VictorJuiz/thesis huggingface dataset:
Textual criticism and linguistic diachrony in the book(s) of Kings

This thesis approaches from the perspective of textual criticism the thorny issue of Ancient Hebrew and historical linguistics, above all the possibility of providing a relative date for the biblical texts. More specifically, I argue that the linguistic assessment of the variants contained in the analyzed texts provides a solid argument in favor of the traditional understanding and periodization of Ancient Hebrew. In order to illustrate my method and approach, I have selected some passages taken from the book(s) of Kings, which is remarkable for its textual development and history.
In the Introduction, I give an overview of the linguistic profile of Kings as well as of the main textual witnesses employed in this thesis. I also discuss my approach to the text and why it is relevant in the current discussion on Ancient Hebrew and linguistic diachrony. Chapter 1 focusses on the textual profile of the parallel accounts found in Isaiah 36-39 and 2 Kings 18-20. Almost all the variants are listed and, if necessary, discussed from a linguistic perspective, showing that later scribes could reproduce the pre-exilic language without difficulty. Chapter 2 deals with those variants from the parallel accounts that are linguistically relevant for a relative dating of the two texts. This proves that a series of late readings does indeed betray the hand of late scribes who let into the text linguistic elements that cannot have belonged to the pre-exilic idiom. Finally, in Chapter 3 I discuss more late and non-classical linguistic features that can be detected through the text-critical assessment of other portions of Kings. A concluding summary describes the results achieved by this two-pronged approach to the diachronic analysis of the biblical texts and announces what should be done next in this area.
Most of the linguistic and text-critical features are collected in an appendix found at the end.

Keywords: Hebrew Bible
Book of Kings
textual criticism
ancient Hebrew
linguistics
Advisor: Khan, G
Salvesen, A
The complexity of meta-computational problems

This thesis focuses on problems which themselves encode questions about circuits or algorithms, also called meta-computational problems. The thesis is centered on meta-computational problems like C-MCSP (minimum circuit size problem), C-Learnability and C-Satisfiability, for some circuit class C. We study mathematical questions pertaining to such problems, and their deep connections to the theory of lower bounds, which is a general theme that has attracted a lot of interest in recent years among complexity theorists.
We first study non-uniform lower bounds for MCSP (and its variants) motivated by its importance for the theory of Hardness Magnification. Thisphenomenon reduces major complexity separations (such as NP is not in NC^1) to proving “barely” non-trivial lower bounds for natural problems like MCSP against weak circuit classes. In most interesting cases, we already have such required lower bounds, but for a different, seemingly easier problem. Firstly, we establish that instantiations of magnification for certain variants of MCSP provably refute the existence of natural proofs against P/poly, which indicates that the natural proofs barrier by Razborov-Rudich may not be relevant to this approach. This is done by establishing a connection from hardness magnification to hardness of efficiently learning polynomial-sized circuits. Next, we investigate the future prospects of proving new lower bounds using magnification. We identify a new source of difficulty called the locality barrier, when trying to adapt existing lower bound techniques to prove strong separations via magnification. We show that this barrier applies to many current instantiations of hardness magnification, that involve a wide range of restricted computational models.
Next we consider learnability, and initiate a top-down study of hardness of learning circuit classes, i.e. we consider hardness of learning circuit classes more powerful than P/poly. Our goal is to understand the power and limitations of current complexity theoretic techniques in showing unconditional results for learning. We show unconditional hardness results for efficiently learning classes like BPE/poly, EXP/poly and PSPACE/poly on one hand, and on the other, show that it is implausible that one can extend these ideas to prove the NP-Hardness of learning classes like non-deterministic polynomial-sized circuits, i.e. NP/poly.
Finally, we consider the algorithmic question of counting the number of satisfying assignments of an input AC^0[2]-circuit. We construct a deterministic #SAT-algorithm for AC^0[2] circuits of depth d and size 2^(O(n^(1/d))), which beats brute-force running time non-trivially. The algorithm is designed using the Razborov-Smolensky polynomial method, whose original motivation was to prove AC^0[2] lower bounds. We then show a lower bound for E^NP against AC^0[2]-circuits of size 2^(Ω(n^(1/d+1))), which was the best known lower bound against this class until very recently.

