Emotional contagion in nonhuman working animals: Lessons from canine rescue teams

Salivary cortisol levels in search and rescue (SAR) dogs under rescue examination conditions

Professional search and rescue (SAR) dogs, which are members of urban search and rescue teams with the help of their higher sense organs with rigorous training, are very helpful in finding buried or missing persons in disasters. In these environments where chaos and disorder prevail, it becomes inevitable for them to face very dangerous and risky situations. As a result of a disaster caused by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) accidents, dangers such as chemical leaks, pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, vectors, and radioactive and nuclear materials in the environment are among the forgotten or neglected facts that SAR dogs affect as well as affect humanity. Working with little or no personal protective equipment during search and rescue interventions makes them completely vulnerable to these hazards. In the limited resources in the literature on CBRN risks and dangers that search and rescue dogs working in disaster areas may encounter, SAR dogs are exposed to many chemicals and toxic agents during these studies, as well as biological hazards such as protozoal or coliform bacterial organisms, and radiological hazards such as the risk of ingesting radioactive materials and breathing dust. their arrival has been determined. With this study, it was aimed to emphasize the dangers faced by SAR dogs and to emphasize what has been done and what should be done to reduce the possible risks. As a result, necessary precautions should be taken to prevent and/or reduce these possible exposures of SAR dogs, and further studies should be carried out for appropriate standard procedures for appropriate rehabilitation and decontamination.

Search and Rescue (SaR) dogs are important assets in the hands of first responders, as they have the ability to locate the victim even in cases where the vision and or the sound is limited, due to their inherent talents in olfactory and auditory senses. In this work, we propose a deep-learning-assisted implementation incorporating a wearable device, a base station, a mobile application, and a cloud-based infrastructure that can first monitor in real-time the activity, the audio signals, and the location of a SaR dog, and second, recognize and alert the rescuing team whenever the SaR dog spots a victim. For this purpose, we employed deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) both for the activity recognition and the sound classification, which are trained using data from inertial sensors, such as 3-axial accelerometer and gyroscope and from the wearable’s microphone, respectively. The developed deep learning models were deployed on the wearable device, while the overall proposed implementation was validated in two discrete search and rescue scenarios, managing to successfully spot the victim (i.e., obtained F1-score more than 99%) and inform the rescue team in real-time for both scenarios.

This text explores Search and Rescue (SAR) dog work, examining the interplay of Umwelt, semiosis, and behavior in both dogs and humans. Drawing on Uexküll’s notion of Umwelt, the discussion unfolds across two semiotic levels: endosemiosis, involving the constitution of species-specific Umwelten through non-mimetic processes, and exosemiosis, reflecting semiotic interactions within the established Umwelt. Emphasizing the Kantian influence on Uexküll, the text parallels the concept of transcendental schematism with monogram drafting, illustrating how organisms constitute their Umwelten. The exploration extends to Merleau-Ponty’s interpretation of the monogram in Kant and the Umwelt in Uexküll, framing behavior as melodic and underscoring the reciprocal influence between an organism and its Umwelt. Shifting focus to SAR dog teams, the essay elucidates the melodic teamwork between human handlers and dogs. It discerns the convergence of distinct search tones—human-driven rescue tones and dog-driven reward tones—harmonizing in a dynamic inter-species melody. The melodic metaphor, inspired by Merleau-Ponty, illuminates the shared behavioral space where humans and dogs contribute tonalities to the melody of SAR searches. The exploration underscores the handler’s role in facilitating this melodic collaboration, requiring interpretation deeply immersed in the movements of the dog, and a balance between guidance and trust in the dog’s autonomy during the search.

We have developed a method to visualize search and rescue (SAR) dogs' activities from sensor data recorded by the SAR dogs' sensor vests. This paper proposes two methods for detecting continuous barking actions of SAR dogs, which locate victims by smell and then bark continuously to tell handlers where victims are located. Continuous barking action is detected from audio information and a dog's body motions. This detection method is based on dynamic time warping (DTW), which has been used successfully to analyze human audio information. Cyclic body motion was observed during dogs' barking motions. This cyclic motion can be detected by an inertial measurement unit (IMU) attached to the vest. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used to analyze a dog's barking motion. The proposed detection methods were evaluated using audio and IMU data recorded during actual SAR dog training sessions. The F-scores of the audio and motion-based barking detection methods were 0.95 and 0.90, respectively. As a trial, we marked victim locations on a map based on the body motion.

