VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Navigating a system of identity: teachers' perceptions of challenges in SEL implementation

This research aims to understand how social emotional learning (SEL) manifests in the classroom in the most effective and frictionless way. Undergirding this research is a constructivist paradigm and existing literature on barriers to implementation, emotions in education, and teacher’s perspectives on SEL to answer two research questions: (1) ‘How does socioeconomic status of a school impact a teacher’s ability to implement targeted SEL skill training for students?’ and (2) ‘How do teachers perceive and experience challenges in implementing student SEL skill training, and are there differences by socioeconomic status?’ Seven teachers at a diverse (race, SES) school were interviewed to better understand how they perceived challenges in the ecosystem. Research found that teachers navigate a system of challenges and identity that can be summarized along four main theme areas, each with their own sub-themes: (1) Teachers’ perceptions of challenges within self, (2) Teachers’ perceptions of challenges in the system, (3) Teachers’ perceptions of the challenges in understanding the student context, and (4) Teachers’ perception of the challenges in understanding the students’ family and home context.

Keywords: emotions in education
qualitative research
social emotional learning
intersectionality
semi-structured interview
identity
teacher perspective
CIE
CIE2022
culture and context in education
Advisor: Khalid, A
Li, P
Logic and modality

In this thesis I consider and argue against various versions of the view that logical truth and necessity are identical. I criticise purely modalist accounts of logical consequence, according to which consequence is just necessary truth-preservation, and I also criticise views on which necessity is identified with some prior understanding of logical truth (as semantic validity, or substitutional validity, or as syntactic derivability). In the process I develop various systems of modal semantics in detail and investigate the logic of logical truth under various alternative hypotheses.

Keywords: modality
logical necessity
necessity
modal logic
logical truth
Advisor: Paseau, A
Williamson, T
Understanding and mitigating metallic anode degradation in divalent battery systems

The work in this thesis focuses on the metallic anode in two of the divalent battery systems: aqueous zinc batteries and calcium-ion batteries. By performing systematic studies, we aim to provide a deep understanding of their anode degradation mechanisms:
In Chapter 3, I looked at the ageing-induced degradation in ZnSO4-based aqueous zinc batteries. It was found that ageing can lead to significant anode capacity loss, in some cases over 70% efficiency loss after only 24 hours. We assessed such loss with respect to various factors: ageing time, anode loading, cycling rates etc. and investigated the root causes of such ageing-induced capacity loss using in-situ Computed X-Ray Tomography. A paper based on this chapter, ‘Decoupling and Quantifying Aging-Induced Zn Anode Degradation Processes in Aqueous Zinc Batteries’ has been submitted to Joule and is now under review.
In Chapter 4, I explored a possible strategy to mitigate the dendrite problem in the ZnSO4-based aqueous zinc batteries. By using a single-crystal (002) Zn as an ideal model anode, I promoted planar Zn deposition and defect suppression, which largely resolved the dendrite problem and allowed excellent cell performance at high-rate and long-cycle conditions. A paper based on this chapter, ‘Achieving Ultra‐High Rate Planar and Dendrite‐Free Zinc Electroplating for Aqueous Zinc Battery Anodes’ has been published in Advanced Materials.
In Chapter 5, I systematically studied and visualized the plating and stripping process in the Ca(BH4)2-based calcium-ion battery electrolyte using in-situ TEM. I revealed that despite calcium deposition being mostly globular, calcium dendrite formation can still occur as a result of high current density. In addition, the inhomogeneous CaH2 layer formation can also lead to the formation of localized ‘hot spots’, which can induce unexpected dendrite formation at lower current densities. Two papers based on this chapter, ‘Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy and its applications’ and ‘Current-density-dependent electroplating in Ca electrolytes: From globules to dendrites’, has been published in Royal Society open science and ACS Energy Letters.

Keywords: anode degradation
metallic anode
calcium ion battery
zinc ion battery
aqueous zinc battery
liquid cell TEM
Advisor: Bruce, P
Robertson, A
Electrochemical studies of the applications of novel carbon-based materials

