bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Ways of Analysing the History of Varieties of English – An Acoustic Analysis of Early Pop Music Recordings from Ghana
Authors: Schmidt Sebastian 
Published: February 2013

Focusing on English in Ghana, this paper explores some ways in which early popular music recordings might be used to reconstruct the phonology of colonial and post-colonial Englishes in a situation where other recordings are (mostly) absent.
While the history of standard and, to a certain degree, non-standard varieties of “Inner Circle Englishes” (Kachru 1986) has received linguistic attention, diachronic investigations of Outer Circle varieties are still the exception. For the most part, descriptions of the history of post-colonial Englishes are restricted to sociohistorical outlines from a macro-sociolinguistic perspective with little if any reference to the linguistic structure of earlier stages of the varieties. One main reason for this lack of diachronic studies is the limited availability of authentic historical data. In contrast to spoken material, written sources are more readily available, since early travel accounts, diaries or memoirs of missionaries, traders and administrators often contain quotes and at times there are even documents produced by speakers of colonial Englishes themselves (cf. the diary of Antera Duke, a late 18th century Nigerian slave trader; Behrendt et al. 2010). Such material provides insights into the morphology, syntax and the lexicon of earlier stages of varieties of English (cf. Hickey 2010), but it is inadequate for the reconstruction of phonological systems. Obtaining spoken material, which permits phonological investigation, is far more difficult, since there are comparatively few early recordings of Outer Circle Englishes. In such cases, popular music recordings can fill the gap.
I will present first results of an acoustic analysis of Ghanaian “Highlife” songs from the 1950s to 1960s. My results show that vowel subsystems in the 1950s and 1960s show a different kind of variation than in present-day Ghanaian English. Particularly the STRUT lexical set is realized as /a, ɔ/ in the Highlife-corpus. Today, it is realized with three different vowels in Ghanaian English, /a, ε, ɔ/ (Huber 2004: 849). A particular emphasis will also be on the way Praat (Boersma and Weenink 2011) can be used to analyze music recordings.
Questionnaire-Based Pronunciation Studies: Italian, Spanish and Polish Students’ Views on their English Pronunciation
Authors: Nowacka Marta 
Published: February 2013

This article is an attempt to review the most recent phonetic literature on the application of questionnaires in phonetic studies. In detail, we review the scope of pronunciation questionnaire-based surveys with respect to Polish and non-Polish students of English. In addition, this paper aims to examine European students’ beliefs and attitudes towards their own English pronunciation and is also intended to provide some arguments for or against the use of foreign-accented rather than native models of pronunciation in phonetic instruction.
The data come from three groups of informants, namely: Italian, Spanish and Polish students of English. With respect to foreign, non-Polish respondents, the study was conducted at the University of Salento in Italy and the University in Vigo, Spain within the framework of the Erasmus Teacher Mobility Programme in two consecutive academic years: i.e. 2010/2011 and 2011/2012. As regards Polish respondents, our research involved subjects from six different tertiary schools, i.e. five universities and one college, located in various parts of Poland.
On balance, the results of our study give an insight into the phonetic preferences of adult European advanced students of English with reference to the importance of good native-like pronunciation, the aims of pronunciation study, factors contributing to phonetic progress and their self-study pronunciation learning strategies. Our findings point to the fact that students of English wish to speak with good pronunciation, set a high native-like standard for themselves, report having benefited from their phonetic instruction and exposure to native English and that they work on their pronunciation by means of various, mostly cognitive, strategies.
Rather than casting new light on teaching pronunciation, the outcome of this study is consistent with the findings of other research on foreign students’ choice of preferred pronunciation model, which is undeniably native rather than foreign-accented.
Stressed Vowel Duration and Phonemic Length Contrast
Authors: Ciszewski Tomasz 
Published: February 2013

