Optimality Theory and variable word-final deletion in Faetar

1997 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Nagy ◽  
Bill Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Optimality Theory ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Optimal Output ◽  
Input Form ◽  
Constraint Hierarchy

ABSTRACTWe examine a pattern of end-of-word deletion in Faetar, a Francoprovençal dialect spoken in southern Italy, considering synchronic variants like [brókələ] ˜ [brókəl] ˜ [brókə] ˜ [brok] ‘fork’. We use the word “deletion” as a synchronic description of the facts; speakers do not always phonetically produce everything in the input form, assuming that the input form is the longest form ever produced. Optimality Theory accounts for this type of variation by positing different rankings of the constraint hierarchy, each of which produces a different optimal output. The predication of alternate constraint rankings within a single dialect, however, poses problems for Optimality Theory as it has been formulated, necessitating numerous grammars for each speaker. We propose floating constraints (Reynolds, 1994), whereby some particular constraint within a single grammar may be represented as falling anywhere within a designated range in the ranking hierarchy. In a previous study (Reynolds & Nagy, 1994) we showed that this model accounts for the distribution of types of output forms produced. Here, we analyze a corpus of 624 tokens from 40 speakers and show that the pattern of distribution of tokens is accounted for as well: the number of rankings that produce each output form is closely correlated to the number of output forms that occur in the data set.

scholarly journals Stationary and Non-Stationary Frameworks for Extreme Rainfall Time Series in Southern Italy

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Davide De Luca ◽  
Luciano Galasso
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Regional Climate ◽  
Data Series ◽  
Rainfall Time Series ◽  
Annual Maximum ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Maximum Rainfall ◽  
Rainfall Events

This study tests stationary and non-stationary approaches for modelling data series of hydro-meteorological variables. Specifically, the authors considered annual maximum rainfall accumulations observed in the Calabria region (southern Italy), and attention was focused on time series characterized by heavy rainfall events which occurred from 1 January 2000 in the study area. This choice is justified by the need to check if the recent rainfall events in the new century can be considered as very different or not from the events occurred in the past. In detail, the whole data set of each considered time series (characterized by a sample size N > 40 data) was analyzed, in order to compare recent and past rainfall accumulations, which occurred in a specific site. All the proposed models were based on the Two-Component Extreme Value (TCEV) probability distribution, which is frequently applied for annual maximum time series in Calabria. The authors discussed the possible sources of uncertainty related to each framework and remarked on the crucial role played by ergodicity. In fact, if the process is assumed to be non-stationary, then ergodicity cannot hold, and thus possible trends should be derived from external sources, different from the time series of interest: in this work, Regional Climate Models’ (RCMs) outputs were considered in order to assess possible trends of TCEV parameters. From the obtained results, it does not seem essential to adopt non-stationary models, as significant trends do not appear from the observed data, due to a relevant number of heavy events which also occurred in the central part of the last century.

scholarly journals Estimating the Soil Hydraulic Functions of Some Olive Orchards: Soil Management Implications for Water Saving in Soils of Salento Peninsula (Southern Italy)

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirko Castellini ◽  
Anna Maria Stellacci ◽  
Marcello Mastrangelo ◽  
Francesco Caputo ◽  
Luisa Maria Manici
Keyword(s):  
Soil Texture ◽  
Water Conservation ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Soil Management ◽  
Field Capacity ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Relative Field ◽  
The Impact