Keywords: circuit complexity
lower bounds in computational complexity
meta-complexity
computational learning theory
Advisor: Santhanam, R
Self-prioritization in motor responses

In psychology, self-representation is widely held to guide our cognition and action. Self-relevant stimuli typically enhance our attention, perception, memory, and decision-making. A shape-label matching paradigm provides a standard method for investigating the self-advantage. However, the evidence suggests that self-prioritization (self-bias) in the matching task may be distinct from higher-level self-referential processing. To better understand the operation of this subcomponent of self, this thesis took a broad approach and asked: what are contextual constraints on the emergence and extent of self-bias in manual motor responses? Self-bias was examined with unisensory and multisensory stimuli and manipulations of stimulus factors and task-design, for the first time in a multisensory detection motor paradigm, in the initiation and execution of arm-movements, and in the relationship between self-bias and subjective perceptions of empathy and perceived closeness to others.
This thesis demonstrates that: (1) stimulus and label modality and task-design can modulate self-bias; (2) self-associations did not produce similar motor speed gains in simple detection motor responses, suggesting that self-bias in motor responses to unisensory and multisensory stimuli depends on explicit self–other evaluations; (3) self-bias can influence non-ballistic visual-feedback-driven arm-movements, ballistic arm-movements without visual feedback, and arm-movements directed ‘toward’ and ‘away’ from the stimuli; in other words, self-bias modulates ballistic arm-movements using proprioceptive, kinaesthetic, and tactile information (and potentially visual imagery), but not relevant exogenous visual input; (4) self-bias can influence both the initiation and execution of arm-movements; highlighting a modulation at multiple stages; (5) empathy and perceived closeness can predict self-bias and friend-bias, suggesting that the biases in manual motor responses are influenced by consciously-accessible representations of the interrelations between others and the self.
The wider implications of these findings are discussed in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders and relevance for future translational research. Taken together, these findings present a novel overview of self-bias in manual motor responses.

Keywords: Self-relevance
Movement time
Self-prioritization
Multisensory processing
Self-Prioritization Effect
Personal distance
Empathy
Arm-movement responses
Self-referential processing
Manual motor responses
Advisor: Spence, C
Barutchu, A
Epitaxial oxide thin films

Growing transition metal oxides in the form of an ultrathin film can create new stoichiometries and structures that do not exist naturally, which may open new perspectives on the studies of oxide properties. This thesis focuses on the structural characterization of Nb, Ti, and V oxide thin films on the Au(111) substrates using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).
The work starts with ring patterns created by M-Au substitutions (M = Nb, Ti, V, Mn). According to the rings’ radii and centers, we can conduct a three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the substitutional sites. The ring's morphology is related to the curvature anisotropy of the Au isoenergy surface in k-space.
Nb oxide has been studied most intensively in this project. Four structures of oxide monolayers have been identified which are (i) NbOx cluster, (ii) NbOy triangle, (iii) pinwheel, and (iv) the (2 × 2) Nb2O3 honeycomb (HC) structure. The pinwheel and honeycomb structures can form free films on the surface or embedded monolayers on the second layer. Nb-induced rings act as a precursor structure for an embedded monolayer.
Fourfold coordinated Nb atoms in Nb2O3 HC appear much brighter in STM images. The actual oxidation state of a fourfold coordinated Nb atom is between +4 and +5 due to the electron transfer to Au. According to the contrast difference and coordination number, mapping the Nb oxidation states with atomic resolution at room temperature can be realized. Besides, fourfold coordinated Nb atoms are involved in point defects, edges, and domain boundaries. Discussions on HC edges and defects are organized in two chapters. Comparative analysis between Nb2O3 and Ti2O3 constitutes pivotal sections.
Triangles and pinwheels are common structures in 2D materials. Nb and Ti oxides can form independently-standing triangles, and Nb/Ti/V oxides can generate both free and embedded pinwheel monolayers. A triangle building block model is proposed to elucidate the pinwheel comprising various sizes of triangle elements. Besides, Nb/Ti oxide triangles/pinwheels can be incorporated into HC monolayers by forming unique boundaries.

