This study has examined reader reviews that focuses on the novel Fifty shades of Grey. Through discourse analysis and the theories of Magnus Persson and Judith Butler the study has answered the question about why the readers read romance and erotica from their own point of view. The study aims to add tot he librarians ”critical look” based in gender theory and criticaltheory about literary taste when it comes to making selection choices. This study shows that the readers mainly verifies Butler`s heterosexual matrix by appealing to a heteronormative discourse and Perssons explanations as to why women read romance, i.e in a way more focused on feelings opposed to the more male and academically coded intellectual perspective, although there are some exceptions, for example interpretations that allows for a more disruptive gender reading. There are also examples of readers who have a more distanced and intellectual reading.

This thesis presents novel research work on copyright protection of grey scale and colour digital images. New blind frequency domain watermarking algorithms using one dimensional and two dimensional Walsh coding were developed. Handwritten signatures and mobile phone numbers were used in this project as watermarks. In this research eight algorithms were developed based on the DCT using 1D and 2D Walsh coding. These algorithms used the low frequency coefficients of the 8 × 8 DCT blocks for embedding. A shuffle process was used in the watermarking algorithms to increase the robustness against the cropping attacks. All algorithms are blind since they do not require the original image. All algorithms caused minimum distortion to the host images and the watermarking is invisible. The watermark is embedded in the green channel of the RGB colour images. The Walsh coded watermark is inserted several times by using the shuffling process to improve its robustness. The effect of changing the Walsh lengths and the scaling strength of the watermark on the robustness and image quality were studied. All algorithms are examined by using several grey scale and colour images of sizes 512 × 512. The fidelity of the images was assessed by using the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), the structural similarity index measure (SSIM), normalized correlation (NC) and StirMark benchmark tools. The new algorithms were tested on several grey scale and colour images of different sizes. Evaluation techniques using several tools with different scaling factors have been considered in the thesis to assess the algorithms. Comparisons carried out against other methods of embedding without coding have shown the superiority of the algorithms. The results have shown that use of 1D and 2D Walsh coding with DCT Blocks offers significant improvement in the robustness against JPEG compression and some other image processing operations compared to the method of embedding without coding. The originality of the schemes enables them to achieve significant robustness compared to conventional non-coded watermarking methods. The new algorithms offer an optimal trade-off between perceptual distortion caused by embedding and robustness against certain attacks. The new techniques could offer significant advantages to the digital watermark field and provide additional benefits to the copyright protection industry.

Today’s power systems are based on a centralised system and distribution networks that are considered as passive terminations of transmission networks. The high penetration of Distributed Generation (DG) at the distribution network level has created many challenges for this structure. New tools and simulation approaches are required to address the subject and to quantify the dynamic characteristics of the system. A distribution network or part of it with DG, Active Distribution Network Cell (ADNC), can no longer be considered as passive. An equivalent dynamic model of ADNC is therefore extremely important, as it enables power system operators to quickly estimate the impact of disturbances on the power system’s dynamic behaviour. A dynamic equivalent model works by reducing both the complexity of the distribution network and the computation time required to run a full dynamic simulation. It offers a simple and low-order representation of the system without compromising distribution network dynamic characteristics and behaviour as seen by the external grid. This research aims to develop a dynamic equivalent model for ADNC. It focuses on the development of an equivalent model by exploiting system identification theory, i.e. the grey-box approach. The first part of the thesis gives a comprehensive overview and background of the dynamic equivalent techniques for power systems. The research was inspired by previous work on system identification theory. It further demonstrates the theoretical concept of system identification, system load modelling and the modelling of major types of DG. An equivalent model is developed, guided by the assumed structure of the system. The problem of equivalent model development is then formulated under a system identification framework, and the parameter estimation methodology is proposed. The validation results of the effectiveness and accuracy of the developed model are presented. This includes the estimation of the parameter model using a clustering algorithm to improve the computational performance and the analysis of transformer impedance effects on the ADNC responses. The evaluation of probability density function, eigenvalue analysis and parameter sensitivity analysis for the model parameters are also presented. Typical model parameters for different network topologies and configurations are identified. Finally, the developed equivalent model is used for a large power system application. The accuracy and robustness of the developed equivalent model are demonstrated under small and large disturbance studies for various types of fault and different fault locations.

This diploma thesis deals with the creation of penetration of cast iron with graphite casting cast into bentonite molds. In the first part of the thesis is theoretically described the formation of penetration, its main causes, consequences and the elimination of this defect. The second part analyzes the causes of the defect with the Minitab statistical software and shows the possible connections of the input materials to the occurrence of the defect. Next, the experimental finding of the cause of the defect, which is focused on the measurement of the pressures in the form of the casting, is devoted to it.

