This thesis studies the use of the Source Reconstruction Method (SRM) to characterize antennas. The SRM calculates equivalent sources/currents on an arbitrarily shaped reconstruction surface to represent the original antenna. This is done by enforcing that the original antenna and equivalent currents radiate the same field at user selected measurement locations. These equivalent currents spatially characterize the original antenna because they can be used in direct radiation problems to obtain field estimates anywhere outside the reconstruction surface, including the far-field. First a spherical SRM algorithm is implemented and the diagnostic capabilities of the SRM are also synthetically shown through an example with an array of elementary dipoles. It is then shown that the SRM compares well to pre-existing commercial antenna software over different frequencies and can also be used successfully with a partial dataset. It is demonstrated that the equivalent currents can also provide meaningful information with experimental data. Next the hierarchical matrix framework is studied in conjunction with the SRM to decrease the algorithm's memory requirement and increase the speed of execution. It is shown that it is beneficial to use the hierarchical matrix framework with the SRM when using Love's condition or with measured data on a surface very close to the reconstruction surface. The SRM is then used to obtain incident field estimates in microwave imaging systems. Using a 2D transverse magnetic framework, we show that even with the limited data available in typical microwave tomography setups the SRM can produce incident field estimates in the imaging domain. These estimates are then used along with an MR-GNI algorithm to image synthetic and experimental objects with uncalibrated measured data. / October 2016

<p>U okviru disertacije predloženo je rešenje za određivanje kolorimetrijskih<br />vrednosti otisaka štampanih goniohromatskim pigmentima na osnovu odziva<br />digitalne kamere. Predmet rada predstavljao je razvoj modela karakterizacije<br />kamere prilagođenog za fitovanje više-ugaonih podataka, kao i ispitivanje<br />uticaja parametara predložene metodologije na tačnost procene vrednosti<br />boja kamerom. Razvijeni model, baziran na veštačkim neuronskim mrežama,<br />omogućio je postizanje zadovoljavajuće preciznosti merenja boja, procenu<br />vrednosti boja svih testiranih mernih geometrija na osnovu snimaka u jednom<br />mernom uglu, a pokazao je i visok stepen adaptivnosti na promenu osvetljenja<br />koje se prilikom merenja koristi. Model je optimizovan primenom genetskog<br />algoritma, čime je njegova efikasnost znatno unapređena.</p> / <p>The thesis proposes а solution for colorimetric characterization of prints enhanced<br />with goniochromatic pigments by means of a digital camera. The subject of the<br />research was the development of a camera characterization model adapted to fit<br />multi-angular data and the assessment of the proposed framework parameters<br />impact on the accuracy of camera-based color measurement. The developed<br />model, based on artificial neural networks, enabled accurate color measurement<br />with a satisfactory level of accuracy, estimation of color values of all analyzed<br />measurement geometries on the basis of images obtained in one detection angle,<br />and was proved to be very adaptive to the change of the illuminant used during the<br />measurement. The model was optimized by means of a genetic algorithm, which<br />led to the significant improvement of its efficiency.</p>

