VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The minority voice

Much has been written about the generation of Southern Irish Protestant intellectuals who played such a prominent role in Ireland's public life from the fall of Charles Stewart Parnell in the early 1890s until the rise of Eamon de Valera in the early 1930s. Very little indeed has been written about the generation of Southern Protestant intellectuals following them, those writers, journalists, academics and churchmen who were born around 1900 and who came of age in the decade following Irish Independence. Though few in number, these people represent an important facet of the young nation's cultural history and serve to refute the blanket assumption that the minority community had neither the will nor the ability to make a contribution to the new dispensation. As a particularly eloquent and stalwart member of this community, the Kilkenny man-of-letters Hubert Butler (1900-91) functions as the touchstone of this thesis, an individual worthy of attention in his own right but also compelling as a commentator on the challenges facing Southern Protestants generally during the period 1930-72. For in these years, Protestants confronted the delicate task of adapting to their changed position within Irish society without in the process forfeiting their distinct identity. As a nationalist eager to participate fully in the country's civic life but also as a Protestant fiercely committed to the rights of spiritual independence and intellectual dissent, Butler often struggled to balance the demands of community with those of autonomy. This thesis explores the various contexts in which he and his contemporaries challenged the normative terms of Irishness so that the criteria for belonging might better accommodate their minority values and experiences. In so doing, Southern Protestant intellectuals of this generation made a valuable contribution to the development of pluralistic values on the island.

Advisor: Foster, R
A search for H -&gt; WW using a matrix element discriminant and a WW cross section measurement at ATLAS

One of the main motivating factors for the construction of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) was the search for the Higgs boson, postulated to explain the origin of fundamental gauge boson masses. This thesis presents the results of the first search for the Higgs boson at the LHC, using 35 pb^−1 of proton-proton collision data with a centre of mass energy of 7 TeV collected by the ATLAS experiment throughout 2010.
The search is performed in the H -> WW channel, since the branching ratio for Higgs boson decays to W bosons is large for a wide range of Higgs boson masses. Two different search methods are presented: a straightforward cut-based method and a method using a matrix-element-based discriminant to provide additional separation between signal and background. The matrix element method is shown to give better expected sensitivity at all Higgs boson masses. Using these methods, a SM-like Higgs boson with a mass of 160 GeV with a production rate of 1.2 times the SM rate is excluded at 95% Confidence Level and limits are placed on the production rate of the SM Higgs boson in the range of masses from 120 < mH < 200 GeV.
In addition, a measurement of the SM WW cross section is performed. It is essential to understand this channel since it is the major background to the H -> WW search. SM WW production is also sensitive to new physics processes, which would enhance its cross section. The SM WW cross section is measured to be σ(WW) = 40+20−16(stat.)±7(syst.) pb, which is consistent with the NLO SM expectation of 46 ± 3 pb.

Keywords: Electroweak
Particle physics
Higgs
Advisor: Hays, C
Forward looking logics and automata

This thesis is concerned with extending properties of regular word languages to richer structures. We consider intricate properties like the relationship between one-way and two-way temporal logics, minimization of automata, and the ability to effectively characterize logics. We investigate whether these properties can be extended to tree languages or word languages over an infinite alphabet.
It is known that linear temporal logic (LTL) is as expressive as first-order logic over finite words [Kam68, GPSS80]. LTL is a unidirectional logic, that can only navigate forwards in a word, hence it is quite surprising that it can capture all of first-order logic. In fact, one of the main ideas of the proof of [GPSS80] is to show that the expressiveness of LTL is not increased if modalities for navigating backwards are added. It is also known that an extension of bidirectional LTL to ordered trees, called Conditional XPath, is first-order complete [Mar04]. We investigate whether the unidirectional fragment of Conditional XPath is also first-order complete. We show that this is not the case. In fact we show that there is a strict hierarchy of expressiveness consisting of languages that are all weaker than first-order logic. Unidirectional Conditional XPath is contained in the lowest level of this hierarchy.
In the second part of the thesis we consider data word languages. That is, word languages over an infinite alphabet. We extend the theorem of Myhill and Nerode to a class of automata for data word languages, called deterministic finite memory automata (DMA). We give a characterization of the languages that are accepted by DMA, and also provide an algorithm for minimizing DMA.
Finally we extend theorems of Büchi, Schützenberger, McNaughton, and Papert to data word languages. A theorem of Büchi states that a language is regular iff it can be defined in monadic second-order logic. Schützenberger, McNaughton, and Papert have provided an effective characterization of first-order logic, that is, an algorithm for deciding whether a regular language can be defined in first-order logic. We provide a counterpart of Büchi's theorem for data languages. More precisely we define a new logic and we show that it has the same expressiveness as non-deterministic finite memory automata. We then turn to a smaller class of data languages, those that are recognized by algebraic objects called orbit finite data monoids. We define a second new logic and show that it can define precisely the languages accepted by orbit finite data monoids. We provide an effective characterization of a first-order variant of this second logic, as well as of restrictions of first-order logic, such as its two variable fragment and local variants.

