Passive Features Research Articles

Numerical simulation and parameter sensitivity analysis of coupled heat transfer by PCCS containment wall

After Fukushima nuclear accident, enhancing the nuclear safety with passive features is attracting more and more attentions. The complex coupled heat transfer process by the passive containment cooling system (PCCS) containment plays an important role in several kinds of nuclear plant. In order for understanding the characteristics of the process of coupled heat transfer by PCCS containment wall, a one-dimensional steady numerical model is proposed in the present study based on physical features and valuated empirical correlations of relevant sub-processes. In the proposed model, steam condenses on the inner surface of a steel plate, while cooling water flows as a thin film along its outer surface and evaporates on the surface of the liquid film. A counter-current cooling air flow, acting as the cold source, exists in the gap between the liquid film and an air baffle. The model is validated by comparing with experimental data reported in the literature. Parameter sensitivity analysis is carried out to reveal the influences of various parameters on the coupled heat transfer process. It is shown that, according to the importance, these factors can be listed, from high to low, as the follows: mixture pressure, cooling air velocity and its temperature, cooling water line flow rate and gap width of air channel, and wall inclined angle. The results can be helpful for the design and engineering applications of PCCS containment in the future.

The river-border complex: a border-integrated approach to transboundary river governance illustrated by the Ganges River and Indo-Bangladeshi border

ABSTRACTInternational rivers are conventionally understood as watercourses that cross national boundaries, while borders themselves are taken to be static and given – passive features over and across which riparian processes unfold. Employing such straightforward framings of international rivers and borders, academic studies and policy analyses of transboundary water governance perpetuate problematic ideas about the relevant scales and actors involved in international river conflicts and crises. Through a historical examination of the Ganges River and the Indo-Bangladeshi border, I introduce the ‘river-border complex’ as a new framework for reconceptualizing international rivers and borders as synergistic, co-constitutive and interdependent.

A workplace intervention designed to interrupt prolonged occupational sitting

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a workplace intervention designed to interrupt prolonged occupational sitting time (POST) and its impact on the self-reported health of a cohort of desk-based employees. Design/methodology/approach – In total, 43 participants received an interactive computer-based software intervention for 26 weeks. For the first 13 weeks the intervention passively prompted the participants to interrupt POST and perform brief bouts of non-purposeful movement. The second 13 weeks involved the passivity of the intervention being removed, with the intervention only accessible voluntarily by the participant. This approach was adopted to determine the sustainability of the intervention to change workplace health behaviour. Findings – ANOVA results revealed a significant interaction between group and test occasion, F(2, 42)=2.79, p < 0.05, such that the experimental group increased their total health from pre-test to post-test (13 weeks), and to second post-test (26 weeks) with a medium effect size of Cohen’s d=0.37. Research limitations/implications – An action research approach was implemented for this study, and hence the participants were organised into one group. Based on a communitarian model, the intervention aimed to monitor how desk-based employees adapted to specific health behaviours, and therefore a control group was not included. Practical implications – Passively prompting desk-based employees to interrupt POST and perform non-purposeful movement at work improved self-reported health. Participant perceptions of health were maintained following the removal of the passive feature of the intervention. Social implications – Interventions predicated on a social ecological model that modify how employees interact with the workplace environment might provide a framework for health behaviour change in populations where sitting is customary. Originality/value – The passive approach used in this study removed the individual decision-making process to engage in health behaviour change, and established a sustainable effect on participant health.

Small-scale disturbances in the stratigraphy of the NEEM ice core: observations and numerical model simulations

