title: Learning Through Utility Optimization in Regression Tasks

authors: Branco, Paula

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Accounting for misclassification costs is important in many practical applications of machine learning, and cost-sensitive techniques for classification have been studied extensively. Utility-based learning provides a generalization of purely cost-based approaches that considers both costs and benefits, enabling application to domains with complex cost-benefit settings. However, there is little work on utility- or cost-based learning for regression. In this paper, we formally define the problem of utility-based regression and propose a strategy for maximizing the utility of regression models. We verify our findings in a large set of experiments that show the advantage of our proposal in a diverse set of domains, learning algorithms and cost/benefit settings.

text: Learning Through Utility Optimization in Regression Tasks Accounting for misclassification costs is important in many practical applications of machine learning, and cost-sensitive techniques for classification have been studied extensively. Utility-based learning provides a generalization of purely cost-based approaches that considers both costs and benefits, enabling application to domains with complex cost-benefit settings. However, there is little work on utility- or cost-based learning for regression. In this paper, we formally define the problem of utility-based regression and propose a strategy for maximizing the utility of regression models. We verify our findings in a large set of experiments that show the advantage of our proposal in a diverse set of domains, learning algorithms and cost/benefit settings.

year: 2017

title: Creating community-based systems of good governance at grassroots level: A case of organisational strengthening and capacity building among indigenous women in Talievu Province, Fiji

authors: Nabalarua, Eci K.

subjects: Fiji community-based development

abstract: Encouraging sustainable community development is a critical aspect of the work of agencies and communities and involves, in the case of contrasting indigenous and non-indigenous value frameworks, a range of challenges. This case study, involving the first twelve months of a Fijian provincial women’s project, illustrates the nature of these challenges. From initial planning to implementation, the case demonstrates that the process of empowerment and skills building is possible in a context where the methodology is adapted to meet the needs of the target community. An important aspect of sustainability here is encouraging those accustomed to a culture of silence to articulate and record their aspirations, their needs and their objectives. Thus, traditional dependence upon an organizational history locked in human memory needed, in this case, to be supplemented by transparent, recorded systems of governance and the development of complementary functions in simple organisational frameworks. This case is an illustration of an indigenous experience which has much to offer in relation to ongoing indigenous development generally and much also to gain from the broader framework of indigenous development experiences elsewhere.

text: Creating community-based systems of good governance at grassroots level: A case of organisational strengthening and capacity building among indigenous women in Talievu Province, Fiji Encouraging sustainable community development is a critical aspect of the work of agencies and communities and involves, in the case of contrasting indigenous and non-indigenous value frameworks, a range of challenges. This case study, involving the first twelve months of a Fijian provincial women’s project, illustrates the nature of these challenges. From initial planning to implementation, the case demonstrates that the process of empowerment and skills building is possible in a context where the methodology is adapted to meet the needs of the target community. An important aspect of sustainability here is encouraging those accustomed to a culture of silence to articulate and record their aspirations, their needs and their objectives. Thus, traditional dependence upon an organizational history locked in human memory needed, in this case, to be supplemented by transparent, recorded systems of governance and the development of complementary functions in simple organisational frameworks. This case is an illustration of an indigenous experience which has much to offer in relation to ongoing indigenous development generally and much also to gain from the broader framework of indigenous development experiences elsewhere.

year: 2001-02

title: The use of Māori mythology in clinical settings: Training issues and needs

authors: Cherrington, Lisa

subjects: Maori

abstract: Within therapeutic settings, narrative
approaches are increasingly being used as a
way of creating new understandings and
new stories. This paper discusses the use of
purakau as a Māori focused intervention
when working with Māori tangata whaiora
(clients) and their whānau. This paper will
outline the rationale and relevance of using
purakau with Māori. However, the
emphasis is on the training provided to
clinicians in the use of purakau. An outline
of the training process is provided. In
doing so, issues regarding the use of these
taonga (treasures) in clinical psychology
will be raised. It will be argued that Māori
mythology must have a place in the kete of
Māori psychology.

text: The use of Māori mythology in clinical settings: Training issues and needs Within therapeutic settings, narrative
approaches are increasingly being used as a
way of creating new understandings and
new stories. This paper discusses the use of
purakau as a Māori focused intervention
when working with Māori tangata whaiora
(clients) and their whānau. This paper will
outline the rationale and relevance of using
purakau with Māori. However, the
emphasis is on the training provided to
clinicians in the use of purakau. An outline
of the training process is provided. In
doing so, issues regarding the use of these
taonga (treasures) in clinical psychology
will be raised. It will be argued that Māori
mythology must have a place in the kete of
Māori psychology.

year: 2003