Animal-Human Interaction

Previous research has demonstrated that factors associated with habitat fragmentation, such as fragment size,
habitat degradation, and human presence, influence both parasite prevalence and richness in monkeys. The current
research explored parasite prevalence in three troops of mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) at La Suerte
Biological Field Station, Costa Rica. We hypothesized that monkeys residing in a small forest fragment (20 ha,
primary vegetation) would have higher parasite prevalence than monkeys in a large forest fragment (200 ha,
secondary vegetation) due to smaller home range sizes and higher conspecific density. Fecal samples from two troops
of monkeys in the small fragment (troops A and B=24 samples each) and one troop in the large fragment (troop G=22
samples) were analyzed for parasites using fecal sedimentation and flotation procedures. Pinworm eggs and
Strongylid sp. eggs and worms were present. Samples were divided into low prevalence (0–100) and high prevalence
(100+) for comparison. There was no significant difference in parasite prevalence among the three troops,
χ²(2)=0.0157, N=70, P=0.99. This may be due to the proximity of each troops’ home range to the La Suerte river and
agricultural fields. Additionally, the smaller fragment was populated by more Ficus trees which have been suggested
to be used by monkeys to self-medicate.

"Relationships between humans and non-human animals are deeply complex and often governed by tensions and paradoxes. Both wild and domestic, metaphorical and real, assistants and adversaries, animals effortlessly bridge cultural and natural spaces and form an integral part of human lives. This volume addresses several currently debated topics in science and culture: How shall we rethink, rebuild and re-envision our relationships with other animals? How do we construct ideas of 'the animal'? How can we negotiate animal interests against our own? In which ways do we make sense - and use - of animals in 'human' cultural spaces? Addressing the non-human animal from the standpoint of various social and cultural constructions from a global and multidisciplinary perspective, the chapters within this volume do not seek to answer these questions, but rather to draw attention to the complexity of the underlying issues and the manifold dimensions of the animal-human bond."

The term zoopharmacognosy was first introduced in 1987 as a multidisciplinary study of the self-medication behavior of many kinds of animals. Humans and non-human animals have been observing and interacting with each other since prehistoric times and learning about nature together. Humans have probably been aware for a long time that animals used specific substances in certain ways when they were sick and that this sometimes helped them to heal. Thanks to zoopharmacognosy, we are beginning to learn more concrete aspects of this relatively new branch of science that deals with how animals treat disease with organic or inorganic substances that they find in their environment. In some cases, they even seem to use plants or other natural items as drugs in a very similar way to ourselves in order to treat the very same symptoms that we do. Although zoopharmacognosy is a young science, in this study we searched for and analyzed the relevant early data and precedents in published papers and from historical sources that endorse the remarkable antiquity of the attention and concern of humankind for it.

Enjoying the company of a good-natured dog can lend support to a person in a stressful situation. This presence brings benefits across different areas of human well-being and leads to a decrease in levels of sympathetic activation and subjective distress which are triggered in social anxiety situations. This study seeks to provide evidence of these benefits relative to physiological variables-heart rate and blood pressure-as well as a subjective variable, namely anxiety. Thirty-six university students (80% female, M=22.4, SD=4,32) exposed to a stress-induced situation using the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) participated in the study. This type of scenario produces an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and subjective anxiety levels. The decline in these variable levels was assessed based on whether the participants were alone or accompanied by a friendly dog. Through random selection, half of the students could pet the animal during the stress-induced phase (experimental group), whereas the other half had a toy dog to hold (control group). The levels of all three dependent variables were recorded at three different stages: the pretest relaxation phase, the stress-and anxiety-induced test phase, and the relaxation or return-to-calm posttest phase. The results revealed that the dog's presence during the test phase considerably reduced the levels of anxiety and heart rate experienced by the experimental group participants compared to the control group. No significant differences in blood pressure were observed between both groups during this phase. The results of this research coincide with earlier studies that report on the beneficial effects of human-animal interaction, while highlighting the importance of analyzing this interaction in the field of psychology.

