title: Yet another approach to compositional synthesis of discrete event systems

authors: Malik, Robi

subjects: computer science

abstract: A two-pass algorithm for compositional synthesis of modular supervisors for large-scale systems of composed finite-state automata is proposed. The first pass provides an efficient method to determine whether a supervisory control problem has a solution, without explicitly constructing the synchronous composition of all components. If a solution exists, the second pass yields an over-approximation of the least restrictive solution which, if nonblocking, is a modular representation of the least restrictive supervisor. Using a new type of equivalence of nondeterministic processes, called synthesis equivalence, a wide range of abstractions can be employed to mitigate state-space explosion throughout the algorithm.

text: Yet another approach to compositional synthesis of discrete event systems A two-pass algorithm for compositional synthesis of modular supervisors for large-scale systems of composed finite-state automata is proposed. The first pass provides an efficient method to determine whether a supervisory control problem has a solution, without explicitly constructing the synchronous composition of all components. If a solution exists, the second pass yields an over-approximation of the least restrictive solution which, if nonblocking, is a modular representation of the least restrictive supervisor. Using a new type of equivalence of nondeterministic processes, called synthesis equivalence, a wide range of abstractions can be employed to mitigate state-space explosion throughout the algorithm.

year: 2008

title: Further examination of cross-modal association in canine (Canis familiaris) scent detection: Extending research on training dogs to identify multiple odours

authors: Lints, Jessica

subjects: conditional discrimination

abstract: Dogs' superior olfactory capabilities and trainability have led to widespread use of dogs for scent detection research and work. Previous research has largely focused on dogs' ability to detect and discriminate single odours, however more research is needed to understand dogs’ ability to use multiple sensory modalities to identify and discriminate odours. Continuing research started by Campbell- Smith (2024), the current study hypothesized, a) dogs are capable of using cross-modal association to match odours to images of shapes and b) the inclusion of an error correction procedure and physical screen border on the touch screen where the images are presented will increase dogs responding accuracy and decrease biases towards specific shapes and screen quadrants, previously observed by Campbell-Smith. Four dogs were trained using shaping and chaining to engage in a conditional discrimination task using an automated scent delivery carousel and touch screen. Challenges faced early on during the initial conditional discrimination sessions prompted the inclusion of a simple visual discrimination task and an errorless learning procedure. The findings were largely consistent with Campbell-Smith, in that all dogs had above chance (50%) accuracy rates overall, but none met the mastery criteria (80%) overall. The correction procedure and physical touch screen border did reduce overall biases in all dogs, but did not increase responding accuracy enough to meet the mastery criteria. This suggests that the procedures used in these experiments may not be optimal for training dogs to accurately match odours and visual stimuli. Alternative procedures should be investigated in the future. The current findings provide more information as to dog's cross-modal identification capabilities, as well as further understanding of dogs’ visual capabilities and a comparison of dogs’ accuracy on conditional discrimination with and without an errorless learning procedure.

text: Further examination of cross-modal association in canine (Canis familiaris) scent detection: Extending research on training dogs to identify multiple odours Dogs' superior olfactory capabilities and trainability have led to widespread use of dogs for scent detection research and work. Previous research has largely focused on dogs' ability to detect and discriminate single odours, however more research is needed to understand dogs’ ability to use multiple sensory modalities to identify and discriminate odours. Continuing research started by Campbell- Smith (2024), the current study hypothesized, a) dogs are capable of using cross-modal association to match odours to images of shapes and b) the inclusion of an error correction procedure and physical screen border on the touch screen where the images are presented will increase dogs responding accuracy and decrease biases towards specific shapes and screen quadrants, previously observed by Campbell-Smith. Four dogs were trained using shaping and chaining to engage in a conditional discrimination task using an automated scent delivery carousel and touch screen. Challenges faced early on during the initial conditional discrimination sessions prompted the inclusion of a simple visual discrimination task and an errorless learning procedure. The findings were largely consistent with Campbell-Smith, in that all dogs had above chance (50%) accuracy rates overall, but none met the mastery criteria (80%) overall. The correction procedure and physical touch screen border did reduce overall biases in all dogs, but did not increase responding accuracy enough to meet the mastery criteria. This suggests that the procedures used in these experiments may not be optimal for training dogs to accurately match odours and visual stimuli. Alternative procedures should be investigated in the future. The current findings provide more information as to dog's cross-modal identification capabilities, as well as further understanding of dogs’ visual capabilities and a comparison of dogs’ accuracy on conditional discrimination with and without an errorless learning procedure.

year: 2025

title: Ngā wāhine ariki tapairu o Te Arawa: Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, Whakaotirangi

authors: Retikaukau, Georgia-Louise

subjects: Te Arawa

abstract: Similar to many other iwi (tribes) in Aotearoa, the Arawa people have a rich ancestral heritage that traces back to our origins in Hawaiki through our esteemed canoe traditions. However, within these narratives, the prominence of our heroic male ancestors tends to overshadow the stories of their wives, who are often mentioned merely as secondary characters. Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, and Whakaotirangi represent the first three women to be named in Te Arawa traditions, yet their narratives remain vague, existing only from a male perspective. Although their names can be found scattered throughout European and Māori literature, their stories are fragmented and incomplete, varying from tribe to tribe.

The objective of this research is to delve into these three ancestresses' lives from a Te Arawa female perspective, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding. Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study will investigate Māori and European literature, supplemented by thematical analysis to study and compare data gathered from interviews with female Te Arawa descendants. The insights gained from this endeavour will contribute to the creation of substantial knowledge that can benefit both present and future generations.

Comprising of seven chapters, this thesis unfolds as follows: Chapter one introduces the research purpose and provides an overview of the subsequent chapters. Chapter two outlines the research methodology employed. Chapter three presents an in-depth exploration of Te Arawa iwi, elucidating their significance and cultural context. Chapter four encompasses a comprehensive literature review, while chapter five is solely dedicated to the insights derived from the interview dialogues. Chapter six delves into the findings and engages in detailed discussions, offering a comprehensive analysis. Lastly, chapter seven serves as the conclusion, summarizing the key findings and their implications.

text: Ngā wāhine ariki tapairu o Te Arawa: Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, Whakaotirangi Similar to many other iwi (tribes) in Aotearoa, the Arawa people have a rich ancestral heritage that traces back to our origins in Hawaiki through our esteemed canoe traditions. However, within these narratives, the prominence of our heroic male ancestors tends to overshadow the stories of their wives, who are often mentioned merely as secondary characters. Te Kuraimonoa, Kearoa, and Whakaotirangi represent the first three women to be named in Te Arawa traditions, yet their narratives remain vague, existing only from a male perspective. Although their names can be found scattered throughout European and Māori literature, their stories are fragmented and incomplete, varying from tribe to tribe.

The objective of this research is to delve into these three ancestresses' lives from a Te Arawa female perspective, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding. Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study will investigate Māori and European literature, supplemented by thematical analysis to study and compare data gathered from interviews with female Te Arawa descendants. The insights gained from this endeavour will contribute to the creation of substantial knowledge that can benefit both present and future generations.

Comprising of seven chapters, this thesis unfolds as follows: Chapter one introduces the research purpose and provides an overview of the subsequent chapters. Chapter two outlines the research methodology employed. Chapter three presents an in-depth exploration of Te Arawa iwi, elucidating their significance and cultural context. Chapter four encompasses a comprehensive literature review, while chapter five is solely dedicated to the insights derived from the interview dialogues. Chapter six delves into the findings and engages in detailed discussions, offering a comprehensive analysis. Lastly, chapter seven serves as the conclusion, summarizing the key findings and their implications.

year: 2023