scholarly journals Effects of Regulating Visitor Viewing Proximity and the Intensity of Visitor Behaviour on Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Behaviour and Welfare

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Chiew ◽  
Kym L. Butler ◽  
Sally L. Sherwen ◽  
Grahame J. Coleman ◽  
Kerry V. Fanson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stress Physiology ◽  
Viewing Distance ◽  
Direct Effects ◽  
Physical Barrier ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Faecal Glucocorticoid Metabolites ◽  
Tactile Contact ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Visitor Numbers

We examined the effects of regulating the viewing proximity of visitors and the intensity of visitor behaviour on behaviours indicative of fear and stress physiology of 15 zoo-housed little penguins (Eudyptula minor). A 2 × 2 factorial fully randomised design was used to examine the effects of regulating: (1) the viewing proximity of visitors to enclosure, ‘normal viewing distance’ and ’increased viewing distance’ (using a physical barrier set up 2 m away from the enclosure), and (2) the intensity of visitor behaviour, ‘unregulated visitor behaviour’ and ‘regulated visitor behaviour’ (using signage and uniformed personnel). In addition, a treatment consisting of closing the enclosure to visitors was included. Penguin behaviour, visitor numbers and visitor behaviour were recorded by CCTV video recordings and direct observations, respectively. Penguin faecal glucocorticoid metabolites were also analysed as a measure of stress physiology. We found that increased viewing distance reduced (p < 0.05) all visitor behaviours except for loud vocalisations and tactile contact with penguins. However, there were no direct effects of signage and uniformed personnel on visitor behaviour (p > 0.05). As the regulation of viewing proximity increased from a closed exhibit to an open exhibit with increased viewing distance, and then to an open exhibit with normal viewing distance, this increased the proportion of penguins huddling (p = 0.0011), vigilant (p = 0.0060) and retreating (p = 0.00013), and decreased the proportion of penguins within 1 m of the visitor viewing area (p = 0.00066), surface swimming (p = 0.00091) and preening in the water (p = 0.042). There were also limited effects of regulating visitor behaviour on penguin behaviour. No treatment effects were found on faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (p > 0.05). These results indicate that regulating visitor viewing proximity affects penguin behaviours indicative of fear and visitor behaviour. This suggests that close visitor contact can be fear-provoking for little penguins but increasing the distance between visitors and penguins can reduce fear responses of penguins by regulating both viewing proximity and visitor behaviour. However, it is unclear whether these changes in penguin behaviour are due to the increased separation between visitors and penguins and/or specific visitor behaviours associated with close viewing proximity to the enclosure, such as leaning over the enclosure or tactile contact with the pool, which are impeded when visitors are further away.

Continuous Quantitative Monitoring of Mural, Platelet-Dependent, Thrombus Kinetics in the Crushed Rat Femoral Vein

1991 ◽  
Vol 65 (04) ◽  
pp. 425-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Stockmans ◽  
H Deckmyn ◽  
J Gruwez ◽  
J Vermylen ◽  
R Acland
Keyword(s):  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Femoral Vein ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Digital Analysis ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Quantitative Monitoring ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Kinetics Of ◽  
Quantitative Nature

SummaryA new in vivo method to study the size and dynamics of a growing mural thrombus was set up in the rat femoral vein. The method uses a standardized crush injury to induce a thrombus, and a newly developed transilluminator combined with digital analysis of video recordings. Thrombi in this model formed rapidly, reaching a maximum size 391 ± 35 sec following injury, after which they degraded with a half-life of 197 ± 31 sec. Histological examination indicated that the thrombi consisted mainly of platelets. The quantitative nature of the transillumination technique was demonstrated by simultaneous measurement of the incorporation of 111In labeled platelets into the thrombus. Thrombus formation, studied at 30 min interval in both femoral veins, showed satisfactory reproducibility overall and within a given animalWith this method we were able to induce a thrombus using a clinically relevant injury and to monitor continuously and reproducibly the kinetics of thrombus formation in a vessel of clinically and surgically relevant size

scholarly journals MAGIC electromagnetic follow-up of gravitational wave alerts

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (S324) ◽  
pp. 287-290
Author(s):  
Barbara De Lotto ◽  
Stefano Ansoldi ◽  
Angelo Antonelli ◽  
Alessio Berti ◽  
Alessandro Carosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Gravitational Wave ◽  
Laser Interferometer ◽  
Cherenkov Telescopes ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Binary Black Hole ◽  
Set Up

AbstractThe year 2015 witnessed the first direct observations of a transient gravitational-wave (GW) signal from binary black hole mergers by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (aLIGO) Collaboration with the Virgo Collaboration. The MAGIC two 17m diameter Cherenkov telescopes system joined since 2014 the vast collaboration of electromagnetic facilities for follow-up of gravitational wave alerts. During the 2015 LIGO-Virgo science run we set up the procedure for GW alerts follow-up and took data following the last GW alert. MAGIC results on the data analysis and prospects for the forthcoming run are presented.

