Primary Influence Research Articles

(Invited) Impact of Phenyl Adsorption of Various Ionomers on the Performance of Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzers

In this presentation, design principals of ionomeric binders for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE) will be discussed. The crucial impact of phenyl adsorption on AEMWE performance is highlighted with poly(terphenylene), poly(fluorene), poly(aryl piperidinium), or polynorbonene ionomers. Adsorption energies to hydrogen oxidation catalyst surfaces, calculated by density functional theory, demonstrate the utility in the phenyl free ionomer structure wherein lower adsorption energies yield improved AEMWE performance.1,2 Polarization curves with higher adsorption energy ionomers show a nonlinear transition to mass transport limited behavior at cell potentials above 1.68 V. Alternatively, mass transport limitations are absent when using the phenyl free ionomer, polynorbonene.3 Furthermore, polarization curves in 1 M NaOH of all studied systems begin to overlap suggesting that the phenyl oxidation on the oxygen evolution catalyst may be a primary influence on the transition to mass transport limits in AEMWE. Recent progress in both ionomer and AEM development at LANL for improved performance and durability of AEMWE, specifically with regard to limiting phenyl oxidation, will be discussed.1 Matanovic, I. et al. Adsorption of Polyaromatic Backbone Impacts the Performance of Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells. Chemistry of Materials 31, 4195-4204, doi:10.1021/acs.chemmater.9b01092 (2019).2 Motz, A. R. et al. Performance and durability of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers using down-selected polymer electrolytes. Journal of Materials Chemistry A 9, 22670-22683, doi:10.1039/D1TA06869E (2021).3 Huang, G. et al. Ionomer Optimization for Water Uptake and Swelling in Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer: Oxygen Evolution Electrode. Journal of The Electrochemical Society 167, 164514, doi:10.1149/1945-7111/abcde3 (2020).

Depression and PTSD among Houston Residents who Experienced Hurricane Harvey and COVID-19: Implications for Urban Areas Affected by Multiple Disasters.

Little is known about the combined impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other major disasters on mental health. Hurricane Harvey hit the Gulf Coast in 2017, resulting in substantial costs, significant levels of displacement, and approximately 100 deaths, and was followed in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic. We randomly sampled 1167 Houstonians from 88 designated super-neighborhoods and surveyed them about their demographics, event-specific traumas and stressors, and symptoms of current depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We estimated the prevalence of depression (5.8%) and PTSD (12.6%) more than three years after Hurricane Harvey, and assessed the relative influence of event-specific stressors and traumas on current mental health. Overall, we observed evidence for two key findings that are salient for residents of urban environments in the context of multiple disasters. First, stressors were primary influences on depression, whereas both stressors and traumas influenced PTSD. Second, the influences of stressors and traumas on depression and PTSD symptoms faded with time.

Performance Optimization of Underwater Crushing Unit Based on AHP

An underwater crushing unit loaded on the underwater cleaning robot was intended to handle marine biofouling that adhered to the surface of the ship and the dam, and a prototype was initially built. A Computational Fluid Dynamics–Discrete Element Model (CFD-DEM) was created to boost the prototype’s crushing performance, and its rationale was validated by contrasting the simulation results with the results of experimental tests. Accordingly, the primary influences on crushing performance and the laws governing their influence were investigated. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was then used to establish a prediction model for the comprehensive evaluation indicator of crushing performance. The AHP was used, in this case, because of its ability to generate the weight of indicators. The prediction model was a quadratic polynomial function with the rotational speed, the normal velocity component at the outlet of the propeller, the mass flow rate of the particles at the inlet of the unit, and the thickness of the bushing as independent variables. The prediction model fitting effect met the requirements after the test. The primary elements influencing the underwater crushing unit’s performance were optimized using the prediction model. The average accumulation speed of particles in the crushing unit was reduced by 59.05%, and the mass flow rate of particles at the outlet was reduced by 11.93%. The maximum wear height of the bushing was reduced by 33.36%. The specific power was up 20.88%, and the overall crushing performance was up 9.87% when compared to before optimization.

