36 research outputs found
Lost in space? Architectural psychology - past, present, future
No full textA methodological review by Kaminski (1995) summed up five perspectives in environmental psychology - patterns of spatial distribution, everyday “jigsaw puzzlesi, functional everyday action systems, sociocultural change and evolution of competence. Architectural psychology (named so at the Strathclyde conference 1969, Canter, 1973) as psychology of built environments is one leg of environmental psychology, the second one being psychology of environmental protection. Architectural psychology has come of age and passed its 25th birthday. Thus, a triangulation of its position, especially in Central Europe, seems interesting and necessary. A recent survey mainly on university projects in German-speaking countries (Kruse & Trimpin, 1995) found a marked decrease of studies in psychology of built environments. 1994, 25% of all projects were reported in this category, which in 1975 had made up 40% (Kruse, 1975). Guenther, in an unpublished survey of BDP (association of professional German psychologists) members, encountered only a handful active in architectural psychology - mostly part-time, not full-time. 1996, Austria has two full-time university specialists. The discrepancy between the general interest displayed by planners and a still low institutionalization is noticeable. How is the research situation? Using several standard research data banks, the author collected articles and book(chapter)s on architectural psychology in German- and English-language countries from 1990 to 1996. Studies on main architecture-psychology interface problems such as user needs, housing quality evaluations, participatory planning and spatial simulation / virtual reality did not outline an “old, settled” discipline, but rather the sketchy, random surface of a field “always starting anew”. E.g., discussions at the 1995 EAEA-Conference showed that several architectural simulation studies since 1973 caused no major impact on planner's opinions (Keul&Martens, 1996). “Re-inventions of the wheeli are caused by a lack of meetings (except this one!) and of interdisciplinary infrastructure in German-language countries (contrary to Sweden or the United States). Social pressures building up on architecture nowadays by inter-European competition, budget cuts and citizen activities for informed consent in most urban projects are a new challenge for planners to cooperate efficiently with social scientists. At Salzburg, the author currently manages the Corporate Design-process for the Chamber of Architecture, Division for Upper Austria and Salzburg. A “working group for architectural psychology” (Keul-Martens-Maderthaner) has been active since 1994
Fleur noire de Kim Young-ha
No full texthttps://keulmadang.com/2011/01/13/archives/romans/fleur-noire-zones-dombre-dune-emigration-isabelle-roussel-gillet/Compte rendu de l'ouvrage "Fleur noire" de Kim Young-Ha (traduit du coréen par Lim Yeong-hee et Françoise Nagel) publié dans la revue Keul Madang en janvier 2011.International audienc
Molecular Interaction of a New Antibacterial Polymer with a Supported Lipid Bilayer Measured by an in situ Label-Free Optical Technique
No full textThe interaction of the antibacterial polymer–branched poly(ethylene imine) substituted with quaternary ammonium groups, PEO and alkyl chains, PEI25QI5J5A815–with a solid supported lipid bilayer was investigated using surface sensitive optical waveguide spectroscopy. The analysis of the optogeometrical parameters was extended developing a new composite layer model in which the structural and optical anisotropy of the molecular layers was taken into consideration. Following in situ the change of optical birefringence we were able to determine the composition of the lipid/polymer surface layer as well as the displacement of lipid bilayer by the antibacterial polymer without using additional labeling. Comparative assessment of the data of layer thickness and optical anisotropy helps to reveal the molecular mechanism of antibacterial effect of the polymer investigated
An integral tool for the diagnostic evaluation of non-territorial offices
No full textMany organizations now have innovative workplaces, with desk-sharingand desk-rotation. The main objectives are 1) to improve organizationalperformance by better communication, and 2) cost reduction by the moreefficient use of accommodation and other facilities. Although some research has been done into the use and experience of new offices, there is a need for sound data about the overall effects on organizational performance and user needs. Commissioned by the government, the Center for People and Buildings in Delft has developed an instrument for an ex ante or ex post evaluation of non-territorial offices. The tool has been based on an extensive literature review and is being tested in a number of case studies. The tool can be used to indicate problems in the present situation, to evaluate the effects of design interventions, and in support of decisions to change the physical working environment.Design & Construction ManagementReal Estate Managemen
Inhibition of macropinocytosis potentiates amylin toxicity in human islets.
