title: Olfactory generalisation in dogs (Canis familiaris) trained to detect koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus)

authors: Barclay, Samuel Thomas

subjects: Behaviour Analysis, Invasive Species, Olfactory Detection, Canine Olfaction, Generalisation

abstract: Koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) are an invasive fish species that threaten the biodiversity and ecological health of New Zealand’s freshwater systems. To prevent the spread of koi carp, populations must be identified early so management methods can be implemented. However, the methods currently used to detect koi carp populations are either not suited to particular waterbodies, are too expensive, or are not sensitive enough to detect koi carp populations at low biomasses. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are an emerging technology for the detection of koi carp. Previous studies have shown that dogs can detect koi carp at a biomass of 9.3 kg/ha in aquaria water samples, well below the proposed 50 kg/ha threshold for ecological decline. The present study used an automated scent detection apparatus to present dogs with naturally sourced carp-present and carp-absent lakes. The use of lake samples presented a unique challenge to the dogs because of the large variety of distractor odours in a natural environment, potentially complicating the detection of koi carp. In Phase A, dogs evaluated two carp-absent lake samples spiked with koi carp scent at an ecologically relevant biomass of 310 kg/ha. All dogs met the criteria of a hit rate and correct rejection rate ≥ 80% on these lakes, demonstrating that dogs can detect koi carp amongst lake water distractor odours. Phase B presented dogs with 12 positive (carp-present) and 12 negative (carp-absent) probe samples interspersed among samples from the lakes used in Phase A. The dogs’ first responses to positive probes were examined to evaluate generalisation to koi carp scent in novel contexts, and negative probes tested the dogs’ ability to reject lake samples not containing koi carp. Accuracy was stable across Phase A (range = 76% - 84%) and Phase B first responses (range = 71% - 81%). This stability across phases was interpreted as evidence for generalisation. Overall, generalisation was observed, but these generalisation data are interpreted cautiously due to the complexity of lake samples. This complexity may have resulted in the dogs using cues irrelevant to the presence or absence of carp to make responses, such as the differing scent profiles of carp-present and carp-absent lakes. Despite these potential issues, this study acts as a proof of concept for the operational viability of dogs as a koi carp detection technology.

text: Olfactory generalisation in dogs (Canis familiaris) trained to detect koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) Koi carp (Cyprinus rubrofuscus) are an invasive fish species that threaten the biodiversity and ecological health of New Zealand’s freshwater systems. To prevent the spread of koi carp, populations must be identified early so management methods can be implemented. However, the methods currently used to detect koi carp populations are either not suited to particular waterbodies, are too expensive, or are not sensitive enough to detect koi carp populations at low biomasses. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are an emerging technology for the detection of koi carp. Previous studies have shown that dogs can detect koi carp at a biomass of 9.3 kg/ha in aquaria water samples, well below the proposed 50 kg/ha threshold for ecological decline. The present study used an automated scent detection apparatus to present dogs with naturally sourced carp-present and carp-absent lakes. The use of lake samples presented a unique challenge to the dogs because of the large variety of distractor odours in a natural environment, potentially complicating the detection of koi carp. In Phase A, dogs evaluated two carp-absent lake samples spiked with koi carp scent at an ecologically relevant biomass of 310 kg/ha. All dogs met the criteria of a hit rate and correct rejection rate ≥ 80% on these lakes, demonstrating that dogs can detect koi carp amongst lake water distractor odours. Phase B presented dogs with 12 positive (carp-present) and 12 negative (carp-absent) probe samples interspersed among samples from the lakes used in Phase A. The dogs’ first responses to positive probes were examined to evaluate generalisation to koi carp scent in novel contexts, and negative probes tested the dogs’ ability to reject lake samples not containing koi carp. Accuracy was stable across Phase A (range = 76% - 84%) and Phase B first responses (range = 71% - 81%). This stability across phases was interpreted as evidence for generalisation. Overall, generalisation was observed, but these generalisation data are interpreted cautiously due to the complexity of lake samples. This complexity may have resulted in the dogs using cues irrelevant to the presence or absence of carp to make responses, such as the differing scent profiles of carp-present and carp-absent lakes. Despite these potential issues, this study acts as a proof of concept for the operational viability of dogs as a koi carp detection technology.

