title: The effect of response requirement and target probability on the performance of dogs during a go/no-go scent detection task

authors: Giezen, Claudia

subjects: scent detection

abstract: As the response threshold required to obtain a reinforcer is increased, the likelihood that the reinforcer will be obtained typically decreases. When a response is reinforced in the presence of a stimulus and not in its absence (i.e., a discriminated operant), the response threshold appears to influence the probability that the response will occur in the presence of the discriminative stimulus. In addition, when the target probability during a task is low, the number of responses performed typically decreases. We examined these two factors, response requirement and target prevalence, in a scent-detection task with domestic dogs where amyl acetate solutions were presented to each dog in an automated apparatus. The dogs were trained to place their nose in a sample port where they had access to samples, and to hold their nose in the port to indicate the sample was positive or to activate a limit switch when the sample was negative (a go/no-go scent detection task). During Experiment One, dogs were presented with various indication thresholds (seconds) which were manipulated systematically to evaluate the influence of response requirement on hit rate and correct rejection rate. During Experiment Two, target prevalence was manipulated systematically. Increasing indication threshold had a significant effect on hit rate when large increase in correct rejection rate as the response requirement was increased in the lower range and high correct rejection rate across most other values tested with a slight drop in hit rate as the response requirement was increased. Experiment Two revealed a small partial eta squared effect on accuracy when target prevalence was increased. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

text: The effect of response requirement and target probability on the performance of dogs during a go/no-go scent detection task As the response threshold required to obtain a reinforcer is increased, the likelihood that the reinforcer will be obtained typically decreases. When a response is reinforced in the presence of a stimulus and not in its absence (i.e., a discriminated operant), the response threshold appears to influence the probability that the response will occur in the presence of the discriminative stimulus. In addition, when the target probability during a task is low, the number of responses performed typically decreases. We examined these two factors, response requirement and target prevalence, in a scent-detection task with domestic dogs where amyl acetate solutions were presented to each dog in an automated apparatus. The dogs were trained to place their nose in a sample port where they had access to samples, and to hold their nose in the port to indicate the sample was positive or to activate a limit switch when the sample was negative (a go/no-go scent detection task). During Experiment One, dogs were presented with various indication thresholds (seconds) which were manipulated systematically to evaluate the influence of response requirement on hit rate and correct rejection rate. During Experiment Two, target prevalence was manipulated systematically. Increasing indication threshold had a significant effect on hit rate when large increase in correct rejection rate as the response requirement was increased in the lower range and high correct rejection rate across most other values tested with a slight drop in hit rate as the response requirement was increased. Experiment Two revealed a small partial eta squared effect on accuracy when target prevalence was increased. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

year: 2018

title: Book Review: Nonproliferation Norms: Why states choose nuclear restraint

authors: Smith, Ron C.

subjects: Nonproliferation Norms: Why states choose nuclear restraint

abstract: The article reviews the book "Nonproliferation Norms: Why States Choose Nuclear Restraint," by Maria Rost Rublee.

text: Book Review: Nonproliferation Norms: Why states choose nuclear restraint The article reviews the book "Nonproliferation Norms: Why States Choose Nuclear Restraint," by Maria Rost Rublee.

year: 2009

title: Re-examining the best interests of child principle. Can this help tamariki and rangatahi Māori achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health?

authors: Karunaratne, Kalupathirannehelage Dona Thilini Prathiba

abstract: This thesis explores how a re-examination of the best interests of the child principle can assist tamariki and
rangatahi Māori to achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health. Although New Zealand has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, which enshrines the “best interests of the child” principle, significant disparities in mental health outcomes remain between tamariki and
rangatahi Māori and non-Māori children and young people. Drawing on international human rights law, domestic legislation, case law, and Māori concepts of health and wellbeing, this thesis develops a theoretical
and practical framework for reducing these mental health disparities. It explores whether New Zealand can utilise the best interests principle in a way that recognises and incorporates the unique cultural identity and
collective rights of tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The flexible nature of the best interests principle is leveraged to integrate collective cultural rights and Māori worldviews into mental health law and policies. By doing so, it aims to facilitate greater recognition of Māori collective rights and practices within NewZealand's legal and healthcare systems.
This research proposes that a culturally-informed interpretation of the best interests principle, aligned with Māori worldviews and values, is important for fulfilling New Zealand’s international obligations and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of mental health for tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The thesis contends that decisions concerning the best interests of tamariki and rangatahi Māori in mental health
should be guided by a “by Māori, for Māori” approach, which informs and shapes the broader application of the best interests principle. Through this analysis, the thesis seeks to contribute to the improvement of mental health outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori.

text: Re-examining the best interests of child principle. Can this help tamariki and rangatahi Māori achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health? This thesis explores how a re-examination of the best interests of the child principle can assist tamariki and
rangatahi Māori to achieve the highest attainable standard of mental health. Although New Zealand has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, which enshrines the “best interests of the child” principle, significant disparities in mental health outcomes remain between tamariki and
rangatahi Māori and non-Māori children and young people. Drawing on international human rights law, domestic legislation, case law, and Māori concepts of health and wellbeing, this thesis develops a theoretical
and practical framework for reducing these mental health disparities. It explores whether New Zealand can utilise the best interests principle in a way that recognises and incorporates the unique cultural identity and
collective rights of tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The flexible nature of the best interests principle is leveraged to integrate collective cultural rights and Māori worldviews into mental health law and policies. By doing so, it aims to facilitate greater recognition of Māori collective rights and practices within NewZealand's legal and healthcare systems.
This research proposes that a culturally-informed interpretation of the best interests principle, aligned with Māori worldviews and values, is important for fulfilling New Zealand’s international obligations and the achievement of the highest attainable standard of mental health for tamariki and rangatahi Māori. The thesis contends that decisions concerning the best interests of tamariki and rangatahi Māori in mental health
should be guided by a “by Māori, for Māori” approach, which informs and shapes the broader application of the best interests principle. Through this analysis, the thesis seeks to contribute to the improvement of mental health outcomes for tamariki and rangatahi Māori.

year: 2026