title: Embodied Cognition and Representation in Domesticated Dogs

authors: Osto, Kate

subjects: Embodied Cognition

abstract: Embodied cognition is a relatively recent approach in the philosophy of mind. Similarly, the volume of research into dog cognition has increased in the last decade and is set to keep on growing as we learn more about the animals with which we have associated for so long. This thesis argues that the principles of embodied cognition can be productively applied to the study of  dogs.  Adoption  of  these  principles  can  improve  experimental design and inform the conclusions that we draw from empirical data regarding dogs’ cognitive capacities and behaviour. This dissertation advocates for ethologically appropriate studies, designed for dogs rather than humans, a greater emphasis on the dynamic interplay between the dog, environment and humans, and fresh interpretations of the behaviour and cognitive skills that dogs demonstrate. Moreover, the models of embodied representation expounded in this thesis aid our understanding of dog behaviour and cognition and can enhance our approach to dog training. The thesis closes with a case for embodied representations as facilitators of rational actions in the domesticated dog.

text: Embodied Cognition and Representation in Domesticated Dogs Embodied cognition is a relatively recent approach in the philosophy of mind. Similarly, the volume of research into dog cognition has increased in the last decade and is set to keep on growing as we learn more about the animals with which we have associated for so long. This thesis argues that the principles of embodied cognition can be productively applied to the study of  dogs.  Adoption  of  these  principles  can  improve  experimental design and inform the conclusions that we draw from empirical data regarding dogs’ cognitive capacities and behaviour. This dissertation advocates for ethologically appropriate studies, designed for dogs rather than humans, a greater emphasis on the dynamic interplay between the dog, environment and humans, and fresh interpretations of the behaviour and cognitive skills that dogs demonstrate. Moreover, the models of embodied representation expounded in this thesis aid our understanding of dog behaviour and cognition and can enhance our approach to dog training. The thesis closes with a case for embodied representations as facilitators of rational actions in the domesticated dog.

year: 2015

title: Nitrogen Isotope Variation in the Environment:  Implications for Interpretation

authors: Tozer, Wade Colin

subjects: d15N

abstract: Natural abundance of 15N varies greatly and unpredictably within and between environments.  The unpredictable nature of 15N limits the use of N isotope natural abundance (d15N) in tracing the flow and fate of N in environments.  Recent investigations have, however, revealed consistent and repeatable patterns of 15N in some ecosystem components.  These patterns suggest that d15N may yet provide a tool to investigate and illuminate ecosystem N cycling processes.  Identifying and quantifying the sources of isotopic variation must precede any significant advance in the application of this technique, and to this end an assessment of isotopic variation associated with major ecosystem components has been carried out in this thesis.  d15N patterns have been established, hypotheses proposed and tested, and conclusions about the application of the technique are presented.

15N patterns in surface and groundwater were measured in a variety of different land-use catchments in an attempt to identify distinct isotopic 'fingerprints'.  High levels of 15N variation were measured in both stream and groundwaters, resulting in strongly overlapping land-use 'fingerprints'.  Environmental 15N variation in streams and groundwaters was found to be too great to differentiate between land-uses based on d15N alone.

In contrast, the artificially 15N enriched signature of effluent N was used to trace its flow and fate, following irrigation, in a forested catchment.  The effluent d15N signature allowed it to be traced into the major ecosystem components, permitting a first order N budget to be determined for effluent N storage and loss.  N sources with significantly different 15N signatures to that of 'background ecosystem N' can therefore be used to trace the flow and fate of N in ecosystems.

During the course of this work a number of higher and lower order plants were observed to have highly depleted (lt; -8 ) d15N signatures.  Epiphytes and lithophytes, strongly reliant on atmospheric N sources, were consistently depleted in 15N, with signatures as low as -24 , measured in a range of environments.  A similar level of depletion was measured in a wide range of plants growing in early primary succession sites (as low as -22.3 ), which could not be accounted for by any abiotic or biotic factor or significantly depleted N source.  The absence of any measurable driver of depletion suggested a universal fractionating mechanism which acts in a wide range of environments and vegetation types.  Diffusive uptake of atmospheric NH3(g) and the proportional uptake of a supplied N source were two proposed mechanisms that could theoretically account for the level and universal nature of depletion. 

