VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The Adiabene narrative in the Jewish Antiquities of Josephus

The story of the conversion to Judaism of the Royal House of Adiabene, a satellite kingdom of Parthia, is contained in Book 20, the final book of Josephus's Jewish Antiquities. It is an ostensibly strange interlude in an otherwise chronological account of events in Judaea in the first century CE leading up to the Jewish Revolt against Rome. The narrative has often been thought of by scholars as a makeweight, copied from other sources, without much authorial intervention by Josephus.
The thesis shows that the Adiabene narrative is no makeweight, but is crafted by Josephus to link closely to the themes of the Jewish Antiquities as a whole and indeed forms a coda to the work. The primary links are in the messages that Judaism is attractive to distinguished non-Jews, that Jews are a respectable people who can display Greco-Roman virtues and that the Jewish God is all-powerful and protects from harm those who worship him in piety. The links to the rest of the Jewish Antiquities are reinforced by the similarity of the characterisation of the hero Izates, King of Adiabene, with Josephus's characterisation of biblical heroes, and by a continuity of style of historiography, showing a definite authorial imprint. The thesis also concludes, contrary to most scholarly opinion, that Josephus viewed the hero, Izates, as a Jew before he became circumcised.
The thesis concludes that much of the narrative's historiographical style would have resonated with a non-Jewish Greco-Roman readership, Josephus's probable audience, albeit his treatment of Parthian incest and extensive focus on circumcision would have probably seemed strange. In addition, Josephus's use of a royal Parthian as hero would have been credible, notwithstanding Greco-Roman cultural prejudices.

Keywords: Jews and Parthia
Jewish Antiquities
Adiabene
Jews - Relations with Ancient Rome
Judaism - Conversion
Josephus, Flavius
Jews - Historiography
Advisor: Goodman, M
Birds in the Aegean bronze age

The thesis discusses bird depictions in the Aegean Bronze Age. The iconographical study is based on a catalogue of almost 2000 objects showing bird images from Crete, the Cyclades, the Greek Mainland and the Dodecanese dating to EB I – LB IIIC. Three research aims are addressed. The first aim is the reliable and accurate identification of the depicted bird species by finding a middle ground between the two approaches that have prevailed in past scholarship, which either consisted of overambitious attempts at species identification or resorted to overgeneralised accounts of bird imagery. A systematic identification methodology, based on a combination of techniques from iconography, ornithology and in particular anthropological studies of folk taxonomies, is developed. The second aim is the interpretation of any specific symbolic functions and ideological roles of birds in different regions and periods. This analysis rests on the combined study of media and find contexts as well as the chosen bird species and iconographical associations. The third aim is the reconstruction of types of ontologies prevalent in different regions. Based on a structuralist model of ontologies developed by the anthropologist Descola, the bird depictions are studied by looking for features that are typical of analogical, naturalist, totemic or animist art.
Each research aim has yielded numerous results, which deepen our understanding of biological knowledge and cultural diversity in the Aegean Bronze Age. First, the vast majority of bird depictions can be identified as belonging to one of the following folk-taxonomical groups: columbids (doves), birds of prey/corvids, waterbirds, wading birds, owls, hoopoes, galliformes, swallows and seabirds. Second, the existence of a multitude of particular functions and roles of birds is revealed. These vary significantly according to time and regions, mirroring historical developments and the presence of different cultural attitudes towards birds. Third, marked regional differences are detectable with regard to ontologies. Cretan and Cycladic bird art is consistent with animist iconography discernible because of a pronounced artistic naturalism, an emphasis on movement and agency, and the presence of shamanic imagery. The images from the Greek Mainland can be characterised as being consistent with an ontology termed analogical by Descola because of a preference of stylised and modular depictions and the persistence of symbolic functions through time. This work lays a foundation opening up a new perspective on interpreting iconography of the Aegean Bronze Age.

Keywords: Ontologies
Iconography
Birds
Aegean Bronze Age
Advisor: Bendall, L
Absorbed organic residue analysis of amphorae from the Black Sea region (3rd to 6th c. AD): analyses and methodological considerations

Amphorae were used during antiquity for the inter-regional transport of different classes of commodities. The study of these vessels has formed a significant aspect in understanding inter-regional trade dynamics. The places of production and the distribution of many classes of amphorae have been extensively studied; however, the content of many classes of amphorae has not been ascertained. The focus of this thesis is to examine six types of Black Sea amphorae that have not been previously studied with respect to content in order to determine the types of commodities they were used to transport. This will shed light on the nature of export production from several key Black Sea sites. In order to achieve this, vessel samples will by analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) using both established techniques as well as developing new methods of analyis that may assist in the continuing research in inter-regional trade during antiquity.