Quantifying Search Dog Effectiveness in a Terrestrial Search and Rescue Environment

Disaster response presents major challenges for robotics and computer vision alike. The Cyber‐Enhanced Canine Suit is a suit equipped with a camera, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and various other sensors, to be worn by search and rescue (SAR) dogs for the purpose of enhancing SAR dog operations. This paper presents an image recognition system for use in disaster scenarios and its integration with the Cyber‐Enhanced Canine Suit platform. The system’s intended use is to spot personal items of missing individuals or other visual clues in video streams from various disaster response platforms. The system facilitates quick learning of targets from limited data and makes providing that data quick and easy. It also provides backtrack recognition functionality, to rapidly find novel targets in the seen footage. We evaluated the recognition system on footage gathered in the field, obtaining promising results. Integrated with the Cyber‐Enhanced Canine Suit, the system can automatically plot detections of search targets onto a map display, to provide operators with a quick overview of what was seen where.

We investigated fecal colonization with third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-r) Enterobacterales and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales among food animals and their handlers in Ghana. A total of 252 fecal samples were collected from 211 animals and 41 human handlers across 20 farms between May and August 2023. Enterobacterales were isolated using standard methods and identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry fingerprints and 16SrRNA sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was done using standard methods. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase genes were identified by PCR and sequencing. A total of 264 Enterobacterales were isolated, comprising 44 from human handlers and 220 from food animals. Among human isolates, 31 (70.5%) were 3GC-r, with 9 (20.5%) expressing the ESBL phenotype and 2 (4.5%) producing carbapenemases. The most common ESBL genes detected were blaCTX-M-15 (n = 5/9) and blaCTX-M-14 (n = 2/9), while carbapenemase-producing isolates harbored blaNDM-1 (n = 1/2) or blaIMP-1 (n = 1/2). In food animals, 94 (42.7%) of Enterobacterales isolates were 3GC-r, with 11 (5.0%) carrying ESBL genes, predominantly blaCTX-M-15 (n = 5/11). One E. coli isolate exhibited carbapenemase production (blaNDM-1) with an ESBL gene (blaCTX-M-1). Meropenem was the most effective antibiotic agent against the study isolates (≤5% resistance). Concordance of isolate/resistance gene combinations was observed at three farms where at least one human handler and at least one farm animal carried the same 3GC-r Escherichia coli with the same resistance genes, including blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-10, and blaNDM-1. The findings indicate a potential for zoonotic transmission of resistance genes between food animals and their human handlers.

The IAMSAR Manual contains practical guidelines for the organisation of maritime and aeronautical SAR, mission coordination, operations of search and rescue units (SRUs) and provision of SAR-related training. RCC (rescue coordination center) - a unit responsible for promoting efficient organization of search and rescue operations within a search and rescue region. Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) means a designated coordination centre that acts as the national Search and Rescue Region's coordination centre and the international point of contact for search and rescue (SAR) services and that takes care of the continuous maintenance of coordination and communication preparedness and coordinates SAR operations within its Search and Rescue Sub-Region (SRS). Definition of tearms Search: An operation, normally coordinated by a RCC or RSC, using available personnel and facilities to locate persons in distress. (IAMSAR, Volume 1). Definition of terms Rescue: An operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety. Work should contribute to the establishment of thinking for model of SAR in Republic of Serbia due to the growing need of interventions in the prevention and elimination of consequences of natural disasters and better organization of search and rescue using the standards prescribed in the the world.

The need for search and rescue (SAR) operations arises in various situations: natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods or avalanches, accidents, etc. It is known that the large volume and diversity of the identified area, the limited view, dangerous conditions and the presence of victims in remote or hard-to-reach places complicate such work. The use of advanced technologies such as robotics in improving the efficiency of search and rescue operations to solve problems in these cases allows us to obtain rational solutions. A robotic assistant for search and rescue operations has been developed, a 3D model has been developed. The robot is controlled autonomously or remotely, overcome difficult terrain, collect data and perform tasks that contribute to the search and rescue process. Internet of Things devices and sensors interact over the network, allowing you to collect, analyze and share data in real time. The Arduino board was chosen to create the project. The device circuit was assembled and the operation of the sensors was combined. The device used an ultrasonic sensor, a camera, LED lamps and a speaker for the sound of a siren. The robot assistant works in both offline and manual modes. The device is controlled via a web interface, and the video received by the camera is provided in real time. The wheels of the device can move over any terrain, and the device is designed so that it can move on both sides (under and over).