Abstract. Disturbances on the centimetre scale in the stratigraphy of the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) ice core (North Greenland) can be mapped by an optical line scanner as long as the ice has visual layering, such as, for example, cloudy bands. Different focal depths allow, to a certain extent, a three-dimensional view of the structures. In this study we present a detailed analysis of the visible folds, discuss their characteristics and frequency, and present examples of typical fold structures. We also analyse the structures with regard to the deformation boundary conditions under which they formed. The structures evolve from gentle waves at about 1500 m to overturned z folds with increasing depth. Occasionally, the folding causes significant thickening of layers. Their similar fold shape indicates that they are passive features and are probably not initiated by rheology differences between alternating layers. Layering is heavily disturbed and tracing of single layers is no longer possible below a depth of 2160 m. C axes orientation distributions for the corresponding core sections were analysed, where available, in addition to visual stratigraphy. The data show axial-plane parallel strings of grains with c axis orientations that deviate from that of the matrix, which shows a single maximum fabric at the depth where the folding occurs. Numerical modelling of crystal viscoplastic deformation and dynamic recrystallisation was used to improve the understanding of the formation of the observed structures during deformation. The modelling reproduces the development of bands of grains with a tilted-lattice orientation relative to the single maximum fabric of the matrix, and also the associated local deformation. We conclude from these results that the observed folding can be explained by formation of these tilted-lattice bands.

Several Mode-Locked Pulses Generation and Transmission over Soliton Based Optical Transmission Link

<p>A soliton-based optical communication system is presented to generate and transmits several mode locked laser pulses (generated by fiber laser setup) over 50 km fiber and 120 m wireless link. The passive mode-locking feature of the laser system proposed in this paper is based on nonlinear polarization rotation evolution.</p>

Atributos pessoais de atletas de basquetebol feminino em formação

This study, based on the Bioecological Theory of Human Development, was aimed at examining the personal attributes of athletes belonging to a prominent club in the field of developing female basketball athletes. Participants were 31 athletes and two coaches who participate in youth sports divisions. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, guided by the following main themes: personal characteristics, motivation for sports, best moments of the sporting career (athletes), sports talent identification process (coaches). Participants’ interviews were analyzed using the content analysis technique, through the categorical type. The information found highlighted the presence of the three dimensions emphasized in the Bioecological Theory of Human Development. Height is presented as an important measure for the detection of athletes (positive demand). Interpersonal relationships stood out as motivating factors for entry in basketball practice, while psychological skills reinforced engagement and maintaining the sports career (generating provisions). Passive features, as well as incompatibilities between mesosystem of athletes’ participation and negative affective interpersonal relationships stood out in terms of favoring disruptive provisions of the temporary withdrawal or feelings of sport abandonment. Finally, positive moments (active resources) exceeded negative moments (passive resources) when it comes to important moments in sports history. The results found suggest that personal attributes of athletes, in addition to the training process occurred in the sporting environment, have enabled the experience of competence results in the process of development of female basketball athletes.

Investigation on sloshing and vibration mitigation of water storage tank of AP1000

AP1000 is a standard design developed by Westinghouse for an advanced generation III+ nuclear power plant (NPP) utilizing passive features. Water storage tank of AP1000 plays an important role in cooling down the temperature of the inside of the NPP. However, the water sloshing of the water tank may have significant effects on the seismic performance of the NPP when the structure is subjected to earthquake. The purpose of the present study is to numerically investigate the influence of fluid–structure interaction (FSI) on the dynamic behavior of water tank and effects of water sloshing in reducing seismic response of the shield building. For that purpose, a FSI algorithm of finite element technique is employed for the seismic analysis of water storage tank for AP1000. To evaluate the positive effect of FSI during the process of reducing seismic response, six cases of water height have been studied and also compared with that of the empty water tank. The Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) algorithm is used to simulate the fluid sloshing and oscillation of water tank under a typical earthquake occurred at NPP. Furthermore, comparison is performed among parameters obtained from simulation for various heights of water and oscillation frequencies, with respect to seismic response and fluid surface. The results clearly show that the water level height has an important influence on the dynamic response of nuclear power plant (NPP), but case 3 of water level can effectively mitigate seismic response and sloshing oscillations of the structure, which can improve the design of seismic performance for AP1000 or CAP1400 in future.

