Animal Studies Commons^™

Terpenes Mitigate Thc-Induced Working Memory Deficits: Behavioural Evidence Of The Entourage Effect Using A 2-Component Operant Memory Task, Lara Mitchell

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Most research on cannabis and cognitive function has focused on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). However, this approach overlooks the complex chemical composition of cannabis products consumed by the public, which often includes cannabidiol (CBD) and various terpenes. These additional constituents may interact with THC to modulate its effects, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. While this theory has gained traction, experimental evidence for the cognitive impact of terpenes in combination with THC remains limited. This study aimed to assess whether terpenes can mitigate THC-induced cognitive deficits using a 2-Component Operant Memory task. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of either …

Effects Of Perinatal Exposure To Lipopolysaccharide And Acetaminophen On Learning In Adult Long-Evans Rats, Lucy A. Sivils

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The present study investigated the individual and combined effects of elevated perinatal inflammation, oxidative stress caused by acetaminophen (APAP) exposure, or elevated inflammation and oxidative stress on adult learning behaviors in Long-Evans rats. While prior studies have examined these factors independently, the combined effects of inflammation and oxidative stress via APAP exposure during early development on learning-related behaviors remain unexplored. The present research aimed to address this gap by the analysis of potential long-term neurodevelopmental consequences of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and APAP-induced oxidative stress. LPS, APAP, or LPS + APAP was administered during the perinatal period: postnatal days (PD) 9, …

Extinction Bursts Reexamined: The Role Of Consummatory Time And Response Reallocation, Braden Toler

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Two experiments were conducted to examine how the removal of the opportunity to consume reinforcement and the reallocation of that time might account for extinction bursts during within-session transitions from FR 1 to extinction. In Experiment 1, rats and pigeons were trained under FR 1 schedules and subsequently exposed to within-session extinction. Total counts of responses suggested that extinction bursts occurred for each subject, but when adjusted to exclude responses that would have overlapped with food consumption, no bursts were observed. In Experiment 2, pigeons experienced four extinction arrangements: conventional extinction, response-independent reinforcement, conditioned reinforcement, and differential reinforcement of alternative …

Administering Tolfenamic Acid To Gilts And Sows Before Artificial Insemination Did Not Improve Litter Size But Tended To Reduce Post-Service Serum Prostaglandin F2Α Levels, Pachara Pearodwong, Nithitad Jiebna, Padet Tummaruk

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study examined the impact of intramuscular administration of tolfenamic acid 10 min before artificial insemination (AI) on serum PGF2α levels and reproductive performance in gilts and sows. In Experiment I, 20 gilts were divided into two groups: control (n = 10) and treatment (n = 10). Serum samples were collected 30 min before and after insemination to measure PGF2α levels. In Experiment II, 175 gilts and sows were divided into control (25 gilts and 56 sows) and treatment (16 gilts and 78 sows) groups. In both experiments, the treatment group received an intramuscular injection of 2 mg/kg tolfenamic acid …

Harnessing Synergy: Galloping Together To Achieve Common Goals, Katie Richardson Mlis, Kathryn Renton Phd, Janice Gunther Martin Phd, Katrin Boniface Abd

Journal of Western Archives

“Harnessing Synergy: Galloping Together to Achieve Common Goals'' is a case study focusing on how the Head of Cal Poly Pomona University Library Special Collections and Archives joined forces with the founding board members of the Equine History Collective to drive research and advancement in the study of equine history–a key collecting area of the University Library Special Collections and Archives unit. Through sharing expertise, jointly producing events, and developing longer-term strategies together, these collaborative efforts have enhanced outreach of Cal Poly Pomona Special Collections and Archives and associated scholarly activities, enriched perspectives on equine cultural heritage, and facilitated innovative …

The Impact Of Wild Pigs (Sus Scrofa) On Avian Occupancy And Vegetation Structure, Kenneth Wilson

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Invasive species, particularly wild pigs (Sus scrofa), pose a significant threat to native ecosystems through both direct and indirect impacts. Wild pigs are large-bodied omnivorous species that can consume a wide variety of plants and animals and are known for destructive foraging behaviors, which likely threatens avian communities through habitat alteration and can impact the long term structure of ecosystems where they are present.

In chapter 1, we used a combination of avian point count surveys, vegetation assessments, and camera trap surveillance to quantify how the occupancy of breeding birds in bottomland hardwood forests changed in relation to …

Why Is Fish Welfare Still So Neglected?, Caroline M. Maia

Animal Sentience

Oldfield & Bonano (O&B) address an important problem in the field of fish welfare, one that calls for greater attention from scientists and practitioners. O&B show that fish welfare, particularly at the psychological level, is under-investigated. They focus mainly on zoos and aquaria, but their concerns extend also to other domains, including fish farming. Fish are sentient animals; priority should be given to their welfare in all environments where they are under human care.