The influence of Vonnegut’s didactic purpose of writing on the treatment of theme  and structure in Slaughterhouse-Five is investigated in this study. The following  elements of structure are studied: point of view, the treatment of time, characterization,  the use of other sources, and imagery. These are constantly related to  the novel’s themes, such as war, cruelty, death, time, innocence, survival, free  will, fantasy and regeneration. Since Vonnegut himself survived the Dresden  bombings during World War Two, his novel is very personal, which is particularly  reflected in his point-of-view technique, the subject of Chapter One. Vonnegut creates  double narrators in Slaughterhouse-Five : a personal one, including authorial  intrusions, and an impersonal one. This division is a direct reflection of the  dichotomy between reality and fantasy that prevails in the novel.  In Chapter Two, Vonnegut’s treatment of time is demonstrated to be a process of  spatialization. Structurally, this means a fragmented narrative split into several  time levels that chiefly form what the author calls his ”telegraphic schizophrenic"  style. Thematically, the protagonist comes "unstuck" in time, thus succeeding in  confronting an absurd world and finally transcending death.  Vonnegut uses the depiction of character mainly to express ideas and to reinforce  themes, since he regards his characters as "bugs in amber," involuntarily stuck,  excepting their capacity for fantasy. To facilitate the reader’s recognition of  these sketchy characters, Vonnegut has equipped them with marks of recognition,  often repeated, and names that provide clues to their personalities. All characters  are shown to be isolated and lonely, except on Tralfamadore where a dream woi;ld  exists.  In the fourth chapter, Vonnegut’s use of other sources is examined. His carefully  chosen quotations fall into two groups: first, historical sources that verify facts,  such as the Dresden catastrophy; second, fictional sources that stimulate the human  imagination, which turns out to be the protagonist's means of survival.  Finally, imagery in Slaughterhouse-Five, studied in Chapter Five, is found to be  used for enrichment of a style otherwise characterized by great economy. Much of  the imagery strikes a humorous tone. A simple, quotidian vocabulary is developed.  War imagery is used to deglorify war. Animal imagery is invoked to ridicule and to  show man’s true place in the universe. Several oxymora further reinforce the incongruity  prevailing in the Vonnegutian world. The negative effect of imagery is  also found in symbols pertaining to Billy’s life situation. As a contrast, however,  there are also positive symbols emphasizing nature’s annual cycle of rebirth signifying  hope and regeneration.  Many of the stylistic elements studied reveal that Vonnegut has chosen thematic and  structural solutions that make his novel accessible to a large reading audience.  The fragmented, at times circular, structure of Slaughterhouse-Five is indeed a  "dance with death." In a thematic sense, death is the writer’s own muse that he  must dutifully dance with in order to create his work of art. Slaughterhouse-Five  is not only Vonnegut’s account of his own war experience but also a statement on  the human condition. / digitalisering@umu

Given their potential applications for a number of engineering purposes, the geomechanics of shale reservoirs is becoming one of the most important issues in modern geomechanics. Borehole stability modeling, geophysics, shale oil and shale gas reservoirs, and underground storage of CO2 and nuclear waste are some of these potential applications to name a few. The growing interest in these reservoirs, as a source for hydrocarbons production, has resulted in an increasing demand for fundamental material property data. Laboratory analysis and constitutive models have shown that rock elastic and deformational properties are not single-value, well-defined parameters for a given rock. Finding suitable values for these parameters is of vital importance in many geomechanical applications. In this thesis an extensive experimental program to explore geomechanical properties of shale was developed. A series of triaxial tests were performed in order to evaluate the elasticity, yielding, and failure response of Marcellus shale specimens as a function of pressure, temperature, and bedding angle. Additional characterization includes mineralogy, porosity, and fabric. Rock samples used in this study came from three different locations and depths: one actual reservoir (~7,500 ft. deep), and two outcrops (~300 ft. and ~0 ft. deep).

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of special interest to industry and they have been increasingly utilised as advanced nanovectors in drug/gene delivery systems. They possess significant advantages including high surface area, welldefined morphologies, unique optical property, superior mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. However, despite their unique and advanced physicochemical properties, the low compatibility of some of those materials [e.g. multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs)] in most biological and chemical environments has also generated some serious health and environment concerns. Chemical functionalization broadens CNT applications, conferring new functions, and at the same time was found potentially altering toxicity. Although considerable experimental data related to functionalised CNT toxicity, at the molecular and cellular levels, have been reported, there is very limited information available for the corresponding mechanism involved (e.g. cell apoptosis, genotoxicity. The toxicity of carbon nanotubes has been confirmed on many cell lines including A549 (lung cancer cell line) and MRC-5 (lung fibroblasts). However, the sensitivity of each cell line in terms of cellular morphology, apoptosis and DNA damage are still unknown. In this report the different levels of cellular response to oxidative stress and phagocytosis have been investigated in A549, MCF-7 and MRC-5 cell lines to better understand the mechanisms of the toxicity pathway. siRNA as an ideal personalized therapeutics can specifically regulate gene expression, but efficient delivery of siRNA is difficult while it has been shown that MWCNTs protect siRNA, facilitate entry into cells. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of pristine and functionalized (-OH, -COOH) multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), via cell viability test, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation test, cell apoptosis and DNA mutation detection, to investigate the non-toxic dose and influence of functional group in A549, MCF-7 and MRC-5 cells exposed to 1-1000 μg/mL MWCNTs from 6 to 72 hours. In addition, 84 toxicity related genes have been detected to investigate the change of RNA regulation after treatment with MWCNTs. The research findings suggest that functionalized MWCNTs are more genotoxic compared to their pristine form, and the level of both dose and dispersion in the matrix used should be taken into consideration before applying further clinical applications of MWCNTs. Among all three cell lines, MCF-7 was the most sensitive to cell death and DNA damage induced by pristine carbon nanotubes. The majority of MCF-7 cell death was in necrotic. In A549 cells, apoptosis played a notable role in cytotoxicity. MRC-5 didn’t show significant cell loss or membrane damage, which might be explained by its low cell growth rate, notably however, a great reduction of the F-actin and attachment points was observed after treatment which indicates that MRC-5 cells are under very unhealthy condition and less attached to the bottom of flasks. Despite their toxicity, which is still being researched, carbon nanotubes have a great potential in clinical medicine. Thus, understanding the sensitivity of different cell lines could offer a more individualized approach for future treatment regimes. In regards to gene delivery, MWCNTs were found to be less toxic than chemical agents (positive control) without weakening the delivery efficiency, which proves that MWCNTs have a good potential in medicine area.

