Gendered Spirituality within Female Monastic Space in Britain, c. 800-1300

This study seeks to explore the monastic spirituality of women in England from the early to high medieval periods, approximately 800-1300 CE, through the analysis of their material culture, primarily their books, bodies, and buildings – evidence of their existence and participation within monasticism. The foundation of this project is understanding how gender functioned within medieval female monasticism as such to influence and inform feminine spirituality. Constructing medieval ideas of gender within a monastic setting is crucial and it is not possible to do this without using the ideas of post-modern gender theorists. Yet it is a fine line to walk, analysing materials without imposing the modern on the medieval. The strategy is to acknowledge and understand the ‘mess’. Early within Gender Trouble, Butler states: ‘Gender is not always constituted coherently or consistently in different historical contexts.’ This is especially true in the medieval context, where culturally accepted meanings of gender identities are often contradictory, even as simple binaries abound. By establishing relevant discourse on medieval conceptions of gender and sex – and also understanding how certain gender-based ideologies continued to inform the study of the period – fragments of female participation in the material culture of their own spirituality becomes visible

Hybridity, hierarchy, and couleur rabelaisienne: the afterlives of François Rabelais on the late nineteenth-century Parisian lyric stage (1855-1895)

This thesis examines the late nineteenth-century lyric afterlife of the sixteenth-century writer François Rabelais by examining the four musico-theatrical ‘adaptations’ of his works that appeared on the lyric stages of Paris between 1855 and 1895. These are: Théodore Labarre and Henri Trianon’s Pantagruel (1855); Hervé, Clairville, and Octave Gastineau’s Panurge (1879); Louis Ganne, Oscar Méténier, and Jean-Louis Dubut de Laforest’s Rabelais (1892); and Robert Planquette, Henri Meilhac, and Albert de Saint-Albin’s Panurge (1895). On the basis of this material, the thesis addresses wider questions about the nature of the reception and reproduction of cultural artefacts. It interrogates the relationship between Rabelais’s texts and biography, their late nineteenth-century lyric afterlives, the period’s lyric culture (particularly its genre hierarchies), and ideas about the writer’s life and works that were in currency during that time. As well as using Rabelais’s reception in the nineteenth century as a tool with which to unravel some of the panoply of potential interpretations of his texts, this thesis demonstrates that in nineteenth-century imaginaries both Rabelais’s life and works were considered stylistic, registral, and social hybrids. This heterogeneity is the basis for what I term couleur rabelaisienne: in other words, a mode of historical representation that intersects literary and historical aesthetic discourses closely associated with Rabelais’s works and biography, particularly their supposed stylistic and social hybridity. Alongside its study of Rabelais’s lyric posterity, this thesis makes a case for an approach to the phenomenon we now call ‘adaptation’ that remains sensitive to details of its theorisation through history. By offering more flexible frameworks through which to deconstruct, reshape, and subvert the hierarchies implied in terms like ‘source’ and ‘adaptation’, I seek to open new avenues for understanding the myriads of ways in which cultural artefacts interrelate

Strain Sensors Fabricated From Conductive Polymer Composites

Strain sensors are vital tools for ensuring the safety, performance, and efficiency of a wide range of systems and structures. There is a need for low cost yet highly sensitive strain sensors, as this is not available in the current commercial market. Conductive Polymer Composites (CPC) have the potential to fulfil this requirement due to their good processability, cost-effectiveness and tunable electrical properties. However, despite significant progress in recent years, there are still areas of CPC-based strain gauges which require further research before they can be used for practical applications. This thesis investigates carbon black and flexible epoxy resin (CB/epoxy) composites for use as strain sensors. The CB/epoxy composites are fabricated using a method which is low cost and easily scalable, and during environmental testing found to have a Temperature Coefficient of Resistance just three times the magnitude of traditional metallic strain sensors. The CB/epoxy composites are tested under cyclic strain and calculated to have a Gauge Factor (GF) up to eight times that of typical metallic strain gauges. Thin-film metallic strain gauges are also fabricated, analysed and tested under cyclic strain to provide a reference against conventional strain gauge technology. A design of a Rig for testing strain gauges under cyclic strain is also presented. A model for the electrical properties of the CPCs under strain is developed in order to give insight into the microscopic mechanisms that determine GF, offering a valuable potential tool for optimising CPC compositions to achieve enhanced performance. Currently few simulations exist for modelling the piezoresistive properties of CPCs. This thesis not only validates the potential of CPCs as a viable alternative to conventional strain gauges, but also lays the groundwork for further innovation in the design of highly-sensitive, cost-effective strain sensors