Smartphone-based DIY home microsurgical training with 3D printed microvascular clamps and Japanese noodles

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Yang Ng ◽  
Calum Honeyman ◽  
Alexandre G Lellouch ◽  
Ankur Pandya ◽  
Theodora Papavasiliou
Keyword(s):  
Back Wall ◽  
Internal Validation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Konjac Flour ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Set Up

We have recently incorporated simple modifications of the konjac flour noodle model to enable DIY home microsurgical training by (i) placing a smartphone on a mug to act as a microscope with at least 3.5-5x magnification, and (ii) rather than cannulating with a 22G needle as described by others, we have found that cannulation with a 23G needle followed by a second pass with an 18G needle will create a lumen (approx. 0.83 mm) without an overly thick and unrealistic “vessel” wall. The current set-up however, did not allow realistic evaluation of anastomotic patency as the noodles became macerated after application of standard microvascular clamps, which also did not facilitate practice of back-wall anastomoses. In order to simulate the actual operative environment as much as possible, we introduced the use of 3D printed microvascular clamps. These were modified from its previous iteration (suitable for use in silastic and chicken thigh vessels) and video recordings were submitted for internal validation by senior surgeons. A “wet” operative field where the knojac noodle lumen can be distended or collapsed, unlike other non-living models, was noted by senior surgeons. With the 3D clamps, the noodle could now be flipped over for back-wall anastomosis and allowed patency testing upon completion as it did not become macerated, unlike that from clinical microvascular clamps. The perceived advantages of this model are numerous. Not only does it comply with the 3Rs of simulation-based training, it can also reduce the associated costs of training by up to a hundred-fold or more when compared to a traditional rat course, and potentially, be extended to low-middle income countries (LMICs) without routine access to microsurgical training for capacity development. That it can be utilised remotely also bodes well with the current limitations on face to-face training due to COVID restrictions and lockdowns.

Interviews and Observation to Investigate Health Effects from Using Non-Keyboard Input Devices (NKID)

2000 ◽  
Vol 44 (30) ◽  
pp. 5-569-5-572 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Hastings ◽  
V Woods ◽  
R A Haslam ◽  
P Buckle
Keyword(s):  
Observational Data ◽  
Input Device ◽  
Input Devices ◽  
Keyboard Input ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Initial Results ◽  
Insight Into

In-depth interviews and observations have been undertaken with intensive and non-intensive non-keyboard input device (NKID) users. Fifty individuals at ten organisations were interviewed to gain insight into how users arrange their workstations and use NKID in connection with different tasks. Observational data have also been collected on posture and workstation set-up, with video recordings at all sites. Initial results are presented here based on the first twenty-five interviews. A wide range of NKID was seen at the organisations visited including the mouse, touchscreen, joystick, trackball, and tablet and pen. Users reported a range of problems associated with the use of some devices: maintenance issues, device responsiveness and size of devices were some of those mentioned. Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort was also reported, particularly in mouse users n=9 (36%) with reports of weakness, stiffness and discomfort in the hands and wrist. An important observation was the variety of configurations of workstation furniture and equipment, which in some cases, constrained the position of the input device in relation to the user. This may result in the users having to work with the input device at some distance away from their body.

scholarly journals Effect of Covering a Visitor Viewing Area Window on the Behaviour of Zoo-Housed Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor)

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1224
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Chiew ◽  
Kym L. Butler ◽  
Sally L. Sherwen ◽  
Grahame J. Coleman ◽  
Vicky Melfi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Visual Contact ◽  
Main Window ◽  
Tactile Contact ◽  
Zoo Animals ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Visitor Numbers ◽  
Little Penguin

Studies on the effects of visitors on zoo animals have shown mixed findings and as a result, the manner in which visitors affect zoo animals remains unclear for many species, including a rarely studied taxa such as penguins. Penguins are a common zoo-housed species and have been shown to display huddling, vigilance and avoidance towards zoo visitors which can be indicative of fear. Here, we examined the effects of covering one visitor viewing area window, out of four, on little penguin (Eudyptula minor) behaviours that may be indicative of fear. Two treatments were randomly imposed on different days: (1) The main visitor viewing area window, where most visitor-penguin interactions occurred, was uncovered (‘Main window uncovered’) and (2) The main visitor viewing area window was covered (‘Main window covered’). Penguin numbers and behaviour were recorded near the main visitor viewing area window and the three other visitor viewing area windows, as well as one area not visible to visitors (‘Corner’ area). Furthermore, visitor numbers and visitor behaviour were recorded at all four visitor viewing area windows. Covering the main visitor viewing area window reduced the proportion of visitors present at this window by about 85% (p < 0.001) and reduced potentially threatening visitor behaviours at this window such as tactile contact with the window, loud vocalisations and sudden movement (p < 0.05). When the main visitor viewing area window was covered, the proportion of penguins present increased by about 25% (p < 0.05), the proportion of visible penguins preening in the water increased by about 180% (p < 0.05) and the proportion of visible penguins vigilant decreased by about 70% (p < 0.05) in the area near this main window. A preference for the Corner area was also found whereby 59% and 49% of penguins were present in this area when the main window was uncovered and covered, respectively. These results provide limited evidence that the little penguins in this exhibit showed an aversion to the area near the main visitor viewing area window when it was uncovered based on the increased avoidance and vigilance and decreased preening in the water in this area. This suggests visitors may be fear-provoking for these little penguins. However, it is unclear whether visual contact with visitors per se or other aspects of visitor contact, such as visitor-induced sounds and vibrations, were responsible for this apparent aversion when this window was uncovered.

Interobserver Variations in Assessment of Antral Disease from Direct Sinoscopic Observations Compared to Video Recordings

1998 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viveka Westergren ◽  
Lars Lundblad ◽  
Toomas Timpka
Keyword(s):  
Expert Panel ◽  
Video Recording ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Individual Case ◽  
Video Tape ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Prospective Case Series ◽  
Κ Statistic ◽  
Case Knowledge

We tested the reliability of visual clinical sinoscopic observations by using video recordings. An edited video tape was made from the video-recorded bilateral antral sinoscopies of nine patients included in a prospective case series of inflammatory maxillary sinus disease in critically ill patients. An expert panel of four consultant ENT surgeons made individual appraisals of the video using a structured form. They had only been informed in general about the study, but had no further case knowledge in order to avoid all biases. Concordance and interobserver variabilities in the expert panel were compared in pairs. The assessments of the expert panel were compared with the observations of the performer, who was biased through individual case knowledge. Nine patients, either nasotracheally intubated or tracheotomized, had ventilator treatment for more than 7 days. One ENT surgeon performed all sinoscopies and made the direct observations. Satisfactory agreement was found on mucosal alterations. The concordance of recognizing bacterial infection was almost perfect. However, the assessment of redness from a video recording displayed only chance agreement. The differences between κ statistic values within the expert panel group compared to the comparisons of performer versus expert panel were not significant. The case knowledge of the sinoscopist did not alter the assessments markedly and thus seemed only to have minor influence. Video recording as a method for second opinion was shown to be a useful technique, but will have to be further developed.

scholarly journals Emerging New Farming Practices and their Impact on the Management of Woodlots in A1 Resettlement Areas of Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Tavonga Njaya ◽  
Nelson Mazuru
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Central Province ◽  
Farming Practices ◽  
Agricultural Technologies ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Positive Elements ◽  
The Government ◽  
Set Up ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Depth Interviews

The study reflected on the impact of new farming methods on the management of woodlots in A1 resettlement areas in Mashonaland Central Province in Zimbabwe. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews, direct observations and documentary review so as to triangulate the evidence. A structured household questionnaire was used to collect socio-economic and production data pertaining to A1 farms. The study revealed that the use of wood fuel in tobacco curing has contributed to the destruction of woodlots. Meanwhile, there is a gradual breakdown of local systems for natural resource management and the dearth of any emerging alternative institutions. The study recommended the integration of positive elements of traditional institutional set up of local communities to ensure sustainable use of natural resources and continued livelihood streams. The government should provide and empower A1 farmers with expertise on extension methods that focus on conservation and agricultural technologies that are environmentally friendly.