Advisor: Pollard, M
Wilson, A
Role of the glucose-6-phosphate translocase on bacterial handling in human macrophages

Disruption of the homeostatic balance in the intestine of genetically susceptible individuals can lead to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). Defects in glucose-6-phosphate metabolism due to defects in glucose-6-phosphatase or glucose-6-phosphate translocase cause a rare Mendelian form of congenital neutropenia and CD like intestinal inflammation. The aim of this project is to investigate the mechanisms by which defective metabolism in macrophages might cause CD like intestinal inflammation via defective bacterial handling. We used a chemical inhibitor model to study the effect of glucose-6-phosphate-translocase inhibition in macrophages using a cholorogenic acid derivative. Defective glucose-6-phosphate translocase caused a reduction in bactericidal activity by changing the metabolism in macrophages and polarising them to M1 phenotype via the mTOR signalling pathway. Blockade of mTOR using rapamycin reversed the defective bacterial handling in macrophages with defective glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme. This study provides a link between metabolic defect and immune-mediated colitis that is associated with macrophage dysfunction. This might have therapeutic implications for subgroups of patients with intestinal inflammation.

Keywords: CD
G6PT
macrophages
IBD
Advisor: Uhlig, H
Scanning tunnelling microscopy of epitaxial nanomaterials on SrTiO3

This thesis focuses on the study of epitaxial nanomaterials grown on SrTiO3 substrates including their morphologies, their epitaxial relationship, the energetics of equilibrium crystals and the interactions with the substrates.
The formation of ordered TiOx-rich dilines on the SrTiO3(001) surface was achieved following UHV annealing of sputtered surfaces. Upon extensive UHV annealing, leading to a significant TiOx surface enrichment, anatase TiO2(001) islands are nucleated on nanostructured SrTiO3(001). These (1 × 4) and (1 × 3) reconstructed islands are strained on the SrTiO3(001). Further Ti deposition encourages islands growth into a film with a relaxed (1 × 4) reconstruction. Both the dilines and the anatase film present close-packed rows aligning in the &LT;100&GT; direction and are suitable to study the epitaxially-grown Pd nanocrystals.
Elongated Pd nanocrystals are formed at a low temperature and grow towards to an equilibrium hexagonal shape upon high temperature anneal. The adhesion energies are calculated to be 2.55±0.09 J/m2 and 2.05±0.05 J/m2 for Pd-dilines and Pd-anatase systems respectively. High temperature anneals (above 600°C) bring Pd-diline and Pd-anatase systems into the SMSI state, along with the formation of (7 × 7) wagon wheel and (4 × 4)R1.5° hexagonal superstructures attributed to moiré patterns. These moiré patterns are successfully interpreted by atomic models, via superposition of Ti layer on Pd(111). The moiré dots, resolved by STM at an atomic level, indicate seven-Ti atoms units in two configurations. Encapsulation of Pd nanocrystals by a TiOx layer can reduce the surface energy by 0.35±0.19 J/m2 for the dominant (111) facets from 1.64 J/m2 for bare Pd nanocrystals to 1.29±0.19 J/m2 for encapsulated Pd nanocrystals supported on anatase.
Depending on the crystallographic interface of MoS2 with the SrTiO3 substrate, two shapes can be created: a regular triangle (MoS2(0001) ∥SrTiO3(111)) and a right-angled triangle (MoS2(0001) ∥SrTiO3(001)). MoS2 crystals grown on the symmetry-disparate (001) surface are more strained, as evidenced by the red-shift of the A peak in photoluminescence spectra and the softening of the E2g1 mode in Raman spectra.
These findings provide an understanding of how epitaxy is achieved on SrTiO3 surfaces and of the interactions between these heterogeneous structures. This opens up a platform for the growth of tailored nanomaterials for electronics and catalysis applications.

