title: Machine Learning for Adaptive Computer Game Opponents

authors: Miles, Jonathan David

subjects: Machine Learning

abstract: This thesis investigates the use of machine learning techniques in 
computer games to create a computer player that adapts to its opponent's 
game-play. This includes first confirming that machine learning 
algorithms can be integrated into a modern computer game without have a 
detrimental effect on game performance, then experimenting with 
different machine learning techniques to maximize the computer player's 
performance. Experiments use three machine learning techniques; static 
prediction models, continuous learning, and reinforcement learning. 
Static models show the highest initial performance but are not able to 
beat a simple opponent. Continuous learning is able to improve the 
performance achieved with static models but the rate of improvement 
drops over time and the computer player is still unable to beat the 
opponent. Reinforcement learning methods have the highest rate of 
improvement but the lowest initial performance. This limits the 
effectiveness of reinforcement learning because a large number of 
episodes are required before performance becomes sufficient to match the 
opponent.

text: Machine Learning for Adaptive Computer Game Opponents This thesis investigates the use of machine learning techniques in 
computer games to create a computer player that adapts to its opponent's 
game-play. This includes first confirming that machine learning 
algorithms can be integrated into a modern computer game without have a 
detrimental effect on game performance, then experimenting with 
different machine learning techniques to maximize the computer player's 
performance. Experiments use three machine learning techniques; static 
prediction models, continuous learning, and reinforcement learning. 
Static models show the highest initial performance but are not able to 
beat a simple opponent. Continuous learning is able to improve the 
performance achieved with static models but the rate of improvement 
drops over time and the computer player is still unable to beat the 
opponent. Reinforcement learning methods have the highest rate of 
improvement but the lowest initial performance. This limits the 
effectiveness of reinforcement learning because a large number of 
episodes are required before performance becomes sufficient to match the 
opponent.

year: 2009

title: Migrants straddling the "here" and "there": Explorations of habitus and hybrid identities among Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand

authors: Cassim, Shemana

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: Migrant settlement is of particular interest to the field of psychology due to a notable increase in the movement of people over the past few decades. This article explores the ways in which Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand establish a sense of continuity between the host nation and country of origin. The theoretical framework for this research is informed by elements of ethnographic and indigenous research. We provide a rich understanding of migrant experiences that foregrounds the agency and resilience of migrants, and acknowledges the complexities of the notion of identity and migrant settlement. We explore complex, fluid, and hybrid cultural identities as experienced by Sri Lankan migrants and their negotiations of space and place, material practices, and objects of significance, such as an educational institution, antique dinnerware, and furniture with colonial origins. The present research thereby, argues for the need to acknowledge both the historical and current contexts that shape migrants' sense of habitus and cultural identities.

text: Migrants straddling the "here" and "there": Explorations of habitus and hybrid identities among Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand Migrant settlement is of particular interest to the field of psychology due to a notable increase in the movement of people over the past few decades. This article explores the ways in which Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand establish a sense of continuity between the host nation and country of origin. The theoretical framework for this research is informed by elements of ethnographic and indigenous research. We provide a rich understanding of migrant experiences that foregrounds the agency and resilience of migrants, and acknowledges the complexities of the notion of identity and migrant settlement. We explore complex, fluid, and hybrid cultural identities as experienced by Sri Lankan migrants and their negotiations of space and place, material practices, and objects of significance, such as an educational institution, antique dinnerware, and furniture with colonial origins. The present research thereby, argues for the need to acknowledge both the historical and current contexts that shape migrants' sense of habitus and cultural identities.

year: 2019

title: Akuhata Mokena: Eldest son of Mokena Hou

authors: Hart, Philip

abstract: Akuhata Mokena was recorded as being the first child of Mokena Hou and Rina. By the early 1860s he was living at the northern boundary of the Aroha Block as well as at Puriri, where he dug kauri gum. From 1857 to 1868 he also cultivated close to the southern edge of the future Thames township. Having run cattle on the Aroha block from 1867 onwards, he settled there in 1878, operating the first hotel to be erected at the hot springs. 
In the land court he tried to obtain interests in as many land blocks as possible, and obtained income by selling some of these. After a brief involvement in Te Aroha mining, when he was the only member of his family to delay ceding their land for mining, he returned to live at Puriri. He also invested, very modestly, in mining at Thames and Puriri. 
A rangatira who was steadfastly loyal to the Crownt, when he died without issue his estate became a cause of conflict between Maori and Pakeha perceptions of how it should be shared amongst his wife and his family.

text: Akuhata Mokena: Eldest son of Mokena Hou Akuhata Mokena was recorded as being the first child of Mokena Hou and Rina. By the early 1860s he was living at the northern boundary of the Aroha Block as well as at Puriri, where he dug kauri gum. From 1857 to 1868 he also cultivated close to the southern edge of the future Thames township. Having run cattle on the Aroha block from 1867 onwards, he settled there in 1878, operating the first hotel to be erected at the hot springs. 
In the land court he tried to obtain interests in as many land blocks as possible, and obtained income by selling some of these. After a brief involvement in Te Aroha mining, when he was the only member of his family to delay ceding their land for mining, he returned to live at Puriri. He also invested, very modestly, in mining at Thames and Puriri. 
A rangatira who was steadfastly loyal to the Crownt, when he died without issue his estate became a cause of conflict between Maori and Pakeha perceptions of how it should be shared amongst his wife and his family.

year: 2016