Saving water resources in agriculture is a topic of current research in Mediterranean environments, and rational soil management can allow such purposes. The Beerkan Estimation of Soil Transfer parameters (BEST) procedure was applied in five olive orchards of Salento peninsula (southern Italy) to estimate the soil physical and hydraulic properties under alternative soil management (i.e., no-tillage (NT) and minimum tillage (MT)), and to quantify the impact of soil management on soil water conservation. Results highlighted the soundness of BEST predictions since they provided consistent results in terms of soil functions or capacitive-based soil indicators when (i) the entire data set was grouped by homogeneous classes of texture, bulk density, and capillarity of the soil, (ii) the predictions were compared with the corresponding water retention measures independently obtained in lab, and (iii) some correlations of literature were checked. BEST was applied to establish a comparison at Neviano (NE) and Sternatia (ST) sites. The two neighboring NT soils compared at NE showed substantial discrepancies in soil texture (i.e., sandy loam (NE-SL) or clay (NE-C)). This marked difference in soil texture could determine a worsening of the relative field capacity at the NE-SL site (relative field capacity, RFC < 0.6), as compared to NE-C where RFC was optimal. The current soil management determined a similar effect (RFC < 0.6) at Sternatia (ST-MT vs. ST-NT), but the worsening in soil properties, due to soil tillage, must be considered substantially transient, as progressive improvement is expected with the restoration of the soil structure. The results of this work suggest that strategic MT can be a viable solution to manage the soil of Salento olive orchards.

scholarly journals Dry grasslands of Hippocrepido glaucae-Stipion austroitalicae in the Pollino Massif (Calabria, Italy)

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Terzi ◽  
Franceso S. D’Amico
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Distribution Area ◽  
East Side ◽  
The South ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Dry Grasslands ◽  
Dimensional Scaling ◽  
New Association ◽  
Phytosociological Relevés ◽  
Multi Dimensional Scaling

Abstract Rocky pastures dominated by Stipa austroitalica in the south-east of Italy were classified within an endemic alliance, Hippocrepido glaucae-Stipion austroitalicae, originally assigned to a Balkan order (Scorzoneretalia villosae). Actually, the distribution area of S. austroitalica extends further westwards and large patches are found on the south-east side of the Pollino Massif. This study aims to describe and characterise the plant communities dominated by S. austroitalica in this area and analyse their floristic and chorological relationships with other associations of Hippocrepido-Stipion. Moreover, their syntaxonomy is discussed in the context of the Italian and south European dry grasslands biogeography. The grasslands were studied on the basis of 19 phytosociological relevés. A larger data set, including 185 relevés with S. austroitalica, was used to visualise the relationships among the associations through nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling ordination. The results allowed the description of a new association, Bupleuro gussonei-Stipetum austroitalicae, classified within Hippocrepido-Stipion. As a consequence, the alliance synrange was extended up to the Pollino Massif. The Hip pocrepido-Stipion, together with Cytiso spinescentis-Bromion erecti, was arranged in Euphorbietalia myrsinitidis, an endemic order of the Italian peninsula. The proposed scheme upgrades the syntaxonomy and nomenclature of the dry grasslands vegetation of central and southern Italy.

scholarly journals Neural networks, penalty logic and optimality theory

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 53-94
Author(s):  
Reinhard Blutner
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Optimality Theory ◽  
Unified Theory ◽  
Modern Logic ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Formal Basis ◽  
The One ◽  
Neuronal Systems ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Constraint Hierarchy

Ever since the discovery of neural networks, there has been a controversy between two modes of information processing. On the one hand, symbolic systems have proven indispensable for our understanding of higher intelligence, especially when cognitive domains like language and reasoning are examined. On the other hand, it is a matter of fact that intelligence resides in the brain, where computation appears to be organized by numerical and statistical principles and where a parallel distributed architecture is appropriate. The present claim is in line with researchers like Paul Smolensky and Peter Gärdenfors and suggests that this controversy can be resolved by a unified theory of cognition – one that integrates both aspects of cognition and assigns the proper roles to symbolic computation and numerical neural computation. The overall goal in this contribution is to discuss formal systems that are suitable for grounding the formal basis for such a unified theory. It is suggested that the instruments of modern logic and model theoretic semantics are appropriate for analyzing certain aspects of dynamical systems like inferring and learning in neural networks. Hence, I suggest that an active dialogue between the traditional symbolic approaches to logic, information and language and the connectionist paradigm is possible and fruitful. An essential component of this dialogue refers to Optimality Theory (OT) – taken as a theory that likewise aims to overcome the gap between symbolic and neuronal systems. In the light of the proposed logical analysis notions like recoverability and bidirection are explained, and likewise the problem of founding a strict constraint hierarchy is discussed. Moreover, a claim is made for developing an "embodied" OT closing the gap between symbolic representation and embodied cognition.  