XRD Observation on the Weld Metal of Resurfaced Rail Steel

The current research studied two samples of rail steel grade 900A deposited with different electrodes, namely, electrodes A and B, using the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process. This research fi nds out the suitable hardness values of the various electrodes. The phase identifi cation and microstructural analysis of weld metal were conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and an optical microscope, respectively. The micro-hardness profi les along the cross-section of the weldment were acquired using a micro-Vickers hardness tester, and a Brinell hardness tester measured the hardness values on the top surface of the weld metal. According to the results, the diffraction angles of the XRD patterns for all weld metal samples differed due to their distinct microstructures. The microstructure of the weld metal, in particular, produced the primary infl uence on the hardness

Railway gravity retaining wall design using the flower pollination algorithm

An optimized cross-sectional area of a retaining wall assists in reducing material costs. Nevertheless, the design solution obtained from the traditional methods is not always the optimal one. Therefore, this study uses the flower pollination algorithm (FPA) to optimize the configuration of a gravity retaining wall, attempting to find the smallest cross-sectional area that meets design requirements. A key novelty is the use of a metaheuristic for gravity retaining wall design considering railway loading. First, the FPA is described in detail along with the general design methods for retaining walls and the definition of the optimisation problem. Next, a gravity retaining wall case study is performed and the FPA method is compared against alternative approaches, such as genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). Lastly, a parametric analysis is performed to assess the impact of the design parameters on the optimization outcomes. Results indicate the efficacy of FPA as an optimization method for the design of gravity retaining walls. Moreover, the reliability and speed of the algorithm’s convergence are attractive compared to alternative algorithms. The data further suggests that the integration of a landward-leaning wall back with a tilt angle of 14° can expedite the realization of the optimal minimum cross-sectional area. The wall height emerges as the primary influence over the minimum cross-sectional area, which displays marginal sensitivity to ground bearing capacities above 300 kPa. The algorithm can adeptly detect the thresholds in design requirements where retaining walls are impractical (e.g. when ground bearing capacity is a mere 100 kPa and the wall height exceeds 7 m), thereby indicating the need for alternative design exploration.

Assessment of the interactions between soil–biosphere–atmosphere (ISBA) land surface model soil hydrology, using four closed-form soil water relationships and several lysimeters

Abstract. Soil water drainage is the main source of groundwater recharge and river flow. It is therefore a key process for water resource management. In this study, we evaluate the soil hydrology and the soil water drainage, simulated by the interactions between soil–biosphere–atmosphere (ISBA) land surface model currently used for hydrological applications from the watershed scale to the global scale, where parameters are generally not calibrated. This evaluation is done using seven lysimeters from two long-term model approach sites measuring hourly water dynamics between 2009 and 2019 in northeastern France. These 2 m depth lysimeters are filled with different soil types and are either maintained as bare soil or covered with vegetation. Four closed-form equations describing soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions are tested, namely the commonly used equations from Brooks and Corey (1966) and van Genuchten (1980), a combination of the van Genuchten (1980) soil water retention function with the Brooks and Corey (1966) unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function, and, for the very first time in a land surface model (LSM), a modified version of the van Genuchten (1980) equations, with a new hydraulic conductivity curve proposed by Iden et al. (2015). The results indicate good performance by ISBA with the different closure equations in terms of soil volumetric water content and water mass. The drained flow at the bottom of the lysimeter is well simulated, using Brooks and Corey (1966), while some weaknesses appear with van Genuchten (1980) due to the abrupt shape near the saturation of its hydraulic conductivity function. The mixed form or the new van Genuchten (1980) hydraulic conductivity function from Iden et al. (2015) allows the solving of this problem and even improves the simulation of the drainage dynamic, especially for intense drainage events. The study also highlights the importance of the vertical heterogeneity of the soil hydrodynamic parameters to correctly simulate the drainage dynamic, in addition to the primary influence of the parameters characterizing the shape of the soil water retention function.