Keywords: minimization
logics
automata
logical characterization
Advisor: Benedikt, M
Quasi-static impact of foldcore sandwich panels

This thesis considered the design of new and improved foldcore sandwich panels suitable for high-performance energy absorption applications. This was achieved by utilising origami geometry design techniques to alter foldcore structures such that they possessed different mechanical behaviours and failure modes. The major findings of this thesis were in three areas as follows.
First, a modified planar foldcore geometry was developed by introducing sub-folds into a standard foldcore pattern. The new geometry, deemed the indented foldcore, successfully triggered a high-order failure mode known as a travelling hinge line failure mode. This was found to have a much higher energy absorption than the plate buckling failure mode seen in an unmodified foldcore structure. A comprehensive numerical, theoretical, and experimental analysis was conducted on the indented core, which included the development of a new foldcore prototyping method that utilised 3D printed moulds. It was shown that compared to available commercial honeycomb cores, the indented foldcore had an improved uniformity of energy absorption, but weaker overall peak and crushing stresses.
Second, rigid origami design principles were used to develop extended foldcore geometries. New parametrisations were presented for three patterns, to complete a set of Miura-derivative geometries termed first-level derivatives. The first-level derivative parametrisations were then combined to create complex, piecewise geometries, with compatible faceted sandwich face geometry also developed. Finally, a method to generate rigid-foldable, curved-crease geometry from Miura-derivative straight-crease geometry was presented. All geometry was validated with physical prototypes and was compiled into a MATLAB Toolbox.
Third, the performance of these extended foldcore geometries under impact loadings was investigated. An investigation of curved-crease foldcores showed that they were stronger than straight-crease foldcores, and at certain configurations can potentially match the strength, energy-absorption under quasi-static impact loads, and out-of-plane stiffness of a honeycomb core. A brief investigation of foldcores under low-velocity impact loadings showed that curved-crease foldcores, unlike straight-crease foldcores, strengthened under dynamic loadings, however not to the same extent as honeycomb. Finally, an investigation of single-curved foldcore sandwich shells was conducted. It was seen that foldcore shells could not match the energy-absorption capability of an over-expanded honeycomb shell, but certain core types did exhibit other attributes that might be exploitable with future research, including superior initial strength and superior uniformity of response.

Keywords: origami
folded shell structures
curved-crease
quasi-static impact
single-curved sandwich shell
foldcore
Advisor: You, Z
Origin and evolution of the Santiaguito lava dome complex, Guatemala

Subduction zone volcanoes are a major natural hazard, frequently endangering lives and livelihoods. The eruptive history of many subduction zone volcanoes includes the extrusion of blocky, silicic lava that forms domes or flows, but we do not yet understand what determines the duration of dome-forming behaviour, what path magma may take to the surface, or how these systems may change over time.
This thesis presents an investigation of the Santiaguito complex of lava domes and flows in Guatemala, which has been erupting continuously since its inception in 1922. The Santiaguito lavas are predominantly dacitic to andesitic, with a gradual reduction in SiO2 content from ~66 wt% in the 1920s, to ~62 wt% in 2002. This is consistent with a ~15% decrease in the extent of fractional crystallization over that time. The compositions of plagioclase phenocryst cores indicate a diminished role for magma mixing after the 1940s.
I model the Santiaguito system as progressively extracting magma from an extensive, chemically-stratified storage zone. Petrological data are consistent with a storage zone extending from ~25 to ~12 km depth, and magma storage temperatures of ~940 to ~980°C. Phenocryst-hosted apatites suggest melt in this storage zone contained 401 to 1199 ppm S, 600 to 1300 ppm F, and 4100 to 6200 ppm Cl. Ascending magma may pass slowly through a conduit bottleneck, or plug, at shallow depths; groundmass texture suggests that melt rigidifies at or near the base this plug. Pre-eruptive melt volatile concentrations suggest time-averaged fluxes of 40 to 263 Mg d-1 SO2, 32 to 145 Mg d-1 HF, and 247 to 708 Mg d-1 HCl, giving ratios of 0.6 to 0.8 HF/SO2, and 2.7 to 6.2 HCl/SO2. These results are consistent with the few direct measurements of SO2 at Santiaguito, and with measured halogen emissions from other silicic dome-forming systems.

