Making apartments affordable: moving from speculative to deliberative development

Urban consolidation policies in Australia presuppose apartments as the new dominant housing type, but much of what the market has delivered is criticised as over-development, and as being generic, poorly-designed, environmentally unsustainable and unaffordable. In contrast to the usual focus on planning regulation and construction costs as the primary issues needing to be addressed in order to increase the supply of quality, affordable apartment housing this paper uses Ball’s (1983) ‘structure of provision’ approach to outline the key processes informing apartment development to reveal a substantial gap in critical understanding of how apartments are developed in Australia, and identifies economic problems not previously considered by policymakers. Using mainstream economic analysis to review the market itself, the authors found high search costs, demand risk, problems with exchange, and lack of competition present key barriers to achieving greater affordability and limit the extent to which ‘speculative’ developers can respond to the preferences of would be owner-occupiers of apartments. The existing development model, which is reliant on capturing uplift in site value, suits investors seeking rental yields in the first instance and capital gains in the second instance, and actively encourages housing price inflation. This is exacerbated by lack of density restrictions, such as have existed in inner Melbourne for many years, which permits greater yields on redevelopment sites. The price of land in the vicinity of such redevelopment sites is pushed up as landholders\u27 expectation of future yield is raised. All too frequently existing redevelopment sites go back onto the market as vendors seek to capture the uplift in site value and exit the project in a risk free manner. The paper proposes three major reforms. Firstly, that the market for apartment development be re-designed following insights from the economic field of ‘Market Design’ (a branch of Game Theory). A two-sided matching market for new apartments is proposed, where demand-side risks can be mitigated via consumer aggregation. Secondly, consumers should be empowered through support for  ‘deliberative’, or ‘do-it-yourself’ (DYI) development models, in order to increase competition, expand access, and promote responsiveness to consumer needs and preferences. Finally, planning schemes need to impose density restrictions (in the form of height limits, floor space ratios or bedroom quotas) in localities where housing demand is high, in order to dampen speculation and de-risk development by creating certainty. However restrictions on over-development on larger infill sites needs to be offset by permitting intensification of ‘greyfield’ suburbs. Aggregating existing housing lots to enable precinct regeneration and moderate height and density increases would permit better use of airspace thus allowing design outcomes that can optimise land use while retaining amenity

The role of South Africa in global structural policy

"In the immediate post-Apartheid period many commentators gave the country, and the newly elected African National Congress (ANC) government, short shrift. Whilst there was a predominant air of hope an underlying 'Afro-pessimism' was prevalent. Now, after more than 10 years of sustained - albeit fairly sedentary - economic expansion and a recent acceleration in the growth trajectory opinions are being revised. This re-evaluation is naturally supported by the government. But significant domestic problems remain. These problems play out in South Africa's approach to global economic and political relations, and underpin the analysis in this report. How might these dynamics play out in specific 'global structural domains' in the future? This report is structured as follows: Part two considers South Africa in the global and African contexts. It begins by reviewing South Africa's integration into and prospects in the global economy. Then it considers the domestic socio-economic dynamics within which economic and social policy is formulated and charts the broad contours of economic policy since 1994. It then considers South Africa's environmental challenges and policy responses as a distinct set of challenges. It ends with a brief assessment of the country's domestic political institutions in light of the policy challenges outlined in the previous sections. Part three considers the South African government's views on and stances towards key global governance issues. It begins with a substantive overview of the country's evolving foreign policy in general, then considers a number of different issues in the global governance terrain. It then focuses specifically on global trade governance via the World Trade Organization, and situates this within a discussion of South Africa's broader trade strategy encompassing regional dynamics and bilateral negotiations. Part four briefly outlines the contours of German-South African relations and highlights some challenges in the relationship moving forward. Part five identifies key risk factors facing the South African government and, via a simple scenario exercise indicates possible avenues for deployment of German development assistance in order to assist the South African government to address those challenges." (excerpt

The effect of accelerometer location on the classification of single-site forearm mechanomyograms

