A novel protocol for producing low-abundance targets to characterize the sensitivity limits of ignitable liquid detection canines

Abel, Robin J.; Lunder, Jeffrey L.; Harynuk, James J.

doi:10.1016/j.forc.2020.100230

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…The second methodological aspect is that we conducted this study utilizing the three-alternative forced-choice scent line-up method, using scent tracks and jars for samples. The scent line-up method has been used in several studies, e.g., to test dogs' olfactory threshold to isoamyl acetate [36] and ignitable liquid [8], as well as in SARS-CoV-19 detection [15]. However, some of the nose work sport dogs in Study 1 were not familiar with this method.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Conventionally, dogs' superior ability for odor discrimination is employed for many purposes, e.g., by the police and customs officials, as they train service dogs to detect substances such as narcotics [6], semen stains [7], ignitable liquids [8], explosives [9], etc. Dogs can detect the target scents even in very demanding conditions, such as in varying temperatures and humidities, as well as with other distractors [10,11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Concha et al tested dogs' olfactory threshold with amyl acetate using an eight-choice carousel [35], whereas DeChant et al selected isoamyl acetate as a target for a three-alternative forced-choice test in a scent line-up device [36]. Other studies conducted in applied animal science and forensic science have used scent line-ups or carousels when investigating dogs' olfactory threshold to other targets, e.g., tuatara and gecko scents [37], koi carp [38], or ignitable liquids [8], as well as when studying olfactory properties of dogs and wolves in detecting raw food [39]. Detection thresholds for odors can be determined using different kinds of methods in both humans and dogs [40].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Scent Detection Threshold of Trained Dogs to Eucalyptus Hydrolat

Turunen,

Paavilainen,

Vepsäläinen

et al. 2024

Animals

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Dogs’ (Canis lupus familiaris) sense of smell is based on a unique anatomy and physiology that enables them to find and differentiate low concentrations of odor molecules. This ability is exploited when dogs are trained as search, rescue, or medical detection dogs. We performed a three-part study to explore the scent detection threshold of 15 dogs to an in-house-made Eucalyptus hydrolat. Here, decreasing concentrations of the hydrolat were tested using a three-alternative forced-choice method until the first incorrect response, which defined the limit of scent detection for each tested dog. Quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to identify and measure the contents of ten commercial Eucalyptus hydrolats, which are used in a dog scent training sport called “nose work”. In this study, the dogs’ limit of detection initially ranged from 1:104 to 1:1023 but narrowed down to 1:1017–1:1021 after a training period. The results show that, with training, dogs learn to discriminate decreasing concentrations of a target scent, and that dogs can discriminate Eucalyptus hydrolat at very low concentrations. We also detected different concentrations of eucalyptol and lower alcohols in the hydrolat products and highlight the importance of using an identical source of a scent in training a dog for participation in canine scent sport competitions and in olfactory research.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Scent Detection Threshold of Trained Dogs to Eucalyptus Hydrolat

Turunen,

Paavilainen,

Vepsäläinen

et al. 2024

Animals

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“…Abel et al investigated the ignitable liquid limits of detection for canines using gasoline and clean, porous tile substrates [ 194 ]. Serial dilutions in dichloromethane were used to spike the substrates and provided quantitative estimates of detection limits.…”

Section: Caninesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interpol review of fire debris analysis and fire investigation 2019–2022

Evans¹

2023

Forensic Science International: Synergy

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“…Dogs are trained for the detection of a wide range of materials such as explosives, narcotics, ignitable liquids (Abel et al, 2020; Jezierski et al, 2014; MacLean & Hare, 2018; Marks, 2002) providing critical detection capabilities for national security. Similar to a wide range of human safety workers, dogs are routinely asked to search in specific environments (i.e., airports, cargo shipments, or stadiums) for long durations, where the probability of finding a true target can be exceedingly low.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Part, III: Increasing odor detection performance after training with progressively leaner schedules of odor prevalence

DeChant

Aviles-Rosa

Prada

et al. 2023

J Exper Analysis Behavior

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Prior work has demonstrated canine search behavior and performance declines when challenged with infrequent target odors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether performance could be maintained in a low target odor prevalence context by explicitly training dogs through progressively leaner target odor schedules. In Experiment 1, nine control dogs were trained at 90% target prevalence rate. Nine experimental dogs were trained with progressively lower prevalence rates in 10% increments until reaching 20% prevalence with > 85% detection accuracy in the training context. Both groups were tested in the operational context at a 10% target odor prevalence. Experimental dogs had higher accuracy, hit percentage, and shorter search latency in the operational context compared with control dogs. In Experiment 2, twenty-three operational dogs were challenged with a target frequency of 10%, which resulted in 67% accuracy. Control dogs were then trained with 90% target frequency, whereas experimental dogs received a progressively decreasing target rate from 90% to 20%. The dogs were rechallenged with target frequencies of 10, 5, and 0%. Experimental dogs outperformed control dogs (93% vs. 82% accuracy) highlighting the effect of explicit training for infrequent targets.

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A novel protocol for producing low-abundance targets to characterize the sensitivity limits of ignitable liquid detection canines

Cited by 8 publications

References 19 publications

Scent Detection Threshold of Trained Dogs to Eucalyptus Hydrolat

Scent Detection Threshold of Trained Dogs to Eucalyptus Hydrolat

Interpol review of fire debris analysis and fire investigation 2019–2022

Part, III: Increasing odor detection performance after training with progressively leaner schedules of odor prevalence

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