title: Improving Naive Bayes for regression with optimised artificial surrogate data

authors: Mayo, Michael

subjects: cs.AI

abstract: Can we evolve better training data for machine learning algorithms? To investigate this question we use population-based optimisation algorithms to generate artificial surrogate training data for naive Bayes for regression. We demonstrate that the generalisation performance of naive Bayes for regression models is enhanced by training them on the artificial data as opposed to the real data. These results are important for two reasons. Firstly, naive Bayes models are simple and interpretable but frequently underperform compared to more complex "black box" models, and therefore new methods of enhancing accuracy are called for. Secondly, the idea of using the real training data indirectly in the construction of the artificial training data, as opposed to directly for model training, is a novel twist on the usual machine learning paradigm.

text: Improving Naive Bayes for regression with optimised artificial surrogate data Can we evolve better training data for machine learning algorithms? To investigate this question we use population-based optimisation algorithms to generate artificial surrogate training data for naive Bayes for regression. We demonstrate that the generalisation performance of naive Bayes for regression models is enhanced by training them on the artificial data as opposed to the real data. These results are important for two reasons. Firstly, naive Bayes models are simple and interpretable but frequently underperform compared to more complex "black box" models, and therefore new methods of enhancing accuracy are called for. Secondly, the idea of using the real training data indirectly in the construction of the artificial training data, as opposed to directly for model training, is a novel twist on the usual machine learning paradigm.

year: 2020

title: Experiences of Tongan Women Migrants at Paid Work in New Zealand

authors: Fa'anunu, Sinama Tupou

subjects: Tongan women

abstract: The employment experiences of Tongan women migrants have received little attention in the literature.  This study therefore, sought to shed light on the dynamics of their social and economic experiences at paid work in New Zealand.  It was guided by the theories of population geographies, feminist geography and postcolonialism.  The inter-relationships of these theories provided insights into the influence of migration on these women's identities, ethnicity and gender relations and also how these influence these women's experiences at paid work in New Zealand.  The data were drawn from two major sources: i) the New Zealand 2006 population census and ii) in-depth interviews held in Tonga and New Zealand, with greater focus on the interviews.

This study revealed that the Tongan women's decisions for migrating to New Zealand were influenced by social rather than economic incentives.  Migration has challenged these women's traditional roles and reconstructed their gender relations.  Many are breadwinners yet Tongan born men in New Zealand still predominantly engage in the labour force and have higher personal income.  Their experiences at paid work also differ from the New Zealand born Tongan women in New Zealand.  These differences reflect the availability of their social networks and their familiarity with the socio-economic systems in New Zealand.  They experienced successes and failures at paid work on their way to improving their lives in New Zealand.

text: Experiences of Tongan Women Migrants at Paid Work in New Zealand The employment experiences of Tongan women migrants have received little attention in the literature.  This study therefore, sought to shed light on the dynamics of their social and economic experiences at paid work in New Zealand.  It was guided by the theories of population geographies, feminist geography and postcolonialism.  The inter-relationships of these theories provided insights into the influence of migration on these women's identities, ethnicity and gender relations and also how these influence these women's experiences at paid work in New Zealand.  The data were drawn from two major sources: i) the New Zealand 2006 population census and ii) in-depth interviews held in Tonga and New Zealand, with greater focus on the interviews.

This study revealed that the Tongan women's decisions for migrating to New Zealand were influenced by social rather than economic incentives.  Migration has challenged these women's traditional roles and reconstructed their gender relations.  Many are breadwinners yet Tongan born men in New Zealand still predominantly engage in the labour force and have higher personal income.  Their experiences at paid work also differ from the New Zealand born Tongan women in New Zealand.  These differences reflect the availability of their social networks and their familiarity with the socio-economic systems in New Zealand.  They experienced successes and failures at paid work on their way to improving their lives in New Zealand.

year: 2007

title: Kaum tuatanga the changing roles of kaum tua in Ng ti Rehua: Future directions

authors: Davies, Sydney Henare

subjects: Indigenous psychology

abstract: This study looks at the roles of kaum tua and investigates how these roles have changed over time. With the ageing Māori population and the reported importance of kaum tua roles in the wellbeing of Māori communities, the findings of this study provide an insight into the possible future direction of these roles. The study was conducted with the assistance of members of one hapu (N=47) that were 65 years of age and over. The study was by interview, utilising a semi-structured questionnaire with both open ended and closed questions. Narratives from participants was analysed and compared to the roles of kaum tua that were found in the literature, namely; Leadership, cultural knowledge, dispute resolution, protection and nurturing of young, provide spiritual and other guidance, social control, provide rituals, preserve te reo Māori and live active and healthy lives. Findings of this research supported the roles found in the literature. The roles of kaum tua still exist but may have diminished over time. The change in roles is in the adaptation to meet the needs of the time period while maintaining the core values of each role and providing a continuation of practices.

text: Kaum tuatanga the changing roles of kaum tua in Ng ti Rehua: Future directions This study looks at the roles of kaum tua and investigates how these roles have changed over time. With the ageing Māori population and the reported importance of kaum tua roles in the wellbeing of Māori communities, the findings of this study provide an insight into the possible future direction of these roles. The study was conducted with the assistance of members of one hapu (N=47) that were 65 years of age and over. The study was by interview, utilising a semi-structured questionnaire with both open ended and closed questions. Narratives from participants was analysed and compared to the roles of kaum tua that were found in the literature, namely; Leadership, cultural knowledge, dispute resolution, protection and nurturing of young, provide spiritual and other guidance, social control, provide rituals, preserve te reo Māori and live active and healthy lives. Findings of this research supported the roles found in the literature. The roles of kaum tua still exist but may have diminished over time. The change in roles is in the adaptation to meet the needs of the time period while maintaining the core values of each role and providing a continuation of practices.

year: 2008