Estratos arquitectónicos : conceptos, lógicas, sinopsis

La presente tesis doctoral se centra en la investigación del "estrato arquitectónico", manejando conceptos, lógicas y sinopsis como puntos organizativos, enlazados y superpuestos, que den paso a un marco propositivo que pueda ser simultáneamente articulado e independiente. Una situación que, ante nuevos desafíos, pretende ir más allá de una estricta definición de estrato o de su noción preconcebida descrita desde la superposición de diversos materiales. Todo ello a fin de revelar los diferentes perfiles del estrato y de la estratificación. Para ello, se abre y amplía el campo de estudio proyectual/procesual desdibujando los límites entre disciplinas –geología, filosofía, tecnología, arquitectura–. Y al mismo tiempo, se construye una cartografía del estrato arquitectónico asociada: a una taxonomía descriptora, a nuevas formulaciones, a pensamientos de personajes reconocibles y/o rescatados –como Rowe/Slutzky, Smithson, Parent/Virilio, Koolhaas, MVRDV, etc.–, y, por último, a nuevas lógicas proyectuales y operativas referidas al estrato, que fusionan conocimientos complejos. Unos contenidos que habitualmente no se presentan en investigaciones doctorales tradicionales –lo que permite afrontar nuevos cambios metodológicos, e imprimir un punto de partida para el desarrollo de futuras investigaciones o de otros posibles caminos emergentes–. Así, el discurso se impregna de nuevos referentes teóricos dentro de una misma mitología común (la del estrato). Un tema abordado con claves híbridas, es decir, con estudios selectivos y escritos coleccionados –analizados a partir de antecedentes encontrados y consolidados–, combinados con interpretaciones subyacentes en la arquitectura contemporánea –que pueden todavía encontrarse en fase experimental–. Una investigación que muestra la adaptación, la evolución y el cambio de la definición de "estrato arquitectónico", así como de su apariencia, utilización y aplicación a lo largo del tiempo, consecuencia de las nuevas necesidades y/o de las nuevas bases ideológicas ocasionadas por nuevos descubrimientos. Estratos arquitectónicos que dotan al espacio de profundidad –desde la bidimensionalidad– mediante la superposición de planos paralelos hacia la construcción de una nueva experiencia de estratificación fenomenológica. Estratos que generan estímulos y cambian su materialidad –de opacos a (en)tramados– creando apariencias y produciendo diversos efectos, para posteriormente exfoliarse y convertirse en estratos habitables. Estratos capturadores del espacio-tiempo, o de las dinámicas internas. Llegando incluso, con un último giro, a la era digital, donde el estrato informacional –que continua siendo independiente, autónomo y diverso, y que puede ser modificado, manipulado, suprimido o activable sin alterar el conjunto–, propicia obtener sistemas flexibles, relacionales, capaces de mutar o adaptarse, asociados a distintos niveles de organización dispositiva, que impulsan acciones y hacen emerger lógicas proyectuales. Estratos que surgen de forma elaborada o espontánea en el territorio urbano o natural (ciudad sobre ciudad, suelo sobre suelo), que se aplican extendiendo e hibridando el territorio (paisajes operativos), que son replanteados artificialmente como mecanismos edificatorios según las exigencias existentes (estratos programáticos, capas especializadas), y que se implantan como capas/layers en los programas informáticos utilizados como herramientas de diseño (multicapas, sistemas de intercambio informacional). Un trabajo que se estructura de manera multicapa lo que permite recorrer la tesis como un mapa de secuencias, saltar entre estratos de información, o seleccionar lecturas según intereses de pensamiento o acción arquitectónica. En consecuencia, una investigación sobre el "estrato arquitectónico" que conecta diversas disciplinas, que recopila distintos posicionamientos teórico/prácticos –lo que implica la introducción de parámetros y datos vivos–, y afronta un posicionamiento estratégico que vuelve a poner en valor el estrato arquitectónico –partiendo de estrategias formales que se han transformado en estrategias experimentales/operativas (a medida que el entorno se ha ido complejizando), siguiendo una estrategia conceptual e intelectual contemporánea, propia y específica–. ABSTRACT This PhD thesis is based on the research of "architectural stratum" using concepts, logical and synopsis as organizational, linked and overlapping points, which give way to a proactive framework that can be articulated and independent simultaneously. A situation that, faced with new challenges, aims to go beyond a strict definition of stratum or their preconceived notion described from the superposition of different materials. All this in order to reveal the different profiles of stratum and stratification. To do this, it opens and widens the field of project/process study, blurring the boundaries between disciplines –geology, philosophy, technology, architecture–. And, at the same time, a cartography of the architectural stratum is constructed, that associates with: descriptor taxonomy, new formulations, thoughts of recognizable and/or rescued characters, –as Rowe/Slutzky, Smithson, Parent/Virilio, Koolhaas, MVRDV, etc.–, and finally, a new project and operational logics referred to stratum, which merge complex knowledge. A content not usually presented in traditional doctoral research –which can face new methodological changes, and creates a starting point for future research or other possible emerging paths–. Thus, the work is imbued with new theoretical framework within a common mythology (stratum’s myth). An issue addressed with hybrid keys, that is, with selective studies and collected writings –analyzed starting from found and consolidated backgrounds–, combined with underlying performances on contemporary architecture –which can still be in experimental phase–. A research that shows adaptation, evolution and change of the definition of "architectural stratum", as well as their appearance, use and application throughout time, result of the new requirements and/or the new ideological foundations caused by new discoveries. Architectural strata that give depth to space –from two-dimensionality– by overlapping parallel planes towards the construction of a new experience of phenomenological stratification. Strata that generate stimuli and change their materiality –from opaque to lattice– creating appearances and producing various effects, for later exfoliating and becoming habitable strata. Strata that capture space-time or internal dynamics. Even reaching, with a final twist, the digital age, where the informational stratum –which remains independent, autonomous and diverse, and can be modified, manipulated, deleted or activated without altering the whole–, contribute to obtaining flexible, relational systems, able to mutate or adapt, associated with different levels of regulatory organization, that drive actions and make emerge project logics. Strata that arise elaborately or spontaneously in urban or natural territory (city upon city, floor upon floor), which apply expanding and hybridizing the territory (operational landscapes), which are artificially restated as building mechanisms according to existing requirements (strata program, specialized layers), which are implemented as layers in the software used as design tools (multilayer, systems of informational interchange). A work that is structured in a multi-layered way, which allows explore the thesis as a sequence map, jump between layers of information, or select readings according to an interest in thought or architectural action. Therefore, an investigation into the "architectural stratum" that connects different disciplines, which collects different theoretical/practical positions –which implies the introduction of live parameters and data– and faces a strategic positioning returning to value the architectural stratum –based on formal strategies that have become experimental/operational strategies (as the environment has become more complex), following a conceptual, intellectual, contemporary, own specific strategy–.