Diffusive uptake of atmospheric NH3(g) was tested as a primary fractionating mechanism in plants.  Strongly N deficient plants were capable of utilising NH3(g) as a nutritional source, but the level of 15N depletion measured in these plants closely approximated that of the inherent NH3(g) d15N signature.  No significant additional fractionation is associated with NH3(g) diffusive uptake.  Diffusive uptake of atmospheric NH3(g) by plants cannot alone account for the level of depletion measured in early primary succession plant communities. 

Proportional uptake of a N source as a primary fractionating mechanism was tested by growing plants in various concentrations and rates of applied N.  Fractionation attributed to the proportional uptake of a supplied N source, as a consequence of P limitation or rapid flow over roots, resulted in a significant level of 15N depletion in plants. The level of depletion attributed to this mechanism was, however, not sufficient to account for the level measured in early primary succession plant communities.

Individual 15N fractionating mechanisms cannot alone explain the level of depletion observed in early primary succession plants, however a combination of fractionating mechanisms can.  Fractionation attributed to the proportional uptake of an already depleted N source, i.e., wet deposited N, largely accounts for the level of depletion measured in early succession plant communities.  This two-step fractionation model can act on both higher and lower plants, independent of ecosystem biotic and abiotic factors.  Additional, and less dramatic fractionations attributed to atmospheric NH3(g) uptake, mycorrhizal associations, internal remobilisation, and taxon-specific N acquisition strategies, will contribute to the level of d15N depletion.  
This thesis presents the first extensive survey of highly depleted d15N signatures in terrestrial vegetation.  Furthermore, thorough testing of theoretically plausible mechanisms has resulted in a full account of the highly depleted d15N signatures measured in a wide range of vegetation types and environments.

text: Nitrogen Isotope Variation in the Environment:  Implications for Interpretation Natural abundance of 15N varies greatly and unpredictably within and between environments.  The unpredictable nature of 15N limits the use of N isotope natural abundance (d15N) in tracing the flow and fate of N in environments.  Recent investigations have, however, revealed consistent and repeatable patterns of 15N in some ecosystem components.  These patterns suggest that d15N may yet provide a tool to investigate and illuminate ecosystem N cycling processes.  Identifying and quantifying the sources of isotopic variation must precede any significant advance in the application of this technique, and to this end an assessment of isotopic variation associated with major ecosystem components has been carried out in this thesis.  d15N patterns have been established, hypotheses proposed and tested, and conclusions about the application of the technique are presented.

15N patterns in surface and groundwater were measured in a variety of different land-use catchments in an attempt to identify distinct isotopic 'fingerprints'.  High levels of 15N variation were measured in both stream and groundwaters, resulting in strongly overlapping land-use 'fingerprints'.  Environmental 15N variation in streams and groundwaters was found to be too great to differentiate between land-uses based on d15N alone.

In contrast, the artificially 15N enriched signature of effluent N was used to trace its flow and fate, following irrigation, in a forested catchment.  The effluent d15N signature allowed it to be traced into the major ecosystem components, permitting a first order N budget to be determined for effluent N storage and loss.  N sources with significantly different 15N signatures to that of 'background ecosystem N' can therefore be used to trace the flow and fate of N in ecosystems.

During the course of this work a number of higher and lower order plants were observed to have highly depleted (lt; -8 ) d15N signatures.  Epiphytes and lithophytes, strongly reliant on atmospheric N sources, were consistently depleted in 15N, with signatures as low as -24 , measured in a range of environments.  A similar level of depletion was measured in a wide range of plants growing in early primary succession sites (as low as -22.3 ), which could not be accounted for by any abiotic or biotic factor or significantly depleted N source.  The absence of any measurable driver of depletion suggested a universal fractionating mechanism which acts in a wide range of environments and vegetation types.  Diffusive uptake of atmospheric NH3(g) and the proportional uptake of a supplied N source were two proposed mechanisms that could theoretically account for the level and universal nature of depletion. 