Model test and numerical simulation of a new prefabricated double-row piles retaining system in silty clay ground

This paper introduces a new prefabricated recyclable double-row piles retaining system for excavations in silty clay ground. Laboratory model test and numerical simulation are conducted to study the system behavior upon excavation. The horizontal displacement (δh), Von Mises stress (σM), strain (ε), ground surface settlement (δv), and earth pressure are systematically investigated. Furthermore, the monitoring data of 13 excavation cases supported by double-row piles retaining system are presented and discussed. The experimental results can basically match the numerical results, and the maximum σM, maximum bending moment (Mmax), maximum horizontal displacement (δhm) of structural members are all less than the tolerance limits. The ground surface settlement model of double-row piles retaining system consists of three zones, i.e., rebound influence zone, primary influence zone and secondary influence zone. The δhm values are 0.07%–1.42% of the excavation depth (He). The maximum ground surface settlement (δvm) is generally less than δhm. The ratio of δvm/δhm varies between 0.09 and 0.76, with an average value of 0.5. The observed earth pressure on the retained side of front pile (paf) is about 0.53–0.57 γH below the excavation surface. Above the excavation surface, paf decreases dramatically when getting closer to the ground surface.

General characteristics of organized crime in the Black Sea region of Ukraine

The article is devoted to the study of the general characteristics and peculiarities of organized crime in the Black Sea region of Ukraine. The relevance and practical significance of research on this type of crime is proven, the essence of the strategic importance of the Black Sea region in the context of the spread of the investigated type of crime is determined. Establishing the specificity of the phenomenon of organizedcrime in the Black Sea region is methodologically carried out through the definition of the concept and signs of organized and regional crime. Socio-economic prerequisites for the determination of crime in the border region of Southern Ukraine are indicated. It is proved that at the present time, organized crime in the South of mainland Ukraine is characterized by professionalization, armed forces, cross-border connections, the presence of well-established corruption schemes of interaction with representatives of the power sector, and a pronounced economic component of self-interest.Statistical data on the spread of organized crime on the territory of Ukraine for the period of the last five years (2018-2022) are analyzed. The primary influence of historical, geographical and cultural systems of territorial factors of crime on the peculiarities of the development of regional crime in the Black Sea region is noted. The author suggests that such factors include geographical location, features of formation, specifics of transportand industrial infrastructure, demographic features, traditions and customs of the local population, etc.It is argued that organized crime in the Black Sea region acts as an independent complex phenomenon, which is characterized by criminal practices of weapons distribution, traffic and distribution of a wide range of narcotic and psychotropic substances, smuggling, economic and corruption criminal offenses.

Gravity and magnetic models at Rangitoto Volcano, Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand: Implications for basement control on magma ascent

In small-volume volcanism, pre-existing crustal structures can influence magma ascent processes. Rangitoto volcano in the Auckland Volcanic Field, New Zealand, provides a possible example of magma-structure interaction as this volcano was emplaced adjacent to an outcrop of a regional-scale basement fault, the Islington Bay Fault. In this study, we evaluated the magmatic plumbing system of Rangitoto using gravity and magnetic data acquired over the volcano and the adjacent, non-volcanic Motutapu Island. We modelled the Rangitoto internal architecture and magma plumbing using 2.5D forward and 3D inverse modelling methods. Both models are constrained by petrophysical data, while drill hole logs are only used to constrain the 2.5D model. Our model endmembers suggest that parallel magma pathways are present below the Rangitoto summit cones. In 3D magnetic models, this is evidenced by a fault-aligned pair of high-susceptibility bodies. Interpreting our models in conjunction with previously published geological and geophysical models allows us to hypothesise that the fault-parallel alignment of Rangitoto magma pathways reflects the primary influence of the Islington Bay Fault over the Rangitoto magma ascent. Magma diversion at shallow levels by other finer structures intersecting and adjacent to the fault could explain why Rangitoto erupted 3.5 km west of the Islington Bay Fault surface trace.

