We investigated the psychological effects of nail treatments on children living in child welfare facilities.We performed a single nail treatment on children living in child welfare facilities.As a result,we found that...We investigated the psychological effects of nail treatments on children living in child welfare facilities.We performed a single nail treatment on children living in child welfare facilities.As a result,we found that feelings of“energy”,“relaxation”,and“comfort”tended to increase more strongly after the treatment than before.Furthermore,these feelings increased even more after the nail treatment.The effects of nail treatments were unrelated to gender or previous nail experience.Furthermore,nail treatments increased communication and interaction with facility staff and other children residing in the facility,promoting self-expression,and,as a result,increasing a sense of accomplishment,acceptance from others,and self-esteem.This suggests that positive emotions persisted even after nail treatments,leading to positive changes in daily life.展开更多
As a novel economic paradigm that drives high-quality economic development,the digital economy(DE)can potentially significantly enhance the utilization efficiency of ecological resources and improve human well-being.B...As a novel economic paradigm that drives high-quality economic development,the digital economy(DE)can potentially significantly enhance the utilization efficiency of ecological resources and improve human well-being.Based on panel data from 285 prefecture-level cities in China spanning 2011-2021,this study empirically investigates the direct effects,transmission mechanisms,and spatial spillover effects of the DE on ecological welfare performance(EWP)using benchmark regression,intermediary effects,and spatial Durbin models.The results show that the DE significantly improved EWP in Chinese cities.This conclusion remains valid even after controlling for relevant influencing factors.Two transmission paths—upgrading of the industrial structure(UIS)and green innovation(GI)—significantly impacted EWP,as verified by the mediation effect model.Additionally,the mediating effect of the UIS was stronger than that of GI.Spatial heterogeneity tests show that the DE had significant effects on the EWP of eastern cities,with little impact on the central and western cities.Accordingly,grounded in regional developmental disparities,the empowering effects of the DE must be fully harnessed to foster an ecological civilization and enhance the well-being of the populace.展开更多
The construction of ecological public welfare forests is an important ccomponent and foundation of building a beautiful China and plays an important role in the construction of ecological civilization.As an important ...The construction of ecological public welfare forests is an important ccomponent and foundation of building a beautiful China and plays an important role in the construction of ecological civilization.As an important barrier to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring ecological security,ecological public welfare forests play an extremely important role in human survival and development.The construction and management of ecological public welfare forests can bring many ecological benefits to the local area;Yulong County has effectively improved the ecological environment after years of ecological public welfare forest construction.Therefore,promoting the healthy development of ecological public welfare forests is of great significance.Based on the data from the field questionnaire survey in Yulong County,this paper employs a binary regression model to analyze the influencing factors of willingness to pay for ecological compensation.It identifies the existing problems in the ecological compensation of public welfare forests in Yulong County and puts forward corresponding recommendations.These include improving the compensation policies for public welfare forests,strengthening system construction,adjusting the rural industrial structure,and increasing the income levels of farmers.The aim is to provide a reference for improving the management level and scientific management of ecological public welfare forests in Lijiang City and to achieve the management goal of continuously and stably exerting various ecological and social benefits of ecological public welfare forests.展开更多
Background The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly(BSF)and yell...Background The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly(BSF)and yellow mealworm(YM)live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance,excreta corticosterone metabolites(ECM),behavior,and blood parameters.Methods A total of 1263-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens(6 replicates/treatment,7 birds/pen)and assigned to 3 experimental treatments:a control group fed commercial feed,and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5%(based on the expected daily feed intake,as fed basis)of BSF and YM live larvae(BSF and YM groups,respectively).A two-phase feeding program was applied:starter(from 3 to 31 days of age)and grower-finisher(from 32 to 55 days of age).The live weight,average daily gain,average daily feed intake,and feed conversion ratio were calculated.Larva consumption times were collected,and video recordings were performed during 3 periods(P)each day:the hour before(P1),during(P2),and after(P3)the larva administration.ECM were evaluated at 3,31,and 55-day-old.Finally,the total red and white blood cell counts,serum proteins,lipids,and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment.Results The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds(P>0.05).Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species,except at 14–18 days of age,were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae(P<0.001).The birds showed less walking activity during P2,and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3.The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks(P<0.05).During weeks 1–3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency(P1>P3;P<0.05).Finally,the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(P<0.05).Conclusions Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare,without impairing birds'growth performance.展开更多
