Phonaesthemic alternations in Flemish dialects: a matter of language contact in the emergence of phonaesthesia?

In this article, we present and analyse phonaesthemic alternations as they appear in Flemish dialects of Dutch, that is when a root-initial consonant or consonant cluster is replaced by a post-alveolar affricate /ʧ/ or /ʤ/ in order to create a phonaesthemically marked variant of a neutral base word. Although no longer productive in Flemish dialects, we show that such phonaesthemic alternations exhibit strong functional similarities to those found in other languages, in particular the evaluative notions of diminutivity and augmentativity. We also show that, formally speaking, Flemish phonaesthemic alternations differ from those attested in other languages in only targeting a single consonant or consonant cluster. We then put forward the hypothesis that Flemish speakers may have copied this mechanism to produce phonaesthemic alternations from Picard speakers, corroborating the notion that phonaesthemic alternations may emerge from language contact.

The expression of vulgarity, force, severity and size

Phonaesthemes are a common phenomenon, but they are generally not in paradigmatic opposition like morphemes are (Svantesson 2017: 6). Reta, however, has a phonaesthemic contrast /l/~/r/, where /r/-colouring of neutral base words signifies an increase in vulgarity, intensity, size or severity (e.g. ɓela ‘bad’ vs. ɓera ‘terrible’, -ool ‘penis’ vs. -oor ‘cock’). This paper describes this phenomenon in detail, and provides a discussion as to whether it is best classified as morphological, phonaesthemic, or otherwise. We argue that, although some of the cross-linguistic criteria for phonaesthesia exclude phonaesthemic /r/ from being classified as such, it is not straightforwardly classified as either phonological or morphological. Using Kwon & Round’s (2015) criteria for phonaesthesia and derivational morphology, we compare Reta phonaesthemic alternations to similar phenomena in other languages. We argue that such alternations differ fundamentally from both non-alternating phonaesthemes and morphology, and are best construed as a distinct cross-linguistic category.

Crystallographic evidence of Watson–Crick connectivity in the base pair of anionic adenine with thymine

Utilizing an ionic liquid strategy, we report crystal structures of salts of free anionic nucleobases and base pairs previously studied only computationally and in the gas phase. Reaction of tetrabutylammonium ([N4444]+) or tetrabutylphosphonium ([P4444]+) hydroxide with adenine (HAd) and thymine (HThy) led to hydrated salts of deprotonated adenine, [N4444][Ad]·2H2O, and thymine, [P4444][Thy]·2H2O, as well as the double salt cocrystal, [P4444]2[Ad][Thy]·3H2O·2HThy. The cocrystal includes the anionic [Ad−(HThy)] base pair which is a stable formation in the solid state that has previously not even been suggested. It exhibits Watson–Crick connectivity as found in DNA but which is unusual for the free neutral base pairs. The stability of the observed anionic bases and their supramolecular formations and hydrates has also been examined by electronic structure calculations, contributing to more insight into how base pairs can bind when a proton is removed and highlighting mechanisms of stabilization or chemical transformation in the DNA chains.

Toward a Comprehensive Tax Reform for Italy

This paper evaluates elements of a comprehensive reform of the Italian tax system. Reform options are guided by the principles of reducing complexity, broadening the tax base, and lowering marginal tax rates, especially the tax burden on labor income. The revenue and distributional implications of personal income and property tax reforms are assessed with EUROMOD, while a microsimulation model is developed to evaluate VAT reform options. Simulations suggest that a substantial reduction in the tax burden on labor income can be obtained with a revenue-neutral base-broadening reform that streamlines tax expenditures and updates the property valuation system. In addition, a comprehensive reform would benefit low- and middle-income households the most, by lowering significantly their overall current tax liability, which results in increased progressivity of the tax system.

EXPERIENCING HERITAGE DYNAMIC THROUGH VISUALIZATION

<p><strong>Abstract.</strong> The present article aims to consider the added value attached to the usage of new technologies in a project aimed to study heritage. Indeed, multimedia devices could be used to create representations useful to develop and disseminate information integrating the architectural and territorial framework and to reach a general understanding.</p><p>The processed data come from a research project, based on an interdisciplinary approach, address to the study of medieval buildings in Armenia, Vayots Dzor region, with the aim of studying and understanding the cultural heritage.</p><p>Three different technologies are used to visualize and disseminate the results of the analyses carried out: the video, the hologram, and the virtual reality. These digital visualization methods enable experts to make the topics investigated accessible and comprehensible to a wider general public with a didactic and informative aim.</p><p>The solid 3D-model of the site allows to virtually reproduce the reality and to provide a spatial perception of the site. Indeed, it is a neutral base, represents the morphological conformation and settlements, a landscape whose reference points are easily identified with the historical architectures, helping the public and spectators to get oriented inside the territory. These methods of representation allow to move from general view to particular, or to a different frame appropriate to the addressed topic. Thus, it binds the scientific research with the visual part, and enable communication, even in a context where it is difficult to use a common spoken or written language.</p>

BASE COMPOSITION EFFECTS STUDY ON NBR CURRENT AND CURRENT GAIN IN SiGe HBT

In present study, SiGe Hetero-junction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) performances are discussed based on both TCAD and analytical evaluations of the heavily doped base. It is demonstrated that neutral base recombination (NBR) current has significant effects on base current and hence current gain. An optimized Ge profile for 20 nm wide base of understudy structure, with 16% Germanium at EB edge and 24% at CB edge is concluded analytically, which improves DC and high frequency behavior. TCAD simulations reveal that for the specific structure and proposed profile, current gain is about 3500. It also exhibits ft and f max about 325 GHz and 192 GHz, respectively. In the next section for the first time, a comprehensive study of early voltage variation based on total Ge content and Ge grading in base is also presented. Forced base-emitter voltage and forced base current configurations are studied separately. NBR current has been analyzed under two different configuration and prospective guidelines are indicated.