A Theological Understanding of Ancestor Veneration in the Bapedi Society as an Expression of Transcendence and Anticipation of Comfort and Hope

DIALOGO ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-118
Author(s):  
Morakeng Edward Kenneth Lebaka
Keyword(s):  
Eternal Life ◽  
Ancestor Veneration ◽  
Dead Person ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Resurrection Of The Dead ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Theological Understanding ◽  
Relationship Of

In the Bapedi society, ancestor veneration is one area that requires scholarly attention. Historically, in the indigenous Bapedi religion there is far greater acceptance that ancestors are in existence, and ancestor veneration and culture are related. A significant dimension in the role played by the ancestors in the Bapedi culture is how they are believed to transmit and safeguard life. Therefore, an investigation of ancestor veneration as a source of comfort and hope, in the context of Bapedi people’s religious and cultural rituals is inevitable. The present study investigated the Bapedi conception of death, its meaning, the significance of the rituals performed during and after death, and how Bapedi people conceive and deal with ancestor veneration. To achieve this, the study employed direct observations, video recordings, and informal interviews. Three interrelated research questions, therefore, guided this study: 1) Do Bapedi people believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life for the individual after death?; 2) Does the continuing relationship of ancestors with their families have medical, financial, moral, biological, and social implications for the living?; and 3) Do Bapedi people believe in reincarnation of a dead individual in the form of another individual still living, and particularly in the powerful spirit or soul of a dead person which still has a potent functional role which affects the still living? Findings of this study have shown that ancestor veneration seems to offer Bapedi people an opportunity to express their faith and confidence in their ancestors. It has become evident from a thorough analysis of the data that music is a societal need and appears to be an expression of the most basic values and feelings of the Bapedi people. It was concluded that ancestors have unlimited powers over the lives of the living, and there are no restrictions to either the chastisement or the blessings that they can confer on their descendants.

scholarly journals Development of an Automatic Alpine Skiing Turn Detection Algorithm Based on a Simple Sensor Setup

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 902 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Martínez ◽  
Rüdiger Jahnel ◽  
Michael Buchecker ◽  
Cory Snyder ◽  
Richard Brunauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Detection Algorithm ◽  
Simple System ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Alpine Skiing ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Anterior Posterior

In order to gain insight into skiing performance, it is necessary to determine the point where each turn begins. Recent developments in sensor technology have made it possible to develop simpler automatic turn detection methodologies, however they are not feasible for regular use. The aim of this study was to develop a sensor set up and an algorithm to precisely detect turns during alpine ski, which is feasible for a daily use. An IMU was attached to the posterior upper cuff of each ski boot. Turn movements were reproduced on a ski-ergometer at different turn durations and slopes. Algorithms were developed to analyze vertical, medio-lateral, anterior-posterior axes, and resultant accelerometer and gyroscope signals. Raw signals, and signals filtered with 3, 6, 9, and 12 Hz cut-offs were used to identify turn switch points. Video recordings were assessed to establish a reference turn-switch and precision (mean bias = 5.2, LoA = 51.4 ms). Precision was adjusted based on reference and the best signals were selected. The z-axis and resultant gyroscope signals, filtered at 3Hz are the most precise signals (0.056 and 0.063 s, respectively) to automatically detect turn switches during alpine skiing using this simple system.

scholarly journals Mating behaviours of Daphnia pulicaria, a cyclic parthenogen: comparisons with copepods

1998 ◽  
Vol 353 (1369) ◽  
pp. 805-815 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew C. Brewer
Keyword(s):  
Mating Behaviour ◽  
Encounter Rate ◽  
Daphnia Pulicaria ◽  
Conventional View ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Direct Observations ◽  
Rate Maximization ◽  
As Species ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Vertical Distributions

The pre–and post–contact mating behaviours of Daphnia pulicaria are investigated by direct observations of vertical distributions, swimming behaviours and male–female interactions. Analysis of vertical distributions in a 1 m deep, thermally stratified migration chamber reveals that females were always located in the upper layer of the water column but males exhibited a bimodal depth distribution, in which an individual's depth was a function of body length and water temperature. The observed distributions of males may be the result of several interacting pressures; predation avoidance, life–history optimization, and avoidance of assortative mating. Male swimming behaviour was faster and orthogonal to that of females, which is in agreement with the predictions of encounter–rate maximization models. Video recordings of males and females interacting in a 1–litre vessel showed that males both pursued and contacted other males more often than females. Thus, there was no evidence that Daphnia are able to use water–borne chemical signals to locate and identify potential mates. However, the average duration of male–female contacts (13.8 s) was much longer than those between males (1.6 s), suggesting that males can determine the sex of contacted individuals. Daphnia mating behaviour is significantly more complex than previously acknowledged. In contrast to the conventional view of Daphnia males swimming more–or–less randomly and mating with any individual encountered, they exhibit behaviours which increase the potential of mating with females while reducing the risk of predation. Several male behaviours, such as ‘scanning’ and the performance of area–restricted spirals upon encounter, are similar to those reported for some copepods and may be common to zooplankton that lack sophisticated chemosensory abilities. The possibility that Daphnia may also be able to assess such important female attributes as species and reproductive status is discussed.

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