Keywords: lava domes
volcanology
Santiaguito
Advisor: Mather, T
Pyle, D
Uncovering latent features in massive open online courses

Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) bring together a global crowd of thousands of learners for several weeks or months. We use social network analysis and community detection to uncover the latent features of online discussions in MOOCs. We begin by using data from two successive instances of a popular business strategy MOOC to filter observed communication patterns and arrive at the "significant" interaction networks between learners. We then use complex network analysis to explore the vulnerability and information diffusion potential of the discussion forums. While network analysis offers a vibrant post-hoc analytical framework, it fails to answer a fundamental question: can we devise a model to represent the generation of the dataset at hand?
Moving from the structural properties of global-scale discussion to the discussion content itself, we employ existing educational theories to qualitatively content-analyse over 6,500 forum posts from a particular MOOC. We then use a generative model - Bayesian Non-negative Matrix Factorization (BNMF) - to extract communities of learners based on the nature of their online forum posts. We observe that the inferred communities are differentiated by the nature and topic of dialogue, as well as their composite students' demographic and course performance indicators. While qualitative analysis confirms these detected communities, additional quantitative sensitivity analysis shows that they are not crisply defined, illuminating key challenges of applying Machine Learning techniques to model noisy and incomplete learner data.
We conclude by discussing the key insights of this work for online education, namely, that different discussion topics and pedagogical practices promote varying levels of peer-to-peer engagement. Additional qualitative investigations reveal that many learners feel a sense of "content-overload" when deciding to participate in online discussions, often leading to their disengagement. These insights call for an interdisciplinary effort to help create relevant and personalized learning experiences in massive scale online settings.

Keywords: Machine learning
network analysis
online learning
education
Advisor: Roberts, S
Osborne, M
Single molecule fluorescence studies of viral transcription

Rotaviruses are the single most common cause of fatal and severe childhood diarrhoeal illness worldwide (>125 million cases annually). Rotavirus shares structural and functional features with many viruses, such as the presence of segmented double-stranded RNA genomes selectively and tightly packed with a conserved number of transcription complexes in icosahedral capsids. Nascent transcripts exit the capsid through 12 channels, but it is unknown whether these channels specialise in specific transcripts or simply act as general exit conduits; a detailed description of this process is needed for understanding viral replication and genomic organisation. To test these opposing models, a novel single-molecule assay was developed for the capture and identification (CID) of newly synthesised specific RNA transcripts. CID combines the hybridisation of transcripts with biotinylated and FRET compatible labelled ssDNAs with the implementation of recent developments in single molecule fluorescence such as alternating laser excitation (ALEX) and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. CID identifies and quantifies specific transcripts of rotavirus based on a FRET/Stoichiometry (E*/S) value of the hybridised labelled probes. I used CID to pull down the capsid on the surface slide and identify partially extruded transcripts of three different segments 2, 6 and 11. The findings presented in this thesis support a model in which each channel specialises in extruding transcripts of a specific segment, that in turn is linked to a single transcription complex. The method can be extended to study other transcription systems including E.coli, and can be further developed as a potential diagnostic tool.

Keywords: single-molecule fluorescence
viral transcription
Reoviridae
Advisor: Kapanidis, A
On the endurance of indigenous religious culture in Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt: evidence of material culture

The aim of this thesis is to examine changes in the status of traditional Egyptian religious culture during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods, from 331 BCE to 313 CE. Four distinct categories of material culture are examined: monumental construction of temples and civic buildings, traditional hard-stone sculpture, Alexandrian tombs, and Roman coins. These bodies of evidence were chosen because each offers a unique perspective, reflecting respectively the personal inclinations and official attitudes of both the culturally Hellenic and indigenous elites, which have not previously been studied in this context. Examined together for the first time, these categories reveal commonalities that show clearly the progression of the status of indigenous religious culture. From this, it is argued that, despite being economically disadvantaged by the Roman administration, the high status of this culture persisted in Egyptian society under both the Ptolemies and the Romans.
Patterns of Egyptian temple and classical civic building show that Egypt's indigenous elite controlled the resources allocated for temple construction under the Ptolemies, but that the Romans gradually transferred this land into the management of the culturally Hellenic elite. This resulted in a decrease in Egyptian temple building after the first century CE and a corresponding increase in classical construction from then on. The production of hard-stone statues is shown for the first time to reveal that the indigenous elite had the resources and cultural confidence to continue and develop their traditions under the Ptolemies, while the sharp decrease at the start of the Roman period reflects their diminution in autonomy and prosperity under Roman rule.
New analysis of traditional elements and motifs in the tombs of Alexandrian elites shows that this group respected and adopted indigenous religious customs and beliefs, with a higher incidence of indigenous imagery in the Roman period compared with the Ptolemaic period. In a similar way, well-informed Egyptian religious iconography rendered in a classical style on Alexandrian coins demonstrates the respect of the Roman authorities for Egyptian religious cults and institutions at an official level.
In sum, it is argued that indigenous religious culture largely maintained its privileged economic and social status throughout the Ptolemaic period, despite political upheavals. Under Roman rule, the individuals and institutions representing Egyptian religious culture were disadvantaged economically; however, its social importance and standing were preserved and it continued to enjoy respect.