A field and petrological study of an intermediate composition fissure eruption on Ascension Island

Ascension Island is a Holocene, intraplate volcanic island in the South Atlantic Ocean and exhibits a wide compositional range of magma from basalt to rhyolite, but intermediate products make up <5% of the surface deposits. I focus on the 1.3 km long, trachyandesite Devil’s Ink Pot fissure (DIP), located in the south-east corner of the island, and one of the youngest and best-preserved intermediate composition eruption on the island. I present detailed field work, petrographic, geochemical, and textural data to reconstruct the evolution of the DIP trachyandesite eruption, understand the genesis of intermediate magmas and shallow-surface processes occurring at low-flux ocean island volcanoes, and provide insights to future eruption scenarios on Ascension Island. The fissure is composed of 18 cones, 3 lava flow fields and tephra fall deposits up to 2 m thick. Two contrasting eruption styles are evidenced in cone deposits along the fissure. Despite the morphological and lithological differences, whole rock major and trace element analyses show that the erupted magma is chemically uniform. However, petrological, and geochemical analysis of plagioclase and olivine crystals identified textural and chemical variations. MELT’s modelling from the least evolved Ascension Island deposits is not able to reproduce the same intermediate composition of the DIP fissure, therefore demonstrates that additional processes must be involved in the generation of intermediate melts. Analysis of feldspar microlite textures and anorthite contents indicate variations in the time spent in the upper conduit for the tephra and lava/spatter samples and the conduit dynamics, which can heavily influence the style of eruption. Small volume eruptions may be missing from the geological record, leading to a potential underestimation of their frequency. However, even small-volume eruptions are significant on small islands with limited options for self-evacuation of local inhabitants, therefore planning for eruptions with shifts in eruption styles should be incorporated into eruption scenarios on Ascension Island

Density-dependent clock spectroscopy in arbitrary arrays of mesoscopic 88Sr ensembles

For frequency metrology experiments, the fractional uncertainty is a key figure of merit: generating correlations between atoms allows this value to improve up to linearly with the number of atoms being interrogated. This has been demonstrated elsewhere using long-range Rydberg interactions in arrays of single strontium atoms and ensembles of caesium atoms. In our experiment, we are working towards demonstrating spin squeezing long-range Rydberg interactions to generate entanglement between strontium atoms in mesoscopic (N < 5) ensembles, trapped in clock-magic arbitrary tweezer arrays. We are interested in investigating how the fractional uncertainty of spin-squeezed clock measurements varies with atom number, in the case that tweezer sites are not restricted to containing a single atom at most. We hope to determine the optimum average number of atoms per site within the Rydberg blockade radius as a function of number of sites. This thesis presents progress towards this goal, which has been made in two ways. First, we have developed a novel technique for loading vertically large (100 micron) tweezer arrays with uniform and linearly-varying distributions of atom numbers in as fast as 20 milliseconds. We are able to load individual sites with average populations of between one and ten atoms, and show variations in atom number of up to a factor of two between sites in the array. We outline a theoretical model which successfully predicts our experimental results. Additionally, we show the first measurement of the 5s2 1S0 → 5s5p 3P0 clock transition in our experiment. We present experimental measurements of this transition, investigating how the linewidth and linecentre of the measured frequency spectrum varies with trap depth, atom temperature, probe beam intensity, and atomic density. We consider theoretical models of the clock transition based on the motional states of atoms in a tweezer and on collisional effects, and use these to study the effects of motional dephasing on the measured spectrum in our experiment. With these results in hand, we look ahead to the future of our experiment

Determinants of Export Performance in the Digital Age

This thesis encompasses a dual-phase investigation into the dynamics of digitalization on export performance (EP), synthesizing insights from a meta-analysis and an empirical study to present an integrated research trajectory. Given that empirical findings on digitalization and EP have been inconclusive, the thesis includes a meta-analytic review to synthesize the empirical results reported in 106 independent samples involving 62,082 respondents across nearly 30 countries. Study 1 clarifies the direct impact of digitalization on EP by synthesizing previous research and testing this relationship empirically. Furthermore, it investigates digitalization types, contextual moderators, and method moderators affecting the impact of digitalization on EP. Study 1 finds (1) digitalization’s positive and significant effect on EP, (2) the impact of digitalization on EP is also subject to different moderators, including digitalization type (i.e., digital capabilities), contextual factors (i.e., institutions, export experience, development of the region, and industry), and method factors (i.e., back translation and strategy measurement). Building upon the meta-analytic review, Study 2 employs longitudinal data from Chinese listed firms to clarify the effect of digital capital (DC) on export intensity. Firms may have the resources to invest in DC; however, these investments’ effectiveness in generating export gains may be hindered by the complexity of their diverse business activities and entrenched organizational structures. This study explore DC’s potential risks in international market in detailed. Findings indicate that (1) DC’s costs overshadow its benefits in improving export intensity, (2) DC can be materialized when the firm’s digital orientation is in place, and (3) DC further reduces export intensity when the informal institutional distance is great. The findings offer novel evidence on how DC helps achieve sustainable competitive advantages in global markets. Practically, the upfront costs and organizational integration challenges signify that the greater the value of the DC investment, the more arduous its realization; the advantages derived from DC can vary, contingent upon strategic orientation and the institutional differences between home and foreign markets

