Generic sentences with indefinite and bare subjects in Brazilian Portuguese

This paper addresses the semantics of two types of generic sentences in Brazilian Portuguese (BPg): generic sentences with Indefinite Subjects (IS); and generic sentences with Bare Numberless (BN) subjects. The two types of sentences are both instances of generic quantification. Nonetheless, they differ in their semantics: IS sentences are more normative, whereas BN sentences are more descriptive. I show that Greenberg’s 2002 approach for IS and Bare Plural English generic sentences holds for IS and BN generic sentences in BPg, and that the differences between the two sentences should be attributed to the fact that they express different kinds of modalities. The paper claims that the ability to induce different modalities is related to the different denotations of their subject nominals. IS subjects have atomic denotations and generalizations based on atoms are much more restricted than generalizations based on the number-neutral denotations of BN subjects

Todo in Brazilian Portuguese: all or every or neither?

Todo-sentences in BP are a challenge to current views on the behavior of quantifiers like all. Todo selects not only plural and singular definite descriptions, but also noun phrases for its restriction, and it occurs with both distributive and collective predicates. Our thesis is that it is a distributive universal quantifier, which operates both over its nominal argument and over its predicate, being able to quantify over partitions of both its restriction and its nuclear scope

Brief overview on bio-based adhesives and sealants

Adhesives and sealants (AS) are materials with excellent properties, versatility, and simple curing mechanisms, being widely used in different areas ranging from the construction to the medical sectors. Due to the fast-growing demand for petroleum-based products and the consequent negative environmental impact, there is an increasing need to develop novel and more sustainable sources to obtain raw materials (monomers). This reality is particularly relevant for AS industries, which are generally dependent on non-sustainable fossil raw materials. In this respect, biopolymers, such as cellulose, starch, lignin, or proteins, emerge as important alternatives. Nevertheless, substantial improvements and developments are still required in order to simplify the synthetic routes, as well as to improve the biopolymer stability and performance of these new bio-based AS formulations. This environmentally friendly strategy will hopefully lead to the future partial or even total replacement of non-renewable petroleum-based feedstock. In this brief overview, the general features of typical AS are reviewed and critically discussed regarding their drawbacks and advantages. Moreover, the challenges faced by novel and more ecological alternatives, in particular lignocellulose-based solutions, are highlighted.Funding Agency Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology PTDC/AGR-TEC/4814/2014; PTDC/ASP-SIL/30619/2017; IF/01005/2014.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Housing circumstances and quality of life among local and immigrant population in Norwegian neighbourhoods

This paper explores the relationship between the concept of quality of life (QoL) and housing circumstances among the immigrant and local population of two neighbourhoods in Norway: Storhaug in Stavanger and Grünerløkka in Oslo. Objective data regarding housing circumstances, e.g., type of residence, dimension or overcrowding, is collected through spatial analysis and desktop-research. Inhabitants of these neighbourhoods are interviewed with the help of map-based questionnaires to collect both objective data regarding these housing circumstances as well as subjective data, e.g. reason of location and personal satisfaction with housing and QoL. The objective and subjective data is analysed geographically and statistically. This study finds that the immigrant group has less favourable housing circumstances than the local population. Circumstances such as type of residence, the reason of location and satisfaction with the residence are predictors for satisfaction with QoL between both groups. Being local or immigrant, as well as the study area, Storhaug and Grünerløkka, or the type of ownership were not significant predictors of satisfaction with QoL in this specific study. These findings provide a base for understanding the importance of housing circumstances for QoL. Due to the high percentage of the immigrant population and its projection in Norway, these investigations are expected to help practitioners identify housing features and design aspects that can impact on the overall satisfaction with QoL of both host and immigrant society.publishedVersio

Neighbourhood conditions and quality of life among local and immigrant population in Norway

This paper explores the relationship between the quality of life and neighbourhood characteristics among immigrant and local population in Storhaug (Stavanger) and Grünerløkka (Oslo), two Norwegian neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood conditions have been analysed and inhabitants have been interviewed to collect objective and subjective data. Several dimensions have been considered, e.g., physical, environmental, mobility and psychological, with different indicators defining them. Objective data related to the physical layout, green spaces, transport system or environmental aspects are studied and complemented with the subjective information such as the satisfaction of the participants with these aspects. The data collection thus includes geographic, personal and qualitative data, and is analysed with the help of geographic and statistical analysis. Differences between the population groups and between the case study neighbourhoods are determined, being possible to conclude that specific neighbourhood conditions influence participants’ quality of life in these Norwegian minor settings. The local participants in this study are the ones taking more advantage of the physical, environmental and mobility dimensions at their residential area and reporting higher perceived quality of life. The results presented can provide relevant information for the effective and efficient planning and development of residential environments.publishedVersio