scholarly journals Are Tail and Ear Movements Indicators of Emotions in Tail-Docked Pigs in Response to Environmental Enrichment?

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Míriam Marcet-Rius ◽  
Emma Fàbrega ◽  
Alessandro Cozzi ◽  
Cécile Bienboire-Frosini ◽  
Estelle Descout ◽  
...  

The inclusion of emotional indicators in farm monitoring methods can improve welfare assessments. Studies in controlled conditions have suggested that increased tail movement is an indicator of positive emotions in pigs, while others have proposed that increased ear movements are linked to negative emotions. This study aimed to investigate these indicators in pig farm conditions to analyze their validity and the effect of enrichment on welfare. Thirty-six pigs received one of the following enrichment materials: straw in a rack, wooden logs, or chains. Behavioral observations were performed by focal sampling. The results showed that tail movement duration was significantly higher when pigs exhibited “high use” (three or more pigs in a pen interacting with the enrichment) than when they exhibited “low use” (fewer than three) of enrichment (p = 0.04). A positive correlation was found between tail movement frequency and duration (r = 0.88; p = 0.02). The increase in tail movement could be considered an indicator of positive emotions in pigs when measured with other categories of indicators. Regarding ear movements, no significant difference was found. Future studies should further investigate these indicators thoroughly, as the results could be useful for improving the assessment of emotions in pigs.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. e74101724284
Author(s):  
Gabriela Cortellini Ferreira Ramos ◽  
Sérgio Diniz Garcia ◽  
Matheus Janeck Araújo ◽  
Márcia Marinho

The use of sensory, physical, cognitive, and alimentary stimuli are varieties of environmental enrichment used to minimize stress caused by the monotonous captive environment. The objective of this study was to verify the impact of environmental enrichment in escape-related behavioral stereotypies. Thirty birds of the species Psittacara leucophthalmus were observed from March to September 2016, received at the Wild Animal Recovery and Screening Center of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of the Veterinary Medicine campus Araçatuba. The methodology used for the behavioral observations was the focal animal with observation through filming were made by 18 hours per bird for three consecutive days, while physical, cognitive, food, and sensory enrichment methods were applied, and the assessment was carried out before, during, and after the application of environmental enrichment. The data were analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and by the Friedman test, which showed no significant difference (p >0.05) before, during, and after environmental enrichment. Despite the statistical analyses, the perception of the bird’s welfare improving was visually clear.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (29) ◽  
pp. 72-81
Author(s):  
Hop Van Nguyen ◽  
Tinh Huu Nguyen ◽  
Hoa Van Tran ◽  
Kinh Van La

The objective of the study is to compare the practical results with the predicted results by Crossbreeding Effects (CBE) software on pig crossbred based on daily gain, backfat thickness and feed conversion ratio. Another purpose of this study is to predict those three traits among some expected hybridization. This research was conducted on pig farm at Binh Thang Research and Development center from 2013 to 2017. In this study, for each pair of purebred Duroc and Pietrain, Duroc and Landrace, Pietrain and Landrace, twelve hybridizations were analyzed, nine unhybridizations were predicted by CBE software. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the predicted and actual data. With some unhybridization crossbred , the predictions showed high reliability (P<0.05). Based on the predicted data of CBE software , some traits of the crossbred animals would not be improved, therefore, it was not necessary to conduct these hybridizations


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S341-S342
Author(s):  
Varidhi Nauriyal ◽  
Anita Shallal ◽  
Amit T Vahia ◽  
Linoj Samuel ◽  
Robert Tibbetts ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Convalescent plasma (CP) has been described as a potential therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Given paucity of data, we sought to describe characteristics of CP recipients in survivors and non-survivors. Methods We conducted retrospective review of electronic medical records which included any patient with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test who received CP at an 890-bed quaternary care hospital in Southeast Michigan between March-May 2020. Data collected included: demographics, co-morbidities, mSOFA score on admission, laboratory values, and treatment. Outcomes assessed included inflammatory markers and clinical status based on an 8-point ordinal scalea. These values were recorded on admission, the date of CP (day 1), day 3, 7, and day 30 post-CP. Patient outcomes were stratified by ordinal scale score and compared using Mann-Whitney U tests to examine differences in clinical characteristics: scale of 1–4 (“meaningful survivor”), 5–7 (“survivor”), and 8 (“non-survivor”). Results Results of our study are summarized in Table 1 and 2. Non-survivors were older than survivors (62 vs 71 years; p=0.026). There was no statistically significant difference between patient gender, race, number of days from positive PCR test to CP, treatments, and co-morbidities. There was a trend toward higher mSOFA score on admission in non-survivors (p=0.056). A lower ordinal scale score on the date of receiving CP was significantly associated with meaningful survivorship (6 vs 7, p=0.005). Comparisons of Characteristics Based on Ordinal Scale at Day 30 Comparisons of Outcomes Based on Ordinal Scale at Day 30 Conclusion Patients who have a lower ordinal scale score on the date of CP administration are most likely to have meaningful survivorship at day 30. Future studies should evaluate optimal timing and outcomes for CP therapy in COVID-19. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


