title: Boosting decision stumps for dynamic feature selection on data streams

authors: Barddal, Jean Paul

subjects: computer science

abstract: Feature selection targets the identification of which features of a dataset are relevant to the learning task. It is also widely known and used to improve computation times, reduce computation requirements, and to decrease the impact of the curse of dimensionality and enhancing the generalization rates of classifiers. In data streams, classifiers shall benefit from all the items above, but more importantly, from the fact that the relevant subset of features may drift over time. In this paper, we propose a novel dynamic feature selection method for data streams called Adaptive Boosting for Feature Selection (ABFS). ABFS chains decision stumps and drift detectors, and as a result, identifies which features are relevant to the learning task as the stream progresses with reasonable success. In addition to our proposed algorithm, we bring feature selection-specific metrics from batch learning to streaming scenarios. Next, we evaluate ABFS according to these metrics in both synthetic and real-world scenarios. As a result, ABFS improves the classification rates of different types of learners and eventually enhances computational resources usage.

text: Boosting decision stumps for dynamic feature selection on data streams Feature selection targets the identification of which features of a dataset are relevant to the learning task. It is also widely known and used to improve computation times, reduce computation requirements, and to decrease the impact of the curse of dimensionality and enhancing the generalization rates of classifiers. In data streams, classifiers shall benefit from all the items above, but more importantly, from the fact that the relevant subset of features may drift over time. In this paper, we propose a novel dynamic feature selection method for data streams called Adaptive Boosting for Feature Selection (ABFS). ABFS chains decision stumps and drift detectors, and as a result, identifies which features are relevant to the learning task as the stream progresses with reasonable success. In addition to our proposed algorithm, we bring feature selection-specific metrics from batch learning to streaming scenarios. Next, we evaluate ABFS according to these metrics in both synthetic and real-world scenarios. As a result, ABFS improves the classification rates of different types of learners and eventually enhances computational resources usage.

year: 2019

title: The validity of exemption clauses in contract law: Cases, rules, legislation intervention and implications

authors: Liao, Zhixiong (Leo)

subjects: Contract

abstract: Exclusion or limitation of liability clauses are commonly seen nowadays in online contracts. This paper analyses the validity of exemption clauses in a variety of circumstances comparing the cases and legislation in different jurisdictions. It submits that in determining whether such exemption clauses are valid and enforceable, the law and the Courts have to balance the competing public policies between upholding freedom of contracts on the one hand and fairness and protection of consumers on the other.

text: The validity of exemption clauses in contract law: Cases, rules, legislation intervention and implications Exclusion or limitation of liability clauses are commonly seen nowadays in online contracts. This paper analyses the validity of exemption clauses in a variety of circumstances comparing the cases and legislation in different jurisdictions. It submits that in determining whether such exemption clauses are valid and enforceable, the law and the Courts have to balance the competing public policies between upholding freedom of contracts on the one hand and fairness and protection of consumers on the other.

year: 2021

title: Māori and Pacific traditional caregiving practices: Voices from the community

authors: Glasgow, Ali

abstract: Increasing numbers of Māori and Pacific infants are enrolled in early childhood services in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This phenomenon is part of a larger societal trend in which mother return to the workforce within months of their infant’s birth. This development has significant impacts on early childhood service provision, particularly in relation to addressing the cultural needs of infants. A major concern is that Māori and Pacific infants are at risk of cultural deprivation within these services. According to the research reported in this chapter, there is a call within Māori and Pacific communities for Māori and Pacific infants to be raised in culturally responsive ways in early childhood services children’s home language, culture and identity are promoted and maintained. In Aotearoa/ New Zelanad, infant caregiving theory is largely based on Western European theory and principles that promote individualism and independence, and this will be elaborated upon in the chapter. This chapter outlines findings from a nationwide Aotearoa/ New Zealand online survey conducted with Māori and Polynesian Pacific “language nest” teachers on traditional cultural practices for Māori and Polynesian infants. The language nest philosophies and programmes promote culture, language and traditional practices. Respondents expressed the desire for autonomy in providing culturally authentic caregiving practices, and frustration with educational theory and government policies that did not align, or ran contrary to, modern cultural practice. Research findings revealed Māori and Polynesian Pacific traditional cultural values, beliefs and practices, and from this common base is an emerging Polynesian theoretical model of infant caregiving practices. It is anticipated that a Polynesian theory of infant caregiving will guide Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s early childhood education services and government policy, ensuring culturally responsive practices for Māori and Polynesian Pacific infants and their families.

text: Māori and Pacific traditional caregiving practices: Voices from the community Increasing numbers of Māori and Pacific infants are enrolled in early childhood services in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This phenomenon is part of a larger societal trend in which mother return to the workforce within months of their infant’s birth. This development has significant impacts on early childhood service provision, particularly in relation to addressing the cultural needs of infants. A major concern is that Māori and Pacific infants are at risk of cultural deprivation within these services. According to the research reported in this chapter, there is a call within Māori and Pacific communities for Māori and Pacific infants to be raised in culturally responsive ways in early childhood services children’s home language, culture and identity are promoted and maintained. In Aotearoa/ New Zelanad, infant caregiving theory is largely based on Western European theory and principles that promote individualism and independence, and this will be elaborated upon in the chapter. This chapter outlines findings from a nationwide Aotearoa/ New Zealand online survey conducted with Māori and Polynesian Pacific “language nest” teachers on traditional cultural practices for Māori and Polynesian infants. The language nest philosophies and programmes promote culture, language and traditional practices. Respondents expressed the desire for autonomy in providing culturally authentic caregiving practices, and frustration with educational theory and government policies that did not align, or ran contrary to, modern cultural practice. Research findings revealed Māori and Polynesian Pacific traditional cultural values, beliefs and practices, and from this common base is an emerging Polynesian theoretical model of infant caregiving practices. It is anticipated that a Polynesian theory of infant caregiving will guide Aotearoa/ New Zealand’s early childhood education services and government policy, ensuring culturally responsive practices for Māori and Polynesian Pacific infants and their families.

year: 2016