Welfare Considerations Research Articles

A framework for a low-cost system of automated gate control in assays of spatial cognition in fishes.

Automation of experimental setups is a promising direction in behavioral research because it can facilitate the acquisition of data while increasing its repeatability and reliability. For example, research in spatial cognition can benefit from automated control by systematic manipulation of sensory cues and more efficient execution of training procedures. However, commercial solutions are often costly, restricted to specific platforms, and mainly focused on the automation of data acquisition, stimulus presentation, and reward delivery. Animal welfare considerations as well as experimental demands may require automating the access of an animal or animals to the experimental arena. Here, we provide and test a low-cost, versatile Raspberry Pi-based solution for such use cases. We provide four application scenarios of varying complexities, based on our research of spatial orientation and navigation in weakly electric fish, with step-by-step protocols for the control of gates in the experimental setups. This easy-to-implement, platform-independent approach can be adapted to various experimental needs, including closed-loop as well as field experiments. As such, it can contribute to the optimization and standardization of experiments in a variety of species, thereby enhancing the comparability of data.

Postponement of Inheritance Distribution for Minangkabau Migrant Inheritors: A Study of Islamic Law

This research aimed to examine the practice of postponing inheritance distribution for Minangkabau migrant inheritors from Islamic law’s perspective and identify the contributing factors. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining field research and normative legal analysis. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed qualitatively to describe the problem and address the research purposes. The results showed that postponing inheritance distribution contradicts the principles of Islamic law, which mandates that the division be carried out promptly after the testator’s death using fara’id. This delay is influenced by economic factors, customary practices that grant women a dominant role in inheritance and prioritize the preservation of high-level heirloom treasures, and the distance separating migrant inheritors from their hometowns. Nevertheless, some scholars permit postponement if it is based on considerations of family welfare, while others reject it by referring to the ijbari principle. Therefore, it is recommended that the government, Islamic scholars, Minangkabau indigenous people, and Muslim migrant inheritors enhance their understanding and awareness of Islamic inheritance law and play an active role in preventing and resolving the issue of postponed inheritance distribution, as preventing inheritors from their inheritance rights is unlawful (haram) and a major sin.

Unconventional Animal Species Participation in Animal-Assisted Interventions and Methods for Measuring Their Experienced Stress.

The participation of animals during complementary therapy for humans is a developing area. Dogs and horses are the most frequent partner species in animal-assisted services, but several unconventional species have also been involved, although there is a lack of information about the stress they experience caused by AAS. We conducted a comprehensive literature search, analyzing 135 articles with the purpose of investigating the effects of AAS on unconventional species such as guinea pigs, rabbits, farm animals, alpacas, donkeys, reptiles, aquarium fishes, and dolphins. We found that the relevant articles emphasize investigating the impact of animal-assisted interventions on humans, and they generally report positive outcomes. Limited data is available concerning the potential consequences the interventions may have on the animals. Therefore, it is our conclusion that more extensive studies should be conducted to get adequate information on stress experienced by animals during AAS, such as the measurement of biochemical parameters such as cortisol. Hence, meeting animal welfare considerations in addition to human interests could serve as a basis for the recommended methodology for therapies.

Diagnosis of botulism in mammals aided by toxin ELISA and C and D gene RT-PCRs with an emphasis on farm animals.

Animal welfare and ethical considerations limit the use of the mouse lethality bioassay for the detection of botulinum toxins. This study assessed an ELISA and RT-PCRs to detect toxin types C and D in samples from mammals with flaccid paralysis or weakness. DNA/RNA tightly bound to the toxin molecules were used as surrogates for the presence of toxin. In total 391 diverse samples from 101 clinical cases from cattle and 9 other species were examined. Botulism was confirmed by ELISA in samples from 16 cases. Toxin type C or D was identified by RT-PCR in 10 cases, five of which were among the cases confirmed by ELISA. Among the 80 cases with negative samples, sampling was not comprehensive enough in 66 cases (botulism therefore not excluded) but was adequate in 14 cases (no indication of botulism). The last two categories included 16 cases with other laboratory findings explaining the clinical signs. The ELISA that detects botulinum C and D toxins was superior in identifying cases with positive samples compared to the RT-PCRs but the latter were able to identify the toxin type present when positive. Furthermore, the RT-PCRs are available to any laboratory with molecular testing capability. Both laboratory assays can screen a comprehensive range and a large number of samples which is crucial for a successful diagnosis of botulism.

