334 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 Guenther, in an unpublished survey of BDP (association of professional German psychologists) members, encountered only a handful active in architectural psychology - mostly part-time, not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
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
Oligoglycidol-Functionalised Styrene Macromolecules as Reactive Surfactants in the Emulsion Polymerisation of Styrene: The Impact of Chain Length and Concentration on Particle Size and Colloidal Stability
No full textReactive surfactants (surfmers), which are covalently attached to the surface of sub-micron sized polymer particles during emulsion polymerisation, are applied to tailor the surface functionality of polymer particles for an application of choice. We present a systematic study on the use of oligoglycidol-functionalised styrene macromolecules as surfmers in the emulsion polymerization of styrene. Firstly, we report the impact of the surfmer concentration on the particle size for polymerisations performed above and below the critical micelle concentration. Secondly, we report the influence of the oligoglycidol chain length on the particle size. Thirdly, we conducted experiments to analyse the influence of the surfmer concentration and its chain length on the colloidal stability of the aqueous polystyrene nanoparticles in sodium chloride solutions. We demonstrated that the size of polystyrene particles could be influenced by changing both the surfmer concentration and its chain length. Furthermore, we showed that the colloidal stability of the oligoglycidol-functionalized polystyrene particles is dependent on the particle size, and not directly related to the oligoglycidol chain length
Verfahren zur Darstellung von optisch aktiven oder optisch nicht aktiven N-([alpha]-Hydroxyacyl)-[alpha]-Aminosäuren
No full textAn 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
Synthesis and degradation of biomedical materials based on linear and star shaped polyglycidols
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