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Original Research ARTICLE
Assistance dogs provide a useful behavioral model to enrich communicative skills of assistance robots
- 1MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- 2Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
These studies are part of a project aiming to reveal relevant aspects of human–dog interactions, which could serve as a model to design successful human-robot interactions. Presently there are no successfully commercialized assistance robots, however, assistance dogs work efficiently as partners for persons with disabilities. In Study 1, we analyzed the cooperation of 32 assistance dog–owner dyads performing a carrying task. We revealed typical behavior sequences and also differences depending on the dyads' experiences and on whether the owner was a wheelchair user. In Study 2, we investigated dogs' responses to unforeseen difficulties during a retrieving task in two contexts. Dogs displayed specific communicative and displacement behaviors, and a strong commitment to execute the insoluble task. Questionnaire data from Study 3 confirmed that these behaviors could successfully attenuate owners' disappointment. Although owners anticipated the technical competence of future assistance robots to be moderate/high, they could not imagine robots as emotional companions, which negatively affected their acceptance ratings of future robotic assistants. We propose that assistance dogs' cooperative behaviors and problem solving strategies should inspire the development of the relevant functions and social behaviors of assistance robots with limited manual and verbal skills.
In order to enhance the effectiveness and quality of human-robot interactions, users should be able to work with assistance robotic systems in a natural way. Presently, most assistance robots try to mimic human capacities, embodiments, and behaviors, even though neither their function nor their abilities make them comparable to a human assistant. Here, we argue that the adaptation of some relevant behavior patterns observed in assistance dog–owner interactions could improve the ability of assistance robots of different embodiments to provide successful social and physical assistance to people with disabilities. In order to design such robotic assistants, we need to examine owner–dog interactions with a special focus on the situations that the assistant robot would face while performing its duty.
The presented experiments are part of our broader project that aims to reveal relevant aspects of human–dog interactions, which could serve as a model to design successful human–robot interactions. Through applying an ethological approach to develop believable and efficient social interactions for social robotics, our studies so far have ranged from finding the plausible channels of communication in human–robot–dog swarms applied for specific rescue purposes (Gerencsér et al., 2013), through adapting the behavioral characteristics of dog–human attachment to robot-human dyads (Kovács et al., 2011), to modeling exploratory behavior of assistance robots designed for home-care applications (Numakunai et al., 2012).
Considering the growing geriatric population of western industrialized societies, it will be an absolute necessity in the near future that the elderly and disabled are able to communicate and cooperate successfully with home assistance robots. From the several definitions of robots that assist people (e.g., Feil-Seifer and Matari, 2005), here we refer to assistance robots as autonomous mobile robots that, in order to provide assistance to people with disabilities, are able to cooperate with humans and have the potential to manipulate the environment while performing a wide array of tasks (Chen et al., 2013). There are many different endeavors to design technological aids that help the rehabilitation of the physically disabled, ranging from intelligent wheelchairs to different types of assistance robots (Amat, 1998). Most of these robots are designed for specific roles and functions. Assistance systems (consisting of more than one robot) are also developed (Yamazaki et al., 2011). For example, the small home robot, Mamoru-Kun, is able to inform its owner where an object is located by communicating verbally or by pointing at the object. It can also cooperate with his humanoid buddy and ask it to get the object for the user. This bigger robot is able to clean up rooms, manipulate dishes, open, and close doors, do the laundry, and even learn from its mistakes.
In spite of the extensive and wide ranging research, the commercialization of autonomous assistance robots is not planned for another 10 years. One of the main difficulties is designing robots that people do not find disturbing, can easily operate and communicate with, and that they can accept as social partners (Dautenhahn, 2007). To make humans feel that their interactions with the robot are natural, it is essential that in addition to providing technical aid, the robot must also act in accordance with the given social context and shows relevant social abilities (Bartneck et al., 2004).
Based on the general assumption that people find relatable companions easier to deal with, the most common strategy, both in scientific and commercial environments, is to design humanoid robots that have (seemingly) humanlike features and capabilities. One of the potential problems with the use of anthropomorphic behaviors lies in the controversy that humanoid robots are likely to raise the user's expectations in terms of the robot's capabilities and interactional affordances, but present-day robots are not able to fulfil these expectations (Miklósi and Gácsi, 2012). Recently, an alternative suggestion has come up arguing for the use of non-human social animals as models for robot social behavior, emphasizing the fact that human–animal interaction provides a rich source of knowledge for designing social robots that are able to interact with humans under a wide range of conditions (Dautenhahn, 2004). The idea that, in addition to its technical help, a robotic assistant could be a suitable companion, directed the attention of researchers to use pets as potential behavioral models (Jones et al., 2008).
The function and relatively limited abilities (compared to that of a human assistant) of assistance robots suggest an asymmetrical social relationship between the human user and the robot, which is in many ways similar to the dog–owner relationship (Topál et al., 2005). Assistant dogs can successfully communicate and cooperate even with a disabled owner who cannot speak clearly, and they show social behaviors, such as attachment, which humans can easily understand without extensive prior learning. This way, beside technical assistance, these trained dogs provide social support for their owners (Fallani et al., 2006).
It has already been suggested that using assistance dog models to design subtle motor behaviors for the manipulation skills of assistance robots is a highly beneficial and cost effective strategy (Nguyen and Kemp, 2008). We would like to go even further and give dogs a more ambitious role: we suggest that the social behavior of such robots should be developed on the basis of assistance dog–owner interactions. Some robots have already been proposed for therapy purposes, for example Sony's robot pet, AIBO, was found to stimulate social interaction among nursing home residents with dementia (Kramer et al., 2009). It is important to stress however, that our aim is not to develop a doggy robot like AIBO, because we do not believe that a robot that physically resembles a dog would be an ideal assistant in more complex therapy situations, or for helping people with disabilities. Rather, we propose the use of an embodiment that is optimally fitted for the specific function of the given robot (without the limitations of dog anatomy), and the application of specific behavioral models for different technical and social functions, for example, assistance dogs for persons with disabilities. In order to do so, we investigate a number of rich, relevant, and realistic contexts, in which we can observe and evaluate the joint activities of dogs and humans. Our aim is to identify simple, basic behaviors available to even a mechanical-looking embodiment, such as orientation, proxemic behavior, gross body movement, and the comprehension of gestural and verbal communication from a human partner. After extracting the relevant set of behavior elements based on the desired function, we can adapt the applicable ones to robots of different embodiments and capacities. Our first study supporting the dog-model idea applied one of the typical scenarios between service dogs and their disabled owners: assisting in object transportation (Syrdal et al., 2010). In this study, an appearance-constrained Pioneer robot used dog-inspired affective cues to communicate with its owner and a guest in a fetch and carry scenario. The findings suggested that even limited modalities of non-verbal expression offered by the robot (proxemics, body movement and orientation, camera orientation) were effective for developing/helping the communication. In the next application of our idea, the dynamics of feedback processes during the interaction between a robot used as a hearing aid and human subjects who played the role of the deaf owner were investigated (Koay et al., 2013). The behavior patterns of the robot, which had no arms or verbal capacities, were designed based on the interactions between hearing dogs and their deaf owners. Dog–inspired behavior sequences and decision making strategies were used to program and control the robot during the trials. Findings indicated that untrained and uninformed participants could correctly interpret the robot's actions, and that head movements and gaze directions during signaling, leading, and feed-back processes were important and effective for communicating the robot's intentions.
In the present paper, we had three aims. First, we wanted to provide deeper insight into one typical interaction by detailed analyses of the behavior of a large and diverse sample during a carrying task. Second, to develop a life-like and flexible behavioral set for assistance robots it is inevitable to prepare them to handle problem situations. These robots will certainly face several insoluble tasks and could not always meet their users' requirements. We suggest studying assistance dogs' behaviors in such situations to provide a useful guide to developing robot behavior. Finally, we wanted to assess assistance dog owners' views about their dogs' relevant behaviors and compare their attitudes toward an assistant dog and an imaginary assistant robot.
In Study 1, we investigated the typical behaviors and interactions that can be observed in dog–owner dyads when they perform a carrying task. We examined whether there were any differences in their behaviors depending on how experienced the dyad was and on whether the owner was a wheelchair user or not. Wheelchair use presents a specific limitation for disabled persons, as it may require specific interaction types or capacities from an assistant (dog or robot).
