VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
The language of humour

Humour is one of the most interesting and puzzling aspects of human behaviour. Despite the attention it has received from fields such as philosophy, linguistics, and psychology, there have been only few attempts to create computational models for humour recognition and analysis. In this thesis, I use corpus-based approaches to formulate and test hypotheses concerned with the processing of verbal humour. The thesis makes two important contributions. First, it brings empirical evidence that computational approaches can be successfully applied to the task of humour recognition. Through experiments performed on very large data sets, I show that automatic classification techniques can be effectively used to distinguish between humorous and non-humorous texts, using content-based features or models of incongruity. Moreover, using a method for measuring feature saliency, I identify and validate several dominant word classes that can be used to characterize humorous text. Second, the thesis provides corpus-based support toward the validity of previously formulated linguistic theories, indicating that humour is primarily due to incongruity and humour-specific language. Experiments performed on collections of verbal humour show that both incongruity and content-based features can be successfully used to model humour, and that these features are even more effective when used in tandem.

Keywords: humour recognition
humour research
computational humour
Advisor: Pulman, S
Neutron scattering from molecular metallic compounds

The alkali metal graphite intercalates and the conducting polymers polyacetylene and polypyrrole are reviewed and compared.
Polyacetylene was synthesized by Luttinger's method and doped by exposure to caesium vapour. The doped and undoped polyacetylene were characterized by neutron powder diffraction. Hydrogen absorption and subsequent pyrolysis of caesium doped polyacetylene were studied. Mass spectrum analysis of the gases evolved at 300°C showed methane and other alkanes, indicating H2 addition to the polymer chain followed by methane elimination. The graphite intercalates C8Cs and C24Cs reacted irreversibly with acetylene, neutron powder diffraction indicating graphite and two new substances. Mass spectrum analysis of gases evolved on heating showed ethylene, butene and butadiene, suggesting a polymerization.
Polypyrrole was synthesized electrochemically and characterized by cyclic voltammetry. Gram quantities of polypyrrole doped with BF-4 and C10-4 were prepared electrochemically under high vacuum conditions to achieve high purity and avoid oxygen doping. Perchlorate doped polypyrrole prepared in an oxygen-free environment proved dangerously unstable, especially when dry.
The neutron scattering law for a harmonic oscillator and the energy level splitting pattern of a 1-D rotor in a cos3θ hindering potential are reviewed and applied to solid acetonitrile. Intense lines in the neutron spectrum at 140 and 190 cm-1 are assigned to methyl group torsions with barriers to rotation of 400 and 734 cm-1.
Hydrogen is reversibly physisorbed by intercalates C24K, C24Rb and C24Cs at 100K to form compounds C24M(H2)2. Neutron spectra of H2, HD and D2 physisorbed by C24Rb and C24Cs at energy transfers between 0.3-3 meV and 10-200 meV (1 meV = 8.065 cm-1) were measured and assigned to rotational tunnelling and librations of hydrogen molecules in two sites of different dimensions. The cos2θ barriers to rotation were 57 and 78 meV respectively in C24Rb(H2)x and 51 and 78 meV in C24Cs(H2)x. A structural model is proposed for the metal layers with the hydrogen molecules in the layers and perpendicularly oriented.

Advisor: White, J
Defining hunger, redefining food: humanitarianism in the twentieth century

This thesis concerns the history of humanitarian nutrition and its political implications. Drawing on aid agency archives and other historical sources, it examines how food has been delivered in emergencies, from the First World War to the present day. The approach is ethnographic: this is a study of the micro-level practices of relief, examining the objects distributed, the plans made, the techniques used. It is also historical: examining how such practices have changed over time.
This thesis makes five interlocking arguments. First, I make a political point: that humanitarian action is always political, and that it is impossible to adhere to ‘classical’ humanitarian principles such as neutrality, impartiality and independence. Second, I make a sociological argument: that the activities of humanitarian nutrition have been shaped by a number of themes, which include militarism, medicine, modernity, and markets. Third, I make a historical argument: that the main features of humanitarian nutrition were solidified between the 1930s and the 1970s, and were largely in place by the time of the Biafran war. Fourth, I make a sociological argument: that these mid-century changes involved a profound redefinition of hunger and food (with hunger conceived as a biochemical deficiency, and food as a collection of nutrients). Finally, I make a normative argument, suggesting that this redefinition has not necessarily benefited the starving: the provision of food in emergencies, I argue, is often concerned with control and efficiency rather than the suffering individuals themselves.

