VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of the protective immune response to Rift Valley fever virus after natural exposure or vaccination with ChAdOx1 RVF

Rift Valley fever virus is a single stranded RNA Phlebovirus. Spread by numerous species of mosquito, it is predominantly a disease of livestock including sheep, goats and cattle. Disease is characterised by extremely high mortality in young animals and abortions in pregnant animals, with significant impacts on food security and the wider economy. Spill over into humans results in a wide spectrum of disease from self-limiting febrile illness to haemorrhagic fever and death. RVFV is endemic throughout multiple countries in Africa. Current livestock vaccines have significant drawbacks and due to a lack of licenced human vaccines or therapeutics, RVF is considered a priority pathogen for the development of countermeasures by the WHO and OIE. A safe, effective and cheap vaccine that protects livestock and humans against RVF disease would be invaluable.
This thesis seeks to advance this goal on several fronts by facilitating the development of a leading RVF vaccine candidate, ChAdOx1 RVF, co-developed for use in livestock and humans. Firstly, I provide much needed data on the naturally acquired, and likely protective, immune response towards RVFV in Kenyan adults. Showing long-lasting antibodies target both glycoproteins, Gn and Gc, with the former as the principle target of the long-lived neutralising antibody response. I then analysed the factors influencing successful manufacture of ChAdOx1 RVF which has allowed the vaccine to be produced for critical livestock and human trials, improving our understanding of construct design, genetic- and thermo- stability of this vector. I show that neutralising antibodies, strongly associated with protection, were induced in the first humans vaccinated with ChAdOx1 RVF. Characterisation of the cellular and humoral response in livestock then provides important context for the vaccine’s proven ability to elicit protective immunity in multiple target species.
Finally, I explore the possibility of improving the utility of the RVF vaccine in livestock by creating a bivalent vaccine which targets an additional disease, Peste-des-petits ruminants. The extremely high efficacy of ChAdOx1 RVF in livestock, including during pregnancy, and the induction of neutralising antibodies in humans is extremely encouraging. ChAdOx1 RVF has the potential to become a vital countermeasure against RVF outbreaks, significantly improving animal and public health from a disease with pandemic potential.

Keywords: One Health
Rift Valley fever
vaccines
ChAdOx1 RVF
immunology
Advisor: Warimwe, G
Bowden, T
Topology and correlations in twisted bilayer graphene

This thesis studies several examples of how topology and interactions lead to novel electronic phenomena in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene, a moire heterostructure that has attracted much attention owing its diversity of experimentally-observed correlated phases.
Part I focuses on neutral and charged excitations of the correlated insulators predicted within the strong coupling framework, which emphasizes the close connections of the central moire bands to quantum Hall ferromagnetism. In Chapter 3, we show that topological excitons can be formed from the quantized anomalous Hall insulator at filling factor ν=+3
, and explore the possibility of a new excitonic fractional quantum Hall hierarchy. In Chapter 4, we study the properties of the three classes of domain walls that separate topological domains in this insulator. In Chapter 5, we use microscopic Hartree-Fock numerics to analyze charged spin and pseudospin skyrmions at various integer fillings, with an emphasis on the pairing of pseudospin skyrmions and its consequences for skyrmion superconductivity.
Part II reconsiders the prevailing normal state phase diagrams of the strong coupling framework. In Chapter 6, we explore the effects of heterostrain, and demonstrate the emergence of a new electronic order, the incommensurate Kekule spiral, which possesses an unusual form of multiscale translation symmetry breaking. We argue that the phenomenology of the intermediate coupling regime is consistent with many experiments, and that strain and the incommensurate Kekule spiral are ingredients that should play important roles in any umbrella theory of twisted bilayer graphene.

Advisor: Parameswaran, S
Dynamics and correlations in quantum many-body systems

This thesis is a collection of three exact results on correlation and response functions in integrable systems.
In the first part we study transport (two-point functions) in the 1D Hubbard model. First, we analyze the limit of large on-site repulsion and characterize spin transport as a function of temperature. Then, we consider the case where the model displays non-abelian symmetries, e.g., spin SU(2)
, and argue that in this case transport is anomalous with dynamical scaling exponent z=3/2
and follows \acrshort{kpz} scaling.
In the next two parts we focus instead on (perturbative) nonlinear response functions, which can be expressed as n
-point correlators with n>2
. Given the lack of a systematic understanding of the information which can be extracted from these, we compute them in integrable 1D systems. We therefore focus on two distinct scenarios. In the first scenario, we consider a finite temperature system perturbed by some inhomogeneous field coupling to local charges --- thus the perturbations can only accelerate quasiparticles, but not create/annihilate them. In this context, we develop a diagrammatic framework based on generalized hydrodynamics that allows a systematic calculation of nonlinear response functions. We show that, in the hydrodynamic limit, nonlinear response functions qualitatively distinguish between non-interacting and interacting systems. In the second scenario, we instead consider a zero temperature system whose ground state coincides with the quasiparticle vacuum. In this simpler setting we consider more general perturbations that can also create and annihilate quasiparticles. Focusing on the Ising chain as a paradigmatic model we show that the long-time limit of four-point functions (third-order response) grows linearly in time. We interpret these divergences in terms of semiclassical processes where quasiparticles propagate ballistically and scatter when their trajectories intersect.

