Search Results (895)

Although organizational resilience is well established, refining the systematic quantitative evaluation of health systems resilience (HSR) remains an ongoing opportunity for advancement. Research either focuses on individual HSR indicators, such as social welfare policy, public expenditure, health insurance, healthcare quality, and technology, or broadly examines socio-economic factors, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive methodological approach. This study employed the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) within Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to analyze efficiency by maximizing outputs. It systematically examined key HSR factors across countries, providing insights for improved policymaking and resource allocation. Taking a five-year (2016–2020) dataset that covered 55 to 56 countries and evaluating 17 indicators across governance, health systems, and economic aspects, the paper presents that all sixteen top-ranked countries with a perfect efficiency score of 1 belonged to the high-income group, with ten in Europe, highlighting regional HSR differences. This paper concludes that adequate economic resources form the foundation of HSR and ensure stability and sustained progress. A properly supported healthcare workforce is essential for significantly enhancing health systems and delivering quality care. Last, effective governance and the equitable allocation of resources are crucial for fostering sustainable development and strengthening HSR. Full article

Population aging poses significant challenges to the sustainability of pension systems. This study presents an integrated methodological approach that uniquely combines actuarial life-cycle modeling with agent-based simulation to assess the potential of Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a dual lever for enhancing retiree welfare and supporting pension system resilience under demographic and financial uncertainty. We explore Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a potential financial instrument to support retirees while alleviating pressure on public pensions. Unlike prior research that treats individual decisions or policy outcomes in isolation, our hybrid model explicitly captures feedback loops between household-level behavior and system-wide financial stability. To test our hypothesis that RMLs can improve individual consumption outcomes and bolster systemic solvency, we develop a hybrid model combining actuarial techniques and agent-based simulations, incorporating stochastic housing prices, longevity risk, regulatory capital requirements, and demographic shifts. This dual-framework enables a structured investigation of how micro-level financial decisions propagate through market dynamics, influencing solvency, pricing, and adoption trends. Our central hypothesis is that reverse mortgages, when actuarially calibrated and macroprudentially regulated, enhance individual financial well-being while preserving long-run solvency at the system level. Simulation results indicate that RMLs can improve consumption smoothing, raise expected utility for retirees, and contribute to long-term fiscal sustainability. Moreover, we introduce a dynamic regulatory mechanism that adjusts capital buffers based on evolving market and demographic conditions, enhancing system resilience. Our simulation design supports multi-scenario testing of financial robustness and policy outcomes, providing a transparent tool for stress-testing RML adoption at scale. These findings suggest that, when well-regulated, RMLs can serve as a viable supplement to traditional retirement financing. Rather than offering prescriptive guidance, this framework provides insights to policymakers, financial institutions, and regulators seeking to integrate RMLs into broader pension strategies. Full article

This review explores sexual aggression in broiler breeder males, aiming to synthesize existing scientific evidence regarding its causes, behavioral manifestations, and consequences, while addressing the genetic, neuroendocrine, and environmental mechanisms involved. Through an extensive analysis of scientific literature, the paper highlights that intensive genetic selection aimed at enhancing growth and productivity has resulted in unintended behavioral dysfunctions. These include the reduction or absence of courtship behavior, the occurrence of forced copulations, and a notable increase in injury rates among hens. Reproductive challenges observed in meat-type breeder flocks, in contrast to those in layer lines, appear to stem from selection practices that have overlooked traits related to mating behavior. Environmental and managerial conditions, including photoperiod manipulation, stocking density, nutritional imbalances, and the use of mixed-sex rearing systems, are also identified as contributing factors to the expression of sexual aggression. Furthermore, recent genetic findings indicate a potential link between inherited neurobehavioral factors and aggressive behavior, with the SORCS2 gene emerging as a relevant candidate. Based on these insights, the review emphasizes the importance of considering behavioral parameters in breeding programs in order to reconcile productivity objectives with animal welfare standards. Future research may benefit from a more integrative approach that combines behavioral, physiological, and genomic data to better understand and address the multifactorial nature of sexual aggression in poultry systems. Full article

Stress in pigs poses significant challenges to animal welfare and productivity in modern pig farming, contributing to increased antimicrobial use and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study involves stress classification in pregnant sows by exploring five deep learning models: ConvNeXt, EfficientNet_V2, MobileNet_V3, RegNet, and Vision Transformer (ViT). These models are used for stress detection from facial images, leveraging an expanded dataset. A facial image dataset of sows was collected at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the images were categorized into primiparous Low-Stressed (LS) and High-Stress (HS) groups based on expert behavioural assessments and cortisol level analysis. The selected deep learning models were then trained on this enriched dataset and their performance was evaluated using cross-validation on unseen data. The Vision Transformer (ViT) model outperformed the others across the dataset of annotated facial images, achieving an average accuracy of 0.75, an F1 score of 0.78 for high-stress detection, and consistent batch-level performance (up to 0.88 F1 score). These findings highlight the efficacy of transformer-based models for automated stress detection in sows, supporting early intervention strategies to enhance welfare, optimize productivity, and mitigate AMR risks in livestock production. Full article

