Behavioral Diversity as a Potential Indicator of Positive Animal Welfare

Modern day zoos and aquariums continuously assess the welfare of their animals and use evidence to make informed management decisions. Historically, many of the indicators of animal welfare used to assess the collection are negative indicators of welfare, such as stereotypic behavior. However, a lack of negative indicators of animal welfare does not demonstrate that an individual animal is thriving. There is a need for validated measures of positive animal welfare and there is a growing body of evidence that supports the use of behavioral diversity as a positive indicator of welfare. This includes an inverse relationship with stereotypic behavior as well as fecal glucocorticoid metabolites and is typically higher in situations thought to promote positive welfare. This review article highlights previous research on behavioral diversity as a potential positive indicator of welfare. Details are provided on how to calculate behavioral diversity and how to use it when evaluating animal welfare. Finally, the review will indicate how behavioral diversity can be used to inform an evidence-based management approach to animal care and welfare.

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Behavioral diversity as a potential positive indicator of animal welfare in bottlenose dolphins

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0253113 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (8) ◽

pp. e0253113

Author(s):

Lance J. Miller ◽

Lisa K. Lauderdale ◽

Jocelyn L. Bryant ◽

Jill D. Mellen ◽

Michael T. Walsh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Inverse Relationship ◽

Diversity Index ◽

Bottlenose Dolphins ◽

Significant Inverse Relationship ◽

Behavioral Diversity ◽

Fecal Cortisol ◽

Professional Care ◽

And Behavior ◽

Positive Animal

Accredited zoological facilities are committed to fully understanding the behavioral, mental, and physical needs of each species to continuously improve the welfare of the animals under their professional care and detect when welfare has diminished. In order to accomplish this goal, internally consistent and externally valid indicators of animal welfare are necessary to advance our understanding of the current welfare status of individual animals. Historically, efforts have focused on monitoring visible or observable signs of poor health or problem behavior, but lack of signs or problems does not necessarily demonstrate that an individual animal is thriving. The current study examined fecal hormone metabolite levels and behavior for two species of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus and Tursiops aduncus) from 25 different accredited zoological facilities. At the time of the study, all facilities were accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and/or the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This was part of the multi-institutional study ‘Towards understanding of the welfare of cetaceans in zoos and aquariums” commonly referred to as the Cetacean Welfare Study. Behavioral diversity was calculated using the Shannon Diversity Index on species-appropriate behavioral events. Behavioral diversity was compared to the fecal metabolites of cortisol, aldosterone, and the ratio of cortisol to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as well as the stereotypic behavior of route tracing. Similar to previous studies on other species, there was a significant inverse relationship between behavioral diversity and both fecal cortisol metabolites and route tracing. Additionally, a significant inverse relationship also exists between behavioral diversity and the ratio of fecal cortisol to DHEA metabolites. Behavioral diversity and fecal aldosterone metabolites were not associated. Additional research is still needed to validate behavioral diversity as an indicator of positive animal welfare for bottlenose dolphins and across species. However, based on current results, facilities could utilize behavioral diversity combined with other measures of welfare to more comprehensively evaluate the welfare of bottlenose dolphins.

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Developing Evidence-Based Assessment to Prevent Over- or Underidentification of Disorders for New Language Learners

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-19-00115 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 1026-1038

Author(s):

Sandra Levey ◽

Li-Rong Lilly Cheng ◽

Diana Almodovar

Keyword(s):

Language Learners ◽

Grade Level ◽

Reading Skills ◽

Language Disorder ◽

Academic Development ◽

Review Article ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Clinical Knowledge ◽

Language And Literacy ◽

Support Evidence

Purpose The purpose of this review article is to present certain linguistic domains to consider in the assessment of children learning a new language. Speech-language pathologists frequently face difficulty when determining if a bilingual or multilingual child possesses a true speech or language disorder. Given the increased number of new language learners across the world, clinicians must understand differences versus disorders to prevent underidentification or overidentification of a disorder. Conclusions Early identification of a true disorder has been shown to prevent language and literacy difficulties, given that children are able to achieve grade-level reading skills when given intervention. Clinical knowledge and skills are strongly required so that children receive evidence-based assessment to support their academic development. Learning Goal Readers will gain an understanding of the factors that support evidence-based assessment of bilingual and multilingual language learners.

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Treatment Considerations for Adolescents Who Exhibit Cognitive/Communication Problems: A Neuroscience Perspective

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-20-00071 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 1767-1775

Author(s):

Martha S. Burns

Keyword(s):

Social Communication ◽

Transition Period ◽

Clinical Intervention ◽

Review Article ◽

Sensitive Period ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Communication Problems ◽

Treatment Considerations ◽

Behavioral Growth

Purpose Adolescence is a period of substantial neurophysiological and behavioral growth, representing a second sensitive period of brain development. It is a psychological and social transition period between childhood and adulthood with many beneficial changes occurring, especially with respect to potential responsiveness to clinical intervention. However, adolescent behavioral complexities introduce clinical challenges as well. The purpose of this review article is to review the current neuroimaging research on neurophysiological changes observed during adolescence and the cognitive and social behavioral counterparts, with specific attention to the clinical implications. The review article will then summarize currently available intervention tools that can be utilized by speech-language pathologists working with this population. It will conclude with available evidence-based social-communication approaches that may be applicable as well as available evidence-based supplemental technological cognitive interventions that may be useful in working with adolescents who exhibit language and communication issues. Conclusion As a transition period between childhood and adulthood, adolescence represents a second sensitive period during which there is opportunity for clinically derived beneficial cognitive and communication growth.

