bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the impact of incorporating clinical practice guidelines for the management of infectious diseases into an electronic application (e-app)
Authors: MacKinnon Holly M. , Slayter Kathryn L. , Comeau Jeannette L. , King Caroline , Black Emily K. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectives:To improve dissemination and accessibility of guidelines to healthcare providers at our institution, guidance for infectious syndromes was incorporated into an electronic application (e-app). The objective of this study was to compare empiric antimicrobial prescribing before and after implementation of the e-app.Design:This study was a before-and-after trial.Setting:A tertiary-care, public hospital in Halifax, Canada.Participants:This study included pediatric patients admitted to hospital who were empirically prescribed an antibiotic for an infectious syndrome listed in the e-app.Methods:Data were collected from medical records. Prescribing was independently assessed considering patient-specific characteristics using a standardized checklist by 2 members of the research team. Assessments of antimicrobial prescribing were compared, and discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Empiric antimicrobial prescribing before and after implementation of the e-app was compared using interrupted time-series analysis.Results:In total, 237 patients were included in the preimplementation arm and 243 patients were included in the postimplementation arm. Pneumonia (23.8%), appendicitis (19.2%), and sepsis (15.2%) were the most common indications for antimicrobial use. Empiric antimicrobial use was considered optimal in 195 (81.9%) of 238 patients before implementation compared to 226 (93.0%) 243 patients after implementation. An immediate 15.5% improvement (P = .019) in optimal antimicrobial prescribing was observed following the implementation of the e-app.Conclusions:Empiric antimicrobial prescribing for pediatric patients with infectious syndromes improved after implementation of an e-app for dissemination of clinical practice guidelines. The use of e-apps may also be an effective strategy to improve antimicrobial use in other patient populations.
MOLTI CLEAVAGES, UN SOLO VOTE MOTIVE. IL CASO DEL VOTO COLOURED NEL SUDAFRICA POST-APARTHEID
Authors: Ronza Rocco W. 
Published: January 2023

IntroduzioneDopo essere divenuto il simbolo dell'ondata di democratizzazione seguita alla fine della Guerra fredda, il Sudafrica è tornato alla ribalta soprattutto per i drammatici problemi che lo travagliano, legati alla crescita della povertà e della criminalità e alla diffusione dell'Aids. È significativo che la rivista Daedalus, nel dedicargli il numero invernale del 2001, abbia ritenuto di intitolarlo Why South Africa Matters. In realtà, il nuovo Sudafrica continua a costituire un laboratorio unico nel suo genere: le differenze che lo attraversano (che sembrano replicare su scala ridotta quelle esistenti a livello globale) e il carattere fondamentalmente «occidentale» delle sue istituzioni — radicato in una lunga tradizione di electoral politics e nella continuità della rule of law, a cui si deve in gran parte il carattere pacifico della transizione dall'apartheid (Nhlapo 1996; Friedman 1996) — ne fanno un punto di osservazione assai suggestivo per chi sia interessato al futuro del modello democratico nelle società contemporanee, sempre più profondamente caratterizzate dalla diversità culturale, linguistica e religiosa.
TRA SARTORI E LIJPHART: UNA TIPOLOGIA DELLE FORME DI GOVERNO DEMOCRATICHE
Authors: Addante Luca 
Published: January 2023

IntroduzioneUno dei fenomeni più evidenti nell'evoluzione della scienza politica dell'ultimo ventennio è il ritorno alle tematiche istituzionali. Le forme di governo, i tipi di Stato, in breve — con tasso d'astrazione più elevato — le istituzioni politiche nel senso più classico del temine, hanno riacquistato status privilegiato nell'orizzonte dell'analisi politologica dopo un disinteresse durato diversi decenni (Linz e Valenzuela 1994; Pasquino 2001).
