VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Cairo between worlds: Britain, India, and the Middle East, 1935-1942

This thesis follows a cast of British, Egyptian, and Indian figures—politicians, diplomats, military attachés, journalists, bureaucrats, activists, and artists—whose lives and work intersected in Cairo between the late 1930s and early 1940s. It traces the connections between them through personal correspondence, diaries, published memoirs, newspapers, and government archives, while documenting the emergence of the Egyptian capital as a global city of the interwar period. The project offers new insight on the international history of the 1930s and ‘40s, viewed from the colonial East. It argues for the reassessment of these years as a ‘Collaborative Moment’ in which relations between the British Empire and nationalist movements in Egypt and India were briefly redefined.
Research is organised into four key lines of enquiry which intersect. These are, first, British policy in the Middle East; second, Government of India contributions to, and interventions in, British policy in the Middle East; third, Egyptian foreign and domestic politics; and fourth, Indian nationalist engagement with Egyptian and Middle Eastern politics.
Chapters provide original interpretations of the Abyssinian Crisis; the negotiation of the Anglo-Egyptian Treaty of 1936; the Arab Revolt, and the 1939 St James’ Conference on Palestine; the evolution of nationalist politics in Egypt and India, and the relationships between their leaderships; and the comparative impact of the Second World War on both countries. The thesis culminates with a meditation on the transformation of Egyptian and Indian society between 1935 and 1942, in light of the ideas of a near-contemporary, the Italian Antonio Gramsci. Gramsci’s theory of cultural hegemony provides an original lense through which to consider the triangular relationship between Britain, India, and the Middle East during this period, and the essential role of Cairo within it.

Advisor: MacMillan, M
Rogan, E
The evolution of exoskeleton moulting in Trilobita

Moulting is the process of replacing an exoskeleton. The exoskeleton provides protection but must be periodically moulted for growth, development, and repair. Moulting is therefore intrinsic to ontogeny, but is risky and energetically-expensive, meaning the morphology and behaviours of an animal are also important. Ecdysozoa (e.g. Euarthropoda, Nematoida) are united by moulting, but Euarthropoda (e.g. insects, crustaceans) have particularly tough, usually reinforced, exoskeletons. Correspondingly they have a high preservation potential and exceptional fossil record. Amongst arthropods, the extinct trilobites were extraordinarily abundant and diverse, with an unparalleled fossil record. Both trilobite carcasses and moults are abundant, and when correctly identified these moults inform on many aspects of evolutionary history. Trilobites were both extremely inter- and intraspecifically variable in their moulting compared to other euarthropods. By examining trilobite moults we can reconstruct and contrast moulting behaviours to other groups to explore the ways in which moulting has affected trilobite evolutionary history.
This thesis illustrates the importance of moulting to the evolution of trilobite, and euarthropod, life history. First, I provide a review of published information on trilobite moulting, and discuss the importance of accurate moult identification. I then present a broad-scale database of trilobite behavioural and morphological data, which is used to quantitatively answer “how variable was trilobite moulting behaviour, and is this linked to differences in morphology?” Case studies then explore the detailed moulting information available from Konservat-Lagerstätten (focusing on the early Cambrian Emu Bay Shale); the association between moulting and morphology through trilobite ontogenetic history (by describing the development of Dalmanitina); and show that the process of moulting has been conserved throughout euarthropod evolution (by describing a complete moulting sequence of Symphysurus). The manuscripts constituting this thesis demonstrate the trilobite fossil record of moulting is an important source of information that can inform on the evolutionary history of development, behaviour, ecology, and morphology in this influential group.

Keywords: Cambrian
Euarthropoda
Behaviour
Trilobita
Ecdysis
Exoskeleton
Moulting
Advisor: Daley, A
Shimeld, S
Smith, P
Edgecombe, G
Design of single-shot longitudinal bunch profile monitor based on analysis of coherent smith-purcell radiation

The spectral analysis of coherent Smith-Purcell radiation (cSPr) is a promising new longitudinal diagnostic technique. This thesis presents a conceptual design for a single-shot, non-destructive, coherent Smith-Purcell radiation monitor and investigates the challenges of realising this type of diagnostic.
It is proposed to use the polarization of coherent Smith Purcell radiation in order to distinguish it from background radiation. A series of experimental studies are carried out at the 8MeV electron accelerator LUCX (KEK, Japan) in order to measure the polarization of cSPr.
An experimental setup is developed for measuring the frequency and polarization of low intensity THz frequency signals in accelerator environments. The frequency measurements are made with a Fabry-Perot interferometer, using wire grid polarizers as beamsplitters. The operation of this interferometer is shown to be comparable to classic interferometer designs.
The results show cSPr to be highly polarized and easily distinguishable from unpolarized background radiation. Suggestions are made to improve the experimental setup in order to obtain more detailed measurements in the future.
An investigation into the number and distribution of detection channels required in the cSPr monitor is also carried out. This demonstrates that significant savings in space and cost can be made by optimising the design for specific accelerator environments.