Diffusive uptake of atmospheric NH3(g) was tested as a primary fractionating mechanism in plants.  Strongly N deficient plants were capable of utilising NH3(g) as a nutritional source, but the level of 15N depletion measured in these plants closely approximated that of the inherent NH3(g) d15N signature.  No significant additional fractionation is associated with NH3(g) diffusive uptake.  Diffusive uptake of atmospheric NH3(g) by plants cannot alone account for the level of depletion measured in early primary succession plant communities. 

Proportional uptake of a N source as a primary fractionating mechanism was tested by growing plants in various concentrations and rates of applied N.  Fractionation attributed to the proportional uptake of a supplied N source, as a consequence of P limitation or rapid flow over roots, resulted in a significant level of 15N depletion in plants. The level of depletion attributed to this mechanism was, however, not sufficient to account for the level measured in early primary succession plant communities.

Individual 15N fractionating mechanisms cannot alone explain the level of depletion observed in early primary succession plants, however a combination of fractionating mechanisms can.  Fractionation attributed to the proportional uptake of an already depleted N source, i.e., wet deposited N, largely accounts for the level of depletion measured in early succession plant communities.  This two-step fractionation model can act on both higher and lower plants, independent of ecosystem biotic and abiotic factors.  Additional, and less dramatic fractionations attributed to atmospheric NH3(g) uptake, mycorrhizal associations, internal remobilisation, and taxon-specific N acquisition strategies, will contribute to the level of d15N depletion.  
This thesis presents the first extensive survey of highly depleted d15N signatures in terrestrial vegetation.  Furthermore, thorough testing of theoretically plausible mechanisms has resulted in a full account of the highly depleted d15N signatures measured in a wide range of vegetation types and environments.

year: 2006

title: A study of iwi communication between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational diasporic whānau

authors: Wright, Karamea Moana

subjects: diaspora

abstract: This study looks at the online communication methods used between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational uri who live in the diaspora. Preferences and perceptions of methods of communication utilized by both iwi, and tāngata who live in the overseas diaspora were explored. Most important are the implications for uri living away from Aotearoa, and their desire to remain connected to iwi in New Zealand. This is a mixed methods study, comprising of a survey of fifty-eight emigrant respondents living abroad, and interviews with one member of the first, second, and third generations of emigrants to the United States, with affiliation to at least one of the eight tribes who claim tāngata whenua status of Te Tau Ihu.

The implications of the findings from the study provide both iwi and tāngata the opportunity to create a synergistic relationship of communicating. Assisting iwi to develop and implement a strategy for relevant communication, and iwi members engaging in a dialogue with iwi about relevance of communication is critical in strengthening ties between iwi and future generations regardless of location. “He aha te mea nui, he tangata, he tangata.”

text: A study of iwi communication between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational diasporic whānau This study looks at the online communication methods used between Te Tau Ihu iwi and intergenerational uri who live in the diaspora. Preferences and perceptions of methods of communication utilized by both iwi, and tāngata who live in the overseas diaspora were explored. Most important are the implications for uri living away from Aotearoa, and their desire to remain connected to iwi in New Zealand. This is a mixed methods study, comprising of a survey of fifty-eight emigrant respondents living abroad, and interviews with one member of the first, second, and third generations of emigrants to the United States, with affiliation to at least one of the eight tribes who claim tāngata whenua status of Te Tau Ihu.

The implications of the findings from the study provide both iwi and tāngata the opportunity to create a synergistic relationship of communicating. Assisting iwi to develop and implement a strategy for relevant communication, and iwi members engaging in a dialogue with iwi about relevance of communication is critical in strengthening ties between iwi and future generations regardless of location. “He aha te mea nui, he tangata, he tangata.”

year: 2019