The causative–instrumental syncretism

Causative and applicative morphemes have been central in work on the morphosyntax of argument structure. However, several genetically unrelated languages use a single, syncretic form for both functions, which complicates the traditional view that a causative adds a new subject and an applicative adds a new object. In this paper, I propose an analysis of a morphological syncretism found in the Bantu language Kinyarwanda where the morphological causative and instrumental applicative are both realized by the morpheme –ish. I argue for Kinyarwanda that both causation and the introduction of an instrument are analyzable as two outgrowths of the same semantic notion of introducing a new link into the causal chain described by the verb. The different causative and instrumental readings derive from underspecification of the position of the new link in the causal chain, although its placement is restricted via general constraints on possible event types as well as constraints on verb meaning and argument realization. This analysis provides an explanation for the presence of the causative–instrumental syncretism as well as provides insight into the interface between verb meaning and valency-changing morphology

Locative orientation and locative arguments: A case study from Kinyarwanda

Previous work has investigated various syntactic and semantic properties of locative PPs, but a lesser-studied set of facts is so-called "locative orientation" – the variable locating of participants in the location described by the locative. In Kinyarwanda (Bantu; Rwanda), the presence/absence of the applicative morpheme -ir corresponds to an alternation in orientation: with the non-applied variant, the locative only necessarily describes the object's location; with the applied variant, all participants must be at the location described by the locative. I argue that Kinyarwanda locatives are neither prepositions (but rather noun class prefixes) nor adjuncts, and therefore cannot be analyzed as intersectional (adjunct) modifiers. On the view that locatives are (internal) arguments, I instead propose that locative applicatives in Kinyarwanda mark a paradigmatic relationship between applied and non-applied variants in which there is an increase in the number of entailments associated with an internal argument

The syntax and semantics of applicative morphology in Bantu

This dissertation concerns itself with the applicative morpheme, often analyzed as a valency-increasing morpheme which licenses an additional object to the argument structure of a verb. To date, applicativization has been analyzed as an operation that monotonically adds a new object to the argument structure, with little significant interaction with the verb to which the applicative attaches. However, there are two broad empirical issues with this view. First, there are instances in several languages where the applied variant of a particular verb licenses no additional object, contingent on the choice of verb. Second, the semantic role of the applied object is often conditioned by the meaning of the verb. In this dissertation I propose that applicativization serves fundamentally only to restrict the truth-conditional content of an internal argument of the verb, but that this constraint can be satisfied in various constrained ways on a verb class-by-verb class basis of which canonical object addition is just an option. I present evidence from locative applicatives in Kinyarwanda that the semantic role of the locative applied object, and whether it is even present, is conditioned by the meaning of the verb to which the applicative attaches. Furthermore, I show that the semantics of both verb class and the applicative are important in capturing instrumental applicative-causative syncretism and constraints on what thematic role the applied object of such an applicative will have contingent on the particular verb. Finally, I revisit the question of object symmetry, where I argue that contra the dominant perspective in the literature, there is no universal correlation between a particular syntactic structure or thematic role and any particular symmetry pattern. Instead, I propose that symmetry facts follow on a language by language basis from a variety of factors, such as verb meaning, thematic role, cast of the relevant nouns, and information structure. This semantically-driven framework in which a mélange of other factors conspire to determine symmetry provides a more comprehensive empirical account of the syntactic and semantic nature of applicative morphology in Bantu.Linguistic

Characterization and Analysis of the Superabrasive Diamond Blade Sawing Process.

Diamond-impregnated segmented circular blade sawing is one of the most effective, versatile, and extensively used methods of processing rock and other hard materials, such as granite, marble, concrete and asphalt. For many years, it has been known that chip thickness is one of the most significant parameters in the understanding of the sawing process, and other variables such as force and power have been correlated with it. In this work, the material chipping geometries have been mathematically defined and derived through kinematics analysis. From these chipping geometries, chip area and thickness relations have been obtained. A relation for the mean chip thickness-to-grit spacing ratio has also been obtained as a function of independent non-dimensional machining parameter ratios. The effects of these independent non-dimensional parameters on the mean thickness were also investigated. The results show an excellent agreement between the new chipping model and the older ones. However, at moderately small to large depth of cut to blade diameter ratios values, the new model yields a more exact result. The grit spacing parameter used in the mean chip thickness-to-grit spacing ratio equation has also been examined. Methods were formulated to (a) analytically and (b) numerically compute an explicit value for the grit spacing. A comparison has also been made to verify the results for the grit spacing term. The results showed excellent agreement between the presented models and experimental data. Finally, the stress distribution of the segmented blade was investigated through the use of finite element analysis. Saw blades with various slot parameters were investigated and compared. The applied forces included the saw blade cutting force as well as the centrifugal force due to rotation. Plane stress conditions were assumed during the investigation. The maximum stress for each geometry was located and its magnitude was determined. In summary, an improved slot shape has been suggested to minimize the stress concentration and thereby increase the saw blade fatigue life

The Locative Applicative and the semantics of verb class in Kinyarwanda

This paper investigates the interaction of verb class and the locative applicative in Kinyarwanda (Bantu; Rwanda). Previous analyses of applicative morphology have focused almost exclusively on the syntax of the applied object, assuming that applicativization adds a new object with a transparent thematic role (e.g. Kisseberth & Abasheikh 1977; Baker 1988; Bresnan & Moshi 1990; Alsina & Mchombo 1993; McGinnis 2001; Jeong 2007; Jerro 2015, inter alia). I show instead that the interpretation of the applied object is contingent upon the meaning of the verb, with the applied object having a path, source, or goal semantic role with motion verbs from different classes. The general locative role discussed in previous work appears with non-motion verbs. I outline a typology of the interaction of the locative applicative with four different verb types and provide a semantic analysis of applicativization as a paradigmatic constraint on the lexical entailments of the applicativized variant of a particular verb