In this thesis, the electrochemical behaviour of novel carbon-based materials is investigated in respect of supercapacitor applications. The first chapter explains the concern over climate change, potential for renewable energy, and significance of energy storage. Much emphasis is placed on the mechanism (e.g., electric double-layer capacitance and pseudocapacitance) and electrode materials (e.g., carbon and metal oxides) for supercapacitors. The second chapter introduces the basic principles of electrochemistry as well as electrochemical methods and characterisation techniques used in this work.
In the first project, the electrochemical oxidation of Mn2+ ions to manganese dioxides is carried out on boron-doped diamond electrodes via cyclic voltammetry. A composite electrode is fabricated by potentiostatic deposition of MnO2 on boron doped diamond, and its electrochemical performance is then measured. The motivation of this work is to illustrate that MnO2, a cheap material with pseudocapacitance, can improve the overall performance of carbon-based composite electrodes for supercapacitor applications.
The second work exploits carbonised seaweed paper, which is a biomass-derived carbon material. MnO2 is deposited on seaweed paper-derived carbon potentiostatically to form a composite for electrochemical measurements and characterisation. Seaweed paper after carbonisation benefits from electric double-layer capacitance, whilst incorporation of the pseudocapacitive MnO2 further extends the potential window and specific capacitance of the hybrid electrode materials as supercapacitors.
The third study investigates nickel treated filter paper for supercapacitor applications. Carbon derived from filter paper is produced at low carbonisation temperature with in situ nickel treatment. Its electrochemical behaviour is researched by removing or keeping the nickel particles. Particularly, faradaic battery-type characteristics is observed electrochemically on account of conversion of nickel into electroactive nickel hydroxide in aqueous alkaline media. Nickel treated filter paper acts as a promising supercapacitor material which is economical and environmentally friendly.
The fourth research involves a number of carbon materials derived from biomass and biowaste with bimetallic cobalt/manganese metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) modification. The composite materials take advantage of the electric double-layer capacitance from the biomass-derived carbon and faradaic battery-type contributions from the pyrolysed MOFs in alkaline electrolytes. In particular, the bulk carbon-based electrode material bears favourable comparison with its powdery counterpart in supercapacitor applications.
Overall, this thesis reports the electrochemical studies of novel carbon-based materials for supercapacitor applications in regard to renewable energy and energy storage.

Keywords: supercapacitor
carbon-based materials
energy storage
Advisor: Foord, J
Defining empirical management of acute febrile illness in Myanmar

Fever is a common presenting symptom in primary care in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs). Non-malaria pathogens are now responsible in most cases after a decline of malaria in previously malaria endemic regions of Myanmar. It is important to provide appropriate treatment to those patients after malaria is ruled out by rapid tests or microscopy.
The overall aim of this thesis is to improve management of acute non-malaria febrile illness in Myanmar. Empirical treatment strategies with selected antibiotics were devised and their cost-effectiveness was evaluated using a decision tree modelling approach.
A systematic review on infectious neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) was conducted to collate all reports of NTDs in Myanmar (Chapter 2). The review identified diseases (rickettsial infection and leptospirosis) commonly associated with acute fever and this finding partly informed selection of antibiotics for empirical treatment. A cost- effectiveness analysis of empirical treatment showed empirical treatments being cost- saving and C-reactive protein (CRP) guided empirical treatments being highly cost- effective compared to current practice of care in rural Myanmar (Chapter 3). Alongside this, antibiotic use for acute febrile illness was also explored from the prescriber’s perspective by secondary analysis of the data derived from a clinical trial (Chapter 4) and the user’s perspective by public engagement activities (Chapter 6). The secondary data analysis found a substantial variation of antibiotic prescription among primary care doctors for acute febrile illness and the variation remained after accounting for patients’ clinical presentations and CRP test results. Widespread environmental distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causal organism of melioidosis, which commonly presents as community acquired pneumonia and sepsis, was confirmed by a large nationwide study (Chapter 5).
In conclusion, this thesis uses a multifaceted approach to improve management of acute febrile illness in Myanmar. Findings from this thesis point towards an empirical antibiotic treatment strategy as a potential approach for management of non-malaria febrile illness in rural Myanmar which could be evaluated in field trials.

Keywords: primary care
Myanmar
fever
melioidosis
Burkholderia pseudomallei
antibiotic prescription
antimicrobial resistance
Advisor: Ashley, E
Cooper, B
Smithius, F
White, N
Investigating infectious diseases using genetic data

Infectious diseases have been a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout human history. The dramatic advances in technology, especially in genome sequencing, have opened a new avenue to study infectious diseases and changed the landscape of public health and medical science. Compared to non-communicable human diseases where human genetics is the sole focus of genetic studies, infectious diseases add another layer of complexity due to the host-pathogen dynamic. Since infection can be seen as the result of the complex interplay of host and pathogen and the environment, a comprehensive understanding requires the incorporation of all these factors.
In this thesis, I explore the different applications of genetic data in studying infectious diseases through the lens of host-pathogen dynamics and their clinical or public health implication. I first used virus whole genome data to rebuild the epidemiological history of Hepatitis C virus subtype 3a (HCV-3a). I showed how World War II had likely led to the spread of HCV-3a from South Asia and becoming a global epidemic. Notably, I also incorporated host genetic data into the analysis and showed how it helped us identify and address the confounding factor of human migration when conducting an evolutionary analysis on HCV-3a. I then integrated previously published methods to investigate protein residue covariation to investigate the signals co-evolution within the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). I built a co-evolution profile for HBV and link them to previous studies to demonstrate how drug resistance is one of the major driving forces of protein residue co-evolution in HBV. Lastly, I explored the potential of integration of national-scale databases that collect pathogen (Second Generation Surveillance System) and host data (UK Biobank) respectively and conducted multiple genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and lay out how such integration can help improve our understanding of human genetic risk factors for infectious diseases. To conclude, I discuss the importance of host-pathogen data integration as well as the need for developing statistical models that can account for both the data volume as well as complexity resulted from such integration.

