CRM Manufacturers in Architecture

Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) has revolutionized architecture. Proponents argue that CAM’s computer numeric controlled (CNC) machines make individual architecture components that are not prohibitively expensive, reconnects designers directly to making, and transforms architectural form.[1] Despite these accolades, there is a distinction between CNC equipment directly and indirectly fabricating architecture components. Directly, CNC equipment punched the holes in the copper screen for Herzog and deMeuron’s DeYoung Museum and the steel skin and structure for SHoP’s Barclay Center. Indirectly, makers use CNC equipment to fabricate tooling (e.g. molds, patterns, and dies) to repetitively manufacture components that have been customized on a per-project basis. Examples include the pressed ceramic tiles on Machado Silvetti’s Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum and the precast concrete panels for COOKFOX Architects’ 260 Kent Street in Brooklyn.[2] The term ‘customized repetitive manufacturing’ or CRM refers to this process. Through research, we have collected over 200 examples of CRM in architecture. Our CRM examples are located around the world and demonstrate a global application of CRM in architecture. See figure 1. A wide range of architecture practices use CRM in their building design; this includes high profile firms such as Foster and Partners, Herzog and deMeuron, and REX; as well as local and experimental practices such as LMN Architects, 5468796 architecture, and Assemble. Some firms, such as Kengo Kuma and Associates and Neutelings Riedijk Architects, are ‘repeat offenders’ and have many projects on our list of examples (four and six, respectively). Some firms, such as Gramazio Kohler Architects and Herzog & deMeuron are well-known for experimenting with CNC technology but have used CRM for several of their award-wining projects. In architecture, CRM’s production runs are smaller and manufacturing more flexible than those typically associated with repetitively manufactured, mass-produced components. CRM manufacturers need to respond to orders as they are placed, tooling changes must be quick, and machine set-up times short. There are specific types of manufacturers and manufacturing facilities that can take on CRM work. This paper defines manufacturing terms and provides broad overviews of manufacturers, while focusing on those elements that relate to CRM in architecture. We concentrate on manufacturers that are able to take on custom work via contracts, while demonstrating that the types of manufacturers for CRM in architecture is broad. Using the case studies, this paper explores, categorizes and qualitatively identifies different types of CRM manufacturers of architecture components. [1] Kolarevic, Branko and Kevin Klinger. Manufacturing Material Effects: Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture. Routledge, 2013 [2] Machado Silvetti. Center for Asian Art at the Ringling Museum of Art. 2016, Sarasota, FL plaster molds were fabricated with a CNC mill. COOKFOX. 260 Kent. In-progress, Brooklyn NY used large-scale, 3D printed molds that were CNC milled to their final shape and finish

Human Settlement Impacts on Moth Diversity in Ecuador

Moths play a vital role in the overall health of any ecosystem as they are important pollinators and food resources for multiple species (particularly birds and bats). Human habitat disturbance in the temperate zone has been shown to negatively impact moth biodiversity and population size through a reduction in moth food resources and light pollution. Our study examined the impact of habitat disturbance on moth populations and diversity in the tropics (Pastaza Province, Ecuador). Significantly fewer moths were found during trapping sessions in disturbed habitats compared to those with less disturbance. Moreover, a higher diversity of moths were found in less disturbed areas and the most dominant family group was Geometridae which plays a role as an indicator of forest habitat health. Given the dependance Geometridae species have with their host plants it is likely that the reduced population size and diversity can give us further insight into how human activity impacts food webs and plant species diversity in an ecosystem

Sikkerhetspolitiske dilemmaer. En studie av amerikansk sikkerhetsstrategi og betydningen for Norge

