A new class of photographs that relies on digital processes, best exemplified by the works of Gregory Crewdson, Andreas Gursky and Jeff Wall all exhibit a ‘not quite right’ quality that calls into question some of the most closely held truisms of photographic thought. Through novel technological processes combined with the elements of the new photography—new scale, fabulist imagery, and implied narrative—these images challenge the nature of photography as a documentary process and, beyond that, the nature of what we understand to be ‘the real’ that is supposedly documented. A visual analysis of these images through the lens of Roland Barthes’ and Susan Stewart’s scholarship reveals truths about these images and about photography as a medium. What these elements, this ‘lack of rightness’, can tell us about photography and its position as documentary medium can help us better understand the nature of contemporary photography as a truly creative medium rather than a documentation of the real. These artists are engaging in a discourse of artifice, questioning the position of photographs as documents of how it was, revealing that not only is their work not a documentation of the world as it is, but that photography never was.

Due to space limitations in urban areas, underground construction has become a common practice worldwide. When using deep excavations, excessive lateral movements are a major concern because they can lead to significant displacements and rotations in adjacent structures. Therefore, accurate predictions of lateral wall deflections and surface settlements are important design criteria in the analysis and design of excavation support systems. This research shows that the current design methods, based on plane strain analyses, are not accurate for designing excavation support systems and that fully three-dimensional (3D) analyses including wall installation effects are needed. A complete 3D finite element simulation of the wall installation at the Chicago and State Street excavation case history is carried out to show the effects of modeling: (i) the installation sequence of the supporting wall, (ii) the excavation method for the wall, and (iii) existing adjacent infrastructure. This model is the starting point of a series of parametric analyses that show the effects of the system stiffness on the resulting excavation-related ground movements. Furthermore, a deformation-based methodology for the analysis and design of excavation support systems is proposed in order to guide the engineer in the different stages of the design. The methodology is condensed in comprehensive flow charts that allow the designer to size the wall and supports, given the allowable soil distortion of adjacent structures or predict ground movements, given data about the soil and support system.

A comprehensive experimental study has been conducted using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for a wide array of ventilation schemes and mining configurations for the purpose of examining ventilation characteristics in dead end mine headings. Flow behaviors in two basic mining sequences of box and slab cuts for 30 ft and 60 ft deep cuts were studied. The present thesis discusses the effect for various geometric and flow parameters including the variation of inlet flow velocities, entry heights, face zone widths and curtain widths on the flow behavior. The Reynolds number Re considered for this study ranges from 1 105 to 3 106 based on curtain width and exit velocity. The variation of the face zone and the curtain widths considerably affected the flow behavior, resulting in recirculation regions in the face area for critical combinations. Jet spreading angles and virtual origins have been calculated for the different geometries showing that an optimum range of face and curtain widths exists. A detailed discussion employing various scenarios for exhaust ventilation systems has also been made. Full-size measurements and comparison of the experimental data with numerical simulations is presented. Implementation of machine-mounted scrubbers in the blowing system are discussed for different values of the ventilation ratios (Qs/Qin) ranging from 14% to 53%. The scrubber system, typically introduced for dust collection, is also shown to be a useful tool in providing adequate ventilation to the immediate face area.

0.7nm single wall carbon nanotubes have been synthesized within VPI-5 zeolite channels with sucrose as carbon precursor. VPI-5 molecular sieves are synthesized hydrothermally under conventional heating. X-ray powder diffraction, micro raman, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), Thermogravimetric analysis have been used to investigate the structure of zeolite and thermal decoposition process of carbon precursors. 0.4nm single wall carbon nanotubes have also been fabricated within AlPO4-5 nanopores. A key challenge is to produce high yield single wall carbon nanotubes with uniform diameter. In order to improve the carbon nanotube yield, different organic precursors are employed. Although the problem is still the repetition and low yield of CNTs, it is still an improvement for 0.7nm SWNTs synthesis with the new template prolysis method. The novel multilayer conductor/insulator/conductor structures have been fabricated. This structure might find potential application in DNA sequential reactions because each layer might be individually addressed with voltage. When bias is applied to the conductive layer, it can be chemically functionalized, which leads to membrane pore with multiple reaction sequences when the molecule traverses the membrane reactor. In this thesis, Carbon/polymer/carbon system and copper/polymer system will be introduced. O2 RIE was used to expose the edge of carbon/polymer/carbon structure. However, the conductivity of carbon layer is not high enough for electroplating. Copper pores etched by FeCl3 solution shows good conductivity, and can be electroplated with metal nanoparticles.