It has been generally accepted that greater vowel/syllable duration is a reliable correlate of stress and that absolute durational differences between vowels underlie phonemic length contrasts. In this paper we shall demonstrate that duration is not an independent stress correlate, but rather it is derivative of another stress correlate, namely pitch. Phonemic contrast, on the other hand, is qualitative rather than quantitative.
These findings are based on the results of an experiment in which four speakers of SBrE read 162 mono-, di- and trisyllabic target items (made of CV sequences) both in isolation and in carrier phrases. In the stressed syllables all Southern British English vowels and diphthongs were represented and each vowel was placed in 3 consonantal contexts: (a) followed by a voiced obstruent, (b) voiceless obstruent and (c) a sonorant. Then, all vowels (both stressed and unstressed) were extracted from target items and measured with PRAAT.
The results indicate that stressed vowels may be longer than unstressed ones. Their durational superiority, however, is not stress-related, but follows mainly from vowelintrinsic durational characteristics and, to some extent, from the prosodic context (i.e. the number of following unstressed vowels) in which it is placed. In CV1CV2 disyllables, when V1 is phonemically short, the following word-final unstressed vowel is almost always longer. It is only when V1 is a phonemically long vowel that V2 may be shorter. As far as diphthongal V1 is concerned, the durational V1~V2 relation is variable. Interestingly, the V1~V3 relation in trisyllables follows the same durational pattern. In both types of items the rare cases when a phonemically short V1 is indeed longer than the word-final vowel involve a stressed vowel which is open, e.g. [æ,o], and whose minimal execution time is longer due to a more extensive jaw movement. These observations imply that both in acoustic and perceptual terms the realisation of word stress is not based on the durational superiority of stressed vowels over unstressed ones. When it is, it is only an epiphenomenon of intrinsic duration of the stressed vowel and extra shortness of nonfinal unstressed vowel.
As far as phonemic length contrast is concerned, we observe a high degree of durational overlap between phonemically long and short vowels in monosyllabic CVC words (which is enforced by a greater pitch excursion), whereas in polysyllables the differences seem to be perceptually non-salient (>40 ms, cf. Lehiste 1970). This suggests that the differences in vowel duration are not significant enough to underlie phonological length contrasts.
The utilization possibility of waste lignite as a raw material in the process of obtaining humic acids preparations
Authors: Hoffmann Krystyna , Huculak-Mączka Marta 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
In the light of environmental law utilization lignite waste in non-energy sectors of the economy is a rational way to manage them. Lignite due to the lower degree of coalification and calorific value as well as a high content of humic substances becomes a valuable component of fertilizer. The paper presents the possibility of using lignite waste as a raw material in the process of obtaining humic acids with 0.1 M NaOH. The idea of the process combines production, environmental and economic purposes. After the extraction process of humic acids and considering the possibility of using waste formed during the process, were carried out a number of studies to assist in choosing the best solution to its management.
Controllable preparation of highly active horseradish peroxidase-gold nanoparticle bionanoconjugate
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Chunli , Song Shanshan , Peng Chifang 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A novel method of immobilizing horse radish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) onto the surface of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was developed. As a result, a high-activity bionanoconjugates was obtained through utilizing the biotin-streptavidin (SA) system. The HRP-SA-GNP bionanoconjugate with high activity was conveniently prepared through the biotin- avidin system. Compared with the HRP-GNP bioconjugate prepared through the traditional electrostatic absorption method, the enzyme activity per GNPs of this new bionanoconjugate was enhanced by 10 times. Moreover, the enzyme activity of this bionanoconjugate was controllable. The above method of bionanoconjugation preparation has promising applications in the fields including preparing highly active bio-nanoprobe and immobilized enzyme.
Dehydrogenation of propane with CO2 – a new green process for propene and synthesis gas production
Authors: Michorczyk Piotr , Zeńczak Kamila , Niekurzak Rafał , Ogonowski Jan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Dehydrogenation of propane in the presence of CO2 was considered as an alternative to commercial dehydrogenation pathway of obtaining propene and the new sources of synthesis gas. Based on thermodynamic calculations and a catalytic tests it was shown that by controlling CO2 concentration in the feed the molar ratio of H2/CO (synthesis gas) in the products mixture can be regulated. Several different pathways of DHP-CO2 process integration with commercialized chemical processes utilized synthesis gas were proposed
Rove beetles of the genera Agaricochara, Brachida, and Encephalus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) of Ukraine
Authors: Glotov S. V. 
Published: February 2013

