scholarly journals Use of Predicted Behavior from Accelerometer Data Combined with GPS Data to Explore the Relationship between Dairy Cow Behavior and Pasture Characteristics

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (17) ◽  
pp. 4741
Author(s):  
Lucile Riaboff ◽  
Sébastien Couvreur ◽  
Aurélien Madouasse ◽  
Marie Roig-Pons ◽  
Sébastien Aubin ◽  
...  

Our aim in this study was to investigate whether the behaviors of dairy cows on pasture, predicted with accelerometer data and combined with GPS data, can be used to better understand the relationship between behaviors and pasture characteristics. During spring 2018, 26 Holstein cows were equipped with a 3D-accelerometer and a GPS sensor fixed on a neck-collar for five days. The cows grazed alternatively in permanent and in temporary grasslands. The structural elements, soil moisture, slope and botanical characteristics were identified. Behaviors were predicted every 10 s from the accelerometer data and combined with the GPS data. The time-budgets expressed in each characterized zone of 8 m × 8 m were calculated. The relation between the time-budgets and pasture characteristics was explored with a linear mixed model. In the permanent grassland, dairy cows spent more time under a tree to ruminate (p < 0.001) and to rest (p < 0.001) and more time to graze in areas with Holcus lanatus (p < 0.001). In the temporary grassland, behavior was influenced by the external environment (presence of other animals on the farm; p < 0.05). Thus, this methodology seems relevant to better understand the relationship between the behaviors of dairy cows and grazing conditions to develop precision grazing.

Author(s):  
Alice Iannaccone ◽  
Daniele Conte ◽  
Cristina Cortis ◽  
Andrea Fusco

Internal load can be objectively measured by heart rate-based models, such as Edwards’ summated heart rate zones, or subjectively by session rating of perceived exertion. The relationship between internal loads assessed via heart rate-based models and session rating of perceived exertion is usually studied through simple correlations, although the Linear Mixed Model could represent a more appropriate statistical procedure to deal with intrasubject variability. This study aimed to compare conventional correlations and the Linear Mixed Model to assess the relationships between objective and subjective measures of internal load in team sports. Thirteen male youth beach handball players (15.9 ± 0.3 years) were monitored (14 training sessions; 7 official matches). Correlation coefficients were used to correlate the objective and subjective internal load. The Linear Mixed Model was used to model the relationship between objective and subjective measures of internal load data by considering each player individual response as random effect. Random intercepts were used and then random slopes were added. The likelihood-ratio test was used to compare statistical models. The correlation coefficient for the overall relationship between the objective and subjective internal data was very large (r = 0.74; ρ = 0.78). The Linear Mixed Model using both random slopes and random intercepts better explained (p < 0.001) the relationship between internal load measures. Researchers are encouraged to apply the Linear Mixed Models rather than correlation to analyze internal load relationships in team sports since it allows for the consideration of the individuality of players.


Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 722
Author(s):  
Bethan Cavendish ◽  
John McDonagh ◽  
Georgios Tzimiropoulos ◽  
Kimberley R. Slinger ◽  
Zoë J. Huggett ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to characterize calving behavior of dairy cows and to compare the duration and frequency of behaviors for assisted and unassisted dairy cows at calving. Behavioral data from nine hours prior to calving were collected for 35 Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. Cows were continuously monitored under 24 h video surveillance. The behaviors of standing, lying, walking, shuffle, eating, drinking and contractions were recorded for each cow until birth. A generalized linear mixed model was used to assess differences in the duration and frequency of behaviors prior to calving for assisted and unassisted cows. The nine hours prior to calving was assessed in three-hour time periods. The study found that the cows spent a large proportion of their time either lying (0.49) or standing (0.35), with a higher frequency of standing (0.36) and shuffle (0.26) bouts than other behaviors during the study. There were no differences in behavior between assisted and unassisted cows. During the three-hours prior to calving, the duration and bouts of lying, including contractions, were higher than during other time periods. While changes in behavior failed to identify an association with calving assistance, the monitoring of behavioral patterns could be used as an alert to the progress of parturition.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sebastiano Salvidio ◽  
Andrea Costa ◽  
Fabrizio Oneto