This qualitative study examines young adults’ expectations and experiences of consent and pleasure which result in a grey area. Based on focus groups and one-on-one interviews with 18 to 25-year-old women and men, I explore various experiences of consensual sex ranging from clearly consensual and pleasurable, consensual yet mediocre experiences, and those which reflect a grey area of consent. Whereas best and simply mediocre sex are characterized by clear feelings of consent, the grey area involves sex that is felt as less than fully consensual but not quite as sexual assault. I apply theories of expectation states, compulsory heterosexuality, and sexual script theories to the findings of this research to argue that adherence to traditional gender norms of heterosexual behaviour lead to greater social importance given to men’s needs for sexual pleasure. These inequalities and expectations surrounding sexual behaviour lead to feeling constrained in one’s ability to negotiate and interpret feelings of desire and consent, resulting in a grey area.

Då klimatförändringarna runt om i världen accelererar med torka så behöver man under regnperioder ta tillvara på dag- och gråvatten istället för att släppa ut det i dagvattensystemet. I Örebro, Sverige, finns en byggnad vid namn Citypassagen, som använder sig av ett system som spolar toaletter med uppsamlat regnvatten. Att spara dagvatten och använda som spolvatten är en smart lösning på vattenbrist, det kan dock föra in risker in i byggnaden som skulle kunna smitta människor som befinner sig vid och använder toaletterna. Detta tillsammans med riskerna vid gråvattenanvändning undersöks närmare i den här rapporten, samt att det undersöks om implementering av ett sådant system som använder dag- och gråvattnet för toalettspolning kan vara energieffektivt.Rapporten kommer fram till att det främst är bakterier och patogener som skulle kunna orsaka smitta hos människor vid användning av dessa dag- och gråvattenspolande toaletter, då de kan förekomma som aerosoler medan de andra undersökta områdena inte kan förekomma som aerosoler. Det fastställs även att energibesparing kan göras med ett spolvattensystem som använder sig av regnvatten då reningen inte kommer att bli lika omfattande som vid ett traditionellt reningsverk. Slutsatsen är att risker som legionella pneumophila kan smitta som aerosoler. Andra smittorisker är E-coli, Cryptosporidium och Giardia, patogener som kan återfinnas i gråvatten. Energibesparingar kan främst göras vid reningsprocessen, då samma rigorösa reningsprocess som återfinns i reningsverk inte krävs. / With accelerating climate change bringing droughts around the world, the necessity to use urban runoff and grey water as a resource grows. In Örebro, Sweden, there is a building called Citypassagen, which uses a system of collected rainwater for flushing of toilets. To use urban runoff for toilet flushing is a smart solution to shortage of water availability, though it can also mean the exposure of health risks to people who use the toilets. These risks, accompanied by the risks of grey water usage, are examined in this report, and also if the implementation of a system that uses urban runoff and grey water for toilet flushing can be viewed as a means to energy savings.This report finds that bacteria and pathogens are the primary source of potential infection when using urban runoff or grey water flushing toilets, because of their ability to occur as aerosols, unlike the other examined risks. It is also established that energy savings can be made with a flushing system that uses rainwater, because the purification process is not as extensive compared to the process used in a traditional treatment plant. The conclusion is that risks such as legionella pneumophila can infect as an aerosol. Other risks of infection are E-coli, Cryptosporidium and Giardia, pathogens that can be traced in grey water. Energy savings can primarily be achieved in the purification process, because the same rigorous process used in traditional treatment plants is not necessary.

Acoustic emissions are small vibration pulses, elastic waves, emitted from damage processes such as crack growth inside a material. Acoustic emission (AE) is also the name of the test method in which theses emissions are recorded and analysed and the method is used in materials research and the testing and inspection of structures. At Scania, a large manufacturer of trucks and buses, previous attempts to implement this technique has been unsuccessful due to the fact that the hydraulic rigs in which the material typically is tested, produce a high background noise level, that covers the interesting emissions from the material.In this thesis two materials, a grey iron and a carbon fiber reinforced polymer were tested in a hydraulic rig at Scania. Since the material signal was buried in the noise, the entire waveform was recorded, which is an unusual approach, since it generates large amounts of data. It was shown that using frequency analysis, it is possible to extract the material emissions in spite of the hydraulic noise. That fact makes it possible to follow the internal processes of the material leading up to failure, which means new interesting opportunities in materials testing at Scania. / Akustisk emission är små elastiska vågor som bland annat kommer från processer i ett material, såsom spricktillväxt. Akustisk emission (AE) är namnet på den testmetod där dessa vibrationer registreras och analyseras. Metoden används i materialprovning och för att testa och inspektera komponenter, såsom tryckkärl. På Scania, en stor tillverkare av lastbilar och bussar, har tidigare undersökningar för att implementera denna teknik på utmattning inte lyckats. Anledningen ligger i att de hydrauliska riggarna som testningen vanligtvis sker i, typiskt sett genererar ett bakgrundsljud som skymmer den intressanta signalen från materialet. I detta examensarbete testades två typer av material, gråjärn och en kolfiberarmerad komposit, i en hydraulisk rigg på Scania. Eftersom de akustiska emissionerna från materialet gömdes i bakgrunden användes metoden att spara ner hela vågformen för signalen, vilket är ovanligt eftersom detta innebär att mycket stora mängder data måste sparas. Det visade sig genom frekvensanalys vara möjligt att extrahera de akustiska emissionerna från materialet, trots det hydrauliska bruset. Det faktum att det är möjligt att följa de processerna inuti materialet, som föregår brottet, öppnar upp nya intressanta möjligheter för materialprovning på Scania.

