scholarly journals Optimal Flow—A Pilot Study Balancing Sheep Movement and Welfare in Abattoirs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 344
Author(s):  
Melissa J. Starling ◽  
Elyssa Payne ◽  
Paul McGreevy
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Additional Source ◽  
Movement Rate ◽  
Optimal Outcomes ◽  
Optimal Flow ◽  
Livestock Movement ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Behavioural Interactions ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Rate Of Movement

Abattoirs are faced with the challenge of moving livestock efficiently through the plant, while also engaging in handling practices that assure good animal welfare. Achieving optimal outcomes for both of these goals can bring them into conflict. An additional source of conflict can arise from the design of the abattoir. These problems are compounded by the dearth of research available to inform how livestock should be handled to achieve all of these goals. We applied the concept of ‘Optimal Flow’ to describe conditions under which rate of movement is maximised while overt signs of distress in sheep are minimised. Effectively, this represents the point at which trade-offs between speed and welfare converge. The current pilot study examined the behavioural interactions between humans (n = 5), livestock herding dogs (n = 7), and sheep (n = 3235) in a large Australian abattoir to describe the factors associated with an increase or decrease in rate of sheep movement per minute. It revealed that distress behaviours in sheep were associated with dog presence and with a decrease in livestock movement rate. However, we found that as sheep density increased, there was increased livestock movement rate as well as an elevated incidence of distress behaviours. Optimal Flow at this abattoir was achieved by maintaining sheep at lower densities. Our report discusses the possible confounds in this interpretation.

scholarly journals The tandem repeat domain in the Listeria monocytogenes ActA protein controls the rate of actin-based motility, the percentage of moving bacteria, and the localization of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and profilin.

1996 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 647-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
G A Smith ◽  
J A Theriot ◽  
D A Portnoy
Keyword(s):  
Listeria Monocytogenes ◽  
Actin Polymerization ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Movement Rate ◽  
Bacterial Surface ◽  
Rate Dependent ◽  
Repeat Domain ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Rate Of Movement

The ActA protein is responsible for the actin-based movement of Listeria monocytogenes in the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. Analysis of mutants in which we varied the number of proline-rich repeats (PRR; consensus sequence DFPPPPTDEEL) revealed a linear relationship between the number of PRRs and the rate of movement, with each repeat contributing approximately 2-3 microns/min. Mutants lacking all functional PRRs (generated by deletion or point mutation) moved at rates 30% of wild-type. Indirect immunofluorescence indicated that the PRRs were directly responsible for binding of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and for the localization of profilin at the bacterial surface. The long repeats, which are interdigitated between the PRRs, increased the frequency with which actin-based motility occurred by a mechanism independent of the PRRs, VASP, and profilin. Lastly, a mutant which expressed low levels of ActA exhibited a phenotype indicative of a threshold; there was a very low percentage of moving bacteria, but when movement did occur, it was at wild-type rates. These results indicate that the ActA protein directs at least three separable events: (1) initiation of actin polymerization that is independent of the repeat region; (2) initiation of movement dependent on the long repeats and the amount of ActA; and (3) movement rate dependent on the PRRs.

Trade-offs in the choice of refuges by common wall lizards: do thermal costs affect preferences for predator-free refuges?

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (6) ◽  
pp. 897-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisa Amo ◽  
Pilar López ◽  
José Martín
Keyword(s):  
Avoidance Response ◽  
Predation Risk ◽  
Chemical Cues ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Movement Rate ◽  
Podarcis Muralis ◽  
Refuge Use ◽  
Trade Off ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Common Wall

Prey often respond to predator presence by increasing refuge use. However, some types of refuges may expose prey to other types of predators. In addition, in selecting refuges ectothermic animals may have a conflict between safety and thermal suitability. In this paper we examined in the laboratory whether common wall lizards, Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768), (i) prefer to use warm refuges to cold ones, (ii) prefer safe refuges to those with chemical cues of a saurophagous snake, and (iii) whether lizards face a trade-off between using a warm but snake-scented refuge or a cold but odorless one. Results did not show differences in refuge use in relation to refuge temperature, because common wall lizards only entered to investigate it, but they were not forced to hide. So, common wall lizards did not have to be at suboptimal temperatures for longer times. Common wall lizards avoided the use of predator-scented refuges, regardless of thermal conditions, and they also increased their movement rate, trying to escape from the terrarium. Because snakes are inconspicuous inside refuges, an avoidance response to their chemicals may enhance the survival possibilities of common wall lizards. We conclude that in common wall lizards, predation-risk costs are more important than thermal costs in determining refuge use.