Physiological and behavioral responses to social isolation and starvation in a social fish

Changes in the social environment, such as segregating an individual who would typically reside within a social group, may elicit physiological and behavioral responses to external stimulus such as starvation. However, such changes in phenotypic traits receive a little attention in social fish. Here, we used qingbo (Spinibarbus sinensis) with high level of sociability as animal model in order to examine the physiological and behavioral responses of this fish species to social environment (isolation vs. grouping) and nutritional state (well-fed vs. starvation). We found that differences in the reduction of body masses between the group-reared and the isolation-reared fish during periods of starvation can be partially attributed to variations in water volume within the tanks. Additionally, the decrease in standard metabolic rate was more pronounced in the group-reared fish compared to the isolation-reared fish when deprived of food, except for maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope. Interestingly, only the group-reared fish experienced a decline in constant acceleration swimming performance after food deprivation, while this was not observed in the isolated fish. Neither social isolation nor starvation had any impact on personality expression (e.g., exploration, activity, and boldness). However, both exploration and boldness exhibited temporal effects with an increase in these two personality traits. Social isolation tended to elevate anxiety-like behavior levels. Both social isolation and starvation did not affect upper thermal tolerance; however, starvation enhanced cold resistance of the fish. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of how social environment combined with trophic stress influences phenotypic traits and may offer valuable insights into animal welfare considerations for both natural habitats and aquaculture practices.

Implementation of Total Productive Maintenance in Centrifugal Pump Maintenance At Pt. Fajar Surya Wisesa

PT. Fajar Surya Wisesa specializes in manufacturing packaging paper, with its factory located in the WWTP Department. The company is dedicated to enhancing the productivity and operational efficiency of its Centrifugal Pump machines through effective maintenance strategies. This study employs a quantitative approach to assess the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), encompassing availability, performance efficiency, and quality rate, alongside a Six Big Losses analysis. The findings revealed that the average machine availability reached 98%, with a notable decrease observed in August due to downtime incidents. Performance efficiency consistently exceeded 90%, although higher production outputs occasionally led to efficiency declines. Quality rates remained stable and high, signaling advancements in production processes and quality control measures. Overall, the average OEE value attained 88%, surpassing the global standard of 85%. To further optimize Centrifugal Pump machine effectiveness, proposed enhancements include operator training, regular performance assessments, improved operator welfare considerations, selection of premium raw materials, updates to standard operating procedures (SOPs), scheduled preventive maintenance, enhanced workplace safety measures, and investments in energy backup systems. In conclusion, these initiatives have effectively elevated the performance and operational quality of the Centrifugal Pump machines at PT. Fajar Surya Wisesa.

High-Turnover vs. Low-Turnover Mutual Funds: A Comparative Analysis of Value Addition Over Different Horizons

This qualitative literature review examines the comparative analysis of value addition between high-turnover and low-turnover mutual funds across different investment horizons. Through an extensive review of recent studies, the review identifies key performance metrics, market dynamics, and investor preferences associated with each strategy. High-turnover funds demonstrate superior short-term performance metrics, driven by active management strategies aimed at capitalizing on market inefficiencies and rapid information incorporation. In contrast, low-turnover funds offer stable long-term returns with lower transaction costs and reduced volatility over extended horizons. The review also explores the implications of turnover rates on market efficiency, investor welfare, and regulatory considerations. Limitations include variations in data availability, methodological approaches, and the dynamic nature of financial markets. Future research directions emphasize standardized methodologies, global market analysis, and the long-term impact of regulatory reforms on fund management practices and investor outcomes.

