Implantable Activity and Temperature Bio-logger for Animals Overview of changes in animal activity over time. Minimally invasive, simple to implant and explant. On-board calculation of acceleration statistics from 3-axis accelerometer data. Ideal for use in physiological and behavioral research on animals. Statistical and raw 3-axis accelerometer data: Each activity measurement is comprised of a burst activity measurement over one minute with a user programmable sampling frequency of 0.03Hz-10Hz. Statistical parameters are calculated on-board, based on the dynamic body acceleration of the animal. Raw accelerometer measurements can be stored in the logger’s memory for further processing. Minimally Invasive: The DST centi-ACT is a bio-logger that simultaneously measures long term activity and core body temperature in the animal. The logger is simple to implant and explant and is made from ceramic housing to guarantee biocompatibility. Application: This bio-logger is ideal for a variety of studies including those looking at behaviour, pre-clinical vaccine efficacy and stress response. It is suitable for use in laboratory, domestic and wildlife animal research. Overview of Changes in Animal Activity Over Time: Measuring acceleration derived activity gives an overall view of changes in the study animals’ activity over time. The loggers measure acceleration in three dimensions, in relation to earth‘s gravity field. Each activity measurement is comprised of a burst activity measurement over one minute with a chosen sampling frequency of 0.03Hz-10Hz. Raw data can be stored in the logger’s memory. Stress-Free Long-Term Studies: The activity logger has a battery life of over 19 months, when using a sampling interval of 10 minutes. The logger is especially useful when a comprehensive data set throughout the research period is needed with no disturbance to the animal. Since no data is transmitted there are no housing or environmental restrictions that apply to the data collection. Different Measurement Intervals: Optionally, the loggers can be programmed with multiple different intervals within a study. This can, for example, be useful when different intervals are preferred during the day or night and can optimize battery life and save memory at the same time. Guaranteed accuracy and performance: Every logger is individually calibrated for temperature and comes with a calibration certificate. In addition, a static calibration is performed on the acceleration values eliminating the need for the user to normalize the data. The loggers’ accuracy and performance are guaranteed for one year after purchase. Key features: Statistical and raw 3-axis accelerometer data Minimally invasive Small, size 46mm x 15mm and 19g Long battery life – typically 3 years Stress-free long-term studies Using the logger: Simple in use, from setup to data retrieval: The logger and the accompanying accessories are designed for ease of use throughout the research process, from setting up the logger, implanting it, to retrieving and analysing the data. The logger is supported by the Mercury software and a Communication Box which need to be purchased with the first order. Programming the logger: To start the logger for measurements it is placed into a Communication Box and connected to the software. The Communication Box serves as an interface between the logger and a PC computer. In the application software, the user sets the start time, start date and sampling interval before starting the recorder. Statistical parameters and raw accelerometer data: Each activity measurement is recorded over a one minute period with a 3-axis accelerometer, using a user programmable sampling frequency of 0.03Hz-10Hz. The on-board algorithm of the logger provides six statistical parameters for each one minute measurement including: minimum, maximum and average EA* values, variance of EA, skewness and kurtosis. Raw accelerometer data can be stored for additional calculations. *EA stands for “external acceleration”, an individually calibrated and normalized variable comparable to the vectoral sum of the dynamic body acceleration (VeDBA). Multiple measurement intervals: Different measurement intervals can be set for the same study. This is especially useful when more or less frequent measurements are needed at a certain time period, optimizing memory space and battery life. Memory and battery life calculations: The software automatically calculates the memory capacity based on certain interval settings, making it easier for the user to decide how to program the logger and design the study. Estimated battery consumption during that time period is also calculated. Uploading the Data: After recovering the logger, the logger is inserted into the communication box and the recorded data is uploaded to the software. The results are displayed both in graphic and tabular form and the data can be exported to other programs. Reusable: After retrieving the data the logger can easily be sterilized and reused as long as the battery lasts. Current battery life can be viewed in the software and the user can get an estimate of how long the logger memory and battery will last in a planned research. Hermetically sealed: All Star-Oddi loggers are implantable grade, hermetically sealed and waterproof with high pressure tolerance. Therefore, the battery is not replaceable. Accessories: Communication box: Serves as an interface between the logger and a PC computer. It is used for connecting to the DST, when starting the logger and retrieving data. DST is inserted into the hole of the box for wireless communications. The box comes with a USB cable for connecting to a PC computer. Mercury software: Graphical Windows supporting software for the laboratory and wildlife sectors. Offers various options for measurement setup and graphical and tabular view of retrieved data. The data can easily be exported to other programs and all updates are free of charge. Implantation: Minimally Invasive: Due to the leadless design and small size of the loggers, implantation is simple and minimally invasive. Suitable for large animals, such as cattle, sheep, pigs and bears. Sterilization: The loggers can be sterilized and reused for as long as the battery lasts. As Star-Oddi’s loggers contain electronics not all sterilization methods are suitable; this includes methods where temperature exceeds 60°C. Specifications: SensorsActivity (3-axes acceleration), temperature Size (Diameter x Length)15mm x 46mm Housing MaterialAlumina (Ceramic) Weight (in Air/in Water)19g/12g Data Resolution12 bit (Temperature), 13 bit (Acceleration) Acceleration Resolution2 mg Temperature Range5°C to +45°C (41°F to 113°F)* Temperature Resolution0.032°C (0.058°F) Temperature Accuracy+/-0.2°C (0.36°F) Temperature Response TimeTime constant (63%) reached in 20 sec. Memory TypeFLASH Memory Capacity104,856 measurements per sensor (if all parameters are recorded simultaneously) Memory Capacity Bytes2,097,152 bytes / temperature 2 bytes, acceleration statistics 18 bytes Measurement IntervalUser specified in minutes or hours Minimum Measurement Interval2 minutes Multiple Intervals OptionUp to 7 different intervals Measurement Options (Primary/Secondary)T OR T+ACT Data Retention25 years ClockReal time clock. Accuracy +/-1 min/month. CommunicationsCommunication Box, wireless transmission when DST is placed in the box. Connection to PC: USB cable. Attachment Hole0.9 mm (diameter) Battery Life3-26.5 months** Replaceable BatteryNo Accelerometer Sampling Frequency0.03Hz-10Hz Duration of ACT Measurement1 minute *Outside ranges available upon request**For 1Hz sampling frequency over 1 minute. Sampling interval 2-20min. Activity and temperature recorded simultaneously.Warranty: 12 monthsSpecifications may change without notice.