Computational Models for Workload Analysis of Driving Tasks

2021 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 690-694
Author(s):  
Holly Handley ◽  
Deborah Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Computational Model ◽  
Secondary Task ◽  
Computational Models ◽  
Workload Analysis ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Driving Scenario ◽  
Experimental Findings

This paper describes a methodology to design computational models to evaluate the workload for driving tasks. A computational model was configured for a driving scenario used in a pilot study that included a secondary task at varying levels of difficulty to increase the driver’s workload. The computational model results provided a workload analysis of the concurrent driving tasks. This analysis can be used to explain the experimental findings from subject experiments and to evaluate the workload trade-offs between primary and secondary driving tasks.

Radiocarbon Dating of the Rate of Movement of Two Solifluction Lobes in the Ruby Range, Yukon Territory

1980 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles S. Alexander ◽  
Larry W. Price
Keyword(s):  
Polynomial Solution ◽  
Yukon Territory ◽  
Control Points ◽  
Movement Rate ◽  
Organic Layers ◽  
Time Distance ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Polynomial Methods ◽  
Rate Of Movement ◽  
Polynomial Regressions

AbstractThe rates of solifluction of two lobes in the Ruby Range have been determined by 14C dates of samples taken from buried organic layers in the lobes. Twenty-one dates are available from one lobe, and seven from another. When plotted against distance back from control points at the lobe fronts the dates show considerable scatter. In part the scatter is thought to be due to a potential age range of 340 ± 100 yr in the organic layers. Linear and polynomial regressions were calculated for the time/distance relationships shown by the dates. The rates of lobe advance established by these means for the lobe with seven dates are not thought to be reliable. Reasonably good estimates of movement rate were determined for the second lobe by both the linear and polynomial methods. However, the rates established by the two methods are quite similar. Because of this and other uncertainties it is difficult to draw inferences of climatic change from the changes in movement rate shown by the polynomial solution.

scholarly journals The prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of medication trade-offs in kidney and liver transplant recipients: a pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 870-879 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Serper ◽  
Peter P. Reese ◽  
Rachel R. Patzer ◽  
Josh Levitsky ◽  
Michael S. Wolf
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Liver Transplant ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Liver Transplant Recipients

scholarly journals Comparative Assessment of Heart Rate Variability Obtained via Ambulatory ECG and Polar Heart Rate Monitors in Healthy Cats: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma K. Grigg ◽  
Yu Ueda ◽  
Ashley L. Walker ◽  
Lynette A. Hart ◽  
Samany Simas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cardiac Activity ◽  
Cardiac Monitoring ◽  
Heart Rate Monitors ◽  
Ambulatory Ecg ◽  
Two Systems ◽  
Handling Practices ◽  
Adult Cats

Chronic exposure to stressful environments can negatively impact cats' health and welfare, affecting behavioral, autonomic, endocrine, and immune function, as with cats in shelters. Low-stress handling practices likely improve shelter cat welfare, but data supporting improved outcomes remain limited. Cardiac activity, particularly heart rate variability (HRV), is an indicator of stress and emotional state in humans and non-human animals, tracking important body functions associated with stress responsiveness, environmental adaptability, mental, and physical health. HRV studies in cats are limited, involving mainly anesthetized or restrained cats. This pilot study tested the feasibility of obtaining HRV data from unrestrained cats, using a commercially available cardiac monitoring system (Polar H10 with chest strap), compared with data from a traditional ambulatory electrocardiogram. Simultaneous data for the two systems were obtained for five adult cats. Overall, the Polar H10 monitor assessments of HRV were lower than the true HRV assessment by ambulatory ECG, except for SDNN. Correlation between the two systems was weak. Possible reasons for the lack of agreement between the two methods are discussed. At this time, our results do not support the use of Polar H10 heart rate monitors for studies of HRV in cats.

scholarly journals Low kV versus dual-energy virtual monoenergetic CT imaging for proven liver lesions: what are the advantages and trade-offs in conspicuity and image quality? A pilot study

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (6) ◽  
pp. 1404-1412 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Jay Hanson ◽  
Gregory J. Michalak ◽  
Robert Childs ◽  
Brian McCollough ◽  
Anil N. Kurup ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Image Quality ◽  
Dual Energy ◽  
Ct Imaging ◽  
Liver Lesions ◽  
Trade Offs