In Study 2, we observed the behavior of a subsample of dogs facing two different types of insoluble tasks commanded by the uninformed owners. Preliminary observations have shown that dogs in problem situations display (i) communicative behaviors to signal the problem to the owner (vocalization, gazing/approaching the owner etc., e.g., Miklósi et al., 2003), (ii) continue engagement with the task or try to perform some alternative activities that are connected to the original task to some extent and/or (iii) tend to show displacement activity. Displacement behaviors emerge both in humans (Barrett, 2005) and non-human animals (Maestripieri et al., 1992) in conflicting situations. For instance, when dogs find themselves in a situation where they are unable to solve a task or a problem, they show typical out-of-context behaviors (e.g., mouth-licking, yawning, sniffing the ground, scratching the ground, pacing up and down between the owner and the designated location), which reflect their confusion (Beerda et al., 2000). Exhibiting such behaviors should not necessarily be regarded as intentional communication of the situation's ambiguity, and might only be effective if the owner is sensitive or experienced enough to read these behavioral signals. However, a major approach of social psychology (Miller and Leary, 1992; Keltner, 1995) sees the roots of similar human behaviors in the appeasement behaviors of animals. These unintentional actions have appeasement-related functions, as they are able to pacify partners in case of social transgressions by reducing aggression and evoking social approach, thus restoring the social interaction and relation.
We expected that the above three types of behaviors of assistance dogs can influence or inhibit the negative feelings of the owners, similarly to "guilty" behavior of pet dogs after transgression (Hecht et al., 2012). Therefore, in Study 3, we used a questionnaire to assess the typical reactions of assistance dog owners to the situations modeled in Study 2. In general, when machines cannot fulfill their requirements, people are disappointed and annoyed. Preliminary observations showed however, that when a trained assistant dog could not execute a command, owners were more indulgent and forgiving. Our questionnaire aimed to investigate whether behaviors like those displayed by the dogs in Study 2 have a positive influence on owners' reactions. Moreover, based on the questionnaire data, we could compare owners' attitude toward their dog and toward a potential future robotic assistant.
Study 1—Carrying
In this study, the dog was supposed to carry a basket from a start point to a target place, which is a cornerstone of their training. This task may include picking up, carrying and placing objects at home or outside the house. While having a dog assist in these activities increases the disabled owner's independence, it still requires some actions from the individual. An assistant capable of properly performing the task has to be able to (i) get ready for performing a task when indicated, (ii) understand human communicative cues to identify the target object, (iii) hold and carry the basket, (iv) follow, escort, or go ahead of the owner (with continuous feedback from the owner's orientation/instructions), (v) put down the basket on command at the target point. As we wanted to reveal the dyad's spontaneous cues and behaviors during the interactions, the only instruction for the owners was that they must not touch the dog or the basket during the task (however they could go with the dog).
We confirm that informed consent was obtained from all subjects, and the experiment was performed in accordance with relevant institutional and national guidelines and regulations (Eötvös University, University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee).
We observed 32 dog–owner dyads. All dogs were trained assistance dogs; certified therapy dogs or service dogs for the disabled. All dogs had been trained by the Dogs for Humans Foundation, Hungary and they were tested with their owner (O). There were 11 males and 21 females among the Os. Half of the dyads were novice (having worked together for less than a year), with dogs having the same training as the other group, but not as much experience in various contexts. The other 16 dyads were experienced; these dogs had been working with their Os for multiple years. In both the novice and experienced groups, 8 Os were wheelchair users while the other 8 Os were able to walk. All dogs were more than 1 year old and they were of different breeds (Novice: 4 males, 4 females, mean age: 4.0 years (range: 1–7 years), breeds: Belgian sheepdog, sheltie, golden retriever, border collie, Airedale, 2 Labrador mixes; Novice-wheelchair: 5 males, 3 females, mean age: 2.6 years (range: 1–7 years), breeds: Belgian sheepdog, golden retriever, cavalier, cocker, poodle, Labrador mix, Leonberger mix, mongrel; Experienced: 3 males, 5 females, mean age: 3.8 years (range: 1.5–7 years), breeds: 3 Belgian sheepdogs, vizsla, Labrador mix, 3 mongrels; Experienced-wheelchair: 5 males, 3 females, mean age: 5.6 years (range: 2.5–9 years), breeds: 3 Belgian sheepdogs, 3 golden retrievers, collie mix, Labrador mix). The training of these dogs was based on the principle that they should be eager to please their O, that is, they must do their best to find out what task the owner is trying to communicate and to cooperate in the task's execution, even if the human's communication is not completely clear.
The tests were conducted in a park that was familiar to the dogs. The dog and O were positioned at the start point. The experimenter (E) placed the basket in front of them. The target place was positioned 10 m from the start point and marked by three 80 cm long sticks forming an equilateral triangle (never used as a target place before). The behavior of the dyad was video recorded from the side by E from a distance of 5–6 m. The records were analyzed later. (Figure 1)
Figure 1. Snapshots from the video on the 3 phases of the test: (A) picking up, (B) carrying, and (C) placing the basket.
Data analysis
During the analysis, our main focus was on the communication between the dog and O (paying and getting attention; communicating target object, target location and expected actions) and the dynamics of their movements (durations, relative position of the dog while carrying the object). The following behavior variables were coded: joint attention (O and dog gaze at each other) (yes-no), number of verbal instructions, O's pointing gestures (yes-no), relative duration of going ahead–beside–behind relative to O when performing the carrying task (time percentage), duration of the picking up (s) and placing (s) tasks. (The duration of the carrying phase was not analyzed because wheelchair users' speed was limited on the rough surface.) Multivariate analysis of variance was applied to compare durations (picking up, placing) and number of verbal instructions in the four groups (using experience and wheelchair use as factors). As the data of relative duration of the dogs' position were not normally distributed, Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test were used to compare the different groups. Benjamini correction was applied to control for multiple comparisons. The owners' verbal instructions could be categorized as commands (verbs), name of dog, name of object ("basket"), praises (e.g., "well done"), and inhibitions (e.g., "no", "don't") in all three parts of the test. Inter-observer agreements for all variables were assessed by means of parallel coding of 8 dogs' tests (2 dogs were randomly chosen from each group). High values for agreement between the two observers were found in all cases (Kappa coefficients are: 1 for joint attention, 0.84 for duration of position relative to O, 0.78 for number of verbal instructions, 0.91 for picking up, and 0.81 for placing).
Types of verbal communications
The proportion of the categories during the entire test duration was as follows: commands (verbs) 63%, name of dog 14%, name of object 8%, praises 13%, and inhibition 2%.
Phase I: picking up
We observed joint attention in all dog–owner dyads at the very beginning of the task. In most cases, eye-contact was spontaneous (N = 22), that is, the dog oriented to O right after having been seated at the start point. If the dog oriented somewhere else (N = 10), O tried to attract its attention by calling its name before giving any instructions. After this, all but four Os pointed at the basket when communicating the task to the dog. Three of the exceptions were from the experienced/wheelchair user group, who either needed both hands for driving the mechanical wheelchair, or could not move their arms. All four Os however, "pointed" toward the basket with their head. (Table 1) The number of verbal instructions and the duration of the task showed significant positive correlation (r = 0.645, p < 0.001), and seemed to vary according to the experience; novice dogs needed more verbal instructions [F(1, 28) = 6.563, p = 0.016] to execute the task [the effect on duration did not remain significant due to Benjamini correction; F(1, 28) = 4.457, p = 0.044]. Wheelchair use did not affect these behaviors [verbal instructions: F(1, 28) = 0.632, p = 0.433; duration: F(1, 28) = 0.485, p = 0.487].
Table 1. Number of dyads where joint attention and/or pointing gesture could be observed during the three phases of the task (*marks pointing with head).
