Search Results (239)

The United Kingdom (UK) is a key market for puppy importation from the European Union (EU), as demand for puppies exceeds domestic supply. Many are illegally imported. Potential welfare risks to the puppies and negative impacts of these on their prospective owners are well documented, but UK residents’ perspectives on the trade are not. This study aimed to use an online survey to capture UK residents’ understanding of the benefits and risks to imported puppies of being imported from Romania for sale in the UK, and the benefits and risks of buying an imported puppy for their prospective owners. Eligible responses were collected from n = 7184 participants; 4000 randomly selected free-text comments underwent content analysis. Respondents displayed a limited understanding of the nature and range of risks potentially associated with puppy importation. Worryingly, many viewed an EU-born puppy as equivalent to one bred in the UK; others considered them as “rescued”. Synonyms used for non-endemic diseases that might be carried by the puppies varied widely, suggesting substantial confusion may exist on this topic. The UK public may underestimate the potential risks associated with buying a puppy bred in the EU, which plays into the hands of illegal puppy traders. Full article

The number of puppies imported to the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) is increasing, as are concerns about the legality, welfare and potential disease risks associated with their trade. This study aimed to use an online survey to collect questionnaire data from UK residents about their awareness and knowledge of EU Pet Passports, illegal puppy importation, and dog-borne exotic diseases and the risks they might pose to UK-resident dogs and people. Valid responses were collected from n = 7184 UK residents, mainly current dog owners. We identified substantial knowledge gaps relating to EU Pet Passports, how puppies might be moved across Europe, and the legal age of importation. Awareness of exotic diseases was poor; knowledge about the risks they posed was even poorer, particularly in relation to dog–human transmission. With some respondents not even being confident that they had heard of rabies, there is substantial work to do to ensure that the UK canine and human populations remain safe in the face of significant welfare and exotic disease threats. These knowledge deficits may facilitate the burgeoning illegal trade in puppies across the EU. Legal change may be required to prevent consumers from unintentionally supporting poor welfare sources of puppies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long working hours among pediatricians negatively affect their health and patient safety. In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare launched the “Work Style Reform for Physicians” in 2024. However, whether these reforms have effectively reduced pediatricians’ working hours remains unclear. We surveyed pediatricians and pediatric residents working in hospital pediatric departments to assess whether the reform has reduced their long working hours. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to pediatricians in hospitals, collecting data on demographics, working hours, night shifts, and other working conditions. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with working ≥60 and ≥80 h on a weekly basis. Results: Questionnaires were sent to 835 hospitals, with valid responses from 815 pediatricians across 316 hospitals. Among them, 31.7% worked 50–60 h per week, 18.4% worked 60–70 h, 7.7% worked 70–80 h, and 4.9% worked >80 h. Factors associated with working >60 h included being <30 years old and working in a department with five or more physicians. Pediatricians working >80 h were more likely to have a cardiology subspecialty and work in a department with five or more physicians. Conclusions: Although the “Work Style Reform for Physicians” has reduced long working hours among pediatricians, many still experience excessive workloads. Full article

(1) Background: This study investigates whether older adult individuals support childcare policies not only out of altruism, but also due to extended self-interest arising from intergenerational co-residence. It challenges the conventional view that welfare attitudes are shaped solely by one’s own life-cycle needs. (2) Methods: Using the 2013 and 2016 waves of the Korean Welfare Panel Study waves of the Korean Welfare Panel Study, a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach compares attitudes toward government childcare spending between older adults living with children (Co-residing Older Adults) and those who do not (Non-co-residing Older Adults), before and after universal childcare policies were introduced in 2013. (3) Results: The Co-residing Older Adults consistently expressed stronger support for family policies than their counterparts. However, this support did not significantly increase after the 2013 reform, indicating that extended self-interest may not be sensitive to short-term policy changes. (4) Conclusions: Extended self-interest appears to be a stable orientation shaped by family context rather than a flexible, policy-reactive stance. These findings highlight the role of intergenerational household ties in shaping welfare attitudes and offer implications for fostering generational solidarity in aging societies. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered consumer habits, particularly in relation to food choices. In this context, plant-based diets have gained prominence, driven by health, environmental, and ethical considerations. This study investigates the primary motivational and inhibitory factors influencing the consumption of plant-based foods among residents of the Galicia–Northern Portugal Euroregion. Utilizing the Theory of Reasoned Action, an extended model was proposed and tested through a quantitative survey. A total of 214 valid responses were collected via an online questionnaire distributed in Portuguese and Spanish. Linear regression analysis revealed that health awareness, animal welfare, and environmental concern significantly shape positive attitudes, which subsequently affect the intention to consume plant-based foods. Additionally, perceived barriers—such as lack of taste and insufficient information—were found to negatively influence intention. These findings contribute to the consumer behavior literature and provide strategic insights for stakeholders aiming to promote more sustainable dietary patterns in culturally connected cross-border regions. Full article