Using scanner data on the consumption of packaged liquid beverages by Chinese urban households,we estimated the price elasticity of various beverages and compared the effects of volume-based versus sugar-content-based...Using scanner data on the consumption of packaged liquid beverages by Chinese urban households,we estimated the price elasticity of various beverages and compared the effects of volume-based versus sugar-content-based taxation strategies on consumer welfare.Compared to the volume-based tax,the sugar-content-based beverage tax was predicted to cost less in compensating variation under the same amount of sugar reduced,indicating that taxation based on sugar content may be more efficient in preserving consumer welfare.Further comparison across different socioeconomic groups reveals that,given current beverage consumption status in China,the efficiency advantage of the sugar-content-based taxation strategy is more pronounced than that of the volume-based taxation.Our conclusions can provide insights for the food industry and the government to reduce the sugar content in beverages.展开更多
Every year, a higher number of dogs are abandoned or euthanised due to temperament issues and a lack of understanding by owners regarding dog behaviour and training. This research focuses on the potential to make pred...Every year, a higher number of dogs are abandoned or euthanised due to temperament issues and a lack of understanding by owners regarding dog behaviour and training. This research focuses on the potential to make predictions of adult dog temperament based on early puppy behaviours by using a machine learning model. Specifically, the research used guard dog breeds, such as American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and German Shepherd. The study collected dog data and general data from dog owners and used the Random Forest approach to build a predictive model. Users are allowed to input puppy data and receive adult dog temperament predictions in model, which is integrated into a web application. The aims of this web application are to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce abandonment by offering insights and training recommendations based on predicted outcomes. The model achieved a prediction accuracy of 86% on testing, and it is continually improving, though further refinement is recommended to improve its reliability and applicability across a broader range of breeds. The study contributes to canine welfare by providing a practical solution for predicting temperament outcomes, ultimately helping to reduce shelter populations and euthanasia rates.展开更多
Rural-urban land conversion is currently a common social economic phenomenon during the process of economic development and rural urbanization in China. Rural-urban land conversion is positively effective as far as so...Rural-urban land conversion is currently a common social economic phenomenon during the process of economic development and rural urbanization in China. Rural-urban land conversion is positively effective as far as social and economic benefits are concerned (Yang, 2002), but its negative effect is also evident, resulting in such problems as low efficiency of rural land configuration and loss of social welfare. Consequently, farm-ers should also have an equal chance to enjoy the social welfare enhanced by land conversion. Based on the theories of welfare economy, this paper puts forward policy suggestions by discussing the welfare changes of various interest groups, builds the model of welfare distribution, and analyzes the conditions of maximizing social welfare. The absolute and opposite value of social welfare is closely related with the speed of rural-urban land conversion, and governments should give farmers and collectives fair compensa-tion to make up for the utility loss caused by land expropriation, which are conclusions drawn from this paper. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for regulating targets and evaluation criteria, realizing the mechanism and implementation of public po-lices during rural-urban land conversion.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to investigate the integrated welfare and disclosure by proposing emerging issues in the contemporary scenario. Thus, company welfare is represented as internal sociability; environmental prot...The aim of this paper is to investigate the integrated welfare and disclosure by proposing emerging issues in the contemporary scenario. Thus, company welfare is represented as internal sociability; environmental protection or innovation can be interpreted as external sociability, representing the uses of resources that a company does not incur costs, but demonstrates its health and social responsibility. Following a theoretical approach, the paper proposes as result a conceptual study introducing an updated literature analysis on the topic proposed of the integrated welfare systems and disclosure trying to point out emerging issues through a case study. Moreover, the research methodology is based on a qualitative approach and secondary sources in order to propose not only to scientific community a literature analysis. In this way, the implications of the research can be directed to academic communities and policy makers. The research question is the following： Which are emerging issues on the integrated welfare and its disclosure？展开更多