No full text<p>The effects on cell viability were assessed with MTT reduction (<b>A</b>), LDH release (<b>B</b>) and Caspase-3/7 cleavage (<b>C</b>) cytotoxic assays. Inhibition of macropinocytosis by its inhibitors (EIPA, CytD or Wort) enhanced amylin toxicity relative to the control cells (human amylin only), which in turn was reversed by adding MB to these cells. *P<0.05, **P<0.01, hA vs. hA/inhibitors, n = 9 ANOVA followed by Dunnett-Square test and <sup>#</sup>P<0.05, <sup>##</sup>P<0.01, hA/inhibitors vs. hA/inhibitors/MB, n = 9, ANOVA followed by Newman-Keul post hoc test.</p
Inhibition of macropinocytosis augments human amylin toxicity in RIN-m5F cells.
No full text<p>The effects on cell viability were assessed with MTT reduction (<b>A</b>), LDH release (<b>B</b>) and Caspase-3/7 cleavage (<b>C</b>). Inhibition of macropinocytosis by EIPA, CytD or Wort enhanced human amylin toxicity relative to the control cells (human amylin alone), which in turn was significantly reversed by adding MB. *P<0.05, **P<0.01, hA vs. hA/inhibitors, n = 9 ANOVA followed by Dunnett-Square test and <sup>#</sup>P<0.05, <sup>##</sup>P<0.01, hA/inhibitors vs. hA/inhibitors/MB, n = 9, ANOVA followed by Newman-Keul post hoc test.</p
Science Fiction, Psychologie und Religion
No full textIn dieser Studie geht es darum, mögliche Zusammenhänge zwischen den populären Kultur-Genres "ScienceFiction"(= SF) und "Fantasy" und dem menschlichen Unbewußten aus der Sicht von Tiefenpsychologie und Religionswissenschaft zu skizzieren. Ich will versuchen, einige Strukturenpars pro totoquasijournalistisch darzustellen, um jenen Faden weiterzuspinnen, den ich in einer Seminar-Diskussion mit Michael Schmolke (Universität Salzburg) zum Thema "SF-Comics" am 17. Januar 1985 aufgriff. Es ging damals um die Fragen ,warum expandiert der Sektor SF-Comics auf dem Buch-und Zeitschriftenmarkt so rasch?" und beziehen die Produzenten des Genres, die SF-Comic-Zeichner, ihre Einfälle?" Ohne viel nachzudenken entwickelte ich aus dem "Bedürfnisansatz" (verkürzt etwa: publizistisch Erfolg hat, befriedigt reale Bedürfnisse der Rezipienten") und tiefenpsychologischem Hintergrundwissen die These: "SF-Comics (und andere SF-Produkte, ebenso der Sektor ,Fantasy\u27) sind eine symbolische Darstellung tiefer innererunbewußter Konflikte und sind in unserer durchrationalisierten, entmythologisierten westlichen Zivilisation letzte irrationale Inseln, technisierte Mythen, eine Art Ersatzreligion im wissenschaftlichen Gewand." (...) English In this paper, science-fiction and the fantasy genre are approached in an inter-disciplinary, but mainly psychological and anthropological angle. Besides popular views on similar phenomena are quoted, as can be found in ethnographic reports, in psychoanalysts\u27 and their patient\u27s fantasies, and in the "UFO-visions" of two eye witnesses from Austria and Great Britain. These different realms are interpreted as alternative concepts invading the subconscious. Following C.G. Jungs concept ofthe "collective unconscious\u27~ modern science-fiction is therefore only a new symbolism for a traditionally-known phenomenon. The author assumes that the appearance of irrational materials from the outer cosmos yields on the one hand to a cultural specific surpression of the physical body, and on the other hand to religious needs, repressed by secularisation. Science-fiction and fantasy, the author concludes, are expressions ofthis interdependency (cf. Prakkes terms for the inter-relations in the process of mass communications).