The realization of forest ecological functions value is an important path for implementing the “Two Mountains” theory. Improving the efficiency of forest ecological functions and benefits value realization faces several challenges, such as an underdeveloped value evaluation system that makes it difficult to quantify ecological value, a weak policy system lacking effective incentive mechanisms, and unclear ecological property rights leading to unfair benefits distribution. Forest new quality productive drivers are a key factor in promoting high-quality forestry development, and can effectively address several issues hindering the efficiency of forest ecological functions and benefits value realization. Forest ecological functions and benefits are divided into tangible forest products and intangible ecological services, with the efficiency of realizing their economic and welfare values reflecting the input–output status of forest ecological value. This paper constructs an indicator system for assessing the modern productive capacity in forestry and the efficiency of forest ecological value realization, and uses a two-stage network DEA model and a double fixed effects model for empirical analysis. The study finds that the advanced drivers of forestry productivity significantly enhance the efficiency of forest ecological economic value realization but constrain the efficiency of ecological welfare value realization, with significant regional differences. As a moderating variable, enhancing the resilience of the industry chain can significantly deepen the effect throughout the process, while improving the informatization level of residents can weaken the constraints of forest new quality productive drivers on the efficiency of forest ecological welfare value realization. Therefore, this paper offers targeted recommendations aimed at providing theoretical support and practical guidance for optimizing the efficiency of forest ecological value realization. Full article

Background: Health and safety are critical pillars of functional higher education systems. In South African universities, recurring incidents have highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly concerning gender-based violence (GBV), student housing conditions, infrastructure safety, and campus crime. Methods: This study employed a document-based qualitative approach, analysing public records, police reports, campus press statements, and national media coverage of incidents reported at South African universities (2015 to 2024). The study is guided by public health and victimology frameworks to examine systemic risk factors and institutional responses. Results: The findings indicate increased reports of GBV, multiple student deaths related to substandard residence conditions, infrastructure-related fatalities, and a lack of consistent institutional safety policies. A pattern of poor infrastructure management, weak inter-institutional communication, and failure to implement recommendations following major incidents emerged across the dataset. Conclusions: South African universities remain exposed to preventable student risks. Targeted interventions, mandatory safety audits, emergency response units, and accountability structures are urgently needed to address systemic failings and protect student welfare. The study supports Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 4 by linking campus safety to student well-being and equitable access to higher education. Full article

Background: Peer bullying is a global problem affecting youth around the world that can impact youth development including school engagement. The relationship between child maltreatment and school bullying victimization and perpetration is well known. However, few studies have explored the extent of bullying among vulnerable groups of adolescents. Youth in orphanage care may be at higher risk of both maltreatment and bullying because of the circumstances and stigma that brought them into care. This study aimed to examine peer bullying victimization among adolescents residing in orphanage care compared to a national sample of adolescents in South Korea, and to investigate the mediating effect of bullying victimization on the relationship between child maltreatment and school engagement. This comparison allowed for an examination of how caregiving contexts may differentially influence the impact of maltreatment and bullying on school engagement. Methods: Data from the national Korean Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS) 7th wave (n = 521) and a study of 153 South Korean adolescents in orphanage care were merged into one dataset (n = 675). Analysis included descriptive and bivariate statistics, two simple mediation analyses, and multiple regression analysis to verify mediation effects using PROCESS Macro. Results: Adolescents in orphanage care reported significantly higher bullying victimization and lower school engagement than the national sample. Negative correlations were identified between child maltreatment, bullying victimization, and school engagement among adolescents in orphanage care. Importantly, bullying victimization significantly mediated the relationship between child maltreatment and school engagement within this group. Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex relationship between maltreatment and bullying victimization, emphasizing the need for comprehensive interventions addressing both maltreatment and peer bullying to enhance school engagement among vulnerable youth. Full article

