Detta arbete försöker undersöka och lyfta fram frågor som berör estetik, d.v.s. den intuitiva varseblivningen. Betoningen på kroppens intuitiva varseblivning kan i dag ses som ett fenomen inom nutida konst och somatisk filosofi. Mitt arbete behandlar frågan om varför människans förmåga att uppleva affekt, stark sinnesrörelse, riskerar att sina i ett samhälle med en allt snabbare teknologisk utveckling och ett dominerande fokus på den yttre representationen. I mitt teoretiska perspektiv vill jag belysa denna fråga via en nutida pragmatisk filosofi kallad ”somaestetik”. Min metod är att sätta denna filosofi i relation till en nutida videokonstnär, Pipilotti Rist, och hennes sätt att arbeta med den intuitiva varseblivningen. Genom att belysa hennes verk: Gravity, Be My Friend och Sip My Ocean utifrån min egen upplevelse och via tolkandet av två böcker: Pipilotti Rist Grattis! och Pipilotti Rist vilka även innehåller hennes egna intentionsbeskrivningar av hennes verk: Open My Glade, belyser jag frågan hur hon med sina drömlika videoinstallationer utforskar kroppen, våra ritualer och tabun. Mitt gestaltningsarbete är ett försök att i samarbete med dansare undersöka den intuitiva varseblivningen ur ett somaestetiskt perspektiv. I min inledning vill jag skildra min egen konstupplevelse av Pipilotti Rists verk: Gravity, Be My Friend på Magasin 3 i Stockholm våren 2007. Uppsatsen består sedan av en del där jag försöker tolka den pragmatiske filosofen Richard Shustermans böcker Performing Live och Pragmatic Aesthetics. Jag definierar estetiken som begrepp och preciserar vad som menas med somaestetik, dess syfte och innehåll. Utifrån Shustermans resonemang beskriver jag sedan fenomen inom samhället som bidragit till att fragmentarisera den moderna människans upplevelse och utarma affektens betydelse. Enligt honom utgör ”dikotomier”, som den traditionella uppdelningen mellan kropp och själ med premiering av den själsligt/andliga aspekten, dominerande faktorer i vår moderna tid inom många områden, som konst, filosofi, sociologi, religion och politik men som vi nu verkar stå inför en uppgörelse med. Med detta som utgångspunkt diskuterar jag sedan videokonst producerad av Pipilotti Rist utifrån min tolkning av två böcker: Pipilotti Rist samt Pipilotti Rist Grattis! Min analys och slutdiskussion är ett försök att definiera eventuella beröringspunkter mellan somaestetik och samtida medierad konst representerad av Rist, samt ställa frågor kring konstens roll i framtiden. / <p>BI/Konst</p>

Zugl.: Braunschweig, Hochsch. für Bildende Künste, Diss., 2005

Denna uppsats diskuterar Julia Kristevas begrepp det semiotiska i Pipilotti Rists audiovideoinstallation Tyngdkraft, var min vän, som visades på Magasin 3, Stockholm konsthall, 2007. Verket består av ett rum med upphöjda mattskulpturer där betraktaren kan ta av sig skorna och lägga sig ned för att ta del av två filmer som visas i taket ovanför matthögarna. Största delen av filmerna utspelar sig under vattenytan där en kvinna och en androgyn man utforskar ett universum fyllt av sinlighet, närvaro, lekfullhet, kropp, drifter och lugn -ett paradis fyllt av växtlighet och där tyngkraften ibland minskat. Bilder i starka färger och ljus, kaleidoskopiska formationer och ett till viss del uppbrutet bildspråk, möter åskådaren. Det semiotiska beskrivs av Kristeva som den driftsmässiga dimensionen av språket som är kopplat till ett förspråkligt stadium hos det preoidipala barnet innan det hunnit utvecklats till ett eget subjekt. Med detta menar hon den värld nära moderskroppen som barnet befinner sig i och där en icke-språklig kommunikation sker mellan mor och barn. Dock står denna värld inte helt utan lag och ordning eftersom modern (och barnet) alltid befinner sig under en viss språklig och kulturell lagbundenhet, kallad den symboliska ordningen, vilken kommer in även i det semiotiska. Det semiotiska och det symboliska är därför nära kopplade till varandra och kan inte existera utan varandra. Det semiotiska lever kvar även efter att det lilla barnet utvecklats till ett subjekt och trätt in i den språkliga, symboliska ordningen. Detta visar sig som semiotiska spår i bland annat konsten, och när det kommer till språket ser vi det främst i poesin, som är ett mindre lagbundet språk som rör sig i gränslandet mellan det semiotiska och det symboliska. Eftersom Tyngdkraft, var min vän inte innehåller något talat eller skrivet språk görs i uppsatsen en koppling mellan detta verk och det semiotiska genom utforskandet av olika element i verket. Dessa element är tyngdkraften, jorden, vattnet, bildspråket, upprepningen, rytmen, moderskroppen, paradiset, affekterna och drifterna samt gränslandet natur och kultur.

