title: Exploring a framework for matching to sample with visual stimuli in dogs (Canis familiaris)

authors: Arivazhagan Ambalam, Arihant

abstract: Dogs have been studied for their olfactory abilities, yet their capacity for same-modal visual matching to stimuli remains underexplored. Research focused on scent detection, and cross-modal odour matching. However, little attention was given to visual matchings. This study investigated dogs’ ability to match visual stimuli. Two monitors were used: one displaying a single image, and the other divided into four quadrants. Four dogs were trained to select the stimuli on the second monitor as displayed on the first. In the discrimination task, an errorless learning approach was implemented, where the correct stimuli were presented at full brightness while the incorrect shape was dimmed. As the stages progressed, the incorrect shape’s brightness increased. All dogs successfully matched to sample at low brightness, and they were able to perform better than chance. However, they didn’t meet the criteria to discriminate between shapes when both were presented at full brightness. After discontinuing errorless learning, the dogs went under a pure conditional discrimination test. Almost all dogs performed better than chance, while there were some significant findings specific to each dog. The findings contribute to understanding canine visual perception and contribute to a methodological framework for visual-visual matching tasks. Future studies may refine these methods to enhance canine performance in discrimination learning.

text: Exploring a framework for matching to sample with visual stimuli in dogs (Canis familiaris) Dogs have been studied for their olfactory abilities, yet their capacity for same-modal visual matching to stimuli remains underexplored. Research focused on scent detection, and cross-modal odour matching. However, little attention was given to visual matchings. This study investigated dogs’ ability to match visual stimuli. Two monitors were used: one displaying a single image, and the other divided into four quadrants. Four dogs were trained to select the stimuli on the second monitor as displayed on the first. In the discrimination task, an errorless learning approach was implemented, where the correct stimuli were presented at full brightness while the incorrect shape was dimmed. As the stages progressed, the incorrect shape’s brightness increased. All dogs successfully matched to sample at low brightness, and they were able to perform better than chance. However, they didn’t meet the criteria to discriminate between shapes when both were presented at full brightness. After discontinuing errorless learning, the dogs went under a pure conditional discrimination test. Almost all dogs performed better than chance, while there were some significant findings specific to each dog. The findings contribute to understanding canine visual perception and contribute to a methodological framework for visual-visual matching tasks. Future studies may refine these methods to enhance canine performance in discrimination learning.

year: 2025

title: Population genetic structure of the New Zealand estuarine clam Austrovenus stutchburyi (Bivalvia: Veneridae) reveals population subdivision and partial congruence with biogeographic boundaries

authors: Ross, Philip M.

subjects: biogeography

abstract: We examined the population genetic structure of the New Zealand endemic clam, Austrovenus stutchburyi, to determine (1) whether populations of this estuarine taxon are genetically subdivided and (2) if the locations of genetic boundaries were congruent with known biogeographic break points. We obtained sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I for 372 A. stutchburyi from 29 New Zealand estuaries and conducted analyses to identify population genetic structure. We detected a pattern of genetic isolation by distance and identified six A. stutchburyi subpopulations, a greater number of subpopulations than reported for much of New Zealand’s open coast benthos. Although these data indicate that long distance dispersal may be less frequent in estuarine than in open coast taxa, partial congruence between genetic and biogeographic boundaries suggests that historical events and natural selection may also contribute to the observed population genetic structure.

text: Population genetic structure of the New Zealand estuarine clam Austrovenus stutchburyi (Bivalvia: Veneridae) reveals population subdivision and partial congruence with biogeographic boundaries We examined the population genetic structure of the New Zealand endemic clam, Austrovenus stutchburyi, to determine (1) whether populations of this estuarine taxon are genetically subdivided and (2) if the locations of genetic boundaries were congruent with known biogeographic break points. We obtained sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I for 372 A. stutchburyi from 29 New Zealand estuaries and conducted analyses to identify population genetic structure. We detected a pattern of genetic isolation by distance and identified six A. stutchburyi subpopulations, a greater number of subpopulations than reported for much of New Zealand’s open coast benthos. Although these data indicate that long distance dispersal may be less frequent in estuarine than in open coast taxa, partial congruence between genetic and biogeographic boundaries suggests that historical events and natural selection may also contribute to the observed population genetic structure.

year: 2011

title: Cultural justice, ethics and teaching

authors: Nairn, Ray

subjects: Maori

abstract: Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides both a basis for cultural justice in this society and an explication of the term; each of the articles identifying a significant aspect of cultural justice. First, there is the guarantee to the Maori signatories that the Crown would protect their independence - tino rangatiratanga, (also read as authority, autonomy or self-determination) [Article II]. In Article III Maori are promised that they will also have the “Rights and Privileges of British subjects”. Finally, in Article I, Maori cede to the Crown the right to govern, to make laws to protect all peoples from the evil consequences of lawlessness. The 1835 Declaration of Independence located legislative authority in the Wakaminenga (the gathered rangatira meeting in Congress); and in 1840, in the context of the Crown promises, Maori authorised the Crown to exercise that authority. For Maori Te Tiriti specifies cultural justice for interactions between Maori and settlers in the new society. Maori are guaranteed the right to self-determination (and the economic and social resources to make that practical) in their relations with New Zealand society. They are also entitled to the same opportunities as other citizens. The latter rights, embodied in local legislation and international covenants to which we are signatory, are not alternatives to the prior right of Maori people to their (cultural) autonomy. The exercise of legislative and organisational authority must be exercised in a manner consistent with the promises which clearly requires consultation and negotiation with Maori.

text: Cultural justice, ethics and teaching Te Tiriti o Waitangi provides both a basis for cultural justice in this society and an explication of the term; each of the articles identifying a significant aspect of cultural justice. First, there is the guarantee to the Maori signatories that the Crown would protect their independence - tino rangatiratanga, (also read as authority, autonomy or self-determination) [Article II]. In Article III Maori are promised that they will also have the “Rights and Privileges of British subjects”. Finally, in Article I, Maori cede to the Crown the right to govern, to make laws to protect all peoples from the evil consequences of lawlessness. The 1835 Declaration of Independence located legislative authority in the Wakaminenga (the gathered rangatira meeting in Congress); and in 1840, in the context of the Crown promises, Maori authorised the Crown to exercise that authority. For Maori Te Tiriti specifies cultural justice for interactions between Maori and settlers in the new society. Maori are guaranteed the right to self-determination (and the economic and social resources to make that practical) in their relations with New Zealand society. They are also entitled to the same opportunities as other citizens. The latter rights, embodied in local legislation and international covenants to which we are signatory, are not alternatives to the prior right of Maori people to their (cultural) autonomy. The exercise of legislative and organisational authority must be exercised in a manner consistent with the promises which clearly requires consultation and negotiation with Maori.

year: 1993