Author(s):  
Haitao Liu ◽  
Kai Dou ◽  
Chengfu Yu ◽  
Yangang Nie ◽  
Xue Zheng

This study aimed to test the association between peer attachment and aggressive behavior, as well as the mediating effect of regulatory emotional self-efficacy on this relationship. A total of 1171 (582 male, 589 female) Chinese adolescents completed self-reported questionnaires that assessed peer attachment, regulatory emotional self-efficacy, and aggressive behavior. Path analysis showed that the negative association between peer attachment and adolescent aggressive behavior was mediated by self-efficacy in managing negative emotions. However, the mediating effect of self-efficacy in expressing positive emotions was nonsignificant. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the indirect paths mentioned above between male and female respondents. These findings highlight self-efficacy in managing negative emotions as a potential mechanism linking peer attachment to adolescent aggressive behavior.


Languages ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Malin Ågren ◽  
Marie-Eve Michot ◽  
Cyrille Granget ◽  
Sonia Gerolimich ◽  
Pascale Hadermann ◽  
...  

This study focuses on the production of subject–verb (SV) agreement in number in L2 French and investigates the role of cross-linguistic influence (CLI) in this particular morphosyntactic domain. CLI is a well-known phenomenon in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research but it has rarely been investigated systematically in relation to SV agreement in French. The participants of the study are 114 learners with Italian, German, Dutch and Swedish as L1. The source languages are all inflectional languages but they vary in terms of morphological richness in the verb paradigm, ranging from very poor (Swedish) to very rich (Italian). The participants performed an oral narrative task contrasting singular and plural contexts of SV agreement. Results indicate a significant difference between L1 groups in terms of correct SV agreement but they also show that the overall presence of rich verb morphology in the L1 does not, on its own, result in a more correct SV agreement. It is when comparing learners at two different proficiency levels that we observe differences in the rate of L2 development, which may be explained as an effect of CLI. Overall, results indicate a complex interplay of different factors, where the role of CLI must be further investigated in future studies in relation to L2 French.


2021 ◽  
Vol 186 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 184-189
Author(s):  
Cassandra Clouse ◽  
Matthew W Ewer ◽  
DeAnne French ◽  
Jennie Gallimore ◽  
Subhashini Ganapathy

ABSTRACT Introduction Recent advancements in virtual environment (VE) technology and the increasing use of VEs for treatment are opening up possibilities for rehearsal in safe and rich environments. Research has shown that VEs can be used to treat individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little research has been done to suggest guidelines for creating an effective environment. The aim of this study was to determine the design of systems that would allow military veterans to rehearse potentially stressful events in a VE before having to step into the actual environment. This research evaluated the responses to six stimuli: startle sound, direct eye contact, horizontal movement across the visual field, social conflict, an abandoned item, and a crowded auditorium. Measures used included change in heart rate (ΔHR), change in subjective unit of discomfort scores, and participant behavior. Materials and Methods Thirty-eight participants, both with and without PTSD, experienced two VEs in first person using an Oculus Rift device. The first VE consisted of a tranquil garden, which allowed the participants to practice in the system, whereas baseline data were collected. The second VE was the experimental condition where the participant completed tasks within the VE and encountered stimuli designed to evoke responses from those with PTSD. Results There was a significant difference in ΔHR between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups (P = .008), and the PTSD group had a higher mean ΔHR for all stimuli. The stimulus type was also significant for all participants (P &lt; .001). Crowded auditorium and startle sound had the largest impact on the participants’ ΔHR. Change in subjective unit of discomfort showed a significant interaction between the group factor (PTSD, non-PTSD) and stimulus (P = .043). Individuals with PTSD also presented more avoidance behavior than those without PTSD. Conclusions Findings imply that VEs other than virtual combat zones can elicit behavioral, emotional, and physiological responses in individuals with PTSD, and these types of environments should be further studied for use with veterans suffering from PTSD. In future studies, systems should include initial stimuli that can be configured to allow focus on specific past traumatic experiences. Stimuli should also include both a crowded room and a startle noise scenario.