Keywords: honeycomb structure
oxides
thin films
Advisor: Castell, M
Mechanisms of oocyte activation in the presence and absence of PLCζ

Mammalian oocyte activation is thought to be caused by a sperm borne PLC subtype, called phospholipase C zeta1 (PLCζ). PLCζ RNA and protein microinjection and knockout studies in a mouse model have confirmed its primary role in releasing calcium (Ca2+) in the oocyte at fertilisation. Studies revealed that a few delayed Ca2+ transients can still occur in the oocyte after fertilisation with PLCζ knockout sperm, resulting in a reduced embryo formation rate and increased polyspermy, but otherwise apparently normal development to term, indicating the presence of a secondary factor(s) which can stimulate Ca2+ release in the oocyte. In this study, an attempt was made to identify such a secondary factor(s). In silico analysis of transcriptomic data revealed that mature sperm cells carry transcripts of PLCβ, PLCγ, PLCδ, and PLCζ subtypes. In MII oocytes, PLCβ1, PLCβ3, PLCγ1, and PLCγ2 were reported to be expressed. The mRNA and protein expression analysis showed reorganised expressions in the PLCζ knockout sperm cells. This reorganised expression levels of IP3 generators led to investigate PLC subtypes as potential secondary factors of oocyte activation. Proteomic analysis of PLCζ knockout sperm cells suggested that some proteins showing differential expression that are overexpressed in PLCζ knockout sperm participate in acrosome reaction, fusion and binding of gametes. Pharmacological interventions and Ca2+ dynamics investigations suggest that interference with Gαq (Gq) mediated PLCβ activation has a significant impact on Ca2+ release as well as fertilisation indicators, for both PLCζ knockout and wild type sperm, in distinct ways. Blocking Gq mediated PLCβ activation also blocks secondary Ca2+ transients triggered by PLCζ deficient sperm. Collectively, these data suggest that gametes express a number of PLC isoforms with differential expression in PLCζ knockout sperm, and PLCβ isoforms can act as potential secondary factors during oocyte activation thorough the Gq pathway, in parallel to PLCζ.

Keywords: oocyte activation
PLCζ
sperm
fertilisation
Advisor: Parrington, J
Investigating the organizing principles of the mouse claustrum

The claustrum is highly interconnected with many structures in the brain, but the organizing principles governing its vast connectivity have yet to be fully explored. In this thesis, I investigate the architecture of circuits between the claustrum and neocortex and within the claustrum itself. Immunohistochemistry, neuronal tract tracing, in vitro whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, dual-color optogenetic circuit mapping, and in vivo calcium imaging of neural activity were used to assess whether claustrum neurons combine inputs from multiple cortical areas and what impact claustrum neurons have on the cortex. I determined that individual claustrum neurons frequently integrate inputs from more than one cortical site, most commonly between regions of the frontal cortex. Additionally, I found that neurons in the claustrum receive inputs from an array of sensory and associative cortical areas, albeit to a lesser extent. Neuronal tract tracing and electrophysiology further indicated that input integration from frontal cortical regions depends on the cell type and output target of claustrum neurons. Optogenetic mapping revealed that intraclaustral connectivity was far more frequent than previously reported, particularly among neurons that did not share the same output target. Finally, activity in claustrum axons recorded with in vivo calcium imaging showed responses to combinations of sensory stimuli that were then transmitted to downstream cortical targets. My findings shed light on the organizing principles of claustrum connectivity, demonstrating that individual claustrum neurons integrate afferent inputs and redistribute this information back to cortex after performing output target- and cell-type-dependent local computations.

