A Boundary Construction Algorithm for a Complex Planar Point Set

It is difficult to extract the boundary of complex planar points with nonuniform distribution of point density, concave envelopes, and holes. To solve this problem, an algorithm is proposed in this paper. Based on Delaunay triangulation, the maximum boundary angle threshold is introduced as the parameter in the extraction of the rough boundary. Then, the point looseness threshold is introduced, and the fine boundary extraction is conducted for the local areas such as concave envelopes and holes. Finally, the complete boundary result of the whole point set is obtained. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by experiments on the simulated point set and practical measured point set. The experimental results indicate that it has wider applicability and more effectiveness in engineering applications than the state-of-the-art boundary construction algorithms based on Delaunay triangulation.

Dual Boundaries: The Mechanism of Boundary Construction Operating in Interethnic Settings in Georgia

This paper addresses the question of the boundary construction mechanism between different ethnic groups in Georgia. It demonstrates the duality of boundary construction strategies that operate distinctively in the public and private domains of life. By exploring this substantive issue, I utilize relatively new theoretical perspectives in the study of interethnic boundary construction by concentrating on its multilevel operational character. Drawing on rich data sources within a mixed method approach, I provide empirical evidence concerning how ethnic and national codes of identity are negotiated and combined in everyday interethnic settings. The analyses focus on three ethnic groups residing in the Republic of Georgia – Georgians, Armenians, and Azerbaijanis.

Archaeology and Magic

This final chapter revisits the volume’s goals to draw conclusions about apotropaic material culture classification and its archaeological presence, the relationship between gendered fear and apotropaic use, risk management contexts, and boundary construction implications based upon the data abstracted, analyzed, and interpreted through the book. At this point a revised criterion model for recognition of magic and ritual in the historical archaeological record is offered for future researchers as a complementary model to the ritual identification model that is currently available and most referenced by archaeologists attempting to recognize and understand indications of belief in magical power in the archaeological record. Lastly, recommendations are proposed for continuing historical and archaeological investigation of magic including sacred measurement, plants, and symbols as elements revealing gendered behaviors to protect and control their lives.

The Dynamics of (De)Stigmatization: Boundary construction in the nascent category of organic farming

This study finds that it is possible for organizations in emerging categories to resist stigmatization through discursive reconstruction of the central and distinctive characteristics of the category in question. We examined the emerging market of organic farming in Finland and discovered how resistance to stigmatization was both an internal and an external power struggle in the organic farming community. Over time, the label of organic farming was manipulated and the practice of farming was associated with more conventional and familiar contexts, while the stigma was diverted at the same time to biodynamic farming. We develop a process model for removal of stigma from a nascent category through stigma diversion. We find that stigma diversion forces the core community to (re)define themselves in relation to the excluded community and the mainstream. We also discuss how notoriety can be an individuating phenomenon that helps categorical members conduct identity work and contributes to stigma removal.