Phase 2: carrying
Joint attention and pointing gestures were also observed in this phase but they were not typical (see Table 1). Neither experience [F(1, 28) = 4.982, p = 0.034, due to Benjamini correction], nor wheelchair usage affected the number of verbal instructions [F(1, 28) = 2.184, p = 0.151]. The position of the dogs during the basket carrying showed an interesting pattern. Compared to the novice group, experienced dogs tended to carry the basket longer by going ahead of O (Z = −2.596, p = 0.009) and shorter by following the owner (Z = −2.654, p = 0.008) compared to novice dogs that typically carried the basket beside or behind the owner. There was no difference in the relative duration of escorting O (Z = −1.04, p = 0.298). Using a wheelchair in itself did not make a general difference in this respect (ahead: Z = −1.031, p = 0.303; beside: Z = −0.096, p = 0.923; follow: Z = −0.697, p = 0.486), and the result of post hoc tests that dogs had the tendency to carry the basket going ahead especially in the experienced wheelchair user group did not remain significant after applying Benjamini correction [X2(3) = 8.09, p = 0.044]. (Figure 2)
Figure 2. Relative durations of carrying the basket in the three possible positions relative to the owner in the four groups.
Phase 3: placing
Joint attention and pointing gestures were used frequently but not by all dyads (Table 1). The number of verbal instructions and the duration of the task strongly correlated (r = 0.95, p < 0.001), and in case of both variables we found significant main effect of experience (verbal instructions: F(1, 28) = 8.119, p = 0.008; duration: F(1, 28) = 10.382, p = 0.003) and wheelchair use [verbal instructions: F(1, 28) = 8.89, p = 0.006; duration: F(1, 28) = 12.396, p = 0.001]. The significant interactions of experience and wheelchair use (verbal instructions: F(1, 28) = 8.688, p = 0.006; duration: F(1, 28) = 8.739, p = 0.006) revealed that especially the novice wheelchair user group needed more time and instructions to successfully place the basket.
Study 2—Inhibited Tasks
This study was planned primarily to activate, observe, and describe the behavior of dogs in two typical conflict situations, not to test specific hypotheses. We presented the dogs with an insoluble version of a simple retrieving task in two test situations. Based on the results of earlier studies, we assumed there would be three types of responses: trying hard to perform the/some task, communication with the owner, and displacement behaviors.
We confirm that informed consent was obtained from all subjects, and the experiment was performed in accordance with relevant institutional and national guidelines and regulations (Eötvös University, University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee).
A representative subsample of Study 1 (based on availability); 19 assistance dog–owner dyads were tested. (Novice group: N = 4, novice wheelchair user group: N = 4, experienced group: N = 5, experienced wheelchair user group: N = 6.)
The two tests took place in the same room (5 × 3 m) at the Department of Ethology, Eötvös University, Budapest, which was unfamiliar to the dogs. The dogs entered the room together with O and were allowed to explore for a few minutes before the first test.
Both tests were simple fetch and carry tasks and always followed each other in a fixed order with a 10 min break. In Test 1, the task was insoluble because in the test trial the basket to be carried was not at the place where it was supposed to be. In Test 2, dogs encountered a non-cooperative experimenter (E) who inhibited the fulfillment of the task by not handing over the basket. In both tests the same trained female E manipulated the basket. The tests were video recorded from 4 different angles (using cameras fixed to the walls) and analyzed later.
Test 1
There were two chairs in the room, one in the middle for O (if O did not use a wheel chair) and one in the corner for the dog's leash. As a starting position, the dog sat next to its O off leash. In the other end of the room there was a small cupboard and a barrier attached to it making one of the corners invisible to the dog and the owner. Opposite of the barrier there was an open door.
Prior to the test, E explained the scenario to O without mentioning the final inhibited trial. Therefore, neither the dog nor the owner knew that in the last trial the basket would not be at its place. E laid down two rules: (1) O is allowed to use only the following 3 words: "bring," "basket" and "come" (to avoid the use of instructions such as "seek" or "find") and (2) after first sending the dog to fetch the basket, O is allowed to talk to the dog only if the dog gazes at her/him. (Figure 3)
Figure 3. The schematic drawing of test situation in Study 2/Test 1, showing the position of the participants and the place of the basket in different trials.
Warm up phase (5 trials)
The test began with basic basket retrieving tasks. First, E showed the basket to the dog, put it down on the floor in the middle of the room about 2 m from the dyad, went to the wall and stood still. O sent the dog to retrieve the basket, and praised the dog when it executed the task. After this, the dog returned to its original position at O's side. In the two following trials, after showing the basket to the dog, E hid the basket behind the barrier, and the dog had to retrieve it from there. E stood at the wall when O sent the dog for the basket. In the next two trials a new element was introduced in order to prepare the dog for the test phase. O had to cover the dog's eyes and also close his/her own eyes before E hid the basket behind the barrier. Then E slowly closed the door (just to get the dog and O used to the noise), stepped back to her place at the wall, and instructed the O to open her/his eyes, uncover the dog's eyes and execute the retrieving task in the same way as before.
Testing phase
The sixth trial was the inhibited one. It was similar to the last two warm up trials, except that when the eyes of the dog and O were closed, right after placing the basket behind the barrier (to mimic the usual noises), E quietly removed the basket to the neighboring room (far enough from the door, so that the dog was not able to smell it from the experimental room), closed the door, returned to her usual position and instructed the owner to execute the same procedure as usual. The duration of the trial was 2 min, measured by E from the moment the dog faced with the lack of the basket behind the barrier. E stood still at her usual place watching the dog. After 2 min, E opened the door and gave the basket to the dog, who returned it to O and was praised.
Data analysis
The following variables were coded during the 2 min of the test phase: latency of looking at O (s) and E (s), duration of looking for basket in 1 m area around cupboard (s) and at other places in the room (s), and occurrence of approaching owner (yes-no), vocalization (yes-no), displacement behavior (any of the following): yawning, stretching, paddling, scratching itself, licking its lips, shaking (yes-no), fetching/manipulating other object (yes-no). Inter-observer agreements for all variables were assessed by means of parallel coding of 4 randomly chosen dogs' tests. High values for agreement between the two observers were found (Kappa coefficients are: 0.86 looking at O, 0.83 for looking at E, 0.81 and 0.78 for looking for basket at cupboard/other places), Coders' evaluation fully agreed on all occurrence data.
After visiting the basket's usual place behind the barrier, dogs kept looking around the cupboard for an average of 35 s, and looked throughout the rest of the empty room for an average of 58 s. (Video) All but one of the dogs looked at O at least once during the inhibited trial; the mean number of gazes was 4.2, and the mean latency of the first gazing was 32 s. A large proportion of dogs (63%) also approached O, and 74% of them even gazed at E. Out of the 13 dogs that looked at both persons 11 looked first at O. Vocalization was not typical, but 27% of the dogs vocalized while confronting the problem. Some displacement behavior was exhibited by 31% of the dogs at least once, and 26% of the dogs fetched/manipulated some other object, mainly the leash or tiny pieces of the test set up (tape) (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Proportion of dogs that vocalized, exhibited displacement behaviors, fetched other objects or exhibited some combination of these behaviors when they could not find the object the owner asked for.
Test 2
This time there were three chairs in the room, one in the middle for O (for non-wheelchair users), one in the corner for the dog's leash and one for E placed about 2 m from the dyad in the middle of the room. As a starting position, the dog sat next to its O off leash. E showed the basket to the dog, sat down onto her chair, placed the basket on the floor while still holding its handle, and instructed O to command the dog to bring back the basket. However, when the dog got hold of the basket, E did not hand it over, but held on to it. The trial lasted for 1.5 min measured by E from the moment the dog first got hold of the basket. The same rules for giving instructions to the dog were applied as in Test 1. After 1.5 min E released the basket, so the dog could return it to O and be praised.
Data analysis
The following variables were coded: latency of looking at O (s), duration of pulling the basket (s), occurrence of looking at E when not manipulating the basket (yes-no), approaching O (yes-no), vocalization (yes-no), displacement behavior (any of the following): yawning, stretching, paddling, licking its lips, shaking (yes-no), fetching/manipulating other object (yes-no). Inter-observer agreements for all variables were assessed by means of parallel coding of 4 dogs' tests (randomly chosen but different ones than in Test 1). High values for agreement between the two observers were found (Kappa coefficients are: 0.82 for looking at O, 0.93 for pulling basket), Coders' evaluation fully agreed on all occurrence data.
Most importantly, all dogs tried to take the basket by pulling it; the mean duration for pulling was 28 s. In this test only two dogs fetched another object for O. When E did not allow them to take the basket, 63% of dogs looked at O, the mean latency for gazing was 33 s. Moreover, 32% of the dogs approached O, and 67% of them gazed at E. One-third of the dogs (32%) vocalized (high pitched bark or whine) orienting to the non-cooperative E and/or O. A relatively large proportion of dogs (42%) exhibited at least one form of displacement behavior. (Figure 5)
Figure 5. (A) Proportion of dogs that vocalized, exhibited displacement behaviors or did both when the experimenter did not hand over the object. (B) Proportion of dogs that gazed at the owner, the experimenter or at both of them when the experimenter did not hand over the object.
Study 3—Questionnaire
We asked the assistance dog Os of the Dogs for Humans charity to fill in a short online questionnaire. We received 40 data sets from 8 males and 32 females, whose age distribution was as follows: <18: 5%, 18–30: 25%, 30–50: 57.5%, >50: 12.5%. Out of this group, 29 Os participated in the behavioral tests.
The ten questions were about Os' (i) relationship with their dog, (ii) reactions in problem situations depending on the dog's responses, (iii) attitudes toward an imaginary robotic assistant (Table 2). The questions could be answered using a five-point scale, scoring how much the subject felt the listed feature/behavior is typical or characteristic (1: not at all—5: extremely) or how much the given behavior of the dog would help O understand and handle the situation (1: not at all—5: entirely).
Table 2. The questions and results in Study 3: The median and quartiles of assistance dog owners' scores (1-5).
Data analysis
In addition to a descriptive evaluation of assistance dog–owner interactions, we compared the effect of the less efficient dog behavior in case of insoluble problems (based on Os' scores) with not responding at all (the assumed default state of a robot, which can occur in case of dogs as well) using Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Spearman's rho correlations were used to investigate the associations of predicted robot competencies with the acceptance rate of assistance robots.
The owners were pretty satisfied with the work of their dogs (No 1) and, in addition, they typically considered the dog as an emotional partner (No 2) (see Table 2). They communicate verbally to the dog not only to give instructions, but also to ask questions and even just to talk to them (No 3). They reported understanding both the vocalizations and body language of the dog to a fairly great extent (No 4). When dogs do not understand what to do or cannot perform the task, owners consider several dog behaviors useful to solve the situation (No 5, 6 – see Table 2; No 7 – see Figure 6). Looking at and approaching the owner in problem situations seem to be basic forms of communication initiation. Trying to perform a different task (offering something else than requested) also proved to be a good strategy. Even displacement behaviors (yawning, stretching, licking mouth, etc.) and different types of vocalizations seem to help O significantly more in comprehending the situation than simply not performing the task (No 5—displacement vs. nothing: Z = −4.674, p < 0.01; No 6—vocalization vs. nothing: Z = −3.812, p < 0.001).
Figure 6. The distribution of scores owners gave to rate their assistance dog's responses depending on the efficiency of the behavior in attenuating their annoyance/disappointment in situations when the dog cannot/does not perform a task (No 7). The heavy black lines mark the median (50th percentile), the boxes mark the lower and upper quartiles, and the whiskers mark the minimum and maximum observed values that are not statistically outlying.
Assistance dogs can attenuate Os' disappointment or anger in problem situations efficiently by trying hard to perform even an insoluble task, looking at/approaching O, or by performing some other task. It seems that responding with displacement behaviors or even vocalizing is more effective than doing nothing (vocalizing vs. nothing: Z = −3, 333, p < 0.001). (No 7; see Figure 6)
The questions regarding future assistance robots revealed that Os anticipated a modern robot to be able to cover the technical tasks of an assistant dog to a moderate/high extent (No 9). However, they clearly cannot envision a future assistance robot as an emotional partner (No 10). Both predictions seem to contribute to their scores rating to what extent they can imagine having a robot assistant instead of a dog (No 8) (acceptance x technical competence: r = 0.372, p = 0.018; acceptance x social competence: r = 0.471, p = 0.002), but predictions about the technical and social competence have opposite effects (Figure 7).
Figure 7. The first two pairs of boxes present the scores owners gave to evaluate their dog's work and emotional support (questions No 1, 2) and predict future assistance robot's technical and social competences (No 9, 10). The last box displays owners' attitude to use a modern assistance robot instead of the dog (No 8). The heavy black lines mark the median (50th percentile), the boxes mark the lower and upper quartiles, and the whiskers mark the minimum and maximum observed values that are not statistically outlying.
Although, in addition to human caretakers, nowadays it is mostly assistance dogs that help people with disabilities in their every-day life, current research on social robotics has striven to make a significant breakthrough in this field. We have proposed to investigate the behaviors of assistance dogs to design acceptable robotic helpers based on the evidence that dog–human interactions provide a promising model system to study the emergence of social competence in general (Topál et al., 2009).
In Study 1, observations of owner-assistant dog dyads' cooperation in a fetch and carry task showed that even the crucial elements of the interaction, such as attention getting behaviors and the human partner's verbal communication, can show both context specific and dyad specific features (for similar results, see Faragó et al., 2014). The contribution of simple verbal instructions to the successful execution of different tasks (fetching, carrying, placing) needs further analyses, but importantly, during the interactions, owners' verbal activity was complemented by non-verbal communication. This draws attention to the significance of the ability for parallel perception and processing of human verbal and non-verbal communication, for instance the need to be able to interpret gestures in assistance robots (see e.g., Nandy et al., 2010). We revealed that joint attention was absolutely required for the initiation of the interaction. As a rule, owners draw their dog's attention before giving any instruction, and they look at each other before performing further actions. This implies that even very simple non-humanoid robots should show their "attentional state" by orienting their body and/or "head" to show "attention" toward the human, as this facilitates the initiation of the interaction.
Pointing at an object to be manipulated by the dog also proved to be a typical action, and dogs could successfully rely on this gesture. For dogs, there is typically no special training required; they are successful in the spontaneous use of the human pointing gesture (Miklósi et al., 2003). Dogs' ability to select the requested object from several objects placed close to each other needs further investigation, but we suggest that the interpretation of simple pointing gestures (with a special attention to pointing with the head in case of persons with a mechanical wheelchair) could be a very useful skill for assistance robots, and on-going research (e.g., Nickel and Stiefelhagen, 2007) should proceed forward in this area applying results from dog cognitive studies (e.g., Lakatos et al., 2012).
During the carrying task, the dogs applied different strategies depending on their experiences. Although there was no significant difference between the age of the novice and experienced groups we cannot exclude some effect of age in this respect. Novice dogs mainly followed the owner toward the target area or walked beside them (Young et al., 2011). Experienced dogs could use more subtle information to find out the correct direction using verbal instructions and, especially in the case of wheelchair users, by extrapolating the direction of the initial movement of the owner to predict the location of the target. This tendency in experienced assistance dogs is important to note, because in real life situations, the ability to navigate the assistant (dog or robot) by wheelchair user persons in front of them, thus not being forced to look back regularly, could be especially useful. Although this particular activity (carrying) is limited to a certain extent by the owner's capabilities, wheelchair-bound owners did not apply more verbal instructions for this task. This implies that the number of commands is not simply linked to the duration or complexity of a task, but rather to the quality of the cooperation.
The interaction of experience and wheelchair use played an important role in the success of placing an object in a predefined place. This was more difficult for the novice wheelchair user group, probably because the usual end of the basket carrying task is at a human and some inexperienced dogs were not used to flexibly combining the behavior elements learnt in different contexts on command (that is, placing the basket and leaving it on the ground). In addition to group level differences, we could observe marked within group (individual) differences during the interactions, suggesting that individual learning in the owner's own environment can enhance and refine such abilities. Thus the ability of future assistance robots to adapt to the capacity and preferences of the user could be of great importance.
In Study 2, dogs' behavior responses were observed in two tests that presented two types of conflict situations when dogs faced an insoluble problem while performing a seemingly simple fetch and carry task. In Test 1, there was no object at the location indicated by the naïve owner, and in Test 2, the object was there, but the experimenter inhibited the execution of the required action. We expected that in addition to trying hard to fulfill the task, dogs would express their confusion and negative inner state in some relevant observable behaviors; either by actively communicating to the owner, or by exhibiting displacement activities. We found that gazing at the owner is not only typical at the beginning of an interaction (Study 1), but also when the dog encounters a problem (Study 2, both Tests 1 and 2). In contrast to Study 1 (when dogs did not vocalize), during the inhibited trials, dogs displayed some specific vocalization, that is, they emitted high-pitched sounds that could reflect their inner state in an explicit manner, which needs no training to be interpreted by humans (Molnár et al., 2010). There was also a tendency to display less explicit forms of expressive behaviors by showing displacement activities. The results of our questionnaire study revealed that the calming value of these behaviors—processed by the owners either consciously or unconsciously—can account for the differences in the humans' reactions to the dogs' failures.
One major message of the results of the inhibited trials is that assistance dogs do not give up easily if they are faced with a "seemingly" insoluble task. Interestingly, dogs tended to manipulate/fetch different objects than the basket, mainly when the basket was not physically there. In both contexts, dogs showed a strong commitment to execute the task or at least the behavioral elements discussed above lent a "busy" appearance to them. According to the questionnaire results, this strong commitment to fulfill the task is an attractive characteristic in the eyes of the owners and can attenuate their disappointment. The incorporation of such behaviors (e.g., hesitantly turning/paddling, moving around close to the place of the task to be executed, looking/moving back and forth between the user and the aimed object, emitting some high pitched sound) in the behavioral repertoire of assistance robots would enhance their similarity to a living helper. More importantly, displaying these behaviors in particular situations would elicit more empathy, understanding, and forgiveness toward the robot assistant on the part of the human users. We stress that we do not envisage robot users to be as sympathetic to an ethologically inspired social robot as to a pet, but suggest employing behaviors which potentially can facilitate some feelings and positive approach on the long run in a human partner.
In sum, we propose that future assistance robots should follow relevant natural behavior sequences during fetch and carry interactions, and that the problem solving strategies of assistant dogs could inspire the development of the relevant functions and social behaviors of assistance robots. We confirmed that it would make human robot interaction more fluent and less stressful if assistant robots could communicate their inability to solve a problem displaying simple behaviors like non-verbal vocalization, gaze alternation, and/or displacement activities rather than simply not performing the task (or giving an error message). Direct questioning of the target population of end-users suggests that the inclusion of assistance dogs' relevant expressive behaviors in the design of future assistance robots could be critical to the success of this emerging assistive technology by decreasing the present negative approach of potential users. Finally, we do not suggest applying the dog-human interactions as a model in all types of social robots or in all possible contexts. Naturally, human-human interactions can be more adequate in many cases. However, we think that the long experience with dogs assisting humans in various situations could give a range of insights for shaping collaboration between agents with heterogeneous capabilities such as humans and robots.
Author Contributions
Márta Gácsi designed the study, Szakadát and Márta Gácsi performed the experiments and analysed the data, Márta Gácsi, Sára Szakadát and Ádám Miklósi wrote the paper.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
The research was supported by the European Union (LIREC-215554) and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (F01/031). Ádám Miklósi also received support from the Swiss National Science Foundation (SWARMIX: Synergistic Interactions in Swarms of Heterogeneous Agents). We would like to thank Barbara Gáspár for her help in conducting the tests. We are grateful to the Hungarian Dogs for Humans charity and the owners for their participation.
Supplementary Materials
The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: http://www.frontiersin.org/journal/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00971/abstract
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Keywords: assistance robots, dog–human cooperation, dog behavioral model, displacement behaviors, problem solving strategy
Citation: Gácsi M, Szakadát S and Miklósi Á (2013) Assistance dogs provide a useful behavioral model to enrich communicative skills of assistance robots. Front. Psychol. 4:971. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00971
Received: 18 October 2013; Accepted: 08 December 2013;
Published online: 24 December 2013.
Edited by:Thomas Bugnyar, Universität Wien, Austria
Reviewed by:Jennifer Vonk, Oakland University, USA
Kurt Kotrschal, University of Vienna, Austria
Copyright © 2013 Gácsi, Szakadát and Miklósi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Márta Gácsi, MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/c, 1117 Budapest, Hungary e-mail: email@example.com


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Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Spotlight: Candie!
Since it's sweet Candie's birthday TODAY, she gets to be first! (and I do have another sweet big girl's birthday in August that I will highlight NEXT....you are not forgotten, my dear!)
Happy Birthday Candie! You are ELEVEN! You have been waiting for this day for oh so long. When you count down the days, you get this HUGE grin on your face and you gasp for air and say "I so 'cited!" Then you giggle and giggle.
Oh how you have GROWN! I looked back at my prayer journals and how desperately I prayed that God would help you grow...and He has answered that prayer! You are still a tiny mite, but you have grown taller centimeter by centimeter! I'm so thankful that we chose not to do the growth hormone shots for you, sweetie. You have grown at your own pace, and you have made your own little growth chart, and you're doing FINE!
Candie, you have also grown in grace. I can see more and more of your sweet spirit shining through. You have an amazing sense of responsibility...way beyond your years. You remember things and with your keen eyes you make sure that we have everything we need at all times...you're always canvasing the landscape to see what else you can do to help out. Your momma appreciates that more than you know! You look out for your little siblings, and now you are READING to them! You go girl! You still don't understand everything you are reading, but you're gaining progress! Sometimes, you take care of your younger brothers and sister a little too much. Bossing and leading are sometimes hard to balance, but you're learning!
You are not going to the hearing impaired school any longer as you have 'outgrown' it! So momma is homeschooling you full time and we are getting into a groove. We have good days and bad days don't we? But what does momma always tell you? Nobody is perfect except Jesus, we're ALL gonna mess up, and so we just put our big girl panties on and keep on trying again and again! You are a WHIZ at math, honey child! And you're even learning about the presidents. You loved getting to see the White House when we went to Washington D.C. Like I mentioned before, you are READING! Oh how I love to hear you read! We are working on comprehension, and even though it is slow and tedious, it will be worth it in the end, I promise!
We tell you the gospel story over and over. You are beginning to show glimmers of understanding. You are very open and eager to hear about how Jesus died for our sins and how he rose on the third day and how we who trust Him as Savior will have a home in Heaven with Him. Those are hard concepts for you, but you know what sin is (usually when I ask you, you answer "Sin is bossing." :) You know Jesus died on the cross. You know He rose again most assuredly on the third day. You are still trying to grasp Heaven and death...and that's okay. I think we will all try to grasp that until we are called home. Candie, we pray FERVENTLY for you to understand how much Jesus loves you. We cannot wait for that day when you come to complete understanding and you are ready to commit your way to Him. You are learning simple Bible verses, you have memorized the pledge to the Bible, and you can sing the B.I.B.L.E. like nobody's business! I am so proud of how hard you have worked on learning these, day in and day out!
Your hearing aid gives you so much freedom to HEAR in life! We are so thankful that you desire to wear your hearing aid, and you take really good care of it and your anchor screw behind your ear. In so many ways, you are every bit eleven years old...and then in others, you're just a little girl who has only been hearing 2.5 years and is plodding along in 2nd grade. We love you just the way you are. And we continue to find ways to motivate you to keep learning and persevering. The going gets tough, that's for sure. But you're learning to get tough too. Inch by inch, you're courage and confidence are growing.
Some of your favorite things are Barbies, baby dolls, Nintendo ds, webkinz, and pretty clothes. :) You are ALL GIRL! Some of your favorite people besides us :) are Mrs. Shalita, your awesome dance teacher,
and Jay Jay her daughter. You also really like Mrs. Paula because she spoils you completely. You love Sarah Grace in China, your LePing buddy.
You also love your pen pal Darcy M. And you adore your other red headed adopted sister Kylie. And you love to be with your grandparents on both sides...and everyone likes to be around you, Candie, because you smile ALL THE TIME and you are SO considerate!
You tell us some things about China some times. It breaks our hearts, not because you were mistreated or anything like that. I guess it's when you tell us, very matter of fact, that you never had a bath in all your 8 years in China. You showed us how your foster mom just washed your feet in a big bowl. There is a story in the Bible that we have told you about Jesus washing His disciples' feet. There is a reason that one of your memories from China is foot washing. God has allowed everything, every memory in your life for a reason, Candie. Your foster mom served you humbly and graciously for 8 years. We pray for her everyday.
You don't talk too much about her. I wish you would tell us more. Maybe one day. I wish she could see you now. She wouldn't recognize you, I bet. No, actually, I bet she would. You still have the same beautiful face, though now it is without the heart shaped birthmark that covered your cheek. Your hair has grown so much! You want it to get longer and longer, but lately you've been talking about getting it cut into a bob. (You say, "I get my hair cut short!") Either way, you are beautiful! You have exquisite features, Candie. You really do! I don't tell you that enough.
