http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/58597 Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:41 GMT 2013-05-13T18:00:41Z http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/90924 Climate Mapping in the Great Lakes Region as a Means for Inter-Urban Collaboration in Climate Adaptation Planning Mallen, Evan S. There is a major disconnect between climate scientists and city planners. Accessing climate data generally requires specialized training that most urban planners do not have. Therefore, planners depend on scientists to translate the data into projected climate impacts. Fine scale climate mapping that helps translate climate data into impacts on cities could assist in the climate adaptation planning process by eliminating the need for urban planners to make this translation for themselves. This is especially significant in the Great Lakes region, where the unique geography creates many small microclimates that are not represented in broad summary documents such as the IPCC. Instead, these reports aggregate the microclimates into one set of impacts, calling the region simply “The Midwest.” This project attempts to define a set of climate zones in the Great Lakes region that capture the unique microclimates, and statistically establish the homogeneity of each zone across samples of cities. These zones could become a basis of collaboration between cities with existing climate adaptation plans and those looking for inspiration for their own plans. Using statistically downscaled climate model projections, a second set of maps tracks how these zones shift over time in a changing climate. Additionally, planners in the Great Lakes Region were interviewed to assess what kind of data they find to be most useful, and to gain feedback on how this method can best benefit them. The planners expressed need for climate information that is precise, relevant to their city’s unique situation, and offers “on the ground” impacts and response strategies. This method addresses this need by encouraging efficient use of existing information for use in the planning process. The maps produced in this paper provide recommendations for inter-municipal collaboration to share relevant strategies among cities facing similar climate impacts. This helps cities help themselves without specifically commissioning climate experts, thereby reducing extraneous expenditure and redundancy of research. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/90924 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/83251 The Noble Profession of Leaf Chasing Rycus, Mitchell In the late nineteenth-century Austro-Hungarian Empire, two Jewish astronomy professors work tirelessly to unearth new academic research for their chosen field. But their participation in adultery, deception, and murder will follow them throughout time, weaving a complicated web into future generations, and setting the stage for the age-old question, “Are the sins of the fathers visited upon the sons?” Years later, the professors’ families having immigrated to Cleveland, Ohio, the old axiom comes to a strange and chilling climax. The grandsons of the astronomers supposedly influenced by ancient Jewish mysticism are murdered—one allegedly at the hands of the other. Detective Sergeant Marty Kowalski investigates the murders, with the assistance of an astronomy professor and two of her students from the University of Michigan. Spending considerable time and meticulous effort, Kowalski slowly unravels the complicated past behind the two victims and unearths a shattering truth that will leave both families reeling. A fascinating blend of philosophy, history, and religion, The Noble Profession of Leaf Chasing delivers a compelling read. Fiction / Historical; Science, crime, religious Trade Paperback Publication Date: Jan-2010 Price: $15.95 Size: 6 x 9 Author: Mitchell J. Rycus ISBN: 978-1-4401-9695-9 236 Pages Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/83251 2010-01-14T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/58661 Using Evolutionary Computation to explore geometry and topology without ground structures von Buelow, Peter Over the past two decades there has been an increasing interest in using what has come to be called Evolutionary Computation (EC) in the analysis and optimization of structural systems. These methods include Genetic Algorithms (GA), Evolution Strategies (ES), Simulated Annealing and other stochastic based numerical methods. Each of these methods shares the drawback that they are very computationally intensive compared to deterministic methods. Furthermore, the computational burden can rapidly increase as the size of the analyzed structure increases. This paper suggests that the level of computation can be significantly reduced by avoiding the common practice of using ground structures in coding the topology. Additionally, comparative examples show that a broader range of good solutions can be reached when the use of ground structures is avoided. Extended abstract for IASS-IACM 2008 International Conference in Ithaca, NY (Cornell University) Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/58661 2008-05-29T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/58599 A Geometric Comparison of Branching Structures in Tension and in Compression versus Minimal Paths von Buelow, Peter Branching structures are based on geometric systems that expand through bifurcation without returning to form closed cells. In this sense, branching structures resemble the structure of trees that branch continually outward. In architectural engineering, these forms can be used either as tension or compression systems. Numerous built examples have been produced since the initial inspiring studies made by Frei Otto in the early 1960's. Form finding techniques based on models have been used in the past to study these forms. Although thread models can be effective in the study of force paths, they cannot distinguish between tension and compression and have no way to take member buckling into account. But buckling does have an influence on appropriate geometry of a compression system. Also, minimal paths (or pseudo minimal paths based on surface tension thread models) have been used to explore possible geometries for branching structures. In this paper, both surface tension thread models dipped in water, and weighted string models are shown in comparison with ideal tension and compression forms found with a computational method based on Genetic Algorithms. The same computational model is used to find geometries with minimal overall member length. Both 2D and 3D geometries are derived. Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2027.42/58599 2007-12-03T00:00:00Z