Overview of research projects

Funding: DFG Zi 345/27-1, 328.407 EUR

Project Details:
The aim of this project is to explore for the first time the processes underlying vocal flexibility of a highly vocal and phylogenetically basal primate across development. Previous research of our group revealed that the mouse lemur, a phylogenetically basal primate, exhibits an unexpectedly high degree of vocal flexibility in early ontogeny, which decreases in further development. Our project proposes three different and interrelated work packages by which we will address major components of these unexplored processes. The presence and role of babbling and vocal turn-taking during development, as well as potential determinants, modifying vocal output during development, will be assessed by early and dense sampling of vocal production and standardized bioacoustic and videografic behavioral approaches, using a dataset of 26 developing infants and their 13 mothers. Machine learning, including deep neural network approaches, will be applied to investigate the extent to which the dynamics of vocal development and potential rules can be assessed automatically. Excised larynx experiments and related anatomical and MicroCT-studies of the vocal tract as well as high-speed videorecordings of mouth and tongue movements during vocal production will be performed to uncover the mechanics of vocal production and potential biomechanical constraints in vocal flexibility. Integrating of datasets will allow the validation of the respective methods. The project provides an important empirical basis for comparative research on mammalian vocal communication and contributes to unravel the evolutionary roots of vocal flexibility in primate communication as an important building block for the evolution of human speech and language.

Results:

e.g.,

 

Langehennig-Peristenidou A, Scheumann M (2024). Sex differences in the impact of social relationships on individual vocal signatures in grey mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). Philosophical Transaction of the Royal Society B, 379, 20230193. DOI:10.1098/rstb.2023.0193.

 

Langehennig-Peristenidou, A.; Romero-Mujalli, D.; Bergmann, T.; Scheumann, M. (2023). Features of animal babbling in the vocal ontogeny of the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Scientific reports, 13(1), 21384.

 

Romero-Mujalli, D.; Bergmann, T.; Zimmermann, A.; & Scheumann, M. (2021). Utilizing DeepSqueak for automatic detection and classification of mammalian vocalizations: a case study on primate vocalizations. Scientific reports, 11(1), 1-15.

 

Scheumann, M.; Linn, S.; Zimmermann, E. (2017). Vocal greeting during mother-infant reunions in a nocturnal primate, the gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus). Scientific Reports 7: 10321. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10417-8.

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Coen Elemans (Institute of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark)

Prof. Tecumseh Fitch and Christian Herbst, PhD (Department of Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)

Prof. Axel Zimmermann (University of Aalen, Aalen, Germany)

Dr. Roland Frey (Leibniz Institut für Zoo- und Wildtierforschung, Berlin, Germany)

Project Details:
This project aims to optimize radiation protection and image quality for typical indications for X-ray examinations on cattle. For this purpose, it is necessary to carry out area and personal dose measurements with thermoluminescence dosimeters during these X-ray examinations.

Project Details:
The aim of the work is to investigate relevant anatomical structures of the middle and inner ear of the peregrine falcon, hawk and common buzzard with the help of the µCT.

Project Details:
Knowledge of various material parameters is an important prerequisite for performing computer simulations. In the case of the simulation of electrical processes in animals, the electrical conductivity of the animal tissues concerned must be known. The experimental determination of the electrical conductivity of various animal tissues is the subject of this research project.

Project Details:
Helminth infections influence animal health and thus also production parameters in ruminants. In the course of this project, epidemiological investigations and modelling will provide new insights into the distribution and infection dynamics of lungworms, gastrointestinal worms and liver fluke. At the same time, the influence of these parasitoses on production parameters will be determined and innovative control strategies evaluated.

Results:

Teschner, V., Zablotski, Y., Knubben-Schweizer, G., Bootz, F., Strube, C., Wenzel, C. (2025) Impact of the rumen fluke Calicophoron daubneyi on milk production parameters, β-hydroxybutyrate, fertility and feces consistency in southern German dairy cows. Veterinary Parasitology: Regional Studies and Reports 58, 101200

 

Leinmueller, M., Adler, F., Campe, A., Knubben-Schweizer, G., Hoedemaker, M., Strube, C., Springer, A., Oehm, A.W. (2024) Animal health as a function of farmer personality and attitude: Using the HEXACO model of personality structure to predict farm-level seropositivity for Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi in dairy cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11, 1434612

 