This thesis presents a grey-box model of the temperature and moisture content for each layer of the multi-ply paperboard inside the drying section of a paper mill. The distribution of the moisture inside the board is an important variable for the board quality, but is unfortunately not measured on-line. The main goal of this work is a model that predicts the moisture evolution during the drying, to be used by operators and process engineers as an estimation of the unmeasurable variables inside the drying section. Drying of carton board is a complex and nonlinear process. The physical phenomena are not entirely understood and the drying depends on a number of unknown parameters and unmodelled or unmeasurable features. The grey-box modelling approach, which consists in using the available measurements to estimate the unknown disturbances, is therefore a suitable approach for modelling the drying section. A major problem encountered with the modelling of the drying section is the lack of measurements to validate the model. Consequently, the correctness and uniqueness of the estimated variables and parameters are not guaranteed. We therefore carry out observability and identifiability analyses and the results suggest that the selected model structure is observable and identifiable under the assumption that specific measurements are available. Based on this analysis, static measurements in the drying section are carried out to identify the parameters of the model. The parameters are identified using one data set and the results are validated with other data sets. We finally simulate the model dynamics to investigate if predicting the final board properties on-line is feasible. Since only the final board temperature and moisture content are measured on-line, the variables and parameters are neither observable nor identifiable. We therefore regard the predictions as an approximation of the estimated variables. The semiphysical model is complemented with a nonlinear Kalman filter to estimate the unmeasured inputs and the unmodelled disturbances. Data simulations show a good prediction of the final board temperature and moisture content at the end of the drying section. The model could therefore possibly be used by operators and process engineers as an indicator of the board temperature and moisture inside the drying section. / QC 20101112