Lonnie Holley exploration and analysis of his artworks in two settings : the yard and the museum

The contemporary artist, Lonnie Holley, creates assemblage sculptures using found objects that he then places in his multi-layered yard art environment. With the rise in prestige of folk art, many art galleries and museums have displayed the works of Holley, removing them from the yard art environment and placing them in the gallery setting. This paper addresses how meaning changes when the context of Holley’s artworks changes.

The presence of a woman : images of La Malinche in el Lienzo de Tlaxcala

La Malinche’s serene face and beautifully dressed figure dominates the first half of the lost sixteenth century manuscript El Lienzo de Tlaxcala, which exists today in the form of a copy made after the original. In this paper I propose an expanded study of these twenty-one representations of La Malinche as they offer insight into the Tlaxcalan’s reverence, respect, and spiritual belief in La Malinche. The Tlaxcalan leaders recognized her influence on both the Spanish and indigenous leaders during the conquest and cleverly designed a painted narrative to reinforce their connection with La Malinche to enhance their position with the Spanish. Through a multi layered study that consists of a detailed account of her biography in contrast to gender roles in Pre-Hispanic America, as well as formal and iconographic analysis of rarely examined images from the Lienzo de Tlaxcala that link La Malinche to the Virgin Mary, and a review of the ethnographic research on religious beliefs among contemporary Tlaxcalans, I will demonstrate that the mutable history of this woman made her the ideal supernatural protagonist for the people of Tlaxcala.