Not so much attention has been paid to animal welfare in many pig farms in China yet and there are still some violations of Animal Welfare Practices.Breeding boar is the core of modern pig farm,which is responsible fo...Not so much attention has been paid to animal welfare in many pig farms in China yet and there are still some violations of Animal Welfare Practices.Breeding boar is the core of modern pig farm,which is responsible for the reproductive task of supplying sperm for sows. With the development of artificial insemination,breeding boar plays an increasingly important role in pig production and the welfare of it is becoming more and more important. The problems existing in the welfare of breeding boar in China scale pig farm were analyzed from the aspects of rearing method,feed,environment condition,exercise,artificial semen collection,sexual behavior and environment enrichment and the corresponding measures or countermeasures were put forwards to improve their welfare level.展开更多
A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside ...A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.展开更多
Farm animals are sources of meat, milk and eggs for the humans, and animal health ensures the quality and security of these agricultural and sideline products. The animal raising conditions in livestock stations and p...Farm animals are sources of meat, milk and eggs for the humans, and animal health ensures the quality and security of these agricultural and sideline products. The animal raising conditions in livestock stations and poultry houses play vital roles in both animal health and production. One of the major factors affecting raising conditions, relative humidity, has not received much attention even though it is important for animal husbandry. In this review, we summarize the impacts of relative humidity on animal health and welfare to draw attention for its importance in the improvement of animal raising conditions in the future.展开更多
Humans and animals are in regular and at times close contact in modern intensive farming systems.The quality of human-animal interactions can have a profound impact on the productivity and welfare of farm animals.Inte...Humans and animals are in regular and at times close contact in modern intensive farming systems.The quality of human-animal interactions can have a profound impact on the productivity and welfare of farm animals.Interactions by humans may be neutral,positive or negative in nature.Regular pleasant contact with humans may result in desirable alterations in the physiology,behaviour,health and productivity of farm animals.On the contrary,animals that were subjected to aversive human contact were highly fearful of humans and their growth and reproductive performance could be compromised.Farm animals are particularly sensitive to human stimulation that occurs early in life,while many systems of the animals are still developing.This may have long-lasting impact and could possibly modify their genetic potential.The question as to how human contact can have a positive impact on responses to stressors,and productivity is not well understood.Recent work in our laboratory suggested that pleasant human contact may alter ability to tolerate various stressors through enhanced heat shock protein（hsp） 70 expression.The induction of hsp is often associated with increased tolerance to environmental stressors and disease resistance in animals.The attitude and consequent behaviour of stockpeople affect the animals＇ fear of human which eventually influence animals＇ productivity and welfare.Other than attitude and behaviour,technical skills,knowledge,job motivation,commitment and job satisfaction are prerequisites for high job performance.展开更多
This study examines the impact of farmers’cooperatives participation and technology adoption on their economic welfare in China.A double selectivity model(DSM)is applied to correct for sample selection bias stemming ...This study examines the impact of farmers’cooperatives participation and technology adoption on their economic welfare in China.A double selectivity model(DSM)is applied to correct for sample selection bias stemming from both observed and unobserved factors,and a propensity score matching(PSM)method is applied to calculate the agricultural income difference with counter factual analysis using survey data from 396 farmers in 15 provinces in China.The findings indicate that farmers who join farmer cooperatives and adopt agricultural technology can increase agricultural income by 2.77 and 2.35%,respectively,compared with those non-participants and non-adopters.Interestingly,the effect on agricultural income is found to be more significant for the low-income farmers than the high-income ones,with income increasing 5.45 and 4.51%when participating in farmer cooperatives and adopting agricultural technology,respectively.Our findings highlight the positive role of farmer cooperatives and agricultural technology in promoting farmers’economic welfare.Based on the findings,government policy implications are also discussed.展开更多