I am so thankful God gave us you! You have taught your momma so much that I needed to learn. Some of those lessons were hard in the coming. And I'm still learning, Candie. And you are oh so patient as I learn! God has used you in a mighty way in my life. It was YOUR adoption that really opened your daddy's and my eyes to God's heart in China. We are forever changed, and our hearts forever knitted with your birth country. That bumpy, curvy, dusty dirt road to your village paved the way in our hearts for God to bring us His passion for the poor, needy, widowed, and orphan.
We are SO BLESSED to be able to call you our beloved daughter.
Happy 11th Birthday, Candace Lexiaohao Ferrill! We love you!
15 comments:
- KK said...
Happy Birthday Candie!!! I love you so so much!! I'm so blessed to be your sister!!! I hope that you have a great day today!!!! Keep on smiling!!!! Love, KK :)
- August 23, 2011 at 7:39 AM
- Shalita said...
Happy Birthday, My Precious Candie!!! Guess what...YOU ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE TOO!!!
You ALWAYS make me smile because you ALWAYS have that BEAUTIFUL smile on your face!
Thank you for being such a JOY to be around!!! Thank you for enjoying life in such a BIG way!!!
- August 23, 2011 at 12:06 PM
- Cindy Jones said...
Happy Birthday Candie!!! We are so glad that you joined the Ferrill family. You are such a joy to watch as you grow and learn. Caitlin loves having you as a friend. We love you!
- August 23, 2011 at 3:18 PM
- Paula said...
Candie is captivating!
I adore her and so does Mary Claire.
Happy Birthday, dear one!
You are loved!
And isn't there another birthday in a few days? ... Will you be highlighting that was as well ... or just highlighting???? (hahahaha I crack myself up!)
- August 24, 2011 at 11:25 AM
- Tina said...
What precious post and the few times I have seen Candie she has always had the BEST smile!!
- August 24, 2011 at 12:51 PM
- living4him5 said...
Happy birthday sweet Candie!!! Oh my, she has grown!!! I can clearly remember your trip to China to bring her home. GOD is so amazing!!!
Much love,
Amy <><
- August 24, 2011 at 1:53 PM
- jhand said...
I have been wanting a Candie update! I look at the family pictures you post and think "it looks like she is growing well, but I would love to get an update." That precious smile always brings a smile to my face. Hope it is a very happy day and year for her.
- August 24, 2011 at 3:38 PM
- The Byrd's Nest said...
Oh I am just a big sobbing mess! Happy Birthday Candie!!! After reading all of this I wish I could have the pleasure of meeting you in person. You sound absolutely delightful and I just want to give you the biggest hug:) Many blessings on this special day sweet girl!
- August 24, 2011 at 7:50 PM
- Keri Mason said...
I am in tears...that sweet Candie. What a treasure! Happy birthday! Love yall...
- August 25, 2011 at 3:46 PM
- Allison said...
Happy Birthday Candie, I hope you had a great one! You are truly blessed by the wonderful family God gave you, as I am sure you know very well!
- August 25, 2011 at 4:04 PM
- Pandamonium Mom said...
Happy Happy Birthday Candie! You are a beautiful and precious part of the Ferrill family.
- August 25, 2011 at 8:38 PM
- Our Journey to China said...
Oh, Happy Birthday, Sweet Candie!!! We do love you so very much! Your love and care for Emma from your first meeting will never be forgotten. We are so thankful God has weaved our families together forever through His love. So privileged for the joy of knowing and loving you sweet girl!
- August 26, 2011 at 8:30 AM
- Kristi said...
Oh happy, happy birthday sweet Candie. When I tell Darcy that we missed your big day I know she will be so sad ~ I simply must remedy not knowing when birthdays in your family fall!
Laine, you have done an amazing job describing your precious daughter. I'm honored to have you as a role model in this job of parenting!
- August 26, 2011 at 10:48 PM
Candie has grown so well inside and out! Happy Birthday!!
- August 27, 2011 at 8:56 PM
- Jennifer Taylor said...
Laine, I love this post! You are such an encouragement to me. I love how open you are and I love more than anything your heart for God!I am so thankful that we met in China and am always uplifted when I read your blog. Sending love your way!
- August 27, 2011 at 9:22 PM


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Yes Many thanks are due to stalwarts .... PNji, CAK, NP Mphan, MLK who guided me in starting this link .
Such a crass injustice ... keeping us fighting so long ... Truth prevailed, Justice done .....
Type: Posts; User: dnaga57
Yes Many thanks are due to stalwarts .... PNji, CAK, NP Mphan, MLK who guided me in starting this link .
Such a crass injustice ... keeping us fighting so long ... Truth prevailed, Justice done .....
Dear Sir
The full pension case has already been decided in favour of 20<service years<33 pensioners. What was pending was full pension on completion of 10 years prior to absorption in PSU or...
IMHO, the following are the probabilities going by past track..
1, Govt will file a curative petition .. again after delay to keep on dragging
2. It will accept to implement qua petitioner.........
Dear Shri Monga
I am part of Shri Pratap Narain's group in <33 year's case ( already won in Delhi CAT. I am also part of the CP from S29 group in PR CAT.
Is there one more group you are referring...
Dear sundarr
The link needs to be given differently.. as it is given it cannot be opened
Respected VN sir
A doubt in my mind.
The CCS pension rules should be applicable to ALL pensioners ( pre & post 2006) once they become pensioners. Is it not invidious to consider its application...
Thank you Sir
For this lucid response
[QUOTE=sundarar;20875]The aforesaid Judgment vide para 25 also decided as follows:
Shri Pratap Narayan has written the following in S29 group mail
Dear Friends,
Kindly refer to my mail dated 28th May about the proceedings in our CP on 27th May. As indicated therein,...
I admire your clarity of thinking, your service to the pensioners community & to tis forum
Hope many are reading , most of them are listening.. planning to act
Dear Sundar Sir
A timely post.... the non-litigants of CAT (possibly even the litigants) should take note & write to their respective departments copy to DoP seeking implementation. Based on the...
Dear VN ji
In the yesterday's case the adjournment is 'for seeking instructions to concede ot contest' by GoI lawyer.
Let us hope good sense will prevail, in both cases...
Dear Sirs
While I appreciate, admire your interest, contribution, knowledge on the subject, may I request that we desist any further discussion in the open forum.
Any such discussion could be...
Respected VN sir
Thank you for your analysis, elucidation.
I think - as I have quoted in earlier mails - even 6 CPC report carries historical data of all modifications to pension rules ( like 30 to...
Respected Sir
This is just w.r.t your point DO YOU RECOVER THE "5 YR BONUS" GIVEN TO THEM..
Any refixation gets into what should be vs what is. In this case the '5 year bonus' is built in in the...
Thanks Sundar Sir
As always crystal clear in logic & language
Dear Mr Sharma
The same public do not seem to mind the 'gigantic perks, privileges of MPs MLAs , legitimate ones that is'.
Also only a fraction of pensioners are in the bracket you mention. There...
A good suggestion by Mr S K Jain.
I think both VNji & MLKji have a large list ( about 30 or so) of Pensioners cases where judgement has been delivered a few years back but still getting fought in...
I think that Contempt petition is not the end but a means to achieve justice. If some one are not wrapped on the knuckles for these shenanigans, it is just indicative of the putrid system which has...
Dear VNji
New date is concurrent with an excellent rejoinder from our team at Delhi. A wait for 2 months - possibly keeping an eye in SLP too.
We can also have 5 or 12 Rupee meal meanwhile from our...


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Shopping Bag
A great game to bring out on any occasion and easy to set up or take with you, the Regent Quoit Set is effortlessly portable and sure to bring out everyone's more fun competitive side.
The Regent Quoit Set includes a wooden base and peg, meaning it can be set up just about anywhere, six rope quoits, and the game rules.
Even for those who have never played it before, quoits is easy to explain and play, simply throw the rope quoits and try to get them on the peg.PACKAGING MAY VARY TO THAT PICTURED


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We all knew that South Korea's big on cosmetic surgery, but did we realize how big? I didn't, until I read Bloomberg's article.
Each year South Korea receives an influx of foreigners from Asia seeking a makeover vacation. They arrive, ethnic features in tact, and return home looking like Korean movie stars. Beautiful entertainers like Chae Rim and Lee Young Ae are partly the cause for the growing wave of tourists making South Korea their destination for cosmetic surgery. "I want the job done Korean-style," one patron says, "The skin of Korean stars look amazingly soft. They've probably had cosmetic operations, but their looks are so natural."