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The mechanisms of action of Ivermectin against SARS-CoV-2: An evidence-based clinical review article

The Journal of Antibiotics ◽

10.1038/s41429-021-00430-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Asiya Kamber Zaidi ◽

Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki

Keyword(s):

Clinical Review ◽

Mechanisms Of Action ◽

Review Article ◽

Evidence Based

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344 The Ag Guide serves as a primary standard for animal scientists and AAALAC accreditation of Ag research programs

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.130 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 71-72

Author(s):

Janeen Salak-Johnson

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Primary Standard ◽

Animal Research ◽

Third Party ◽

Best Interests ◽

Professional Judgment ◽

High Quality ◽

Accreditation Program ◽

Agricultural Animal ◽

Animal Care

Abstract Institutions that engage in animal research and production must ensure that high standards of animal care and use meet expectations of society while being ethical stewards of the animals they use in research. In order to achieve engagement in best practices, the Ag Guide is the most appropriate standard for assessing agricultural animals used in research and teaching. The Ag Guide minimizes the potential to overuse performance standards while enhancing the ability to appropriately address specific performance-derived exceptions to situations for which they have been validated. The primary objectives of the standards established in the Ag Guide are well-aligned with the goals of the AAALAC International accreditation program. The Ag Guide provides scientifically-sound, performance-based approaches to animal care and housing, which meet the expectations of AAALAC’s accreditation program. AAALAC provides a third-party peer review of all facets of the animal care and use program that serves as an effective mechanism to ensure institutions meet the standards of the Ag Guide. The process is designed to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the program to ensure high-quality scientific outcomes and a high level of animal welfare. AAALAC accreditation program for agricultural animal research program is built on the cornerstone of the Ag Guide standards and connects science and responsible animal care. AAALAC accreditation promotes a comprehensive, institutionally supported program with a commitment to continuous improvement, humane and ethical animal care resulting in high-quality animal welfare, and scientific validity. AAALAC takes the position that, in accredited programs, the housing and care for agricultural animals should meet the standards that prevail on a high-quality, well-managed farm and the Ag Guide serves as this foundation. Therefore, the use of the Ag Guide for agricultural animal programs ensures a review that is based on science, professional judgment, and the best interests of the animal.

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Examining the Echolalia Literature: Where Do Speech-Language Pathologists Stand?

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology ◽

10.1044/2015_ajslp-14-0166 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 750-762 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Lillian N. Stiegler

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽

Behavioral Intervention ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Review Article ◽

Language Intervention ◽

Common Element ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Speech Language Pathologists ◽

Significant Disagreement ◽

Spectrum Disorders

Purpose Echolalia is a common element in the communication of individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Recent contributions to the literature reflect significant disagreement regarding how echolalia should be defined, understood, and managed. The purpose of this review article is to give speech-language pathologists and others a comprehensive view of the available perspectives on echolalia. Method Published literature from the disciplines of behavioral intervention, linguistics, and speech-language intervention is discussed. Special areas of focus include operational definitions, rationales associated with various approaches, specific procedures used to treat or study echolalic behavior, and reported conclusions. Conclusions Dissimilarities in the definition and understanding of echolalia have led to vastly different approaches to management. Evidence-based practice protocols are available to guide speech-language interventionists in their work with individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

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Interventions to Reduce Meat Consumption by Appealing to Animal Welfare: Meta-Analysis and Evidence-Based Recommendations

Appetite ◽

10.1016/j.appet.2021.105277 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 105277

Author(s):

Maya B. Mathur ◽

Jacob Peacock ◽

David B. Reichling ◽

Janice Nadler ◽

Paul A. Bain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Meat Consumption ◽

Evidence Based

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Update on hypnotherapy for psychiatrists

BJPsych Advances ◽

10.1192/bja.2021.54 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Natalie A. Chan ◽

Zhisong Zhang ◽

Guoxing Yin ◽

Zhimeng Li ◽

Roger C. Ho

Keyword(s):

Psychiatric Disorders ◽

Practice Guidelines ◽

Review Article ◽

Outcome Studies ◽

Evidence Based ◽

High Quality ◽

Long Time ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Evidence Based Therapy

SUMMARY Although hypnosis has played a part in psychotherapy for a long time, it is not yet seen as an evidence-based therapy and is absent from many practice guidelines when it comes to the treatment of psychiatric disorders. At present, the applications and methods of hypnotherapy are poorly understood and other methods of psychotherapy tend to be favoured. This review article aims to introduce the role of hypnotherapy and its application for certain common psychiatric presentations, as well as examine its efficacy by summarising recent evidence from high-quality outcome studies and meta-analyses.

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Responsible Science and Research Animal Use

ILAR Journal ◽

10.1093/ilar/ilz020 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Patricia V Turner ◽

R Wayne Barbee

Keyword(s):

Animal Welfare ◽

Animal Research ◽

Animal Science ◽

Scientific Excellence ◽

Experimental Planning ◽

Animal Use ◽

Animal Care ◽

Science And Research ◽

Ethical Oversight ◽

Animal Handlers

Abstract This issue of the ILAR Journal focuses on the topic of responsible science as it relates to animal research. We start with the concept of the scientist as a responsible citizen and then move through multiple phases of research including careful experimental planning, reporting, and incorporation of laboratory animal science. The work of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) or animal ethical/oversight body in reviewing both animal use and contributing to scientific excellence is explored. Additional topics include protection of animal handlers from multiple experimental hazards, use of agricultural animals and wildlife studies, regulatory ambiguities, and harmonization of animal research. Rounding out the issue is a discussion of how animal care and use programs can enhance animal welfare while mitigating regulatory burden, and our responsibility to clearly communicate the ethical use of animals in advancing biomedical research. A deeper understanding of these topics can assist scientists in simultaneously advancing their research and animal welfare.

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