Support of ASTP/KOSMOS fundulus embryo development experiment

Results from the Kosmos Biosatellite 782 flight are presented. Experiments with fish hatchlings are discussed along with postflight observation and testing. The preparation of fertilized eggs for the experiments is described

The art of being human : a project for general philosophy of science

Throughout the medieval and modern periods, in various sacred and secular guises, the unification of all forms of knowledge under the rubric of ‘science’ has been taken as the prerogative of humanity as a species. However, as our sense of species privilege has been called increasingly into question, so too has the very salience of ‘humanity’ and ‘science’ as general categories, let alone ones that might bear some essential relationship to each other. After showing how the ascendant Stanford School in the philosophy of science has contributed to this joint demystification of ‘humanity’ and ‘science’, I proceed on a more positive note to a conceptual framework for making sense of science as the art of being human. My understanding of ‘science’ is indebted to the red thread that runs from Christian theology through the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment to the Humboldtian revival of the university as the site for the synthesis of knowledge as the culmination of self-development. Especially salient to this idea is science‘s epistemic capacity to manage modality (i.e. to determine the conditions under which possibilities can be actualised) and its political capacity to organize humanity into projects of universal concern. However, the challenge facing such an ideal in the twentyfirst century is that the predicate ‘human’ may be projected in three quite distinct ways, governed by what I call ‘ecological’, ‘biomedical’ and ‘cybernetic’ interests. Which one of these future humanities would claim today’s humans as proper ancestors and could these futures co-habit the same world thus become two important questions that general philosophy of science will need to address in the coming years

Cartan Triples

We introduce the class of Cartan triples as a generalization of the notion of a Cartan MASA in a von Neumann algebra. We obtain a one-to-one correspondence between Cartan triples and certain Clifford extensions of inverse semigroups. Moreover, there is a spectral theorem describing bimodules in terms of their support sets in the fundamental inverse semigroup and, as a corollary, an extension of Aoi's theorem to this setting. This context contains that of Fulman's generalization of Cartan MASAs and we discuss his generalization in an appendix.Comment: 37 page

CARTAN TRIPLES

We introduce the class of Cartan triples as a generalization of the notion of a Car- tan MASA in a von Neumann algebra. We obtain a one-to-one correspondence between Cartan triples and certain Clifford extensions of inverse semigroups. Moreover, there is a spectral theorem describing bimodules in terms of their support sets in the fundamental inverse semigroup and, as a corollary, an extension of Aoi’s theorem to this setting. This context contains that of Fulman’s generalization of Cartan MASAs and we discuss his generalization in an appendix

Method and apparatus for minimizing multiple degree of freedom vibration transmission between two regions of a structure

Arrays of actuators are affixed to structural elements to impede the transmission of vibrational energy. A single pair is used to provide control of bending and extensional waves and two pairs are used to control torsional motion. The arrays are applied to a wide variety of structural elements such as a beam structure that is part of a larger framework that may or may not support a rigid or non-rigid skin. Electrical excitation is applied to the actuators that generate forces on the structure. These electrical inputs may be adjusted in their amplitude and phase by a controller in communication with appropriate vibrational wave sensors to impede the flow of vibrational power in all of the above mentioned wave forms beyond the actuator location. Additional sensor elements can be used to monitor the performance and adjust the electrical inputs to maximize the attenuation of vibrational energy

A 15kWe (nominal) solar thermal electric power conversion concept definition study: Steam Rankine reheat reciprocator system

An evaluation was made of the potential of a steam Rankine reheat reciprocator engine to operate at high efficiency in a point-focusing distributed receiver solar thermal-electric power system. The scope of the study included the engine system and electric generator; not included was the solar collector/mirror or the steam generator/receiver. A parametric analysis of steam conditions was completed leading to the selection of 973 K 12.1 MPa as the steam temperature/pressure for a conceptual design. A conceptual design was completed for a two cylinder/ opposed engine operating at 1800 rpm directly coupled to a commercially available induction generator. A unique part of the expander design is the use of carbon/graphite piston rings to eliminate the need for using oil as an upper cylinder lubricant. The evaluation included a system weight estimate of 230 kg at the mirror focal point with the condenser mounted separately on the ground. The estimated cost of the overall system is $1932 or$90/kW for the maximum 26 kW output

Better definitions, better buildings?