Keywords: GWAS
coevolution
infectious disease
virus evolution
human genetics
Advisor: Wilson, D
Mentzer, A
Ansari, M
Projective fibrations in weighted scrolls

This thesis studies classification problems of codimension 1 and codimension 2 threefold families

f : X → P^1 , X ⊂ F_A

fibred in low-degree K3 surfaces over P^1 and embedded in weighted scrolls F_A , where A is an integer matrix defining weights and twists. We classify X such as K3 surfaces with rational double points, Calabi–Yau 3-folds with isolated singularities which extend results of Mullet, K3 surfaces and Calabi–Yau 3-folds with at most Gorenstein singularities. Further, the thesis revisits degeneration of quartic K3 fibred Calabi–Yau threefolds studied some time ago by Gross and Ruan.
The thesis also sets the stage for a general study of fibrations embedded in weighted scrolls

( f : X → B) ,→ (π : F_ A → P^{k−1}[c i ])

over any nonsingular base B ⊂ P^{k−1}[c i ] by proposing a multi-graded C-algebra geometry method for constructing them. We initiate the study of fibrations embedded in families of key varieties such as weighted Grassmannians fibrations, leaving detailed investigations for later work.

Keywords: projective fibrations
rational double points
multi-graded C-algebras
scrolls
degenerations
relative key varieties
Advisor: Szendrői, B
Joyce, D
Lifetime performance of wind turbines and wind farms

Wind energy is rapidly expanding as the demand for a low-emissions electricity grid increases. Acknowledging this, and the intermittent nature of the wind resource, both short-term (circa hours) and long-term (circa years) planning must be implemented. To do this accurately, the performance degradation of wind farms must be quantified and accounted for in electricity systems and financial models. This thesis is concerned with quantifying aerodynamic performance decline of wind turbines and wind farms to better understand changes in lifetime performance and more accurately predict wind farm power output.
Wind turbine aerodynamic performance losses are investigated by analysing the effect of roughness on airfoil performance (lift and drag). One of the challenges in quantifying wind turbine performance decline due to roughness is the lack of roughness airfoil data available. A ‘roughness evolution parameter’ is therefore parameterised based on publicly available roughened airfoil experimental tables, which enables roughened airfoil data to be estimated from clean airfoil data. The calculation of the parameter is proposed as a framework, with room for further refinement when more experimental data comes available.
Blade element momentum theory is used to analyse the impact of blade roughness on wind turbine performance. Exemplar wind turbine rotors are designed and the impact of roughness on annual energy production is quantified to be in the range of 2.9–8.6% for realistic levels of roughness. A novel control method is proposed to mitigate losses due to roughness and 0.1–1.0% of annual energy production is recovered.
To account for the long-term variability in wind speed, wind farm performance decline is quantified using long-term corrected capacity factor data from wind farms in the UK, US and Australia – 0.26, 0.72 and 0.43 capacity factor percentage points per year respectively. To do so, power output data is combined with reanalysis wind speed data to correct for variability and biases in the data, allowing the underlying performance trend to be realised. To address shortcomings in the data (e.g. undetected downtime or reanalysis errors) a novel long-term correction approach is used which reduces variability in the results.
Reanalysis wind speed data and wind farm datasets are utilised for a supervised machine learning performance prediction model. Due to the inclusion of additional metadata, this model is able to predict wind farm capacity factor output with a 56–90% improvement in mean absolute error value when compared to predicting power output using a wind farm power curve.

Keywords: wind energy
degradation
lifetime performance
wind turbine
performance decline
blade roughness
wind farm
Advisor: Willden, R
Vogel, C
Continuous touchscreen biometrics: authentication and privacy concerns