Phenomenology and Human Rights: Experiencing the Self and Other as a Human

The purpose of this thesis is to sketch out a phenomenological account relevant to the theory of human rights. In contrast to orthodox approaches which conceptualise human rights as universal norms or legal provisions which exist ‘out there’ in the objective normative or legal space – to adopt a phenomenological approach to human rights is to recognise the ways that human rights are grounded at the experiential level. Thus, this thesis advances the position that being human is, first and foremost, something that is lived. And that for one to accept that they possess rights by virtue of being human—that defining feature that makes a right a human right—the humanness to which these rights attach cannot be an abstract category, but a meaningful part of their engagement with the self, other, and the world. Within this frame, this thesis is directed towards describing these spaces where human rights are experienced as meaningful and, additionally, identifying the necessary conditions for being able to take up these spaces of meaning. More specifically, this thesis adopts the implementation of human rights by the United Nations (UN) in peace formation as a limit case to examine the pre-reflective conditions for the experience of human rights. Putting classical and contemporary phenomenological literature in conversation with International Human Rights Law, UN policy documents, and human rights literature the thesis defines the embodied, intersubjective, and normative conditions for being able to experience the self and other as human rights holders. The thesis demonstrates an original contribution to knowledge by, first, adopting a phenomenological method or approach to law, and to human rights in particular. And second, by describing the pre-reflective conditions for being able to take up human rights as a way of experiencing the self and other

Impact of Precipitation on Millimetre Wave Fixed Links and Mobile Measurement

Millimetre wave communication stands at the forefront of technological innovation, underpinning the development of fifth-generation and subsequent communication networks. Despite its promise, the propagation characteristic of millimetre wave radio links is significantly compromised by rain attenuation, an important factor during link budget calculations. This thesis undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the impact of precipitation on mmWave fixed links and mobile measurements, combining empirical weather data analysis with advanced channel sounding techniques to unravel the dynamics between rainfall and signal attenuation. Central to this research is the deployment of a PWS100 laser disdrometer, a high-resolution meteorological instrument, to capture annual rainfall statistics encompassing intensity, duration, and drop size distribution (DSD). Complementing this, an advanced channel sounder operating at 25.84 GHz (K-band) and 77.52 GHz (E-band) was implemented to measure real-time signal attenuation across a 35-meter terrestrial link. These datasets enable an examination of how raindrop microphysics such as size, velocity, and the interaction with electromagnetic waves at mmWave frequencies. This thesis evaluates established DSD models, including the Marshall-Palmer exponential model, log-normal distribution, and gamma distribution, to assess their fidelity in representing observed rainfall patterns in the Durham region, UK. While the Marshall-Palmer model offers simplicity, its limitations in capturing small-droplet dominance (<1.5 mm) under stratiform rain conditions are highlighted. On the other hand, the gamma distribution demonstrates superior adaptability to diverse rain regimes, accommodating both the skewed droplet populations of convective storms and the narrower spectra of prolonged stratiform events. This finding underscores the necessity of region-specific DSD model calibration, particularly in temperate climates characterized by mixed precipitation types. This thesis encompasses annual statistics of rain events, focusing on intensity, duration, and drop size distribution. This thesis employs various distribution models, including the Marshall and Palmer, log-normal, and gamma distribution models, to fit the collected DSD data and evaluate their suitability for representing rainfall patterns. A key finding of this thesis is the significant role of the wet antenna effect on short communication links and the importance of selecting appropriate scattering methods for the calculation of rain attenuation. The study reveals that the ITU-530 model may not be entirely suitable for short links and that a combination of Mie and Rayleigh scattering methods provides more accurate predictions for millimetre wave frequencies. Overall, this research contributes to a better understanding of the complex interactions between rain and millimetre wave signals, offering valuable insights for the development of robust communication systems capable of operating efficiently under various weather conditions. The results of this research has also led to two journal publications and serval conference papers

North Atlantic Climate Reconstruction during a Warm Event from the Last Glacial Revealed through Geochemical Analysis of a Scottish Flowstone.