Contributing sources to baseflow in pre‐alpine headwaters using spatial snapshot sampling

AbstractMountainous headwaters consist of different landscape units including forests, meadows and wetlands. In these headwaters it is unclear which landscape units contribute what percentage to baseflow. In this study, we analysed spatiotemporal differences in baseflow isotope and hydrochemistry to identify catchment‐scale runoff contribution. Three baseflow snapshot sampling campaigns were performed in the Swiss pre‐alpine headwater catchment of the Zwäckentobel (4.25 km2) and six of its adjacent subcatchments. The spatial and temporal variability of δ2H, Ca, DOC, AT, pH, SO4, Mg and H4SiO4 of streamflow, groundwater and spring water samples was analysed and related to catchment area and wetland percentage using bivariate and multivariate methods. Our study found that in the six subcatchments, with variable arrangements of landscape units, the inter‐ and intra catchment variability of isotopic and hydrochemical compositions was small and generally not significant. Stream samples were distinctly different from shallow groundwater. An upper spring zone located near the water divide above 1,400 m and a larger wetland were identified by their distinct spatial isotopic and hydrochemical composition. The upstream wetland percentage was not correlated to the hydrochemical streamflow composition, suggesting that wetlands were less connected and act as passive features with a negligible contribution to baseflow runoff. The isotopic and hydrochemical composition of baseflow changed slightly from the upper spring zone towards the subcatchment outlets and corresponded to the signature of deep groundwater. Our results confirm the need and benefits of spatially distributed snapshot sampling to derive process understanding of heterogeneous headwaters during baseflow. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The performance and in-use experience of low to zero carbon technologies in an experimental energy home

In the UK, finances and resources are invested into the application of new technologies, construction materials and control systems for homes, with the aim of improving energy efficiency. One such example is the experimental BASF house, built to study the thermal performance to achieve a comfortable home that uses energy efficiently. The house includes low to zero carbon (LZC) technologies that are promoted to reach a higher level within the UKCode for Sustainable Homes (CSH). For this study a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design (Creswell JW. Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, 3rd edn. Sage Publication, 2009; Nataliya VI, Creswell JW, Stick SL. Using mixed- methods sequential explanatory design: from theory to practice. Field Methods 2006;18:3) that has been developed in the field of social and behavioural sciences has been applied, consisting of two distinctive phases: quantitative and qualitative. The rationale behind is for the quantitative data and its analysis is used to understand system performances while the qualitative data explain the numerical results in-depth, through the subjects in study, the occupants' perceptions. This article presents conclusions from an investigation into the use and performance of a biomass boiler and passive design features, derived from a live-in experience in a well-insulated and airtight CSH Level 4 home over two consecutive winter periods (2008-9 and 2009-10), which is part of on-going research project. The study also discusses a number of issues regarding the effective efficiency and appropriateness of the systems, which were selected based on a desire to comply with regulations for a better rated home rather than on their user friendliness and comfort for the occupants of a sustainable home; jeopardizing people's safety in times.

Upper mantle anisotropy beneath Peru from SKS splitting: Constraints on flat slab dynamics and interaction with the Nazca Ridge

The Peruvian flat slab is by far the largest region of flat subduction in the world today, but aspects of its structure and dynamics remain poorly understood. In particular, questions remain over whether the relatively narrow Nazca Ridge subducting beneath southern Peru provides dynamic support for the flat slab or it is just a passive feature. We investigate the dynamics and interaction of the Nazca Ridge and the flat slab system by studying upper mantle seismic anisotropy across southern Peru. We analyze shear wave splitting of SKS, sSKS, and PKS phases at 49 stations distributed across the area, primarily from the PerU Lithosphere and Slab Experiment (PULSE). We observe distinct spatial variations in anisotropic structure along strike, most notably a sharp transition from coherent splitting in the north to pervasive null (non-split) arrivals in the south, with the transition coinciding with the northern limit of the Nazca Ridge. For both anisotropic domains there is evidence for complex and multi-layered anisotropy. To the north of the ridge our KS⁎ splitting measurements likely reflect trench-normal mantle flow beneath the flat slab. This signal is then modified by shallower anisotropic layers, most likely in the supra-slab mantle, but also potentially from within the slab. To the south the sub-slab mantle is similarly anisotropic, with a trench-oblique fast direction, but widespread nulls appear to reflect dramatic heterogeneity in anisotropic structure above the flat slab. Overall the regional anisotropic structure, and thus the pattern of deformation, appears to be closely tied to the location of the Nazca Ridge, which further suggests that the ridge plays a key role in the mantle dynamics of the Peruvian flat slab system.