Dog-Friendly Workplaces: Understanding What Works And Lessons Learned Through Reflexive Thematic Analysis, Eloise Warrilow, Lisbeth Drury, Joanna Yarker, Rachel Lewis

People and Animals: The International Journal of Research and Practice

The demand for pet-friendly practices has increased since the global pandemic, with some employees reporting a preference for working alongside their companion dogs. Despite increased scholarly interest in pet-friendly practices, gaps exist in understanding their real-world impact. This study examines companion-dog-friendly offices postpandemic, focusing on perceived antecedents and outcomes of pet-friendly practices. It aims to identify what works, what does not, and lessons learned. It draws on expertise from the animal welfare and the industrial, work, and organizational psychology sectors. Employing a qualitative approach, this study utilized semistructured, one-hour interviews with 14 participants who had experienced working in a dog-friendly …

Pigs And The City, Sayd Randle

Asian Management Insights

Urban greening requires a re-look at sharing space with animals and nature.

1. There are several challenges when balancing urban development with ecological sustainability, as seen in Singapore’s struggles with human-wildlife interactions like wild boars entering populated areas.

2. Opinions on managing wildlife diverge between calls for stricter population control and concerns over habitat loss. This shows the need for balanced approaches that cater to both humans and ecology alike.

3. Cities like Houston, Barcelona, and Hong Kong offer different models for human-wildlife management, showing that local contexts shape approaches to achieving peaceful coexistence with urban wildlife.

A Behavioral Analysis Of Brisby, The Jacksonville Zoo And Gardens’ Double Wattled Southern Cassowary, Gabriel J. Springer

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Previous studies have demonstrated the uniqueness and importance of wild type Southern Cassowary behaviors in relation to their rainforest ecosystem. The primary goal of this observational study was to determine if the behavior exhibited by a Southern Cassowary residing at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens was comparative to the observed behavior of wild Southern Cassowaries. The secondary goal was to observe individual behavioral traits of the focus individual, Brisby. It was hypothesized that Southern Cassowaries residing in captivity would still exhibit stereotypical behaviors similar to those residing in native rainforest habitats and the documented foraging behavior that supports the ecological …

The Left Ventricle Under Stress: Exploring The Impact Of Gestational Stress On Postpartum Cardiovascular Health, Archana Ramesh

Senior Theses

A woman’s cardiovascular system undergoes several changes to equip it for the physiological demands of pregnancy. The left ventricle (LV) is most susceptible to changes such as increased cardiac output and workload because it is the primary chamber in the heart that pumps oxygenated blood to the entire body. Some mothers may be unable to cope with the physiological demands, and ventricular hypertrophy, along with other cardiac remodeling that takes place during pregnancy, may bring light to underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). The peripartum period often comes with heightened stress, disproportionately for certain populations, and this stress has been linked with …

Précis Of: "Birds, Bats And Minds: Tales Of A Revolutionary Scientist, Donald R. Griffin", Carolyn A. Ristau

Animal Sentience

Donald Griffin co-discovered bat sonar and founded the field of echolocation. He studied bird migration and founded Cognitive Ethology, the study of animal awareness and mental experiences. In all these endeavors, he faced hostile opposition. The biography (Ristau 2024) examines Griffin's life and the scientific explorations by him and others in these fields. This Précis emphasizes his arguments and supporting evidence for animal consciousness as well as his later research. Griffin considered the inhibiting assumptions made by scientists, including Cartesian views, the misunderstanding of innate behaviors, prejudice against lower animals, concern with violations of parsimony, and the assertions of the …

Creating Sustainable School And Home Gardens: Using Trail Cameras, Kaitlin Campbell, Kathy Cabe Trundle, Rita Hagevik

All Current Publications

Trail cameras (also called game or wildlife cameras) have been used for decades to document wildlife for personal use, education, and scientific use (documenting distributions of animals worldwide for conservation). Using a trail camera can allow us to see the biodiversity around us. Trail cameras are often used to help conserve and monitor wildlife populations. You can participate in these efforts too!

