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This thesis is an attempt to make visible how Christians within a minority people in the southern Philippines view the Bible conceptually as a source of spiritual authority and also how they read and interpret the Bible, both privately and within the context of community worship. Reading and studying the Bible is now universally practised by people from multitudes of cultures, a reality that has naturally engendered a great deal of interest on the part of scholars. The resultant scholarship however, has been preoccupied with the findings of the professional researcher, and little has been published which reveals how “ordinary indigenous readers” view the Bible and/or how they interpret it. Using qualitative data gathered by this author among Manobo Christians living in the hills of central Mindanao, this thesis will endeavour to redress this imbalance and provide access to the voices of ordinary Manobo readers. The thesis also makes an important contribution to the Bible’s place within Philippine Christianity. Despite the expanding readership of the Bible within the Philippines almost no research has focused on how the Bible is actually interpreted by ordinary readers. The thesis will major on the appropriation of the Bible by Christians from within the Manobo Bible Church Association of Mindanao, an association of churches born out of the church planting efforts of missionaries belonging to the Overseas Missionary Fellowship. At the centre of the thesis is an encounter between conservative evangelical missionaries and the unique culture and cosmology of the Manobo. The central argument is that the missionaries’ prototypically, evangelical doctrine of Scripture was appropriated and reconfigured by Manobo Christians in ways that reveal the persistent ability of elements of their own cosmology, and customary law, to exert influence upon their localisation of Christianity. In particular, the thesis focuses on how the localisation process has led to innovations by the Manobo on what is meant by the Bible as “spiritual authority” and to reinterpretations of significant theological themes within the evangelical gospel message. At the same time the thesis also outlines how adoption of the Christian Scriptures has redefined the position that indigenous sources of authority, such as spirit priest and village chief, now occupy within Manobo Christian communities.

High-voltage infrastructure condition monitoring and diagnostics is essential for the continuous and uninterrupted supply of electricity to the grid. A common metric for establishing HV plant equipment condition is the identification and subsequent monitoring of insulation faults known as partial discharge. Traditional techniques for this require physical connection of sensors to plant equipment to be monitored, leading to potentially high cost and system complexity. A non-invasive and significantly less costly approach is the use of wireless receivers to measure the electromagnetic waves produced by partial discharge faults. Hence, a large-scale monitoring network can be realized to monitor equipment within a substation compound at relatively low cost. An issue with the use of commercially available wireless sensor technology, based around high-speed data conversion, is ensuring each node is low cost and low-power, whilst still being capable of detecting and measuring partial discharge faults within a reasonable distance. In order to reduce power consumption two signal processing techniques are proposed, a transistor-reset integrator and a gated high-speed analogue-to-digital converter, which provide a low power method of radiometric partial discharge measurement by avoiding continuous high-speed sampling. The measured results show that the transistor-reset integrator based system is capable of measuring partial discharge over a distance of 10 m with an error within 1 m, and performing location estimation to within 0.1 m as compared to estimation performed using high-speed sampling, at fraction of the power consumption. The folding ADC based system is able to sample a PD like signal, but requires additional development to improve performance and fully integrate it into a system. The overall results prove the operating principle of the partial discharge monitoring system, which has the potential to be developed into a viable solution.