-
Rove Beetles of the Genera Agaricochara, Brachida, and Encephalus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) of Ukraine. Glotov S. V.Three genera, Agaricochara Kraatz, 1856, Brachida Mulsant et Rey, 1871, and Encephalus Stephens, 1832 represented in Ukrainian fauna by one species each are reviewed. Detailed diagnoses and descriptions, peculiarities of biology and geographical distribution are given for each species fnd genera. New synonymy is established: Brachida exigua (Heer, 1839) = Brachida kraatzii Hochhuth, 1872 syn. n.
The use and exchange of teaching modules published in the series of handbooks prepared within the frame of the „forum for public health in south-eastern Europe“ network
Authors: Zaletel Kragelj Lijana , Kovačič Luka , Bjegović Vesna , Božikov Jadranka , Burazeri Genc , Donev Doncho , Galan Adriana , Georgieva Lidia , Pavleković Gordana , Scintee Silvia Gabriela , Bardehle Doris , Laaser Ulrich 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Aim: Throughout 2004-2010, the series of 6 books entitled “Handbooks for Teachers, Researchers and Health Professionals” were published within the frame of the public health network established in South Eastern Europe (SEE), covering the total of 249 teaching modules. The aim of the study was to assess the use and exchange of these modules between the authors.
Methods: Out of 148 identified authors, 106 took part in the cross-sectional study carried out from July to November 2011 (response rate: 71.6%). The primary endpoints were the utilization (use and/or exchange) of the modules in general, the percentage of utilized modules from all volumes, the percentages of utilized modules of each volume separately, and the percentage of utilized modules from all the volumes at different levels of the educational process. Non-parametric statistical methods were used for analysis (e.g. Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests).
Results: Module utilization was reported by 80/106 participants (75.5%). The median value of the percentage of utilized modules from all the volumes was 4.8, being much higher among full-time university staff (9.2; p=0.008) and authors/editors (14.7; p=0.010). The respondents most frequently utilized Volume 1 (median value: 7.7) and Volume 6 (median value: 4.2) modules (p=0.002) as part of undergraduate (median value: 1.4) and postgraduate vocational (median value: 1.4) study programmes (p<0.001).
Conclusion: The level of module utilization within the group of their authors is good. However, this is only partial information and not representative of the entire target population of SEE public health teachers.
Structural Failures of Buildings Caused by Volume Changes of Steel Slag
Authors: Čajka Radim , Martinec Petr 
Published: February 2013

Structural Failures of Buildings Caused by Volume Changes of Steel Slag
The paper deals with structural failures of buildings caused by volume changes of steel slag in subsoil of hospital in Ostrava-Poruba. The building consists of a monolithic reinforced concrete frame structure with floor slabs on slag sub-base. Latest measured increases in deformations show that the slag swelling in the sub-soil continues, and as the measured dependences show, there is no stabilization of the movement.
Experimental investigation of reinforced concrete beams with and without CFRP wrapping
Authors: Venkatesha K.V. , Dinesh S.V. , Balaji Rao K. , Bharatkumar B.H. , Balasubramanian S.R. , Iyer Nagesh R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper presents the results of experimental investigations on six reinforced concretebeams, with three different shear span-to-depth ratios, which were tested under two-pointloading. The aim of the work was to study the efficacy of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer(CFRP) strips in enhancing shear capacity and/or changing the failure mode from brittleshear failure to ductile flexural failure. The results of the study indicate that while thereis a marginal increase in first crack and ultimate loads, it is possible to achieve a changein the failure mode, and the monitored strain gauge data can be used to explain the failurepattern observed.
Changing Notes in the Voices beyond the Rooster Coop: A Neo-Capitalist Coup in Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger
Authors: Shetty Praveen , Prabhu Vishnumoorthy , T. Pratapchandra 
Published: February 2013