Benefits of training/playing therapy in a group of captive lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Carrasco L , Colell M , Calvo M , Abelló MT , Velasco M , Posada S 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAnimal well-being and enrichment continue to gain importance in the maintenance of primates living in captivity. Positive reinforcement training (PRT) and/or playing interaction have been shown to be effective in improving the well-being of several species of primates. This research study evaluated the effects of applying a combination of these two techniques (training/playing therapy) on a group of lowland gorillas(Gorilla gorilla gorilla). The effects of this combination on the behaviour of captive primates have been given very little attention to date. The behaviour of a group of seven females was recorded in two different phases at Barcelona Zoo: before (periods 1 and 2) and after (periods 3 and 4) a series of changes were made to the composition of this social group. In each period, two phases were distinguished: i) baseline condition, after the subjects became used to the researcher, focal recordings were made of the group's regular behaviour and, ii) experimental condition, the training and playing sessions (‘gorilla play’) with two specific subjects began one hour before the group went to the outdoor facility. The frequency and duration of the behaviour observed in each of the recording conditions were compared. The results showed positive changes in the gorillas’ behaviour: stereotypies, interactions with the public, aggression between subjects and inactivity were all reduced, while affiliative behaviour and individual and social play-related behaviour increased. Moreover, the benefits of this therapy were observed in trained individuals and the rest of the gorillas in the group, which would seem to indicate that training/playing can be used to create a more relaxed atmosphere, reducing social tension and improving the well-being of all the subjects involved.
Time budgets and adrenocortical activity of cows milked in a robot or a milking parlour: interrelationships and influence of social rank
Authors: Lexer D , Hagen K , Palme R , Troxler J , Waiblinger S 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAdrenocortical activity and time budgets in a robotic milking system in two variants of cow traffic (partially forced, free) were compared with a conventional milking system, focusing on the relationships between adrenocortical activity, time budgets, and social rank of the cows. Both groups were housed in identical conditions and consisted of 30 cows each. Within each experiment, direct observations of social behaviour and 24-hour video recordings were conducted during six two-day blocks. We calculated the dominance value and the time budget (‘lying’, ‘feeding’, ‘other activity’) of each cow. Faeces from each cow were collected to determine the concentration of cortisol metabolites (CCM) as an indicator of baseline adrenocortical activity and possible chronic stress. Analysis of CCM and time budgets did not indicate any adverse effects of the robotic milking system, with one exception: under partially-forced cow traffic, cows of low social rank had longer waiting times in front of the robot. Considering the fact that the number of cows milked by the robot was less than half of that recommended by the manufacturers, our results do not exclude the possibility that a higher stocking rate may lead to further adverse effects.
Effects of physical activity and group size on animal welfare in laboratory rats
Authors: Spangenberg E , Dahlborn K , Essén-Gustavsson B , Cvek K 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether moderate physical activity and group size influence physical fitness, the level of social interactions in the home cage and rats’ performance in the Elevated Plus Maze and a handling test. Forty-eight male Sprague Dawley rats were kept in groups of two, four or eight for seven weeks in cages adjusted to the group size. Home cage social interactions were studied during direct observations. Half of the number of rats from each cage were subjected to moderate exercise on a treadmill for five weeks. An exercise test was performed at the beginning and end of the experimental period, during which time lactate levels were analysed via blood sampling. Rats living in groups of four or eight performed better in the second exercise test, had more social interactions and showed more activity, open-arm entries and risk assessment in the Elevated Plus Maze test, compared to rats living in pairs. The trained rats had lower blood lactate levels in the second exercise test, lower bodyweight and plasma insulin levels and had a greater relative heart weight at the end of the study compared to control rats. In conclusion, rats kept in larger groups had more social interactions, a lower lactate response during exercise and showed less emotional reactivity. Moderate treadmill exercise resulted in the expected increase in the rats’ physical fitness. The results show that both group size and physical activity are important factors for animal welfare.