Keywords: Food Aid
Humanitarianism
Hunger
Food
NGOs
History of Development
Emergencies
Anthropometry
Famine
Nutrition
Relief
Advisor: Alexander, J
Chatty, D
Algorithm development in computational chemistry

This thesis presents algorithm development in computational chemistry, and applies new computer science concepts to voltammetric simulation. To begin, this thesis discusses why algorithm development is necessary, and inherent problems found in commercial simulation solvers. As a result of this discussion, this thesis describes the need for simulators to keep abreast of recent computational developments.
Algorithm development in this thesis is taken through stages.
Chapter 3 applies known theory relating to the stripping voltammetry at a macroelectrode to the diffusional model of a microdisk, using finite difference and alternating direction implicit simulation techniques.
Chapter 4 introduces the concept of parallel computing, and how computational hardware has developed recently to take advantage of out-of-order calculations, by processing them in parallel to reduce simulation time. The novel area of graphics card simulation for highly parallel algorithms is also explained in detail.
Chapter 5 discusses the adaptation of voltammetric finite difference algorithms to a purely parallel format for simulation by explicit solution. Through explicit solution, finite difference algorithms are applied to electrode geometries which necessitate a three-dimensional solution – elliptical electrodes; square, rectangular, and microband electrodes; and dual microdisk electrodes in collector-generator mode.
Chapter 6 introduces 'Random Walk' simulations, whereby individual particles in the simulation are modelled and their trajectories over time are calculated. The random walk technique in this thesis is improved for pure three-dimensional diffusion, and adapted to graphics cards, allowing up to a factor 4000 increase in speed over previous computational methods. This method is adapted to various systems of low concentration confined voltammetry (chapter 6.4) and single molecule detection, ultra low concentration cyclic voltammetry (chapter 6.5), and underpotential deposition of thallium on mobile silver nanoparticles (chapter 6.6).
Overall, this thesis presents, and applies, a series of algorithm development concepts in computational electrochemistry.

Keywords: Algorithm Development
Algorithm
Theoretical Chemistry
GPGPU
Stochastic
Finite Difference
Electrochemistry
CUDA
Advisor: Compton, R
Stochastic model predictive control and its application for small satellite attitude control

Model predictive control is an attractive control method applicable to a wide range of real-world processes with the ability to handle systems subject to probabilistic constraints and stochastic disturbances. While many methods exist that handle disturbance effects, there are fewer methods that are equipped to handle systems with measurement errors. Additionally, whereas model predictive control is used in a wide range of engineering processes, its use is limited in space applications. This thesis will investigate the use of model predictive control, in a manner that handles stochastic measurement errors, to control the small satellite FalconSAT-5.
This study focused on model predictive control methods that construct a region of tubes in which the state is required to fall in order to meet the probabilistic constraints. Three such methods were studied. The first method used the probabilistic distributions of the disturbances to tighten the constraints so that, even in the presence of disturbances, the constraints would still be met. This method was then expanded to handle both stochastic disturbances and stochastic measurement errors by also including the distribution of the measurement errors as an additional constraint tightening factor. This method was superior to the first method when the system exhibited both disturbances and measurement errors. The third method used state estimation to avoid the errored measurements. When the disturbances have a greater effect on the system response, the method that considers the measurement errors was more effective than the estimation method. However, if the measurement errors have a greater effect, the estimation method was more effective. The model predictive control method was then applied to the FalconSAT-5 dynamic model for all the control modes necessary for satellite operation and the results of these control simulations were compared to the current satellite control scheme of proportional-derivative control.
The simulations showed that, for FalconSAT-5, the model predictive control method that includes the measurement error effects in the constraint definition was superior to the estimation method. This control method was used to simulate control of the satellite in the initial deployment phase, also called the detumble phase, for pointing control, and for control during a slew manoeuvre. This method was found to be superior to the proportional-derivative control in all three control modes in convergence time,control input required, and cost comparison. This study showed that it is possible to develop model predictive control algorithms that handle measurement errors and are applicable to small satellite control. Model predictive control is a viable alternative to classical control for space applications, providing superior performance and better control.

Keywords: astronautics
small satellite control
model predictive control
probabilistic constraints
stochastic
stochastic tubes
Advisor: Kouvaritakis, B
Cannon, M
Neutron and x-ray scattering study of magnetic manganites

