title: MaxGain: Regularisation of neural networks by constraining activation magnitudes

authors: Gouk, Henry

subjects: Machine learning

abstract: Effective regularisation of neural networks is essential to combat overfitting due to the large number of parameters involved. We present an empirical analogue to the Lipschitz constant of a feed-forward neural network, which we refer to as the maximum gain. We hypothesise that constraining the gain of a network will have a regularising effect, similar to how constraining the Lipschitz constant of a network has been shown to improve generalisation. A simple algorithm is provided that involves rescaling the weight matrix of each layer after each parameter update. We conduct a series of studies on common benchmark datasets, and also a novel dataset that we introduce to enable easier significance testing for experiments using convolutional networks. Performance on these datasets compares favourably with other common regularisation techniques. Data related to this paper is available at: https://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~ml/sins10/.

text: MaxGain: Regularisation of neural networks by constraining activation magnitudes Effective regularisation of neural networks is essential to combat overfitting due to the large number of parameters involved. We present an empirical analogue to the Lipschitz constant of a feed-forward neural network, which we refer to as the maximum gain. We hypothesise that constraining the gain of a network will have a regularising effect, similar to how constraining the Lipschitz constant of a network has been shown to improve generalisation. A simple algorithm is provided that involves rescaling the weight matrix of each layer after each parameter update. We conduct a series of studies on common benchmark datasets, and also a novel dataset that we introduce to enable easier significance testing for experiments using convolutional networks. Performance on these datasets compares favourably with other common regularisation techniques. Data related to this paper is available at: https://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/~ml/sins10/.

year: 2019

title: Cost-benefit analysis and its application to a proposed freezing works in Hawke's Bay

authors: Gill, Kuldeep Kaur

abstract: The meat freezing industry in New Zealand is a licensed industry. Under the Meat Amendment Act 1976, anybody proposing the erection of new killing facilities is required to prove its viability from the nation’s view point. The main object of this thesis is to suggest an approach (cost-benefit analysis) by which such a national evaluation can be achieved in a convenient and comprehensive fashion. This study of the application of cost-benefit analysis to the meat freezing works is a first attempt of its kind and shows how the technique can assist decision makers in this field. 
The study consists of thirteen chapters and is divided into two parts. In Part One, which comprises six chapters, the general principles of cost-benefit analysis are discussed and the basic steps involved in evaluating projects with this technique are reviewed as: enumeration and valuation of costs and benefits, selection of the investment criterion and social rate of discount, problems of risk and uncertainty, and finally the question of equity. It is concluded that the technique is a useful instrument in the hands of a decision maker in spite of its numerous limitations. 
Part Two is concerned with a case study of a proposed freezing works in Hawkes Bay. In the first two chapters, the background information and a summary of the commercial feasibility study of the project are given. In Chapter 9 national objectives are reviewed and in the light of this the different sectors of the economy affected by the proposal are identified. An assessment of the kill available to the new works is made in Chapter 10, where data limitations were experienced and a lot of informed judgement has been used. In Chapter 11 costs and benefits are quantified and they also presented many difficulties, particularly those relating to the farm sector and the transport industry. Finally the project is evaluated at market prices as well as at shadow prices (Chapter 12), and a brief sensitivity analysis is carried out. The results of the analysis suggest that the project is highly beneficial to the nation and its social net returns are considerably higher than that of private net returns.
The study however does not pretend to offer an unequivocal solution. The analysis is open to criticism and it is hoped that its limitations will stimulate others to take up research where this study leaves off.