This dissertation demonstrates the application of a vapor phase method to synthesize supported and unsupported nanoparticle catalysts for CO oxidation. The method is based on the Laser Vaporization/Controlled Condensation (LVCC) technique. The first part of this dissertation presents the vapor phase synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles supported on a variety of oxide supports such as CeO2, TiO2, CuO and MgO.The results indicate that Au nanoparticles supported on CeO2 exhibit higher catalytic activity than Au supported on other oxides. The high activity of the Au/CeO2 catalyst is attributed to the strong interaction of Au with CeO2. The results also indicate that 5% Au loading on CeO2 has higher activity than 2% Au or 10% Au. When comparing the catalytic activity of Au/CeO2 prepared by physical (LVCC) and chemical (deposition-precipitation)methods, it was found that the catalytic activity is higher for Au/CeO2 prepared by the deposition-precipitation method.The effect of alloying Au and Cu nanoparticles on the catalytic activity for low temperature CO oxidation was also investigated. The unsupported Au-Cu alloy nanoparticle catalyst exhibits higher catalytic activity than the activities of the individualcomponents and their physical mixtures. The XRD data of Au-Cu alloy taken after the catalysis test indicates the formation of CuO within the bimetallic nanoparticles, whichimproves the catalytic activity of Au-Cu alloy nanoparticle.The second part of this dissertation investigates the gas phase reactions of Au+ and Cu+ with CO, O2 and H2O molecules using the Laser Vaporization ionization, High-Pressure Mass Spectrometry (LVI-HPMS) technique. The gas phase reactions resulting from the interactions of Au+ with CO and O2 molecules are investigated. Although multiple additions of CO and O2 molecules on Au+ have been observed at room temperature, no evidence was found of the production of CO2. This is attributed to the presence of water molecules which effectively replace the oxygen molecules on Au+ at room temperature.Finally, the role of the metal cations Au+ and Cu+ in initiating the gas phase polymerization of butadiene and isoprene vapors was investigated.

Sulfated low molecular weight lignins (LMWLs) have shown good activity as anticoagulants by allosterically inhibiting thrombin, as well as promising agents for treating emphysema through inhibition of elastolysis, oxidation, and inflammation. Sulfated LMWLs are chemo-enzymatically synthesized from starting monomers caffeic, ferulic, and sinapic acid into sulfated dehydropolymers known as CDS, FDS, and SDS. To further the LMWLs’ development as drugs, their structural composition and physicochemical characteristics were defined in this work. The molecular weight distribution profile of the sulfated LMWLs from size exclusion chromatography performed on a high pressure liquid chromatography system (SEC-HPLC) changed from bimodal when no surfactant is used in the mobile phase of the HPLC to unimodal when surfactant is used in the mobile phase. This indicates that some large molecular weight species, likely an aggregate of smaller molecular weight chains, are disrupted when surfactant is present. The resulting estimates of molecular weight calculated when surfactant is used in the mobile phase resulted in peak average molecular weights of 5700 Da for CDS, 7400 Da for FDS, and 4300 Da for SDS. These molecular weights are 17-45% higher and can be considered more accurate than the previously reported molecular weights (CDS: 3320 Da, FDS: 4120 Da, SDS: 3550 Da) because they were measured directly whereas previous estimates were calculated from GPC-HPLC data of the unsulfated LMWL precursors. Elemental analysis and distribution coefficient measurements were also performed on the LMWL library, revealing information about the level of sulfation and hydrophobic character of the sulfated LMWLs.