Abstract Animal personality is a relatively neglected field in amphibian research. In this study we assessed the influence of stomach flushing, a non-lethal technique used in amphibian dietary studies, on the boldness behaviour of the cave salamander Speleomantes strinatii. The time of emergence from a shelter located in an unfamiliar environment (a proxy for individual boldness) was measured in 26 cave salamanders before and after stomach flushing, while 14 non-flushed salamanders were tested as controls. Boldness was a repeatable behaviour for salamanders and larger individuals emerged from their shelter more rapidly than smaller ones. Linear mixed model analysis showed that flushing, sex and body condition had no effect on this behaviour. These findings are promising in the framework of the study of salamander personality. In particular, our results will be useful when exploring the relationship between individual trophic strategy and boldness, aggression or exploration behaviours in terrestrial salamanders.


2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Bhome ◽  
A. Zarkali ◽  
G. E. C. Thomas ◽  
J. E. Iglesias ◽  
J. H. Cole ◽  
...  

AbstractDepression is a common non-motor feature of Parkinson’s disease (PD) which confers significant morbidity and is challenging to treat. The thalamus is a key component in the basal ganglia-thalamocortical network critical to the pathogenesis of PD and depression but the precise thalamic subnuclei involved in PD depression have not been identified. We performed structural and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on 76 participants with PD to evaluate the relationship between PD depression and grey and white matter thalamic subnuclear changes. We used a thalamic segmentation method to divide the thalamus into its 50 constituent subnuclei (25 each hemisphere). Fixel-based analysis was used to calculate mean fibre cross-section (FC) for white matter tracts connected to each subnucleus. We assessed volume and FC at baseline and 14–20 months follow-up. A generalised linear mixed model was used to evaluate the relationship between depression, subnuclei volume and mean FC for each thalamic subnucleus. We found that depression scores in PD were associated with lower right pulvinar anterior (PuA) subnucleus volume. Antidepressant use was associated with higher right PuA volume suggesting a possible protective effect of treatment. After follow-up, depression scores were associated with reduced white matter tract macrostructure across almost all tracts connected to thalamic subnuclei. In conclusion, our work implicates the right PuA as a relevant neural structure in PD depression and future work should evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target for PD depression.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Meseck ◽  
Marta M. Jankowska ◽  
Jasper Schipperijn ◽  
Loki Natarajan ◽  
Suneeta Godbole ◽  
...  

The main purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of global positioning system (GPS) signal lapse on physical activity analyses, discover any existing associations between missing GPS data and environmental and demographics attributes, and to determine whether imputation is an accurate and viable method for correcting GPS data loss. Accelerometer and GPS data of 782 participants from 8 studies were pooled to represent a range of lifestyles and interactions with the built environment. Periods of GPS signal lapse were identified and extracted. Generalised linear mixed models were run with the number of lapses and the length of lapses as outcomes. The signal lapses were imputed using a simple ruleset, and imputation was validated against person-worn camera imagery. A final generalised linear mixed model was used to identify the difference between the amount of GPS minutes pre- and post-imputation for the activity categories of sedentary, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Over 17% of the dataset was comprised of GPS data lapses. No strong associations were found between increasing lapse length and number of lapses and the demographic and built environment variables. A significant difference was found between the pre- and postimputation minutes for each activity category. No demographic or environmental bias was found for length or number of lapses, but imputation of GPS data may make a significant difference for inclusion of physical activity data that occurred during a lapse. Imputing GPS data lapses is a viable technique for returning spatial context to accelerometer data and improving the completeness of the dataset.


