Collaboration in Design:: A study of James B Hunt Jr. Library.

Collaborative design is a complex process that differs from the conventional system of sequential design by means of personal interaction, communication, and timing of design decisions. The complexity of the collaborative system, however, gives way to reduced cost and risk, increased project delivery speed, and improved building performance. As building projects become more complicated through technological advancements, and the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) practice embraces more integrated processes, it is important to understand the dynamics of collaborative design. Through the study of previous projects, intimate knowledge can be gained regarding partner interaction, oversights, team dynamics, processes, and benefits that are not always a part of a standardized list of collaborative benefits. This study will provide this insight by framing the design and construction of the James B. Hunt Jr. Library using a narrative case study format, beginning with designer selection and focusing on the collaborative aspects of the process. This transformative library is an example of innovation and success through collaboration. At many stages, the study of this project allows observes to gain insight into the the personal interaction between Snehetta and NCSU that enabled the project to be successful. This insight is provided through the review of construction and design documents, interviews of stakeholders and design professionals, and literature. The summary of the process will provide reviewers an example into how a collaborative process may differ from traditional methods, potential conflicts and understanding required for solution, and how collaborative design can benefit innovation and project success

Newer laboratory approaches for assessing visual dysfunction.

The crucial point that will be emphasized throughout this report is the potential utility of analyzing visual cortical receptive field (RF) properties of the single-cell level as a sensitive and reliable neurotoxicity screening tool. Numerous studies employing exposure of kittens to altered visual environments during the critical period have demonstrated that particular classes of RFs can be selectively affected while sparing others. There has been a rapid proliferation of new methods used to investigate such effects. An important current trend involves the development of multidisciplinary combinations of approaches. The various maneuvers reviewed here seem adaptable to studying neurotoxic insult of the sensitive properties of cortical visual neurons, particularly in the cat or monkey. Conceivably, a general disruption of cortical RF properties might be expected following toxic exposure since individual RF properties are generally not determined by completely independent mechanisms. In fact, some toxicants might produce a general degradation of RF properties akin to the electrophysiological results reported for long-term dark rearing or binocular deprivation

Atmospheric Evolution

Earth's atmosphere has evolved as volatile species cycle between the atmosphere, ocean, biomass and the solid Earth. The geochemical, biological and astrophysical processes that control atmospheric evolution are reviewed from an "Earth Systems" perspective, with a view not only to understanding the history of Earth, but also to generalizing to other solar system planets and exoplanets.Comment: 34 pages, 3 figures, 2 tables. Accepted as a chapter in "Encyclopaedia of Geochemistry", Editor Bill White, Springer-Nature, 201

Assessing historical realibility of the agent-based model of the global energy system

This study looks at the historical reliability of the agent-based model of the global energy system. We present a mathematical framework for the agent-based model calibration and sensitivity analysis based on historical observations. Simulation consistency with the historical record is measured as a distance between two vectors of data points and inference on parameter values is done from the probability distribution of this stochastic estimate. Proposed methodology is applied to the model of the global energy system. Some model properties and limitations followed from calibration results are discussed

Trace elements at the intersection of marine biological and geochemical evolution

Life requires a wide variety of bioessential trace elements to act as structural components and reactive centers in metalloenzymes. These requirements differ between organisms and have evolved over geological time, likely guided in some part by environmental conditions. Until recently, most of what was understood regarding trace element concentrations in the Precambrian oceans was inferred by extrapolation, geochemical modeling, and/or genomic studies. However, in the past decade, the increasing availability of trace element and isotopic data for sedimentary rocks of all ages has yielded new, and potentially more direct, insights into secular changes in seawater composition – and ultimately the evolution of the marine biosphere. Compiled records of many bioessential trace elements (including Ni, Mo, P, Zn, Co, Cr, Se, and I) provide new insight into how trace element abundance in Earth's ancient oceans may have been linked to biological evolution. Several of these trace elements display redox-sensitive behavior, while others are redox-sensitive but not bioessential (e.g., Cr, U). Their temporal trends in sedimentary archives provide useful constraints on changes in atmosphere-ocean redox conditions that are linked to biological evolution, for example, the activity of oxygen-producing, photosynthetic cyanobacteria. In this review, we summarize available Precambrian trace element proxy data, and discuss how temporal trends in the seawater concentrations of specific trace elements may be linked to the evolution of both simple and complex life. We also examine several biologically relevant and/or redox-sensitive trace elements that have yet to be fully examined in the sedimentary rock record (e.g., Cu, Cd, W) and suggest several directions for future studies

Proceedings, Western juniper management short course, October 15-16, 1984, Bend, Oregon

Published 1984. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalo