scholarly journals Influence of season and weather on activity patterns of the numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) in captivity

2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (5) ◽  
pp. 475 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Cooper ◽  
P. C. Withers
Keyword(s):  
Food Availability ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Thermoregulatory Response ◽  
Low Light ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
Activity Duration ◽  
Study Activity ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Low Levels

To separate the influence of weather from predation pressure and food availability, and to aid in the interpretation of activity data for wild numbats, we examined the influence of season and weather on the activity of captive numbats. Unlike other Australian marsupials, numbats are exclusively diurnal, being active for an average of 21.2% of the 24 h day. However, in the present study, activity duration varied seasonally, with numbats being active for longer periods in summer (39–65% of the available daylight) than winter (17–59%). During winter, captive numbats were active for shorter periods than wild numbats (presumably because captive numbats don't have to forage for food); however, they did not cease activity in the middle of the day during summer (suggesting that the inactivity of wild numbats at midday during summer is a response to food availability rather than a thermoregulatory response). Captive numbats were more active in summer than in winter, which may reflect their summer breeding season. Environmental conditions significantly affected daily activity, with low levels of activity recorded on days of low light intensity and high relative humidity. The majority of numbat activity occurred at ambient temperatures below thermoneutrality (<30°C). The associated costs of thermoregulation for active numbats were calculated, from activity time, to be higher in winter (0.586 mL O2 g–1 h–1) than in summer (0.274 mL O2�g–1�h–1).

scholarly journals Feeding Cannabidiol (CBD)-Containing Treats Did Not Affect Canine Daily Voluntary Activity

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Morris ◽  
Susanna E. Kitts-Morgan ◽  
Dawn M. Spangler ◽  
Jessica Gebert ◽  
Eric S. Vanzant ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Activity ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Quiet Time ◽  
Voluntary Activity ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Activity Duration

Growing public interest in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for companion animals has amplified the need to elucidate potential impacts. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the influence of CBD on the daily activity of adult dogs. Twenty-four dogs (18.0 ± 3.4 kg, 9 months−4 years old) of various mixed breeds were utilized in a randomized complete block design with treatments targeted at 0 and 2.5 mg (LOW) and at 5.0 mg (HIGH) CBD/kg body weight (BW) per day split between two treats administered after twice-daily exercise (0700–0900 and 1,700–1,900 h). Four hours each day [1,000–1,200 h (a.m.) and 1,330–1,530 h (p.m.)] were designated as times when no people entered the kennels, with 2 h designated as Quiet time and the other 2 h as Music time, when calming music played over speakers. Quiet and Music sessions were randomly allotted to daily a.m. or p.m. times. Activity monitors were fitted to dogs' collars for continuous collection of activity data. Data were collected over a 14-day baseline period to establish the activity patterns and block dogs by activity level (high or low) before randomly assigning dogs within each block to treatments. After 7 days of treatment acclimation, activity data were collected for 14 days. Data were examined for differences using the MIXED procedure in SAS including effects of treatment, day, session (Quiet or Music), time of day (a.m. or p.m.), and accompanying interactions. CBD (LOW and HIGH) did not alter the total daily activity points (P = 0.985) or activity duration (P = 0.882). CBD tended (P = 0.071) to reduce total daily scratching compared with the control. Dogs were more active in p.m. sessions than in a.m. sessions (P &lt; 0.001). During the p.m. session, dogs receiving HIGH tended (P = 0.091) to be less active than the control (CON). During the a.m. and p.m. sessions, CBD reduced scratching compared with CON (P = 0.030). CBD did not affect the activity duration during exercise periods (P = 0.143). These results indicate that, when supplemented with up to 4.5 mg CBD/kg BW/day, CBD does not impact the daily activity of adult dogs, but may exert an antipruritic effect.

279 WACSAW: A Statistical and Individually Adaptive Method to Determine Sleep and Wakefulness from Activity

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A111-A112
Author(s):  
Austin Vandegriffe ◽  
V A Samaranayake ◽  
Matthew Thimgan
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Optimal Transport ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Adaptive Method ◽  
Wasserstein Distance ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Commercial Grade ◽  
Movement Data ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Levene Test

Abstract Introduction Technological innovations have broadened the type and amount of activity data that can be captured in the home and under normal living conditions. Yet, converting naturalistic activity patterns into sleep and wakefulness states has remained a challenge. Despite the successes of current algorithms, they do not fill all actigraphy needs. We have developed a novel statistical approach to determine sleep and wakefulness times, called the Wasserstein Algorithm for Classifying Sleep and Wakefulness (WACSAW), and validated the algorithm in a small cohort of healthy participants. Methods WACSAW functional routines: 1) Conversion of the triaxial movement data into a univariate time series; 2) Construction of a Wasserstein weighted sum (WSS) time series by measuring the Wasserstein distance between equidistant distributions of movement data before and after the time-point of interest; 3) Segmenting the time series by identifying changepoints based on the behavior of the WSS series; 4) Merging segments deemed similar by the Levene test; 5) Comparing segments by optimal transport methodology to determine the difference from a flat, invariant distribution at zero. The resulting histogram can be used to determine sleep and wakefulness parameters around a threshold determined for each individual based on histogram properties. To validate the algorithm, participants wore the GENEActiv and a commercial grade actigraphy watch for 48 hours. The accuracy of WACSAW was compared to a detailed activity log and benchmarked against the results of the output from commercial wrist actigraph. Results WACSAW performed with an average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of &gt;95% compared to detailed activity logs in 10 healthy-sleeping individuals of mixed sexes and ages. We then compared WACSAW’s performance against a common wrist-worn, commercial sleep monitor. WACSAW outperformed the commercial grade system in each participant compared to activity logs and the variability between subjects was cut substantially. Conclusion The performance of WACSAW demonstrates good results in a small test cohort. In addition, WACSAW is 1) open-source, 2) individually adaptive, 3) indicates individual reliability, 4) based on the activity data stream, and 5) requires little human intervention. WACSAW is worthy of validating against polysomnography and in patients with sleep disorders to determine its overall effectiveness. Support (if any):

scholarly journals Novel approach to modeling high-frequency activity data to assess therapeutic effects of analgesics in chronic pain conditions

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zekun Xu ◽  
Eric Laber ◽  
Ana-Maria Staicu ◽  
B. Duncan X. Lascelles
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
High Frequency Activity ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Chronic Pain Conditions

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition often associated with pain, affecting approximately fourteen percent of the population, and increasing in prevalence. A globally aging population have made treating OA-associated pain as well as maintaining mobility and activity a public health priority. OA affects all mammals, and the use of spontaneous animal models is one promising approach for improving translational pain research and the development of effective treatment strategies. Accelerometers are a common tool for collecting high-frequency activity data on animals to study the effects of treatment on pain related activity patterns. There has recently been increasing interest in their use to understand treatment effects in human pain conditions. However, activity patterns vary widely across subjects; furthermore, the effects of treatment may manifest in higher or lower activity counts or in subtler ways like changes in the frequency of certain types of activities. We use a zero inflated Poisson hidden semi-Markov model to characterize activity patterns and subsequently derive estimators of the treatment effect in terms of changes in activity levels or frequency of activity type. We demonstrate the application of our model, and its advance over traditional analysis methods, using data from a naturally occurring feline OA-associated pain model.

scholarly journals On the modulation and maintenance of hibernation in captive dwarf lemurs

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina B. Blanco ◽  
Lydia K. Greene ◽  
Robert Schopler ◽  
Cathy V. Williams ◽  
Danielle Lynch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Restriction ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Biological Rhythms ◽  
Food Ingestion ◽  
Ambient Temperatures ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Cheirogaleus Medius ◽  
Save Energy ◽  
Metabolic Strategies

AbstractIn nature, photoperiod signals environmental seasonality and is a strong selective “zeitgeber” that synchronizes biological rhythms. For animals facing seasonal environmental challenges and energetic bottlenecks, daily torpor and hibernation are two metabolic strategies that can save energy. In the wild, the dwarf lemurs of Madagascar are obligate hibernators, hibernating between 3 and 7 months a year. In captivity, however, dwarf lemurs generally express torpor for periods far shorter than the hibernation season in Madagascar. We investigated whether fat-tailed dwarf lemurs (Cheirogaleus medius) housed at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC) could hibernate, by subjecting 8 individuals to husbandry conditions more in accord with those in Madagascar, including alternating photoperiods, low ambient temperatures, and food restriction. All dwarf lemurs displayed daily and multiday torpor bouts, including bouts lasting ~ 11 days. Ambient temperature was the greatest predictor of torpor bout duration, and food ingestion and night length also played a role. Unlike their wild counterparts, who rarely leave their hibernacula and do not feed during hibernation, DLC dwarf lemurs sporadically moved and ate. While demonstrating that captive dwarf lemurs are physiologically capable of hibernation, we argue that facilitating their hibernation serves both husbandry and research goals: first, it enables lemurs to express the biphasic phenotypes (fattening and fat depletion) that are characteristic of their wild conspecifics; second, by “renaturalizing” dwarf lemurs in captivity, they will emerge a better model for understanding both metabolic extremes in primates generally and metabolic disorders in humans specifically.

scholarly journals Limitations of Canada’s physical activity data: implications for monitoring trendsThis article is part of a supplement entitled Advancing physical activity measurement and guidelines in Canada: a scientific review and evidence-based foundation for the future of Canadian physical activity guidelines co-published by Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism and the Canadian Journal of Public Health. It may be cited as Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 32(Suppl. 2E) or as Can. J. Public Health 98(Suppl. 2).

2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (S2E) ◽  
pp. S185-S194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽  
Mark S. Tremblay
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Activity Measurement ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Scientific Review ◽  
Physical Activity Guidelines ◽  
Applied Physiology

The current low level of physical activity among Canadians is a dominant public health concern. Accordingly, a clear understanding of physical activity patterns and trends is of paramount importance. Irregularities in monitoring, analysis, and reporting procedures create potential confusion among researchers, policy-makers, and the public alike. The purpose of this paper is to consolidate reported findings and provide a critical assessment of the physical activity surveillance procedures, analytical practices, and reporting protocols currently employed in Canada to provide insights for accurate and consistent interpretation of data, as well as recommendations for future surveillance efforts.

Observations on Activity Patterns, Population and Den Characteristics of The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster Along Badger Creek, Victoria.

1995 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
J.L. Gardner ◽  
M. Serena
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Fish Farms ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Irrigation Channels ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Hydromys Chrysogaster

The Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster is Australia&apos;s largest amphibious rodent, occupying freshwater rivers, lakes, and coastal and estuarine habitats throughout the continent (Watts and Aslin 1981). Little is known of the species&apos; social organisation or use of space in the wild although Harris (1978) suggested that adults might be intrasexually aggressive. The home ranges of all sex and age classes overlap to some extent but home ranges of adults of the same sex appear to overlap less (Harris 1978). Adult males occupy the largest home ranges which overlap those of one or more females. In captivity individuals kept in groups form hierarchies in which only the dominant females usually breed successfully (Olsen 1982). Fighting occurs primarily among males, with the highest incidence of injuries observed at the beginning of the main September-March breeding season (Olsen 1980, 1982). The results of trapping studies indicate that population density may vary considerably, with the greatest numbers of animals typically occupying man-modified habitats such as irrigation channels or fish farms (McNally 1960, Watts and Aslin 1981, Smales 1984). Aggressive behaviour appears to be related to pelage colour (phenotype) and population density; the higher the density the greater the number of injured individuals (Olsen 1980).

Revealing Student Blogging Activities Using RSS Feeds and LMS Logs

2012 ◽  
pp. 234-249
Author(s):  
Michael Derntl
Keyword(s):  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Rss Feeds ◽  
First Time

Blogs are an easy-to-use, free alternative to classic means of computer-mediated communication. Moreover, they are authentically aligned with web activity patterns of today’s students. The body of studies on integrating and implementing blogs in various educational settings has grown rapidly recently; however, it is often difficult to distill practical advice from these studies since the application contexts, pedagogical objectives, and research methodology differ greatly. This paper takes a step toward an improved understanding of employing blogs in education by presenting a follow-up case study on using blogs as reflective journals in an undergraduate computer-science lab course. This study includes lessons learned and adaptations following from the first-time application, the underlying pedagogical strategy, and a detailed analysis and discussion of blogging activity data obtained from RSS feeds and LMS logs.