Upright versus inverted catching and crating end-of-lay hens: a trade-off between animal welfare, ergonomic and financial concerns

This study explores upright versus inverted catching and crating of spent laying hens. Both catching methods were compared using a cost-benefit analysis that focused on animal welfare, ergonomic, and financial considerations. Data were collected on seven commercial farms (one floor system and six aviary systems) during depopulation of approximately 3,000 hens per method per flock. Parameters such as wing flapping frequency, catcher bird interaction, incidence of catching damage and hens dead on arrival (DOA) were measured and compared between catching methods. Ergonomic evaluations were performed via catcher surveys and expert assessment of video recordings. The wing flapping frequency was lower (3.1 ± 0.6 vs. 4.0 ± 0.5, P < 0.001) and handling was gentler (1.9 ± 0.5 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5, P < 0.001), both on a 7-point Likert scale, for upright versus inverted catching. However, more person-hours per 1000 hens were required for upright than inverted catching (8.2 ± 3.2 h vs. 4.8 ± 2.0 h, P = 0.011), with only wing bruises being significantly less common for upright than inverted catching (1.1 ± 0.6 % vs. 1.7 ± 0.7%, P = 0.04). Upright catching was 1.8 times more expensive than inverted catching; compensation for this cost would require a premium price of approximately €0.0005 extra per egg. Ergonomically, both catching methods were considered demanding, although catchers (n = 29) preferred inverted catching. In conclusion, this study showed animal welfare benefits of upright vs. inverted catching. Industry adoption of upright catching will depend on compensation of the additional labor costs, adjustments to labor conditions and shorter loading times.

Animal-assisted interventions in adult hospital rehabilitation settings: A scoping review.

Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) have the potential to enhance people's well-being and function and are increasingly being implemented across a range of settings. This scoping review explored how AAIs have been used in adult hospital rehabilitative care. Using JBI and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a systematic search of four databases was undertaken. Inclusion criteria involved adults, aged >18 years, who had received AAIs in the hospital rehabilitation setting. Twenty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. Results identified two intervention types: visitation activities (n = 8 studies) and structured therapeutic interventions (n = 14 studies). Dogs were the most common animal species. Improvements in social and emotional well-being were reported across both types of interventions, with improvements in ambulation, motor skills, and verbal communication reported by those engaged in structured therapeutic interventions. Implementation challenges included a dependency on volunteer dog-handlers; the need for better recording of interventions in medical records to enable evaluation; and cost, safety, infection control, and animal welfare considerations. Strengthening the planning of AAIs is fundamental for the realization of potential outcomes from human-animal interactions in hospital rehabilitative care.

Substituting red meat with insects in burgers: Estimating the public health impact using risk-benefit assessment

In Western societies, reducing red meat consumption gained prominence due to health, environmental, and animal welfare considerations. We estimated the public health impact of substituting beef with house cricket (Acheta domesticus) in European diets (Denmark, France, and Greece) using the risk-benefit assessment (RBA) methodology, building upon the EFSA-funded NovRBA project. The overall health impact of substituting beef patties with insect powder-containing patties was found to be impacted by the amount of cricket powder incorporated in the patties. While using high amounts of cricket powder in meat substitutes may be safe, it does not inherently offer a healthier dietary option compared to beef. Adjustment of cricket powder levels is needed to yield a positive overall health impact. The main driver of the outcome is sodium, naturally present in substantial amounts in crickets. Moreover, the way that cricket powder is hydrated before being used for the production of patties (ratio of powder to water), influences the results. Our study highlighted that any consideration for dietary substitution should be multidimensional, considering nutritional, microbiological and toxicological aspects, and that the design of new food products in the framework of dietary shifts should consider both health risks and benefits associated with the food.

Experimental Infection Models and Their Usefulness for White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) Research in Shrimp

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is marked as one of the most economically devastating pathogens in shrimp aquaculture worldwide. Infection of cultured shrimp can lead to mass mortality (up to 100%). Although progress has been made, our understanding of WSSV’s infection process and the virus–host–environment interaction is far from complete. This in turn hinders the development of effective mitigation strategies against WSSV. Infection models occupy a crucial first step in the research flow that tries to elucidate the infectious disease process to develop new antiviral treatments. Moreover, since the establishment of continuous shrimp cell lines is a work in progress, the development and use of standardized in vivo infection models that reflect the host–pathogen interaction in shrimp is a necessity. This review critically examines key aspects of in vivo WSSV infection model development that are often overlooked, such as standardization, (post)larval quality, inoculum type and choice of inoculation procedure, housing conditions, and shrimp welfare considerations. Furthermore, the usefulness of experimental infection models for different lines of WSSV research will be discussed with the aim to aid researchers when choosing a suitable model for their research needs.