This thesis presents three investigations of the magnetic and electronic proper- ties of manganese oxide materials. The investigations are performed using a variety of neutron scattering and x-ray scattering techniques.
The electronic ground-state of Pr(Sr0.1 Ca0.9)2 Mn2O7 an antiferromagnet with CE-type ordering, is determined using neutron spectroscopy, as opposed to the more usual approach of using diffraction. The Zener polaron model of the elec- tronic ground state of the CE-type magnetic phase is shown to be unsuitable for this material. The ground-state is shown to agree well with the electronic ground state proposed by Goodenough in the 1950’s, but without significant Mn3&plus;/Mn4&plus; disproportionation.
The distribution of the magnetisation density within the unit cell of the CE-type antiferromagnet La0.5Sr1.5MnO4 is determined from a polarised neutron diffraction experiment by analysing the results with the maximum entropy method. The majority of the magnetisation density is found to be located at the Mn site. The investigation shows tentative evidence of a small magnetic moment on the in-plane O site. However, a larger moment is observed at both the La/Sr site and the out-of-plane O site.
The magnetic structure of the magnetoelectric multiferroic DyMn2O5 is inves- tigated using resonant magnetic x-ray scattering. The magnetic structure is shown to be similar to other members of the RMn2O5 series of multiferroics, but with the key difference that the magnetic moments are closely aligned parallel with the crystallographic b-axis, in contrast to the usual observation of the moments being close to parallel with the a-axis. This study also shows evidence that the electrical polarisation has a significant contribution from the valence electrons of the O ions, agreeing with previous work.

Keywords: Neutron Scattering
Manganese Oxide
Manganite
Resonant X-ray
Mulitferroic
Magnetoelectric
Advisor: Boothroyd, A
Reactions of [FeFe]-hydrogenase with carbon monoxide and formaldehyde

The use of H2 as an energy carrier has in recent years been identified as a promising future solution to the current energy crisis. Hydrogenases are metalloenzymes found in many microorganisms and are used to catalyse the reversible inter-conversion of protons and H2. These enzymes and their synthetic analogues have been recognised as a way to facilitate the use of H2 as a fuel. A major challenge to the future use of these catalysts is their reactions with small molecule inhibitors, such as oxygen and carbon monoxide. Detailed understanding of the structure and catalytic mechanism of these highly efficient catalysts is vital for the design of bio-inspired functional analogues for use in technological applications.
In this thesis electrochemical studies of three [FeFe]-hydrogenases are presented, performed using the technique of protein film electrochemistry. The strong potential dependence of the reaction of these hydrogenases with carbon monoxide and formaldehyde is characterised and rationalised. These studies provide compelling evidence for the formation of a previously ambiguous super-reduced state of [FeFe]-hydrogenase at low potential. This state is shown to be active and stable, and it is proposed that this state is involved in catalytic H2 production.
This super-reduced state is shown to have a high affinity for the reversible binding of formaldehyde, but a very low affinity for both carbon monoxide and oxygen. Activation of carbon monoxide inhibited [FeFe]-hydrogenase can be very rapidly induced by the application of a sufficiently reducing potential. These enzymes, considered to be oxygen sensitive, are shown to be extremely tolerant to irreversible oxygen damage at very reducing potentials where the super-reduced state is formed.

Keywords: hydrogen
protein film electrochemistry
Hydrogenase
inhibition
carbon monoxide
Advisor: Armstrong, F
Sonar acoustics

The problem of producing a model to determine the beam pattern produced by a sonar set in the form of a circular cylinder with hemispherical end caps is studied. The beam width and the position of the beam centre are also considered and the results of the models are compared with experimental findings. Possible reasons for the discrepancies between these theoretical and experimental results are examined, providing insight into developing more sophisticated mathematical models. The beam patterns were produced using a combination of Matlab and Fortran 77 programs incorporating subroutines from the NAG library. Experimental results and data are included with the kind permission of Thomson Marconi Sonar Systems Ltd.
Cancer metabolic pathways regulated by hypoxia

Metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells provides energy and important metabolites required to sustain tumour proliferation. Hypoxia represents a hostile environment that can encourage these transformations and other adaptive responses that contribute to poor prognosis and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. Hypoxic signatures associated with worse prognosis were previously derived in different cancer types, and led to the selection of two candidates with potential metabolic implications, namely the mir210-putuative target iron-sulfur scaffold protein ISCU and glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL). Firstly, it was verified that the hypoxia-induced miR-210 targets ISCU. Iron-sulfur clusters represent cofactors for key enzymes involved in Krebs cycle and electron transport chain. Downregulation of ISCU was associated with the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced mitochondrial complex I and aconitase activity, caused a shift to glycolysis in normoxia and enhanced cell survival. This indicates that the induction of a single microRNA, miR-210, can mediate a new mechanism of adaptation to hypoxia, by regulating mitochondrial function via iron-sulfur cluster metabolism and free radical generation. Secondly, it was found that changes in PYGL expression reflect a characteristic upregulation of glycogen metabolism in hypoxia in both tumour xenografts and in cancer cell lines. More specifically, hypoxia stimulates glycogen accumulation and its utilisation, as well as the concurrent upregulation of several glycogen-metabolizing enzymes such as glycogen synthase (GYS1) and PYGL. PYGL depletion led to glycogen accumulation in hypoxic cells, increased intracellular levels of ROS, and a reduction in proliferation due to a p53-dependent induction of senescence. Furthermore, depletion of PYGL was associated with markedly impaired tumorigenesis in vivo. Finally, metabolic analyses indicated that glycogen degradation by PYGL is important for the optimal functioning of the pentose phosphate pathway. Collectively, this study shows the contribution of two important pathways to the metabolic adaptations induced by hypoxia.

