The long-term impact of infant rearing background on the affective state of adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Early life environment, including temporary family separation, can have a major influence on affective state. Using a battery of tests, the current study compared the performance of adult common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), reared as infants under 3 different conditions: family-reared twins, family-reared animals from triplet litters where only 2 remain (2stays) and supplementary fed triplets. No significant differences were found in latency to approach and obtain food from a human or a novel object between rearing conditions, suggesting no effect on neophobia. There were no differences in cognitive bias task acquisition time, or proportion of responses to each ambiguous probe. Very minor differences were found in response to the probes, with only supplementary fed marmosets making fewer responses to the middle probe, compared to the probe nearest the rewarded stimuli. Similarly, in a test for anhedonia, no difference was found between rearing conditions in consumption of milkshake at different concentrations. There was just one very small difference in reward motivation, with only supplementary fed triplets demonstrating a lack of preference for milkshake over water at the lowest concentration. This consistent pattern of results suggest that the supplementary feeding of large litters of marmosets at this facility did not have a major effect on welfare, and is unlikely to influence performance in reward-related scientific tasks. Therefore, while family separation is not recommended, this particular practice should be used if it is necessary, such as to reduce infant mortality. Regular positive interactions with humans are also encouraged, to reduce fear and improve welfare of marmosets kept in captivity

Utilising collaborative autoethnography in exploring affinity tourism: insights from experiences in the Field at Gardens by the Bay

This chapter considers how a collaborative autoethnographic (CAE) approach informed and lent insight into our research. The research explored how affinity tourism can ignite interest in the not-so-familiar and through the familiar connect visitors with the foreign or exotic in a destination. In the process, it focused on the case of the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore (The Gardens) and CAE and so, allowed for use of ‘reflexivity’ to explore and examine how the phenomenon of affinity tourism plays a role in enhancing the efficacy of attractions as tourism resources. The concept of affinity refers to tourists’ activities that involve elements that are familiar to tourists. These recognisable aspects conjure notions of a shared or similar cultural understanding and draw tourist to attractions, events or destinations. By engaging a CAE approach that is grounded in reflexivity, this chapter presents accounts of the experiences of two people who employed CAE as a way to explore and understand how they as people of one culture (Australian) could connect with and learn about the culture of ‘The Other’, in this case Singaporean. It explains how engagement with a coresearcher who encountered the same tourist activity and experienced it in similar or different ways opens up opportunities for new insights about The Other. Use of participant observation, photographs and diary notes assisted in crafting of narratives, which when shared and probed contributed to exploration of the expectations and perceptions of the authors themselves as tourists and as researchers in their endeavours to engage with The Other. In so doing, this chapter advances knowledge about methodological approaches in exploring tourists’ experiences and affinity tourism and contributes to a growing interest in reflexivity as a valuable and valid tool for conducting tourism research. It shows the contribution, credibility and limitations which CAE can bring to tourism research

Assessing the feasibility of integration of self-care for filarial lymphoedema into existing community leprosy self-help groups in Nepal

Abstract Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) and leprosy are disabling infectious diseases endemic in Nepal. LF infection can lead to lymphoedema and hydrocoele, while secondary effects of leprosy infection include impairments to hands, eyes and feet. The disabling effects of both conditions can be managed through self-care and the supportive effects of self-help groups (SHGs). A network of SHGs exists for people affected by leprosy in four districts in Nepal’s Central Development Region, however no such service exists for people affected by LF. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of integrating LF affected people into existing leprosy SHGs in this area. Methods A survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to elicit information on: (i) participant characteristics, clinical manifestation and disease burden; (ii) participants’ knowledge of management of their condition and access to services; and (iii) participants’ knowledge and perceptions of the alternate condition (LF affected participants’ knowledge of leprosy and vice versa) and attitudes towards integration. Results A total of 52 LF affected and 53 leprosy affected participants were interviewed from 14 SHGs. On average, leprosy affected participants were shown to have 1.8 times greater knowledge of self-care techniques, and practiced 2.5 times more frequently than LF affected participants. Only a quarter of LF affected participants had accessed a health service for their condition, compared with 94.3% of leprosy affected people accessing a service (including SHGs), at least once a week. High levels of stigma were perceived by both groups towards the alternate condition, however, the majority of LF (79%) and leprosy (94.3%) affected participants stated that they would consider attending an integrated SHG. Conclusions LF affected participants need to increase their knowledge of self-care and access to health services. Despite stigma being a potential barrier, attitudes towards integration were positive, suggesting that the SHGs may be a good platform for LF affected people to start self-care in this area. Trial registration This is not a registered trial