The welfare of ill and injured feedlot cattle: a review of the literature and implications for managing feedlot hospital and chronic pens.

By definition, ill and injured animals are on the negative valence of animal welfare. For beef cattle kept in feedlot settings, advances in cattle health management have resulted in a greater understanding and prevention of illness and injury. However, the management of cattle once they become ill and injured is an understudied area, and there are gaps in knowledge that could inform evidence-based decision-making and strengthen welfare for this population. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the acquired knowledge regarding ill and injured feedlot cattle welfare, focusing on existing knowledge gaps and implications for hospital and chronic pen management and welfare assurance. Ill and injured feedlot cattle consist of acutely impaired animals with short-term health conditions that resolve with treatment and chronically impaired animals with long-term health conditions that may be difficult to treat. A literature search identified 110 articles that mentioned welfare and ill and injured feedlot cattle, but the population of interest in most of these articles was healthy cattle, not ill and injured cattle. Articles about managing ill and injured cattle in specialized hospital (n = 12) or chronic (n = 2) pens were even more sparse. Results from this literature search will be used to outline the understanding of acutely and chronically ill and injured feedlot cattle, including common dispositions and welfare considerations, behavior during convalescence, and strategies for identifying and managing ill and injured cattle. Finally, by working through specific ailments common in commercial feedlot environments, we illustrate how the Five Domains Model can be used to explore feelings and experiences and subsequent welfare state of individual ill or injured feedlot cattle. Using this approach and our knowledge of current industry practices, we identify relevant animal-based outcomes and critical research questions to strengthen knowledge in this area. A better understanding of this overlooked topic will inform future research and the development of evidence-based guidelines to help producers care for this vulnerable population.

The Long Road from Religious and Ethical Traditions to Welfare of Invertebrates.

Ethical behaviour tends to lead to the welfare consideration of animals, but much less so for invertebrates. Indigenous tradition often valued all animals as having an important role in life on the planet, a practical application of modern ecology. The Judaeo-Christian-Islamic tradition postulated 'man' as having dominion over all of Earth, resulting in anthropocentrism and careless practices. In contrast, the Buddhist/Hindu belief in rebirth leads to ahisma, or doing no harm. In the face of capitalist systems, practice does not necessarily follow these beliefs, especially in the 'shepherding' of domestic animals. Only Jainist beliefs value the lives of all invertebrates. Philosophers are often divorced from the physiological reality of the animals they muse about, and science's traditions of objectivity and the simplest possible explanation of behaviour led to ignorance of invertebrates' abilities. Ninety-seven percent of animals on the planet are invertebrates. We have a long way to go to provide moral standing and welfare consideration, which is consistent with the new information about the sentience of some of these animals.

Welfare considerations for management of horses on prolonged periods of box rest

Welfare considerations for management of horses on prolonged periods of box rest

Research opportunities and ethical considerations for heart and lung xenotransplantation research: A report from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute workshop

Xenotransplantation offers the potential to meet the critical need for heart and lung transplantation presently constrained by the current human donor organ supply. Much was learned over the past decades regarding gene editing to prevent the immune activation and inflammation that cause early organ injury, and strategies for maintenance of immunosuppression to promote longer-term xenograft survival. However, many scientific questions remain regarding further requirements for genetic modification of donor organs, appropriate contexts for xenotransplantation research (including nonhuman primates, recently deceased humans, and living human recipients), and risk of xenozoonotic disease transmission. Related ethical questions include the appropriate selection of clinical trial participants, challenges with obtaining informed consent, animal rights and welfare considerations, and cost. Research involving recently deceased humans has also emerged as a potentially novel way to understand how xeno-organs will impact the human body. Clinical xenotransplantation and research involving decedents also raise ethical questions and will require consensus regarding regulatory oversight and protocol review. These considerations and the related opportunities for xenotransplantation research were discussed in a workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and are summarized in this meeting report.

Dimensions of well-being

The notion of well-being is relative to the needs of organisms, both non-human and human. I argue that what we have learned about development, animal consciousness and ecological interrelations requires an evolution-informed extension of the way we think about well- and ill-being. Studies of epigenetic inheritance, mostly in animals, but also in humans, show that the effects of both stress and well-being go deeper ‘under the skin’ and extend further into the future than we thought. Studies of animals’ consciousness suggest that welfare considerations should be extended to many more animal species than most of us imagined. Technological innovations and ecological studies show that well-being depends critically, far more than we anticipated, on global social and environmental politics, social justice and the uses of technology.