The head of the Health Ministry's overseas promotion project, Park Jong Eok, expects approximately 13,000 medical tourists this year. South Korea's cosmetic industry standards are comparative to that of Japan and the U.S. and their services cost less than Thailand.
Now Chinese doctors are following patients to South Korea for training in Korean-style cosmetic technology. Mai Hui, a surgeon from China's Guangxi Province who is completing her training in Korea says, "Korean surgeons have mastered the natural touch. There's a Korean-style… that puts an emphasis on natural curves."
What I'd like to know is what would those cosmetic tourists say to their kids when asked, "Mommy, am I adopted? I look ugly, not like you or daddy."
Kim A-joong a natural beauty?


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Jester's Revenge was AWESOME! I thought the room was very creative and a lot of the puzzles/challenges were well thought out. We had a group of 7 and that seemed like the perfect size for this escape particular escape room. We managed to finish but barely did it on time! The girl who helped us there was extremely nice as well and she made sure that all of us had a good time! Definitely going back to try the other room out next!Kyle
Had so much fun here! The staff was super friendly and helpful. Allison was super sweet and very patient with us since it was only our second time doing an escape room. We loved the first room so much (Jesters Revenge) that we decided to do the second room (Treasure of the Nation) that same night and what's great is that if you do a second ro that same day, they will give you 20% off!Dominique
The eight of us went here for the first time and Alison was our Jester. It was such a fun, challenging experience for a group. Very hard to figure out but worth the time it takes. Would do it again.Sherrie
I have done both rooms, and this is one of my favorite escape room operations in the country! Creative, logical puzzles and high tech effects. We enjoyed it very much!Amy
We went on a double date with my sister and her husband. Although we did not find the treasure lol we had a great time and it was a fun experience. We would definitely do it again!Elizabeth
We did the Jester's Revenge. This was probably the best escape room I've done. The people who designed it created fun, challenging, and unique puzzles. I thought the design was well laid out and you had to work together with your other teammates to figure out the solutions. All of the employees were so friendly and kind. We spoke to Brandon on the phone and he warmly explained everything to us in detail. Then we had a friendly woman who set us up acted as our jester. She made the experience even more fun. I was very impressed and I'm so looking forward to trying their other room!Michael
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Dine in style with Galvin at Windows' private dining, events and exclusive hire options. With stunning views over the capital, Michelin-starred food and award-winning service, there is no venue like Galvin at Windows for your special occasion.
30 seated capacity
Raised and set apart from the rest of the restaurant, The Balcony is a semi-private dining. The views over central London, including Hyde Park, are complimented by the commanding position over the dining room, including the breathtaking wine wall.
A variety of settings means the space can accommodate up to 30 guests for lunch or dinner in a semi-private area with an array of special menus available. The room also offers different table layout options including round tables or one oval table.
Enquire about this room
150 seated capacity
Elegant and striking but instantly welcoming, the dining room benefits from breathtaking design, floor-to-ceiling windows and an outstanding team to help make your event the best it can be. The restaurant can accommodate a huge variety of events, with exclusive private dining options for up to 150 seated guests, or alternatively, the entire restaurant area can be used for drinks and canapes for up to 200 guests.
07583 074 737
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June 6, 2020
After the coronavirus outbreak, many ACT and SAT exams were canceled, leading Fordham to go test-optional for the next two years.
April 30, 2019
Between an ever-tightening federal grasp over local authority, alongside the ballooning of a bureaucratic administration, it seems that we're forgetting the most fundamental part of school: children.
March 27, 2019
Gordon Caplan, a well-respected alumnus from Fordham University School of Law '91, is one parent who allegedly engaged in the nationwide conspiracy.
The Student Voice of Fordham Lincoln Center
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The path to commercial traffic eventually crossing at the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge cleared another hurdle in February.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan signed a donations acceptance agreement last month that allows the city to "facilitate the proposed donation of outbound commercial vehicle inspection facilities, including supporting infrastructure, equipment and technologies."
The federal document formally allows the city to provide inspection infrastructure necessary for empty commercial trucks to cross at the international bridge into Mexico as soon as January 2019. The program in part allows the city to donate the improved commercial lanes to the federal government.
"We are going to pay for operations (at the bridge) for actually two years until the federal government puts it into their budget," said bridge Director Marga Lopez.
Currently, only passenger vehicles pass through the port of entry in Donna.
"It'll offer another alternative to make commercial traffic more fluid by offering empties (empty commercial vehicles) to go through our port of entry," Lopez said.
Infrastructure improvements on the commercial southbound lanes will include fencing, an inspection booth, an exit booth and canopies, according to Lopez.
Last year, the city received approval for the donation of northbound commercial inspection facilities, according to a Customs and Border Protection news release. The bridge will eventually be equipped with "state of the art" technology in commercial lanes that include facial recognition and non-intrusive inspection of all commercial vehicles by way of a radio frequency identification-enabled cards, which will contain shipment and driver information, Lopez previously told the city council in January.
The city now awaits a state letter of authority, another formal authorization, from the Texas Department of Transportation. The city will then be able to accept sealed bids for the proposed infrastructure improvements on the southbound commercial lanes.
Officials have sought allowing commercial traffic to cross in Donna since the bridge's inception in 2010.
Construction on southbound commercial lanes could begin as soon as August 2018; fully loaded commercial trucks headed northbound could cross as soon as November 2019.


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Guests staying in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve area are invited to join any of these unique and extraordinary African adventures - or combinations thereof.
Balloon Safari
Guests are collected at their hotel and taken on a leisurely drive to rendezvous with the balloon crew.
Flight is approximately an hour's duration and on landing sparkling wine is served. A game drive is then taken through the park to a private lodge where breakfast is served, after which guests are returned to their hotel.
Flights are early morning and you need to allow some 4 hours for the full itinerary which includes the following:
- Early morning collection from your hotel by safari vehicle.
- Launch of the balloon from the center of the park.
- An hour drifting serenely over the park.
- A sparkling wine celebration on landing, a time-honored tradition in ballooning.
- A Full English breakfast at a Private Game Lodge.
- A First Flight certificate signed by your pilot.
- Return transport to your hotel.
Duration: 1 hour flight - 4 hours in total
Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
Scheduled daily drives are available into the Pilanesberg National Park, which depart in the early mornings and evenings.
Enjoy the adventure of a evening game drive trip to search for the parks nocturnal wildlife. Scheduled night drives are offered daily or alternatively guests can take a private night drive.
Duration: 2hrs 30mins
Quad Biking
Join us for a quad biking adventure trail through the Letsatsing Game Park accompanied by experienced guides, with the possibility of seeing Rhino, Giraffe and other animal species en route.
Duration: 1 hour ride - total 2 hours
Additional info for visitors
* Pilanesberg Accommodation
* Pilanesberg Map
* Pilanesberg Safaris
* Pilanesberg Tours
* Pilanesberg History
* Pilanesberg Wildlife


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Astronomy Around the World
Hello AWB Community!
Thank you for such an outstanding Global Astronomy Month 2018. Some quick facts:
We had over 150 events for the Global Star Party. Wow!
Over 1K+ viewers have seen our Art Meets Science: Impact of Chesley Bonestell and Exploring the Moon and Beyond videos.
We've highlighted a few clubs in the hope that we can encourage you to connect with people, like you, who love astronomy. For example, if you are interested in astronomy stories in indigenous communities, connect with Gunstar Team Goias Astro Clube (featured below). Share the videos. Tell people about our campaign to send 20 telescopes to schools in Puerto Rico.
Stay tuned for our GAM wrap up which will happen later in May - we'll let you know when that's happening!
Thanks again and clear skies!


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It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of our beloved Connie Cameron in Sudbury on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at the age of 46. Loving mother of Cole Bergeron. Dear daughter of Sandra and Allan (predeceased). Beloved sister of Jean, Tony (predeceased) (Lori), Paul (Kim), Pam (Len), Bill (Robin) and Nathan (Jodi). She will be sadly missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and her special friend Kim. A Celebration of Connie's Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Connie's memory can be made directly to the Maison McCulloch Hospice.
6 Condolences
My sister my friend! I will miss you and your sense of humour! Till we meet again! Love you always! Rest In Peace!
