Transmission beam pattern and dynamics of a spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris).

Toothed whales possess a sophisticated biosonar system by which ultrasonic clicks are projected in a highly directional transmission beam. Beam directivity is an important biosonar characteristic that reduces acoustic clutter and increases the acoustic detection range. This study measured click characteristics and the transmission beam pattern from a small odontocete, the spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostis).

Positive reinforcement training as a technique to alter nonhuman primate behavior: quantitative assessments of effectiveness.

Many suggest that operant conditioning techniques can be applied successfully to improve the behavioral management of nonhuman primates in research settings. However, relatively little empirical data exist to support this claim. This article is a review of several studies that discussed applied positive reinforcement training techniques (PRT) on breeding/research colonies of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) and chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) at The University of Texas M.

The use of positive reinforcement training techniques to enhance the care, management, and welfare of primates in the laboratory.

Handled frequently and subjected to a wide range of medical procedures that may be particularly invasive, nonhuman animals in a laboratory setting have unique needs. To produce the most reliable research results and to protect and enhance the well-being of the animals, it is desirable to perform these procedures with as little stress for the animals as possible. Positive reinforcement training can use targeted activities and procedures to achieve the voluntary cooperation of nonhuman primates.

Behavioral management: it's everyone's job.

In this day and age of regulatory demands and with the ever-increasing flow of environmental enhancement data and opinions, it can become very confusing for animal programs to create and maintain a successful behavioral management program. Behavioral management as a concept provides a common ground from which animal facilities may start to build a successful facility behavioral program. In addition, the implementation of a behavioral management program can help to break down barriers between members of the various disciplines within the biomedical community.