Our present seems to be sliding further and further towards an apocalyptic future amidst the crises of increasingly authoritarian capitalism, rising social and economic violence and division and environmental devastation all overshadowed by the impending collapse of the conditions of possibility for life (as we know it) on Earth. What’s more is that the situation seems inescapable; faith in emancipatory projects for a radically altered and more just world left the scene a long time ago. Dystopian imaginings once felt impossible are daily becoming lived realities. The collective pronouns expressed thus far are decidedly human, and the crises this ‘we’ faces are decidedly anthropogenic. Speciesism, as Ghassan Hage has argued in regard to racism, is an environmental threat. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organisation claims animal agriculture is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions. Such arguments importantly demand change for the safe future of humanity, but in this paper I seek instead to expand our understanding of the collective of sufferers caught in our dystopian present and for whom a better future should be fought for. In drawing on perspectives that take our animal others seriously, we are not only forced to account for the workings of totalising dystopian realities  (think ‘industrial slaughter’, ‘factory farming’, ‘land clearing’) that offer insight into myriad human plights but also gifted a heritage of struggle and solidarity that is avowedly and transgressively utopian. Focusing on acts of human-animal resistance that transcend the species barrier and evidence a utopian desire working against the (also anthropogenic) limits of the possible reminds us that such desire exists as a necessary condition for a (more just) future.  Broadening the horizons for justice beyond the human may be, in fact, our only chance for survival.

Modern zoos strive to educate visitors about zoo animals and their wild counterparts' conservation needs while fostering appreciation for wildlife in general. This research review examines how zoos influence those who visit them. Much of the research to-date examines zoo visitors' behaviors and perceptions in relation to specific exhibits, animals, and/or programs. In general, visitors have more positive perceptions and behaviors about zoos, their animals, and conservation initiatives the more they interact with animals, naturalistic exhibits, and zoo programming/staff. Furthermore, zoo visitors are receptive to conservation messaging and initiatives at zoos and are more likely to participate in on-site conservation opportunities as opposed to after their visits. The research also suggests that repeat visitors are even more inclined to seek out conservation efforts compared to those visiting zoos for the first time. While current research suggests that repeat visitors are more likely to engage in conservation efforts, little is known about causal factors related to such findings, and almost no research exists to-date comparing the conservation efforts of visitors vs. non-visitors. This latter comparison will likely play a greater role in future zoo visitor research, since it poses one of the most important metrics for evaluating the specific effects visiting a zoo can have on people engaging in conservation efforts in general.

The present study investigated the effect of pet interaction on stress reduction and positive mood enhancement among pet-owners and non-owners. Sample of pet-owners (n = 90) and non-owners (n = 90) was taken from University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. Both, male and female participants were included in the sample. The instruments used were Short Stress State Questionnaire (Helton, 2004), Brief Mood Introspection Scale (Mayer & Gaschke, 1988) and Pet Interaction Observation Checklist. Data was statistically analyzed by one way Analysis of Variance and Independent Sample t-test. Reduction in stress and increase in positive mood were found for both pet-owners and non-owners for the pet interaction groups as compared to control groups. However, no significant differences were found between the dog interaction group and cat interaction group for both pet owners and non-owners. Moreover, pet-owners had lower scores on stress and higher scores on positive mood after pet interaction as compared to non-owners. Lastly, it was shown that individuals who interacted with pets for more than five minutes had lower scores on stress and higher scores on positive mood as compared to those who interacted for five minutes or less.

Present research was intended to investigate the relationship between pet attachment and empathy among young adults. CENSHARE Pet Attachment Survey (Holcomb, Williams, & Richards, 1985) was used to measure pet attachment and Multi-Dimensional Scale of Emotional Empathy (Caruso & Mayer, 1998) was used to measure empathy. Sample which included young adults (N = 250) within the age range of 18 to 26 years (M = 21.16; SD = 2.10), was taken from both public and private universities. The results showed significant positive relationship between pet attachment and empathy. Further, the result showed women scoring higher on pet attachment and empathy as compared to men. Pet owners spending less time with their pets showed stronger pet attachment. Significant predicting role of pet attachment was shown for empathy, with highest variance shown with intimacy component of pet attachment for the empathy dimension of feeling for others, then responsive crying, empathy and emotional attention respectively. Lastly, significant moderating role of gender for the effect of pet attachment on empathy was shown, with women scoring higher than men on empathy with increasing pet attachment.