An Emotional Model of Human-Environment Interaction
No full textPrevious models of environmental psychology have put the focus mainly on the cognitive processes, with each step in the process leading to the next in a rather static manner. This may be exemplified by some of the attitude theories developed over the last years (e.g. Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980; Stern, 2000). Among the few exceptions to the cognitive approach is Russell’s Circumplex model of emotional response to environmental settings, where two dimensions are used in order to describe the human-environment interaction (Russell et al., 1981). Recently, however, several authors have pointed to the need to put more emphasis on the emotional aspects – so called ‘hot cognition’. Actually, recent research in the field of neuropsychology indicates that affective responses are faster and more basic than cognitive processes (Armony et al, 1997; Damasio, 1994; DeBecker, 1997; LeDoux, 1996). Over the last 30 years I have been concerned with the development of an environmental model, which is build around ‘the basic emotional process’. From an evolutionary perspective emotions may be regarded as instrumental for survival in an ever changing environment. For instance, fear is the emotional response to a hostile event, leading to aversive behaviour, whereas pleasure or anger might instead result in approach. The whole range of aesthetical responses can be regarded as a reward-aversion continuum in relation to external events. According to the present model the Basic Emotional Process evolves in four consecutive steps: Activation, Orientation, Evaluation, and Control. The physiological correlates of these steps were described in detail by Küller (1991). 1. Activation: The process begins by a change of some kind either in the eternal environment or in the mental representation of that environment. 2. Orientation: This is followed by exploratory behaviour, either in the external world or as an extended memory search. 3. Evaluation: The outcome is evaluated in terms of the significance for the individual, resulting in a positive, neutral, negative, (or conflicting) outcome. 4. Control: The process is terminated through overt behaviour or a restructuring of the cognitive structure, or both. The Basic Emotional Process is related to various characteristics of the individual and the environment in an elaborate model, each part of which has been corroborated by previous research, amongst other by means of multivariate analysis (Figure 1). The Built Environment can be further described in eight factors: Pleasantness, Complexity, Unity, Enclosedness, Potency, Social Status, Affection, and Originality. The relationship between some of these factors and the Basic Emotional Process has been empirically tested. For instance, an increase of Complexity, and a decrease of Unity, can result in heightened Activation of the central nervous system (Küller and Mikellides, 1993). (As this submission does not accept figure, this will be attached to mail.) Figure 1. The Basic Emotional Process is influenced by the Built and the Social Environment. This is mediated through the Individual’s Activities and Resources. The Social Environment can be described by means of five factors: Social Intensity, Interpersonal Stability, Familiarity, Coherence, and Friendliness of the situation, whereas the ongoing Activities may be analysed in terms of Work Load, Satisfaction, Routine, and Variation. As for the description of the Individual Resources this can be done by means of classical psychological descriptors, such as Emotionality and Excitability, modified through individual Coping Strategies. The ongoing processes might cover briefer or longer time periods, for instance, driving a car during rush hours, or office work during a normal week. The present model has been employed fully, or partly, in a number of experimental and field studies. Küller (1979) used the model as a theoretical and experimental framework in a study of social crowding and the complexity of the built environment. It was employed by the same author in a large study of housing for the elderly in Sweden (1988). In one study of daycare environments Laike (1997) found that extrovert children displayed higher levels of control than introvert children. Johansson (2000) used the model as a theoretical framework in a study of attitudes to pro-environmental travel behaviour, and Drottenborg (2002) used it to study whether beautiful traffic environments are safer than ugly ones. Küller and Janssens (1999) tested the complete model in a field study at the Meteorological Station at the Sturup Airport, Malmö, Sweden, and the outcome formed the basis for a redesign of the station. The model lends itself to application at several different environmental levels, such as, indoor climate, urban planning, and landscape design
Transformation and Transfer of Tantra/Tantrism in Asia and Beyond
No full textRonald M. Davidson is a contributing author, Observations on an Usnisa Abhiseka Rite in Atikuta\u27s Dharanisamgraha , pp. 77-98.
The essays in this volume, written by specialists working in the field of tantric studies, attempt to trace processes of transformation and transfer that occurred in the history of tantra from around the seventh century and up to the present. The volume gathers contributions on South Asia, Tibet, China, Mongolia, Japan, North America, and Western Europe by scholars from various academic disciplines, who present ongoing research and encourage discussion on significant themes in the growing field of tantric studies. In addition to the extensive geographical and temporal range, the chapters of the volume cover a wide thematic area, which includes modern Bengali tantric practitioners, tantric ritual in medieval China, the South Asian cults of the mother goddesses, the way of Buddhism into Mongolia, and countercultural echoes of contemporary tantric studies.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/religiousstudies-books/1050/thumbnail.jp
Consecration Rituals in South Asia
No full textRonald M. Davidson is a contributing author, “Studies in Dhāraṇī Literature IV: A Nāga Altar in 5th Century India”, pp. 123-170.
Book description: The essays in the volume Consecration Rituals in South Asia address the ritual procedures that accompany the installation of temple images in Shaiva, Vaishnava, Buddhist and Jain contexts, in various traditions and historical periods. Through the performance of complex rites designated with the term pranapratishtha (establishment of, or infusion with, life), man-made sculptures are ritually transformed into (receptacles of) deities. The collection is thematically and methodically broad, with a large number of detailed textual studies, but also with ethnographic contributions that discuss contemporary instances of consecration rituals. Among the overarching themes are issues related to historical continuity and change, as well as transformational moments in such rituals.https://digitalcommons.fairfield.edu/religiousstudies-books/1087/thumbnail.jp