When quantifiers agree in person: Anomalous agreement in Bantu

The distribution of person, number, and gender features across languages follows certain cross-linguistic tendencies; one such tendency is that person agreement is often reserved for agreement between a noun and verb. Certain Bantu languages, however, reject this tendency by allowing person agreement on post-nominal quantifiers. The current analysis accounts for this seemingly anomalous case of agreement by tying the historical evolution of agreement morphology with the observation that these seemingly anomalous quantifiers have certain structural parallels with verb phrases.published or submitted for publicationis peer reviewe

Promoting access to haemostasis testing in resource-scarce and emergency settings using paper-based lateral flow diagnostic screening assays for coagulation disorders

Haemostatic disorders cause excessive bleeding and clotting and result in high morbidity and mortality worldwide, but especially in low-income areas which often lack suitable facilities and expertise for affordable diagnosis and treatment. Simple and low-cost haemostasis tests in such areas would permit diagnosis and effective treatment and thus reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. In a quest to provide simple, affordable, and yet effective haemostasis tests for low resource areas, this project utilised simple materials in the form of chromatography paper, coupled with inexpensive fabrication techniques such as wax printing and drop-casting to develop a number of low-cost and easy-to-use lateral flow devices for testing for haemostasis dysfunctions. The devices developed in this project were all fabricated using the same basic techniques and procedures. Firstly, lateral flow test strip formats were designed using Microsoft PowerPoint and printed onto chromatography papers using wax printing. The printed papers were cured in an oven at 100oC for two minutes, allowing wax to sink to make a hydrophobic boundary. The strips were then modified with appropriate reagent(s) via drop-casting and allowed to air dry before being cut and inserted into test strip holders. The strip holders were fabricated using 3D printing and were equipped with elevated rails to ensure that samples only flowed through the paper, a millimetric graduation scale to measure the distances travelled by the samples, and an opening for sample deposition and the visual monitoring of sample flow.In all, two paper-based lateral flow coagulation assay devices were developed, and the effect of platelet aggregation on sample flow was also investigated, and which were all based on the principle that coagulation or aggregation would alter the flow rate, or distance travelled by the sample. Assay development for each device began with isolating the effect of either coagulation or platelet adhesion/aggregation on sample flow rates from other contributions such as sample viscosity or reagent deposition. These coagulation or aggregation effects were then enhanced via optimising the relevant analytical parameters such as the type and amount of reagent immobilised on assay strips, sample volume, and strip geometry. Optimized formats of the devices were then calibrated and validated against routine reference methods using artificially constructed and clinical samples.The first coagulation testing device was developed to measure fibrinogen concentration in blood plasma and provided results within five minutes. This device had good agreement with an established reference method for fibrinogen concentrations of 0.5 to 7.0 mg/mL. The second coagulation testing device was a prothrombin assay and measured the effect on clotting in distance rather than in time. The distance values form the device had a good correlation with prothrombin time (PT) values from a reference routine hospital method (r2=0.7209) for samples with PT values ≤40.0 s. The device for platelet aggregation on lateral flow strips could distinguish dysfunctional platelet samples from normal ones (p<0.05) based on the difference in their travel distances. In addition, it showed a strong correlation between platelet count and sample distance (r2=0.9928) and Aggregation Effect (r2=0.7846). This means it could also potentially test for quantitative platelet disorders. In summary, two novel paper-based lateral flow coagulation testing devices have been developed. In addition, platelet aggregation and its effect on sample flow have been determined thus laying the foundation for development of a lateral flow platelet function analyser. These devices have the potential for deployment and incorporation into healthcare delivery systems in low-income areas to alleviate morbidity and mortality associated with bleeding and clotting disorders

Person-Marked Quantifiers in Kinyarwanda

Person agreement is usually restricted to verbal categories. However, Bantu languages permit person agreement on certain adnomial quantifiers. We propose an account of the evolution of person agreement that constrains the cliticization of pronomials to specifier-head relationships. This diachronic view captures the presencr of person agreement in Bantu on adnomial quantifiers as well as verbs

Effect of adding sodium caseinate, whey protein concentrateand milk protein concentrate on the physical, rheological and sensory properties of yogurt produced from goat milk

Yogurt is a widespread fermented dairy product widely consumed worldwide. The present study aimed to examine the impact on the yogurt's made from goat milk's physicochemical, rheological, and sensory aspects by incorporating varying percentages of Sodium Caseinate (SC), whey protein concentrate (WPC), and cow milk protein concentrate (MPC) during production to produce good quality yogurt. Four different treatments weremade and assigned as control treatment C, treatment C1 (SC was added at a percentage of 1% and 2%), treatment C2 (WPC added at a percentage of 1% and 2%), and treatment C3 (MPC added at a percentage of 1% and 2%). Estimates of pH and total acidity were among the physiochemical tests performed. Rheological evaluations includedviscosity, the ability to separate whey spontaneously, and moisture retention. Texture tests included hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness. A sensory evaluation of the produced yogurt was also done. The results showed an approximation in the additional treatments' total acidity and pH ​​values immediately after manufacturing. Compared to the control treatment, the additional treatments decreased the values of spontaneous whey separation and increased the water holding capacity and viscosity. However, the product's texture was enhanced due to the addition of the three protein components, which contributed to its hardness, springiness, and cohesion. There was an improvement in the sensory properties of the addition treatments compared to the control treatment and directly related to the increment in the addition percentage.The yogurt resulting from the addition of (SC, WPC, and MPC) led to the production of good-quality yogurt.