Denne studien analyserer amerikansk sikkerhetsstrategi og hvorvidt denne påvirker deres operasjoner i norske nærområder. Videre analyseres betydningen dette har for småstaten Norge, og hvilke handlingsalternativer som kan være aktuelle. Studien benytter historiske eksempler for å analyserekontinuitet og endring i amerikanske og norske valg. Metoden som anvendes er kvalitativ, med dokumentstudier og intervjuer for innsamling av empiri. Teorien som benyttes er avskrekking og sikkerhetdilemma. Resultatene viser at amerikanernes ønske om å være operasjonelt uforutsigbare, står i kontrast til Norges mål om å være en garantist for stabilitet og forutsigbarhet. Manglende kontinuitet i viktige stillinger idet amerikanske forsvarsdepartementet, fører til autonomi for operasjoner og utvikling for militære ledere i de amerikanske væpnede styrkene. Dette kan være en betydelig utfordring for Norge, hvis utviklingen med amerikansk isolasjonisme fortsetter. Studien viser også at et bytte av personell i militære lederstillinger sommeren 2019,fikk betydelig innvirkning på deres operasjoner i norske nærområder. Hvem som leder kan føre til endringer, selv om de overordnede strategiske føringene står fast. Norske politiske ledere på høyeste nivå har blitt utfordret av dette. Undersøkelsene viser at valget om norsk deltakelse i amerikanske operasjoner i Barentshavet i september 2020,kan endre hvordan russerne skiller mellom norske og amerikanske enheter. Dette kan påvirke norskeenheters operasjonbetingelser på en negativ måte. Studien tar også for seg utviklingen i amerikanske maritime konsepter, og viser at disse kan få betydning for forhåndslagring og operasjoner i våre nærområder. Studien konkluderer med at amerikanernes behov for å fornye styrkene for å møte fremtidens utfordringer er positivt for Norge, selv om det i perioder kan føre til redusert tilstedeværelse. Avslutningsvis skisseres ulike handlingsalternativer for småstaten Norge. Fortsatt balansepolitikk mellom avskrekking og beroligelse diskuteres mot muligheten for tettere integrasjon med amerikanske styrker og planer. I tillegg viser resultatene at tiltak som supplerer den transatlantiske støtten for å redusere risiko bør gjennomføres. Nøkkelord: Norge, USA, sikkerhetsstrategi, avskrekking, beroligelse, integrasjon, avskjerming, entrapment, abandonment,sikkerhetsdilemma,NSS, NDS, NMS, Force Design, DFE, GMO,JAM-GC, DMO, LOCE, EABO, forsvarskommisjo

The hub in the wheel? : standardised tests as the pivot in the marketisation of education

This study is about the neoliberalisation process within education, the process that also is called the marketisation of education. I have seen the process from a historical, political, economic, ideological and theoretical perspective, and used the PISA research to show the role of standardised tests in the marketisation process. I have chosen the metaphor The Wheel to illustrate this process; thus I have experienced the present development within the education sector as evolving, from a tiny movement in the beginning until the present where “everybody” moves in the same direction at high speed. The hub is the metaphor used for standardised tests. My research question asks whether standardised tests might be seen as the pivot in the marketisation of education, if they might act as the Hub in the Wheel. To answer this question, I have conducted a critical discourse analysis of purposive picked documents. Own experiences, information from the media, at conferences, seminars and meetings, among people active in social movements and teachers working in the classroom has guided me in the search of suitable documents. The study shows a number of parallels between the development within the economic and education sector. My findings indicate that standardised tests are important to the neoliberalisation process within the education sector. To make substantial conclusions, however, becomes more difficult the more one learns. A vehicle has more than one wheel, however not all are connected to the drive or to the breaks. I hope this study, this bricolage, shows that standardised tests are connected to the drive, and that to question them might lead to the release of some breaks

Spatial Health Indicator Analysis Data Collection UNLV Study

Southern Nevada Strong (SNS) is a collaborative regional planning project between local public agencies and NGOs throughout the Las Vegas Valley. This project is headed by City of Henderson on behalf of the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Committee. SNS received a $3.5 million Sustainable Community (SC) grant from HUD which is set to expire in 2015. SNS member agencies receive preference for future HUD grants by participating in successful SC grant, which could be considered a motivating factor for participation for outside agencies