Initiation of migration and movement rates of Atlantic salmon smolts in fresh water

2015 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
pp. 1339-1351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel S. Stich ◽  
Michael T. Kinnison ◽  
John F. Kocik ◽  
Joseph D. Zydlewski
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Salmon ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Movement Rate ◽  
Movement Rates ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Hydropower Dams ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Penobscot River ◽  
Migratory Period

Timing of ocean entry is critical for marine survival of both hatchery and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts. Management practices and barriers to migration such as dams may constrain timing of smolt migrations resulting in suboptimal performance at saltwater entry. We modeled influences of stocking location, smolt development, and environmental conditions on (i) initiation of migration by hatchery-reared smolts and (ii) movement rate of hatchery- and wild-reared Atlantic salmon smolts in the Penobscot River, Maine, USA, from 2005 through 2014 using acoustic telemetry data. We also compared movement rates in free-flowing reaches with rates in reaches with hydropower dams and head ponds. We compared movement rates before and after (1) removal of two mainstem dams and (2) construction of new powerhouses. Initiation of movement by hatchery fish was influenced by smolt development, stocking location, and environmental conditions. Smolts with the greatest gill Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) activity initiated migration 24 h sooner than fish with the lowest gill NKA activity. Fish with the greatest cumulative thermal experience initiated migration 5 days earlier than those with lowest cumulative thermal experience. Smolts released furthest from the ocean initiated migration earlier than those released downstream, but movement rate increased by fivefold closer to the ocean, indicating behavioral trade-offs between initiation and movement rate. Dams had a strong effect on movement rate. Movement rate increased from 2.8 to 5.4 km·h−1 in reaches where dams were removed, but decreased from 2.1 to 0.1 km·h−1 in reaches where new powerhouses were constructed. Movement rate varied throughout the migratory period and was inversely related to temperature. Fish moved slower at extreme high or low discharge. Responses in fish movement rates to dam removal indicate the potential scope of recovery for these activities.

scholarly journals Development and Feasibility of a Web-based Decision Aid for Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: a Qualitative Pilot Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew H Kim ◽  
Afaf Girgis ◽  
Peter De Cruz ◽  
Corey A Siegel ◽  
Neda Karimi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ulcerative Colitis ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Usual Care ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Treatment Decisions ◽  
Participatory Approach ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Trade Offs

BACKGROUND Shared decision making (SDM) is becoming an important part of ulcerative colitis (UC) management because of increasing complexity in available treatment choices and their trade-offs. Use of decision aids (DA) may be effective in increasing patients’ participation in their management but their uptake has been limited due to high attrition rates, and lack of a participatory approach to their design and implementation. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of Australian patients and their clinicians regarding the feasibility and acceptability of myAID, a web-based DA, in informing treatment decisions in UC. The secondary aim was to use the findings of this pilot study to inform the design of a cluster randomized clinical trial (CRCT) to assess the efficacy of the DA compared with usual care. METHODS myAID, a DA was designed and developed using a participatory approach by a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, patients and non-medical volunteers. A qualitative pilot study to evaluate the DA, involving UC patients facing new treatment decisions and IBD clinicians, was undertaken. RESULTS Eleven UC patients and 15 clinicians provided feedback on myAID. Themes explored included: (1) Acceptability and usability of myAID - (a) myAID was found to be acceptable by the majority of clinicians as a tool to facilitate SDM; (b) Uptake was thought to vary depending on clinicians’ approaches to patient education and practice; (c) Potential to overcome time-restrictions associated with outpatient clinics was identified; (d) Presentation of unbiased information enabling patients to digest information at their own pace was noted; (e) Potential to provoke anxiety among patients with a new diagnosis or mild disease was raised; (2) Perceived role and usefulness of myAID - (a) Discordance was observed between patients who prioritized voicing preferences and clinicians who prioritized treatment adherence; (b) myAID facilitated early discussion of medical versus surgical treatment options; (3) Target population and timing of use - Greatest benefit was perceived at the time of initiating or changing treatment and following commencement of immunosuppressive therapy and; (4) Potential concerns and areas for improvement – Some perceived that use of myAID (a) May precipitate anxiety by increasing decisional conflict and impact the therapeutic relationship between patient and the clinician; and (b) May increase resource requirements. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that patients and clinicians consider myAID a feasible and acceptable tool to facilitate SDM for UC management. These pilot data have informed a participatory approach to the design of a CRCT which will evaluate myAID’s clinical efficacy compared with usual care. CLINICALTRIAL Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12617001246370).

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