Casein Gene Polymorphism Of Goat In Thailand, Naparat Naowanat, Duangsmorn Suwattana, Boonnarong Suphap

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The genetic polymorphism of the casein genes and the evaluation of haplotype variability in Saanen and Thai Native breeds in Thailand were investigated. The 23 Saanen and 42 Thai Native goats were genotyped at CSN1S1, CSN2, CSN1S2, and CSN3 loci using sequencing techniques. Three variants of A, C, and E on the CSN1S1 gene locus were demonstrated. The genotypic frequencies of CSN1S1 AA, AC, and AE are shared by over 80% of the population. The CSN2 A and F alleles were observed. The CSN2 genotypes of AA, AF, and FF were indicated with the majority of AF frequency. The 2 …

Individual Differences In Wild Asian Elephant Behavior: Links Between Innovation And Responses To Novelty Across A Mosaic Landscape, Sarah L. Jacobson

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

An animal’s responses to a novel or changing environment are influenced by a number of behavioral traits and cognitive abilities associated with flexible decision making. Animals also exhibit strong consistency in some behavioral responses, described as personality traits, which may influence their ability to adjust to environmental changes. It is important to investigate both flexibility and consistency in behavior, as well as how these two characteristics interact with each other, to understand the range of individual variation in behavior and decision making within a species. This knowledge can also help us understand how some species and individuals within a species …

Creatures And Clans: The Symbolic Significance Of Animal Imagery In Jacob's Blessings And Beyond, Gregory S. Szarycz

Between the Species

This article delves into the symbolic significance of animals in the blessings of Jacob, particularly focusing on Genesis 49:1-28. It explores the nuanced portrayal of various animals and their characteristics, shedding light on the author’s keen observation of nature and its integration into the biblical narrative. Drawing on scholarly insights and biblical commentary, the article analyzes the use of animal metaphors to delineate the distinctive traits of each tribe as described in Jacob’s blessings. Through a comparative study of zoological characteristics and biblical symbolism, the article elucidates the deeper meanings embedded within these blessings and their relevance to understanding the …

The Experience Of Pet Ownership In Transitional Housing, Kathryn Holden Ots, Susan Macdermott Otd, Otr/L

Summer 2024 OTD Capstone Symposium

25% of people experiencing homelessness have pets, but few transitional housing programs allow pets (Rhoades et al., 2015); therefore, there is a gap in the literature about the experience of pet ownership during the transitional housing process. This study aimed to explore pet owners' experiences at a transitional housing site in San Diego County. The student interviewed two current dog owners and four recent dog owners. All participants prioritized their pets because it was their strongest relationship. The prioritization of their dogs positively and negatively influenced occupational engagement. While receiving services, owners experienced consequences when separated from their dogs, including …

Thinking Blue / Writing Red: Marxism And The (Post)Human, Stephen C. Tumino

Publications and Research

Thinking Blue/Writing Red interrogates contemporary culture across a range of texts, from the pandemic (‘Covid’ and ‘Trump Speak’) to high theory (Melville's narratives) and popular culture (Beyoncé's ‘Formation’ and Super Bowl performance, Twin Peaks , metamodern ‘cli-fi’ films). Inspired by Derrida’s idea of the secret, Tumino examines the significance of social movements (Black Lives Matter, Occupy, alter-globalization) and naïve art (Darger, Ryden) to argue that these texts speak of the secrets that capitalism cannot speak. Contending that the cultural surfaces narrate only the ‘nonsecret,’ that to see the social logic of the culture one must dig into what Bruno Latour …

Caring Until It Hurts: A Survey Of Compassion Fatigue And Moral Injury Among Wild Animal Caregivers And Its Implications For Animal Welfare In Zoos, Aquariums, Rehabilitation Centers, And Sanctuaries, Nadiya L. Delgado

Theses and Dissertations

Caregivers for captive wild animals are fundamental to the overall care, welfare, and conservation of animals in their charge, fulfilling diverse and critical roles. Caring for others, whether humans or animals, exposes caregivers to compassion fatigue – a state of emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from prolonged empathetic engagement with those they assist, and moral injury – psychological distress that arises from actions, or the lack of them, which violate one's moral or ethical code. This distress can manifest as intense feelings of guilt, shame, or a sense of betrayal by oneself or others. These phenomena are pertinent in environments …

The Effects Of People, Time Of Day, And Season On Affiliative And Stereotypic Behaviors In Captive Rhinoptera Bonasus And Other Rays Across Two Human-Interactive Enclosures, Wren C. A. Newman

Theses and Dissertations

Cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) are among the most common species found in aquaria, yet the impact of touch enclosures on their welfare remains largely unknown. While research on animal-visitor interactions has produced mixed results for other species, the lack of studies focusing on fish welfare poses a risk of overlooking potential welfare concerns. Therefore, we aimed to establish a baseline for cownose rays regarding stereotypic behaviors, sociality, and activity in captivity, and to examine the influence of human interaction on these behaviors. We collected over 700 hours of footage from two enclosures at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ …