title: Arbitrary boolean advertisements: the final step in supporting the boolean publish/subscribe model

authors: Bittner, Sven

subjects: computer science

abstract: Publish/subscribe systems allow for an efficient filtering of incoming information. This filtering is based on the specifications of subscriber interests, which are registered with the system as subscriptions. Publishers conversely specify advertisements, describing the messages they will send later on. What is missing so far is the support of arbitrary Boolean advertisements in publish/subscribe systems. Introducing the opportunity to specify these richer Boolean advertisements increases the accuracy of publishers to state their future messages compared to currently supported conjunctive advertisements. Thus, the amount of subscriptions forwarded in the network is reduced. Additionally, the system can more time efficiently decide whether a subscription needs to be forwarded and more space efficiently store and index advertisements. 

In this paper, we introduce a publish/subscribe system that supports arbitrary Boolean advertisements and, symmetrically, arbitrary Boolean subscriptions. We show the advantages of supporting arbitrary Boolean advertisements and present an algorithm to calculate the practically required overlapping relationship among subscriptions and advertisements. Additionally, we develop the first optimization approach for arbitrary Boolean advertisements, advertisement pruning. Advertisement pruning is tailored to optimize advertisements, which is a strong contrast
to current optimizations for conjunctive advertisements. These recent proposals mainly apply subscription-based optimization ideas, which is leading to the same disadvantages.

In the second part of this paper, our evaluation of practical experiments, we analyze the efficiency properties of our approach to determine the overlapping relationship. We also compare conjunctive solutions for the overlapping problem to our calculation algorithm to show its benefits. Finally, we present a detailed evaluation of the optimization potential of advertisement pruning. This includes the analysis of the effects of additionally optimizing subscriptions on the advertisement pruning optimization.

text: Arbitrary boolean advertisements: the final step in supporting the boolean publish/subscribe model Publish/subscribe systems allow for an efficient filtering of incoming information. This filtering is based on the specifications of subscriber interests, which are registered with the system as subscriptions. Publishers conversely specify advertisements, describing the messages they will send later on. What is missing so far is the support of arbitrary Boolean advertisements in publish/subscribe systems. Introducing the opportunity to specify these richer Boolean advertisements increases the accuracy of publishers to state their future messages compared to currently supported conjunctive advertisements. Thus, the amount of subscriptions forwarded in the network is reduced. Additionally, the system can more time efficiently decide whether a subscription needs to be forwarded and more space efficiently store and index advertisements. 

In this paper, we introduce a publish/subscribe system that supports arbitrary Boolean advertisements and, symmetrically, arbitrary Boolean subscriptions. We show the advantages of supporting arbitrary Boolean advertisements and present an algorithm to calculate the practically required overlapping relationship among subscriptions and advertisements. Additionally, we develop the first optimization approach for arbitrary Boolean advertisements, advertisement pruning. Advertisement pruning is tailored to optimize advertisements, which is a strong contrast
to current optimizations for conjunctive advertisements. These recent proposals mainly apply subscription-based optimization ideas, which is leading to the same disadvantages.

In the second part of this paper, our evaluation of practical experiments, we analyze the efficiency properties of our approach to determine the overlapping relationship. We also compare conjunctive solutions for the overlapping problem to our calculation algorithm to show its benefits. Finally, we present a detailed evaluation of the optimization potential of advertisement pruning. This includes the analysis of the effects of additionally optimizing subscriptions on the advertisement pruning optimization.

year: 2006-06-01

title: The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study

authors: Sharma, Umesh Prasad

abstract: Purpose: This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings: The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications: The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications: The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications: There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value: This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