THE CONCEPT OF ANDREW’S DAY IN CROSS-BORDER CULTURAL SPACE

THE CONCEPT OF ANDREW’S DAY IN CROSS-BORDER CULTURAL SPACE

Passive Design Techniques and Potentials of Application in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has intensive building construction program which offers an opportunity to construct energy efficient buildings in the country and contribute towards global CO2 emissions targets. There are several energy efficient technologies and sustainable green design features available which construction industry can adopt. However, there are no proper guidelines on green or passive design features in the country. This paper outlines building design measures based on passive design principles specifically for cold climate and can be cost effectively used in Kazakhstan. It is shown that two basic and simple passive design strategies which include site selection, building orientation and proper insulation, can significantly reduce heating loads of a building and its overall energy consumption.

A review: passive system reliability analysis – accomplishments and unresolved issues

Reliability assessment of passive safety systems is one of the important issues, since safety of advanced nuclear reactors rely on several passive features. In this context, a few methodologies such as Reliability Evaluation of Passive Safety System (REPAS), Reliability Methods for Passive Safety Functions (RMPS) and Analysis of Passive Systems ReliAbility (APSRA) have been developed in the past. These methodologies have been used to assess reliability of various passive safety systems. While these methodologies have certain features in common, but they differ in considering certain issues; for example, treatment of model uncertainties, deviation of geometric and process parameters from their nominal values, etc. This paper presents the state of the art on passive system reliability assessment methodologies, the accomplishments and remaining issues. In this review three critical issues pertaining to passive systems performance and reliability have been identified. The first issue is, applicability of best estimate codes and model uncertainty. The best estimate codes based phenomenological simulations of natural convection passive systems could have significant amount of uncertainties, these uncertainties must be incorporated in appropriate manner in the performance and reliability analysis of such systems. The second issue is the treatment of dynamic failure characteristics of components of passive systems. REPAS, RMPS and APSRA methodologies do not consider dynamic failures of components or process, which may have strong influence on the failure of passive systems. The influence of dynamic failure characteristics of components on system failure probability is presented with the help of a dynamic reliability methodology based on Monte Carlo simulation. The analysis of a benchmark problem of Hold-up tank shows the error in failure probability estimation by not considering the dynamism of components. It is thus suggested that dynamic reliability methodologies must be

Study on the Behaviors of a Conceptual Passive Containment Cooling System

The containment is an ultimate and important barrier to mitigate the consequences after the release of mass and energy during such scenarios as loss of coolant accident (LOCA) or main steam line break (MSLB). In this investigation, a passive containment cooling system (PCCS) concept is proposed for a large dry concrete containment. The system is composed of series of heat exchangers, long connecting pipes with relatively large diameter, valves, and a water tank, which is located at the top of the system and serves as the final heat sink. The performance of the system is numerically studied in detail under different conditions. In addition, the influences of condensation heat transfer conditions and containment environment temperature conditions are also studied on the behaviors of the system. The results reveal that four distinct operating stages could be experienced as follows: startup stage, single phase quasisteady stage, flashing speed-up transient stage, and flashing dominated quasisteady operating stage. Furthermore, the mechanisms of system behaviors are thus analyzed. Moreover, the feasibility of the system is also discussed to meet the design purpose for the containment integrity requirement. Considering the passive feature and the compactness of the system, the proposed PCCS is promising for the advanced integral type reactor.

Design of Active and Passive Solar Elements for Sustainable Contemporary Architecture

Within this paper we describe the design and development of technological innovative modules to be applied in architecture cladding. They combine passive solar features like solar protection, solar thermal energy storage, ventilated and Trombe wall effects with active solar thermal collectors and photovoltaic systems. The proposed solar protection features can also include a biological element, proving support for vertical gardens and shelter for small birds. This novel modular system comprises several multifunctional technical parts. A prototype of the thermodynamic module was constructed with selected cork, ceramic, glass and copper materials. All modules and prototype were designed based on the Mediterranean most influential architecture geometric patterns. Five different experimental hexagonal-based (typical Islamic geometry) geometric parts with different functions were considered. Being the thermal performance one of the most important characteristic of parts proposed, a prototype was built and experimentally tested. The results (temperatures of the heated water) evidence excellent performance taking into account the concept design and materials selected. In fact, relatively to the thermodynamic functional part, no loss of thermal efficiency was observed because it was similar to the same of conventional commercial thermodynamic systems.