A representative sample of Maltese citizens (N = 384) was surveyed about their perception and attitude towards animal welfare and animal-friendly foods. Knowledge about animal welfare was self-evaluated as moderate (36%) or good (27%), and mass media (television, web and newspapers) were the primary information source (73%). Dairy cows were perceived as having the highest welfare (average rating 3 on a 1-to-5 scale), while conditions for broilers and pigs were perceived as more critical (average rating 2.7). Respondents consider animal welfare important (64%), the availability of welfare-friendly products in Malta limited (49%), and would support a national animal-friendly label (84%). Although 49% were willing to pay more for animal-friendly products, the accepted price increase was limited (increase below 10% for 37% of respondents, 20% were not willing to pay more and 27% were price-sensitive). Chi-squared analysis showed that the respondents’ profession impacted the support towards an animal welfare label (p < 0.01), with business operators being the least interested. Urban respondents were more critical toward farm animal welfare and more supportive of establishing a national welfare label than rural respondents (p < 0.05). The latter were less convinced that their choices can influence the welfare of farm animals (p < 0.01). Women were more willing to pay for welfare improvements than men (p < 0.01). These findings emphasize a significant concern for animal welfare among respondents, coupled with a moderate willingness to pay. The strong support for a national animal welfare label warrants the question as to whether transparent labelling would allow consumers to translate their sensibility into ethical purchasing behaviour. Full article

This study examined the socioeconomic and veterinary cost factors influencing dog abandonment and adoption outcomes across 162 regions in the Republic of Korea from 2021 to 2023. Unlike prior research, this study distinguished between intentionally abandoned dogs and those lost and subsequently returned to their owners, normalizing abandonment data by population. Using publicly available regional data and spatial regression models, we found that the number of people receiving unemployment benefits was consistently and negatively associated with the number of dog abandonments per 100,000 residents, which was normalized by total population to avoid potential errors. Rabies vaccination costs were also negatively associated with abandonment. In contrast, comprehensive income tax amounts—a proxy for regional wealth—were positively correlated with the percentage of dog abandonments reported in 2021 and 2023. Spatial Lag Models accounted for over 50% of the variance in the number of dog abandonments, confirming spatial dependence and highlighting the importance of geographically targeted animal welfare interventions. However, spatial patterns in adoption were less consistent. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating economic and spatial considerations into the design of public policies and shelter strategies to mitigate dog abandonment and enhance adoption outcomes. Full article

Greater Bangkok, Thailand, has large numbers of both owned and free-roaming dogs, two populations that intersect and overlap in complex and nuanced ways. A more robust understanding of owned dog populations is, therefore, important not only in supporting the welfare of owned dogs but also in managing free-roaming dog populations and protecting human health through the prevention of rabies transmission. Over 3200 residents were surveyed to explore the numbers and demographics of owned dogs in Greater Bangkok, plus owners’ attitudes and reported behaviours related to their dogs; the acquisition and loss of owned dogs; and caretaking by owners (confinement practices, sterilisation, rabies vaccination, and other veterinary care). The study also considered dog owners’ practices in relation to a Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return (CNVR) programme designed to humanely manage dog populations and vaccinate dogs against rabies. Survey results indicate that there are approximately 1.3 million owned dogs in Greater Bangkok. Key findings include high reported rabies vaccination among owned dogs (84% in the past year). Fifty-three percent of owned dogs in the sample were reported to be sterilised, 66% were allowed to roam, and 46% of dogs acquired into households were adopted from the street. The CNVR programme appeared to impact the care and keeping of owned dogs in the community, as it was associated with greater confinement and sterilisation levels. Full article

