scholarly journals Quantitative Distribution of Verbal Structures with Reference to the Authorship Factor in Legal Stylistics

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-165
Author(s):  
Edyta Więcławska

Abstract The paper aims at describing the findings and conclusions formulated in the analysis of the authorship factor in legal discourse. It is hypothesised that verbal structures show systemically varied distribution across legal discourse and the relevant distinctions run through the authorship categories. When it comes to the aim of the research it draws on the tradition of sociolinguistic methodology targeting issues related to language variation which follows the basic assumptions of functional grammar. From the point of view of the material covered by the analysis it contributes to the research on legal discourse and specifically on its specialised domain referred to as corporate, company or business discourse. It provides additional empirical data pointing to the non-homogeneity of the legal style and formal distinctions originating from rich contextual background. The study is conducted on the material of a custom-designed corpus of English legal texts, classified as secondary genres. Methodologically, the study makes use of the tenets of supervised search of digitalised corpora and automatic data extraction based on discrete units, subsequent identification of recurring longer contiguous and/or non-contiguous sequences, if any, built around the axis of specific verbal structures and finally qualitative comparative analysis (characterisation) of the material. The discussion presents sample data and focuses on the most salient categories, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The inductive approach confirms the formal divergencies in the communicative situation covered by the analysis. The findings encapsulate patterns and tendencies in the quantitative distribution of verbal structures depending on the authorship category. It may be concluded that authorship is a factor delineating distinctions as regards (i) the repertoire of grammatical instruments exploited (verbal structures), which contributes to the specific stylistic profile of given authors. This shows that the thesis posed is verified positively and the study shows further, more detailed distinctions running through groups of subcategories distinguished within the authorship categories specified upon the start of the research.

Author(s):  
Susana Fernández-Lores ◽  
Gema Martínez-Navarro ◽  
Diana Gavilán

The evolution of technology and the digital empowerment of society have led to the proliferation of Audiovisual Content Webs (ACWs) where users can share information and experiences, along with other commercial resources. ACWs have led to significant changes in the way users can select and access audiovisual content. The design of these websites combines various features, including a user community, streamed content, ticket sales, and recommendations, among others. Each ACW has a specific profile with respect to the mentioned variables. The aim of this study is to identify the critical success factors for a ACW, i.e., which features and the form they should take to attract followers, thus increasing the capacity to prescribe and broadcast content. Using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), a formal analysis technique that allows the identification of combinations that produce a certain result, a sample of the 12 most representative cinema websites in Spain is analyzed. The results indicate that the incorporation of content recommendation systems and the connection with streaming platforms through which the content can be accessed are key factors in the success of these ACWs. This work contributes academically to the knowledge and explanation of audience behavior in the new audiovisual scenario. From a professional point of view, relevant design suggestions are offered to platform creators. Finally, the limitations of this work are described, and future lines of research are considered. Resumen La evolución de la tecnología y el empoderamiento digital de la sociedad ha dado lugar a la proliferación de webs de contenidos audiovisuales (WCA) donde los usuarios comparten información y experiencias, junto a otros recursos comerciales. Las WCA han provocado cambios significativos en la forma en la que los usuarios pueden seleccionar y acceder a los contenidos audiovisuales. En su diseño, estas webs combinan varias prestaciones: comunidad de usuarios, contenidos en streaming, venta de entradas o recomendaciones, entre otros. Cada WCA presenta un perfil específico respecto a las variables descritas. El objetivo del presente trabajo es identificar los factores críticos de éxito de una WCA, es decir las prestaciones y la forma que deben adoptar para captar seguidores, aumentando con ello capacidad de prescripción y difusión de contenidos. Mediante el análisis cualitativo comparado (QCA), técnica formal de análisis que permite la identificación de combinaciones que producen un determinado resultado, se analiza una muestra de las 12 webs de cine más representativas en España. Los resultados indican que la incorporación de sistemas de recomendación de contenidos y la conexión con plataformas en streaming desde las que poder acceder a los contenidos son factores claves del éxito. El trabajo contribuye académicamente al conocimiento y la explicación de la conducta de la audiencia en el nuevo escenario audiovisual. Desde el punto de vista profesional se ofrecen sugerencias relevantes de diseño para los creadores de plataformas. Por último, se describen las limitaciones del trabajo y se plantean futuras líneas de investigación.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaakko Husa

AbstractThis article examines the complicated legal-cultural process in which Roman law became Byzantine law and Roman legal discourse altered into Byzantine legal discourse. Roman law’s transformation into Early Byzantine law is analysed from the point of view of legal language which mutated from Latin to Greek. The approach is legal cultural and legal linguistic and focuses on the overall shape and general patterns. The goal is to highlight how legal-cultural transformation was incremental, language-bound and that there was no radical or sudden culmination point. Moreover, the analysis answers generally to the question of why sixth-century Byzantine legislative Greek contained frequent Latin loans, expressions, phrases and distortions. The discussion concentrates on the Novellae as an integral part of the process of legal cultural and linguistic change from Roman to Byzantine. Instead of going into detailed linguistic analysis, this article underlines generally the contextuality of law and the importance of legal culture


1992 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 1277-1282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa V. Kot ◽  
Ngaire A. Pettit-Young

OBJECTIVE: To review the current published clinical studies evaluating the clinical efficacy and safety of lactulose compared with other laxatives or placebo. Adverse effects associated with lactulose are also reported. DATA SOURCES: Information was retrieved by searching the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for clinical trials, abstracts, conference proceedings, and review articles dealing with lactulose. STUDY SELECTION: Emphasis was placed on clinical trials where lactulose was compared with other laxatives or placebo in patient populations where the diagnosis of constipation was reasonably established. DATA EXTRACTION: The methodology and results from clinical studies were evaluated. Assessment of the studies was made based on diagnosis of constipation, prior management of patients, follow-up of patients, dosage, and adverse effects. DATA SYNTHESIS: Clinical trials in geriatric patients, terminally ill patients, children, and normal and constipated subjects were reviewed. In most instances, lactulose was compared with a placebo, without incorporating the current education on dietary techniques for improving defecation. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial response compared with placebo, although sometimes that response has been only marginally better, from a clinical point of view.


2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 082-082
Author(s):  
Sánchez Lorenzo M. ◽  
Seoane Pardo R.

Abstract Background and Aims Ultrasound is a non-invasive test which enables a fast real time exam, which is both dynamic and accessible. In contrast, the mechanisms of functioning of acupuncture have not been completely understood. The aim of this review was to determine the various uses assigned to ultrasound in acupuncture research. Material and Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro and ScienceDirect databases. Manual searches were performed in the following journals: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Acupuncture Medicine, Medical Acupuncture and The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The search terms “ultrasonography” and “Acupuncture” were used, related with AND. Research studies in humans were included in which ultrasound was used to assess some aspect of the acupuncture intervention. No time limit was established and the languages were limited to Spanish, English, Galician or Portuguese. The data extraction was performed by two independently blinded evaluators. Results A total of 46 studies were included for the analysis. B Mode is the most used form of imaging, followed by Doppler and elastography. In total, 18 studies performed an analysis of vascular parameters. Doppler was commonly used, with a dominance of transcranial Doppler methods, although B mode was also used to measure the transverse diameter of blood vessels. In 11 studies, B mode was used alone or combined with Doppler to obtain measures of safety, precision, location of target structures and needle position regarding sensitive structures. Seven studies used elastography. Five studies quantified tissue movement and another quantified muscle stiffness using elastography and B mode. A further study also included Doppler for the measurement of blood flow. Six studies evaluated visceral conditions. One study evaluated gastric emptying and the five remaining studies focused on the genitourinary sphere such as the rate of pregnancy, fetal position, prostate characteristics, intrapelvic venous congestion and bladder emptying. From the musculoskeletal point of view, 4 studies were located. Two studies evaluated the thickness parameter of the common extensor tendon of the epicondyle and two layers of connective tissue, respectively. One study concluded that the application of acupuncture can influence the viscoelastic properties of the tendon and one remaining study informed of the positive association between ultrasound as an assessment tool and follow up tool in acupuncture treatments. Conclusions In this field of study, ultrasound has been used to obtain objective outcomes and adopt safety guidelines related to acupuncture procedures.


1982 ◽  
Vol 37 (11-12) ◽  
pp. 1124-1129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gunnar Bergström ◽  
Jan Tengö ◽  
Wolfgang Reith ◽  
Wittko Francke

Abstract 50 volatile constituents of the mandibular gland secretions in males and females of three species of Andrena bees, A. wilkella (Chr.), A. ovatula (K .) and A. ocreata (K .), have been identified. The secretions are made up of a series of spiroacetals of four different systems together with mono-terpenes and unbranched acyclic compounds. Many of the components, particularly several of the dominant ones, occur in both sexes of all three species, so that the volatile secretions are qualita­tively very similar. Females contain about 100 μg per individuum , which is 3-5 times the amount of the males’ secretions. Major spiroacetals are E,E- and Z ,E-2,8-dimethyl-1,7-dioxa-spiro[5.5]undecane and E,E-and Z,E-2-ethyl-7-methyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]undecane, while prominent monoterpenes are geraniol and citronellol. Straight chain hydrocarbons C17, C19, C21 and C23 occur in fairly large amounts, mostly with increasing concentrations. With respect to the quantitative distribution of components of minor concentration, the bouquet of A. wilkella is clearly distinguishable from A. ovatula and A. ocreata which from the morphological and ethological point of view are more closely related. Behaviour tests with A. wilkella indicate high biological activity of the main spiroacetal.


Semiotica ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (209) ◽  
pp. 5-14
Author(s):  
Augusto Ponzio

AbstractIt is not with the State that personal responsibility arises towards the other. According to Emmanuel Levinas, the other is every single human being I am responsible for, and I am this responsibility for him. The other, my fellow, is the first comer. But I do not live in a world with just one single “first comer”; there is always another other, a third, who is also my other, my fellow. Otherness, beginning with this third, is a plurality. Proximity as responsibility is a plurality. There is a need for justice. There is the obligation to compare unique and incomparable others. This is what is hidden, unsaid, implied in legal discourse. But recourse to comparison among that which cannot be compared, among that which is incomparable is justified by love of justice for the other. It is this justification that confers a sense to law, which is always dura lex, and to the statement that citizens are equal before the law. From this point of view, State justice is always imperfect with respect to human rights understood as the rights of the other, of every other in his absolute difference, in his incomparable otherness.


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