2019 ◽  
Vol 157 (03) ◽  
pp. 254-259
Author(s):  
R. Rahbar ◽  
A. Sadeghi-Sefidmazgi ◽  
R. Abdullahpour ◽  
A. Nejati-Javaremi

AbstractHeat stress, especially in countries with hot climates, is a major cause of low fertility in high-producing dairy herds. Management strategies are needed to help producers improve the reproductive performance of their dairy animals under such conditions. The current study aims to evaluate the effects of pre- and post-milking insemination on the conception rate (CR) in dairy cows. The dataset included 1294 insemination records leading to pregnancy in 708 lactating Holstein dairy cows. The GLIMMIX model procedure of SAS based on the generalized linear mixed model methodology was used to analyse the results of insemination (success or failure) as a binomial distribution with the logit link function. Differences were observed in CRs between pre- and post-milking insemination. The pregnancy odds ratio (OR) for post-milking insemination relative to that for pre-milking one was estimated at 1.90 [1.23‒2.91; 95% confidence interval (CI)]. Different levels of interaction were obtained between average daily milk production and time of insemination. In the high-producing group, the pregnancy OR for the post-milking relative to that for the pre-milking insemination was estimated at 3.53 (2.00‒6.24; 95% CI). A significant interaction effect was obtained between insemination time and the temperature-humidity index. A pregnancy OR of 2.52 (1.22‒4.14; 95% CI) was recorded for the cows inseminated after milking on days with higher levels of heat and humidity stress v. the pre-milking inseminated ones. Based on the results, post-milking insemination of high-producing cows increased CRs, especially on days with high heat and humidity stress.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 93-93
Author(s):  
Chloe Marie Maxwell-Smith ◽  
Paul Andrew Cohen ◽  
Cameron Platell ◽  
Patrick Tan ◽  
Jason Tan ◽  
...  

93 Background: Efforts to increase physical activity in cancer survivors have typically been facility-based, and results have generally not been durable. Home-based interventions provide a more feasible option, and are likely to produce longer-lasting benefits. Wearable trackers present a novel opportunity for monitoring physical activity in a practical way. The Health Action Process Approach model suggests that strategies such as action-planning and overcoming barriers may be effective for transitioning individuals from intention to behavioural change. This trial aims to increase physical activity in cancer survivors at cardiovascular risk, by implementing a 24-week self-monitoring and action-planning intervention using Fitbits. Methods: Sixty-eight cancer survivors were recruited to participate in the trial. Eligibility criteria included: insufficiently physically active, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, and completion of active cancer treatment in the five years prior to recruitment. Trial assessments are performed at baseline, 12-weeks, and 24-weeks, and measure physical activity (using 7-day accelerometer data), BMI, blood pressure, physical activity attitudes, barriers and perceived outcomes. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups, following the baseline assessment. Each participant in the treatment group was given a Fitbit Alta to monitor activity for the 24-week trial, attended two 2-hour group sessions involving goal-setting and action-planning activities, and a follow-up phone call to ensure program adherence. Results: Data collection is currently underway. Data analysis will use the Group x Time interaction from a General Linear Mixed Model analysis. Conclusions: As the population of cancer survivors is largely inactive and at cardiovascular risk, interventions are warranted. Specifically, physical activity interventions that are feasible, have robust theoretical underpinnings, and suit the preferences of cancer survivors post-treatment, show promise as a long-term solution. Clinical trial information: 2617000131358.


Author(s):  
Alice Iannaccone ◽  
Andrea Fusco ◽  
Antanas Skarbalius ◽  
Audinga Kniubaite ◽  
Cristina Cortis ◽  
...  