Optimasi Variasi Media Pendingin Dari Minyak Nabati Terhadap Kekasaran Permukaan Baja AISI 1045 Pada Proses Bubut CNC Menggunakan Metode Taguchi

Along with customer demand, the manufacturing industry must improve the quality of its products. In addition to product quality, environmental, safety, and health and welfare considerations also have a significant impact on the manufacturing business. One of the products of the manufacturing industry is a shaft which in its manufacture refers to the level of surface roughness. To minimize the surface roughness of the workpiece as a result of CNC lathe machining, coolant can be used. One of them is using coolant from vegetable oil. Vegetable oil is known as an ecologically acceptable and safe cooling medium for use in manufacturing operations. So a study was conducted to determine the surface roughness value of the workpiece (AISI 1045 steel) using 2 types of vegetable oil as a cooling medium (coconut oil and palm oil). Taguchi experimental design was used in this study. Based on the measurement results, the surface roughness value of AISI 1045 steel with palm oil coolant is 1.614 m, and coconut oil is 1.554 m. The coconut oil coolant type can optimize the minimum AISI 1045 steel surface roughness value with a value of 1,554 m at a cutting speed of 1273 rpm, a depth of cut of 0.50 mm, and a cutting motion of 0.16 mm/put.

School Fees and Vouchers when Quality of Education Matters

Abstract The aim of this paper is to analyse the role that quantity and quality of education may play in the design of public policies. In our model, educated people enjoy a premium on their incomes, and education generates a positive externality for the society. Households live in two areas with different socio-economic characteristics. Altruistic parents choose both the amount and the quality of schooling they want for their children, ignoring the external effect. The latter is, instead, taken into account by the government, which is assumed to provide a composite education service that has a quantity as well as a quality dimension, and is financed mainly via taxes on the income of the parents. We investigate the effects on welfare of balanced-budget policy reforms aimed at introducing or raising i) school fees, and ii) vouchers meant to compensate the costs of attending high-quality schools. We show that, if the external effects are not considered, school fees improve private parental welfare while vouchers do not. Parental altruism is not enough to support high levels of quantity and quality of education. The consideration of social welfare, i.e. inclusive of the impact of the externality, somewhat mitigates the above results, by favouring lower (albeit positive) fees and allowing vouchers to increase social welfare under some circumstances.

Role and ethics of cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) blastoids in primate developmental biology research.

This review on cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) blastoids discusses a breakthrough in modeling early non-human primate embryogenesis, offering insights into embryonic development and implantation processes. It acknowledges ethical challenges and animal welfare considerations in developmental biology, suggests potential applications in human reproductive medicine, and highlights the need for ongoing ethical and technical refinement.

A synthesis of wild animal-related trade laws in some of the world's most biodiverse countries

We examined the laws and legal provisions governing the commercial trade of terrestrial wild fauna across the trade chain in some of the world's megadiverse countries and how these relate to key animal welfare and conservation concerns. Over the past century, an increase in the quantity and complexity of laws related to commercial wildlife trade has been observed in the 11 focal countries examined. Our review identified 95 laws with 560 provisions adopted since 1910 across these countries. Surprisingly, the level of biological diversity in a country does not correlate with the extent of legislation addressing wildlife trade. Moreover, legislation is unevenly distributed across different stages of the wildlife trade chain, with more provisions on extraction and transportation compared to captive management. Notably, animal welfare considerations are relatively underrepresented in legislation related to wildlife trade, despite their broad implications for public health and economies. Urgent legislative action is needed to meet global biodiversity targets and respond to the challenges posed by the growing scale and complexity of the wildlife trade. Recommendations are made to streamline legislation, consider the legal status of wild animals, and address gaps in enforcement mechanisms. We conclude that alignment of national and international regulations is crucial for the effective protection of both wild animal populations and individual animals' welfare in the context of commercial trade. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of existing laws, bridge legal gaps, and address diverse concerns related to wildlife trade, including public health and the rights of local communities.