Aravind Adiga’s novel The White Tiger encapsulates the complexities of identity formation in a milieu effected by neo-capitalism. The novel, for many, is about a new identity made available to the hitherto marginalized in the form of opportunities unveiled by market forces. It is also perceived as a registration of the frustration and anger of the deprived that has become conscious of the new possibilities. Understandably, interpreting the novel on these lines leads to the identification of the protagonist Balram as a champion of the marginalized, settling scores with the oppressive system
However, there are far subtler notes in the protagonist’s attitude to these sweeping changes than the simple and one dimensional approach of an achiever who is able to break the “rooster coop” and revel at the reversal of fortune. Neither is it a representative voice of the suppressed class turning the table on its oppressor by using the opportunities offered by the global market. The “notes” of the voices that emerge as Balram, the boy from darkness, moves up the ladder to become Ashok Sharma, the entrepreneur hiding in light, not only lack symphony but also create a distinct dissonance. Clearly, the discord in the changing notes is brought about by the forces that changed the world he lives in—a neo-capitalist world. The whole process of Balram turning into Ashok Sharma is a neocapitalist coup.
The Use and Abuse of John Calvin in Richard Hooker's Defence of the English Church
Authors: Neelands David 
Published: February 2013

The Use and Abuse of John Calvin in Richard Hooker's Defence of the English Church
At times Richard Hooker (1554-1600), as an apologist for the Church of England,
has been treated as “on the Calvinist side”, at others as an “anti-Calvinist”. In fact, Hooker and
his Church were dependent on John Calvin in some ways and independent in others. Hooker
used recognized sources to paint a picture of Calvin and his reforms in Geneva that would
negatively characterize the proposals and behaviour of those he opposed in the Church of
England, and yet he adopted Calvinist positions on several topics. A judicious treatment of
Hooker’s attitude to John Calvin requires careful reading, and an understanding of the polemical
use of the portrait of Calvin. Calvin was indeed grave and learned, but he was human and,
as an authority, inferior to the Church Fathers, who were formally recognized as authorities in
the Church of England.
Ethics, Access, and Rights in Anthropological Archive Management: A Case Study from Thailand
Authors: Sookprasert Thanwadee , Rungcharoensuksri Sittisak 
Published: February 2013

Distinguished anthropologist Michael Moerman's donation of his ethnographic fieldwork materials in 2005 to the Anthropological Archives of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Anthropology Centre (SAC) posed new and compelling questions to the SAC's archival management staff. They have sought to strike a balance between the academic needs of users and the ethical and legal considerations in the management and distribution of tangible and intangible cultural property from the source communities where Moerman did his research. Endeavouring to develop a protocol for the management of an ethnographic archival database, the SAC is aware of its obligation to build awareness of the cultural rights of the source community as the rightful owners of this cultural property. By incorporating the views of multiple stakeholders in a previously binary division of materials as ‘sensitive’ or ‘non-sensitive’, it is trying to take into account a diversity of views about access to these cultural materials. One aim of our research was, thus, to highlight the role of the archivists themselves by asking them to review and question their own processes and contributions to the management of anthropological archives. We expect that the conclusions and observations drawn from this study will be used to create a SAC protocol for cultural information management and distribution. Though the Tai Lue source community that Moerman studied in the 1960s does not have a pre-existing cultural protocol to determine the parameters surrounding digital repatriation and access, the community's opinions and reflections will be fully considered in the creation of the SAC protocol for use as an initial guideline. Thus, the second aim of our research was to elicit and examine the community's reactions to ethnographic material deriving from it, in order to highlight the issue of a community's collective right to be involved in preservation of and access to such material.
Non-Contact Color Analysis and Digital Archive Method for Blue-and-White Porcelain by Using Spectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Shyu M. James , Lee Margaret Chen 
Published: February 2013