Sub-surface or through-the-earth communication using electromagnetic fields - and specifically magnetic induction equipment - plays a key role in search and rescue systems used in the mining industry and, increasingly, by cavers and pot-holers. Similar equipment is used for radio-location, sub-surface surveying and geophysical measurements. The use of fast desktop computers allows a mathematical model of the propagation to be investigated in detail, demonstrating the preferred orientation of the antennas and the existence of an optimum frequency that is dependent on depth and other parameters. Computer simulations demonstrate a reduction in accuracy of radiolocation at skin depth distances, and methods of correcting this inaccuracy are introduced. The transmitter and receiver antennas for portable induction loop systems are usually aircored loops or magnetic-cored solenoids, tuned to resonance. However, the preferred antenna often depends on the intended use of the communication system, with untuned antennas having an advantage in some situations. The use of toroid (anapole) structures and rotating magnets as transmitters is discussed briefly. A figure of merit - the specific aperture - is introduced as an aid to antenna design. Internal (amplifier) noise can be reduced by noise-matching, although special account has to be taken of the inductive antenna. Internal noise is often swamped by external (atmospheric) noise, for which several mitigation strategies are discussed. Differing up-link and down-link noise performance may dictate different antennas. External noise is frequently characterised by the atmospheric noise temperature ratio, but data derived using the standard electric field antenna cannot be applied to a study of magnetic noise. The design of a wide-band low-frequency channel sounder is described, with which it is intended to perform a detailed channel evaluation using a binary sounding sequence. A simple method of calculating the inverse of such a sequence is introduced, for which cross-correlation with the inverse sequence at the receiver results in a system identification signal that is used to maintain synchronism with the transmitter. The extreme wideband nature of the system results in a low efficiency, which is countered by using signal-averaging techniques at the receiver. Preliminary results are reported, in which the sounder was used to capture background noise.

A characteristic of all zygopteran dragonfly larvae is the presence of three caudal lamellae attached to the last abdominal segment. The structure of these organs varies according to the species, and four basic forms have been recognised, laterally flattened, saccoid, reduced and triquetro quadrate. The most commonly found type is the laterally flattened lamella, which have been further subdivided into the simple unjointed forms and the constricted, nodate, subnodate and denodate jointed forms. It is not certain what role these laterally flattened lamellae have. Superficially they resemble tracheal gills, and historically this has been presumed to be their main function. However, this has never been proven unequivocally for any species. Because of the confusion over the function of these organs there is clearly a need for a comprehensive study of the lamellae and their function, in a single species of zygoptera. The present study aimed to achieve this by investigating their ultrastructure, respiratory physiology, and ecological and behavioural importance of the lamellae of P. nymphula. Previous experimental studies which have compared the oxygen consumption rates of larvae with against those without lamellae have reached conflicting conclusions. For example, some authors conclude they are important as gills and others that they are not. Interpretation and comparison of the results of these studies is problematic due to the variety of different techniques used and deficiencies in their experimental protocol. Other functions have been suggested for laterally flattened lamellae including as sensory, locomotory, defensive and ion uptake organs. However, only limited investigations of the possible locomotory and defensive functions of lamellae have been carried out to date. These studies have found that in one species lamellae may be important for swimming and that in three further species they may function as attack deflecting organs. High frequencies of lamellar loss have been reported in wild larval populations of at least three species, and this has been related to injuries received during fights with conspecifics. The ecological importance of the lamellae of R nymphula was investigated by examining the frequency of lamellar injury in a wild population of larvae. The frequency of injury was then correlated with environmental factors and population parameters. Those that were found to be significantly correlated with lamellar injury were; larval size, sampling season and habitat type. It was concluded that lamellar injury in wild larvae of this species may be due either to interactions with predators or conspecifics. Further evidence for such a function comes from the study of the breaking joint which attaches the lamellae to the abdomen. This joint was found to be specially adapted to allow autotomy of the lamella with little damage to the larva. These results suggest that the lamellae of P. nymphula are used for defensive autotomy as has been suggested for other species of zygoptera. Investigation of the respiratory morphology and physiology of the lamellae of R nymphula confirmed that they do not function as respiratory gills. The lamellae had large surface areas and no tissues with high metabolic oxygen demand such as ion uptake or sensory organs. Both these characteristics suggested a respiratory gill function. However, the arrangement of the tracheoles within the hypodermis is critical for efficient gas exchange by tracheal gills. The arrangement of tracheoles within the lamellae of P. nymphula was not consistent with that required for a tracheal gill suggesting that this is not their main function. The results of the study of lamellar respiratory physiology also support this conclusion. The oxygen consumption rates of larvae with and without lamellae under varying conditions of hypoxia did not differ significantly, showing that lamellar loss had no effect on larval respiration rates. In addition, the lack of evidence of any ion uptake organs or concentrations of sensory organs suggest that these potential functions for the lamellae of P. nymphula must be rejected. The lamellae of R nymphula were found to be important as signals during aggressive encounters with conspecifics. Larvae with and without lamellae were matched in trials to determine which would gain and maintain occupancy of a perch. Larvae were matched to reduce the possibility of interference from other contests asymmetries such as size, fighting experience and familiarity with the area. In these contests, larvae with lamellae were found to be significantly better at occupying perches. However, lamellar loss did not affect the ability of larvae to initially occupy perches nor their non-lamellar related behaviour. Additional support for an aggressive posturing role for lamellae came from the investigation of their morphology. The lamellae had a large surface area and distinctive pattern both of which would increase their effectiveness as signals. The present study therefore concluded that the main functions of the lamellae of P. nymphula were as signals or as attack deflectors during aggressive encounters with conspecifics or predators.