In the age of instant communication, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, with a significant portion of the population using them for a variety of tasks such as messaging, banking, and even recording sensitive health information. However, the increasing reliance on smartphones has also made them a prime target for cybercriminals, who can use various tactics to gain access to our sensitive data. In light of this, it is crucial that individuals and organisations prioritise the security of their smartphones to protect against the abundance of threats around us. While there are dozens of methods to verify the identity of users before granting them access to a device, many of them lack effectiveness in terms of usability and potential vulnerabilities.
In this thesis, we aim to advance the field of touchscreen biometrics which promises to alleviate some of the recurring issues. This area of research deals with the use of touch interactions, such as gestures and finger movements, as a means of identifying or authenticating individuals. First, we provide a detailed explanation of the common procedure for evaluating touch-based authentication systems and examine the potential pitfalls and concerns that can arise during this process. The impact of the pitfalls is evaluated and quantified on a newly collected large-scale dataset. We also discuss the prevalence of these issues in the related literature and provide recommendations for best practices when developing continuous touch-based authentication systems. Then we provide a comprehensive overview of the techniques that are commonly used for modelling touch-based authentication, including the various features, classifiers, and aggregation methods that are employed in this field. We compare the approaches under controlled, fair conditions in order to determine the top-performing techniques. Based on our findings, we introduce methods that outperform the current state-of-the-art.
Finally, as a conclusion to our advancements in the development of touchscreen authentication technology, we explore any negative effects our work may cause to an ordinary user of mobile websites and applications. In particular, we look into any threats that can affect the privacy of the user, such as tracking them and revealing their personal information based on their behaviour on smartphones.

Keywords: authentication
privacy
mobile authentication
secuirty
biometrics
touchscreen biometrics
Advisor: Martinovic, I
The performed Dao: understanding the Zhuangzi with the literary form approach

This thesis adopts the literary form approach to the analysis of the Zhuangzi. I argue that the literary forms deployed in the Zhuangzi are not neutral and empty but philosophically meaningful. The leading question dealt in the thesis is how form and content are connected in the Zhuangzi. On the macro level, I provide a characterisation for the methodology to which I refer as the relaxed literary form approach. It is a modified version of the past literary form approach. On the micro level, I study the forms—including narrative, irony, and paradox—in detail, showing how these forms contribute to the meaning construction of the Zhuangzi. I argue that the form of narrative is to construct the “constellation of perspectives”; the form of irony is to bring about the experience of uncertainty and not-knowing; the form of paradox is to put the text in an ever-drifting dynamic. This investigation leads to a fundamental reconceptualisation of the Zhuangzi and the dao: instead of being represented the dao is performed in the text, and thus the Zhuangzi is a dao-performance.

Keywords: Zhuangzi
textual performance
irony
paradox
literary form
Daoism
narrative
Advisor: Meyer, D
The Cyprus Women’s Health Research (COHERE) Initiative: Estimating the prevalence, burden, and associated risk factors of endometriosis in Northern Cyprus

Introduction. There is a lack of research on endometriosis from the Eastern Mediterranean region and a complete absence of data from Northern Cyprus. It is unknown whether regional-specific factors effect endometriosis presentation and if risk factors differ.
Methods. The Cyprus Women’s Health (COHERE) Initiative is a cross-sectional study of 7,646 women living in Northern Cyprus. Baseline recruitment involved completing an expanded version of the World Endometriosis Research Foundation Endometriosis and Phenome Biobanking Harmonisation Project (WERF-EPHect) questionnaire, including validated tools. Clinical data was obtained from ultrasound scans attended by 668 women and information on diet was obtained from 513 women who completed a validated Food-Frequency-Questionnaire (FFQ). Associations with endometriosis were compared to a pain symptomatic and a pain asymptomatic control group.
Results. Prevalence of endometriosis was 5.4% (95%Confidence Interval:4.9%-5.9%; n=410), including 15 incident cases identified during the clinical visit. Average age of endometriosis symptom onset was 25.9-years despite average age of first pain occurring at 16.2-years, giving a diagnostic delay of 9.3-years. Compared to asymptomatic controls, endometriosis cases were more likely to report anxiety and migraines (Odds Ratio=1.56; 95%CI:1.03-2.38 and OR=1.39; 95%CI:1.06-1.83, respectively). Physical health-related-quality-of-life was impaired in endometriosis cases compared to symptomatic controls (p=0.034). There was no significant difference in economic burden between endometriosis cases and symptomatic controls (Int 9,864;95
8,812-10,917vsInt
10,917; 95%CI: 10,004−
10,855, respectively). Average cost for endometriosis cases peaked between 26-35-years-of-age and decreased after age 36 but remained high across the life-course for symptomatic controls. Participants with endometriosis were more likely to report reproductive, allergic, metabolic/obesity-related and cardiovascular diseases. Women who were iron deficient and vitamin-D deficient were more likely to report to have endometriosis compared to asymptomatic controls (OR:1.70; 95%CI:1.37-2.12 and OR:2.04; 95%CI:1.37-3.02, respectively).
Discussion. For the first time, the epidemiology of endometriosis in Northern Cyprus has been investigated and presented, suggesting that burden of endometriosis is high in this population and the awareness is low. There are multiple opportunities to improve care for endometriosis patients and the findings on iron and vitamin-D deficiency may be unique risk factors for the region, warranting further investigation.

Keywords: Epidemiology
Endometriosis
Women's health
Pelvic pain
Eastern Mediterranean
Cyprus
Advisor: Rahmioglu, N
Zondervan, K
Becker, C