Keywords: neuroscience
neuronal tract tracing
optogenetics
electrophysiology
in vivo imaging
claustrum
Advisor: Butt, S
Packer, A
Paying for resentment: positional competition, immigration and support for redistribution

This thesis tackles the question of why the poor would be willing to pay the price of less redistribution in a context of ethno-cultural heterogeneity, even if they benefit from redistribution. I propose an argument whereby there is an extent to which people perceive differences in incomes between themselves and those poorer as justified, because they simultaneously reflect and confirm their own relative social status. Redistribution, as it compresses the income distribution, challenges this social ranking, heightens the acuteness of positional competition and consequently leads to feelings of resentment towards the people that make up the competition: those poorer than oneself. Resentment then leads to willingness to sacrifice parts of ones’ own material pay-offs to reduce those of the competition even more. This means that even people who are net beneficiaries of redistribution may become less supportive of it than their material calculation would predict. I also argue that people would be particularly willing to pay for resentment in a context of ethno-cultural heterogeneity due to immigration.
The implications of this theoretical mechanism are tested observationally with time-series cross-sectional survey data from 25 European countries between 2000 and 2019 from the ESS and the ISSP and causally by means of an online survey experiment conducted in 2018 in the UK. The results of the observational analysis suggest that support for redistribution among the poor was lower in country-years with larger recent increases in the share of foreign-born population. Moreover, this pattern is more pronounced when the share of pre-tax income of the bottom 50% was smaller. In the experiment, respondents were randomly allocated to either no vignette; information about their position in the income distribution relative to those poorer; information highlighting recent increases in immigration; or both of these two combined. The results suggest that exposure to the combined vignettes lead to lower expressed support for income redistribution.

Keywords: immigration
inequality
redistribution
status competition
Advisor: Rueda, F
Networks and search for goods in macroeconomics

This dissertation consists of three self-contained chapters which discuss topics related to production networks and goods market search in macroeconomics. Chapter 1 offers novel econometric evidence on the contribution of production networks to the effect of monetary shocks on real macroeconomic variables. Using a highly disaggregated monthly dataset on US final sectoral consumption it is estimated that 30% of the effect of monetary shocks on aggregate consumption comes from amplification through input-output linkages. Such network amplification rises in the frequency of price non-adjustment and intermediates intensity. Chapter 2 develops a general theory of state-dependent fiscal multipliers in a framework featuring two empirically relevant frictions: idle capacity and unsatisfied demand. The key novel finding is that the source of economic fluctuations determines the cyclicality of multipliers. Demand-side policies, such as government spending, have multipliers that are large in demand-driven recessions, but small in supply-driven downturns. Conversely, supply-side policies, such as cuts in payroll taxes, are ineffective in demand-driven recessions, but powerful if the downturn is supply-driven. The theoretical findings are supported by empirical evidence using US data. Finally, Chapter 3 develops a sticky-price model, where input-output linkages are formed endogenously and in a manner consistent with sectoral and firm-level data. The model simultaneously rationalizes the following observed non-linearities in monetary transmission. First, the model produces cycle dependence: the magnitude of real GDP's response to a monetary shock is procyclical. Second, there is path dependence: non-neutrality of real GDP is higher following previous periods of loose monetary policy. Third, there is size dependence: larger monetary expansions make the network denser and have a disproportionally larger effect on GDP than smaller expansions.

Advisor: Ascari, G
Zanetti, F
Characterization of Kvβ subunit substrated and catalysis in the context of sleep regulation