Doctor Educationis / The fungus Botrytis cinerea is an opportunistic pathogen on a wide variety of crops, causing a disease known as grey mould through infections via wounds or dead plant parts. Synthetic fungicides for controlling this disease are fast becoming ineffective due to the development of resistance. This, coupled with consumers' world wide becoming increasingly conscious of potential environmental and health problems associated with the build-up of toxic chemicals, (particularly in food products), have resulted in pressure to reduce the use of chemical pesticide volumes as well as its residues. An emerging alternative to random chemical synthesis is the study and exploitation of naturally occurring products with fungicidal properties. One group of compounds known as strobilurins produced by Strobilurus species, woodland basidiomycete fungi, is a good example of this phenomenon. Plants produce an enormous array of secondary metabolites, and it is commonly reasoned that a significant part of this chemical diversity serves to protect plants against plant pathogens. A problem with plant-produced compounds as potential fungicides is that in the natural state, they are generally only weakly active compared to synthetic fungicides. There have been reports on the uses of mixtures of synthetic fungicides for the control of plant pathogenic fungi. When utilized in two-way mixtures, such fungicides may maintain or enhance the level of control of a pathogen at reduced rates for both components utilized in combinations, or alone at normal rates. These studies provide an important precedent for the idea of synergism. For this study, we hypothesize that the addition of plant extracts may enhance the antifungal efficacy of the synthetic strobilurin fungicide, kresoxim-rnethyl against B. cinerea. We selected South African medicinal plant species such as Artemesia afra, Elyptropappus rhinocerotis, Galenia africana, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, Siphonochilus aetheopicus, Sutherlundia frutescence, Tulbaghia violacea and Tulbaghia alliaceae for this study. For the in vitro study, indigenous medicinal plant extracts were prepared at twofold dilution concentrations and combined with kresoxim-rnethyl at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.5% (w/v). The B. cinerea mycelial plug assays showed potent antifungal inhibitory effects with the plant extract and kresoxim-rnethyl mixtures. Further analyses of the mixtures indicate synergistic effects between the fungicide and plant extracts. I surmise that these in vitro effects are also achievable in vivo. Combinations of these agents represent an attractive avenue for the development of new management strategies for controlling B. cinerea in the future. A second study was conducted to analyse the final dose rates for synergistic reactions for combinations of kresoxim-methyl and medicinal plant extracts against B. cinerea in vivo. A series of two-fold concentrations of medicinal plant extracts were combined with kresoxim-methyl to conduct decay inhibition studies on Granny Smith apples. Synergistic effects were observed for many of the kresoxim-methyl and plant extract combinations. I, therefore, came to the conclusion that indigenous South African plant species produce modulators that potentiate the activity of fungicides. Whether these synergistic effects are due to the inhibition of fungal multi-drug resistant pumps require further studies at the molecular level. However, these inhibitory effects are likely to be advantageous for developing fungicide formulations and application strategies with low toxicity effects on the environment. This approach not only makes it possible to reduce fungicide concentrations while maintaining adequate decay control, but also ensures a reduction of the chemical residue on the fruit.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Pesticides are designed to control or eliminate pests such as insects, rodents, weeds, bacteria, and fungi. They are used at a global scale for agricultural produce. Although pesticides playa significant role in increasing food production and eliminating diseases, exposure to pesticides may be harmful to non-target organisms. As a result concern over safety and resistance to pesticides has increased and there is pressure to reduce use and search for more environmentally and toxicologically safe and efficacious pesticides. Most pesticides currently in use are synthetic; therefore an alternative to synthetic pesticides is the use of naturally occurring products! botanicals with pesticidal properties. Two plants indigenous to South African with pesticidal properties were chosen for this study. Dicerothamnus rhinocerotis (D. rhinocerotis) and Galenia africana (G. africana) have potential antifungal properties thus, may have potential use on agricultural produce as fungicides. Galenia africana and D. rhinocerotis extracts inhibit growth of B. cinerea (a fungal pathogen) at concentrations greater than 31.25 mg/ml and 125mg/ml respectively. A major consideration in approving pesticides for use is whether they pose an unreasonable risk to humans and to the environment. Toxicity studies are required to determine the safety of the plant extracts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential toxicity of ethanol extracts of D. rhinocerotis and G. africana, which is important when designing practices to reduce or eliminate excess exposure to them. Natural plant products with pesticidal properties could provide an alternative to synthetic pesticides and may thus effectively reduce resistance levels. This first objective of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity of D. rhinocerotis and G. africana on human cell cultures. Human whole blood and the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) were treated with varying concentrations of the plant extracts and cytotoxicity determined. Cytotoxicity was measured using several biomarkers. Inhibiotory concentration for a 50% effect (ICso) and no observable effect level (NOEL) values were obtained for D. rhinocerotis and G. africana. The results showed that extracts of D. rhinocerotis and G. africana had cytotoxic effects on the cell cultures. The second objective of this study was to determine the ecotoxicity of D. rhinocerotis and G. africana. A series of acute toxicity tests, with effective concentration for a 50% effect (ECso) and lethal concentration for a 50% effect (LCso) as biomarkers, were conducted to estimate the potential environmental effect of the two plants. The tests were carried out using Vibrio fischeri, Selenastrum capricornutum, Daphnia pulex, and Poecilia reticulata as bioindicators. Results obtained showed that G. africana had higher toxicity units than D. rhinocerotis, thus showing that G. africana is more toxic to the aquatic species used as compared to D. rhinocerotis. The third objective of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of the two plant extracts. This was achieved by using mouse spleen cell cultures. Exposure of pesticides to the immune system may result in alteration of the normal immune functions. The cytokines IFN-y and IL-4 were used as biomarkers to determine the T-cell activity of the immune system when exposed to the two botanical products. The results obtained showed that both D. rhinocerotis and G. africana decrease of the cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-y) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), thus may have immunotoxic effects. The fourth objective was to investigate the hepatotoxicity of the two plant extracts. Injury to the liver was investigated using a range of clinical biochemical tests that monitor liver enzyme activity and metabolic activity. Primary liver cell cultures were exposed to the plant products in question, after which the biochemical tests were carried out. The enzymes that were monitored were alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The results obtained showed that both of D. rhinocerotis and G. africana may have effects on the liver, as shown by the increased levels of enzymes released from cells upon exposure to plant extracts. The final objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the two plants on the male reproductive system. Injury to the male reproductive system was investigated using testicular cell cultures. Primary cell cultures were stimulated with luteinizing-hormone (LH) and exposed to the plant extracts. LH results in the production of testosterone, thus testosterone was used as a biomarker for assessing reproductive toxicity. The results obtained showed that both of D. rhinocerotis and G. africana have effects on the male reproductive system, as shown by the decreased testosterone secretion. Botanicals provide a simple, inexpensive and environmentally friendly (non-pollution and lesser toxicological concerns) alternative for pest control. However, motivation for the commercial use of botanicals as pesticides requires validating the efficacy of the plant as a pesticide, and also assessing its effects on human health and the environment. An important component of this evaluation involves toxicity studies, which enables cautions of dangerous practices and toxic effects of the plants to be issued.