Keywords: microRNA
hypoxia
Cancer metabolism
glycogen
Advisor: Harris, A
Education, Islamophobia, and security : narrative accounts of Pakistani and British Pakistani women in English universities

This thesis explores the experiences, encounters, responses and reactions to Islamophobia through a narrative study of forty female Pakistani and British students with a Pakistani heritage in universities across England. In exploring Islamophobia as a ‘racialised’ phenomenon, the participant narratives locate the experiences and encounters of Islamophobia within their ‘intersubjective’ realities, across various ‘communities’ of ‘discourse.’ These realities are informed by the wider socio-political milieu of a war against Al Qa’ida and its affiliates that ‘securitizes’ the Muslim and Pakistani identity(s) particularly in Britain. The university is also implicated in the counter terrorism agenda of the state, depicted as a ‘vulnerable’ space for radicalizing students. However, females in this discussion are predominantly absent within the academic and public narratives. Therefore, this research will explore the experience of Islamophobia, the way it is perceived by the British/Pakistani/Muslim/female student, and the way students respond and react to it within the university.
The research employs a narrative method of inquiry. The narrative analysis is informed by a Bakhtinian notion of ‘dialogics’ to explore the multiplicity of ‘meanings’ that emerge through individual accounts of Islamophobia located within their public and private realms. In exploring these narratives the thesis illustrates how ‘degrees of religiosity’ influences encounters and experiences of Islamophobia, and highlights responses and reactions of students to such experiences, that include individual and group activism to challenge Islamophobia and the insecure meta-narrative about Muslims and terrorism. The research further focuses on both the religious identity of the Muslim student, and their problematic ethnic identity, Pakistani demonstrating how in a securitized socio-political milieu Muslim students are further vulnerable to experiences of Islamophobia, in the form of Pakophobia, where both their religious and ethnic identities are held suspect.
These narratives have implications for the emerging understanding of Islamophobia as a ‘racialised’ phenomenon. They further have implications for universities that are encouraged to participate in the government’s counter-terrorism agenda. The narratives by locating the research within the particularities of a wider socio-political milieu that ‘racialises’ and ‘securitizes’ Muslims raises critical questions about the nature of discrimination in a post 9/11, 7/7 era that may have repercussions for other Muslim minority groups.

Keywords: Diaspora
Islamophobia
Islam
British Muslims
Women
Security
Pakistani
University Activism
Advisor: Johnson, D
Mobility in context: exploring the impact of environmental stress on mobility decisions in northern Ethiopia

This thesis examines the relationship between environmental stress and human mobility with a view to understanding the impacts of climate change on human migration. Using a conjuncture of political ecology and migration theory, it firstly explores the literature on 'environmental refugees' identifying a distinction between general agreement on the existence of a relationship between environmental stress and migration, and debate over the appropriateness of the 'environmental refugee' as a suitable means for representing that relationship. Secondly this conjuncture is used to examine accounts from farmers and migrants in northern Ethiopia, with a focus on understanding how environmental and non-environmental factors interact to shape mobility decisions in a context of environmental stresses, thought analogous to those predicted to accompany future climate change.
The principal finding of the study is that although environmental stress matters in mobility decisions, it does so due to the context of non-environmental factors in which it occurs, not in spite of them. With this in mind the work provides a framework of additive, vulnerability, enabling and barrier effects as a means for elaborating our understanding of how environmental and non-environmental factors interact to determine mobility strategies in a context of environmental stress.
Focussing on the role of non-environmental factors, the work reveals that while biophysical features operate at a macro-scale to shape mobility decisions, these decisions are determined by non-environmental features operating at a micro-scale. The research then traces differences in the existence of these micro-scale, non-environmental, factors across two field sites, finding that their origins lie in both historical and contemporary forces of regional and global political economy. As such, the work concludes that understanding the relationship between climate change and human migration will require a contextualisation of that relationship within this broader framework.

Keywords: migration
drought
urbanisation
Ethiopia
climate change
Advisor: Zetter, R