In this thesis, I argue that Sophoclean characters take shape through a number of different kinds of interaction. On the most basic level, interaction occurs between characters; interactions between characters, however, provide a framework for interactions between those characters and a variety of more abstract concepts. These interactions, by allowing characters to situate themselves with respect to concepts such as, for example, the social roles which shape the society of the play, provide a more complex picture of the personalities depicted onstage; a fuller view of Antigone’s personality, for example, emerges both from her own interactions with the concept of sisterhood and from the differences between her interactions with that concept and Ismene’s. At the same time, these interactions involve the audience in both the construction and the interpretation of Sophoclean characters; as they watch figures interact with each other onstage, the audience, in turn, interact with their own prior knowledge of the concepts which drive the characters of a play. In my five chapters, I discuss five different areas of interaction. In my first chapter, I look at interactions between characters and myth, arguing that Sophoclean characters emerge out of a tension between novelty and familiarity. In my second chapter, I discuss the interactions between characters and their social roles, looking at the problem of appropriate role performance as it applies to Sophoclean characters. My third chapter deals with characters and their memories; I argue that Sophoclean characters shape and are shaped by their memories of past events depending on shifting present circumstances. In my fourth chapter, I discuss the interactions between characters and the passage of time and suggest that Sophoclean figures are characterized by the ways in which they move through time and respond to its passage. In my final chapter, I look at the use of general statements by Sophoclean characters, arguing that the ability of characters to generalize successfully provides a useful measure of their ability to function in the world of the play.

Cette thèse fait partie du projet FLUXOBAT (ANR-PRECODD 2008), qui a pour objectif global de développer une méthodologie robuste et fiable d4estimation des transferts de Composés Organiques Volatils (COV) du milieu souterrain vers l4air intérieur et extérieur. Ce travail concerne l4étude à l4échelle du laboratoire des transferts d4un COV type, le trichloréthylène (TCE), au travers d4un sol modèle (sable) et surtout du béton, en conditions isothermes et pour des milieux secs. Les moyens utilisés sont la modélisation numérique et une série d4expériences en laboratoire. Une étude préliminaire reproduisant des expériences existant dans la littérature dans le sable uniquement, a tout d4abord permis de mettre en place les outils expérimentaux et numériques nécessaires à la modélisation du problème, avant la réalisation de l4étude sur le matériau béton, bien plus complexe. L4étude des transferts dans le béton a été divisée en plusieurs étapes. Dans un premier temps, les transferts dans la pâte de ciment, plus homogène, ont été caractérisés. En particulier, la valeur du coefficient de sorption du TCE dans ce matériau a été obtenue à l4aide du suivi expérimental de la réponse à un « pulse » de polluant. Puis, les paramètres caractéristiques (porosité, perméabilité, ouverture des fissures, coefficient de diffusion effectif) des échantillons tests de « béton complet » ont été mesurés. Un protocole de caractérisation complète des galettes de béton a été mis au point, associé à la création d4un dispositif permettant la mise en place d4expériences de transferts du TCE (composé dont l4étude est complexifiée par son caractère particulièrement agressif) et applicables à tout milieu poreux consolidé. La problématique de l4hétérogénéité du béton, due à la présence de granulats et de fissures, a été traitée afin de proposer des équations de transfert moyennées donnant une meilleure description des transferts. Les conditions d4un cas de pollution « réel » ont été reproduites à l4échelle du laboratoire, sur un modèle réduit, dans une colonne de sable surmontée d4une galette de béton et d4une cavité en dépression représentant un bâtiment, pour étudier les transferts de TCE et valider la caractérisation développée dans l4étude. Les expériences de transferts réalisées sont reproductibles, ont été interprétées numériquement (sous Comsol multiphysics®), et ont permis de confirmer la pertinence de la simulation des transferts à l4aide de la caractérisation développée dans cette étude. Ce travail a permis de mettre, en particulier, en évidence l4importance de la caractérisation fine du béton, dont les propriétés et l4hétérogénéité sont des facteurs très influents sur les transferts, qui ne peuvent pas être décrits correctement avec des modèles analytiques simplifiés. Les résultats comportent l4estimation des paramètres caractérisant les transferts de COV dans le béton, et une compréhension fine des transferts du TCE dans ce matériau. / This thesis is part of the project FLUXOBAT (ANR-PRECODD 2008), which has the overall objective to develop, a robust and reliable methodology for estimating the transfer of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from the soil to the indoor and outdoor air. This work concerns the study, at laboratory scale, of a typical VOC, the Trichlorethylene (TCE), transfer through a model soil (sand) and through the concrete material, under isothermal and dry conditions. Methods used include numerical modeling and a series of laboratory experiments. A preliminary study replicating experiences existing in the literature, with sand only, was first implemented to develop the tools necessary for experimental and numerical modeling of the problem, before the completion of the study with the concrete material, although more complex. The study of transfers in concrete has been divided into several stages. Initially, the transfers in the cement paste, more homogeneous, have been characterized. In particular, the value of the sorption coefficient of TCE in this material was obtained using the experimental response to a "pulse" of pollutant. Then the characteristic parameters (porosity, permeability, crack opening, effective diffusion coefficient) of "complete concrete" test samples were measured. A protocol for complete characterization of concrete slabs has been developed, associated with the creation of a device for the implementation of TCE transfer experiences (compound whose study is complicated by its very aggressive character) and applicable to any consolidated porous medium. The problem of heterogeneity of concrete, due to the presence of aggregates and cracks, has been treated to propose averaged transfer equations, giving a better description of the transfers. The conditions of a "real" pollution incident were reproduced in laboratory, modeled by a sand column topped by a concrete slab and a vacuum cavity representative of a building, in order to study the transfer of TCE and validate the characterization developed in the study. The transfer experiments are reproducible, were numerically interpreted (with COMSOL Multiphysics®), and have confirmed the relevance of the transfer simulation using the characterization developed in this study. This work has enabled, in particular, to highlight the importance of detailed characterization of the concrete, which properties and heterogeneity are exceedingly influential on transfers, and which cannot be described correctly with simplified analytical models. The results include the estimation of parameters characterizing the transfer of VOCs into the concrete, and a keen understanding of transfer of TCE in this material.