text: Cost-benefit analysis and its application to a proposed freezing works in Hawke's Bay The meat freezing industry in New Zealand is a licensed industry. Under the Meat Amendment Act 1976, anybody proposing the erection of new killing facilities is required to prove its viability from the nation’s view point. The main object of this thesis is to suggest an approach (cost-benefit analysis) by which such a national evaluation can be achieved in a convenient and comprehensive fashion. This study of the application of cost-benefit analysis to the meat freezing works is a first attempt of its kind and shows how the technique can assist decision makers in this field. 
The study consists of thirteen chapters and is divided into two parts. In Part One, which comprises six chapters, the general principles of cost-benefit analysis are discussed and the basic steps involved in evaluating projects with this technique are reviewed as: enumeration and valuation of costs and benefits, selection of the investment criterion and social rate of discount, problems of risk and uncertainty, and finally the question of equity. It is concluded that the technique is a useful instrument in the hands of a decision maker in spite of its numerous limitations. 
Part Two is concerned with a case study of a proposed freezing works in Hawkes Bay. In the first two chapters, the background information and a summary of the commercial feasibility study of the project are given. In Chapter 9 national objectives are reviewed and in the light of this the different sectors of the economy affected by the proposal are identified. An assessment of the kill available to the new works is made in Chapter 10, where data limitations were experienced and a lot of informed judgement has been used. In Chapter 11 costs and benefits are quantified and they also presented many difficulties, particularly those relating to the farm sector and the transport industry. Finally the project is evaluated at market prices as well as at shadow prices (Chapter 12), and a brief sensitivity analysis is carried out. The results of the analysis suggest that the project is highly beneficial to the nation and its social net returns are considerably higher than that of private net returns.
The study however does not pretend to offer an unequivocal solution. The analysis is open to criticism and it is hoped that its limitations will stimulate others to take up research where this study leaves off.

year: 1979

title: Maori identity within whanau: A review of literature.

authors: Moeke-Pickering, Taima Materangatira

subjects: Maori identity

abstract: The study of identities is an enormous and complex undertaking. Research on identity formation has revealed a clear link between family practices and identity development. In traditional Maori times, the whanau was the place where initial teaching and socialisation of things Maori took place. While there is no single exact measure of what constitutes Maori identity (Durie, 1994), that Maori identity is still being asserted today means that the shaping of Maori identity is still occurring. Rather than attempt to cover all aspects of how Maori shape their identities, I have chosen to focus on the shaping of Maori identity within whanau. Given that this paper is about both Maori identity and whanau identity it seemed logical to review and examine the literature surrounding these two notions. In this paper I also discuss the ecological threats and supports that influenced Maori and whanau identity. Then I review literature on whanau identity from traditional and contemporary works, and explore the concept of whanau identity as a management framework. The literature on whanau does not vary from what Maori authors have expressed regarding their conceptualisations of Maori identity. The tribal structures, descent and cultural practices provide integral pathways through which whanau and Maori identity can be developed and maintained. What is of significance, is that the formation of a secure whanau identity is likely to contribute toward an overall stable Maori identity. Creating an environment where a sense of secure wellbeing among members of a whanau is nurtured, leads to members constructing a whanau and Maori identity that is meaningful to them in their lives.

text: Maori identity within whanau: A review of literature. The study of identities is an enormous and complex undertaking. Research on identity formation has revealed a clear link between family practices and identity development. In traditional Maori times, the whanau was the place where initial teaching and socialisation of things Maori took place. While there is no single exact measure of what constitutes Maori identity (Durie, 1994), that Maori identity is still being asserted today means that the shaping of Maori identity is still occurring. Rather than attempt to cover all aspects of how Maori shape their identities, I have chosen to focus on the shaping of Maori identity within whanau. Given that this paper is about both Maori identity and whanau identity it seemed logical to review and examine the literature surrounding these two notions. In this paper I also discuss the ecological threats and supports that influenced Maori and whanau identity. Then I review literature on whanau identity from traditional and contemporary works, and explore the concept of whanau identity as a management framework. The literature on whanau does not vary from what Maori authors have expressed regarding their conceptualisations of Maori identity. The tribal structures, descent and cultural practices provide integral pathways through which whanau and Maori identity can be developed and maintained. What is of significance, is that the formation of a secure whanau identity is likely to contribute toward an overall stable Maori identity. Creating an environment where a sense of secure wellbeing among members of a whanau is nurtured, leads to members constructing a whanau and Maori identity that is meaningful to them in their lives.

year: 1996-01-01