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Recently, pattern recognition methods have been deployed in the classification of multiple activation states from mechanomyogram (MMG) signals for the purpose of controlling switching interfaces. Given the propagative properties of MMG signals, it has been suggested that MMG classification should be robust to changes in sensor placement. Nonetheless, this purported robustness remains speculative to date. This study sought to quantify the change in classification accuracy, if any, when a classifier trained with MMG signals from the muscle belly, is subsequently tested with MMG signals from a nearby location.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An arrangement of 5 accelerometers was attached to the flexor carpi radialis muscle of 12 able-bodied participants; a reference accelerometer was located over the muscle belly, two peripheral accelerometers were positioned along the muscle's transverse axis and two more were aligned to the muscle's longitudinal axis. Participants performed three classes of muscle activity: wrist flexion, wrist extension and semi-pronation. A collection of time, frequency and time-frequency features were considered and reduced by genetic feature selection. The classifier, trained using features from the reference accelerometer, was tested with signals from the longitudinally and transversally displaced accelerometers.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Classification degradation due to accelerometer displacement was significant for all participants, and showed no consistent trend with the direction of displacement. Further, the displaced accelerometer signals showed task-dependent de-correlations with respect to the reference accelerometer.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>These results indicate that MMG signal features vary with spatial location and that accelerometer displacements of only 1-2 cm cause sufficient feature drift to significantly diminish classification accuracy. This finding emphasizes the importance of consistent sensor placement between MMG classifier training and deployment for accurate control of switching interfaces.</p

Distribution and growth styles of isolated carbonate platforms as a function of fault propagation

Fault control on the position and distribution of isolated carbonate platforms is investigated in Northwest Australia using high-quality 3D seismic and borehole data from the Bonaparte Basin. Specifically, we address the relationship between carbonate productivity and fault growth so as to understand what are the primary controls on the growth of isolated carbonate platforms. Throw-depth (T-Z) and throw-distance (T-D) profiles for normal faults suggest they formed fault segments that were linked at different times in the study area. This caused differential vertical movements; some of the normal faults propagated to the surface, while others have upper tips that are 19–530 ms two-way-time below the sea floor, with the largest throw values comprising faults underneath isolated carbonate platforms. As a result, four distinct zones correlate with variable geometries and sizes of carbonate platforms, which are a function of the topographic relief generated by underlying propagating faults. Some relay ramps form the preferred location for the initiation and development of carbonate platforms, together with adjacent structural highs. Due to the complex effect of fault propagation to the palaeo-seafloor, and soft-linkage through relay ramps, three distinct ICP types are proposed: (1) in the first type, fault throw is larger than carbonate productivity; (2) the second type considers fault throw to be equal or less than carbonate productivity; and (3) in the third type, fault throw post-dates the growth of the carbonate platform(s). The analysis of fault propagation vs. carbonate platform growth shown here is important, as the three ICP types proposed, potentially correlate with variable fracture densities and distributions within the carbonate platforms. Based on our results, types 2 and 3 above enhance fracture- and fault-dominated porosity and permeability to a greater degree, making them favourable targets for hydrocarbon exploration

Tradução para Libras: Participação de surdos e ouvintes em equipes mistas de tradução

TCC (graduação) - Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Centro de Comunicação e Expressão. Letras LIBRAS.O presente estudo buscou refletir sobre o trabalho de duas equipes de tradução de dois textos pertencentes a gêneros diferentes, tendo como objeto de estudo a atuação dos profissionais Surdos nesse contexto. O norte da pesquisa foi saber em que aspectos, os Surdos profissionais em tradução podem contribuir para o melhoramento de traduções como falantes de Libras como L1. Para isso, relacionamos teorias e chegamos a uma hipótese que fizesse um recorte no tema. A hipótese era de que os Surdos profissionais poderiam ajudar em decisões sobre o que omitir em uma tradução quando o tempo para a sinalização for insuficiente, visto que a atuação de profissionais experientes acarreta na escolha de omissões de baixo risco (BARBOSA, 2015). Isso porque o objetivo principal do estudo foi observar a ocorrência de omissões no decorrer da tradução de equipes mistas compostas por Surdos e ouvintes, enfatizando esse tipo especificamente de equipe que já tem uma certa tradição (QUADROS, 2014; RAMOS, 1995). Para isso, entrevistamos os participantes de duas equipes de tradução. Ambas com um avaliador Surdo diferente em cada. E como método de pesquisa, nos utilizamos dos protocolos verbais para extrair a experiência dessas equipes sobre trabalhar com tradutores Surdos e ouvintes. Com base na análise dessas respostas, concluímos que os tradutores procederam de forma que omissões não ocorressem pela não aceitação da mesma nestes contextos. Um fator determinante para garantia de que toda informação fosse contemplada foi o trabalho em equipe. Observamos que o trabalho realizado por uma equipe, em que cada componente desempenha uma função diferente, proporciona diferentes olhares para o mesmo objeto de trabalho, o que enriquece o mesmo. Ainda mais trazendo perspectivas diferentes de falantes nativos e não nativos, evitando que erros passassem despercebidos por conta das percepções viciadas. Por fim, observou-se que houve diversas contribuições da parte deles que melhoram a qualidade do texto traduzido

Strategically using public housing assets could transform our middle suburbs

‘Greyfields’ in the Australian context have been defined as those ageing but occupied tracts of inner and middle ring suburbia that are physically, technologically and environmentally failing. The research sought to test the potential of an innovative design based approach to create coordinated precincts in these suburbs involving the coordinated redevelopment of multiple, non-contiguous public housing lots (rather than relying on the ‘default’ option of incremental market based development of in-fill housing and piecemeal selling off of public housing properties). Recent public housing investments (under the Social Housing Initiative) were typically planned with job creation in mind rather than innovative housing outcomes, but innovations were still apparent. Innovations were generally simple such as improvements to parking arrangements and interfaces of private dwellings with common areas and public spaces and arrangements for tenancy mix and social diversity. Innovations were often more apparent when governments partnered with Community Housing Organisations who could access alternative land and funding sources, offer design and delivery expertise and facilitate mixed tenancy outcomes. Innovation also was more likely when there was a ‘champion’ for design quality, relaxation of selected planning controls, and project alignment with existing urban renewal strategies. The Department of Human Services (Victorian Government) was found to have existing housing assets in sufficient number (more than 6500 DHS properties) in well-located areas of Melbourne’s middle suburbs that were clustered in ways broadly suitable for coordinated precinct redevelopment. Preliminary investigations suggest the same in Sydney and Brisbane. The coordinated precinct approach could offer an effective model for redeveloping dispersed public housing assets. Integrated redevelopment can achieve substantial increases in dwelling yield—design scenarios developed in this study delivered two to four times the number of dwellings when compared to business-as-usual dual occupancy outcomes. A precinct design approach is potentially more efficient because it allows for non-uniform, flexible siting of higher density buildings, effective program mixes, efficient parking arrangements and a variety of households and tenure types to be accommodated across a neighbourhood. Preliminary discussions with key stakeholders—municipal authorities, community housing organisations and local community members—showed real interest in the benefits of a coordinated precinct-based development approach. - See more at: http://www.ahuri.edu.au/publications/projects/p52012#sthash.wTtz4itu.dpu

Working-class royalty: bees beat the caste system

The struggle among social classes or castes is well known in humans. Here, we show that caste inequality similarly affects societies of ants, bees and wasps, where castes are morphologically distinct and workers have greatly reduced reproductive potential compared with queens. In social insects, an individual normally has no control over its own fate, whether queen or worker, as this is socially determined during rearing. Here, for the first time, we quantify a strategy for overcoming social control. In the stingless bee Schwarziana quadripunctata, some individuals reared in worker cells avoid a worker fate by developing into fully functional dwarf queens