Advisor: Parameswaran, S
Situations, presuppositions, and contexts

Definite descriptions (such as ‘the cat’) can often be used felicitously even when more than one object satisfies the overt descriptive material (such as ‘cat’). Situation semantics has been invoked to reconcile this observation with the idea that definite descriptions presuppose uniqueness. This thesis examines some of the challenges that this reconciliatory project faces. The focus is, in particular, on anaphoric uses that cross sentential boundaries and on the question of what role situations could play in modelling global and local conversational contexts as well as assertoric update.

Keywords: definite descriptions
philosophy of language
presuppositions
anaphora
pragmatics
semantics
Advisor: Elbourne, P
Magidor, O
Properties of magnetized plasma

This D.Phil. thesis describes the experimental determination of the voltage reflection coefficient from a vacuum-plasma plane boundary in a coaxial transmission line with an axial magnetic field B1 applied. A theoretical analysis of microwave propagation in the magnetized plasma filled coaxial line, using rotating coordinate techniques, is given, and computed solutions of the dispersion determinant agree well with the experimental results. Both experiment and theory were for conditions where the microwave-, plasma-, electron collision-, and electron cyclotron- frequencies are of the same order.
A 9 GHz coaxial microwave probe is mounted along the axis of a 44 mm diameter, hydrogen driven, dry Air filled, shock tube. Shock-ionised Air (Ms=9-14, T~4000°K, electron density = 1017-3x1019/m³ initial pressure P0=1-10 Torr, electron collision frequency =1010-1011/s) fills the coaxial line and partially reflects a microwave signal.
Initially this probe, and a similar rectangular waveguide probe, was used with B1= 0 in order to calibrate the electron density and electron collision frequency behind the shock in tenns of the shock tube parameters (p0, Ms). By using two (7.5 & 9 GHz) microwave frequencies, it was shown that the assumed electron collision frequencies are substantially correct, and the experimental electron densities agreed well with the computed equi1ibrium electron densities.
Earlier experiments with surface saturated-ion-current electrostatic probes inset into a flat plate in the shock tube flow showed that the sheath-edge ion density is close to the free-stream equilibrium ion density. The apparent ionisation potential derived from electrostatic probe results decreased as p0 was reduced from 10 to 1 Torr.

Keywords: Plasma Physics
Magnetised plasma
Advisor: Franklin, R
New catalytic strategies for the enantioselective synthesis of stereogenic-at-phosphorus(V) compounds

A 2nd-generation enantioselective catalytic desymmetrisation for direct access to enantioenriched P(V) stereocentres is described. Through use of a prochiral P(V) electrophile containing two thiazolidinone leaving groups and harnessing a bifunctional iminophosphorane (BIMP) superbase catalyst, this desymmetrisation protocol delivers consistently high yields (up to 99% isolated yield) and enantiomeric excess (up to 97% ee) with a broad range of nucleophiles and P(V) electrophiles. The reaction was successfully scaled up to 3.0 mmol (1g scale), delivering product in 71% yield and 94% ee. In addition, the unique modularity of this system was demonstrated, with downstream nucleophilic displacement of the second thiazolidinone leaving group enabling stereoselective access to a broad range of chiral P(V) compounds containing P-O, P-N, P-S, and P-C linkages.

Keywords: bifunctional iminophosphorane
organocatalysis
organic superbase
catalysis
enantioselective
phosphorus(V)
FFR
P(V)
Advisor: Dixon, D
Partial naivety in present bias: a meta-analysis

In this thesis, 47 estimates from 10 papers studying partial naivety in present bias were examined, focusing on elicitation and estimation of present bias, perceived present bias, and naivety. For these three parameters concerned, meta-analyses were conducted to determine the synthesis between estimates and potential sources of heterogeneity. Both time consistency and sophistication can be rejected from the synthesis result, while the heterogeneity analysis points out several possibilities causing the estimates’ variation.