The reliable internet stream transport (RIST) protocol is used for streaming video over the internet and requires time synchronisation to ensure that each frame is played out at the correct time. One method to ensure time synchronisation today in RIST productions is by utilizing the network time protocol (NTP). NTP has several issues and requirements that makes it a not ideal time synchronisation method in RIST productions and this thesis proposes a dynamic average time synchronisation (DATS) method as an option for using NTP in RIST productions. The DATS method uses a two-way synchronisation scheme to estimate the time offset between a video sender node and a video receiver node which is added to an average used as the time offset value. Additionally, it is explored whether or not a Kalman filter can further increase performance in DATS. Furthermore, the Kalman filter parameters were attempted to be optimized with a genetic algorithm. With a simulated \textit{testsrc FFmpeg} stream, the performance of DATS is evaluated and compared with the NTP implementation \textit{Chrony}. The metrics used in the evaluation was the playout delay and the error in time synchronisation which were calculated by periodical messages between a sender and receiver node. The results reveal that DATS performs slightly better without a Kalman filter but is slightly less robust without it. The results also indicated that DATS is comparable to NTP in an unloaded network, but is outperformed by NTP in a congested network.

La théorie présentée ici est issue d'années d'enseignement de l'analyse au niveau pré-universitaire en utilisant d'abord le concept d'infiniment petit, tel que défini dans l'analyse nonstandard de Robinson, puis ensuite d'ultrapetit, tel que défini dans notre travail en collaboration avec Hrbacek et Lessmann et présenté en annexe. A la suite de ces recherches, s'est posée la question : Si l'on a à disposition des quantités finies mais ultragrandes, est-il possible de se passer de quantités dites infinies ? La théorie alternative des ensembles de Vopěnka est une théorie avec des ensembles finis et des classes qui, elles, peuvent être infinies. La théorie des objets est le résultat d'un mélange de certains axiomes de Vopěnka avec des axiomes déterminant des niveaux de visibilité tels que dans l'analyse relative. On s'est donné comme premier principe : $x\subseteq y\Rightarrow x\sqsubseteq y$ qui spécifie que si l'objet $x$ est inclus dans l'objet $y$, alors $x$ "paraît" au niveau de $y$. Cette affirmation serait fausse avec des quantités infinies ; elle est néanmoins une caractérisation des ensembles finis : cela est bien connu en analyse nonstandard. L'introduction de ce principe comme point de départ est donc une affirmation forte que les objets devront être finis au sens habituel de ce terme. L'autre axiome fondateur ici est le schéma d'axiomes d'induction de Gordon et Andreev : Si $\Phi$ est une formule, et si $\Phi(\emptyset)$ est vrai et que $\Phi(x)$ et $\Phi(y)$ impliquent $\Phi(x\cup\{y\})$, alors $\Phi(x)$ est vrai pour tout $x$. Un accent particulier est mis sur le concept de formules dites contextuelles. Ce concept est une de nos contributions à l'analyse relative de Hrbacek et détermine les formules bien formées. On montre que le système qui en résulte est relativement cohérent avec la théorie FRIST de Hrbacek et la théorie RIST de Péraire qui sont elles-mêmes des extensions conservatives de ZFC. La théorie des objets est une extension de la théorie des ensembles de Zermelo et Fraenkel sans axiome du choix et négation de l'axiome de l'infini. Les nombres entiers et rationnels sont définis et ces derniers sont munis de relations d'ultraproximité. Une ébauche d'une construction de "grains numériques" est présentée : ces nombres pourraient avoir des propriétés suffisamment semblables aux nombres réels pour permettre de faire de l'analyse. / The theory presented here stemmed from years of teaching analysis at pre-university level first using the concept of infinitesimal as defined in nonstandard analysis by Robinson, then the concept of ultrasmall as defined in our joint work with Hrbacek and Lessmann presented in the appendix. This research led to the question : If one has finite yet ultralarge quantities, is it possible to avoid infinite quantities ? The alternative set theory of Vopěnka is a theory of finite sets including classes that can be infinite. The theory of objects is a merger of certain axioms of Vopěnka with axioms that determine levels of visibility as in relative analysis. We took as first principle : $x\subseteq y\Rightarrow x\sqsubseteq y$, which specifies that if object $x$ is included in object $y$, then $x$ "appears" at the level of $y$. This statement would be false with infinite quantities and is in fact a characterisation of finite sets : this is a well-known theorem of nonstandard analysis. The introduction of this principle as starting point is making a strong point that all objects will be finite - in the usual sense of the word. The other founding axiom is Gordon and Andreev's axiom schema : If $\Phi$ is a formula, and if $\Phi(\emptyset)$ is true and that $\Phi(x)$ and $\Phi(y)$ imply $\Phi(x\cup\{y\})$, then $\Phi(x)$ is true for all $x$. An emphasis is made on the concept of contextual formulae. This concept is one of our contributions to relative analysis of Hrbacek and determines an equivalence to well-formed formulae. We show that the resulting system is relatively consistent with Hrbacek's FRIST and Péraire's RIST which are conservative extensions of ZFC. The theory of objects extends set theory of Zermelo and Fraenkel without choice and with negation of the infinity axiom. Integers and rationals are defined and endowed with an ultraproximity relation. A draft of a construction of "numeric grains" is presented : these numbers could prove to have properties sufficiently similar to real numbers to allow to perform analysis.

