spin-asymmetric Josephson-like currents occur in a one-dimensional spin-dependent optical superlattice, with amplitude asymmetries up to 39%. Finally, we show that at zero temperature the tunable critical current in ferromagnetic Josephson junctions can be explained by the spin-asymmetric Josephson effect.
In the part where digital quantum simulation is used, we propose a hybrid quantum-classical approach to studying strongly correlated fermion models. In this approach, a digital quantum simulator works in conjunction with a classical feedback loop to solve the infinite-dimensional Hubbard model directly in the thermodynamic limit. The scheme implements the well-established dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) method, such that the digital quantum simulator solves the classically hard DMFT impurity problem and self-consistency is taken care of in a classical computer. We first present a few-qubit proof-of-principle setup for equilibrium systems that implements the simplified 'two-site' DMFT. This few-qubit setup is used for a qualitative description of the Mott transition in the half-filled infinite-dimensional Hubbard model. We then describe a scalable setup for simulating non-equilibrium many-body quantum dynamics by proposing the implementation of the non-equilibrium extension of DMFT with the hybrid device.

Advisor: Jaksch, D