Mitigating Seasonality in Uzbekistan's Tourism Sector: Impacts and Countermeasures

This research undertakes a comprehensive examination of seasonality in Uzbekistan's tourism services market, with the ultimate goal of devising strategies to mitigate its adverse effects. Utilizing methods such as logical reasoning, deductive analysis, and statistical as well as economic analyses, the study explores various factors influencing seasonality in tourism. These factors include natural-climatic conditions, economic solvency, social timing, demographic demand, psychological elements, logistics development, and service quality. The analysis categorizes these variables into primary (natural-climatic) and secondary (all remaining) influences. Our results indicate that 94.9% of foreign tourists to Uzbekistan in the first quarter of 2022 were from CIS countries, reflecting a marked decrease in tourist arrivals, particularly from non-CIS countries, attributable to pandemic-induced flight restrictions and quarantine measures. This downturn underscores the urgency for strategic interventions to minimize seasonality's negative impact on Uzbekistan's tourism economy, thereby improving the country's tourism sector's resilience against external shocks.
 Highlights:
 
 
 
 
 Seasonality in tourism is driven by diverse factors, both primary and secondary.
 Pandemic-led measures triggered an 80.3% plunge in Uzbekistan's foreign tourist arrivals in Q1 2021.
 Strategic actions to minimize seasonality's impact can boost the resilience of Uzbekistan's tourism sector.
 
 Keywords: Seasonality, Uzbekistan, Tourism Sector, Mitigation Strategies, Pandemic Impact.
 
 

Characterization of β-Cyclodextrin Hybridized Diatomite as Potential Delivery Systems of Oxaliplatin and 5-Fluorouracil Drugs; Equilibrium Modeling of Loading and Release Kinetics

The present study involved the functionalization of diatomite’s bio-siliceous frustules with polymeric chains of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD/Di) to serve as advanced delivery structures for the anticancer drugs oxaliplatin (OXPL) and 5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu). The β-CD/Di carrier demonstrated significant loading capabilities, particularly at saturation (324.8 mg/g (OXPL) and 425 mg/g (5-Fu). Both OXPL and 5-Fu were loaded onto the β-CD/Di according to the kinetic properties of the traditional pseudo-first order model (R 2 > 0.90) and the isotherm assumptions of the classic Langmuir model (R 2 = 0.99). The density of occupied active sites on the β-CD/Di was found to be 38.76 mg/g and 88.19 mg/g during the loading process of OXPL and 5-Fu, respectively. The loading energies, which were less than 40 KJ/mol, confirmed the primary and significant influences of the physical mechanisms. The observed release profiles of OXPL and 5-Fu exhibited significant sustained and prolonged characteristics for up to 100 h. The release kinetic modeling and diffusion exponent values (>0.45) verified the release of OXP and 5-Fu based on non-Fickian transport features and the erosion/diffusion process. The β-CD/Di carrier significantly augmented the cytotoxic effects of OXPL and 5-Fu on HCT-116 cancer cell lines (OXPL (9.72% cell viability), and 5-Fu (4.17% cell viability)).

Posttraumatic stress symptoms, posttraumatic growth, and personality factors: A network analysis

BackgroundAfter experiencing a traumatic event, two possible outcomes are experiencing positive changes, such as posttraumatic growth (PTG), and/or experiencing distress in the form of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). These constructs are not mutually exclusive; those who experience PTSS may concurrently or at a later date likewise undergo PTG. Pretrauma factors, such as personality as measured by the Big Five Inventory (BFI), can interact with both PTSS and PTG. MethodsThe present study utilized Network theory to examine the interactions between PTSS, PTG, and personality in 1310 participants. Three networks were computed (PTSS, PTSS/BFI, PTSS/PTG/BFI). ResultsWithin the PTSS network, strong negative emotions emerged as the strongest influence on the network. Again, in the PTSS and BFI network, strong negative emotions exerted the strongest overall influence in addition to bridging the PTSS and personality domains. In the network with all variables of interest, the PTG domain of new possibilities was the strongest overall influence on the network. Specific relationships between constructs were identified. LimitationsLimitations of this study include the cross-sectional design and utilization of a sub-threshold PTSD, non-treatment seeking sample. ConclusionsOverall, nuanced relationships between variables of interest were identified, informing personalized treatment and furthers our understanding of both positive and negative responses to trauma. As the primary influence across two networks, the experience of strong negative emotions appears to be central to the subjective experience of PTSD. This may indicate a need to modify present treatments for PTSD, which conceptualize PTSD as a primarily fear-based disorder.