Better understanding the molecular underpinnings of sleep regulation would provide more insight into the benefits and functions of sleep. The molecular changes underlying sleep and wake are reflected in the electrical excitability of the dorsal fanshaped body (dFB), a sleep-inducing circuit in Drosophila melanogaster. Within the dFB, Hyperkinetic, a Kvβ subunit of the ion channel Shaker, links increased reactive oxygen species levels to sleep via its oxidoreductase activity and modulatory effects on Shaker’s A-type currents. This raises the possibility that Hyperkinetic substrates can influence sleep. However, the endogenous substrates of Kvβ subunits remain unknown, and proper Kvβ subunit characterization linking its biochemical properties to sleep remain lacking.
In my thesis, I have established an expression system for mammalian Kvβ2 or the Kv1.4-Kvβ2 channel complex in HEK-293 cells and used the recombinant protein as a bait for the detection of endogenous binding partners. I have found that Kvβ2 predominantly binds NADPH, demonstrated its catalytic activity, and identified the masses of several endogenous ligands that may be lipid peroxidation products. Through voltage clamp recordings, I have demonstrated that synthetic analogs of lipid peroxidation products act through Kvβ2 to alter potassium channel A-type inactivation in a substrate-specific manner. Lipid peroxidation products also prevent Kv1.4 inactivation, and Kvβ2 shields Kv1.4 from this effect. Kvβ2 cofactor exchange can be accelerated in a voltage-dependent manner to influence A-type inactivation, which has implications for Kvβ subunits in sleep-relevant neural circuits.
I have also discovered that Hyperkinetic is natively expressed in the dFB and that Hyperkinetic proteins engineered to accelerate cofactor exchange only partially rescue the sleep deficit of homozygous Hyperkinetic mutants, consistent with the idea that sensing, not catalysis, is the primary biological role of Kvβ subunits. Taken together, the data presented here provide evidence supporting the idea that Kvβ subunits act as voltage-sensitive enzymatic integrators of lipid peroxidation products to help influence sleep through modulating A-type currents.

Advisor: Miesenboeck, G
Robinson, C
Evaluating approaches to EAL newcomer support: protocol for a systematic review.

Background
There has been an influx of students in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Ireland who arrive in the country without adequate English skills to fully participate in school. Governments and schools utilised a variety of methods to cater to these newcomer students. Across the aforementioned countries, numerous different approaches to English as an Additional Language (EAL) provision. These can be best categorised as placing newcomers in the mainstream classes (mainstreaming model) or withdrawing them for separate, isolated provision (withdrawal model). Research is lacking on the relative effectiveness of these two different models of newcomer EAL provision.
Objectives
This systematic review seeks to uncover the nature and extent of research on newcomer EAL provision in the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Ireland. It aims to provide commentary on the relative effectiveness of different approaches and to determine whether policies aimed at newcomers are supported by solid evidence.
Methods
This review uses a best-evidence, systematic review approach to answer the research questions. The search string identified 3,332 records. Using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria the studies were screened for suitability. I evaluated the trustworthiness of each study based on study design and reporting practices.
Results
The review found 15 eligible studies, with six in each of Australia and the United Kingdom, two in Ireland and a solitary study conducted in Canada. Qualitative data was reported in each study, so a narrative synthesis was used. Researchers primarily conducted ethnographic studies to investigate how mainstreaming and withdrawal impacted newcomers and their emotional, social, and academic development. No records had a study design that was able to directly assess effectiveness of approaches, with comparisons between the two models non-existent. From observations and interviews with EAL stakeholders, researchers reported positive and negative aspects of both mainstreaming and withdrawal approaches. Mainstreaming was predominantly found to be exclusionary and academically unhelpful for newcomer students. Conversely, withdrawal approaches offered some tangible benefits for newly arrived students.
Implications
For researchers, this study shed a light on the lack of solid evidence which had empirically assessed the efficacy of approaches to newcomer EAL provision. Further research is desperately needed in this field as the current state of the field has resulted in nebulous, fragmentary, and inconsistent. With regards to policy, governments have not listened to the little evidence that does exist and instead have made policies in reaction to social movements that have little evidence to support them. The implications for policy makers and practitioners are therefore clear: re-evaluate current approaches to EAL provision and follow research suggestions as to the most effective model.

Keywords: mainstreaming
systematic review
EAL
English as an Additional Language
withdrawal
newcomers
language policy
Advisor: Chalmers, H