Variation in the syntax and semantics of predicative possession in Quechua

This paper employs comparative evidence from two closely-related Quechua languages to argue that predicative possession constructions do not always share a single underlying source crosslinguistically (contra Freeze 1992; and in support of Boneh & Sichel 2010; Levinson 2011). This Quechua case study is especially striking in that the constructions involved are superficially almost identical–the crucial differences between them emerge only when theoretically-informed fieldwork is carried out

Complex copula systems as suppletive alomorphy

Languages are known to vary in the number of verbs they exhibit corresponding to English "be", in the distribution of such copular verbs, and in the presence or absence of a distinct verb for possession sentences corresponding to English "have". This paper offers novel arguments for the position that such differences should be modeled in terms of suppletive allomorphy of the same syntactic element (here dubbed v BE), employing a Late Insertion- based framework. It is shown that such a suppletive allomorphy approach to complex copula systems makes three predictions that distinguish it from non-suppletion-based alternatives (concerning decomposition, possible and impossible syncretisms, and Impoverishment), and that these predictions seem to be correct (although a full test of the possible and impossible syncretisms prediction is not possible in the current state of knowledge)

Two places for causees in productive isiXhosa morphological causatives

Gave a guest lecture on my joint work with Zoliswa Mali on isiXhosa causatives.Othe

A feasibility study for Scout polar launches from NASA Wallops Flight Center

The feasibility of launching the Scout vehicle into a polar orbit from Wallops Flight Center is discussed. The impact of proposed flights on vehicle hardware and range safety are defined. The launch and flight modes are described

Bicycles, ‘informality’ and the alternative learning space as a site for re-engagement: a risky (pedagogical) proposition?

The great possibility of alternative education programs rests in the affront to established conventions that these present for what counts as learning, engagement and the experience of schooling. This paper takes as its point of focus one specific, in-school alternative learning program, and considers the possibilities for student re-engagement that emerged via the repair and restoration of old bicycles. The discussion focusses particularly on the 'informality' that presented within the day-to-day dynamics of the program and how the space provided in the program’s workshop sessions offered the opportunity for students to re-configure their relationships with each other, their teachers and the larger practice of schooling. A discussion of both the potential and risk of a 'pedagogy of informality' is posited in light of current discussions in the literature of alternative education in Australia

Satellite lifetime routine user's manual

A FORTRAN coded computer program which determines secular variations in mean orbital elements of earth satellites and the lifetime of the orbit is described. The dynamical model treats a point mass satellite subject to solar and lunar disturbing gravitational fields, second, third and fourth harmonics of the earth's oblate potential, earth's atmospheric drag, and solar radiation pressure. Each of these disturbing functions may be selectively simulated. Data preparation instructions, a sample problem, and definitions of output quantities are included

Automated knowledge generation

The general objectives of the NASA/UCF Automated Knowledge Generation Project were the development of an intelligent software system that could access CAD design data bases, interpret them, and generate a diagnostic knowledge base in the form of a system model. The initial area of concentration is in the diagnosis of the process control system using the Knowledge-based Autonomous Test Engineer (KATE) diagnostic system. A secondary objective was the study of general problems of automated knowledge generation. A prototype was developed, based on object-oriented language (Flavors)

Trauma, culture and compassion : interpreter, asylum seeker and refugee perspectives of mental health interventions

This portfolio thesis has three parts. Part one is a systematic literature review in which an analysis is conducted on existing research exploring asylum seekers’ and refugees’ beliefs and experiences of interventions for trauma-related distress. A systematic database search identified 18 studies to be reviewed. Narrative Synthesis is used to analyse the findings, and methodological quality is evaluated. The clinical implications for service design and directions for future research are also discussed.Part two is an empirical paper which uses Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to explore interpreters’ experiences of working in mental health settings and how compassion may be experienced in their role. The findings are discussed in relation to psychological frameworks of compassion, and implications for practice and training, as well as recommendations for future research, are considered.Part three comprises the appendices supporting the systematic literature review and the empirical paper. A reflective statement considering the process of the research, as well an epistemological statement, are also included