Plant growth and development depends on controlled cell expansion. This, in itself, is determined by the plant cell wall, a structural matrix of polysaccharides encasing the plant cell. One line of investigation that has proven particularly successful in elucidating the components of the plant cell wall machinery has been the forward genetic screens of cell wall mutants. In this study, the molecular and cellular characterisation of sloughy, a cell separation mutant in Arabidopsis thaliana, was commenced. This mutant has a striking phenotype, with files of elongating epidermal cells snaking away from the adjacent epidermal cells and from the underlying cortex, loosing contact from the side walls while remaining attached at the cell ends, in a manner reminiscent of border-like cells in the root cap of arabidopsis. The sloughy mutation was fine mapped to a short region on chromosome I using high resolution melt point analysis. On sequencing all five genes in this region, a single nucleotide mutation, introducing a stop codon, was detected in exon 2 in the previously-described heat shock transcription factor SCHIZORIZA that results in a truncated protein missing several conserved domains essential for activity. SCHIZORIZA acts as a cell fate determinate in the root meristem to promote cortex fate, while suppressing epidermal and root cap fate in the mature ground tissue. Although the literature on schizoriza mutants has focused on the developing root meristem, with little documentation on the cell separation phenotype further up in the roots, the investigation of a collection of schizoriza TILLING mutants revealed that aberrant cell separation was ubiquitous to schizoriza mutants with a severely truncated protein. To investigate cell identity in the mature roots, sloughy was crossed to GAL4-GFP enhancer trap lines that act as cell-specific markers. Epidermal identity lines revealed that sloughy possessed a supernumerary ground tissue layer with epidermal identity. A cortex and endodermal line revealed that these two identities are restricted to the endodermal layer and the next ground tissue layer out. There was no indication of root cap identity in the mature root with any of the root cap lines used, although partial lateral root cap identity has been previously described in the epidermal and subepidermal cell layers in the meristem of schizoriza mutants expressing SOMBRERO-GFP, a lateral root cap-specific transcription factor. Immunolabelling of cell wall epitopes revealed that the JIM13 antibody, which specifically labels arabinogalactan-proteins in wild-type root caps, often labelled the epidermal cells and surrounding mucilage further up the in the roots of sloughy. The aberrant cell separation present in sloughy is thought to be a consequence of epidermal cells possessing partial lateral root cap identity. The data on sloughy/schizoriza is sufficient to generate a model on how a meristem developmental gene can generate a cell separation phenotype in the mature roots. Loss of SCHIZORIZA causes confused cell identity in the root meristem that results in an epidermal and subepidermal layer possessing mixed epidermal and lateral root cap identity. The distinctive properties of border-like cells in the root cap of arabidopsis have been linked to unique cell wall maturation and developmental processes, implicating the cellulases CEL3 and CEL5, the pectin glycosyltransferase QUA1, the pectin methyltransferase QUA2 and other pectolytic enzymes. The ectopic expression of these cell wall enzymes in the epidermal and subepidermal layers of sloughy roots result in reduced adhesion along the sides of the cell, while the ends remain attached, causing the observed cell separation phenotype.