Author's Note.
In the research article, a piece of information regarding the CENSHARE Pet Attachment Survey is missing. It was adapted in the present study. After conducting a pilot study which led to the discovery of confusion on part of the participants with the existing 4-point Likert scale and for analysis purpose, the coding of the responses was reversed such that "Almost Never" was coded as 1 and "Almost Always" was coded as 4. The results and consequent discussion is based on this reversed coding schedule.

Background: Taeniasis and cysticercosis are two diseases caused by Taenia solium, a parasite transmitted between humans and pigs, leading to considerable economic loss and disabilities. Transmission of the parasite is linked to environmental and behavioural factors such as inadequate sanitation and hygiene, poor pig management, and consumption of infected pork. This study used implementation research method to design a health education intervention strategy for reducing T. solium infections in Burkina Faso, a country endemic for the parasite.

Shanghai in the 1930s. Given is an emerging megacity under subtropic climatic conditions. How to slaughter properly hundreds of animals needed every day to fill the soup and grill dishes in Chinese main port.  “Properly” means at the first place according to hygienic standards. But also, how one can show respect to the animals on their last route. Will they have a notion of their fate, feel despair, scream or hurt themselves?  Similar questions led to a remarkable modern design by a British architect Balfours and Chinese engineers, using imported Portland cement.  The still existing estate is changed to an amusement site mall (2007), following a period were destruction was considered.  Only three of this kind of slaughter houses existed worldwide. To the author Shanghai Slaughter house 1933 shows an example of a humanistic view on livestock and how to deal with the urge of slaughtering by then modern technology. The design includes ways to divide the animal flocks in departments on four floors. The animals themselves walk up ramps in order to arrive at the center of the complex, were the act of killing occurs. All edges of the complex routing have been rounded organically. Subsequently occurs carving the meat and bones and dividing it in portions, than transport with an electric lift and deliverance to the butcheries. Worker safety is solved by a system of concrete stairways were one can find shelter in short distances. Outside air ventilation in the whole complex is combined with avoiding sun entrance. Blood and other waste are gathered in canals, as part of the concrete structure. Water-jets clean all surfaces to the bone.  Another aspect is the Art-Deco exterior design, which not in all aspects harmonizes with the modular concrete grid. The result of this battle is a rich variety of ad-hoc details for mushroom pillars and mullions, with parallels to Herman Hertzberger’s structuralist detailing.  Design historically was observed a relationship to Le Corbusier’s ramps as part of a ‘route architecturale’, influenced by slaughter house ramps.  One can also see parallels to Charles de Gaulle airport terminal 1, which is considered to be a futuristic icon. Historic back views will introduce the design problem of the slaughter house.

This thesis investigates the skin and fur finds which have been excavated from Iron Age (500 BC – AD 1200/1300) and historical (1200/1300–1700) burials in eastern Fennoscandia during the past 130 years. The research material is unique in Europe, as fur remains usually decompose in archaeological contexts. For eastern Fennoscandian Iron Age research, this study brings new information on the roles that animal skins and wild animals held in societies, which produced furs both for domestic use and for the international fur trade.
The main questions of this thesis are
1) How can archaeological fur remains be studied? What information do they provide?
2) What kinds of furs have been discovered in the graves?
3) Why were the furs placed in the graves?
4) What are the recommendations for future research?