Interest in the balance between work and life and improving the quality of life is expected to steadily increase the number of users of forest welfare facilities. In this study, the “2023 Forest Recreation and Welfare Activity Survey” was used to analyze how characteristics of forest visits, such as visit frequency, the number of visited areas, expenditures, and the presence of companion animals, affect life satisfaction based on three visit types: daily (less than 4 h), day (more than 4 h), and overnight (more than 1 night). A hierarchical regression of 9437 respondents revealed that age, occupation, education, spouse, children, household income, and type of residence, excluding sex, were significantly correlated with life satisfaction. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that for daily visitors, both visit frequency and companion animals increased life satisfaction. For day visitors, visit frequency, the number of visited areas, expenditures, and companion animals enhanced life satisfaction. For overnight visitors, visit frequency and expenditures positively impacted life satisfaction. Across all visit types, the frequency of forest visits consistently increased life satisfaction. This study statistically clarified how the characteristics of each visit type affect life satisfaction. The findings provide foundational data for future policies and research on forest recreation and welfare. Full article

For the effective management of captive animals, monitoring their behavior and interactions within the exhibit is essential. This approach provides insights into their welfare and helps identify behavioral differences compared to conspecifics in the wild. This ex situ study aimed to provide more insights about the behavior of a pair of siamangs residing at the Wildlife Park “Le Cornelle” in Valbrembo, Italy. The focus was on their behavior, and observations were conducted during two distinct periods (May–June 2021 and December 2021) to identify any seasonal differences. In both periods, the most frequent behaviors observed were resting, feeding, and allogrooming. Compared to conspecifics in the wild, allogrooming and singing occurred more frequently. Spatial analysis indicated a higher utilization of outdoor spaces than the tunnel and indoor areas, with statistically significant variations for both periods. The spatial analysis of singing behavior showed an equal use of outdoor and indoor areas during the first observation period. However, in the second observation period, a preference for indoor spaces was observed, likely due to lower recorded temperatures. More observations are needed to identify the factors influencing behavior, but it is clear that continuous monitoring plays a vital role in promptly addressing deviations or anomalies in animal behavior. Full article

Sustainable property development in developing economies requires a careful balance between attracting foreign capital and maintaining housing affordability for local residents. While foreign direct investment (FDI) serves as a crucial engine for economic growth by enhancing productive capacity and international competitiveness, its effects on local housing markets remain inadequately understood in policy frameworks. This study examines how economic development strategies can be designed to harness FDI benefits while preventing residential market distortions in rapidly industrializing regions. Using Malaysia’s Kulim Hi-Tech Park and Batu Kawan Industrial Park as empirical cases, we analyze the relationship between foreign capital inflows and residential property prices from 2000 to 2022 through time-series regression analysis supplemented by stakeholder consultations. Our findings reveal that FDI significantly influences housing price dynamics in industrial zones, with both positive economic spillovers and challenges for housing affordability. The results demonstrate that targeted policy interventions—including affordable housing mandates, developer incentives, and strategic land use planning—can effectively moderate price appreciation while maintaining investment attractiveness. This research contributes to evidence-based policymaking by identifying integrated mechanisms that promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging economies seeking to balance industrial advancement with equitable housing access. The Malaysian experience offers valuable practical insights for policymakers in developing nations navigating the complex relationship between international investment, housing markets, and social welfare. Full article

Forest edges, which serve as transition zones between forests and adjacent land cover types, are essential for providing wildlife habitats and delivering a range of ecosystem services, including cultural benefits such as recreation and welfare for people. This study evaluates the economic value of these cultural ecosystem services (CESs) in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Despite increasing development pressures driven by urban expansion, the social and ecological significance of forest edges remains underexplored. By applying travel cost and medical expense substitution methods, this study estimates the economic value of cultural ecosystem services, specifically forest recreation, at approximately KRW 65 billion, and the forest healing function at around KRW 896.5 billion across Gyeonggi-do. These results highlight the need for balanced planning and development regulations to safeguard forest edges and sustain their contributions to public health and well-being. By revealing the hidden social value of these cultural ecosystem services, this study aims to guide policies that promote sustainable land use and improve the quality of life for residents in rapidly urbanizing areas. Full article