Through an examination of the album The Wall by the group Pink Floyd, the intention of this study was to answer questions such as tale following in hopes that a clearer understanding of The Walls popularity might be obtained. What are the major and minor events in this musical narrative? Who are the main characters in -111ne narrative? What cause-and-effect relationships are established in the narrative? now did The Wall function rhetorically in achieving a sense of identification with contemporary listeners?The study found that The Wall achieved identification through the use of its themes which centered around war, derisive school systems, parental overprotection. collapse, and extreme alienation.The study notes that The Wall contained substantial social commentary, and states that the rock music form, often belittled as nothing more than hedonistic escapism, is capable of producing work worthy of scholarly examination. / Department of Speech Communication

Systemic fungal infection is a life-threatening problem. Anti-fungal drugs are the most effective clinical strategy to cure such infections. However, most current anti-fungal drugs either have high toxicity or have a narrow spectrum of effect. Meanwhile, anti-fungal drugs are losing their clinical efficacy due to emerging drug resistance. To protect us from these deadly pathogenic fungi, scientists need to study new drug targets and to solve problems related to drug resistance. The cell wall is essential for fungal cell survival and is absent from animal cells, so it is a promising reservoir for screening safe and effective drug targets. Alpha-1,3-glucan is one of the major cell wall carbohydrates and is important for the virulence of several pathogenic fungi. In this thesis, molecular biology and microscopy techniques were used to investigate the function and the synthesis process of α-1,3-glucan in the model fungus A. nidulans. My results showed that α-1,3-glucan comprises about 15% of A. nidulans cell wall dry weight, but also that α-1,3-glucan does not have an important role in cell wall formation and cell morphology. Deletion of α-1,3-glucan only affects conidial adhesion and cell sensitivity to calcofluor white. In contast, elevated α-1,3-glucan content can cause severe phenotypic defects. To study the α-1,3-glucan synthesis process, I systematically characterized four proteins, including two α-1,3-glucan synthases (AgsA and AgsB) and two amylase-like proteins (AmyD and AmyG). Results showed AgsA and AgsB are both functional synthases. AgsB is the major synthase due to its constant expression. AgsA mainly functions in conidiation stages. AmyG is a cytoplasmic protein that is critical for α-1,3-glucan synthesis, likely being required for an earlier step in the synthesis process. In contrast to the other three proteins, AmyD has a repressive effect on α-1,3-glucan accumulation. These results shed light on therapeutic strategies that might be developed against α-1,3-glucan. I also developed a strategy to investigate drug resistance mutations. The tractability of A. nidulans and the power of next generation sequencing enabled an easy approach to isolate single mutation strains and to identify the causal mutations from a genome scale efficiently. I suggest this strategy has applications to study the drug resistance mechanisms of current anti-fungal drugs and even possibly future ones.

All cities set up a condition of disjunction as they are inherently manmade ‘built’ places separate from the natural wilderness they abut. The cities that emerge over time are then places held in tension between the kinetic and static forces of civilization, nature, people, ownership and infrastructure. These conflicting pieces manifest as division within the city. The division can be physically seen in specific gaps in the physical infrastructure: urban 'slips' that act as thresholds for a city by gathering and revealing the in/visible dueling qualities, and can ultimately prove to be important spaces and cultural magnets for the city. The analysis is centered on three specific 'slips' within three northern European cities: the South Bridge in Edinburgh, the Charles Bridge in Prague and the Berlin Wall. Looking from the perspective of both the physical, visible infrastructure and the unconscious, invisible cultural realm, these architectural objects are then charted through historical, literary, cartographic and urban analyses to come to an understanding of both the specific ‘characters’ or ‘spirits of place’ and the broad predisposition for division within cities.

As energy certification programs and mandatory governmental building codes demand better building energy performance, the development of durable, highly insulated wall systems has become a top priority. Wood framed walls are the most common form of residential wall in North America and the materials used are vulnerable to moisture damage. This damage typically occurs first at the wall sheathing in the form of mould, fungal growth and rot. Increased thermal resistance can lead to two potential issues related to moisture durability: 1) increased potential for air leakage condensation at the sheathing and 2) decreased ability of the wall to dry after a wetting event. A natural exposure experimental study was performed at the University of Waterloo’s BEGHUT test facility to evaluate the hygrothermal performance of exterior insulated wall systems utilizing 3 different insulation types. These walls had approximately 2/3 of their total thermal resistance interior to the sheathing and 1/3 exterior to the sheathing. These walls were compared to a standard construction wall and a highly insulated double stud wall system. The test walls were evaluated during as-built conditions and during imposed wetting conditions. Moisture was introduced into the walls in two phases. The air injection wetting phase was designed to evaluate air leakage condensation potential during winter conditions, and the wetting mat wetting phase simulated an exterior rain leak and was used to evaluate the drying potential of the test walls. Hourly temperature, relative humidity and moisture content measurements were taken at multiple locations within each test wall. This data was analyzed to determine the air leakage condensation potential and the drying capability of each test wall. Results showed that the effective thermal resistance of the polyisocyanurate (PIC) insulation was significantly less than its nominal R-value rating under cold and moderate temperature conditions, and slightly higher under hot conditions. The effective thermal resistance of the extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation was slightly less than its rated value under cold and moderate temperature conditions and significantly less under hot conditions. The rockwool (RW) insulation performed slightly above its rated thermal resistance under cold and moderate conditions and slightly less under hot conditions. Results also showed that only the double stud wall was vulnerable to winter-time interstitial condensation during the as-built (air-sealed) condition. This was a result of the hygroscopic nature of the cellulose insulation and a large temperature gradient across the insulation cavity. During the air leakage wetting phase, all of the exterior insulated walls showed a significantly decreased risk of air leakage condensation compared to the Datum and Double stud walls. During and following the wetting mat wetting phase, the PIC and XPS walls showed significantly reduced drying capability, while the RW wall showed a small reduction in drying capacity compared to the Datum and Double stud walls. It was concluded that adding insulation exterior to the wall sheathing can be an effective method to minimize air leakage condensation. The minimum ratio of exterior to interior insulation, however, must be suitable for the local climate and interior humidity conditions. Exterior insulation materials with low vapour permeability can significantly reduce the drying capacity of a wall system, but may be appropriate where exterior solar vapour drive is a concern or sufficient drying to the interior is available. Exterior insulation materials with high vapour permeability facilitate drying to the exterior and dry nearly as well as wall systems with no exterior insulation.

Forensiese assesseringstegnieke wat tydens ondersoeke na kinder seksuele misbruik benut word, het in n hoë mate mettertyd ontwikkel. Navorsing het n waardevolle bydrae gelewer tot effektiewe en geskikte assesseringstegnieke. Verdere navorsing is egter nodig om die bestaande tegnieke te ondersoek. Die persoon wat by forensiese assesserings betrokke is, kan baat vind by die leiding wat navorsing bied. Op grond hiervan het die navorser ondersoek ingestel na die forensiese assesseringstegnieke wat tans in die praktyk deur forensiese maatskaplike werkers benut word. Gedurende die ondersoek is verskeie tegnieke wat tydens forensiese assesseringsonderhoude benut word, geïdentifiseer en bespreek. Die sistematiese aanrakingseksplorasie is vir die doel van hierdie studie deur die navorser uitgesonder. Hierdie tegniek is aan die hand van n gevallestudie bestudeer en bespreek. Ondersoek is ook ingestel na die menings van maatskaplike werkers wat in die forensiese veld werksaam is, asook dié van justisie–amptenare, onder wie landdroste en staatsaanklaers, wat in die hof vir seksuele misdrywe werksaam is, ten opsigte van die benutting van die sistematiese aanrakingseksplorasie. Die justisie–amptenare was aanvanklik nie vertroud met die tegniek nie. Nadat literatuur vir bestudering aan hulle beskikbaar gestel is, is vasgestel dat hulle ontvanklik is vir en positief staan teenoor die benutting van die sistematiese aanrakingseksplorasie. Die ondersoek het ten doel gehad: * Om deur middel van n literatuurstudie die forensiese assesseringstegnieke wat tans in die praktyk benut word, te identifiseer en te bespreek; en * Om die sistematiese aanrakingseksplorasietegniek aan die hand van n literatuurstudie en empiriese navorsing te evalueer. Samevattend kan gestel word dat die tegnieke, soos in hierdie navorsing bespreek, deel behoort uit te maak van die protokol van die professionele persoon wat die seksueel misbruikte kind assesseer. Hierdie navorsing het bevind dat die sistematiese aanrakingseksplorasie n waardevolle forensiese assesseringstegniek is ten opsigte van die seksueel misbruikte kind. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Physiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.