An OT-ET Analysis of Polish Singular-Plural Pairs

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Xiaowen Ji ◽  
Jincheng Ni
Keyword(s):  
Optimality Theory ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Combined Model ◽  
Analysis Pattern ◽  
Word Clouds ◽  
Exemplar Theory ◽  
Language Data ◽  
Object Of Study ◽  
Constraint Hierarchy ◽  
Linguistic Phenomenon

Optimality Theory (OT) and Exemplar Theory (ET) are two enchanting theories to many scholars, but each still faces criticism and remaining persistent problems. Application of both theories to areas in linguistics where conflicts may arise has been attempted, but still the suitability of combining the two theories to resolve contradictions awaits further analysis and verification. This article takes Polish singular-plural pairs as the object of study and argues in favor of an OT-ET combined model of analyzing the linguistic phenomenon. First, an underlying representation is identified to be the input in an OT analysis. Then two main changes are recognized between the input and output, and are regarded as instances of positional neutralization, and their relevant constraints and constraint hierarchies are presented. Following this, challenges are posed to OT despite its merits. It turns out that the combined OT-ET model works well, with historical development, underspecification, constraint hierarchy, and resemblance to existing word clouds, among others, all playing relevant parts. The current study adds to the extensiveness of language data analyzed for or against combining OT and ET, and sketches the analysis pattern of thus doing, with a view to offering more real-life language materials for an OT-ET combined model.

scholarly journals Technical Note: Dissolved organic matter fluorescence – a finite mixture approach to deconvolve excitation-emission matrices

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 4711-4732 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Butturini ◽  
E. Ejarque
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Dissolved Organic Matter ◽  
Heterogeneous Data ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Laplacian Operator ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Mathematical Algorithm ◽  
Optimal Output ◽  
Mixture Model Approach ◽  
Excitation Emission Matrices

Abstract. The analysis of the shape of excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) is a relevant tool for exploring the origin, transport and fate of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in aquatic ecosystems. Within this context, the decomposition of EEMs is acquiring a notable relevance. A simple mathematical algorithm that automatically deconvolves single EEM is described, creating new possibilities for the comparison of DOM fluorescence properties and EEMs that are very different from each other. A mixture model approach is adopted to decompose complex surfaces into sub-peaks. The laplacian operator and the Nelder–Mead optimization algorithm are implemented to individuate and automatically locate potential peaks in the EEM landscape. A small heterogeneous data set of 21 EEMs from a human-impacted Mediterranean river is used to describe the model application and to illustrate a strategy that optimises the search for the optimal output.

A composite tourism index for the competitiveness of marginal areas: a pilot application in a Southern Italy province

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentino Moretto ◽  
Gianluca Elia ◽  
Gianpaolo Ghiani
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Composite Index ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Data Sources ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Marginal Areas ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Traditional Approaches

Purpose Differently from traditional approaches that rely on the analysis of single dimensions of the tourism phenomenon, this study aims to experiment a systemic approach based on structured and unstructured data sources to elaborate a composite index to measure the tourist competitiveness of marginal areas, with the final aim to design and plan proper socio-economic development strategies. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted to carry out the study follows a four-step process and relies on indicators that are both relevant and accessible. The first step concerns the analysis of the literature about the existing approaches to calculate a tourism index. The second step concerns the definition of the indicators and the collection of data by using both structured and unstructured sources. The third step focuses on the population of the data set. Finally, the fourth step aims at calculating the tourism index through a composite-based methodology and using it for a pilot application in a Southern Italy province. Findings The study calculates a synthetic tourism index for each of the 97 municipalities of the Province of Lecce (a city located in the southeast of Italy). The proposed index combines administrative, institutional and open data sources to derive a single indicator for each municipality, thus supporting decision-makers in understanding the complex reality and competitiveness level of territories in the tourism industry. Originality/value The main elements of originality of the study are the breadth and typology of data sources considered to calculate the composite indicator of tourism competitiveness (both structured and unstructured); and the use of weighting and aggregation procedures in the methodological issues.

