title: Open issues in semantic query optimization in relational DBMS

authors: Genet, Bryan Howard

subjects: computer science

abstract: After two decades of research into Semantic Query Optimization (SQO) there is clear agreement as to the efficacy of SQO. However, although there are some experimental implementations there are still no commercial implementations. We
first present a thorough analysis of research into SQO. We identify three problems which inhibit the effective use of SQO in Relational Database Management Systems(RDBMS). We then propose solutions to these problems and describe first steps towards the implementation of an effective semantic query optimizer for relational databases.

text: Open issues in semantic query optimization in relational DBMS After two decades of research into Semantic Query Optimization (SQO) there is clear agreement as to the efficacy of SQO. However, although there are some experimental implementations there are still no commercial implementations. We
first present a thorough analysis of research into SQO. We identify three problems which inhibit the effective use of SQO in Relational Database Management Systems(RDBMS). We then propose solutions to these problems and describe first steps towards the implementation of an effective semantic query optimizer for relational databases.

year: 2004-01-01

title: Taste predicates and retraction data: An improved framework

authors: Wyatt, Jeremy

abstract: Over the past 20 years, predicates of personal taste (PPT) have been at the centre of a set of lively debates in the philosophy of language and linguistics.  These debates have yielded many subtle and inventive analyses of PPT.  There is, however, a crucial methodological question about PPT that remains underexplored: what sorts of evidence should be used in evaluating an account of PPT?

In line with a fairly large body of recent work, we point out that since hypotheses about PPT are empirical, they need to be evaluated empirically, using clearly articulated tests. The test on which we focus involves ordinary speakers’ judgments about retraction.  We identify what we take to be two significant problems with the leading account, due to John MacFarlane, of why retraction data matter in the PPT debates.  We then develop an improved framework for thinking about this issue.  To close, we use our improved framework to re-evaluate the findings on retraction reported by Markus Kneer, and we discuss a few loose ends that will need to be addressed by future experimental research on PPT.

text: Taste predicates and retraction data: An improved framework Over the past 20 years, predicates of personal taste (PPT) have been at the centre of a set of lively debates in the philosophy of language and linguistics.  These debates have yielded many subtle and inventive analyses of PPT.  There is, however, a crucial methodological question about PPT that remains underexplored: what sorts of evidence should be used in evaluating an account of PPT?

In line with a fairly large body of recent work, we point out that since hypotheses about PPT are empirical, they need to be evaluated empirically, using clearly articulated tests. The test on which we focus involves ordinary speakers’ judgments about retraction.  We identify what we take to be two significant problems with the leading account, due to John MacFarlane, of why retraction data matter in the PPT debates.  We then develop an improved framework for thinking about this issue.  To close, we use our improved framework to re-evaluate the findings on retraction reported by Markus Kneer, and we discuss a few loose ends that will need to be addressed by future experimental research on PPT.

year: 2024

title: What are the perceptions of Māori bilingual-educated families towards growing up and learning the Māori language?

authors: Hill, Richard Kenneth

abstract: The Māori language occupies an important place as New Zealand’s indigenous language. This is despite over a century  of attempts  to wipe it out. The revitalisation movement from the 1980s has made a significant contribution to raise its profile and ensure younger generations of primarily Māori students can grow up learning the Māori language through school. However, significant issues still exist, as low numbers of families take advantage of bilingual education options, and remain there to develop high levels of proficiency.


Attitudes of both Māori and non-Māori (Pākehā) populations towards the Māori language have been steadily improving in recent decades. There are increasing calls to make it a compulsory subject in all New Zealand schools. Whilst these are positive signs, the long term health of the Māori language is still precarious. Using the findings of recent studies into Māori bilingual school transitions, including Hill, Rameka and Skerrett (2017) and Hill (2014, 2016, 2017), this presentation seeks to unpack the perceptions of Māori students and their families from a range of programmes towards their languages (Māori and English) and their lives. The findings will illustrate that families within the Māori bilingual education context are enthusiastic about  Māori language learning and being educated bilingually. They are also resolute that bilingual education will help to prepare their children  for their world. However,  families often differ in the extent to which they commit to high immersion programmes, thus affecting the potential success of the Māori language revitalisation aim.

text: What are the perceptions of Māori bilingual-educated families towards growing up and learning the Māori language? The Māori language occupies an important place as New Zealand’s indigenous language. This is despite over a century  of attempts  to wipe it out. The revitalisation movement from the 1980s has made a significant contribution to raise its profile and ensure younger generations of primarily Māori students can grow up learning the Māori language through school. However, significant issues still exist, as low numbers of families take advantage of bilingual education options, and remain there to develop high levels of proficiency.


Attitudes of both Māori and non-Māori (Pākehā) populations towards the Māori language have been steadily improving in recent decades. There are increasing calls to make it a compulsory subject in all New Zealand schools. Whilst these are positive signs, the long term health of the Māori language is still precarious. Using the findings of recent studies into Māori bilingual school transitions, including Hill, Rameka and Skerrett (2017) and Hill (2014, 2016, 2017), this presentation seeks to unpack the perceptions of Māori students and their families from a range of programmes towards their languages (Māori and English) and their lives. The findings will illustrate that families within the Māori bilingual education context are enthusiastic about  Māori language learning and being educated bilingually. They are also resolute that bilingual education will help to prepare their children  for their world. However,  families often differ in the extent to which they commit to high immersion programmes, thus affecting the potential success of the Māori language revitalisation aim.

year: 2018