Knee orthoses for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome

Background: Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a painful musculoskeletal condition, which is characterised by knee pain located in the anterior aspect (front) and retropatellar region (behind) of the knee joint. Various non-operative interventions are suggested for the treatment of this condition. Knee orthoses (knee braces, sleeves, straps or bandages) are worn over the knee and are thought to help reduce knee pain. They can be used in isolation or in addition to other treatments such as exercise or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Objectives: To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of knee orthoses (knee braces, sleeves, straps or bandages) for treating PFPS. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (11 May 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2015 Issue 5), MEDLINE (1946 to 8 May 2015), EMBASE (1980 to 2015 Week 18), SPORTDiscus (1985 to 11 May 2015), AMED (1985 to 8 May 2015), CINAHL (1937 to 11 May 2015), PEDro (1929 to June 2015), trial registries and conference proceedings. Selection criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials evaluating knee orthoses for treating people with PFPS. Our primary outcomes were pain and function. Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed studies for eligibility, assessed study risk of bias and extracted data. We calculated mean differences (MD) or, where pooling data from different scales, standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for continuous outcomes and risk ratios (RR) with 95% CIs for binary outcomes. We pooled data using the fixed-effect model. Main results: We included five trials (one of which was quasi-randomised) that reported results for 368 people who had PFPS. Participants were recruited from health clinics in three trials and were military recruits undergoing training in the other two trials. Although no trials recruited participants who were categorised as elite or professional athletes, military training does comprise intensive exercise regimens. All five trials were at high risk of bias, including performance bias reflecting the logistical problems in these trials of blinding of participants and care providers. As assessed using the GRADE approach, the available evidence for all reported outcomes is 'very low' quality. This means that we are very uncertain about the results. The trials covered three different types of comparison: knee orthosis and exercises versus exercises alone; one type of orthosis versus another; and knee orthosis versus exercises. No trials assessed the mode of knee orthosis use, such as whether the orthosis was worn all day or only during physical activity. Two trials had two groups; two trials had three groups; and one trial had four groups. All five trials compared a knee orthosis (knee sleeve, knee brace, or patellar strap) versus a 'no treatment' control group, with all participants receiving exercises, either through a military training programme or a home-based exercise programme. There is very low quality evidence of no clinically important differences between the two groups in short-term (2 to 12 weeks follow-up) knee pain based on the visual analogue scale (0 to 10 points; higher scores mean worse pain): MD -0.46 favouring knee orthoses, 95% CI -1.16 to 0.24; P = 0.19; 234 participants, 3 trials). A similar lack of clinically important difference was found for knee function (183 participants, 2 trials). None of the trials reported on quality of life measures, resource use or participant satisfaction. Although two trials reported on the impact on sporting or occupational participation, one trial (35 participants) did not provide data split by treatment group on the resumption of sport activity and the other reported only on abandonment of military training due to knee pain (both cases were allocated a knee orthosis). One trial (59 participants, 84 affected knees) recording only adverse events in the two knee orthoses (both were knee sleeves) groups, reported 16 knees (36% of 44 knees) had discomfort or skin abrasion. Three trials provided very low quality evidence on single comparisons of different types of knee orthoses: a knee brace versus a knee sleeve (63 participants), a patella strap with a knee sleeve (31 participants), and a knee sleeve with a patellar ring versus a knee sleeve only (44 knees). None of three trials found an important difference between the two types of knee orthosis in pain. One trial found no clinically important difference in function between a knee brace and a knee sleeve. None of the three trials reported on quality of life, resource use or participant satisfaction. One trial comparing a patella strap with a knee sleeve reported that both participants quitting military training due to knee pain were allocated a knee sleeve. One poorly reported trial found three times as many knees with adverse effects (discomfort or skin abrasion) in those given knee sleeves with a patella ring than those given knee sleeves only. One trial compared a knee orthosis (knee brace) with exercise (66 participants). It found very low quality evidence of no clinically important difference between the two intervention groups in pain or knee function. The trial did not report on quality of life, impact on sporting or occupational participation, resource use, participant satisfaction or complications. Authors' conclusions: Overall, this review has found a lack of evidence to inform on the use of knee orthoses for treating PFPS. There is, however, very low quality evidence from clinically heterogeneous trials using different types of knee orthoses (knee brace, sleeve and strap) that using a knee orthosis did not reduce knee pain or improve knee function in the short term (under three months) in adults who were also undergoing an exercise programme for treating PFPS. This points to the need for good-quality clinically-relevant research to inform on the use of commonly-available knee orthoses for treating PFPS

Low molecular weight thymic factor inhibits histamine release from basophils

Low molecular weight thymic factor stimulates the suppressor function of T-lymphocytes, increases cAMP content (but not cGMP) in lymphocytes and inhibits histamine release from sensitized basophils. The mechanisms of LTF action are discussed

Expressions 2004-2006

https://openspace.dmacc.edu/expressions/1022/thumbnail.jp

The effect of credit rating announcements on stock returns : an empirical assesment of the Scandinavian stock market

This master thesis aims to explain the association between changes in credit ratings and stock returns. In efficient markets, all pricing relevant information is discounted in the stock price. Hence, stock prices will not react to credit rating announcements unless the announcement conveys new information. I assess the information content of credit ratings by measuring the abnormal stock returns associated with credit rating announcements. Abnormal returns are calculated relative to two expected returns models, (i) the market adjusted return model and (ii) the market model. I found that both upgrades and downgrades yield significant cumulative abnormal returns. Downgrades are significant on the announcement day and the pre/post-event day, in the pre-event window and the post-event window. Upgrades are significant on the announcement day and the pre/post-event day. Hence, it is evident that credit ratings do indeed convey new information to the capital markets. The results were not altered by choice of expectation model. Firms with a high current ratio experience less negative abnormal returns in case of downgrades on the event day. In the case of upgrades I found that firms with a higher debt-to-asset ratio experience less positive abnormal returns on the announcement day. Changes in credit rating yields more negative abnormal returns for firms which are downgraded to non-investment grade, compared to firms which are not reclassified. This is especially evident in the post-event window. Reclassification did not yield any significant results for upgrades. Furthermore, this study shows that non-investment grade firms experience significantly more negative abnormal returns in case of downgrades, compared to investment-grade firms. The results are highly significant for all event windows except the post-event window. In order to explain abnormal returns, I used a multiple regression model based on the aforementioned variables (leverage, reclassification, (non)-investment grade) and a control variable to account for market anticipation. By controlling for all the explanatory variables, I found that the current ratio had a significant effect on downgrades on the announcement day. Moreover, credit rating announcements which were not anticipated yielded cumulative abnormal returns on the pre/post-event day. In general, the multiple regressions model seems to perform poorly when it comes to upgrades