Search and rescue (SAR) dogs are widely used to locate victims at disaster sites. The efficiency of SAR missions can be greatly enhanced if a canine's emotional states, including their motivation to search, can be remotely estimated in real time. In this study, we developed a real-time emotion estimation system for canines based on measured electrocardiography signals. This proposed system measures a canine's heartbeat intervals using a specially developed canine suit equipped with an electrocardiography device. Using the online heartbeat interval measurements, the system calculates time domain indices of heart rate variability, which are used to classify the canine's emotional state as positive or negative. To support visualization, the system presents the heart rate and estimated emotional state graphically in real time. The real-time emotion estimation system for canines proposed in this study was evaluated using a series of experiments. Bland-Altman analysis showed that online heartbeat interval measurements were consistent with offline heartbeat interval measurements when the canine was at rest or standing still. The proposed system was confirmed operational outdoors in real time and thus has the potential to enhance the efficiency of SAR missions that use canines.

Frequent natural disasters and man-made catastrophes have threatened the safety of citizens and have attracted much more attention. The rescue mission under disaster environment is very complicated and dangerous for a rescue team. Search and rescue (SAR) robots can not only improve the efficiency of rescue operations but also reduce the casualty of rescuers. Robots can help rescue teams and even replace rescuers to perform dangerous missions. Search and rescue robots will play a more and more important role in the rescue operations. A survey of the research status of search and rescue robots in Japan, USA, China and other countries has been provided. According to current research, experiences and the lessons learned from applications, the five key performances of a search and rescue robot are survivability, mobility, sensing, communicability and operability. Multi-technique fusion and multi-agent intelligent network are considered to be requirements for the future development of the search and rescue robot. Disaster prevention, disaster reduction and disaster rescue are the important parts of national public safety. They are also crucial for the safety of citizens and their estates. Search and rescue robotic technique is an urgent needed, strategic and core technique for national development. It will be important and strategic for national economy and safety.

For many years, dogs are used in the Search And Rescue (SAR) missions. The first recorded use of dogs in SAR missions was in the late 1700. Dogs are used in the SAR missions because their abilities to detect human scent. In many natural disasters or building collapses, the SAR dogs are used to reach and search places that are dangerous for people to be there. In these situations, the members of the SAR team face a problem in controlling the movements of dogs. They can not control the navigation and movements of dogs to direct them to search, reach, or explore specific areas. In this paper, a novel system for controlling dogs using a computer controlled laser system and four sensors is presented. The system depends on the ability of dogs with minor training to chase a laser beam and the abilities of the new emerging technologies of Internet of things. By controlling the orientation of the laser beam, the movements of dogs can be controlled so that the system facilitates and increases the efficiency of using dogs in several tasks.

Dogs used for search and rescue (SAR) may experience continuous micro-traumas that predispose them to skeletal disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of diet on osteo-articular apparatus in healthy SAR dogs. A total of sixteen SAR dogs were divided into two groups (low supplementation (LS) and high supplementation (HS)) and were fed for 3 months with two experimental diets, characterised by the same protein and energy density, but different in n-3 PUFA (6·2 v. 8·4 % of metabolisable energy), chondroitin sulfate (219·8 v. 989·0 mg/kg DM) and glucosamine (769·2 v. 1318·7 mg/kg DM) in the LS and HS groups, respectively. At recruitment all dogs showed no joint inflammation signs, except four that showed mild symptoms. Haematology and serum biochemistry were performed every 30 d. Joint status was scored by physical and lameness evaluations. The sampling effect analysis showed potential beneficial effects by a decrease in a specific marker of membrane integrity (creatine kinase; CK). Comparing groups, glucose was significantly higher and CK was significantly lower in the HS group; however, in both cases the levels of these parameters fell in the normal range. At the end of the experiment, erythrocytes, Hb and packed cell volume were significantly higher in the HS compared with the LS group. These could result in an improvement in dogs' performance, even if this aspect was not investigated in the present study. Concerning joint evaluation (pain on manipulation, lameness and range of motion), no statistically significant differences were detected between the groups and within the experimental period.

Search and rescue (SAR) is an essential skill for many first responders including firefighters. With the new development of technologies on environmental sensing, we are now equipped with the new capability of utilizing real-time information from a fire scene to assist SAR tasks. This work is to explore the effects of immersive maps, that collect information automatically from the environment including human and building structures, on user behaviors during SAR operations. We have developed a VR prototype system for SAR training with controlled fire scenes and information collections. We also designed and performed a user study focusing on the factors of information amount in an immersive map and danger degree of SAR tasks. We have summarized a set of user behaviors from our study, and captured their features with statistical data analysis. Our results confirm the advantages of real-time information for SAR tasks and differences of user behaviors under dangerous situations. Our results also demonstrate the potential of studying user behaviors with virtual training and deriving insights to design effective training programs.