Factors affecting distal false lumen enlargement after thoracic endovascular aortic repair for type B aortic dissection

ObjectiveTo investigate the factors influencing distal false lumen enlargement after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection. Materials and methodsData were collected on patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent TEVAR from January 2008 to August 2022. Patients were divided into a distal aortic segmental enlargement (DSAE) group and a non-DSAE group based on whether the distal false lumen was dilated more than 5 mm on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) images. To analyze the independent influences on distal false lumen dilatation after TEVAR, the variables with a P value < 0.05 during univariate analysis were included in the binary logistic regression analysis model. ResultsA total of 335 patients were included in this study, with 85 in the DSAE group and 250 in the non-DSAE group. The mean age was 52.40 ± 11.34 years, 289 (86.27%) were male patients, and the median follow-up time was 6.41 (11.99–29.99) months. There were significant differences in Marfan syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and follow-up time between the two groups. In terms of morphology, there were statistically significant differences in the number of tears, the size of the primary tear, and the length of dissection between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that Marfan syndrome, COPD, and the primary tear size were associated with distal false lumen dilatation. ConclusionsMarfan syndrome, COPD, and the primary tear size influence distal aortic segmental enlargement after TEVAR in type B aortic dissection patients.

The effects of the size and strength of food on jaw motion and temporomandibular joints.

Mastication displays much importance in people's lives. The masticatory mandibular motion associated with dental kinematics also impacts temporomandibular joint (TMJ) kinematics and even TMJ health status. How food properties impact kinematical parameters of TMJs is a meaningful question for the conservative treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and evidence for the diet recommendation of TMD patients. The aim of this study was to find the primary mechanical properties influencing the masticatory motion. The potato boluses with different boiling times and sizes were chosen. The optical motion tracking system was adopted to record the masticatory trials of chewing boluses with various mechanical properties. The mechanical experiments revealed that increasing boiling time could reduce compressive strength. Moreover, multiple regression models were built to find the primary property of food influencing the TMJ kinematics, including condylar displacement, velocity, acceleration, and crushing time. The results showed that the bolus size had a significant primary influence on condylar displacements. The chewing times had a significantly minor influence on condylar displacements, while bolus strength had only a small impact on condylar displacements. Furthermore, condylar displacements on the non-working side were more affected by bolus size and chewing times than on the working sides. The crushing time of the bolus was significantly influenced by the compressive strength. Meals with small sizes and soft properties were therefore advised to lessen condylar displacements and relax the crushing process, and further reduce the loadings in the TMJ.

High Schoolers’ Decision to Pursue an International Institution

High school students (HSS) all across the globe are choosing more often to continue higher education (HE) at an international institution (INI). This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the major elements that affect students' decisions on which foreign university to attend. For academic institutions, governments, and advocates to improve recruiting methods, encourage cross-cultural interchange, and build efficient support mechanisms for foreign students, they must have a thorough knowledge of these variables. By using observational factors to quantify these characteristics, the qualitative study approach aimed to both identify and corroborate the elements that high school students consider while deciding between international universities. To get the required data, the researcher also created a suitable questionnaire for the quantitative research procedure. A 5-level Likert rating comprising 6 theoretical rating and 46 measured parameters was utilized in the study. The acquired data was then analyzed using various techniques in SPSS 20, including comprehensive statistics, testing for distinctions, multiple regression analysis, EFA analysis, and Cronbach's Alpha coefficient to determine the validity of the scales. The investigation's findings met its predetermined objectives, which included identifying the primary influences on high school students' decisions to attend international universities, assessing the strength of those influences, and formulating suggestions based on the research's findings to help universities attract more high school students.