Advisor: Castell, M
Meaning and duality: from categorical logic to quantum physics

Duality abounds in science, both pure and applied: in mathematics there is duality between space and algebra; in physics there is duality between states and observables; in information science there is duality between systems and properties/behaviours; in logic there is duality between models and theories; and even in philosophy there is duality between realism and antirealism (Dummett), or substance metaphysics and process/function metaphysics (Whitehead/Cassirer). They look akin at a level of abstraction, and yet, taking a closer look at subtleties involved, one may find a parting of the ways. The present thesis builds upon category theory and universal algebra to explicate and articulate the dynamics of duality, the mechanism of how duality emerges, changes, and breaks. A generic duality theory is first pursued in the abstract via categorical topology and algebra, and subtler duality theories are then explored to the end of shedding light on more nuanced facets of concrete dualities such as coalgebraic dualities. Each duality theory thus developed is cashed out to uncover formerly unknown dualities; e.g., the first duality theory tells us a dual equivalence between domains and convex structures, which remained an open problem before. Dualities are often induced by Janusian objects, which sometimes form truth value objects as in topos theory. To elucidate this link between duality and categorical logic, categorical universal logic is developed on the basis of Lawvere's hyperdoctrine and Hyland-Johnstone-Pitts' tripos, thereby expanding the realm of (first-order/higher-order) categorical logic so as to encompass, inter alia, classical, intuitionistic, quantum, fuzzy, relevant, and linear logics. Finally, duality meets symmetry in quantum physics, yielding a categorical understanding of the Wigner theorem, i.e., a purely coalgebraic characterisation of the quantum symmetry groupoid. In passing, operational quantum duality is systematised via Chu space theory. In light of these, duality would arguably serve as a unifying principle to overcome the fragmentation of science, and to soothe the dualistic divide of philosophy between realist and antirealist worldviews.

Keywords: categorical logic
categorical unified science
categorical duality
Advisor: Abramsky, S
Coecke, B
A study of solute - solvent interactions in methanol solutions; potential new sustainable technologies for refinery product upgrading/separating and methanol utilization

The upgrading of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) gasoline is a significant refinery process which is required to decrease FCC gasoline’s alkenes and organosulfur compounds (OSCs) levels to meet stringent, regulated specifications, whilst maintaining or increasing the octane number. The separation and recovery of alkene contents in gaseous alkene and alkane mixtures produced in the refining process is presently a substantial consumer of both energy and resources. The current processes for these upgrading or separation processes rely heavily upon energy – intensive technologies which require severe conditions and complex procedures, involving the widespread use of hydrogen. In this research, I explore new routes, based on novel and innovative chemistry, to improve the considerable energy consumption and overcome the above disadvantages in current FCC gasoline upgrading and gaseous alkene and alkane separation, and to develop lower cost, less energy-intensive approaches to these significant challenges. The potentially sustainable chemical – methanol – was introduced as the key to fulfil the aim of this research.
After studying the microscopic nature of the hydrogen bond interactions between methanol and various hydrocarbons, alternative green and sustainable methanol - based "Extractive Refining/Extractive Distillation" approaches for upgrading the FCC gasoline/separating gaseous alkene and alkane has been developed to replace the conventional processes. In addition, what we define as the lower phase mixtures (LPMs) derived from the "Extractive Refining" processes were themselves utilised as feedstocks in a subsequent catalytic conversion process to yield high quality liquid fuel and other products. Through these processes the LPMs is able to be efficiently converted into high added value products such as gasoline, benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX) etc.. The feasibilities, mechanisms and advantages of these approaches and processes form the detailed investigations reported in this thesis.
At the heart of these new processes is the fundamental issue of hydrogen bond formation between the extractant solvent, methanol, and the primary constituents of FCC gasoline, that need to be extracted, namely light alkenes and organic sulphur compounds, for the latter, typically taken as thiophene in this investigation .
The work progresses from the discovery and evaluation of the applied "Extractive Refining/Extractive Distillation" process in FCC gasoline, back through to the fundamental nature, and investigation of the hydrogen bond between solute and solvent, through a variety of physicochemical techniques.

Advisor: Edwards, P
Neuronal dynamics of flexible motor control in the human subthalamic nucleus and cortex