A simulation study on the effects of dendritic morphology on layer V PFC pyramidal cell firing behavior

Event Abstract Back to Event A simulation study on the effects of dendritic morphology on layer V PFC pyramidal cell firing behavior Maria Psarrou1, 2, 3, Stefanos Stefanou1, Alexandra Tzilivaki1, 4, Athanasia Papoutsi1, Vassilis Cutsuridis1 and Panayiota Poirazi1* 1 Foundation of Research and Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechonogy, Greece 2 Science and Technology Research Institute, United Kingdom 3 University of Hertfordshire, School of Computer Science, United Kingdom 4 University of Crete, Department of Biology, Greece The majority of neuronal cells found in the cerebral cortex are pyramidal neurons. Their function has been associated with higher cognitive and emotional functions. Pyramidal neurons have a characteristic structure, consisting of a triangular shaped soma whereon descend two extended and complex dendritic trees, and a long bifurcated axon. All the morphological components of the pyramidal neurons exhibit significant variability across different brain areas and layers. Pyramidal cells receive numerous synaptic inputs along their structure, integration of which in space and in time generates local dendritic spikes that shape their firing pattern. In addition, synaptic integration is influenced by voltage-gated and ion channels, which are expressed in a large repertoire by pyramidal neurons. Electrophysiological categories of pyramidal cells can be established, based on the action potential frequency, generated from a fixed somatic stimulus: (1) cells that fire repetitive action potentials (Regular Spiking – RS), (2) cells that fire clusters of 2 – 5 action potentials with short ISIs (Intrinsic Bursting – IB), and (3) cells that fire in repetitive clusters of 2 – 5 action potentials with short ISIs (Repetitive Oscillatory Bursts – ROB). In vitro and in silico scientific studies, correlate the firing patterns of the pyramidal neurons to their morphological features. This study provides a quantitatively analysis via compartmental neuronal modelling of the effects of dendritic morphology and distribution and concentration of ionic mechanisms, along the basal and/or apical dendrites on the firing behavior of a 112-set of layer V rat PFC pyramidal cells. We focus on how particular morphological and passive features of the dendritic trees shape the neuronal firing patterns. Our results suggest that specific morphological parameters (such as total length, volume and branch number) can discriminate the cells as RS or IB, regardless of what is the distribution and concentration of ionic mechanisms along the dendritic trees. Moreover, varying combinations of the basal, the apical or both dendritic tree plexus produce different cell type percentages. Consequently, it appears that variations on the dendritic size and dendritic topology of the pyramidal cells influence their firing patterns and subsequently may influence the information coding that these neurons support. Keywords: Dendrites, PFC, morphology, pyramidal cell, Single neuron modeling, firing pattern Conference: 4th NAMASEN Training Workshop - Dendrites 2014, Heraklion, Greece, 1 Jul - 4 Jul, 2014. Presentation Type: Poster presentation Topic: morphological and functional characterizations Citation: Psarrou M, Stefanou S, Tzilivaki A, Papoutsi A, Cutsuridis V and Poirazi P (2014). A simulation study on the effects of dendritic morphology on layer V PFC pyramidal cell firing behavior. Front. Syst. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: 4th NAMASEN Training Workshop - Dendrites 2014. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnsys.2014.05.00023 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 11 Apr 2014; Published Online: 12 Jun 2014. * Correspondence: Dr. Panayiota Poirazi, Foundation of Research and Technology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechonogy, Heraklion, Crete, 70013, Greece, poirazi@imbb.forth.gr Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Maria Psarrou Stefanos Stefanou Alexandra Tzilivaki Athanasia Papoutsi Vassilis Cutsuridis Panayiota Poirazi Google Maria Psarrou Stefanos Stefanou Alexandra Tzilivaki Athanasia Papoutsi Vassilis Cutsuridis Panayiota Poirazi Google Scholar Maria Psarrou Stefanos Stefanou Alexandra Tzilivaki Athanasia Papoutsi Vassilis Cutsuridis Panayiota Poirazi PubMed Maria Psarrou Stefanos Stefanou Alexandra Tzilivaki Athanasia Papoutsi Vassilis Cutsuridis Panayiota Poirazi Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Passive Photonic Alignment With Submicrometer Repeatability and Accuracy

