title: Book review: God, goodness and philosophy

authors: Pratt, Douglas

abstract: This article reviews the book “God, Goodness and Philosophy edited by Harriet A. Harris”

text: Book review: God, goodness and philosophy This article reviews the book “God, Goodness and Philosophy edited by Harriet A. Harris”

year: 2013

title: Improving face gender classification by adding deliberately misaligned faces to the training data

authors: Mayo, Michael

subjects: computer science

abstract: A novel method of face gender classifier construction is proposed and evaluated. Previously, researchers have assumed that a computationally expensive face alignment step (in which the face image is transformed so that facial landmarks such as the eyes, nose, chin, etc, are in uniform locations in the image) is required in order to maximize the accuracy of predictions on new face images. We, however, argue that this step is not necessary, and that machine learning classifiers can be made robust to face misalignments by automatically expanding the training data with examples of faces that have been deliberately misaligned (for example, translated or rotated). To test our hypothesis, we evaluate this automatic training dataset expansion method with two types of image classifier, the first based on weak features such as Local Binary Pattern histograms, and the second based on SIFT keypoints. Using a benchmark face gender classification dataset recently proposed in the literature, we obtain a state-of-the-art accuracy of 92.5%, thus validating our approach.

text: Improving face gender classification by adding deliberately misaligned faces to the training data A novel method of face gender classifier construction is proposed and evaluated. Previously, researchers have assumed that a computationally expensive face alignment step (in which the face image is transformed so that facial landmarks such as the eyes, nose, chin, etc, are in uniform locations in the image) is required in order to maximize the accuracy of predictions on new face images. We, however, argue that this step is not necessary, and that machine learning classifiers can be made robust to face misalignments by automatically expanding the training data with examples of faces that have been deliberately misaligned (for example, translated or rotated). To test our hypothesis, we evaluate this automatic training dataset expansion method with two types of image classifier, the first based on weak features such as Local Binary Pattern histograms, and the second based on SIFT keypoints. Using a benchmark face gender classification dataset recently proposed in the literature, we obtain a state-of-the-art accuracy of 92.5%, thus validating our approach.

year: 2008

title: Māori and Dementia: Māori health professionals’ perceptions of dementia, support offered and suggested improvements

authors: Townsend, Marie

subjects: dementia

abstract: E iti noa ana, nā te aroha (It is the giving that counts and not the size of the gift) The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the perceptions of Māori health professionals about Māori elders and dementia. The study aimed to describe: Māori health care providers’ understandings of dementia; traditional versus contemporary understandings; how cultural beliefs affect experience; how Māori cope with dementia; key issues relevant to Māori people with dementia; and how services can be improved to meet the needs of aged Māori. The usefulness and possible cultural adaptation of the biomedical model has been explored within the context of a Māori worldview and the perceptions of participants. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted with eight mental health professionals and one caregiver. The information gathered at interviews was recorded within verbatim transcripts, which were written and returned to the participants for feedback. A qualitative data analysis was carried out on the approved transcripts. The main findings suggest that Māori health professionals recognise that many Māori perceive dementia both from a traditional cultural perspective, associated with spirituality as well as a holistic understanding of wellness. Key issues identified by participants were: that there is fear associated with mental health facilities; the exclusion of cultural values and understandings from service providers is detrimental to the wellbeing of Māori elders; Māori do not understand the symptoms typically associated with dementia as an illness; there is a need for information and education within an appropriate frame for whānau; disjointed and multiple service providers inhibits Māori from accessing facilities offered; and that there is a real need for further services. It was considered important that mental health services are culturally appropriate, show respect for Māori values; are coordinated and sensitive; encourage and continue the development of a Māori mental health workforce; and further develop kaupapa Māori services for Māori elders. The main implication of this research is that further investigation into Māori and dementia is required. Recommendations are made with a view towards better addressing some of the mental health needs of Māori elders.

text: Māori and Dementia: Māori health professionals’ perceptions of dementia, support offered and suggested improvements E iti noa ana, nā te aroha (It is the giving that counts and not the size of the gift) The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the perceptions of Māori health professionals about Māori elders and dementia. The study aimed to describe: Māori health care providers’ understandings of dementia; traditional versus contemporary understandings; how cultural beliefs affect experience; how Māori cope with dementia; key issues relevant to Māori people with dementia; and how services can be improved to meet the needs of aged Māori. The usefulness and possible cultural adaptation of the biomedical model has been explored within the context of a Māori worldview and the perceptions of participants. Semi-structured and in-depth interviews were conducted with eight mental health professionals and one caregiver. The information gathered at interviews was recorded within verbatim transcripts, which were written and returned to the participants for feedback. A qualitative data analysis was carried out on the approved transcripts. The main findings suggest that Māori health professionals recognise that many Māori perceive dementia both from a traditional cultural perspective, associated with spirituality as well as a holistic understanding of wellness. Key issues identified by participants were: that there is fear associated with mental health facilities; the exclusion of cultural values and understandings from service providers is detrimental to the wellbeing of Māori elders; Māori do not understand the symptoms typically associated with dementia as an illness; there is a need for information and education within an appropriate frame for whānau; disjointed and multiple service providers inhibits Māori from accessing facilities offered; and that there is a real need for further services. It was considered important that mental health services are culturally appropriate, show respect for Māori values; are coordinated and sensitive; encourage and continue the development of a Māori mental health workforce; and further develop kaupapa Māori services for Māori elders. The main implication of this research is that further investigation into Māori and dementia is required. Recommendations are made with a view towards better addressing some of the mental health needs of Māori elders.

year: 2011