Keywords: Egyptian religious culture
Egyptian priests
Alexandrian tombs
Graeco-Roman Egypt
hard-stone statuary
Egyptian numismatics
Egyptian temples
Advisor: McKenzie, J
Baines, J
Lim-only domain proteins in developmental haematopoiesis

The production of adult blood initiates from the haematopoietic stem cell (HSC). This clinically important cell has the capacity to maintain all blood lineages throughout the lifetime of an organism. HSCs emerge de novo from the haemogenic endothelium in the ventral wall of the embryonic dorsal aorta, from where they go on to seed adult sites of haematopoiesis. We have shown that Lmo4a is required for the emergence of HSCs in the zebrafish, and go on to demonstrate that Lmo4a regulates expression of the critical transcription factor, gata2a. Strikingly, both over- and under-expression of gata2a in the dorsal aorta severely diminishes HSC production. The LIM-only domain protein Lmo4 has previously been shown to interact with the known haematopoietic regulator, Ldb1. Together with our collaborators, we have identified novel binding partners of Lmo4 in mouse erythroleukaemic cells. Our functional analysis shows that many of these partners are also necessary for HSC emergence, thus revealing several new potential regulators of HSC formation. Given that these proteins were identified in an in vitro model of definitive erythropoiesis, it is remarkable that they also appear to act together in vivo at the level of HSC formation, and our data suggests that a transcriptional complex containing Lmo4 and these partners may directly repress gata2a. The related protein Lmo2 is also known to bind Ldb1. Together with Scl, Lmo2 is a master regulator of the haemangioblast programme. We have been utilising this activity, together with recent structural studies, to identify functionally important residues in the Lmo2 molecule. As a cell’s transcriptional programme drives both normal and pathological development, and misexpression of both Lmo2 and Lmo4 is involved in a variety of oncogenic states, the work presented in this thesis is likely to inform efforts to develop therapeutically relevant reagents.

Keywords: Zebrafish
Haematopoietic Stem Cell
Lmo proteins
Advisor: Patient, R
A critical edition and translation of the introductory sections and the first thirteen chapters of the Selīmnāme of Celālzāde Muṣṭafā C̦elebi

The Selīmnāme of Celālzāde Muṣṭafā Çelebi is a history of the early career and the reign (1512-20) of the Ottoman Sultan Selīm I. The part which forms the subject of the present edition and translation covers the early career of Selīm, up to his accession to the Ottoman throne, and concentrates particularly on the troubled state of Anatolia during the latter part of the reign of Selīm's father, Bāyezīd II, and on the events which led to Selīm's acquiring the Sultanate in the face of strong competition from his brother Aḥmed.
Celālzāde Muṣṭafā had entered the service of the Ottoman government halfway through Selīm's reign, in 1516, as a scribe of the Imperial Dīvān. Under Selīm's son and successor, Süleymān, he was promoted, first to the office of Re'īs ül-Küttāb (1525) and then to that of Nişānci (1534), which he held, with great distinction, for twenty-three years. The Selīmnāme was written sometime between 1557 and 1566, during the period of his retirement. In explaining his reason for writing the book, Celālzāde asserts that none of the accounts of Selīm's reign which have so far been written, reflect the true facts, because they were written by uninformed people. He himself claims to have gained his knowledge from reliable people (including Pirī Pasha, Grand Vizier during the last two years of Selīm's reign, whom he served as private secretary). He also implies that his position as Nişānci, by giving him access to documents relating to the period, has made him especially well qualified to set the record straight.
The Selīmnāme has not been published, but survives in six manuscript copies, which are located in Istanbul, Dresden, London and Manchester. The critical edition nere presented is based on a full collation of the relevant sections of all these manuscripts, which has yielded sufficient evidence regarding the inter-relationship of them to make possible the postulation of a stemma codicum. Descriptions of the manuscripts, and a discussion of the main patterns of variation between them, are included in the introduction to this thesis.
The notes accompanying the translation are intended primarily as a commentary on the text itself, and include a considerable element of discussion of linguistic and semantic problems. The significance of historical terns occurring, and the identity of persons mentioned in the text are also made the subject of notes.