Individual strategies of aggressive and non-aggressive male mice in encounters with trained aggressive residents

To determine whether individual differences in offensive behaviour are related to differences in defensive behaviour, the responses of male wild house mice, Mus domesticus, of an aggressive and a non-aggressive line to defeat by physically stronger residents were analysed. Individuals of the aggressive line engaged in more flight behaviour, whereas the males of the non-aggressive line predominantly showed immobility. The higher flight tendency of the aggressive intruders provoked more attacks by the resident, resulting in more fighting between the resident and an aggressive male than between the resident and a non-aggressive intruder. However, if offered an opportunity to escape from the home-cage of the resident, aggressive males more readily made use of it than non-aggressive intruders. Differences between aggressive and non-aggressive male mice are interpreted in terms of fundamentally different behavioural strategies adopted in response to social interaction. The response of aggressive males can be characterized as an active behavioural strategy by which they tend to determine actively their social situation. In contrast, the prevailing lack of overt attempts to manipulate the situation by the non-aggressive mice points to passive confrontation, in an offensive as well as in a defensive context.

Working both ways : the interplay of trust and interaction in collaborations

This PhD thesis makes trust developments in collaborations more tangible by revealing how these are reflected in conversation patterns. The results of this study indicate that, during meetings, an increase in trust is not only reflected in more openness and responsiveness among the partners, but also in a changing rhythm in their conversations. The different partners speak more often and briefer. If trust is high, the conversation can show moments of interaction flow. This implies an – in the interaction pattern visible – acceleration of the conversation that often results in a creative solution or decision. A chairperson can foster the conditions for such moments of flow by skilful balancing among different key concerns, among which are interventions that nurture trust

Differential Effects of Neonatal Testosterone Treatment on Aggression in Two Selection Lines of Mice

Selection lines of mice, artificially selected for aggression based upon the attack latency score (ALS), were used. In order to determine the relative contribution of neonatal testosterone (T) in the development of aggression, we vary the plasma-T level in males of both selection lines on the day of birth. At 14 weeks the ALS was measured. Neonatal T treatment results in a reduction of aggression in the long attack latency (LAL) line, whereas aggressive behaviour of the short attack latency (SAL) line is not affected. Both selection lines show reduction in testicular weight, although the total amount of T-producing Leydig cells was not affected. Neonatal T may cause a permanent reduction in aggressive behaviour in the LAL line only, probably due to differential appearance of critical periods. It is suggested that the difference in aggressive behaviour between SAL and LAL selection lines is due to a prenatally determined difference in neonatal T sensitivity of the brain.

From excavation to exhibition:A contemporary approach to archaeology and the public

An exhibition on the Iron Age settlement of Crustumerium was held in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen (Denmark) in 2016. It was the result of a collaborative effort by several international scholars and professionals over several years. The article explains how the exhibition came about and discusses the aspects that were taken into consideration over the course of the organisation process, such as the exhibition’s narrative, the items to be displayed and the logistic demands. The exhibition was innovative in that it offered interactive contact between the public and the archaeologists and restorers at the museum, which allowed visitors to immerse themselves more deeply into the subject, broadening their understanding and experience