Barriers to hormone therapy following prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.

This study aimed to identify barriers to hormone therapy (HT) use among women with BRCA1/2 mutations after prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). A cross-sectional, electronic survey was conducted of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers at Women and Infants Hospital, Yale Medical Center, Hartford Healthcare, and Maine Medical Center. This study was a subanalysis of a subset of female BRCA1/2 mutation carriers who had undergone a prophylactic BSO. Data were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test or t test. We performed a subanalysis of 60 BRCA mutation carriers who underwent a prophylactic BSO. Only 24 women (40%) reported ever using HT. HT use was higher in women who underwent their prophylactic BSO at age younger than 45 years (51% vs. 25%, P = 0.06). Among all women who had a prophylactic BSO, the majority (73%) reported that a provider talked to them about using HT. Two thirds reported having seen contradictory information in the media about long-term consequences of HT. Seventy percent listed their provider as the primary influence in their decision to start HT. The most common reasons for not starting HT included it not being recommended by their physician (46%) and that it was not necessary (37%). BRCA mutation carriers frequently undergo prophylactic BSO at young ages, and less than half report using HT. This study highlights barriers to HT use, such as patient fears and physician discouragement, and identifies potential areas to improve educational efforts.

The impact of environmental factors on the phytoplankton communities in the Western Pacific Ocean: HPLC-CHEMTAX approach

The distribution characteristics, biomass, and communities of phytoplankton in the western Pacific Ocean (WPO) were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-CHEMTAX analysis. The results revealed significant differences in the distribution of phytoplankton communities among different water masses in the WPO. Haptophytes were the dominant group, followed by Prochlorophytes, Cyanobacteria, Prasinophytes, and Diatoms. The distribution of phytoplankton communities was primarily determined by the level of nitrate, phosphate, and silicate, while temperature showed a negative correlation with major phytoplankton communities. In the 130°E section, the divergence caused by Halmahera Eddy (HE) and Mindanao Eddy (ME) provided the abundant nutrients, making them the primary environmental influence factor near the equator. This divergence brought relatively eutrophic deep seawater into the euphotic layer, resulting higher biomass of phytoplankton communities. In the 20°N section, the distribution of phytoplankton was mainly influenced by the invasion of Kuroshio Current and its offshore flow. Additionally, due to the low surface-to-volume ratios, microphytoplankton dominated the phytoplankton community in this section instead of nanophytoplankton or picophytoplankton. In summary, this study confirms previous findings on distribution characteristics of phytoplankton and provides new insights into the environmental and biological regulations of phytoplankton communities in the WPO.

Corporate Environmental Performance as a Mediator Between Eco-Efficiency Strategy and Financial Performance in Jordanian Industrial Sectors

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine examine corporate environmental performance (CEP) as a mediator between eco-efficiency strategy and financial performance. Theoretical framework: The application of the corporate environmental performance item is weak since it is not documented at that time, and there are also financial and eco-efficiency plan weaknesses. Also, the goal of the present study is to advance, add to the body of literature, and fill in any gaps. Design/methodology/approach: The study employed a survey-based cross-sectional study that included industrial, service, and real estate firms registered under the Amman Stock Exchange. A total of 230 questionnaires were distributed to the managers in health and safety, finance, and operational firms. Ultimately, 209 (90.8%) of the questionnaires were included for further analysis. Findings: The results revealed that efficiency strategy and CEP significantly influenced corporate financial performance, whereas efficiency strategy significantly influenced CEP. Moreover, CEP mediated the relationship between efficiency strategy and corporate financial performance. Nonetheless, the study was limited to eco-efficiency strategy. Research, Practical &amp; Social implications: The study of Jordanian industry, service, and real estate companies' Eco-Efficiency Strategy scores includes their environmental performance, which may be utilized to determine the primary influence factor on their financial success. This study offers insightful information for policymakers. Originality/value: The study's significance is that, in order to increase the financial success of these businesses, governments must pay more attention to the environment and the factors that influence it.