Advisor: Adams-Prassl, A
Toussaert, S
Teachers’ implementation of translanguaging in EFL classrooms: a systematic review

The theory of translanguaging has been widely discussed in the field of applied linguistics both as a model to describe bilingualism and as a pedagogy. It seems promising to implement pedagogical translanguaging in various types of lessons and contexts, but little is known about the impact of pedagogical translanguaging in English language teaching (ELT) classrooms on English language proficiency among learners who learn English as a foreign language (EFL).
This systematic review aimed to provide a synthesis of the approaches that have been assessed for effectiveness in EFL classrooms and the effects of these approaches on substantive outcomes. A systematic process of searching and selecting the literature found 10 empirical studies eligible for synthesis. Data were extracted and the risk of bias of the included studies was assessed. Data were synthesised using narrative synthesis.
Results showed that pedagogical translanguaging was more frequently used to teach EFL reading and writing than vocabulary, grammar, speaking and listening. Five studies favoured the translanguaging group but four of them were rated as having high risk of bias. The rest of the studies, which involved two high-quality studies, either found no statistically significant difference between translanguaging and English-only groups or favoured the translanguaging group in only a small number of measures. The included studies showed that pedagogical translanguaging was potentially helpful in teaching some features of English grammar and writing, but the persistence of these effects was largely unexplored. Altogether, there were insufficient well-designed and wellconducted studies in EFL contexts to support the claim that pedagogical translanguaging is beneficial.
Teachers are advised to reflect on their current ELT pedagogies and are encouraged to try new approaches, including pedagogical translanguaging. However, teachers should be aware that the effects of pedagogical translanguaging on English language proficiency have been inconclusive. Researchers and teacher educators need to help teachers understand the theory of pedagogical translanguaging and interpret the findings of empirical studies.

Keywords: English language teaching
systematic review
English as a foreign language
translanguaging
Advisor: Chalmers, H
Public policies for reducing violence, with particular reference to youth violence in Colombia

Violence and especially violence perpetrated by youth is a political concern in many countries. However, little is known about which policies are effective to reduce it. This thesis provides a comprehensive analysis on the subject with particular reference to violence and youth violence in Colombia. Chapter one offers an overview of the relationship between politics, public policies and youth violence; chapter two provides an international account on violence and youth violence and on the effectiveness of some of the most significant public policies in place; chapter three analyses violence in Colombia, its main explanations and how youth participate in violent crime; finally, chapter four examines the most relevant public policies to reduce violence associated with youth in Colombia, both at the national and local level. The thesis challenges some of the traditional perceptions on youth violence, examines the most important public policies on the subject and suggests some criteria for interventions to reduce youth violence. It concludes that violence committed by youth worldwide is relatively low and there is no basis for asserting that youth violence has increased. It also highlights that there is insufficient knowledge on the effectiveness of most public policies in place to reduce youth violence, though much has been learned on the subject.

Keywords: Youth violence
Public policies
Colombia
Advisor: Deas, M
Exploring linguistic relativity: the effect of the French grammatical gender system on bilingual adults’ perception of objects


A growing body of literature on linguistic relativity (the hypothesis that language influences thoughts) has been focusing on whether there is an effect of the grammatical gender system on perception (Bassetti & Nicoladis, 2016; Lambelet, 2016; Samuel et al., 2019). Evidence suggests that there is an effect of the gender system on perception of both monolinguals and bilinguals (Bassetti & Nicoladis, 2016). However, the findings are potentially limited due to certain methodological limitations (Samuel et al., 2019), for example, the lack of L2 proficiency testing (Bassetti, 2007). Thus, attempting to apply a more rigorous methodology, this study aims to assess the potential effect of the French grammatical gender system on French speakers’ and learners’ perceptions of object gender. The study involved 140 participants, divided into four groups (N = 35 per group): English monolinguals, French monolinguals, English-French (English-dominant) bilinguals, and French-English (French-dominant) bilinguals. An online experiment was distributed to participants, including a background information questionnaire, English and French vocabulary tests, and a voice distribution task. Quantitative data were analysed using multi-level modelling. Follow-up open-ended question data were coded and analysed using chi-squared tests. The results supported linguistic relativity: The French grammatical gender system affected the perception of French monolinguals and English- dominant bilinguals. The effect of French on French-dominant bilinguals was not reduced by the acquisition of English and seemed to be independent of L2 proficiency. Additional findings included the potential tendency of French to introduce gender biases (stereotypical association between objects and gender, resulting from the grammatical gender system). The present study adds supporting evidence to the relativity debate by attempting to apply rigour by utilising a pilot study, a robust sample size, pertinent control items, L2 proficiency testing, and advanced data analysis tools. Pedagogically, findings highlight the need to emphasise the discrepancies between students’ potential preconceived perceptions and the rules of the L2 grammar when teaching an L2 with a different grammatical gender system to L1. The study also shed new light on whether gendered languages draw out potential gender stereotypes among bilinguals.