Composed exclusively in the last decade, Joshua Rist's works have received significant performances by numerous high-profile ensembles including prominent high school, collegiate, and community choirs. Although conductors continue to program his works with increased frequency, minimal scholarly work is published about this music and its composer. The quality of Rist's body of work coupled with a scarcity of scholarly research provides opportunity for further study. Closer examination of Rist's works could provide a framework for conductors who perform his music. This study provides background and bibliographic information on the composer. It contains a review of choral works by Rist highlighting critical elements within each work that provide a framework for future performances of his works. This dissertation identifies stylistic characteristics that define Rist's compositional style. Additionally, it highlights the evolution of Rist's artistic growth and development.

Problem: Gestational obesity and insulin resistance pose a significant threat to the future health of our population. Mothers and children of these metabolically maladaptive pregnancies experience extensive morbidity and mortality. This study characterized postprandial insulin sensitivity in female Sprague Dawley rats at 5-days and 15-days gestation. Based on these findings, a model of gestational obesity was developed using 35% sucrose supplementation (SS). The efficacy of a preventative and a therapeutic intervention at modulating sucrose-induced gestational insulin resistance in Sprague Dawley rats was elucidated. Methods: Insulin sensitivity in the post-prandial state includes insulin-dependent and Hepatic Insulin Sensitizing Substance (HISS)-dependent components, and can be characterized with the Rapid Insulin Sensitivity Test (RIST). HISS is a putative hepatic factor released in the fed-state that selectively increases glucose uptake in skeletal muscle, kidney and heart. In the first phase of this study, the effects of insulin were assessed in pregnant animals (5 and 15-days gestation) and their virgin controls. Groups of 15-day gestation and virgin animals had SS for 8-weeks (with a 2-week recovery), 10-weeks or 22-weeks. Half of all of the 10-week SS animals were treated with either SAMEC (given chronically, containing S-adenosyl-methionine, vitamin C and vitamin E) or BENAC (given once the night before the acute study, containing bethanechol chloride and n-acetyl-l-cysteine). Body weight, weight gained over the gestational period, fat pad mass, post-prandial glycemia, plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations were measured in all groups. Results: 5-days gestation was associated with preserved direct insulin action and increased HISS-dependent insulin action. 15-days gestation was associated with a mixed insulin resistance: both direct and HISS-dependent insulin action were reduced. SS in these pregnant and virgin rats eliminated HISS-dependent insulin action, associated with hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia and obesity. In the SS group given 8-weeks of sucrose (then a 2-week recovery), virgins spontaneously partially recovered HISSdependent insulin action. At 15-days gestation, recovery was complete with reductions in plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations, and normalization of body weight and fat pad mass. 10-week SS resulted in complete absence of HISS-dependent insulin action, and produced a model of gestational obesity. Prolonged (22-week) SS did not result in hyperglycemia or elevation of plasma insulin concentration above 10-week SS. SAMEC in 10-week SS 15-day pregnant and virgin rats prevented the loss of HISS-dependent insulin action, and normalized plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations. BENAC given to 10-week SS virgin and 15-day pregnant rats normalized overall insulin responses secondary to restoration of HISS-dependent insulin action. This was accompanied by a reduction (for virgins) and normalization (at 15-days gestation) of plasma insulin and triglyceride concentrations. In 15-day pregnant controls (no sucrose), BENAC increased the HISS-dependent insulin action significantly above baseline and reduced plasma triglycerides and insulin below control levels. Conclusions: These results suggest an explanation for the insulin resistance occurring in pregnancy, whereby HISS may facilitate metabolic adaptation. HISS may represent a pathophysiological missing link in the insulin resistant disorders of pregnancy. These findings substantiate a series of unexplored treatments (including BENAC and SAMEC) for the epidemic of gestational obesity and diabetes in mothers-to-be and the deleterious metabolic programming occurring in the next generation.

THE INDEFINITIVE SELF: subject as process in visual art This doctoral study is comprised of both creative work and accompanying critical study and exegesis, each comprising 50 per cent of the total weight of submission. The body of research develops a feminist genealogical methodology to explore the study’s central idea: that envisioning the feminine subject as process rather than a fixed entity enables political agency without recourse to rigid essentialism. The creative work, a public space installation in South Brisbane Cemetery at Dutton Park, is titled Last Drinks Gentlemen Please and traces the life and character of my great, great aunt Cecilia Mary Tennant (1875-1938). Documentation and discussion of this work is included in the exegesis and can also be viewed online at the web address http://www.GMTplus10.info/. The thesis presents a critical contextualisation analysing the work of the artists Tracey Moffatt, Mona Hatoum and Pipilotti Rist, as well as my own practice, and identifies key strategies enabling the representation of identity as process. Finally, this study proposes the figure of the Aunt as an elective relationship that enables both intimacy and agency beyond patriarchal constructions of the feminine.

Diss. Braunschweig : Hochsch. für Künste, 2005.

Zugl.: Göttingen, Univ., Habil.-Schr., 2006