scholarly journals Spotlight on Assistance Dogs—Legislation, Welfare and Research

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Bremhorst ◽  
Paolo Mongillo ◽  
Tiffani Howell ◽  
Lieta Marinelli
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Assistance Dogs ◽  
Public Areas ◽  
Working Dogs ◽  
Best Fitting ◽  
Assistance Dog

Assistance dogs are a very diverse group of working dogs that are trained to assist humans with different types of disabilities in their daily lives. Despite these dogs’ value for humankind, research on their welfare status, cognitive and behavioural capacities, selection criteria for the best fitting individuals, effective training and management practices, and genetic issues are so far lacking. This review highlights the need to address these topics and to promote progress in legal issues around assistance dogs. The topic of assistance dogs is approached comprehensively by outlining the current status of knowledge in three different dimensions: (1) the legal dimension, outlining important legal issues in the EU and Australia; (2) the welfare dimension; and (3) the dimension of research, covering assistance dog selection and training. For each of these three dimensions, we discuss potential approaches that can be implemented in the future in order to support assistance dog working performance, to protect the dogs’ welfare, and to improve our knowledge about them. Additionally, there remain many legal issues, such as the presence of assistance dogs in public areas, the resolution of which would benefit both the assistance dog and the owner with disability.

Risk assessment of waterborne protozoa: current status and future trends

Parasitology ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 117 (7) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. J. GIBSON ◽  
C. N. HAAS ◽  
J. B. ROSE
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Microbial Risk Assessment ◽  
Microbial Risk ◽  
Chemical Risk Assessment ◽  
Low Levels

Throughout the past decade much research has been directed towards identifying the occurrence, epidemiology, and risks associated with waterborne protozoa. While outbreaks are continually documented, sporadic cases of disease associated with exposure to low levels of waterborne protozoa are of increasing concern. Current methodologies may not be sensitive enough to define these low levels of disease. However, risk assessment methods may be utilised to address these low level contamination events. The purpose of this article is to provide an introduction to microbial risk assessment for waterborne protozoa. Risk assessment is a useful tool for evaluating relative risks and can be used for development of policies to decrease risks. Numerous studies have been published on risk assessment methods for pathogenic protozoa including Cryptosporidium and Giardia. One common notion prevails: microbial risk assessment presents interesting complications to the traditional chemical risk assessment paradigm. Single microbial exposures (non-threshold) are capable of causing symptomatic illness unlike traditional chemical exposures, which require a threshold to be reached. Due to the lack of efficient recovery and detection methods for protozoa, we may be underestimating the occurrence, concentration and distribution of these pathogenic micro-organisms. To better utilize the tool of microbial risk assessment for risk management practices, future research should focus in the area of exposure assessment.

Temporal changes in an alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) population

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitchell B. East ◽  
J. Daren Riedle ◽  
Day B. Ligon
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Macrochelys Temminckii ◽  
The Status ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Term Monitoring ◽  
Term Data

Context Monitoring populations of long-lived species requires continuous long-term efforts. This is especially applicable for species that have experienced declines range-wide. Aims Our study assessed the current status of a population of wild Macrochelys temminckii and compared the present results to those from a survey conducted nearly a decade ago. Methods Trapping in 2010–2011 was conducted on two creeks within the refuge, during the months of May–July. Capture data were compared with data collected by similar methods in 1997–2001. Key results The population structure of M. temminckii was dominated by juveniles, with few large adults or small juveniles detected and a missing size class was evident. Retrospective analysis of 1997–2001 data revealed that the population was likely to be in decline even then, despite high capture rates. Conclusions The M. temminckii population showed significant declines that indicated that the population had experienced stressors of unknown origin. The status of M. temminckii at the refuge is concerning, given the protection afforded this remnant population. Implications Short-term data from 1997–2001 indicated a healthy M. temminckii population, whereas longer-term data showed that the population has declined, resulting in significant demographic changes. Continued monitoring will be necessary to develop management recommendations and track the impact of implemented management practices. Longer-term monitoring of long-lived vertebrates is required to identify population trends.

scholarly journals Review of existing energy management standards and possibilities for its introduction in Serbia

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 613-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dubravka Jelic ◽  
Dusan Gordic ◽  
Milun Babic ◽  
Davor Koncalovic ◽  
Vanja Sustersic
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Management Standards ◽  
Current State

Until recent times, energy management practices primarily consisted in replacing inefficient equipment and then using any number of methods to estimate obtained savings. Experience shows that positive effects of energy efficient improvements were decreased over time. There have been significant efforts over the last decade to define appropriate standards and best practices and implement the consistent energy management system to increase and maintain the energy savings. The knowledge gained from thousands of energy efficient projects is driving a transition from traditional tactical practice (one-time "build and forget" projects) to energy management strategies proposed and endorsed by a number of international organizations. The current status of internationally developed energy management standards, including an analysis of their shared features and differences is presented in this paper. The purpose of the analysis is to describe the current state of ?best practices? for this emerging area of energy efficiency policymaking in order to study the possibility of implementation of energy management standards in Serbia and to estimate the effects and the potential for energy saving that would be made by its implementation.

scholarly journals The Losses in the Rice Harvest Process: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 9627
Author(s):  
Xue Qu ◽  
Daizo Kojima ◽  
Laping Wu ◽  
Mitsuyoshi Ando
Keyword(s):  
Rural Women ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Estimation Methods ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Harvest Management ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
Harvesting Techniques ◽  
Poor Infrastructure

