scholarly journals Characterizing abnormal behavior in a large population of zoo-housed chimpanzees: prevalence and potential influencing factors

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah L. Jacobson ◽  
Stephen R. Ross ◽  
Mollie A. Bloomsmith
Keyword(s):  
Large Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
Abnormal Behaviors ◽  
Animal Care ◽  
Recent Claim ◽  
Poor Welfare

Abnormal behaviors in captive animals are generally defined as behaviors that are atypical for the species and are often considered to be indicators of poor welfare. Although some abnormal behaviors have been empirically linked to conditions related to elevated stress and compromised welfare in primates, others have little or no evidence on which to base such a relationship. The objective of this study was to investigate a recent claim that abnormal behavior is endemic in the captive population by surveying a broad sample of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), while also considering factors associated with the origins of these behaviors. We surveyed animal care staff from 26 accredited zoos to assess the prevalence of abnormal behavior in a large sample of chimpanzees in the United States for which we had information on origin and rearing history. Our results demonstrated that 64% of this sample was reported to engage in some form of abnormal behavior in the past two years and 48% of chimpanzees engaged in abnormal behavior other than coprophagy. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the historical variables that best predicted the occurrence of all abnormal behavior, any abnormal behavior that was not coprophagy, and coprophagy. Rearing had opposing effects on the occurrence of coprophagy and the other abnormal behaviors such that mother-reared individuals were more likely to perform coprophagy, whereas non-mother-reared individuals were more likely to perform other abnormal behaviors. These results support the assertion that coprophagy may be classified separately when assessing abnormal behavior and the welfare of captive chimpanzees. This robust evaluation of the prevalence of abnormal behavior in our sample from the U.S. zoo population also demonstrates the importance of considering the contribution of historical variables to present behavior, in order to better understand the causes of these behaviors and any potential relationship to psychological wellbeing.

scholarly journals The effects of dietary changes on chimpanzee behavior

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Fultz ◽  
Raven Jackson-Jewett ◽  
Kathleen Taylor ◽  
Connie Philipp ◽  
Akie Yanagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Research Council ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Dietary Changes ◽  
Advisory Groups ◽  
Limited Food ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Animal Care

Captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) often suffer from obesity-related health issues including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It is becoming increasingly common to house captive chimpanzees in large social groups, which may increase aggression due to the competition over limited food resources. In order to improve the health of sanctuary chimpanzees at Chimp Haven, Inc, USA. we recently made some modifications to the chimpanzee’s diet. Diet formulations were created by our veterinarian using recommendations from Association of Zoos and Aquariums Nutrition Advisory Groups and National Research Council guidelines on daily nonhuman primate caloric needs. The current study examined behavioral changes in the chimpanzees when diet modifications included a reduction in the overall amount of produce given. As dietary changes were being implemented, animal care staff voiced concerns over the possibility of increased competition, abnormal behavior and aggression with the reduction in the amount of produce provided. We observed six groups of chimpanzees (N = 85; M = 34 F = 51, age: range 3-55, mean = 27.8) when produce was provided in the morning and afternoon for seven weeks before and three weeks after the dietary changes were made. We completed two 30 minute scans with six minute intervals per week on each group for a total of 820 scans. Groups ranged in size from 11-23 members (mean = 14.33). Although we found no significant changes in aggressive behavior after the dietary changes (t = .007, p = .99), there was a non-significant tendency towards an increase in abnormal behavior (t = 2.30, p = .06).

scholarly journals The effects of dietary changes on chimpanzee behavior

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Fultz ◽  
Raven Jackson-Jewett ◽  
Kathleen Taylor ◽  
Connie Philipp ◽  
Akie Yanagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Research Council ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Dietary Changes ◽  
Advisory Groups ◽  
Limited Food ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Animal Care

Captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) often suffer from obesity-related health issues including arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It is becoming increasingly common to house captive chimpanzees in large social groups, which may increase aggression due to the competition over limited food resources. In order to improve the health of sanctuary chimpanzees at Chimp Haven, Inc, USA. we recently made some modifications to the chimpanzee’s diet. Diet formulations were created by our veterinarian using recommendations from Association of Zoos and Aquariums Nutrition Advisory Groups and National Research Council guidelines on daily nonhuman primate caloric needs. The current study examined behavioral changes in the chimpanzees when diet modifications included a reduction in the overall amount of produce given. As dietary changes were being implemented, animal care staff voiced concerns over the possibility of increased competition, abnormal behavior and aggression with the reduction in the amount of produce provided. We observed six groups of chimpanzees (N = 85; M = 34 F = 51, age: range 3-55, mean = 27.8) when produce was provided in the morning and afternoon for seven weeks before and three weeks after the dietary changes were made. We completed two 30 minute scans with six minute intervals per week on each group for a total of 820 scans. Groups ranged in size from 11-23 members (mean = 14.33). Although we found no significant changes in aggressive behavior after the dietary changes (t = .007, p = .99), there was a non-significant tendency towards an increase in abnormal behavior (t = 2.30, p = .06).