There are two distinct biosynthetic pathways to the essential amino acid L-lysine (A). The diaminopimelate pathway to L-lysine (A) occurs in higher plants and bacteria whereas the alpha-aminoadipate pathway to L-lysine (A) operates in fungi and yeasts. This thesis is concerned with the first two steps in the diaminopimelate pathway to L-lysine (A), catalysed by dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) and dihydrodipicolinate reductase (DHDPR). In particular, the synthesis of L-aspartic acid-beta-semialdehyde (L-ASA) (C), a substrate of the first enzyme and the mechanism of formation of L-2,3-dihydrodipicolinate (L-2,3-DHDPA) (B), the product of the reaction catalysed by DHDPS, was studied. In addition the synthesis of compounds which might be inhibitors of DHDPS was studied. L-Aspartic acid-beta-semialdehyde (C) is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of L-lysine (A), L-threonine and L-methionine. The trifluoroacetate salts of the L- and D-isomers of aspartic acid-beta-semialdehyde were prepared from L- and D-allylglycine respectively. Our Biochemistry co-workers have isolated and purified DHDPS and have set up an assay system for this enzyme. Using this assay system we confirmed that L-ASA (C) is a substrate for DHDPS whereas the D-isomer is not. Having pure L-ASA (C) allowed us to carry out precise NMR spectroscopic experiments and biochemical experiments to investigate the mechanism of DHDPS. We confirmed that the product from the enzymic reaction is dipicolinic acid (D). Manipulation of the synthetic route to L-ASA (C) allowed us to prepare a range of aspartic acid-?-semialdehyde analogues and derivatives. Most of these compounds were tested for potential inhibitor or substrate activity with DHDPS. In particular the trifluoroacetate salt of DL-aspartic acid-?-semialdehyde methyl ester hydrate (E) showed no substrate activity however, 14% inhibition was observed with this compound at 0.5 mM. The other substrate of DHDPS in the diaminopimelate pathway to L-lysine (A) is pyruvate (F). A range of pyruvate (F) and bromopyruvate derivatives were synthesised and tested as substrates or inhibitors of DHDPS. Methyl pyruvate has shown substrate activity with DHDPS. In general, the bromopyruvate derivatives were better inhibitors than the pyruvate derivatives. A range of sulphur analogues of L-2,3-DHDPA (B) and L-2,3,4,5-tetrahydrodipicolinic acid (L-2,3,4,5-THDPA) (G) were synthesised and tested for inhibitor activity with DHDPS. The 3,4-dihydro-1,4-thiazines, in particular the diethyl ester (H) and its iV-methyl analogue (I), showed good inhibition at 0.1 mM with DHDPS. The 3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-1,4-thiazine diester (J) showed the best inhibition with 20% at 0.1 mM. The 3,4-dihydro-1,4-thiazines were prepared by reacting L-cysteine derivatives with ethyl bromopyruvate in dichloromethane in the presence of triethylamine. The 1,3-thiazoles that were prepared showed very good inhibition with DHDPS. The diester (K) showed 21% inhibition at 0.1mM with DHDPS. This compound was prepared by treatment of the mercapto-amide (L) with phosphorus pentasulphide in pyridine. The mercapto-amide (L) was prepared by treating L-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride with ethyl oxalyl chloride in dichloromethane in the presence of triethylamine.