text: The accounting challenges for indigenous businesses: a Pacific Islands case study Purpose: This paper aims to examine the accounting challenges faced by indigenous businesses in the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. Design/methodology/approach: The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants, from a mix of individuals from the wholesale and retail market in Tonga. This paper uses institutional logics framework to inform the study. Findings: The research findings suggest an inability of indigenous businesses to adapt to significant changes in the market and overcome the economic and social challenges faced in the business environment involving accounting values. A lack of business skills and accounting knowledge, restrictive traditions and religious obligations and a poor business investment climate are key factors behind the inability of the indigenous Tongan businesses to succeed. Research limitations/implications: The paper is limited to a study on Tonga only. The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Practical implications: The paper suggests better accountability from government sector on their effort to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. As a way forward, participants suggest that an inclusive approach for the government, businesses and stakeholders in policy formulation and consultation would create a better business environment that would foster the development and growth of the wholesale and retail business sector in Tonga. There is a dearth of cultural studies in accounting in countries within the developing world, particularly in the Oceania region. Social implications: There are many accounting challenges faced by the indigenous Tongan business people in the market, which indicate specific areas where the attention of the policymakers should be directed. A better accountability from the government is needed on their efforts to encourage inclusion of indigenous businesses. Originality/value: This paper extends the literature by considering inclusivity challenges for ethnically marginalised collectives of individuals in small business. The research findings suggest a gap in knowledge in the current business environment with respect to the Western accounting practices in the indigenous society.

year: 2025

title: Te Whakaruruhau Transition and Wellbeing programme: An implementation evaluation

authors: Robins, Kathryn

subjects: Maori

abstract: Based on the recognition that many women who come into refuge have few options
but to return to the sort of environment in which they have been abused, the
Transition and Wellbeing programme aims to provide medium to long term housing
for families as they re‐establish themselves in the community.
Data for the evaluation of the programme was collected from two main sources; the
women on the programme and key informants at Te Whakaruruhau. Five women,
two of whom are housed in transitional accommodation were interviewed
individually, while focus groups were conducted with middle and senior management
teams.
The completion of the interviews enabled the development of a programme logic,
which describes the ‘theory’ of the programme. The model details the activities or
what the programme does. These activities include linking women to programmes
and resources, providing practical support, addressing specific cultural needs and the
availability of quality advocates. These activities are built on foundational values, such
as, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. The programme is only made
possible with internal and external inputs. Of the external inputs, funding
contributions are considered vital to the functioning of the programme.
The women’s perspectives identified varying outcomes from their participation in the
programme. The logic model details the intended outcomes in the short, medium and
long‐term, reflecting personal, relational and community wellbeing. Short term
outcomes include improved communication, improved self‐esteem, improved
confidence and personal growth. Medium outcomes saw (re)engagement in training,
education and for some, (re)entry into the workforce. Long term outcomes related to
the establishment of a sustainable life style free from violence.
The participants did not see a need to modify the programme in any significant way.
Some did think that it could be usefully extended by adding to the existing activities a
hands on, artistic approach. Programme developers may consider more creative ways
in which to assess and measure the impact of the programme. Finally, it is suggested
that the programme could benefit from a more systemic assessment process to
determine whether women are “ready” to enter it.

text: Te Whakaruruhau Transition and Wellbeing programme: An implementation evaluation Based on the recognition that many women who come into refuge have few options
but to return to the sort of environment in which they have been abused, the
Transition and Wellbeing programme aims to provide medium to long term housing
for families as they re‐establish themselves in the community.
Data for the evaluation of the programme was collected from two main sources; the
women on the programme and key informants at Te Whakaruruhau. Five women,
two of whom are housed in transitional accommodation were interviewed
individually, while focus groups were conducted with middle and senior management
teams.
The completion of the interviews enabled the development of a programme logic,
which describes the ‘theory’ of the programme. The model details the activities or
what the programme does. These activities include linking women to programmes
and resources, providing practical support, addressing specific cultural needs and the
availability of quality advocates. These activities are built on foundational values, such
as, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. The programme is only made
possible with internal and external inputs. Of the external inputs, funding
contributions are considered vital to the functioning of the programme.
The women’s perspectives identified varying outcomes from their participation in the
programme. The logic model details the intended outcomes in the short, medium and
long‐term, reflecting personal, relational and community wellbeing. Short term
outcomes include improved communication, improved self‐esteem, improved
confidence and personal growth. Medium outcomes saw (re)engagement in training,
education and for some, (re)entry into the workforce. Long term outcomes related to
the establishment of a sustainable life style free from violence.
The participants did not see a need to modify the programme in any significant way.
Some did think that it could be usefully extended by adding to the existing activities a
hands on, artistic approach. Programme developers may consider more creative ways
in which to assess and measure the impact of the programme. Finally, it is suggested
that the programme could benefit from a more systemic assessment process to
determine whether women are “ready” to enter it.

year: 2008-06-26