year: 2023

title: Usability and feasibility of PreventS-MD webapp for stroke prevention.

authors: Feigin, Valery L.

subjects: Epidemiology

abstract: BACKGROUND: Most strokes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are potentially preventable if their risk factors are identified and well controlled. Digital platforms, such as the PreventS-MD webapp (PreventS-MD) may aid health care professionals (HCPs) in assessing and managing risk factors and promoting lifestyle changes for their patients. 
METHODS: This is a mixed methods cross-sectional 2-phase survey using a largely positivist (quantitative and qualitative) framework. During phase 1, a prototype of PreventS-MD was tested internationally by 59 of 69 consenting HCPs of different backgrounds, age, sex, working experience and specialities using hypothetical data. Collected comments/suggestions from the study HCPs in phase 1 were reviewed and implemented. In phase 2, a near-final version of PreventS-MD was developed and tested by 58 of 72 consenting HCPs using both hypothetical and real patient (n=10) data. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with real patients (n=10) were conducted, and 1-month adherence to the preventative recommendations was assessed by self-reporting. The four System Usability Scale (SUS) groups of scores (0-50 unacceptable; 51-68 poor, 68-80.3 good; >80.3 excellent) were used to determine usability of PreventS-MD. 
FINDINGS: 99 HCPs from 27 countries (45% from low- to middle-income countries) participated in the study, out of whom 10 HCPs were involved in the development of PreventS before the study, and therefore were not involved in the survey. Of the remaining 89 HCPs 69 consented to the first phase of the survey, out of whom 59 completed the first phase of the survey (response rate 86%) and 58 HCPs completed the second phase of the survey (response rate 84%). The SUS scores supported good usability of the prototype (mean score=80.2; 95% CI [77.0-84.0]) and excellent usability of the final version of PreventS-MD (mean score=81.7; 95%CI [79.1-84.3]) in the field. Scores were not affected by the age, sex, working experience or speciality of the HCPs. One month follow-up of the patients confirmed the high level of satisfaction/acceptability of PreventS-MD and (100%) adherence to the recommendations. 
INTERPRETATION: The PreventS-MD webapp has a high level of usability, feasibility and satisfaction by HCPs and individuals at risk of stroke/CVD. Individuals at risk of stroke/CVD demonstrated a high level of confidence and motivation in following and adhering to preventative recommendations generated by PreventS-MD.

text: Usability and feasibility of PreventS-MD webapp for stroke prevention. BACKGROUND: Most strokes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are potentially preventable if their risk factors are identified and well controlled. Digital platforms, such as the PreventS-MD webapp (PreventS-MD) may aid health care professionals (HCPs) in assessing and managing risk factors and promoting lifestyle changes for their patients. 
METHODS: This is a mixed methods cross-sectional 2-phase survey using a largely positivist (quantitative and qualitative) framework. During phase 1, a prototype of PreventS-MD was tested internationally by 59 of 69 consenting HCPs of different backgrounds, age, sex, working experience and specialities using hypothetical data. Collected comments/suggestions from the study HCPs in phase 1 were reviewed and implemented. In phase 2, a near-final version of PreventS-MD was developed and tested by 58 of 72 consenting HCPs using both hypothetical and real patient (n=10) data. Qualitative semi-structured interviews with real patients (n=10) were conducted, and 1-month adherence to the preventative recommendations was assessed by self-reporting. The four System Usability Scale (SUS) groups of scores (0-50 unacceptable; 51-68 poor, 68-80.3 good; >80.3 excellent) were used to determine usability of PreventS-MD. 
FINDINGS: 99 HCPs from 27 countries (45% from low- to middle-income countries) participated in the study, out of whom 10 HCPs were involved in the development of PreventS before the study, and therefore were not involved in the survey. Of the remaining 89 HCPs 69 consented to the first phase of the survey, out of whom 59 completed the first phase of the survey (response rate 86%) and 58 HCPs completed the second phase of the survey (response rate 84%). The SUS scores supported good usability of the prototype (mean score=80.2; 95% CI [77.0-84.0]) and excellent usability of the final version of PreventS-MD (mean score=81.7; 95%CI [79.1-84.3]) in the field. Scores were not affected by the age, sex, working experience or speciality of the HCPs. One month follow-up of the patients confirmed the high level of satisfaction/acceptability of PreventS-MD and (100%) adherence to the recommendations. 
INTERPRETATION: The PreventS-MD webapp has a high level of usability, feasibility and satisfaction by HCPs and individuals at risk of stroke/CVD. Individuals at risk of stroke/CVD demonstrated a high level of confidence and motivation in following and adhering to preventative recommendations generated by PreventS-MD.