scholarly journals Quantile Coarsening Analysis of High-Volume Wearable Activity Data in a Longitudinal Observational Study

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 3056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Cheung ◽  
Pei-Yun Hsueh ◽  
Ipek Ensari ◽  
Joshua Willey ◽  
Keith Diaz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
High Volume ◽  
Original Data ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Sampled Data ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Partner Status ◽  
Versatile Tool

Owing to advances in sensor technologies on wearable devices, it is feasible to measure physical activity of an individual continuously over a long period. These devices afford opportunities to understand individual behaviors, which may then provide a basis for tailored behavior interventions. The large volume of data however poses challenges in data management and analysis. We propose a novel quantile coarsening analysis (QCA) of daily physical activity data, with a goal to reduce the volume of data while preserving key information. We applied QCA to a longitudinal study of 79 healthy participants whose step counts were monitored for up to 1 year by a Fitbit device, performed cluster analysis of daily activity, and identified individual activity signature or pattern in terms of the clusters identified. Using 21,393 time series of daily physical activity, we identified eight clusters. Employment and partner status were each associated with 5 of the 8 clusters. Using less than 2% of the original data, QCA provides accurate approximation of the mean physical activity, forms meaningful activity patterns associated with individual characteristics, and is a versatile tool for dimension reduction of densely sampled data.

Activity rhythms of southern brown bandicoots Isoodon obesulus (Marsupialia: Peramelidae) in captivity.

2003 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 81 ◽  
Author(s):  
AN Larcombe
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Late Afternoon ◽  
Activity Rhythms ◽  
Natural Lighting ◽  
Infra Red ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
The Times

The temporal activity patterns of individually housed captive southern brown bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) were recorded using time-lapse infra-red videorecording. Recordings were made over a period of four continuous days per animal under natural lighting and climatic conditions for Perth, Western Australia during March 2002. Analysis showed that all bandicoots were almost entirely nocturnal and spent ~71% (~17 hr day-1) of their time in their nests. The times of onset of activity were remarkably regular, and occurred both following feeding during the late afternoon and again after dusk (average 1841 hrs). Bandicoots were active for an average of ~7 hr night-1. Virtually all activity involved the bandicoots running around their enclosures (~6.5 hr day-1). This running was interspersed with shorter periods spent feeding (~25 min day-1), grooming (~8 min day-1) and drinking (~2 min day-1). No other behaviours were observed. There was a greater degree of variation in the time of cessation of activity between individuals. Time of cessation ranged from 0039 hrs ± 20 min to 0504 hrs ± 25 min. The average time of cessation of activity was 0315 hrs ± 61 min and was not related to either time of onset of activity or sunrise.

Modification of Stereotypic Behaviour in Captive Platypuses (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

1998 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 307
Author(s):  
D.L McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Circling Behaviour ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
Ornithorhynchus Anatinus ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Stereotypic Behaviour ◽  
Time Spent Feeding

Stereotypy is a characteristic occasionally observed in captive animals. This behaviour is regularly associated with animal housing conditions that deviate fundamentally from the species&apos; natural environment. In addition to the detrimental affect it may have on the associated animal, it creates a difficult situation for the public in understanding the presentation of animals in captivity. In April 1996, modification to the platypus exhibit at Healesville Sanctuary resulted in an increased level of light being deflected onto the glass of the shallow tank exhibit. This change in the housing conditions coincided with repetitive circling behaviour by the female platypus and avoidance activity by the male platypus. In addition, the proportion of time spent feeding by the female platypus was reduced. Modification of the exhibit furniture did not significantly alter the female&apos;s behaviour. A reduction in the light level being deflected onto the tank resulted in an immediate reduction in the circling behaviour observed for the female. The male resumed free swimming and utilisation of the entire tank. Within two weeks all stereotypic behaviour had ceased and the two platypuses had resumed normal activity patterns.

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