European pig farmers are challenged by increasingly stringent EU regulations to protect the environment from pollution, to meet animal welfare standards and to make pig farming more sustainable. Economic sustainability is defined as the ability to achieve higher profits by respecting social and natural resources. This study is focused on the analysis of the economic resilience of intensive and extensive farming systems, based on data collected from 56 farms located in Denmark, Poland, Italy and Spain. Productive and economic performances of these farms are analyzed, and economic resilience is assessed through a survey including a selection of indicators, belonging to different themes: [i] resilience of resources, [ii] entrepreneurship, [iii] propensity to extensification. The qualitative data from the questionnaire allow for an exploration of how production systems relate to the three dimensions of resilience. Different levels of resilience were found and discussed for intensive and extensive farms. The findings suggest that intensive farms benefit from high standards and greater bargaining power within the supply chain. Extensive systems can achieve profitability through value-added strategies and generally display good resilience. Policies that support investment and risk reduction are essential for enhancing farm resilience and robustness, while strengthening farmer networks can improve adaptability. Full article

The movement towards low-emission and sustainable building practices has driven increased use of natural, carbon-based materials such as wood. While these materials offer significant environmental advantages, their inherent flammability introduces new challenges for timber building safety. Despite advancements in fire protection standards and building regulations, the risk of fire incidents—whether from technical failure, human error, or intentional acts—remains. The rapid detection of fire onset is crucial for safeguarding human life, animal welfare, and valuable assets. This study investigates the potential of monitoring fire precursor gases emitted inside building structures during pre-ignition and early combustion stages. The research also examines the sensitivity and effectiveness of commercial smoke detectors compared with custom sensor arrays in detecting these emissions. A representative structural sample was constructed and subjected to a controlled fire scenario in a laboratory setting, providing insights into the integration of gas sensing technologies for enhanced fire resilience in sustainable building systems. Full article

Sedation and anesthesia are essential for ensuring animal welfare during surgical procedures such as hernia repair in swine. However, the number of sedative and anesthetic agents officially approved for livestock use remained limited. This study evaluated the sedative efficacy and serotonergic effects of a romifidine/ketamine/diazepam protocol, with and without the addition of tramadol, in swine undergoing umbilical hernia repair. Sixty-six crossbred Large White swine were randomly allocated to three groups: LL (lidocaine 4 mg/kg by infiltration), LT (lidocaine 2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and TT (lidocaine2 mg/kg by infiltration + tramadol 4 mg/kg intraperitoneally). The physiological parameters heart rate, arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, rectal body temperature, and respiratory rate were assessed. The depth of intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative sedation was assessed using an ordinal scoring system (0–3). Plasma serotonin (5-HT) concentration was measured at baseline and 24 h post-surgery. Physiological parameters remained within species-specific reference ranges throughout the procedure. Anesthesia depth scores significantly decreased over time in all groups (p ≤ 0.001), with the tramadol-treated groups (LT and TT) showing more prolonged deeper anesthesia. Postoperative sedation was significantly higher in the TT group (p ≤ 0.001). Serotonin concentration decreased in LL, increased in LT, and remained stable in TT. These findings suggest that tramadol may enhance sedation and recovery, potentially through serotonergic modulation. Moreover, serotonin could serve as a physiological marker warranting further investigation in future studies of anesthetic protocols in veterinary medicine. Full article

Introduction: Given the impact of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) on patients’ health, preclinical research is substantial to understand its pathophysiology and improve treatment strategies, which necessitates reliable and comprehensive animal models. Traditionally, aSAH models utilize iliac or subclavian access for angiography, requiring invasive procedures that are associated with significant risks and animal burden. This pilot study explores a less invasive method of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) by using the auricular artery (AA) as an alternative access point. Our aim was to demonstrate the feasibility of this refined technique, with the intention of reducing procedural risks, providing shorter operation times with enhanced neurological recovery, and simplifying the process for both researchers and animals. Materials and Methods: In this study, six female New Zealand white rabbits (3.2–4.1 kg body weight) underwent experimental induction of aSAH via a subclavian-cisternal shunt. The initial steps of this procedure followed traditional techniques, consisting of subclavian access through microsurgical preparation, followed by DSA to analyze retrograde filling of the basilar artery (BA). To evaluate the alternative method, on day 3 after induction of aSAH, DSA was performed via the AA instead of the traditional subclavian or femoral access. A catheter was placed in the AA to allow retrograde filling of the BA. This approach aimed to simplify the procedure while maintaining comparable imaging quality. Results: All rabbits survived until the study endpoint. Postoperatively, two rabbits showed signs of hemisyndrome, which significantly improved by the time of follow-up. No additional morbidities were observed. Upon euthanasia and necropsy, all animals showed clear subarachnoid bleeding patterns. DSA via the AA produced strong contrasting of the BA comparable to the traditional method. Conclusions: This technical note presents an initial evaluation of AA access as a feasible and potentially advantageous method for DSA in a rabbit model of blood shunt subarachnoid hemorrhage. The method shows promise in reducing invasiveness and procedural complexity, but further studies are required to fully establish its efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size, refining the anatomical understanding of the AA, and continuing to align with ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. Full article

Climate change mitigation Official Development Assistance (ODA) primarily aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries while also seeking to enhance human welfare as a fundamental goal of development aid. This study investigates whether climate mitigation ODA contributes to achieving the principles of the doughnut framework—staying within the ecological ceiling (mitigating GHG emissions) while meeting the social foundation (enhancing human development index, HDI). We analyzed data from 77 developing countries between 2010 and 2020, including subgroup analyses by income level (high-, middle-, and low-income groups), using an instrumental variable–fixed effect approach. The results show that climate change mitigation ODA significantly improved the HDI but had no impact on reducing overall GHG emissions, including fossil fuel-based and land use change and forestry-based mitigations. When disaggregated by income level, ODA was found to improve the HDI and reduce fossil fuel-based GHG emission in low-income countries; however, these effects weakened as income levels increased. Across all income groups, there was no significant reduction in GHG emissions resulting from land use change or forestry. These findings suggest that climate change mitigation ODA can yield a greater impact when prioritized for low-income countries and that current ODA strategies for addressing GHG emissions related to land use change and forestry should be reconsidered. Full article

Environmental enrichment is essential for promoting species-specific behaviors and enhancing the welfare of zoo-housed animals. This study examined the behavioral responses of two juvenile male binturongs (Arctictis binturong) at the Minnesota Zoo to three enrichment stimuli: lavender oil (olfactory), thawed fish (olfactory and dietary), and hard-boiled egg (olfactory and dietary). Their behaviors were recorded using scan sampling before and after enrichment exposure, focusing on locomotion, foraging, resting, and visitor visibility. Food-based enrichments, particularly the hard-boiled egg, significantly increased foraging behavior, while lavender oil and thawed fish produced minimal behavioral changes. Locomotion and visibility remained stable across the conditions, although a slight increase in resting was observed with lavender oil. No evidence of scent-marking disruption was noted, and individual differences appeared to influence inactivity levels. These findings highlight the potential of biologically relevant, food-based enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors in binturongs and emphasize the importance of species-specific enrichment strategies. Future research should explore a broader range of olfactory cues, assess long-term behavioral responses, and incorporate physiological measures to further evaluate enrichment impacts on binturong welfare. Full article

Research on human–animal relationships suggests that close bonds with animals can enhance empathy, reduce speciesism, and improve human physical and psychological health. This study investigated whether pet ownership—particularly attachment to a companion animal during childhood—is associated with differences in moral concerns toward all animals in adulthood. It also aimed to explore the potential effects of empathy and speciesism on overall moral concerns toward animals. Using self-report questionnaires among 72 participants recruited online, the analyses revealed a significant effect of animal categories on moral concerns, F(1, 1.98) = 59.37, p < 0.001. Mean moral concern scores were significantly higher for companion animals (M = 6.04, SD = 1.15) than for food animals (M = 4.90, SD = 1.44), unappealing wild animals (M = 4.20, SD = 1.87), and appealing wild animals (M = 5.73, SD = 1.32), p < 0.05. Additionally, childhood pet owners reported greater moral concerns for all animals, F(1, 1.98) = 4.87, η² = 0.065, p < 0.05. Attachment to a companion animal in childhood was positively correlated with moral concerns for all animal categories. Finally, although attachment and empathy were both positively related to moral concern, only attachment was a significant predictor (p < 0.05). Further research is needed to understand the psychological mechanisms influencing views on animal rights and welfare. Full article