Les différents processus de dégradation des structures de génie civil induisent une micro, puis macro- fissuration du béton. Celle-ci génère alors une réduction des propriétés mécaniques de l'ouvrage et, à terme, sa perte d'étanchéité. Il est donc nécessaire de fournir des informations quant à la présence et à la taille de fissures pour procéder aux réparations nécessaires et conserver l'intégrité de l'ouvrage. Dans un premier temps, le contrôle du béton ainsi que la morphologie de la fissure réelle sont présentés. La notion de contacts entre ses lèvres est introduite pour définir la problématique de sa caractérisation. La bibliographie montre que les méthodes acoustiques standards ne sont pas adaptées à la caractérisation d'une fissure dans le béton. Deux pistes sont alors identifiées : les ultrasons diffus et l'acoustique non linéaire. Nous présentons dans un second temps la caractérisation de la fissure par analyse du transport de l'énergie suivant une équation de diffusion. Les paramètres associés (diffusivité et dissipation) sont déterminés expérimentalement sur des éprouvettes fissurées sur différentes profondeurs. Nous introduisons et définissons le temps d'arrivée du maximum de l'énergie (ATME) qui s'avère être le paramètre le plus sensible à la partie ouverte d'une fissure. Son évolution au regard des incertitudes de mesure ne permet toutefois pas de caractériser totalement la partie fermée. Une simulation numérique en différences finies est réalisée. Elle met en évidence le rôle des contacts au sein de la partie fermée de la fissure et confirme les observations expérimentales. / The various processes of deterioration of the building structures lead to a micro and macro-cracking of the concrete. Consequently, the mechanical properties of the structure are reduced and, eventually, the building is no longer airtight. It is therefore necessary to supply information regarding the presence and size of cracks to carry out the necessary repairs and keep the integrity of the structure. First, the control of concrete as well as the morphology of the actual crack are presented. The notion of contacts between its lips is introduced to define the problem of its characterization. The bibliography shows that the standard acoustic methods are not adapted for characterizing of a crack in concrete. Two tracks are then identified: the diffuse ultrasound and the nonlinear acoustics. Subsequently, we present the characterization of the crack by analyzing the transport of the energy with a diffusion equation. The associated parameters (diffusivity and dissipation) are experimentally determined on test tubes cracked at different depths. We introduce and define the arrival time of the maximum energy (ATME), which turns out to be the most sensitive parameter to the open part of a crack. Its evolution with regard to the measurement uncertainties does not allow a full characterization of the closed part. A digital modeling in finite differences is performed. It highlights the role of the contacts within the closed part of the crack and confirms the experimental observations. Then, we present the nonlinear acoustics and the associated methods applied to concrete.