Because of the magnitude of their impact on the environment, the way we design, build and operate our buildings must change. So-called &lsquo;sustainable&rsquo; buildings are now appearing in our cities. However, the term &lsquo;sustainable&rsquo; is now so widely used that it has lost all meaning. Other equally ill-defined descriptions are also being used of the new generation of buildings appearing in the built environment. These terms, including &lsquo;environmentally friendly&rsquo;, &lsquo;low energy&rsquo; and &lsquo;green&rsquo;. This paper argues that a lack of clarity over meaning can foster illusions, reflect careless thinking and/or provide cover for a business-as-usual agenda. In universities, courses for today&rsquo;s architecture and construction management students are being redesigned to include &lsquo;sustainability&rsquo;. However, a review of subject guides from Schools of Architecture in Australian universities indicates that &lsquo;sustainability&rsquo; is also being used misleadingly. While there is merit in both of the professional accreditation systems for buildings in Australia, there is certainly room for improvement. One scheme reinforces illusions by rewarding features that should merely be regarded as good building design. The &lsquo;sustainability&rsquo; objectives of the other scheme have narrowed significantly from the original intent. The authors conclude that the critical thinking of our students will be sharpened by defining sustainability correctly and that meaningless descriptors of buildings must be challenged.<br /

Green roofs in Melbourne - potential and practice

In Melbourne, green roofs are increasingly being included in the new and retrofitted buildings that claim to be &lsquo;sustainable&rsquo; or &lsquo;green&rsquo;. This enthusiasm follows overseas experience where a variety of benefits have been recorded; these include a reduction in heating and cooling loads. This benefit is of particular importance because of the urgent need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with air conditioning. What is the potential for such savings and to what extent are some of the existing green roofs likely to achieve these benefits? This paper begins with a review of the overseas experience to reduce conditioning loads, particularly cooling, in temperate climates. Some observations on the potential and practice of green roofs in Melbourne is then presented. The results of measurements of plant canopy, soil and hard surface temperatures on two green roofs in the Melbourne Central Business District are discussed and future on-going work is outlined.<br /

Knowledge politics and new converging technologies: a social epistemological perspective

The “new converging technologies” refers to the prospect of advancing the human condition by the integrated study and application of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and the cognitive sciences - or “NBIC”. In recent years, it has loomed large, albeit with somewhat different emphases, in national science policy agendas throughout the world. This article considers the political and intellectual sources - both historical and contemporary - of the converging technologies agenda. Underlying it is a fluid conception of humanity that is captured by the ethically challenging notion of “enhancing evolution”

Applying a longitudinal tracer methodology to evaluate complex interventions in complex settings

Long-running multi-faceted intervention studies are particularly problematic in large complex organizations where traditional methods prove too resource intensive and can yield inaccurate and incomplete findings. This paper describes the first use of, longitudinal tracer methodology (LTM), a realist approach to evaluation, to examine the links between multiple complex intervention activities (processes) and their outcomes on a construction megaproject. LTM is especially useful when the researcher has little control over intervention delivery but has evidence drawn from multiple sources to evaluate the intervention activities effects over time. This methodology has rarely been deployed in complex organisational settings and not on a construction megaproject. This paper presents a case study of its use over a period of three years, on 24 construction sites forming London’s Thames Tideway Tunnel (Tideway) megaproject. The study examines the ‘transformational’ power of occupational safety and health (OSH) interventions across the multiple organisations and supply chains in the megaproject. The study shows how the method can be adapted in-flight to accommodate shifting lines of inquiry as the intervention activities progress and change. This feature along with its resource efficient operation, make it any attractive option where interventions are likely to have differential effects across multiple sites of enactment