Keywords: Smith-Purcell Radiation
Longitudinal Beam Diagnostics
Terahertz Radiation
Advisor: Konoplev, I
Identifying and prioritising interventions to reduce emergency hospital admissions

The aim of this thesis was to identify and prioritise evidence-based interventions that reduce emergency hospital admissions and explore their implementation in clinical practice. To achieve its aim, this thesis first identified evidence-based interventions that reduce emergency admissions using a systematic review of systematic reviews. Second, it determined which of the evidence-based interventions had been recommended in national clinical guidelines, developed into quality of care indicators, and featured in national audits in England. Thirdly, it explored the extent to which evidence- and guideline-based interventions were being optimally utilised in primary care in the United Kingdom. Fourthly, it evaluated an innovative access to care initiative implemented in primary care to reduce hospital admissions. Fifthly, it explored the use of evidence by decision makers when designing and implementing local interventions as part of national campaigns to reduce admissions. Overall, the findings showed that there are a variety of evidence-based interventions that reduce emergency hospital admission rates. However, the thesis showed gaps in the promotion and use of these interventions in clinical practice in the United Kingdom. It also demonstrated that increasing access to primary care using innovative interventions may not be an effective or evidence-based approach to reducing hospitalisations. Stakeholders seeking to reduce admission rates may consider optimising use of the evidence- and guideline-based interventions prioritised in this thesis. This may be done using existing quality improvement infrastructure or by developing or expanding health care services that feature the interventions. Furthermore, efforts should be made to robustly evaluate novel interventions implemented in clinical practice to reduce hospital admissions. The results of such evaluations should be systematically disseminated to facilitate peer-peer learning, avoid duplicated efforts, and promote use of evidence-based interventions.

Keywords: hospital
hospitalisation
umbrella review
unscheduled admission
unplanned admission
hospitalization
overview
hospital admission
emergency admission
Advisor: Heneghan, C
Mahtani, K
Sonodynamic therapy of hypoxic tumours

Improvements in cancer therapies have enabled a steady increase in the five-year survival rates of patients with most tumour types. Yet, some highly aggressive tumours still present resistance to conventional cancer therapies. One of the explanations for this has been ascribed to the low levels of oxygen seen in the tumours’ vicinity. In this manuscript, the development of sonodynamic therapy to enable the treatment of hypoxic pancreatic tumours is presented. With this technique, low intensity ultrasound is used to activate oxygen-loaded microbubbles in order to provide oxygen in hypoxic lesions and enable their treatment using an ultrasound-responsive drug: Rose Bengal.
An investigation on mechanisms demonstrated that light generated from collapsing microbubbles allows the activation of Rose Bengal during ultrasound exposure. Several acoustic parameters were also evaluated to understand their impact on treatment. To enhance the delivery of oxygen and the sonodynamic effect, magnetic targeting of microbubbles was enabled by incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles within their coating. Thus, an external magnetic field focused at the tumour can be used to target this therapy. A structural analysis of microbubbles as drug and oxygen carrier was then undertaken to optimise the system’s stability and performance. An evaluation of this method in preclinical in vivo experiments demonstrated that magnetically targeted sonodynamic therapy with oxygen microbubbles and Rose Bengal enabled a decrease in size of hypoxic pancreatic tumours in a murine model. Therefore, this thesis presents promising results for the treatment of hypoxic tumours using sonodynamic therapy, as well as key mechanistic and parametric results to enable the further optimisation of this method for clinical use.

Keywords: Sonodynamic Therapy
Hypoxia
Bubble
Advisor: Stride, E
Security and privacy in location-aware mobile systems

For centuries, methods to obtain location information were crucial for our economic success. While initially requiring expert training and cumbersome tools like astrolabes and compasses, advances in material and engineering sciences have brought the ability to determine one’s position on Earth to our fingertips. Devices as small and mobile as smart phones can now acquire and process location information.
Fuelled by this new data source, social media companies immediately realised the potential to enhance their users’ experience and embedded location-based features into their products. Simultaneously, platforms which allow users to use location information as triggers for automation tasks emerged.
Beyond these use cases for entertainment and convenience, recent advances in academic and industrial research have started to leverage location information for security and safety purposes. While the advantages of location-aware mobile systems to improve security are undisputed, methods to ensure the reliability of location information and minimise the impact on user privacy still require further research.
In this dissertation, we aim to extend the knowledge about security and privacy implications of location information. To achieve this, we first analyse the different paths a mobile system can come in contact with this type of information. Based on these insights, we identify threats associated with the acquisition and processing of location claims. We recognise that in many cases, the absolute location of mobile devices is not needed but rather their constellation is sufficient. For example, the proximity of two devices can aid to validate location claims before relying on them for security or safety critical applications. We propose to use the trajectory a device takes to approach a location as that location’s fingerprint. To show the feasibility of this idea and its potential applications, we evaluate two scenarios: user authentication and collective awareness in future intelligent transportation systems.
Finally, we analyse the consequences of data sharing for user privacy. More specifically, we investigate Vehicular Ad-hoc Networks (VANETs) as an open network where location information is essential to ensure its safe operation but also vastly available to malicious actors. We develop solutions to improve passenger privacy while providing more fine grained accountability in these networks which are a cornerstone in the future of intelligent transportation systems.

Keywords: VANET
cyber security
vehicular network
Advisor: Martinovic, I
Moving boundary problems for reflected SPDEs

The work in this thesis is based on the study of reflected SPDE (stochastic partial differential equation) moving boundary problems. These are systems consisting of two competing profiles which each evolve according to a reflected stochastic heat equation in one spatial dimension, and share a common boundary point. The reflection here minimally pushes the profiles upwards in order to maintain positivity. The evolution of the shared boundary depends on the state of the profiles, and so is coupled with the dynamics of the two competing sides. Such equations are suited to modelling competition between two types. An example of this is the limit order book. We can think of the competing profiles as being order volumes to buy/sell an asset at different prices, with positivity of these ensured by the reflection terms. The shared boundary then represents the current midprice.
Key results include scaling laws, which show how we can connect particle systems to particular reflected SPDE moving boundary problems, and existence and uniqueness results for different classes of reflected SPDE moving boundary models. In the latter case, we first study the situation where the boundary mechanism is driven by the competing profiles considered as continuous functions. Following this we impose stronger assumptions and examine the case where the boundary mechanism is driven by the derivatives of the competing profiles at the shared interface, as in the classical Stefan problem. We also study other properties of our systems, including their Hölder regularity and the existence of invariant measures.

Advisor: Hambly, B
Searches for Axion-Like Particles with X-ray astronomy

Axion-Like Particles (ALPs) are a very well-motivated class of Beyond the Standard Model particles. They can be implemented as a minimal extension of the Standard Model that could solve many mysteries (the Strong CP Problem, Dark Matter, origin of Inflation), and also commonly arise in String Theory compactifications. This motivates the commissioning of dedicated experiments looking for these particles, as well as the utilisation of telescope data to search for their astrophysical effects. Through their coupling to electromagnetism, they will interconvert with photons in the presence of a magnetic field. A promising environment to look for this effect is the intracluster medium of Galaxy Clusters, which can have weak but very extensive magnetic fields. At X-ray energies, the conversion probability of photons to ALPs is periodic in energy, imprinting a quasi-sinusoidal oscillation on the energy spectrum of an object shining through the cluster. This thesis describes an analysis of data taken by the Chandra and XMM-Newton satellites of point sources (such as active galactic nuclei) shining through galaxy clusters. The absences of modulations in the spectra of these objects lead to constraints on the ALP-photon coupling. With this analysis, a previously unexplored region of parameter space is ruled out. This thesis also details simulations that were performed of the capabilities of the Athena X-ray Observatory, due to launch in 2028, and predicts its ability to place further constraints on ALPs.

