An overview of visibility problem algorithms in 1,5D

The paper gives an overview of algorithms for the terrain visibility problem. First, a comprehensive background of the problem is given. It is explained how the 2,5D problem is transformed to a 1,5D problem. Next, six algorithms (a naive approach, an approach with the height of line-of-sight (LOS), an approach with the biggest slope of LOS, an approach with the cross product, an incremental approach, and an improved incremental approach) are briefly explained and their theoretical time complexities are given. After that, run-times of the algorithms are measured for different terrain configurations and different viewpoint heights. The best algorithm is selected at the end

Green economy for sustainable environment: Slovenian perspective

Sustainable development of built environment is necessary much more than in the past, but a very stringent monitoring of environmental impacts is needed to get economic balance and social acceptance of the constructions. Green economy generates new jobs and the new culture, but reliable assessment of net green revenues is still lacking. Moreover, construction sector faces with more than 50% of waste generated in total scale, 40% of all consumed energy, and 35% of CO2 released emissions. This study aims to provide more insights in green sectors, and the evaluation of sustainability. Green public procurement along with the circular economy was found as the right measure towards green sustainability where environmental, economic, and social aspects are harmonized

NMR Characterization and Rietveld Refinement of the Structure of Rehydrated AlPO4-34

The triclinic form of AlPO4-34, a microporous aluminophosphate with the chabazite (CHA) topology, adopts a rhombohedral symmetry upon calcination. The framework structure of this phase remains intact under ambient conditions, but it distorts dramatically, though reversibly, in the presence of water. Following these structural changes in situ by X-ray diffraction revealed that there are actually two stable rehydrated phases, which differ from each other by one water molecule in the channel. Both of these phases have triclinic unit cells that are closely related to that of the calcined rhombohedral phase. The structure of the low-temperature (10 °C), fully rehydrated phase (phase B) was elucidated by combining high-resolution synchrotron powder diffraction with solid-state NMR techniques. Coordination of three of the six Al atoms to water molecules causes the deformation of the framework and the reduction of the symmetry. Rietveld refinement of the structure of phase B in the triclinic space group P1 (a = 9.026, b = 9.338, c = 9.508 Å, α = 95.1°, β = 104.1°, and γ = 96.6°) converged with RF = 0.079 and RWP = 0.176 (Rexp = 0.087). Framework connectivities derived from the structure were used to assign 31P NMR lines as well as part of the 27Al NMR signal

Identification of practically visible spatial objects in natural environments

Image retrieval of landscape photographs requires accurate annotation using multi-faceted descriptions relating to the subject and content of the photograph. The subject of such photographs is dominantly the terrain and spatial objects visible from the photographer’s viewpoint. While some spatial objects in the background may be obscured by foreground vegetation, other visible spatial objects beyond a certain distance may not present noteworthy elements of the captured scene (such as distant houses). Our aim is to assess approaches to improve the identification of practically visible spatial objects for image annotation. These approaches include the consideration of the apparent spatial object size and landcover information about occluding vegetation. These inputs are used to enhance viewshed analysis to accurately identify only spatial objects practically visible and therefore likely to be notable subjects of a photograph. The two approaches are evaluated in an experiment in a semi-rural area of Switzerland, whose results indicate that visual magnitude is key in accurate identification of visible spatial objects

Mentors’ competence in mentoring nursing students in clinical practice:detecting profiles to enhance mentoring practices

Abstract Aims: To describe the mentoring competence of clinical practice nurse mentors and identify different mentor profiles. Design: Cross-sectional research design, secondary analysis. Methods: An international, cross-sectional study design was performed in five European countries. A total of 1 604 mentors from 33 healthcare organizations participated in the study between 2016–2019. The Mentors’ Competence Instrument (MCI), which includes seven sub-dimensions and 44 items, was used to collect data. K-means cluster and binary regression analyses were performed to detect mentor profiles and determine how various factors affect competence, respectively. Results: The K-means cluster analysis identified three distinct profiles: A (n = 926); B (n = 566); and C (n = 85). The profiles showed significantly different values (p < 0.001) across all seven areas of mentoring competence. In comparison with the other profiles, nurses in profile A were older, had more work experience and were more probably to have completed mentoring-specific training

Mentors’ cultural competence at mentoring culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students in clinical practice:an international cross-sectional study

Abstract Aims: This study aimed to identify mentors’ cultural competence profiles at mentoring culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students in clinical practice and explore associating factors. Background: Globalization has had a significant impact on healthcare, increasing the diversity of healthcare workforces and the number of culturally and linguistically diverse nursing students in clinical practice. The cultural competence of mentors is important to secure students’ safe and successful learning. The mentor role in clinical practice contributes toward enabling and ensuring students’ high-quality and goal-oriented development of competence. Design: This study implemented a cross-sectional design with a final sample of 270 clinical practice mentors from Finland, Lithuania, Spain and Slovenia. Methods: The data were collected using an online survey including the Mentors’ Cultural Competence Instrument, Mentors’ Competence Instrument and background questions during 2020–2021. The data were analyzed using a K-mean cluster algorithm to identify mentors’ competency profiles. Results: Three significantly differing mentor competency profiles (Profile A 42%, Profile B 41%, Profile C 17%) were identified in this study. The cultural competence of the mentors in clinical practice varied between intermediate and high levels. Mentors rated their cultural competence as best in the area of cultural sensitivity and awareness, whereas the lowest scored area was cultural interaction and safety. Conclusions: This study showed that the cultural competence of mentors in clinical practice varied and was influenced by mentors’ work experience, age, job title and frequency of mentoring. This study provides new knowledge that could help to develop cultural competence operating models and education to enhance the cultural competence of healthcare professionals