Dansgaard-Oeschger (DO) warm events were interstadial intervals during the last glacial period characterised by abrupt increases in Northern Hemisphere temperature above background glacial conditions, followed by a gradual return to a stadial state. The mechanisms driving these rapid warming events, their spatial extent, and their influence on global climate cycles remain a focus of current research. Developing a clearer understanding of the triggers and controls of past climate states is critical for improving interpretations of contemporary forcing mechanisms and their cascading impacts on climate variability. This research presents new evidence for DO-12 warming at higher latitudes than previously recognised, based on a new flowstone chronology from Scotland. This chronology aligns well with SIOC19, supporting its adoption as the dominant chronology for the last glacial period. A novel method for reconstructing palaeotemperature and hydrological variability is introduced, derived from the temperature dependency of DMg and the degree of Prior Calcite Precipitation (PCP) occurring within the flowstone analogue. The reconstructed temperature range is notably large, with one possible explanation being the presence of an alternative subarctic climate regime in Scotland during DO-12. Spectral analysis of NAO-band cycles identifies a potential dampened meridional temperature gradient and stronger subtropical forcing during DO-12, attributed to northwards shifts in key Atlantic climate mechanisms. Overall, the results of this study contribute to a refined understanding of DO-12, its timing and spatial influence, the behaviour of the NAO under abrupt warming, and the resultant impacts on European climate. More broadly, this research enhances knowledge of climate cycle dynamics and the thresholds and cascade effects associated with rapid forcing changes, providing new insight into how these processes manifested during the last glacial period

Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Occupational Well-Being Experiences within Professional Learning Communities: A Mixed-Methods Study in Mainland China

Background and Aim Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) hold significant potential in promoting the occupational well-being (OWB) of early childhood educators. OWB experiences encompass not only individual professional skills but also the relationships and organisational support available within PLCs. Despite this holistic approach, the literature revealed a significant lack of interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks and mixed-methodological research to investigate teachers’ experiences of OWB within PLCs in mainland China, particularly within early childhood settings. Specifically, this study aimed to first examine the correlation between PLCs and OWB. It also focused on how different PLC practices shaped early childhood teachers’ experiences of OWB, with the goal of informing the conceptualisation and implementation of diverse PLCs that enhance their OWB. Design and Methods Grounded in pragmatist ontology, this thesis employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach: a survey followed by in-depth interviews (Quan→QUAL). The literature review advocated for a holistic approach to OWB, viewing it as a multi-dimensional phenomenon, including philosophical, physiological, psychosocial, and social-cultural aspects. Spaces of Well-being Theory (SoWT) was utilised to theorise the multi-dimensional relationship between PLCs and OWB, implicating that PLCs can serve as integrated spaces to enhance teachers’ holistic OWB. The survey employed a sample of 772 early childhood educators in urban Chengdu to examine the prevalence, variability, and correlations between PLCs and OWB. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical regression analysis. The interview method conducted four focus groups with sixteen teachers and nine one-on-one interviews featuring two principals and seven teachers, reflecting diverse demographic characteristics. The thematic analysis of the interview data was used to examine teachers’ and principals’ perceived factors of PLCs that impact teachers’ OWB. Meanwhile, ideal-type analysis was employed to compare the similarities and differences among the previously identified factors within PLCs, thereby guiding the conceptualisation and operationalisation of different PLC types that can enhance teachers’ OWB. Findings This thesis has sought a practically applicable holistic conceptualisation of early childhood educators’ OWB in Chinese context, to elucidate the implications for preschools in the conceptualisation and operationalisation of a PLC culture approach. The survey results revealed a significant positive multi-dimensional relationship between PLCs and preschool teachers’ OWB to address research question one. The subsequent interview results redefined OWB from a multi-dimensional conceptulisation to a more entangled and dynamic manner to answer research question two. The interview methods further identified seven key themes (perceived factors) that shape their OWB: collegial support, unity of purpose, collaborative leadership, relationships, holistic professional development, recognition of teachers as agents, and supportive services. The thesis then synthesised and integrated these seven themes into three ideal-type PLCs: the Autonomous PLC, the Structured PLC, and the Sustainable PLC. Specifically, three ideal-type PLCs, viewed as assemblages of individual, relational and community practices, were identified as having the potential to enhance teachers’ holistic OWB in response to research question three. Ultimately, by integrating these mixed-methodological results, this thesis proposed that the research agenda on OWB should be redefined to adopt a comprehensive and holistic PLC framework synergistically that shapes teachers’ OWB in a holistic and dynamic way