Fecundity and population viability in female zoo elephants: problems and possible solutions
Authors: Clubb R , Rowcliffe M , Lee P , Mar KU , Moss C , Mason GJ 
Published: January 2023

AbstractWe previously reported that African(Loxodonta africana)and Asian(Elephas maximus)female elephants in European zoos have shorter adult lifespans than protected conspecifics in range countries. This effect was the cause of greatest concern in Asian elephants, and risk factors within this species included being zoo-born, transferred between zoos, and possibly removed early from the mother. Here, we investigate these risk factors further; assess fecundity and sustainability in European zoos; and propose testable hypotheses as to the causes of these animals’ problems. Although imported wild-born Asian elephants live longer than zoo-born conspecifics, being imported when juvenile or adult appears no more protective than being imported in infancy, suggesting that the benefits of being wild- rather than zoo-born are conferred early in life. Zoo-born Asian neonates are significantly heavier than those born to working animals in range countries, with a possible tendency to be fatter. In zoos, African elephants have tended to be removed from their mothers at older ages than young Asians, and were also transferred between zoos significantly less often: factors that could possibly underlie this species’ lower calf losses and improving adult survivorship in Europe. Both species have low fecundity in European zoos compared toin situpopulations, and are not self-sustaining, declining at approximately 10% per annum if reliant on captive-bred females under historically prevailing conditions. Data from other species suggest that stress and/or obesity are parsimonious explanations for the suite of problems seen. We recommend specific screens for testing these hypotheses, and for potentially identifying vulnerable individuals within the extant zoo populations.
The integration of human-animal relations into animal welfare monitoring schemes
Authors: Hemsworth PH , Barnett JL , Coleman GJ 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThere are increasing local and international pressures for farm animal welfare monitoring schemes. Housing of farm animals is a contentious issue for many, although the impact of the housing system may be overestimated by some. In contrast, the topic of stockmanship has received relatively little attention, even though research has shown that animal carers or stockpeople have a major impact on the welfare of their livestock. While welfare monitoring schemes are likely to improve animal welfare, the impact of such schemes will only be realised by recognising the limitations of stockpeople, monitoring ‘stockmanship’ and providing specific stockperson training to target key aspects of stockmanship. Appropriate strategies to recruit and train stock-people in the livestock industries are integral to safeguarding the welfare of livestock. Monitoring the key job-related characteristics of the stockperson, attitudes to animals and to working with these animals, empathy, work motivation and technical knowledge and skills, provides the opportunity to detect deficits in stockmanship and the necessity for further targeted training. Due to the strong relationships between stockperson attitudes and behaviours and animal fear responses, as well as the relationships between attitudes and other job-related characteristics, we believe attitudes, together with empathy, work motivation and technical knowledge and skills, should be the principal focus of measuring stockmanship in on-farm welfare monitoring schemes.
Factors associated with in-transit losses of fattening pigs
Authors: Dewey CE , Haley C , Widowski T , Poljak Z , Friendship RM 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn-transit losses (ITL) in fattening pigs refers to mortality occurring after having left the farm but prior to stunning at the abattoir. The purpose of this observational study was to identify the associations between environmental and truck temperatures, distances travelled, feed withdrawal, farm, transport company and abattoir and in-transit losses of fattening pigs marketed in Ontario, Canada from 2001 to 2004. A prospective study of 104 trips was conducted to determine temperatures inside the truck and identify the factors associated with this. In 2001, ITL was 0.017%, with 75% of producers losing < 5 pigs annually. In-transit losses increased between distances travelled of 590 to 720 km and decreased at distances greater than 980 km. The Pig Comfort Index, a combination of temperature and humidity, was used to identify thresholds of environmental conditions above which in-transit losses increased. The farm at which the pig was raised explained more variation of ITL (25%) than transport company (8%) or abattoir (16%). The within-farm ITL in 2003 had a positive association with those in 2001 and 2002. Withdrawing food prior to transport may decrease ITL on some farms. The temperature in truck compartments holding pigs increased by 0.99°C as the environmental temperature increased by 1°C and by 0.1°C as the relative humidity increased by 1%. Truck temperature decreased 0.06°C for each increase in driving speed of 10 km h−1and increased by 7°C with an increase in pig density from one to 2.6 pigs per m2.