In recent years,carbon emissions have gradually evolved from an environment issue into a political and economic one.Carbon tariff has brought about new trade barriers of developed countries,and in order to enhance the...In recent years,carbon emissions have gradually evolved from an environment issue into a political and economic one.Carbon tariff has brought about new trade barriers of developed countries,and in order to enhance the industrial competitiveness of developed countries,it will produce unfavorable impact on developing countries.Concentrated on the manufacturing industry,which is the most intensive high-carbon industry in China's export structure,this article studies the relationship between carbon tariff policy and industry structure of export trade and builds up a relation between climate change and international trade.First,by means of establishing a partial equilibrium model,it applies geometric analysis and mathematical analysis to compute the impact on China's manufacturing export trade and the consequences of the introduction of the US carbon tariff to China's manufacturing industry that has already imposed a domestic shipping carbon tax.Furthermore,with the application of the GTAP model,it estimates the overall economic and welfare effects on China's manufacturing industry if the US and Europe introduce carbon tariff by means of four ways,and then analyzes the influence on China's manufacturing industry export structure and social welfare as well.The result shows that the introduction of the US carbon import tariff lowers China's export price and export volume,and the implementation of a domestic carbon tax justifies a higher export price and a lower export volume for China.However,the degree of export reduction is smaller than that under the effect of the US carbon tariff.In the case of developed countries imposing carbon tariff on China's energy-intensive industries,such as chemical rubber products,oil and coal-processing industry and paper industry,whose export would be reduced,the negative impact on the paper industry is the severest,which will decrease the paper industry's export ranging from 1.79%to 6.05%,whereas the other industries' export will increase.Anyhow,it will promote China's manufacturing industry to adjust the export structure to a certain extent.In addition,it will lead to a decrease in China's welfare,with a decrease between $2,134 billion and $8,347 billion.Finally,this paper provides information on international coordination,export structure adjustment and green manufacturing adjustment as a reference for the development of China's manufacturing industry.展开更多
Rural-urban land conversion is a universal phenomenon in the rapid process of economic development and urban growth.The welfare of farmers who lost their farmland attracted a widespread concern within the society and ...Rural-urban land conversion is a universal phenomenon in the rapid process of economic development and urban growth.The welfare of farmers who lost their farmland attracted a widespread concern within the society and academia.However,further research about differentiated policies according to the characteristics of different farmer groups is still need to be conducted.This article divides the land-lost farmers into three age groups:younger than 45,45-65,and more than 65.It proposes a welfare index system including eight functional areas based on different age groups of affected farmers,taking four districts of Wuhan City as case study area.Fuzzy mathematics method is used to derive the aggregated welfare effect index.Our analysis show that the overall welfare levels of land-lost farmers of all age groups declined,but with a varying degree,with the level of welfare in those farmers who are 45-65 years old,younger than 45 years old,and older than 65 years old decreased by 18.7%,16.6%,and 12.7%,respectively.The direction and degree of effects on the functional activity index varies among different groups.Economic conditions,living environment,health,and social participation of all age groups decrease while social security and housing conditions increase.On the other hand,development opportunities,social communication,and leisure have different changing directions in different age stages.These results call for differentiated and tailor-made compensation policies for land-lost farmers,towards improving the welfare levels of all farmers and reduce the disparity among them.展开更多
This study provides an economics assessment of various food safety measures in China. A choice experiment approach is used to elicit Chinese consumer preferences for various food safety attributes using data from a 20...This study provides an economics assessment of various food safety measures in China. A choice experiment approach is used to elicit Chinese consumer preferences for various food safety attributes using data from a 2008 urban consumer survey. An alternative welfare calculation is used to model aggregate market impacts of select food safety measures. Our results show that the largest welfare gains are found in the current government-run certiifcation program. The implementation of a third-party certiifcation system, a traceability network and a product label would generate signiifcant value and would help reduce current system inefifciencies in China. This study builds on previous research and provides an alternative approach for calculating consumer valuation of safety and quality attributes that can be used to estimate aggregate economic and welfare impacts.展开更多