scholarly journals Face Covered and Six Feet Apart: Behavioral Awareness Predicts Greater Adherence to Public Health Guidelines during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (16) ◽  
pp. 8247
Author(s):  
Alyssa Schneider ◽  
Emily B. Kroska
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Amazon's Mechanical Turk ◽  
Predictors Of Adherence ◽  
Close Contacts

The COVID-19 pandemic has deleteriously impacted physical and mental health. Guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 include wearing a face covering in public, limiting close contacts, and physical distancing. In combatting this and future pandemics, it is essential to understand predictors of adherence, such as psychological flexibility. We hypothesized higher psychological flexibility would relate to greater adherence to public health guidelines. Participants (n = 265) were English-reading/speaking adults in the United States and were recruited through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk. Included in the present analyses are data from June (n = 360) and July 2020 (n = 265). Measures included the Comprehensive Assessment of ACT Processes (CompACT), which measured psychological flexibility. Outcome measures included mask-wearing and number of close contacts, which were operationalized categorically (100% mask-wearing in public, ≤10 close contacts in past week). Two logistic regression models examined psychological flexibility and distress as predictors of adherence to mask-wearing and limiting close contacts, while controlling for demographic correlates. Results indicated that greater behavioral awareness predicted greater odds of mask-wearing and limiting close contacts. Psychological flexibility, and behavioral awareness specifically, should be investigated in future research as targets for intervention amidst global disasters.

Examination of Sleep and Obesity in Children and Adolescents in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 089011712110291
Author(s):  
Puneet Kaur Chehal ◽  
Livvy Shafer ◽  
Solveig Argeseanu Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
The United States ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Child Height ◽  
Nationally Representative

Purpose: This study contributes to the growing literature on the association between sleep and obesity by examining the associations between hours of sleep, consistency of bedtime, and obesity among children in the US. Design: Analysis of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized children from the 2016-17 National Survey of Children’s Health. Setting: US, national. Subjects: Children ages 10-17 years (n = 34,640) Measures: Parent reported weeknight average hours of sleep and consistency of bedtime. Body mass index classified as underweight, normal, overweight or obesity using parent-reported child height and weight information, classified using CDC BMI-for-Age Growth Charts. Analysis: Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between measures of sleep and body mass index weight category adjusting for individual, household and neighborhood characteristics. Results: An additional hour of sleep was associated with 10.8% lower odds of obesity, net of consistency in bedtime. After controlling for sleep duration, children who usually went to bed at the same time on weeknights had lower odds of obesity (24.8%) relative to children who always went to bed at the same time. Conclusion: Sleep duration is predictive of lower odds of obesity in US children and adolescents. Some variability in weeknight bedtime is associated with lower odds of obesity, though there were no additional benefits to extensive variability in bedtime.

scholarly journals Understanding contributors to quality of care in long-term care and changes under COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 960-960
Author(s):  
Sara Luck ◽  
Katie Aubrecht
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Qualitative Description ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Term Care ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Nursing home facilities are responsible for providing care for some of the most vulnerable groups in society, including the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. In times of crisis, such as COVID-19 or other pandemics, the delivery of ‘regular’ care can be significantly impacted. In relation to COVID-19, there is an insufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) to care for residents, as PPE not only protects care staff but also residents. Nursing homes across the United States and Canada have also taken protective measures to maximize the safety of residents by banning visitors, stopping all group activities, and increasing infection control measures. This presentation shares a research protocol and early findings from a study investigating the impact of COVID-19 on quality of care in residential long-term care (LTC) in the Canadian province of New Brunswick. This study used a qualitative description design to explore what contributes to quality of care for residents living in long-term care, and how this could change in times of crisis from the perspective of long-term care staff. Interviews were conducted with a broad range of staff at one LTC home. A semi-structured interview guide and approach to thematic analysis was framed by a social ecological perspective, making it possible to include the individual and proximal social influences as well as community, organizations, and policy influencers. Insights gained will improve the understanding of quality of care, as well as potential barriers and facilitators to care during times of crisis.