Splitting complex temporal questions for question answering systems

This paper presents a multi-layered Question Answering (Q.A.) architecture suitable for enhancing current Q.A. capabilities with the possibility of processing complex questions. That is, questions whose answer needs to be gathered from pieces of factual information scattered in different documents. Specifically, we have designed a layer oriented to process the different types of temporal questions. Complex temporal questions are first decomposed into simpler ones, according to the temporal relationships expressed in the original question. In the same way, the answers of each simple question are re-composed, fulfilling the temporal restrictions of the original complex question. Using this architecture, a Temporal Q.A. system has been developed. In this paper, we focus on explaining the first part of the process: the decomposition of the complex questions. Furthermore, it has been evaluated with the TERQAS question corpus of 112 temporal questions. For the task of question splitting our system has performed, in terms of precision and recall, 85% and 71%, respectively.

The 'Yukos affair', its motives and implications. OSW Study 25/2006

When interpreting the "Yukos affair", it is hard to focus on any single particular motive or explanation that would easily rationalise the government's actions against the company. The "Yukos affair" is a multi-layered process with a number of different reasons for its cause. When one scrutinises the events around the company, the impression may be obtained that the Kremlin seemed at first not to have had any ultimate strategy; the authorities' position evolved as time went by. At first, the conflict was mainly of a political nature; economic factors did not arise until later, when the oil sector was undergoing changes in ownership.

A distributed equivalent magnetic current based FDTD method for the calculation of E-fields induced by gradient coils

This paper evaluates a new, low-frequency finite-difference time-domain method applied to the problem of induced E-fields/eddy currents in the human body resulting from the pulsed magnetic field gradients in MRI. In this algorithm, a distributed equivalent magnetic current is proposed as the electromagnetic source and is obtained by quasistatic calculation of the empty coil's vector potential or measurements therein. This technique circumvents the discretization of complicated gradient coil geometries into a mesh of Yee cells, and thereby enables any type of gradient coil modelling or other complex low frequency sources. The proposed method has been verified against an example with an analytical solution. Results are presented showing the spatial distribution of gradient-induced electric fields in a multi-layered spherical phantom model and a complete body model. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Emergent anisotropy and flow alignment in viscous rock

A novel class of nonlinear, visco-elastic rheologies has recently been developed by MUHLHAUS et al. (2002a, b). The theory was originally developed for the simulation of large deformation processes including folding and kinking in multi-layered visco-elastic rock. The orientation of the layer surfaces or slip planes in the context of crystallographic slip is determined by the normal vector the so-called director of these surfaces. Here the model (MUHLHAUS et al., 2002a, b) is generalized to include thermal effects; it is shown that in 2-D steady states the director is given by the gradient of the flow potential. The model is applied to anisotropic simple shear where the directors are initially parallel to the shear direction. The relative effects of textural hardening and thermal softening are demonstrated. We then turn to natural convection and compare the time evolution and approximately steady states of isotropic and anisotropic convection for a Rayleigh number Ra=5.64x10(5) for aspect ratios of the experimental domain of 1 and 2, respectively. The isotropic case has a simple steady-state solution, whereas in the orthotropic convection model patterns evolve continuously in the core of the convection cell, which makes only a near-steady condition possible. This near-steady state condition shows well aligned boundary layers, and the number of convection cells which develop appears to be reduced in the orthotropic case. At the moderate Rayleigh numbers explored here we found only minor influences in the change from aspect ratio one to two in the model domain.