Special Issue on Stingless bees: Integrating basic biology and conservation

It is easy to see why stingless bees (Meliponini) were chosen for this special issue, entitled Stingless bees: Integrating basic biology and conservation. Interest in these bees is increasing each day, with their role as ecosystemservices providers in the pollination of wild and cultivated plants, and their fascinating biology and social behavior. Yet, despite having been kept by the Native Americans for hundreds of years for their honey, they remain much understudied compared to their better known relatives, the bumblebees and honeybees. This is in part due to their massive biodiversity, with known species now numbering over 500 – all with a tropical distribution. The diversity and rich social behavior of the stingless bees has often been compared to the knowledge of the other group of eusocial bees, including the bumblebees (Bombini) and honeybees (Apini). Yet, the development of new scientific techniques and research methods, and progress in deciphering their phylogeny, now allows for an updated interpretation of the evolution, biology and conservation of Meliponini bees

Does canine inflammatory bowel disease influence gut microbial profile and host metabolism?

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a diverse group of chronic gastrointestinal diseases, and gut microbial dysbiosis has been proposed as a modulating factor in its pathogenesis. Several studies have investigated the gut microbial ecology of dogs with IBD but it is yet unclear if this microbial profile can alter the nutrient metabolism of the host. The aim of the present study was to characterize the faecal bacterial profile and functionality as well as to determine host metabolic changes in IBD dogs. Twenty-three dogs diagnosed with IBD and ten healthy control dogs were included. Dogs with IBD were given a clinical score using the canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI). Faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and ammonia concentrations were measured and quantitative PCR was performed. The concentration of plasma amino acids, acylcarnitines, serum folate, cobalamin, and indoxyl sulfate was determined. Results: No significant differences in the abundance of a selection of bacterial groups and fermentation metabolites were observed between the IBD and control groups. However, significant negative correlations were found between CCECAI and the faecal proportion of Lactobacillus as well as between CCECAI and total SCFA concentration. Serum folate and plasma citrulline were decreased and plasma valine was increased in IBD compared to control dogs. Increased plasma free carnitine and total acylcarnitines were observed in IBD compared with control dogs, whereas short-chain acylcarnitines (butyrylcarnitine + isobutyrylcarnitine and, methylmalonylcarnitine) to free carnitine ratios decreased. Dogs with IBD had a higher 3-hydroxyisovalerylcarnitine + isovalerylcarnitine to leucine ratio compared to control dogs. Conclusions: Canine IBD induced a wide range of changes in metabolic profile, especially for the plasma concentrations of short-chain acylcarnitines and amino acids, which could have evolved from tissue damage and alteration in host metabolism. In addition, dogs with more severe IBD were characterised by a decrease in faecal proportion of Lactobacillus

Microkinetic modeling of the Water-Gas Shift reaction over cobalt catalysts supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The development of microkinetic models allows gaining an understanding of fundamental catalyst surface phenomena in terms of elementary reaction steps without a priori defining a rate-determining step, yielding more meaningful and physically reliable reaction rates. This work aimed at developing such a microkinetic model that accurately describes the Water-Gas Shift (WGS) reaction, i.e., one of the major routes for hydrogen production, over cobalt (Co) catalysts supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Co is known for its sulfur-tolerance and the functionalized MWCNT support has exceptional conductivity properties and defects that facilitate electron transfer on its surface. The model was formulated based on a well-known mechanism for the WGS reaction involving the highly reactive carboxyl (COOH*) intermediate. The kinetic parameters were computed by a combination of calculation via theoretical prediction models (such as the Collision and Transition-State theory) and via regression to the experimental data. The derived system of differential-algebraic equations was solved using the DDAPLUS package available in the Athena VISUAL Studio. The developed model was capable of simulating the experimental data (R² = 0.96), presenting statistically significant kinetic parameters. Furthermore, some of the catalyst descriptors in the model have been related to the catalyst properties as determined by characterization techniques, such as the specific surface area (SP = 22,000 m²/kgcat) and the density of active sites (σ = 0.012 molAct.Surf./kgcat). The modelling and characterization efforts allowed identifying the COOH* formation reaction (CO* + OH* → COOH* + *) as the surface reaction with the highest activation energy. Optimal catalyst performance, resulting in a CO conversion exceeding 85%, was simulated at elevated temperatures (350–450 °C) and space times (70–80 kg·s/mol), in agreement with the experimental observations