scholarly journals Type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis in a dynamic bi-national border population

2006 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. I. RESTREPO ◽  
S. P. FISHER-HOCH ◽  
J. G. CRESPO ◽  
E. WHITNEY ◽  
A. PEREZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Large Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
South Texas ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Mexico Border ◽  
Northeastern Mexico ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Border Population

The epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the United States prompted us to explore the association between diabetes and tuberculosis (TB) on the South Texas–Mexico border, in a large population of mostly non-hospitalized TB patients. We examined 6 years of retrospective data from all TB patients (n=5049) in South Texas and northeastern Mexico and found diabetes self-reported by 27·8% of Texan and 17·8% of Mexican TB patients, significantly exceeding national self-reported diabetes rates for both countries. Diabetes comorbidity substantially exceeded that of HIV/AIDS. Patients with TB and diabetes were older, more likely to have haemoptysis, pulmonary cavitations, be smear positive at diagnosis, and remain positive at the end of the first (Texas) or second (Mexico) month of treatment. The impact of type 2 diabetes on TB is underappreciated, and in the light of its epidemic status in many countries, it should be actively considered by TB control programmes, particularly in older patients.

Couple Religiosity and Well-Being Among Older Adults in the United States

2021 ◽  
pp. 089826432110421
Author(s):  
Laura Upenieks ◽  
Jeremy E. Uecker ◽  
Markus H. Schafer
Keyword(s):  
Social Life ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Older Couples ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Ordered Logistic Regression ◽  
Individual Trait ◽  
The Us ◽  
Married Men

Objectives: This article evaluates whether couples’ religious similarity is consequential for the health of older married men and women. Alternatively, we examine whether women’s religiosity alone is health-protective to their husbands . Methods: Using dyadic data from the US National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, a representative sample of 913 individuals ages 62–91 plus their marital partners, we perform latent-class analysis to separate older couples into classes based on religious characteristics. Ordered logistic regression models are then used to assess whether different combinations of religious (dis)similarity are associated with married men and women’s well-being. Results: We find that older women in highly religious, homogamous marriages report better mental and physical health relative to women in heterogamous and secular (non-religious) marriages. No significant associations were observed for men. Discussion: Our results emphasize that religiosity is not only an individual trait—dis/similarities within a couple have important implications for older women’s well-being.

scholarly journals A Novel Detection Framework for Detecting Abnormal Human Behavior

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Chengfei Wu ◽  
Zixuan Cheng
Keyword(s):  
Human Behavior ◽  
Public Safety ◽  
Space Time ◽  
Abnormal Behavior ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Time Block ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Behavior Detection ◽  
Abnormal Behavior Detection ◽  
Abnormal Behaviors

Public safety issues have always been the focus of widespread concern of people from all walks of life. With the development of video detection technology, the detection of abnormal human behavior in videos has become the key to preventing public safety issues. Particularly, in student groups, the detection of abnormal human behavior is very important. Most existing abnormal human behavior detection algorithms are aimed at outdoor activity detection, and the indoor detection effects of these algorithms are not ideal. Students spend most of their time indoors, and modern classrooms are mostly equipped with monitoring equipment. This study focuses on the detection of abnormal behaviors of indoor humans and uses a new abnormal behavior detection framework to realize the detection of abnormal behaviors of indoor personnel. First, a background modeling method based on a Gaussian mixture model is used to segment the background image of each image frame in the video. Second, block processing is performed on the image after segmenting the background to obtain the space-time block of each frame of the image, and this block is used as the basic representation of the detection object. Third, the foreground image features of each space-time block are extracted. Fourth, fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) is used to detect outliers in the data sample. The contribution of this paper is (1) the use of an abnormal human behavior detection framework that is effective indoors. Compared with the existing abnormal human behavior detection methods, the detection framework in this paper has a little difference in terms of its outdoor detection effects. (2) Compared with other detection methods, the detection framework used in this paper has a better detection effect for abnormal human behavior indoors, and the detection performance is greatly improved. (3) The detection framework used in this paper is easy to implement and has low time complexity. Through the experimental results obtained on public and manually created data sets, it can be demonstrated that the performance of the detection framework used in this paper is similar to those of the compared methods in outdoor detection scenarios. It has a strong advantage in terms of indoor detection. In summary, the proposed detection framework has a good practical application value.

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