Veterinarians are not just animal health professionals; they are also considered animal welfare experts. Animal-directed empathy, the ability to understand and match an animal’s emotional state, is essential for recognizing animal welfare issues. It is therefore a vital competency for veterinarians. The factors that play a role in shaping this empathy are animal, personal, and cultural influences, as well as the categorization of animals based on their benefit or harm to people: pet, pest or profit (used for economic purposes). We conducted a survey among veterinary students in the Netherlands to assess their levels of animal-directed empathy by scoring their attitude toward animals with the “Pet, Pest, Profit Scale”. Analysis of 321 completed surveys revealed that students showed the highest empathy for pets, the second-highest levels for pest animals, and the lowest levels for profit animals. Empathy levels also differed depending on career choice, background, and diet. These findings indicate that categorizing animals influences veterinary students’ empathy levels, which can lead to unrecognized welfare issues, especially for pest and profit animals. It is important to enhance empathy for these categories through targeted educational interventions to help prepare veterinary students for their responsibility as veterinarians, ensuring the welfare of all animals, whether pet, pest or profit. Full article

Brachycephalic head shape in dogs has been associated with behavioural traits that may enhance their appeal as companion animals, contributing to their popularity. However, it remains unclear whether these behavioural differences are directly linked to head shape or are mediated by factors such as body size, demographics, and dog-keeping practices. Drawing on two large-scale owner surveys (N = 5613) and cephalic index estimates for 90 breeds, we investigated the relationship between head shape and eight behavioural variables (four personality traits and four behavioural problems), while controlling for 20 demographic and dog-keeping characteristics, as well as body size. Our results show that behavioural differences among head shapes are only partly attributable to head shape itself; some are explained by confounding variables. Specifically, brachycephalic dogs appeared predisposed to positive behaviours (e.g., calmness, fewer behavioural problems), but these traits were often obscured by their small body size and low training experience. These findings highlight the complex interplay between morphology, behaviour, and environment, and emphasize the role of training and management in supporting the behavioural well-being of popular brachycephalic breeds. This has important implications for owners, breeders, and welfare professionals aiming to align aesthetic preferences with behavioural and welfare outcomes. Full article

This study investigates the relationships between proactive personality, psychological capital, work engagement, work well-being, and innovative work behavior among employees in Saudi public authorities, based on the conservation of resources theory and the job demands-resources model. Using a sequential mediation model, data from 457 public employees were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The results show that a proactive personality and psychological capital significantly predict work engagement, but neither is significantly related to work well-being. Notably, while a proactive personality does not directly impact innovative work behavior, psychological capital does. Additionally, work well-being partially mediates the relationship between work engagement and innovative work behavior. These findings suggest that enhancing psychological capital and fostering engagement are key to promoting innovation. The mediating role of well-being highlights the importance of employee welfare in this process. This study provides practical implications for HR managers in the Saudi public sector and emphasizes strategies for building internal psychological resources. However, as data were collected from a single source, future research should include multiple key informants to enhance generalizability. This study builds on theory by demonstrating how proactive personality and psychological capital jointly stimulate innovative behavior through engagement and well-being, enriching the job demands-resources model with personal resource dynamics in public sector organizations. Full article

During commercial pig production, weaning is a major stressor that disrupts the gut microbiome, compromises intestinal barrier integrity, and increases the susceptibility of piglets to pathogens. This often results in post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD), leading to growth retardation, morbidity, and economic loss. This study investigated the effects of dietary xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) supplementation on the growth performance and gut health of 216 piglets with naturally occurring PWD. Piglets received either 0 (CON), 50 (XOS-50), or 500 (XOS-500) mg XOS/kg feed from weaning at 28 days of age (d1) for 54 days. XOS-500 significantly improved body weight at d22 and d54, but had no effect on average daily gain, daily feed intake (DFI), or feed conversion ratio. The intestinal microbiota alpha-diversity was unaffected by XOS, though jejunal beta diversity differed between CON and XOS-500 groups at d22. Jejunal Chao richness correlated positively with d54 body weight, while ileal Chao richness correlated negatively with DFI. Salmonella was present in all diet groups but did not differ in abundance; however, the levels were negatively correlated with alpha diversity. XOSs increased Lactobacillus (d22, d54) and Clostridium_XI (d22), while reducing Veillonellaceae spp. (d22). XOSs reduced jejunal goblet cell (GC) density at d22 but increased duodenal and jejunal GCs and reduced duodenal crypt depth at d54. XOSs upregulated the genes for the tight junction proteins CLDN2, CLDN3, ALPI, and ZO-1, while downregulating the cytokine IL-8. These findings highlight XOSs’ potential to improve growth and gut health in weaning piglets with naturally occurring PWD, to maintain productivity and enhance welfare. Full article