The research material consists of skin remains from 121 inhumation burials (animal skins and hairs) and 22 cremation burial sites (remains of claws). Animal hairs were found especially in contact with metals. Hairs were also found from the Late Neolithic soil samples in Perttulanmäki Corded Ware burial in Kauhava, which evidences the huge potential of microarchaeological analysis in fibre research. In cremation cemeteries, the predator 3rd phalanges provide evidence for the cremation of brown bear (Ursus arctos) and lynx (Lynx lynx) skins.
Animal skins were identified by species by the morphology of the hairs. The method was applied to the identification of species, fur preparation traditions like pulling, and the qualities of origin animals, such as the colour of the coat. In this thesis, morphological identification of hairs proved its usefulness as a cost-effective method for identifying archaeological samples. First, it can be applied in cases that lie outside the scope of scientific methods. These constraints are met when the sample size is very small, when the material is mineralized or when DNA has degenerated in acidic soils. However, most archaeological samples had undergone several taphonomic processes, caused especially by bacterial and fungal activity. This has altered the morphology and other qualities of hairs like the preservation of DNA.
As shown in this thesis, animal skin products formed an integral part in burials as grave goods, garments and burial inner structures. For future research on animal fibres, recommendations are made for the handling of finds and samples.

In this book, Nik Taylor and Heather Fraser consider how we might better understand human-animal companionship in the context of domestic violence. The authors advocate an intersectional feminist understanding, drawing on a variety of data from numerous projects they have conducted with people, about their companion animals and links between domestic violence and animal abuse, arguing for a new understanding that enables animals to be constituted as victims of domestic violence in their own right. The chapters analyse the mutual, loving connections that can be formed across species, and in households where there is domestic violence. Companion Animals and Domestic Violence also speaks to the potentially soothing, healing and recovery oriented aspects of human-companion animal relationships before, during and after the violence, and will be of interest to various academic disciplines including social work, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, geography, as well as to professionals working in domestic violence or animal welfare service provision.

Table of contents :
Front Matter ....Pages i-xi
Human and Animal Victims of Domestic Violence: Being Rescued  ....Pages 1-25
The Links In-and-Between Human-Animal Abuses: Love, Loyalty, and Pain  ....Pages 27-55
What We Choose to Hear: Researching Human-Animal Violence  ....Pages 57-89
Being Subjected to Domestic Violence: Empathic Love and Domination  ....Pages 91-120
Foregrounding Companion Animals’ Experiences of Domestic Violence  ....Pages 121-151
Supporting Victims/Survivors: Escape, Refuge, and Recovery  ....Pages 153-184
The Work of Significant Other/s: Companion Animal Relationships in the Future  ....Pages 185-217
Back Matter ....Pages 219-222

Recent technological advances in surgery have resulted in the development of a range of new techniques that have reduced patient trauma, shortened hospitalization, and improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic outcome. Despite the many appreciated benefits of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to traditional approaches, there are still significant drawbacks associated with conventional MIS including poor instrument control and ergonomics caused by rigid instrumentation and its associated fulcrum effect. The use of robot assistance has helped to realize the full potential of MIS with improved consistency, safety and accuracy. The development of articulated, precision tools to enhance the surgeon's dexterity has evolved in parallel with advances in imaging and human-robot interaction. This has improved hand-eye coordination and manual precision down to micron scales, with the capability of navigating through complex anatomical pathways. Allied technical approaches and engineering challenges related to instrument design, intraoperative guidance, and intelligent human-robot interaction are reviewed. We also highlight emerging designs and research opportunities in the field by assessing the current limitations and open technical challenges for the wider clinical uptake of robotic platforms in MIS. Index Terms-Human-robot interaction, image-guided surgery, minimally invasive surgery, surgical robots. INTRODUCTION The field of surgery is under constant evolution. Surgeons continue to explore new approaches to improve outcomes for patients by making procedures safer and more effective.

Our field school invites those with a general interest
in exploring the realm of human-animal relationships to join me in developing this research area
through independent projects. Participants will be
encouraged to conduct fieldwork that places them
in between worlds of human and non-human
interaction. The priority of Human-animal Dialogue
is to engage students in a relationship that is
fascinating to them. In loose collaboration with
fellow participants, we will explore this fascination
and enrich it with socially observable data that
requires the dialogue of Maltese interlocutors.
Methods include, but are not limited to participant
observation, recorded interviews, sketches,
photographs, video recordings, soundscape
recordings, musical and dance performance,
archival research, and much more. Applicants
interested in the project should reach Jacob Jansen
directly before the summer sessions begin.