Prominence and intonation in Singapore English

Previous work on Singapore English prosody has focused largely on establishing the acoustic correlates of lexical stress and examining where the language falls within a rhythm-class typology. Little attention, however, has been paid to how lexical prominence, if present, interacts with phrasal prominence. In this study, we examine the extent to which f0 realizations vary across lexical items with differing stress patterns, while taking into account that prosodic phrasing requirements necessitate an f0 rise to the phrase-final syllable. We show that across target types of varying stress placement, syllable length, and constituency, f0 realizations are highly consistent, involving a rise from the start of the target word or phrase which culminates with a peak on the phrase-final syllable. The location of lexical prominence is the primary influence on the scaling of f0 across the entire target, with stress-initial targets having a higher mean f0. Exploratory analysis of duration and intensity measures further corroborates the prominence-lending nature of the phrase-final syllable, with some evidence for marking of prominence on non-final lexically stressed syllables. The findings support the primarily post-lexical role that f0 plays in marking phrase edges, instead of lexical heads, in Singapore English, in line with a previously proposed AM model of Singapore English intonation. The implications of these findings for the study of prosodic typology and sociolinguistic variation in Singapore English are also discussed.

Нестационарные колебания в системе из двух связанных осцилляторов в условиях кубической нелинейности и кубической связи. Часть 2. Вариация параметров системы

The task about the excitation of magnetoelastic vibrations in geometry of magnetostriction transducer which contains normal magnetized ferrite plate excited by alternating magnetic field is investigated. The dynamics of transducer is investigated on the basis of equations system for nonlinear vibrations of two connected oscillators – magnetic and elastic. The equation for magnetic oscillator is nonlinear and for elastic oscillator – linear. The nonlinearity and connections between oscillators have cubic character. In connection with excitation level there are five basal regimes: synchronize, three-multiplication of frequency, chaos, gigantic oscillations and delayed stabilization. The first two regimes are stable, without-threshold and completely determined. The remaining three regimes are non-stable and separated form stable regimes by sharp threshold by the excitation level. It is shown that by the increasing excitation level the vibrations amplitude approach to saturation experiences in value jumps about one and half or two times. The dependence of vibrations threshold of non-stable vibrations from excitation frequency is investigated. It is shown that by increasing the excitation frequency the threshold on non-stable vibrations in very high precision increases by power low of third ore fourth order. The character of vibrations by variation of oscillator dissipation is investigated. It is found that the primary influence on the character first oscillator vibrations exercise the dissipation not first but second oscillator. The variation of own oscillators frequencies is investigated. It is shown that the increasing of own oscillator frequencies leads the system to chaos and further to regularization of vibrations. The decreasing of own oscillator frequencies leads to compressed sine with centre displaced regime and leaving of system to infinity. The variation of cubic nonlinearity of first oscillator is investigated. The large nonsymmetry of variation of vibration character by nonlinearity parameter to both sides is established. The decreasing of nonlinearity parameter leads to compressed sine with displaced centre and further leaving of system to infinity. The increasing of nonlinearity parameter leads to chaos and regularization. The variation of connection between oscillators is investigated. It is found that the variation of connection parameters any of oscillators leads to the same order of regime replacement – from regularization to chaos, gigantic oscillations, delayed stabilization, compressed sine and leaving to infinity. On the plane in coordinates first and second connection parameters the regions of existence different regimes of vibrations is constructed. For the interpretation of described phenomena the model of dynamic potential is proposed. It is shown that the potential of first oscillator has minimum the place of which is determined by value of displacement of second oscillator. The course of chaotic vibrations in non-stable regimes is the difference of phase between vibrations of oscillator and jumps of potential in which these vibrations take place. The ring character of vibrations excitation in system as a whole is considered. The analogy with autovibrations in radioengineering system with positive opposite connection is proposed. The recommendations for further development of investigation are proposed.