38 research outputs found

    English productions of 'Measure for Measure' on stage and screen:the play's indeterminacy and the authority of performance

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    This thesis offers the first full study of English productions of Measure for Measure on stage and screen from the Jacobean period to the early twenty-first century, based on archival research examining primary sources such as prompt books, video recordings and photographs. Because of its ambiguity and open silences, Measure for Measure is an ideal text to demonstrate W. B. Worthen’s thesis that, in performance, meanings are produced through various theatrical factors which necessarily go beyond the text. In this thesis, I argue that the ambiguity of Measure for Measure maximises its potential in production to reflect social and political climates of the time, anticipate changes and shape spectators’ perceptions of difficult issues such as authority, morality and gender politics. This argument is supported through my investigation into archival research which reveals how social context influenced productions and how those productions, in turn, shaped future productions and society. The Introduction argues that Measure for Measure is an ideal text to demonstrate Worthen’s concepts that the ‘work’ is always absent, and that ‘Shakespeare’ and the words in the text are not the most important sources of meaning. There are many crucial gaps in the text that performances need to fill. The Introduction analyses space, audience, actor and scenography as important factors which shape meaning and effect. In the first chapter, I argue that, because of its indeterminacy, in the early modern period, Measure for Measure helped not only to reaffirm the absolute authority of the monarchy but also to cultivate scepticism towards it, and how spectators at Whitehall and the Globe read performances would have depended on the conditions of the playing venues, spectators’ social statuses, gender and religious beliefs. Chapter Two argues that, in adapting the text of Measure for Measure or transcoding it into a different, two-dimensional media of the screen, the adaptor sets himself up as a rival authority to that of Shakespeare and, in consequence, changes our perception of the ‘work’. The adaptations of Measure for Measure from the Restoration to the modern period, both on stage and on screen, are covered in this chapter. Chapter Three argues that performance spaces have a strong impact on playgoers’ reactions towards performances and the spectators’ attitudes towards the genre and issues of authority and morality. This chapter focuses on the ‘Elizabethan’ revival productions of William Poel, arguing that it contributed to the view of Measure for Measure as a ‘problem play’; the production by John Dove, which revived its reputation as a comedy, and modern touring productions. Chapter Four argues that productions of Measure for Measure from the Georgian period to the 1960s tried to solve the play’s ambiguous treatment of morality, authority, gender politics and ‘vulgarity’ and, in so doing, such productions reflected, anticipated and shaped not only ‘Shakespeare’ but also society. The final chapter argues that, as publicly-funded theatres, the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre have a commitment to speak to the nation and, due to their agendas and policies, the productions of Measure for Measure after 1970 at the National successfully engaged with contemporary issues of gender politics, racial equality and state power while the Royal Shakespeare Company largely failed to engage with these difficult issues

    Influenza Virus (H5N1) in Live Bird Markets and Food Markets, Thailand

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    A surveillance program for influenza A viruses (H5N1) was conducted in live bird and food markets in central Thailand during July 2006–August 2007. Twelve subtype H5N1 viruses were isolated. The subtype H5N1 viruses circulating in the markets were genetically related to those that circulated in Thailand during 2004–2005

    Probable Tiger-to-Tiger Transmission of Avian Influenza H5N1

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    During the second outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 in Thailand, probable horizontal transmission among tigers was demonstrated in the tiger zoo. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of those viruses showed no differences from the first isolate obtained in January 2004. This finding has implications for influenza virus epidemiology and pathogenicity in mammals

    Avian Influenza H5N1 in Tigers and Leopards

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    Influenza virus is not known to affect wild felids. We demonstrate that avian influenza A (H5N1) virus caused severe pneumonia in tigers and leopards that fed on infected poultry carcasses. This finding extends the host range of influenza virus and has implications for influenza virus epidemiology and wildlife conservation