On-farm welfare assessment in cattle: validity, reliability and feasibility issues and future perspectives with special regard to the Welfare Quality® approach
Authors: Knierim U , Winckler C 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis paper discusses the current state of development of on-farm cattle welfare assessment systems with special regard to the approach of Welfare Quality® that focuses on animal-related measures. The central criteria validity, reliability and feasibility are considered with regard to selected welfare measures. All welfare measures incorporated into the Welfare Quality® protocol possess face validity, but for most of them construct or criterion validity as, eg shown for lameness, have not been demonstrated. Exemplarily the cases of qualitative behaviour assessment and measurement of avoidance distance towards humans or social licking are discussed. Reliability issues have often been neglected in the past and require more thorough investigation and discussion in the future, especially with respect to appropriate test statistics and limits of acceptability. Means of improving reliability are the refinement of definitions or recording methods and training. Consistency of results over time requires further attention, especially if farms are to be certified, based on infrequent recordings. Considering feasibility, time constraints are the main concern for assessment systems that focus seriously on animal-based measures; currently they require several hours of on-farm recordings, eg about 6 h for a herd of 60 dairy cows. The Welfare Quality® project has promoted knowledge and discussion about validity, reliability and feasibility issues. Many welfare measures applied in the Welfare Quality® on-farm assessment approach can be regarded sufficiently valid, reliable and feasible. However, there are still a considerable number of challenges. They should be tackled while using the present assessment system in order to constantly improve it.
Can stroking during milking decrease avoidance distances of cows towards humans?
Authors: Windschnurer I , Barth K , Waiblinger S 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study investigated whether short-time stroking of loose-housed dairy cows in the daily farm routine could improve the cow-human relationship and consequently decrease avoidance distances, and whether this effect was persistent. Thirty-one cows (from two different breeds: Holstein Friesian and German Red Pied) received either a treatment (STROKING; n = 15) or no treatment (CONTROL; n = 16). In the STROKING group, each animal was stroked during morning and evening milking by an unfamiliar individual (experimenter) for 3 min over a 5-day period (Treatment 1) and again, 4 weeks later, over a 3.5-day period (Treatment 2). CONTROL animals could observe the experimenter during milking. Before and after treatment, the experimenter recorded the avoidance distances of cows (distance of first withdrawal when approached from the front) at the feeding place (AVOIDfeed) and in the barn (AVOIDbarn). Prior to Treatment 1, CONTROL and STROKING animals did not differ in AVOIDfeed or in AVOIDbarn. After Treatment 1, AVOIDfeed was significantly lower in STROKING animals compared to CONTROL animals. With regard to AVOIDbarn, no significant difference was found between STROKING animals and CONTROL animals after Treatment 1. After 4 weeks, before Treatment 2, CONTROL and STROKING animals did not differ significantly anymore in AVOIDfeed. After Treatment 2, AVOIDfeed was again significantly lower in STROKING animals than in CONTROL animals. Also, in the barn, (AVOIDbarn), STROKING animals avoided the experimenter less than CONTROL animals after Treatment 2. In terms of within-group evolution of avoidance distances, AVOIDfeed of CONTROL animals did not decrease in the course of the two treatments. Only after Treatment 2 were avoidance distances at the feeding place of STROKING animals significantly lower than initial avoidance distances. AVOIDbarn of CONTROL animals decreased after Treatment 1 but did not decrease significantly after Treatment 2. AVOIDbarn of STROKING animals decreased significantly after Treatment 1 and again after Treatment 2. It is suggested that short-time stroking during milking can affect the responses of cows to humans positively, although our results question the amount of contact necessary: even more contact might be required for lasting effects.