Author(s):  
Roshan Kumar Jha ◽  
Ranjit S. Ambad ◽  
Priya Koundal ◽  
Akansha Singh

It has been proved that tobacco is one of the cholesterol dependent risk factors pathogenically, and in addition with other risk factors it may lead to coronary heart disease. Thus, a strong interaction exists between hypercholesterolemia and tobacco ingesting in the genesis of coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to study the effect of tobacco smoking and chewing and compare its effect on lipoproteins. 60 subjects were included in the study, and were grouped into 3 three groups, tobacco smokers, tobacco chewers and tobacco non-abusers. Each group comprises 20 participants: selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Proper sampling and sample processing methods were employed to evaluate lipid profile. Total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were increased in smokers in comparison to non-smokers/non-chewers, and the differences were significant p<0.0001. HDL level was decreased in smokers as compared to non-smokers/non-chewers and the difference was statistically significant p<0.0001. Total cholesterol and LDL levels were increased in smokers in comparison to chewers. HDL level was decreased in chewers as compared to chewers. There was no significant association in any of the parameters. Present study observed increased and significant p<0.0001 differences in levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides while, HDL levels were decreased significantly p<0.0001, and also observed there was no significant difference among tobacco smokers and chewers. This may be a new area of interest for future studies.


2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-161
Author(s):  
Ana Jevtic ◽  
Jovan Miric

Children?s attribution of emotions to a moral transgressor is an important research topic in the psychology of moral and emotional development. This is especially because of the so-called Happy Victimizer Phenomenon (HVP) where younger children attribute positive emotions to a moral transgressor described in a story. In the two studies that we have conducted (children aged 5, 7 and 9, 20 of each age; 10 of each age in the second study) we have tested the possible influence of the fear of sanctions and the type of transgression (stealing and inflicting body injuries) on the attribution of emotions. Children were presented with stories that described transgressions and they were asked to answer how the transgressor felt. The fear of sanctions did not make a significant difference in attribution but the type of transgression did - more negative emotions were attributed for inflicting body injuries than for stealing. Positive emotions were explained with situational-instrumental explanations in 84% of cases while negative emotions were explained with moral explanations in 63,5%. Girls attributed more positive emotions (61%) than boys (39%). However, our main finding was that, for the aforementioned age groups, we did not find the HVP effect although it has regularly been registered in foreign studies. This finding denies the generalizability of the phenomenon and points to the significance of disciplining styles and, even more so, culture for children?s attribution of emotions to moral transgressors.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Zapata Cardona ◽  
Maria Camila Ceballos ◽  
Ariel Marcel Tarazona Morales ◽  
Edimer David Jaramillo ◽  
Berardo de Jesús Rodríguez

Abstract There is a lack of clarity on whether pigs can emotionally respond to musical stimulation and whether that response is related to music types. Qualitative Behavioral Assessment (QBA) was used to evaluate effects of 16 distinct musical pieces (in terms of harmony and vertical density) on emotional responses in nursery pigs (n=30) during four periods: “habituation,” “treatments,” “breaks,” and “final.” Data were evaluated using Principal component analysis (PCA). Two principal components (PC) were considered in the analysis: PC1, characterized as a positive emotions index, included the terms content, playful, sociable, and happy, whereas PC2, characterized as a negative emotions index, included fearful, inquisitive, and uneasy with positive loadings, and relaxed and calm with negative loadings. Musical stimulation (treatment) increased (P < 0.01) both emotional indices, compared to other periods and this response was influenced by the compositional characteristics of the music. We concluded that pigs have a wide variety of emotional responses, with different affective states related to the type of music used, providing evidence of its potential use as environmental enrichment for the species.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 77
Author(s):  
Hui-Hua Chiang

Researchers have long supported the use of dictation as a test for language learners (Fountain &amp; Nation, 2000), and dictation has been used as a test for learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). With the advantages of productive learning and reinforcing short-term memory, dictation is a commonly used technique to develop language skills, and it can be considered to be an assessment of foreign language learning (Kazazoğlu, 2013). However, the previous research has not fully explored how technology, such as text-to-speech (TTS), can be used in EFL classrooms. To address this issue, the researcher explored the use of traditional teacher-led dictation (TLD) and TTS dictation to compare the vocabulary performance of EFL learners. Forty-two college students participated in the study. The results indicated a significant difference between TTS and TLD on the participants&rsquo; vocabulary performance. Additionally, there was a correlation between the scores with TTS and TLD: the students who performed better with TLD also obtained higher grades with TTS. Based on the results, future studies and pedagogical suggestions are presented.


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