scholarly journals Continuous record of the gravity changes at Mt. Vesuvius

1997 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Berrino ◽  
G Corrado ◽  
R. Magliulo ◽  
U. Riccardi
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Absolute Gravity ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Gravity Station ◽  
Hourly Data ◽  
Continuous Record ◽  
Gravity Measurements ◽  
Time Variations ◽  
Comparison Of The Results

High precision relative and absolute gravity measurements are periodically carried out at Mt. Vesuvius (Southern Italy) to monitor the changes in the gravity field caused by the internal dynamics of the volcano. Moreover, a recording gravity station is also operating at the Osservatorio Vesuviano (Old Building) aimed at measuring in continuous mode the time variations of the gravity and the tidal parameters, possibly due to changes in the physical state of the volcano. The analysis carried out on an hourly data set spanning the 1994-1996 time interval and a comparison of the results with those previously obtained, exhibit a change in the tidal parameters which occurred between 1991 and 1994. A gravity decrease of about 60 µGal was observed during the same time interval in the same area. Consistent with relative and absolute gravity observations, no significant variations have been detected since 1994 in the tidal parameters and gravity residuals.

scholarly journals H3e/H4e Ratio in Olivines from Linosa, Ustica, and Pantelleria Islands (Southern Italy)

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elise Fourré ◽  
Patrick Allard ◽  
Philippe Jean-Baptiste ◽  
Dario Cellura ◽  
Francesco Parello
Keyword(s):  
Upper Mantle ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Plate Boundary ◽  
Isotopic Signature ◽  
Spatial Extent ◽  
Helium Isotope ◽  
Volcanic Gases ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Arc Volcanism ◽  
Mantle Diapir

We report helium isotope data for 0.03–1 Ma olivine-bearing basaltic hawaiites from three volcanoes of the southern Italy magmatic province (Ustica, Pantelleria, and Linosa Islands). Homogenous H3e/H4e ratios (range: 7.3–7.6 Ra) for the three islands, and their similarity with the ratio of modern volcanic gases on Pantelleria, indicate a common magmatic end-member. In particular, Ustica (7.6±0.2 Ra) clearly differs from the nearby Aeolian Islands Arc volcanism, despite its location on the Tyrrhenian side of the plate boundary. Although limited in size, our data set complements the large existing database for helium isotope in southern Italy and adds further constraints upon the spatial extent of intraplate alkaline volcanism in southern Mediterranea. As already discussed by others, the He-Pb isotopic signature of this magmatic province indicates a derivation from a mantle diapir of a OIB-type that is partially diluted by the depleted upper mantle (MORB mantle) at its periphery.

The Complexity of Ranking Hypotheses in Optimality Theory

2009 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Riggle
Keyword(s):  
Optimality Theory ◽  
Classification Scheme ◽  
Complexity Measure ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Linguistic Data ◽  
Constraint Set ◽  
Learnability Theory ◽  
Concept Classes

Given a constraint set with k constraints in the framework of Optimality Theory (OT), what is its capacity as a classification scheme for linguistic data? One useful measure of this capacity is the size of the largest data set of which each subset is consistent with a different grammar hypothesis. This measure is known as the Vapnik-Chervonenkis dimension (VCD) and is a standard complexity measure for concept classes in computational learnability theory. In this work, I use the three-valued logic of Elementary Ranking Conditions to show that the VCD of Optimality Theory with k constraints is k-1. Analysis of OT in terms of the VCD establishes that the complexity of OT is a well-behaved function of k and that the ‘hardness’ of learning in OT is linear in k for a variety of frameworks that employ probabilistic definitions of learnability.

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