July 1, 2018
My dearest condolences to the family.
June 15, 2018
Condolences to Auntie Sandra, Cole, Jeanie, Paul, Pam, Billy and Nathan on your loss of Connie, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time.
June 13, 2018
My deepest condolences to the Cameron Family. Connie will be missed but never forgotten.
Love Rebeka MacLean – Dawson
June 13, 2018
My Dearest Connie – I would have hugged you a little longer the last time I seen you if I knew it would be the last time. My deepest condolences to Cole and your family. Rest now my friend.
June 13, 2018
Dear Connie, my childhood friend. You left too soon. You will missed. My deepest condolences to the Cameron Family.
Love, Rebeka MacLean-Dawson
June 13, 2018


text: When I edit a "Preset" that I've saved it gives me a wonderful list of how I want to classify it, and then a little text box that enables me to add a description to that preset. Unfortunately, as far I can decern there is no way to search on those classification parameters and no way to view their description without going into the edit mode. It would be wonderful to have a flyover that shows you the description without having to go into edit. Also, it would be nice to be able to search or better yet sort based on those classifications.


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The free trade agreement signed by Australia and China late last year is "delivering" for Australian businesses, the nation's Minister for Trade and Investment said on Monday [2 May 2016]. Steven Ciobo said the Chinese appetite for premium Australian products such as wine, beef, seafood and vegetables had contributed to a number of impressive gains in export levels, and praised the government's decision to sign the historic China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA)…Full Article: Xinhua May 2016
Key Points
- Chinese imports of Australian wine, lobster, abalone, mangoes, cherries, milk powder, fresh/frozen boneless beef, cheese, and forage (e.g. hay and chaff) increased as a result of ChAFTA.
- From January to March 2016, China imported US$160 million worth of Australian bottled wine, a 60% increase vis-à-vis 2015. Imports benefited from a cut in Chinese import tariffs (14% to 8.4%).
ChinaAg Comments
- In December 2015, China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) came into force.
- In June 2015, China and Australia signed a free trade agreement. As a result, Chinese tariffs for Australian beef would be eliminated within nine years.
- In November 2014, China and Australia signed a preliminary free trade deal.
- In 2013, mainland China agricultural imports from Australia totaled US$8.3 billion and primarily consisted of fibers, raw hides, meat, oilseeds, cereals, and wine. In 2013, mainland China imported US$1.8 billion worth of Australian wool (not card/combed) and US$1.6 billion worth of cotton (not carded/combed). Combined, these two commodities accounted for 43% of all agricultural imports. After fibers, China imported US$607 million worth of rapeseed and colza seeds, and US$586 million worth of frozen beef.
- In 2008, China and New Zealand signed a FTA that set in place the removal of tariffs on 96% of New Zealand exports. This removal has been staggered over time, with certain agricultural exports being tariff free by 2012-2013 (infant formula, wine, apples, etc.), 2016 (edible offal, oranges, beef, etc.), 2017 (butter, cheese, liquid milk), and 2019 (whole/skim powdered milk). New Zealander wheat, sugar, and rice will not have receive reduced tariffs.
- In 1971 (a year before US President Nixon's visit), Australia's Prime Minister Edward Gough Whitlam visited China and met with Zhou Enlai (Premier of the People's Republic of China). This meeting later resulted in Australia's official recognition of the PRC.


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In the face of the current recession, it is probably hard to believe that we Americans are 4.5 times richer than were our great grandparents at the turn of the century. One billion of the earth's residents live in unprecedented luxury, while one billion live in destitution. Those in the wealthiest 1/5, probably not you or I, are responsible for the lion's share of the damage that humans cause on this planet. They also fund the omnipresent advertising messages that create our shopping culture and give us false identity in our material search for social status in this massive and anonymous society. Even the government favors consumption and the spread of commercial markets into most aspects of our private lives.
At one time, we could count the rules of ethical behavior on just two hands. Today it is the basic value of a sustainable society through the equivalent of the Golden Rule we must seek. Buddha and Jesus wouldn't argue with that each generation should meet its needs without jeopardizing the prospects of, future generations to meet their needs. For individuals, the decision to live a life of sufficiency is to find their own answer to the question of how much is enough?
The goal is to put consumption in its proper place among the many sources of fulfillment and to find ways to live within the means of the earth. Rich societies have had little success in turning consumption into fulfillment. There is little difference between the definition of happiness found between the rich and the very poor nations. Consumption itself has little to do with that which inspires, or the true bonds of love and friendship. It would be naive to believe that entire population will suddenly experience a moral awakening, renouncing greed, envy and avarice.
At least 1.5 billion people live in the middle class in this country, and that's you and I. We must try to curb personal appetites and resist the tide of external forces encouraging us to consume. For three of the most ecologically important types of consumption - transportation, diet and the use of raw materials, we must try to drive less, eat less red meat, and recycle, reuse, repair and restore more.
As man's eye opens to God's earth, so shall God's heart open to man!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Call to Action
Posted by Astrologer at 1:23 PM
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In an effort to understand the ongoing physician burnout crisis, Lightning Bolt Solutions, a company that offers AI-based, physician shift scheduling technology, is attempting to study one million physician shift hours. The study will focus on the root of burnout and how to solve the problem.
"We are focusing on 'burning in' to the deadly, damaging crisis of physician burnout with an epidemiological approach," Suvas Vajracharya, PhD, founder and chief executive officer of Lightning Bolt Solutions, said in a release. "Our goal for this research is to shape how healthcare organizations build more balanced workplaces for physicians, helping to make medicine safer for everyone."
Physician burnout is a widespread issue throughout the United States, and symptoms can include emotional exhaustion and a lack of personal accomplishment. Several efforts have been launched to stop the crisis in various areas of study, including a recent suggestion of adopting AI into radiologist workflows to reduce symptoms of burnout.
"We have the data already that shows us what burnout is doing to physicians, patients and healthcare organizations. Now, we need data that will show us how we can prevent and resolve burnout from a practical, operational standpoint," Vajracharya told AI in Healthcare. "We believe studying the real roots of burnout—looking at the data from one million hours of physician shifts, across specialties—will paint a clearer picture for us as to how healthcare organizations can make medicine safer."
The company launched the Pathology of Burnout Initiative earlier this month and has already received more than 1,000 data points from physicians, according to Vajracharya. Lightning Bolt Solutions manages more than 3 million physician shift hours each month, and Vajracharya believes that's a large enough sample size for the study.
Physicians using the company's AI-based mobile app to check their schedules will be prompted once a week to answer an anonymous single-question wellness survey about their burnout symptoms. Those who report high burnout will be redirected to a resource page to help them combat the issue, instead of "suffering in silence," Vajracharya said.
Though the study starts with collecting data on physician shift hours, the company expects this to be a long-term initiative, with plans to analyze the data to see how physician shift scheduling impacts burnout and release an annual report on the findings.
"We don't know what we're going to find from this data, so we're starting with a broad look at trends. ... As we start to gather more and more data, our researchers will be able to identify the strongest signals," Vajracharya said. "The data ideally will reveal patterns in burnout. We can drill down the data to specific specialities—OB/GYN, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, radiology and so forth. We can also see if physicians are feeling burned out during specific times of year more than others—for example, during flu season. We can look at the shift the physician worked that day. If it was extended or long, that's important to know, and the healthcare organization can make necessary changes to provide better balance."
Vajracharya said the company would also like healthcare organizations to analyze the data anonymously and make adjustments to ensure physician well-being. If burnout is low, they hope the data may reveal what some organizations are doing right.
"Because we can look at the data patterns at a granular level by specialty, facility and time, there's a lot we can learn about how to address this epidemic in a way that benefits both physicians and patients," Vajracharya said. "All this can be fed back into our AI platform for optimizing safer physician shift schedules."
AI can have a role in reducing physician burnout, he said. Many healthcare organizations use the technology to find solutions to problems that "the human brain can't solve on its own." He believes organizations can utilize AI to create better shift schedules and prevent physicians from being overworked.
"AI enables healthcare organizations to build smarter physician shift schedules that give doctors balanced hours, safer shifts and more flexibility to take time off, all using the resources they have," Vajracharya said. "Physicians are overworked, and the practice of pushing physicians to the brink of exhaustion begins in residency. It's time to change this culture in medicine, and AI can be a catalyst now."