Advisor: Conlon, J
The ice-water interface and its interactions with colloidal monolayers

We investigate the interaction of colloidal particles with the ice-water interface using a combination of a directional solidification stage, a light microscope and thin sample cells. Firstly, we focus on separating the contributions of colloids from that of salt in inducing the Mullins- Sekerka instability of the ice-water interface. We show that while the instabilities more quickly develop at higher freezing velocities, the presence of the particles enhances the development of the perturbations. Consequently, we observe fully developed instabilities as ‘ice-fingers’ only when particles are present and at high freezing velocities. Secondly, we study the structures formed by the colloidal particles accumulating in front of the ice-water interface during the unidirectional freezing. By using di↵erent image analysis methods, we find that despite the slow freezing velocity, the increase of the particle concentration in front of the interface is still too quick for the formation of a crystal structure. However, once the particles have been entrapped by the ice, they form linear or zig-zag structures between the ice fingers. Thirdly, we look at the event of ‘thermal regelation’, specifically the movement of single particles in ice towards the ice-water interface. This is possible due to the presence of a premelted liquid film, surrounding the particle. Particle movement is measured by using tracking algorithms, and fitted to theoretical predictions, which capture a thermomolecular and a viscous force to describe the motion. From this we are able to determine that non-retarded van der Waals interactions dominate this premelting for our particle-ice system. In the last chapter, we study the 3D shape of the interface, and show how it is curved between the two walls. An earlier theory describing the typical curvature is shown not to work, and by varying material properties, we show that thermal conductivities of the different materials likely need to be accounted for. We finish the thesis with a conclusion and outlook.

Keywords: Colloids
Colloidal monolayer
Ice-water interface
Advisor: Aarts, D
Dullens, R
Power at the margins of post-colonial states in Africa: remaking authority on fast track resettlement farms in Zimbabwe

I use the case of the rapid displacement and remaking of authority on resettlement farms during the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) in Zimbabwe to engage with and contribute to scholarly debates on the making and unmaking of power and authority on the margins of post-colonial states in Africa. The FTLRP resulted in 170,000 black smallholder households being resettled on close to 11 million hectares of land previously held by approximately 4,500 white large-scale farmers from 2000 to 2004, a process that repeatedly remade authority in unexpected and difficult to explain ways. I use the FTLRP to build on and challenge Christian Lund’s twilight institution approach. This approach focuses on non-state organizations that exercise public authority by mimicking “stateness”, usually in contexts where states and ruling parties are weak. Twilight institutions proliferated under FLTRP in efforts to control land access, conduct and order, but they were directly shaped by complex interactions with a historically strong bureaucratic state, which was itself increasingly conflated with the ruling party, Zanu PF. I argue that it is through an ethnographic approach to the logics, languages and practices of authority at the state’s margins that we can best understand these processes and re-evaluate the concept of twilight institutions. I found that twilight institutions were used to enforce order and govern conduct by a powerful ruling party whose political agenda was incompatible with long-established state bureaucratic ideas and practices, yet the twilight institutions remained, to an important extent, subordinate to those same state bureaucracies. Nonetheless, twilight institutions shaped rural authority in significant ways by elaborating a coherent set of ideas, symbols and practices of authority, which they used to mediate struggles for justice and survival at the state’s margins.

Keywords: AFRICA
JAMBANJA
LAND REFORM
STATE POWER
Advisor: Alexander, J
Division of labour and the evolution of complex groups

Division of labour occurs when cooperating individuals specialise to perform different roles. This kind of behaviour is encountered widely across the tree of life, from the separate functions of distinct genes within a genome to the specialised castes of eusocial insect societies. However, division of labour is not simply a ubiquitous social behaviour across the natural world. Instead, it has also been a critical factor in the evolution of more and more complex forms of life.
When individuals divide labour, they become more dependent upon the cooperation of others. When the mutual dependence scales tip such that individuals can no longer survive and reproduce outside the group, then a transition in individuality may occur such that the group itself begins to act as an evolutionary individual in its own right. For example, the division of labour between reproductive germ cells and sterile somatic cells facilitated the evolution of obligate multicellular organisms. A similar division between reproductive queens and sterile workers underlies the evolution of eusocial insect societies. As a consequence, the study of division of labour not only provides explanations for a diverse behaviour but can also help us to understand why some forms of life have become so complex.
In this thesis, I have employed kin-selection theory to explain the evolution of division of labour between helpers and reproductives. I first show when such division of labour is favoured over uniform behaviour and draw conclusions about the degree of specialisation that is expected to evolve. I next consider the biological factors that can lead to the evolution of social groups comprised predominantly of sterile helpers. I then develop evolutionary theory to explain why labour dividers may employ environmental information to optimally coordinate their allocation of labour. In much of this work, I consider the effect of relatedness on the evolution of division and its various forms. I finish the thesis with an opinion piece on the different ways that relatedness may be modelled in social evolution theory.

Keywords: Complexity
Division of labour
Evolution
Advisor: West, S