The distribution, population dynamics, photosynthesis and nutrition of epiphytic algae were investigated in natural and artificial freshwater ecosystems, with special reference to interactions between the algae and their macrophytic substrata. The distribution of epiphyton in the littoral zone of Windermere was related to light shading effects of dense emergent vegetation. The distribution of epiphyton in the phyllosphere of Lemna minor in a small pond and in culture media was related to the rate of multiplication, age, topography, and exudates of the fronds, and to tactic responses of motile algal propagules. The population dynamics of epiphytic algae on Lemna minor in a small pond were correlated with seasonal changes in light and temperature, the growth cycle of Lemna minor, and with depletions of dissolved substances associated with primary production. Standing crops of epiphyton which accumulated on Lemna minor in culture media in the laboratory were related to the topography and rate of multiplication of the fronds, and to the inorganic nutrient concentrations in the media. Calothrix brevissima reduced the multiplication rate of fronds. The accumulation of Calothrix was correlated with an increase in the pH of the media to values which inhibited multiplication and photosynthesis in Lemna. Photosynthetic rates and yields of epiphytic algae were reduced in nitrogen deficient culture media. Photosynthesis and yields of Lemna minor were not severely reduced under nitrogen deficient conditions. Competition for nitrogen between Lemna and algae was proposed. Lemna minor excrete 14C labelled substances into axenic culture media. Epiphytic algal and bacterial populations assimilated the substances excreted by Lemna minor. Evidence for the excretion of antibiotic substances by Lemna minor was not conclusive.

Traditionally, German identity was based on an ethnic and linguistic notion of membership. Today, over 20% of Germany’s population are migrants or of migrant descent, including one-third of the population under the age of thirty. Most of them are multilingual. ‘Multiethnolects’ are distinctive speech practices attributed to adolescents in inner city settings, that are alternatively described as ‘styles’ or ‘lects’ typically spoken by Turkish-German youth (Auer 2003, Eksner 2006, Kern & Selting 2006), general ‘youth languages’ (Wiese 2009), new dialects (Wiese 2012), or remnants of L2 acquisition (Dittmar 2013). Each term implies different presuppositions about the nature and origin of the phenomenon. My dissertation unites experimental methods, variationist analysis and ethnography to establish a fuller picture of the emergence of multiethnolects and the factors behind them in Germany, in particular. Sixty-six German-born fourth graders in two districts of Braunschweig with a recent migration history completed a questionnaire, and a free-sorting test of German motion verbs while a subset of thirty-eight students also took part in a video-retelling task. The data allowed for a quantification of potential multiethnolect features at the lexical and morphosyntactic level. The motion verb lexicon was examined with the help of cluster analysis and regression analysis over speakers’ background data. This step revealed that there are differences in lexical scope and the perception of word meaning that are best predicted by participants’ migration background, district and heritage language. At the same time, morphosyntactic features associated with the German multiethnolect are present at low rates, but are predicted by similar combinations of background factors. Overall, a complex picture emerges that becomes interpretable with the help of ethnography. Participant observation and interviews with family members, social workers and educators highlighted the role of speaker networks and in-group orientations within certain neighborhoods. The observations call into question many of the current labels and descriptions of multiethnolects. Most importantly, there seem to be speakers to whom these ways of speaking German are the first-acquired vernacular. A wholesome understanding of these children’s linguistic situation along with well- planned pedagogic responses in school can pave the way for sustainable academic careers and successful processes of integration.