Oehm, A.W., Leinmueller, M., Zablotski, Y., Campe, A., Hoedemaker, M., Springer, A., Jordan, D., Strube, C., Knubben-Schweizer, G. (2023) Multinomial logistic regression based on neural networks reveals inherent differences among dairy farms depending on the differential exposure to Fasciola hepatica and Ostertagia ostertagi. International Journal for Parasitology 53, 687-697

 

Vande Velde, F., Hektoen, L., Phythian, C.J., Rinaldi, L., Bosco, A., Hinney, B., Gehringer, M., Strube, C., May, K., Knubben-Schweizer, G., Martins, O.M.D., Mateus, T.L., Simion, V.E., Charlier, J., Bartley, D.J., Claerebout, E. (2023) Understanding the uptake of diagnostics for sustainable gastrointestinal nematode control by European dairy cattle farmers: a multi-country cross-sectional study. Parasite 30, 4

 

Vanhecke, M., Charlier, J., Hamdi, R., Duchene, F., Strube, C., Claerebout, E. (2022) Associations between Dictyocaulus viviparus bulk tank milk seropositivity correlated with meteorological variables. International Journal for Parasitology 52, 659-665

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. G. Knubben-Schweizer, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Prof. Dr. Edwin Claerebout, Ghent University

Project Details:
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Cooperation Partners:

Zentrum für systemische Neurowissenschaften (ZSN), Hannover

Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple-Sklerose-Forschung (IMSF) der Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen

Project Details:
When evaluating and tempering the dosimeter (e.g. TLD-100H, Harshaw), a large number of parameters come into effect, which have a significant influence on both the measurement accuracy and the lower detection limit. These parameters are optimized through comparative studies with a view to the highest possible measurement accuracy and a low lower detection limit.

Project Details:
The aim of the work is to record temperature distribution patterns on the horse's head using an infrared camera and to investigate possible connections with pathological processes in the area of ​​the nose, nasal passages, paranasal sinuses and teeth. Furthermore, the influence of various external parameters should be examined. In addition, the influence of patient-related parameters on the IR image is examined.

Cooperation Partners:

TÄ Birgit Krogbeumker, Schöppingen

Project Details:
The aim of the work is to investigate the clinical applicability of the new perometer 1000 P for determining the volume of paw legs. In this context, the measuring accuracy of this new type of perometer in comparison to an older type of perometer (type 1000 K) is to be determined. The aim is to clarify which technical differences exist compared to the previous model, how reliably and precisely the perometer measures compared to this, which sources of error the measurement method contains and how these can be minimized if necessary.

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. Dirk Berens von Rautenfeld, Funktionelle und angewandte Anatomie, MHH

Project Details:
Monitoring the epidemiology and prevalence of parasite infections in livestock and companion animals will contribute to a better knowledge of parasite distribution and improved control strategies. Furthermore, new diagnostics will be developed or existing ones improved.

Results:

Rüster, V., Lückemann, A.K., Wittmann, M., Strube, C., Bartels, T. (2023) Successful long-term control of poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in floor-kept laying hens via integrated pest management - a case report. Parasitology Research 122, 2549-2555

 

Rüster, V., Werner, H., Wieneke, S., Avramidis, G., Ten Bosch, L., Krause, E.T., Strube, C., Bartels, T. (2022) Short-time cold atmospheric pressure plasma exposition can kill all life stages of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, under laboratory conditions. Experimental and Applied Acarology 88, 139-152

 

Vismarra, A., Schnyder, M., Strube, C., Kramer, L. Colombo, L., Genchi, M. (2023) Diagnostic challenges for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection in cats from endemic areas in Italy. Parasites & Vectors 16, 187

 

Hauck, D., Raue, K., Blazejak, K., Hannah, R.M., Elsmore, D.A., Pantchev, N., Strube, C. (2023) Evaluation of a commercial coproantigen immunoassay for the detection of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme in cats and Uncinaria stenocephala in dogs. Parasitology Research 122, 185-194

 

Waindok, P. Raulf, M.-K., Strube, C. (2022) Potentials and challenges in the isolation and detection ascarid egg in complex environmental matrices. Food and Waterborne Parasitology 28, e00174

Cooperation Partners:

Prof. Dr. M. Schnyder, Universität Zürich, Schweiz

Prof. Dr. D. Traversa, Universität Teramo, Italien