    Genetic characterization of 2008 reassortant influenza A virus (H5N1), Thailand

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    In January and November 2008, outbreaks of avian influenza have been reported in 4 provinces of Thailand. Eight Influenza A H5N1 viruses were recovered from these 2008 AI outbreaks and comprehensively characterized and analyzed for nucleotide identity, genetic relatedness, virulence determinants, and possible sites of reassortment. The results show that the 2008 H5N1 viruses displayed genetic drift characteristics (less than 3% genetic differences), as commonly found in influenza A viruses. Based on phylogenetic analysis, clade 1 viruses in Thailand were divided into 3 distinct branches (subclades 1, 1.1 and 1.2). Six out of 8 H5N1 isolates have been identified as reassorted H5N1 viruses, while other isolates belong to an original H5N1 clade. These viruses have undergone inter-lineage reassortment between subclades 1.1 and 1.2 and thus represent new reassorted 2008 H5N1 viruses. The reassorted viruses have acquired gene segments from H5N1, subclade 1.1 (PA, HA, NP and M) and subclade 1.2 (PB2, PB1, NA and NS) in Thailand. Bootscan analysis of concatenated whole genome sequences of the 2008 H5N1 viruses supported the reassortment sites between subclade 1.1 and 1.2 viruses. Based on estimating of the time of the most recent common ancestors of the 2008 H5N1 viruses, the potential point of genetic reassortment of the viruses could be traced back to 2006. Genetic analysis of the 2008 H5N1 viruses has shown that most virulence determinants in all 8 genes of the viruses have remained unchanged. In summary, two predominant H5N1 lineages were circulating in 2008. The original CUK2-like lineage mainly circulated in central Thailand and the reassorted lineage (subclades 1.1 and 1.2) predominantly circulated in lower-north Thailand. To prevent new reassortment, emphasis should be put on prevention of H5N1 viruses circulating in high risk areas. In addition, surveillance and whole genome sequencing of H5N1 viruses should be routinely performed for monitoring the genetic drift of the virus and new reassorted strains, especially in light of potential reassortment between avian and mammalian H5N1 viruses

    Development of rare-earth-free phosphors for LED-based lighting devices

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    Les luminaires à LEDs représentent une alternative "verte" aux lampes fluorescentes et aux lampes à incandescence en répondant notamment à des critères de préservation de l'environnement : réduction de la consommation d’énergie, technologies sans mercure ni plomb et recyclables à 98%. Cependant, ces luminophores, qui sont actuellement utilisés dans les luminaires à LEDs, contiennent aujourd’hui des éléments de terres rares qui sont issus à 95% de Chine, créant de ce fait une situation de quasi-monopole et un risque réel pour le déploiement de la technologie LED dans les années à venir. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, nous nous sommes intéressés au développement de luminophores sans terres rares pour produire de la lumière blanche dans les luminaires à LEDs. Au cours de ces travaux nous avons étudié trois types de luminophores sans terres rares: luminophores organiques, luminophores hybrides (organiques-inorganiques) et quantum dots (QDs) type cœur-coquille. Les études optiques réalisées sur ces luminophores sous excitation LEDs UV ou bleue nous ont permis de déterminer leurs caractéristiques colorimétriques (IRC, T(K), PLQY(%)) et de mettre en évidence l’évolution de leurs performances dans les conditions d’usage. Pour obtenir une lumière la plus proche du blanc idéal, les luminophores les plus performants ont été sélectionnés puis mélangés en proportion adéquate avec une matrice polymère de type silicone pour conduire à un film composite offrant une émission blanche de qualité sous excitation LEDs UV ou bleue. Un autre volet de ce travail a été dédié à l’étude de la stabilité de ces luminophores (films ou poudres) en fonction du temps et de la température. L’influence de ces paramètres sur les propriétés optiques a été déterminée. Des performances optiques de 30% ont été enregistrées avec des caractéristiques photométriques intéressantes. Aussi, l’ensemble des résultats obtenus montre l’intérêt de poursuivre ces études sur les luminophores sans terres rares qui offrent des propriétés optiques intéressantes. Même s'ils ne concurrencent pas encore les luminophores inorganiques pour l’application « éclairage grand public », les luminophores sans terres rares peuvent déjà se positionner sur d’autres secteurs d’activité comme par exemple : l’éclairage d’ambiance, la signalétique le marquage anti-contrefaçons.Lighting technologies based on light-emitting diodes have become an alternative solution over the obsolete technologies (fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps) due to their positive key criteria of environmental conservation: reduction of energy consumption and mercury/lead-free with 98% recycling technologies. However, the rare-earth elements, which are currently used in LED lightings, are produced by China at about 95%, thereby creating a monopoly situation on the rare-earth elements’ market and also a risk to the deployment of LED technologies in coming years. In this work, we have been interested in the development of rare-earth-free luminescent materials for LED lighting applications in order to produce a white light emission. Three kinds of rare-earth-free luminescent materials have been investigated: organic phosphors, hybrid (organic-inorganic) phosphors and core-shell quantum dots (QDs). The optical studies of these phosphors recorded upon UV and/or blue excitations allow us to determine their colorimetric parameters (CRI, T(K), PLQY(%)) and to demonstrate their optical performances for use in lighting devices. In order to yield a color emission close to ideal white light, the best phosphors were selected and then introduced by mixing them in appropriate proportions into silicone polymers. Another part of this work was devoted to the studies of stability of phosphors (films or powders) under operating conditions of LEDs, moreover, variation of their optical properties as a function of time and temperature were also determined. The optical performances about 30% have been recorded with some interesting colorimetric parameters. Although these materials have presented lower photoluminescence properties compared with commercial rare-earth based inorganic phosphors for “public lighting” applications, they can already be positioned on other luminescent sectors such as indoor lighting, signage anti-counterfeit marking

    Confucius' conception of disobedience in the name of civilization

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    Civil obedience becomes one of the main polemical issues in political philosophy especially in the chaotic contemporary world.In western culture, the philosophers like Socrates as well as the non-violent activists like Gandhi and Martin Luther King are globally considered as the main figures that represent the multifarious approaches on this peaceful socio-political movement.In their perspective, civil disobedient is the way to react against the some "unjust" laws and rebuilds the social order implying the social justice. What should not be unnoticeable is their foundation: civil disobedience bases on citizen's will,justice and common "good".On the contrary, in classical Chinese philosophy, civil disobedience seems to be one of absent issues particularly in Confucianism.In this school, the filial piety is so highly accentuated that the disobedience is totally marginalized or treated as prohibition.The children need to "obey" the parents will and maintain the stability of the family and the cultural rites.My main purpose is to re-read Confucianism in the light of the original Confucian text and reconceptualise the disobedience in the Confucius Analects which can be called "disobedience in the name of civilization".In this text, Confucius' main philosophical project is to critique the fraudulent act of the "politician" in his time, criticize the people's decadent morality and restore the social order susceptible to the perfection in the Ancient time.It seems that his philosophical proposal requires as primordial condition the fundamental virtue: the filial piety.Although this moral conduct is necessary for the stable social order, it doesn't imply the unconditional obedience or the absolute subjection.In Confucius Analects, many passages represent paradoxically the disobedient obedience and the obedient disobedience from the most basic unit of the society to the highest class of the hierarchy. What is noteworthy in this way of "disobedience" is the question of foundation and its orientation.In the other word, in western culture, civil disobedience is founded on the people's will, justice and common good while Confucius disobedience is centered on the openness of civilization demand: it is acceptable that the children need to obey the parents will but they are also obliged to "educate" their parents volition as well.In the same token, the inferior subject, in the political realm, needs to react politely against the superior or governor's wrong decision.This can maintain the pulchritude of the ancient civilization and fulfill its opened possibilities towards the future.In conclusion, the Confucius conception of "disobedience in the name of civilization" provides the new contribution to political and philosophical milieu.In the western civilization, civil disobedient is formulated on the ancestor need to be recognized.In the other words, civilization can be perceived and conceived as the foundation of disobedience.In this point of view, everyone needs to obey in the disobedient way and express their disobedience politely or "obediently" so that they can react against political evil and social fraudulence and stabilize the mutual relation in the civilization foundation of people's will, justice and common good but in ancient Chinese civilization the value of the ancestor need to be recognized.In the other words, civilization can be perceived and conceived as the foundation of disobedience. In this point of view, everyone needs to obey in the disobedient way and express their disobedience politely or "obediently" so that they can react against political evil and social fraudulence and stabilize the mutual relation in the civilization

    Développement de luminophores sans terres rares pour l'éclairage éco-énergétique à base de diodes électroluminescentes

    No full text
    Lighting technologies based on light-emitting diodes have become an alternative solution over the obsolete technologies (fluorescent lamps and incandescent lamps) due to their positive key criteria of environmental conservation: reduction of energy consumption and mercury/lead-free with 98% recycling technologies. However, the rare-earth elements, which are currently used in LED lightings, are produced by China at about 95%, thereby creating a monopoly situation on the rare-earth elements’ market and also a risk to the deployment of LED technologies in coming years. In this work, we have been interested in the development of rare-earth-free luminescent materials for LED lighting applications in order to produce a white light emission. Three kinds of rare-earth-free luminescent materials have been investigated: organic phosphors, hybrid (organic-inorganic) phosphors and core-shell quantum dots (QDs). The optical studies of these phosphors recorded upon UV and/or blue excitations allow us to determine their colorimetric parameters (CRI, T(K), PLQY(%)) and to demonstrate their optical performances for use in lighting devices. In order to yield a color emission close to ideal white light, the best phosphors were selected and then introduced by mixing them in appropriate proportions into silicone polymers. Another part of this work was devoted to the studies of stability of phosphors (films or powders) under operating conditions of LEDs, moreover, variation of their optical properties as a function of time and temperature were also determined. The optical performances about 30% have been recorded with some interesting colorimetric parameters. Although these materials have presented lower photoluminescence properties compared with commercial rare-earth based inorganic phosphors for “public lighting” applications, they can already be positioned on other luminescent sectors such as indoor lighting, signage anti-counterfeit marking.Les luminaires à LEDs représentent une alternative "verte" aux lampes fluorescentes et aux lampes à incandescence en répondant notamment à des critères de préservation de l'environnement : réduction de la consommation d’énergie, technologies sans mercure ni plomb et recyclables à 98%. Cependant, ces luminophores, qui sont actuellement utilisés dans les luminaires à LEDs, contiennent aujourd’hui des éléments de terres rares qui sont issus à 95% de Chine, créant de ce fait une situation de quasi-monopole et un risque réel pour le déploiement de la technologie LED dans les années à venir. Dans le cadre de cette thèse, nous nous sommes intéressés au développement de luminophores sans terres rares pour produire de la lumière blanche dans les luminaires à LEDs. Au cours de ces travaux nous avons étudié trois types de luminophores sans terres rares: luminophores organiques, luminophores hybrides (organiques-inorganiques) et quantum dots (QDs) type cœur-coquille. Les études optiques réalisées sur ces luminophores sous excitation LEDs UV ou bleue nous ont permis de déterminer leurs caractéristiques colorimétriques (IRC, T(K), PLQY(%)) et de mettre en évidence l’évolution de leurs performances dans les conditions d’usage. Pour obtenir une lumière la plus proche du blanc idéal, les luminophores les plus performants ont été sélectionnés puis mélangés en proportion adéquate avec une matrice polymère de type silicone pour conduire à un film composite offrant une émission blanche de qualité sous excitation LEDs UV ou bleue. Un autre volet de ce travail a été dédié à l’étude de la stabilité de ces luminophores (films ou poudres) en fonction du temps et de la température. L’influence de ces paramètres sur les propriétés optiques a été déterminée. Des performances optiques de 30% ont été enregistrées avec des caractéristiques photométriques intéressantes. Aussi, l’ensemble des résultats obtenus montre l’intérêt de poursuivre ces études sur les luminophores sans terres rares qui offrent des propriétés optiques intéressantes. Même s'ils ne concurrencent pas encore les luminophores inorganiques pour l’application « éclairage grand public », les luminophores sans terres rares peuvent déjà se positionner sur d’autres secteurs d’activité comme par exemple : l’éclairage d’ambiance, la signalétique le marquage anti-contrefaçons
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