Beta and gamma oscillations have long been associated with motor control, with beta generally assumed to be anti-kinetic and gamma pro-kinetic. This thesis aims to link these oscillations to several components of flexible motor control: inter-limb coordination, sensorimotor synchronization, abrupt stopping and regulation of the extent and speed of muscle contractions. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) plays an important role in controlling movements. In three separate experiments, I recorded local field potentials from the STN in Parkinson’s disease patients on dopamine replacement therapy after they underwent deep brain stimulation surgery. In one task, EEG recordings were also obtained from healthy participants. In a stepping-in-place paradigm, STN beta oscillations were modulated relative to the contralateral step cycle, indicating segregated processing of the left and right limb in the contralateral STN at beta frequencies. Beta modulation was enhanced when auditory cues were provided and sensorimotor synchronization improved. During rhythmic finger tapping and sudden stopping, beta oscillations were again modulated. If post-movement beta was relatively high shortly before participants heard the stop signal, stopping was more successful. I hypothesize that post-movement beta reflects either evaluation of the motor plan according to sensory feedback from the last finger tap or processing related to timing adjustments in the next movement. In both cases, low post-movement beta suggests active neural processing and less reserve for stopping. The main correlate of successful stopping during the actual inhibition process directly following the stop signal, however, was a gamma power increase. Finally, both gamma and beta oscillations were modulated during motor imagery of three different force levels, indicating that their levels reflect motor vigour even in the absence of proprioceptive feedback and may be used as neurofeedback or BCI control signal. Altogether, these findings suggest that beta oscillations reflect wider motor control functions than just being anti-kinetic. Conversely, STN gamma oscillations do not only have a pro-kinetic role, as widely perceived, but are important for abrupt action stopping as well.

Advisor: Brown, P
Tan, H
The power of experts: why non-democracies create regional parliaments

Why do regional intergovernmental organisations composed of non-democratic member states create regional parliaments? In 2005, the League of Arab States established the Arab Parliament, a new legislative organ whose purpose is to represent the citizens of the member states of the Arab League. Since parliaments are the ultimate expression of democratic values, it is puzzling that states with some of the poorest record on political freedoms in the world would create them at the regional level while denying their citizens those same values at home. EU diffusion arguments, which are highly structuralist, ignore the role of agency and cannot account for persistent variation across different regions. Rational institutionalist theories struggle to explain this phenomenon because there is little evidence that regional parliaments lead to increased efficiency.
This thesis contributes an original theoretical argument that emphasises the agency of experts in determining treaty drafting processes under conditions of weak member state preferences. I argue that democratisation via non-state experts leads to the creation of regional parliaments in non-democratic regions. When member states have no preferences about the drafting of a treaty, they delegate the task to experts and give them high levels of discretion. These experts, in turn, apply their professional beliefs rather than the preferences of the member states, leading to otherwise unlikely outcomes.
Using process tracing of prominent African cases, I find that with the treaties of the African Economic Community (AEC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), member states revealed weak preferences because the regional organisations were of a low priority. They delegated the making of the treaties to experts, particularly those from the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Experts then defined the problems and solutions of the organisation according to their belief that the participation of the people via regional parliaments was necessary for successful economic development. In the Southern African Development Community (SADC), member states did not delegate the making of the treaty because the regional organisation was of a high priority. Subsequently, their non-democratic preferences determined that no parliament should be established in the SADC treaty. Instead, civil society was left to create an independent SADC Parliamentary Forum, which has no formal relationship with the regional organisation.

Advisor: Milewicz, K
Creative writing, cosmopolitanism, and contemporary American literature

This thesis attempts to answer a puzzling question about the historical trajectory of twentieth-century American literature. The dominant literary practice of the early twentieth century, Anglo-American modernism, places a premium upon the juxtaposition of discourses and voices from an enormous variety of cultural contexts and languages. It insists upon the importance of grounding literature in cultural tradition, while at the same time practicing an experimentalism that attempts to remodel ossified forms of representation into literary modes of expression adequate to historical circumstances changing at a precipitate rate. Postwar and contemporary American fiction and poetry no longer count polyvocality amongst their most important characteristics, no longer insist upon the importance of literary tradition, and have become markedly less experimental. What accounts for this? I claim this development stems in large part from the institutional reconfiguration of contemporary American literature around the graduate creative writing program. The narrowing of American poetry and fiction from these formal perspectives corresponds to a narrowing of the typical institutional path of American poets and writers of fiction. A short preface sets out the argument and the structure of the thesis. Chapter 1 sets out the central dynamics of the argument at greater length, and shows the influence of the creative writing program upon postwar and contemporary American poetry through detailed readings of a wide variety of poems from different stylistic contexts. Chapter 2 sets out the relationship between institutional experience and poetic practice in a representative modernist case, that of the poet Ezra Pound. Chapter 3 explores stylistic questions of creative writing program fiction with reference to the novelist Saul Bellow. Chapter 4 examines an especially representative case of poetic success in the creative writing program through a consideration of the contemporary American poet Jorie Graham. Chapter 5 explores institutional effects upon the conditions of literary expression by looking at the fiction and teaching practice of the novelist David Foster Wallace.

Advisor: Sullivan, H
Pratt, L