Purpose: Assessing the relationship between external load (EL) and internal load (IL) in youth male beach handball players. Methods: A total of 11 field players from the Lithuanian U17 beach handball team were monitored across 14 training sessions and 7 matches. The following EL variables were assessed by means of inertial movement units: PlayerLoad™, accelerations, decelerations, changes of direction, and jumps and total of inertial movements. IL was assessed objectively and subjectively using the summated heart rate zones and training load calculated via session rating of perceived exertion, respectively. Spearman correlations (ρ) were used to assess the relationship between EL and IL. The interindividual variability was investigated using linear mixed models with random intercepts with IL as dependent variable, PlayerLoad™ as the independent variable, and players as random effect. Results: The lowest significant (P < .05) relationship was for high jumps with objective (ρ = .56) and subjective (ρ = .49) IL. The strongest relationship was for PlayerLoad™ with objective (ρ = .9) and subjective (ρ = .84) IL. From the linear mixed model, the estimated SD of the random intercepts was 19.78 arbitrary units (95% confidence interval, 11.75–33.31); SE = 5.26, and R2 = .47 for the objective IL and 6.03 arbitrary units (95% confidence interval, 0.00–7330.6); SE = 21.87; and R2 = .71 for the subjective IL. Conclusions: Objective and subjective IL measures can be used as a monitoring tool when EL monitoring is not possible. Coaches can predict IL based on a given EL by using the equations proposed in this study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 108-108
Author(s):  
Nicole B Perez ◽  
Allison Vorderstrasse ◽  
Gary Yu ◽  
Jacquelyn Taylor

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: To examine the relationship between epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) and depressive symptoms in a cohort of African American women (AAW) with cardiometabolic conditions (CMC) including hypertension, diabetes, obesity; and to explore clinical phenotypes of depressive symptoms in this population. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This secondary analysis utilized genomic and longitudinal clinical data from AAW in the InterGEN cohort (n = 250). EWAS data was used to estimate EAA based on the Horvath method, which incorporates the DNA methylation statuses at 353 specific CpG sites and regresses this epigenetic age on chronological age to determine EAA. Pearson’s correlations and linear regression will be used to examine the relationship between EAA and depressive symptoms and a linear mixed model will investigate this relationship over four time points during a two-year period. Clinical phenotyping of depressive symptoms will be explored using a cluster analysis. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Analysis is underway and will be complete by the time of presentation. We hypothesize that higher EAA will associate with higher depressive symptoms and poorer trajectories over time. We expect that this relationship may be meditated by the presence of CMCs. Exploratory analysis of clinical phenotyping is expected to provide descriptive evidence with respect to specific depressive symptoms or clusters which are most associated with EAA and CMCs. These results will address several gaps. To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship of EAA and depressive symptoms considering the role of CMC, in a historically understudied population with disproportionate risk. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Depression limits life quality and quantity and is highly comorbid in CMC. AAW have high risk of comorbidity, and this study furthers knowledge of depression and aging with a clinically accessible marker and aids recognition of a heterogenous phenotype in an undertreated population.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3431
Author(s):  
Erin D. Clarke ◽  
Megan E. Rollo ◽  
Clare E. Collins ◽  
Lisa Wood ◽  
Robin Callister ◽  
...  

Urinary polyphenol metabolites are potential biomarkers of dietary polyphenol intake. The current study aims to evaluate associations between total diet, vegetable and fruit polyphenol intakes with urinary polyphenol metabolite concentrations in a sample of adults prescribed a diet rich in vegetables and fruit. Thirty-four participants completed a 10-week pre-post study. Participants were asked to consume Australian recommended daily vegetable and fruit serves and attend measurement sessions at baseline and at weeks 2 and 10. Two 24-h diet recalls were collected at each time-point and polyphenol intakes were calculated using the Phenol-Explorer database. Spot urine samples, collected at each time-point, were analyzed for 15 polyphenol metabolites using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Spearman’s correlation analyzes assessed the strength of relationships between urinary and dietary polyphenols. Linear mixed models were used to investigate relationships between polyphenol excretion and intake. Total urinary polyphenols were significantly correlated with total polyphenol intakes at week 10 (rs = 0.47) and fruit polyphenols at week 2 (rs = 0.38). Hippuric acid was significantly correlated with vegetable polyphenols at baseline (rs = 0.39). Relationships were identified between individual polyphenol metabolites and vegetable and fruit polyphenols. Linear mixed model analyzes identified that for every 1 mg increase in polyphenol intakes, urinary polyphenol excretion increased by 16.3 nmol/g creatinine. Although the majority of relationships were not sufficiently strong or consistent at different time-points, promising relationships were observed between total urinary polyphenols and total polyphenol intakes, and hippuric acid and vegetable polyphenols.


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