The unique colour representation of Oriental art work distinguishes itself from what has been seen in Western art work. Not only the traditional Oriental watercolour paintings but also the ancient Chinese porcelains show a great deal of interesting colours that have been archived by digital camera in digital archive practice. However, the majority of the current digital cameras operate with RGB filters, which record every pixel in a tri-chromatic manner. There are several limitations for such a tri-chromatic camera. One is that it describes the colour of the object only by three primary colours. Another is that the image captured is strongly influenced by the illumination at the scene, such that the archived image appears as it does specifically under that lighting condition, not as the original object itself. With such limitations, a problem called ‘metamerism’ may occur when an object is viewed under different illuminations. This creates a serious problem when colour is a critical factor in the digital archiving process. Spectral imaging technology is capable of capturing the colour in spectral form, and the spectral reflectance of each pixel is recorded accordingly. With consequent analysis and process, art works can be archived with high precision spectral data with the advantages of resolving the issue of metamerism and of reproducing the art work under any kind of illumination. Another advantage of spectral imaging technology is that it captures and analyzes the spectral data of an art work without any physical contact. In this study ancient Chinese blue-and-white porcelains collected by the Hwa-Kang Museum of the Chinese Culture University are digitised by spectral imaging technology. A custom-built spectral camera is used to capture the spectral image by using a new spectrograph device. Statistics analysis is used to extract the primary spectral reflectance from the captured spectral data. Comparisons can then be made to explore the differences among the colour primaries of the porcelains. This new spectral system and the colour analysis of blue-and-white porcelain as well as the resulting spectral characteristics of this porcelain can be a new benchmark for the museum community in digital archiving.
Spin state switching in iron coordination compounds
Authors: Gütlich Philipp , Gaspar Ana B , Garcia Yann 
Published: February 2013

The article deals with coordination compounds of iron(II) that may exhibit thermally induced spin transition, known as spin crossover, depending on the nature of the coordinating ligand sphere. Spin transition in such compounds also occurs under pressure and irradiation with light. The spin states involved have different magnetic and optical properties suitable for their detection and characterization. Spin crossover compounds, though known for more than eight decades, have become most attractive in recent years and are extensively studied by chemists and physicists. The switching properties make such materials potential candidates for practical applications in thermal and pressure sensors as well as optical devices.The article begins with a brief description of the principle of molecular spin state switching using simple concepts of ligand field theory. Conditions to be fulfilled in order to observe spin crossover will be explained and general remarks regarding the chemical nature that is important for the occurrence of spin crossover will be made. A subsequent section describes the molecular consequences of spin crossover and the variety of physical techniques usually applied for their characterization. The effects of light irradiation (LIESST) and application of pressure are subjects of two separate sections. The major part of this account concentrates on selected spin crossover compounds of iron(II), with particular emphasis on the chemical and physical influences on the spin crossover behavior. The vast variety of compounds exhibiting this fascinating switching phenomenon encompasses mono-, oligo- and polynuclear iron(II) complexes and cages, polymeric 1D, 2D and 3D systems, nanomaterials, and polyfunctional materials that combine spin crossover with another physical or chemical property.
Pour une musique de résistance
Authors: Dupart Dominique 
Published: February 2013

Résumé À New York, une scène musicale s’est installée dans une ancienne épicerie, The Stone. Se mêlant aux bruits de la ville, on y joue des musiques de résistance – le blues, le klezmer, le free jazz –, musiques de position dans une guerre perpétuelle contre l’évacuation des pauvres et des artistes, dont l’unique principe poétique et politique est l’expérimentation. Comme en réponse au monumental et commémoratif Ground Zero non loin de là, le festival Fukushima ! a pris place au Stone, donnant à penser musicalement la catastrophe et l’expropriation.