title: Online estimation of discrete densities using classifier chains

authors: Geilke, Michael

subjects: computer science

abstract: We propose an approach to estimate a discrete joint density online, that is, the algorithm is only provided the current example, its current estimate, and a limited amount of memory. To design an online estimator for discrete densities, we use classifier chains to model dependencies among features. Each classifier in the chain estimates the probability of one particular feature. Because a single chain may not provide a reliable estimate, we also consider ensembles of classifier chains. Our experiments on synthetic data show that the approach is feasible and the estimated densities approach the true, known distribution with increasing amounts of data.

text: Online estimation of discrete densities using classifier chains We propose an approach to estimate a discrete joint density online, that is, the algorithm is only provided the current example, its current estimate, and a limited amount of memory. To design an online estimator for discrete densities, we use classifier chains to model dependencies among features. Each classifier in the chain estimates the probability of one particular feature. Because a single chain may not provide a reliable estimate, we also consider ensembles of classifier chains. Our experiments on synthetic data show that the approach is feasible and the estimated densities approach the true, known distribution with increasing amounts of data.

year: 2012

title: Impacts of new technologies on household electricity demand: From an individual household, a community, and a national perspective

authors: Suppers, Joris

subjects: solar PV

abstract: In the last century, humans have invented and implemented numerous technological advancements, which have not only brought comfort and security to our lives, they have also opened up possibilities which were previously implausible e.g. long-distance transport and communication. The main energy sources to power these advancements have been fossil-fuels; mainly gas, coal and oil, causing side effects such as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The consequences of this increase are difficult to predict; however, it is likely to warm the earth, which could have severe outcomes e.g. a rise in sea levels. There has been a global movement to respond adequately to reduce human-produced greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this movement, the New Zealand government has proposed an energy strategy to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions, which includes decreasing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, and increasing renewable electricity generation to 90% by 2025. In New Zealand, the residential sector accounts for a large share of the national electricity demand, and vehicles driven in the country are predominantly fossil-fuelled. Therefore, the electrification of vehicles, and the inclusion of new technologies at a household level can have a significant impact on New Zealand achieving its energy strategy goals. The aim of this research, thus, is to provide a greater understanding of the impact electric vehicles, solar PV systems, and home energy storage systems within the household can have on electricity demand at a household, community, and national level. As part of this research: (1) a simulation tool, capable of calculating fine-grained (hourly) power output for solar panels at any location in New Zealand was created; (2) two small scale quantitative surveys were conducted to gather electricity usage data for New Zealand households; (3) a web interface allowing for a comparison of energy usage data from 32 different households was developed; (4) a modelling approach, capable of generating half hourly household electricity consumption data was constructed; and (5) a web-based tool, capable of simulating the impact of solar PV, an electric vehicle, and a home energy storage system, on electricity consumption was created.

text: Impacts of new technologies on household electricity demand: From an individual household, a community, and a national perspective In the last century, humans have invented and implemented numerous technological advancements, which have not only brought comfort and security to our lives, they have also opened up possibilities which were previously implausible e.g. long-distance transport and communication. The main energy sources to power these advancements have been fossil-fuels; mainly gas, coal and oil, causing side effects such as an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The consequences of this increase are difficult to predict; however, it is likely to warm the earth, which could have severe outcomes e.g. a rise in sea levels. There has been a global movement to respond adequately to reduce human-produced greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this movement, the New Zealand government has proposed an energy strategy to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions, which includes decreasing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, and increasing renewable electricity generation to 90% by 2025. In New Zealand, the residential sector accounts for a large share of the national electricity demand, and vehicles driven in the country are predominantly fossil-fuelled. Therefore, the electrification of vehicles, and the inclusion of new technologies at a household level can have a significant impact on New Zealand achieving its energy strategy goals. The aim of this research, thus, is to provide a greater understanding of the impact electric vehicles, solar PV systems, and home energy storage systems within the household can have on electricity demand at a household, community, and national level. As part of this research: (1) a simulation tool, capable of calculating fine-grained (hourly) power output for solar panels at any location in New Zealand was created; (2) two small scale quantitative surveys were conducted to gather electricity usage data for New Zealand households; (3) a web interface allowing for a comparison of energy usage data from 32 different households was developed; (4) a modelling approach, capable of generating half hourly household electricity consumption data was constructed; and (5) a web-based tool, capable of simulating the impact of solar PV, an electric vehicle, and a home energy storage system, on electricity consumption was created.

year: 2018

title: Viewing restorative approaches to addressing challenging behaviour of minority ethnic students through a community of practice lens

authors: Wearmouth, Janice

subjects: restorative practice

abstract: The disproportionately high rates of school exclusion and lower levels of academic achievement of students from particular minority ethnic groups have been a focus of investigation in educational research across the world for some time. This articles uses a communities of practice framework to examine how restorative practice can draw on family and community values to support students whose behaviour is unacceptable in schools to recognize their own agency in behaving for good or ill and reintegrate them into the school community. At the same time, it acknowledges hurt that may be done to victims of wrong-doing and emphasizes putting things right between all those affected. The examples here are from Aotearoa New Zealand. They relate to practices influenced by traditional Māori cultural values. However, the principles and process associated with restorative practices that aim to restore harmony between the individual, the victim and the collective rather than to punish and exclude may be relevant within other student groups where high rates of exclusion from school are problematic.

text: Viewing restorative approaches to addressing challenging behaviour of minority ethnic students through a community of practice lens The disproportionately high rates of school exclusion and lower levels of academic achievement of students from particular minority ethnic groups have been a focus of investigation in educational research across the world for some time. This articles uses a communities of practice framework to examine how restorative practice can draw on family and community values to support students whose behaviour is unacceptable in schools to recognize their own agency in behaving for good or ill and reintegrate them into the school community. At the same time, it acknowledges hurt that may be done to victims of wrong-doing and emphasizes putting things right between all those affected. The examples here are from Aotearoa New Zealand. They relate to practices influenced by traditional Māori cultural values. However, the principles and process associated with restorative practices that aim to restore harmony between the individual, the victim and the collective rather than to punish and exclude may be relevant within other student groups where high rates of exclusion from school are problematic.

year: 2012