Tracking the states of a nonlinear system in the weight-space of a feed-forward neural network

Nonlinear, non-stationary signals are commonly found in a variety of disciplines such as biology, medicine, geology and financial modeling. The complexity (e.g. nonlinearity and non-stationarity) of such signals and their low signal to noise ratios often make it a challenging task to use them in critical applications. In this paper we propose a new neural network based technique to address those problems. We show that a feed forward, multi-layered neural network can conveniently capture the states of a nonlinear system in its connection weight-space, after a process of supervised training. The performance of the proposed method is investigated via computer simulations.

Anisotropy model for mantle convection

The paper presents a new theory for modeling flow in anisotropic, viscous rock. This theory has originally been developed for the simulation of large deformation processes including folding and kinking in multi-layered visco-elastic rock. The orientation of slip planes in the context of crystallographic slip is determined by the normal vector, the so-called director of these surfaces. The model is applied to simulate anisotropic natural mantle convection. We compare the evolution of the director and approximately steady states of isotropic and anisotropic convection. The isotropic case has a simple steady state solution, whereas the orthotropic convection model produces a continuously evolving patterning in tile core of the convection cell which makes only a near-steady condition possible, in which the thermal boundary layer appears to be well aligned with the flow and hence as observed in seismic tomomgraphy strong anistropic.

Lichtspielkunstwerk und Sprachkunstwerk. Zur Funktion und Rolle des Films im oeuvre von Gerhard Roth:the function and role of film in the oeuvre of Gerhard Roth

This article examines the multi-layered interrelation between Gerhard Roth’s writing and film. It charts the corresponding relationship of his early books to their accompanying television documentaries. The main focus of this essay however is on the film adaptation of Stille Ozean (1980) and Landäufiger Tod (1984), the two major novels in his cycle Archive des Shweigens. Supplemented by a look at the two radically different adaptations of his volume of topographical essays on Vienna called Eine Reise in das Innere von Wien (1991), the article also provides a summary overview of the seven dramas written by Roth for Austrian television in the 1990s, some of which were directed by his son Thomas. Finally Roth's approach to the medium of film is being discussed by drawing on the 59 reviews he published between 1995 and 1997 as a film critic for the Austrian magazine NEWS.

Distributed control of computer communication systems

Flow control in Computer Communication systems is generally a multi-layered structure, consisting of several mechanisms operating independently at different levels. Evaluation of the performance of networks in which different flow control mechanisms act simultaneously is an important area of research, and is examined in depth in this thesis. This thesis presents the modelling of a finite resource computer communication network equipped with three levels of flow control, based on closed queueing network theory. The flow control mechanisms considered are: end-to-end control of virtual circuits, network access control of external messages at the entry nodes and the hop level control between nodes. The model is solved by a heuristic technique, based on an equivalent reduced network and the heuristic extensions to the mean value analysis algorithm. The method has significant computational advantages, and overcomes the limitations of the exact methods. It can be used to solve large network models with finite buffers and many virtual circuits. The model and its heuristic solution are validated by simulation. The interaction between the three levels of flow control are investigated. A queueing model is developed for the admission delay on virtual circuits with end-to-end control, in which messages arrive from independent Poisson sources. The selection of optimum window limit is considered. Several advanced network access schemes are postulated to improve the network performance as well as that of selected traffic streams, and numerical results are presented. A model for the dynamic control of input traffic is developed. Based on Markov decision theory, an optimal control policy is formulated. Numerical results are given and throughput-delay performance is shown to be better with dynamic control than with static control.

Nano-indentation measurement of oxide layers formed in LBE on F/M steels

Ferritic/martensitic (F/M) steels (T91, HT-9, EP 823) are candidate materials for future liquid lead or lead bismuth eutectic (LBE) cooled nuclear reactors. To understand the corrosion of these materials in LBE, samples of each material were exposed at 535 °C for 600 h and 200 h at an oxygen content of 10 wt%. After the corrosion tests, the samples were analyzed using SEM, WDX and nano-indentation in cross section. Multi-layered oxide scales were found on the sample surfaces. The compositions of these oxide layers are not entirely in agreement with the literature. The nano-indentation results showed that the E-modulus and hardness of the oxide layers are significantly lower than the values for dense bulk oxide materials. It is assumed that the low values stem from high porosity in the oxide layers. Comparison with in-air oxidized steels show that the E-modulus decreases with increasing oxide layer thickness. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Protein deposition at polymer surfaces:the bulk and surface structure-property effects of hydrogels