Keywords: Linguistic Relativity
Psycholinguistics
French Language
Experiment
Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis
Quantitative
Bilingualism and Cognition
Second Language Acquisition
Grammatical Gender System
Bilingualism
Language and Perception
Advisor: Faitaki, F
How is EdTech made? An investigation of practitioners’ constructions of EdTech in Chinese EdTech companies

This study explores the diverse understandings, beliefs, and practices of EdTech in China through the analysis of 15 interviews with EdTech practitioners. Drawing on the social construction of technology (SCOT), the study investigates the construction of EdTech, providing a means with which to examine and critically assess the likely social and educational implications of EdTech. This study demonstrates the underlying mechanisms by which the economic and political factors influence the construction of EdTech. In particular, this study examines the impact of China’s policies of reducing the educational burden on students in 2021 (called “double reduction policy”) on the future construction of EdTech.
Specifically, this study provides an in-depth insight into EdTech practitioners in China, uncovering the dominant narrative of practitioners’ understandings and beliefs about EdTech, and exposing the internal heterogeneity of the group. The study then investigates the economic shaping of EdTech in China with a number of first-hand examples from the industry, revealing the underlying mechanisms by which business, profit, markets, and capital shape EdTech. Finally, the study understands the mechanisms of political shaping of EdTech by studying the impact of the double reduction policy as an example.

Advisor: Eynon, R
How do they really feel? An investigation into attitudes towards bilingual education in California

Although California is home to many bilingual education programs, legislation in the state has not always been supportive of effective bilingual education. Proposition 227, which passed in 1998, eliminated most bilingual education programs, but was effectively repealed in 2016 with the passing of Proposition 58. Although this change in legislation may indicate that underlying attitudes towards bilingual education have become more positive, research suggests that may not be the case. To investigate Californian attitudes towards bilingual education, the present study evaluated overall attitudes; the impact of demographic variables such as age, multilingual status, and experience of an ESL/Bilingual program; and how attitudes towards bilingual education may be related. Involving a questionnaire with both close-ended attitudinal items and open-ended free response questions, a mixed methods approach was used. This involved statistical analysis of attitudinal items and content analysis of free response questions from 132 Californians over the age of 18. The results of the study suggest that attitudes towards bilingual education in California are generally positive but that both age and multilingual status influenced how individuals felt about some aspects of bilingual education. Additionally, various attitudes towards bilingualism were found to have predictive relationships, indicating that many individuals have conflicting opinions about the goals and effects of bilingual education. Findings of the present study suggest a need to continue to evaluate bilingual education attitudes in California to educate the public to make informed decisions when they vote for future legislation.

Keywords: Bilingualism
Proposition 227
Bilingual Education
Language Attitudes
ELL
Proposition 58
California
Advisor: Chalmers, H
Greybox automatic exploit generation for heap overflows in language interpreters

This dissertation addresses the problem of automatic exploit generation for heap based buffer overflows in language interpreters. Language interpreters are ubiquitous within modern software, embedded in everything from web browsers, to anti-virus engines, to cloud computing platforms, and, within interpreters, heap-based buffer overflows are a common source of vulnerability. Automatic exploit generation for such vulnerabilities is a largely open problem.
In the past decade, greybox methods that combine large scale input generation with feedback from instrumentation have proven themselves to be the most successful approach to detecting many types of software vulnerabilities. Despite this, prior to the start of my research they had not been a significant component of exploit generation systems. Greybox approaches are attractive as they tend to scale far better than whitebox approaches when applied to large software. However, end-to-end exploit generation is too complex and multi-faceted a task to approach with a single greybox solution. During my research I have analysed the exploit generation problem for heap-based overflows in language interpreters in order to break it down into a set of logical sub-problems that can be addressed with separate greybox solutions. In this dissertation I present these sub-problems, greybox algorithms for each, and demonstrate how the solutions for the sub-problems can be combined to generate an exploit. The most significant of the sub-problems that I address is the heap layout problem, for which I provide a detailed analysis, two different greybox solutions, and methods for integrating solutions to this problem into both manual and automatic exploit generation.
The presented algorithms form the first approach to automatic exploit generation for heap overflows in interpreters. They also provide the first approach to exploit generation in any class of program that integrates a solution for automatic heap layout manipulation. At the core of the approach is a novel method for discovering exploit primitives—inputs to the target program that result in a sensitive operation, such as a function call or a memory write, using attacker-injected data. To produce an exploit primitive from a heap overflow vulnerability, one has to discover a target data structure to corrupt, ensure an instance of that data structure is adjacent to the source of the overflow on the heap, and ensure that the post-overflow corrupted data is used in a manner desired by the attacker. I present solutions to address these three tasks in an automatic, greybox, and modular manner.

Keywords: program synthesis
memory allocator
exploit
exploit generation
vulnerability
Advisor: Melham, T
Kroening, D