In this paper, we report on passive alignment with submicrometer accuracy of two photonic chips on a silicon optical bench. An effective design principle to minimize the tolerance chain is presented and applied to a case study. The chips have been successfully manufactured and an experimental setup has been made that can precisely assemble the chips and evaluate the alignment performance based on the camera images and coupling efficiency. It was demonstrated that passive alignment features defined in the waveguiding layers are robust enough to function as mechanical endstops. Subpixel image analysis of assembled chips showed that a 3σ chip-to-chip repeatability better than 500 nm can be achieved. Finally, based on optical coupling measurements, an absolute alignment accuracy of 670 nm has been concluded.

ROLE OF PASSIVE SAFETY FEATURES IN PREVENTION AND MITIGATION OF SEVERE PLANT CONDITIONS IN INDIAN ADVANCED HEAVY WATER REACTOR

Pressing demands of economic competitiveness, the need for large-scale deployment, minimizing the need of human intervention, and experience from the past events and incidents at operating reactors have guided the evolution and innovations in reactor technologies. Indian innovative reactor ‘AHWR’ is a pressure-tube type natural circulation based boiling water reactor that is designed to meet such requirements, which essentially reflect the needs of next generation reactors. The reactor employs various passive features to prevent and mitigate accidental conditions, like a slightly negative void reactivity coefficient, passive poison injection to scram the reactor in event of failure of the wired shutdown systems, a large elevated pool of water as a heat sink inside the containment, passive decay heat removal based on natural circulation and passive valves, passive ECC injection, etc. It is designed to meet the fundamental safety requirements of safe shutdown, safe decay heat removal and confinement of activity with no impact in public domain, and hence, no need for emergency planning under all conceivable scenarios. This paper examines the role of the various passive safety systems in prevention and mitigation of severe plant conditions that may arise in event of multiple failures. For the purpose of demonstration of the effectiveness of its passive features, postulated scenarios on the lines of three major severe accidents in the history of nuclear power reactors are considered, namely; the Three Mile Island (TMI), Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents. Severe plant conditions along the lines of these scenarios are postulated to the extent conceivable in the reactor under consideration and analyzed using best estimate system thermal-hydraulics code RELAP5/Mod3.2. It is found that the various passive systems incorporated enable the reactor to tolerate the postulated accident conditions without causing severe plant conditions and core degradation.

Doping effect on the adsorption of NH3 molecule onto graphene quantum dot: From the physisorption to the chemisorption

The adsorption of ammonia molecule onto a graphene hexagonal flake, aluminum (Al) and boron (B) doped graphene flakes (graphene quantum dots, GQDs) are investigated using density functional theory. We found that NH3 molecule is absorbed to the hollow site through the physisorption mechanism without altering the electronic properties of GQD. However, the adsorption energy of NH3 molecule onto the Al- and B-doped GQDs increases with respect GQD resulting chemisorption. The adsorption of NH3 onto the Al-doped and B-doped GQDs makes graphene locally buckled, i.e., B- doped and Al-doped GQDs are not planar. The adsorption mechanism onto a GQD is different than that of graphene. This study reveals important features of the edge passivation and doping effects of the adsorption mechanism of external molecules onto the graphene quantum dots.

More onKena‐passives in Singapore English

ABSTRACTIn the so‐calledkena‐passive construction in Singapore English (Bao and Wee), the morphosyntactic realization of the passive feature of irregular verbs is optional (John kena caught/?catch) in contrast to the obligatory realization of the same feature within the English‐derivedbe‐passive (John was caught/*catch). We propose that this asymmetry follows from the hybrid syntactic structures of thekena‐passive construction. Specifically, we argue that the verbkenaallows not only the standard passive structure of the type discussed by Bao and Wee but also the active structure which embeds a sentential complement comprised ofproand the active verb. This analysis is supported by a variety of arguments regarding thekena‐active complement structure independently available in Singapore English (Yap and Lim) as well as Chinese (Feng; Huang) and Baba Malay (Ansaldo and Matthews), which have been hypothesized in the literature as the two major substrate languages of Singapore English.