The primary objective of this research has been to investigate the interfacial phenomenon of protein adsorption in relation to the bulk and surface structure-property effect s of hydrogel polymers. In order to achieve this it was first necessary to characterise the bulk and surface properties of the hydrogels, with regard to the structural chemistry of their component monomers. The bulk properties of the hydrogels were established using equilibrium water content measurements, together with water-binding studies by differential scanning calorimetry (D.S.C.). Hamilton and captive air bubble-contact angle techniques were employed to characterise the hydrogel-water interface and from which by a mathematical derivation, the interfacial free energy (ðsw) and the surface free energy components (ð psv, ðdsv, ðsv) were obtained. From the adsorption studies using the radio labelled iodinated (125I) proteins of human serum albumin (H.S.A.) and human fibrinogen (H.Fb.), it was Found that multi-layered adsorption was occurring and that the rate and type of this adsorption was dependent on the physico-chemical behaviour of the adsorbing protein (and its bulk concentration in solution), together with the surface energetics of the adsorbent polymer. A potential method for the invitro evaluation of a material's 'biocompatibility' was also investigated, based on an empirically observed relationship between the adsorption of albumin and fibrinogen and the 'biocompatibility' of polymeric materials. Furthermore, some consideration was also given to the biocompatibility problem of proteinaceous deposit formation on hydrophilic soft' contact lenses and in addition a number of potential continual wear contact lens formulations now undergoing clinical trials,were characterised by the above techniques.

An ultra-sensitive localised surface plasmon resonance fibre device for environmental sensing based upon a structured bi-metal coating

We demonstrate a bi-metal coating (platinum and gold or silver) localised surface plasmon resonance fibre device that produces an index spectral sensitivity of over 11,000 nm/RIU, yielding an index resolution of 5×10-6in the aqueous index regime, consisting of a structured multi-layered thin film on D-shaped fibre. © 2014 SPIE.

From art for arts sake to art as means of knowing:a rationale for advancing arts-based methods in research, practice and pedagogy

This paper advances a philosophically informed rationale for the broader, reflexive and practical application of arts-based methods to benefit research, practice and pedagogy. It addresses the complexity and diversity of learning and knowing, foregrounding a cohabitative position and recognition of a plurality of research approaches, tailored and responsive to context. Appreciation of art and aesthetic experience is situated in the everyday, underpinned by multi-layered exemplars of pragmatic visual-arts narrative inquiry undertaken in the third, creative and communications sectors. Discussion considers semi-guided use of arts-based methods as a conduit for topic engagement, reflection and intersubjective agreement; alongside observation and interpretation of organically employed approaches used by participants within daily norms. Techniques span handcrafted (drawing), digital (photography), hybrid (cartooning), performance dimensions (improvised installations) and music (metaphor and structure). The process of creation, the artefact/outcome produced and experiences of consummation are all significant, with specific reflexivity impacts. Exploring methodology and epistemology, both the "doing" and its interpretation are explicated to inform method selection, replication, utility, evaluation and development of cross-media skills literacy. Approaches are found engaging, accessible and empowering, with nuanced capabilities to alter relationships with phenomena, experiences and people. By building a discursive space that reduces barriers; emancipation, interaction, polyphony, letting-go and the progressive unfolding of thoughts are supported, benefiting ways of knowing, narrative (re)construction, sensory perception and capacities to act. This can also present underexplored researcher risks in respect to emotion work, self-disclosure, identity and agenda. The paper therefore elucidates complex, intricate relationships between form and content, the represented and the representation or performance, researcher and participant, and the self and other. This benefits understanding of phenomena including personal experience, sensitive issues, empowerment, identity, transition and liminality. Observations are relevant to qualitative and mixed methods researchers and a multidisciplinary audience, with explicit identification of challenges, opportunities and implications.