We review existing studies on rice harvest loss from the aspects of estimation methods, magnitudes, causes, effects, and interventions. The harvest losses examined occurred from the field reaping to storage processes, including threshing, winnowing, and field transportation. We find that existing studies on rice harvest losses have focused on quantitative losses in Asia and Africa. Lack of knowledge, inadequate harvesting techniques, poor infrastructure, and inefficient harvest management practices are considered critical contributors to the losses. The magnitudes and causes of rice harvest losses are now better understood than interventions, which have simply been presented but lack an assessment of the effects and a cost–benefit analysis. Interestingly, reduction in harvest losses may threaten some farmers’ profits, such as rural women who make their living from post-production manual operations. Considering the current status of the literature, future researchers should examine how to balance social and individual welfare since farmers are key stakeholders in intervention implementation. A good understanding of the existing researches can help clarify future efforts for loss reduction, thereby reducing the burden of increasing agricultural production and promoting sustainable development of resources and the environment.

scholarly journals The Gas/Bitumen Dispute: The Clash of Fact, Technology, Policy and Law

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen L. McLarty ◽  
George V. Lepine
Keyword(s):  
Oil Sands ◽  
Technology Policy ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Policy Issues

This article examines the conflict between gas production and the preservation of bitumen resources in Alberta's oil sands area. After providing a synopsis of the relevant technical and legal issues facing the industry, the authors then focus on the clash of factual, technological, legal and policy issues facing both regulators and industry in the gas/bitumen dispute. The authors then conclude with an analysis of the current status and future of the gas/bitumen dispute.

scholarly journals Canadian Challenges in Implementing the Kyoto Protocol: A Cause for Harmonization

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth DeMarco ◽  
Robert Routliffe ◽  
Heather Landymore
Keyword(s):  
Kyoto Protocol ◽  
Emissions Trading ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Trading System ◽  
Trading Systems ◽  
Legal Context ◽  
Ghg Reduction ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Emissions Trading System

On 17 December 2002, Canada ratified the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Kyoto Protocol), taking on binding targets to reduce Canadian emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Canada's ratification decision and the proposed domestic emissions trading system forming part of Canada's Kyoto implementation plan continue to be the source of considerable disagreement and conflict between the provinces and thefederal government regarding: the practical challenges associated with multiple Canadian jurisdictions implementing emissions trading systems: the current status and legal issues associated with covenants between industry and government(s) to enforce GHG reduction targets; the legal jurisdiction over domestic emissions trading system(s); and the impact on interprovincial and international trade. Each ofthese issues is examined in the unique Canadian legal context. The authors conclude that many ofthe most significant challenges may be mitigated through harmonization and coordination byfederal and provincial governments in a manner that allows for local concerns to be addressed without fragmenting the Canadian emissions markets.

Automating Information Flow in Civil Construction Through Internet of Things

2021 ◽  
pp. 194-209
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Internet Of Things ◽  
Information Flow ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Human Intervention ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
The World

The concept of internet of things, or IoT as it is popularly referred to, came into being when it was discovered that it is possible for computers to communicate with devices ranging from simple home appliances to industrial machinery and equipment without the need for any human intervention. The fact that IoT makes it possible for computers to simplify manufacturing processes and bring about a radical change in our daily lives, making this technology an important step forward and in tandem with cloud computing. In this chapter, the authors discuss the contributions that IoT can make in construction industry. With IoT it is possible for a machine to let a remote computer know from any part of the world its current status and physical disposition. For construction firms that need to operate machinery and equipment in distant locations, IoT makes it possible to collect monitor and manage in real-time.

scholarly journals Raising an Assistance Dog Puppy—Stakeholder Perspectives on What Helps and What Hinders

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 128
Author(s):  
Dac Mai ◽  
Tiffani Howell ◽  
Pree Benton ◽  
Pauleen C. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Support Programs ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Advanced Training ◽  
Behavioural Development ◽  
Intrapersonal Factors ◽  
Assistance Dogs ◽  
Stakeholder Perspectives ◽  
Assistance Dog

Assistance dog puppies live with their raisers for up to 16 months before entering advanced training and, hopefully, becoming qualified to help people with a disability. Almost half of the puppies fail to meet the behavioural standards required for assistance dogs, and some puppy raisers produce more behaviourally favourable puppies than others. It is unclear what factors influence puppy-raising practice quality. To understand this, we interviewed 17 participants, including experienced puppy raisers (n = 8), provider organisation staff (n = 4), and those who have served both as puppy raisers and staff (n = 5). Results of a thematic analysis suggest three groups of influencing factors, namely intrapersonal factors, social support, and puppy characteristics. Intrapersonal factors such as expectations, competency, perseverance and passion were reported to influence puppy raisers’ experiences, puppy-raising quality, and continuity of service. Contextual factors such as availability of social support (informational and emotional supports) and less-demanding puppies both led to positive puppy-raising experiences, while the former also contributed to puppy raisers’ perceptions of competency. Future research should quantitatively examine the interrelationships of these factors concerning puppies’ behavioural development. Meanwhile, organisations could consider these factors when developing their recruitment and puppy-raiser support programs.

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