title: Schema versioning in data warehouses: Enabling cross-version querying via schema augmentation

authors: Golfarelli, Matteo

subjects: data warehousing

abstract: As several mature implementations of data warehousing systems are fully operational, a crucial role in preserving their up-to-dateness is played by the ability to manage the changes that the data warehouse (DW) schema undergoes over time in response to evolving business requirements. In this paper we propose an approach to schema versioning in DWs, where the designer may decide to undertake some actions on old data aimed at increasing the flexibility in formulating cross-version queries, i.e., queries spanning multiple schema versions. First, we introduce a representation of DW schemata as graphs of simple functional dependencies, and discuss its properties. Then, after defining an algebra of schema graph modification operations aimed at creating new schema versions, we discuss how augmented schemata can be introduced to increase flexibility in cross-version querying. Next, we show how a history of versions for DW schemata is managed and discuss the relationship between the temporal horizon spanned by a query and the schema on which it can consistently be formulated.

text: Schema versioning in data warehouses: Enabling cross-version querying via schema augmentation As several mature implementations of data warehousing systems are fully operational, a crucial role in preserving their up-to-dateness is played by the ability to manage the changes that the data warehouse (DW) schema undergoes over time in response to evolving business requirements. In this paper we propose an approach to schema versioning in DWs, where the designer may decide to undertake some actions on old data aimed at increasing the flexibility in formulating cross-version queries, i.e., queries spanning multiple schema versions. First, we introduce a representation of DW schemata as graphs of simple functional dependencies, and discuss its properties. Then, after defining an algebra of schema graph modification operations aimed at creating new schema versions, we discuss how augmented schemata can be introduced to increase flexibility in cross-version querying. Next, we show how a history of versions for DW schemata is managed and discuss the relationship between the temporal horizon spanned by a query and the schema on which it can consistently be formulated.

year: 2006

title: Protein-Intercalated Bentonite as Nano-Reinforcement in Bloodmeal-Based Bioplastics

authors: Shamsuddin, Rashid M.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Novatein Thermoplastic Protein (NTP) is a biopolymer produced by modifying bloodmeal to a thermoplastic material, but requires reinforcement to improve mechanical properties. Proteinintercalated calcium (CaBt) and sodium bentonite (NaBt) were investigated as nano-scale reinforcements in NTP. These were prepared by recovering proteins from meat processing wastewater called stickwater, thereby reducing treatment cost and intercalating protein into clay layers in a single step. Using stickwater-modified NaBt improved the composite’s tensile strength by 23% (at 0.5 parts per hundred bloodmeal, pphBM) and Young’s modulus by 17% compared to standard NTP. Stickwater treatment greatly improved the compatibility of bentonite with NTP compared to gelatin-treated bentonite whose resulting composites only had similar or slightly improved mechanical properties. The improved mechanical properties are parallel with other improvements observed in thermal, crystallinity and filler distribution. Potential applications include plant pots and seedling trays for plant nursery and agricultural disposable tools such as weasand clips, nails and barbs.

text: Protein-Intercalated Bentonite as Nano-Reinforcement in Bloodmeal-Based Bioplastics Novatein Thermoplastic Protein (NTP) is a biopolymer produced by modifying bloodmeal to a thermoplastic material, but requires reinforcement to improve mechanical properties. Proteinintercalated calcium (CaBt) and sodium bentonite (NaBt) were investigated as nano-scale reinforcements in NTP. These were prepared by recovering proteins from meat processing wastewater called stickwater, thereby reducing treatment cost and intercalating protein into clay layers in a single step. Using stickwater-modified NaBt improved the composite’s tensile strength by 23% (at 0.5 parts per hundred bloodmeal, pphBM) and Young’s modulus by 17% compared to standard NTP. Stickwater treatment greatly improved the compatibility of bentonite with NTP compared to gelatin-treated bentonite whose resulting composites only had similar or slightly improved mechanical properties. The improved mechanical properties are parallel with other improvements observed in thermal, crystallinity and filler distribution. Potential applications include plant pots and seedling trays for plant nursery and agricultural disposable tools such as weasand clips, nails and barbs.

year: 2015

title: Re-examining the best interests of child principle. Can this help tamariki and rangatahi Māori achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health?

authors: Karunaratne, Kalupathirannehelage Dona Thilini Prathiba

abstract: This thesis explores how a re-examination of the best interests of the child principle can assist tamariki and
rangatahi Māori to achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health. Although New Zealand has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, which enshrines the “best interests of the child” principle, significant disparities in mental health outcomes remain between tamariki and
rangatahi Māori and non-Māori children and young people. Drawing on international human rights law, domestic legislation, case law, and Māori concepts of health and wellbeing, this thesis develops a theoretical
and practical framework for reducing these mental health disparities. It explores whether New Zealand can utilise the best interests principle in a way that recognises and incorporates the unique cultural identity and
collective rights of tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The flexible nature of the best interests principle is leveraged to integrate collective cultural rights and Māori worldviews into mental health law and policies. By doing so, it aims to facilitate greater recognition of Māori collective rights and practices within NewZealand's legal and healthcare systems.
This research proposes that a culturally-informed interpretation of the best interests principle, aligned with Māori worldviews and values, is important for fulfilling New Zealand’s international obligations and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of mental health for tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The thesis contends that decisions concerning the best interests of tamariki and rangatahi Māori in mental health
should be guided by a “by Māori, for Māori” approach, which informs and shapes the broader application of the best interests principle. Through this analysis, the thesis seeks to contribute to the improvement of mental health outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori.

text: Re-examining the best interests of child principle. Can this help tamariki and rangatahi Māori achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health? This thesis explores how a re-examination of the best interests of the child principle can assist tamariki and
rangatahi Māori to achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health. Although New Zealand has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, which enshrines the “best interests of the child” principle, significant disparities in mental health outcomes remain between tamariki and
rangatahi Māori and non-Māori children and young people. Drawing on international human rights law, domestic legislation, case law, and Māori concepts of health and wellbeing, this thesis develops a theoretical
and practical framework for reducing these mental health disparities. It explores whether New Zealand can utilise the best interests principle in a way that recognises and incorporates the unique cultural identity and
collective rights of tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The flexible nature of the best interests principle is leveraged to integrate collective cultural rights and Māori worldviews into mental health law and policies. By doing so, it aims to facilitate greater recognition of Māori collective rights and practices within NewZealand's legal and healthcare systems.
This research proposes that a culturally-informed interpretation of the best interests principle, aligned with Māori worldviews and values, is important for fulfilling New Zealand’s international obligations and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of mental health for tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The thesis contends that decisions concerning the best interests of tamariki and rangatahi Māori in mental health
should be guided by a “by Māori, for Māori” approach, which informs and shapes the broader application of the best interests principle. Through this analysis, the thesis seeks to contribute to the improvement of mental health outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori.

year: 2026