year: 2023-07-24

title: Kei ō tātou ringa te rongoa? Is the remedy already at hand?
The assertion and application of tikanga as a valid and credible response to contemporary issues.

authors: Taitoko, Mikaere

subjects: tikanga

abstract: This thesis examines the notion that tikanga is well positioned to address issues confronting Māori and other indigenous groups who strive to achieve self-determination and the freedom to be and to do.  This work is inspired by the late John Te Rangi-āniwaniwa Rangihau’s statement, “Ko te rongoā kei roto i ō tātau ringa” (1987, p. 24), which promotes the notion that through culture and identity Māori already have within their grasp the answers to contemporary matters of import in te ao Māori.  This thesis inverts that statement and presents it as a question querying whether indeed the remedy is at hand and, if so, could tikanga and cultural identity be that remedy.  To that end this study deliberately sets out to examine if the rongoa of self-determination, power and freedom can be achieved by the assertion and application of Māori ways of being and doing, that is to say by exercising tikanga.
Understanding notions of tikanga, sovereignty, and indigeneity is pivotal to this study as is articulating the notion of third space.  This thesis argues that these four notions are interconnected when considering ideas of self-determination for disempowered groups.  A case study forms a large part of this work and focuses on an indigenous group operating from a pre-contact tupuna worldview and based on He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni 1835/Declaration of Independence of New Zealand 1835.  This particular group was chosen because it presented as being a point of intersect for the four notions of tikanga, sovereignty, indigeneity and the third space.
This thesis argues that whilst tikanga is a powerful mechanism for determining and rationalising ways of being and doing it has less to offer at a pragmatic level when it comes to effecting change in the status quo.  However, when overlaid with the third space lens new perspectives can be enunciated and new opportunities detected which in turn can lead to determining new actions.  Through this study it becomes clear that the assertion and application of tikanga contributes to, but on its own is not, the whole answer.

text: Kei ō tātou ringa te rongoa? Is the remedy already at hand?
The assertion and application of tikanga as a valid and credible response to contemporary issues. This thesis examines the notion that tikanga is well positioned to address issues confronting Māori and other indigenous groups who strive to achieve self-determination and the freedom to be and to do.  This work is inspired by the late John Te Rangi-āniwaniwa Rangihau’s statement, “Ko te rongoā kei roto i ō tātau ringa” (1987, p. 24), which promotes the notion that through culture and identity Māori already have within their grasp the answers to contemporary matters of import in te ao Māori.  This thesis inverts that statement and presents it as a question querying whether indeed the remedy is at hand and, if so, could tikanga and cultural identity be that remedy.  To that end this study deliberately sets out to examine if the rongoa of self-determination, power and freedom can be achieved by the assertion and application of Māori ways of being and doing, that is to say by exercising tikanga.
Understanding notions of tikanga, sovereignty, and indigeneity is pivotal to this study as is articulating the notion of third space.  This thesis argues that these four notions are interconnected when considering ideas of self-determination for disempowered groups.  A case study forms a large part of this work and focuses on an indigenous group operating from a pre-contact tupuna worldview and based on He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni 1835/Declaration of Independence of New Zealand 1835.  This particular group was chosen because it presented as being a point of intersect for the four notions of tikanga, sovereignty, indigeneity and the third space.
This thesis argues that whilst tikanga is a powerful mechanism for determining and rationalising ways of being and doing it has less to offer at a pragmatic level when it comes to effecting change in the status quo.  However, when overlaid with the third space lens new perspectives can be enunciated and new opportunities detected which in turn can lead to determining new actions.  Through this study it becomes clear that the assertion and application of tikanga contributes to, but on its own is not, the whole answer.

year: 2013