This dissertation presents the concurrent programming language Ora, an extension of the Orc orchestration language with the capability to execute transactions. A new formal definition of transactions is given, in terms of two complementary properties: atomicity and coatomicity. These properties are described in terms of a partial order of events, rather than as properties of a totally ordered program trace. Atomicity and coatomicity are ensured in Ora programs by a novel algorithm for multiversion concurrency control.

Digital holographic interferometry and computed tomography for studying turbulent flows are developed in this research. It has three aspects: (1) applying digital holographic interferometry to fluid mechanics, (2) developing a computational method for limited-data tomography, and (3) visualizing a helium jet with integral imaging and computed tomography. Digital holographic interferometry, a hybrid optical-digital technique for measuring interferometric phase, is developed for studying fluid flow. By measuring the two-dimensional distribution of the optical path integrals through a flow field, the technique forms integral projection images of the flow's refractive index field. These images visualize flow field structures well, accentuating field variations normal to the viewing direction, just as medical x-ray images illustrate structures within the body. Unlike schlieren of shadowgraph, integral interferometric images do not accentuate field gradients and are interpreted unambiguously. Practical aspects of digital interferometry, including implementation, accuracy, and use of pulsed lasers, and visualizations of two- and three-dimensional flows are presented. Computed tomography uses an invertible integral transform relation between a field and its projections to recover a field's cross-sectional distribution. From a phase object's interferometric integral projections, one can obtain its refractive index distribution. In the absence of sufficient data, the transform can not be inverted without image artifacts and reconstruction errors. In part two, this "limited data" problem is discussed and a new formulation and algorithmn for attacking it are developed. The formulation enforces consistency between the reconstructed image and its integral projections, constrains it with known information and iteratively estimates the missing integral data. In part three, a visualization study with integral imaging and computed tomography of a round helium jet under both laminar and turbulent conditions is presented. The integral image data demonstrates the various flow regimes of a laminar buoyant jet and illuminates large scale motions within the turbulent flows. The tomographic images of the turbulent flow demonstrate unmixed ambient fluid within the jet, a two-level concentration field structure, and stream-wise vorticity in the jet. The image artifacts in the reconstructions and the potential of interferometric tomographic measurements in turbulent flows are discussed.

Field experiments were conducted at Fayetteville and Knoxville, Tennessee to (1) provide information on seasonal growth patterns and growth characteristics of 'Centennial' and 'Jewel' sweet potatoes, (2) compare growth characteristics and marketable yield between vertically and horizontally orienting slips of these cultivars at planting, and (3) determine alternate methods for measuring leaf area of sweet potato plants. Treatments consisted of 'Centennial' and 'Jewel' each having vertical and horizontal slip orientations. Treatments were arranged in a split plot design and were replicated eight times. Vertically oriented 'Centennial' plants produced a higher per-centage of number one grade roots and a greater marketable yield than horizontally oriented plants of the same cultivar. Plant orientation appeared to have little or no effect on grade or marketable yield of 'Jewel.' Generally, horizontally oriented slips of 'Centennial' and ver-tically oriented slips of 'Jewel' maintained larger leaf areas, more roots per plant and greater root dry matter accumulation than the other planting orientation of the respective cultivar. Dry matter accumulation by both cultivars began as early as 30 days from planting and by 60 days one-third of the total root dry matter accumulation for the season had occurred. An inverse relation-ship was found between stem growth rate and root growth rate; as one increased the other slowed. Horizontally oriented slips of both culti-vars had larger diameter developing roots at most harvest dates than vertically oriented plants. No difference in plant survival between slip orientations was observed. Relatively strong correlations were obtained between root dry matter accumulation and mean developing root diameter and between root dry matter accumulation and stem dry weight for each cultivar. For both cultivars, weaker correlations were found between number of devel-oping roots per plant and root dry matter accumulation and between num-ber of developing roots and mean developing root diameter. Methods based on the midvein length and fresh weight were found to correlate highly with an automatic area meter (Hayashi Denko, Model AAM-5) for determing leaf area.