Assessment of welfare and productive performance in dairy cows organically reared in plains or hilly areas
Authors: Martelli G , Valla H , Bucci D , Zaghini G , Vignola G , Sardi L 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate several production parameters and the level of welfare of organic dairy cows kept in two different geographical and social contexts. The study group included 1,751 cows from 19 organic dairy farms, 11 of which were situated in hilly areas and 8 in plains areas. After an examination had been made of the general characteristics of each farm, the following data were collected: milk production; milk protein and lipid content; somatic cell count (SCC) and microbial count; lameness score (LS); body condition score (BCS) and udder cleanliness score (UHS). Welfare level was assessed using Bartussek's ANI-35-L system and the van Roessel ‘prototype for clinical welfare scoring’. Our data indicate that remarkable organisational and management differences exist between the two types of farms: farms in plains areas have a larger number of cattle and are corporate in structure rather than family run. The levels of welfare, health and production were shown to be high in both types of farms, though in some cases higher welfare scores were observed in farms situated in plains areas. The two types of ‘welfare scores’ we used were positively correlated. Our data indicate that organic farming of dairy cows successfully combines, in the large majority of cases, good levels of productivity, animal health and animal welfare; this latter aspect may be a valuable marketing point for organic milk, considering the propensity displayed by a significant portion of European consumers to buy food produced using systems that assure a high degree of animal welfare.
Wildlife conservation and animal welfare: two sides of the same coin?
Authors: Paquet PC , Darimont CT 
Published: January 2023

AbstractHuman activities deprive wild animals of their life requisites by destroying or impoverishing their surroundings, causing suffering of individuals. Yet, the notion that animal welfare applies to wildlife has escaped many animal welfarists and conservationists. A well-accepted and applied ethical foundation for animal conservation that considers animal welfare is lacking. We address this by examining how worldviews of conservationists and animal welfarists are related. The clear conceptual link is that individuals within anthropogenically disturbed populations often endure suffering caused by humans. Accordingly, our objectives are to provide an overview of wildlife conservation, integrate ethical aspects of wildlife conservation and animal welfare, and encourage a ‘wildlife welfare’ ethic among conservationists. We describe the relationship between contemporary socioeconomic and environmental conditions and the impoverished status of North American wildlife. We then describe the ecological plight of large mammalian carnivores in North America. Finally, as a case study, we focus on the tenuous lives of grey wolves(Canis lupus)living in the midst of human-dominated landscapes. We conclude that the suffering wildlife endures because of humans is a collective responsibility that presents a moral imperative for animal welfarists and conservationists alike. Habitat destruction and impoverishment deprives species of life requisites, causing trauma, prolonged suffering, and eventually death. We suggest that a shared doctrine of animal welfare principles is needed, such as a modified version of the internationally recognised Five Freedoms. In essence, this would be an ethical affirmation for conservationists and animal welfarists.
Social behaviour of collared peccaries(Pecari tajacu)under three space allowances
Authors: da C Nogueira SS , Silva MG , dos S Dias CT , Pompéia S , Cetra M , Nogueira-Filho SLG 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCaptive breeding of peccaries is on the increase in neotropical countries. Few studies, however, have reported behavioural responses of wild animals under farmed conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of space allowance on the occurrence of social behaviour patterns on farmed collared peccary(Pecari tajacu). We observed three herds of collared peccaries each containing eight acquainted individuals. Using a 3 * 3 Latin square design, herds were allocated, in a random order, to one of the three experimental enclosures, each with a different size: 375, 750 and 1,500 m2of total available area, each with three wooden shelters. We recorded all the occurrences of selected positive and agonistic behavioural patterns that occurred 90 min before and during feeding. Enclosure size had a significant effect on agonistic patterns of peccaries during feeding, in that more agonistic behaviour was observed in smaller spaces. We also found that shelter usage increased as space decreased. Differing space allowances, however, did not have an effect on the occurrence of positive interactions that were more frequent before compared to during feeding. We concluded that enclosure size had an effect on the expression of agonistic behaviours and the use of shelters by collared peccaries. Thus, animal welfare can be improved by adopting at least 187.5 m2per peccary. In addition, our study also confirmed the importance of shelter areas in collared peccary husbandry.