This paper employs difference-in-differences(DID) approach to evaluate the effects of China's Labor Contract Law's implementation on rural migrant workers' welfare.Our findings suggest that the Labor Contr...This paper employs difference-in-differences(DID) approach to evaluate the effects of China's Labor Contract Law's implementation on rural migrant workers' welfare.Our findings suggest that the Labor Contract Law has reduced rural migrant workers' working hours by 23%, and increased their social insurance coverage by 10% to 26%. This conclusion holds true after removal of sample selection bias and policy expectation factor.Further analysis reveals that Labor Contract Law's welfare improvement effect was more significant for migrant workers in regions where workers had poor bargaining power. Other economic factors during the same period of time did not affect the law's labor protection effect. Our findings give a clear answer to controversies over whether the Labor Contract Law can improve labor rights for underprivileged groups, and are of reference value for developing labor protection systems.展开更多
Castration of male animals is a common practice in the meat industry aimed at reducing aggressive behavior, preventing unpleasant flavor, and controlling undesirable breeding. For many years, mechanical castration and...Castration of male animals is a common practice in the meat industry aimed at reducing aggressive behavior, preventing unpleasant flavor, and controlling undesirable breeding. For many years, mechanical castration and surgical castration have been practiced to sterilize the animals. However, these castration methods are not humane because of the associated risk of death, pain, and stress. Recently, immunocastration targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis(HPG) axis has been reported as an animal-friendly approach that circumvents many of the concerns with conventional castration, and suggested by researches as an alternative to surgical castration. However, there is no compilation of updated information on the use of immunocastration in sheep and goats. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the developmental process from traditional surgical castration to immunocastration and to screen the process of immune targets. It also compares the respective advantages and disadvantages of traditional castration technologies and immunocastration, in particular including analyses in the characteristics, features application and welfare benefits of immunocastration in sheep and goats were also analyzed.展开更多
Nine cowsheds were used, the differences between each cowshed are orientation （east-west or north-south）, cooling （with or without）, and height （3 m, 5 m or 8 m height）. Dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, ...Nine cowsheds were used, the differences between each cowshed are orientation （east-west or north-south）, cooling （with or without）, and height （3 m, 5 m or 8 m height）. Dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point, shaded area, air velocity, and maximum temperature were measured beneath each shed. The temperature-humidity index （THI） and the shading efficiency were calculated for each cowshed. The trials were conducted using 180 lactating Holstein Friesian cows; twenty cows housed beneath each shade structure. Measurements performed on cows were respiration rate, skin temperature, and rectal temperature; moreover, the milk produced by each cow was recorded, and the feed intake. High air velocities were recorded under high shade structures which enhance the aeration; consequently, maximum temperatures, and THI recorded beneath high sheds were less than those recorded beneath low sheds; also, skin temperatures, and respiration rates for cows housed under high sheds were less than those measured for animals housed under low sheds（differences were found to be significant）. Thereby, increasing shed height enhances dairy cows＇ microclimate under Egyptian conditions （hot climate）; consequently, the milk production increases. The best orientation is the east-west orientation, which is preferable for hot climates. The exploitation of cooling has significant effect on microclimate, cooling enhances the ambient environment and provides comfortable zone for dairy cows within which cows reach high production levels.展开更多
基金This study received a research grant from the Hoyu Science Foundation in 2023.
文摘We investigated the psychological effects of nail treatments on children living in child welfare facilities.We performed a single nail treatment on children living in child welfare facilities.As a result,we found that feelings of“energy”,“relaxation”,and“comfort”tended to increase more strongly after the treatment than before.Furthermore,these feelings increased even more after the nail treatment.The effects of nail treatments were unrelated to gender or previous nail experience.Furthermore,nail treatments increased communication and interaction with facility staff and other children residing in the facility,promoting self-expression,and,as a result,increasing a sense of accomplishment,acceptance from others,and self-esteem.This suggests that positive emotions persisted even after nail treatments,leading to positive changes in daily life.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province[Grant No.ZR2022MD104]Rizhao Natural Science Foundation Youth Fund Project[Grant No.RZ2021ZR36]Taishan Scholars Youth Expert Support Plan of Shandong Province[Grant No.tsqn202306183].
文摘As a novel economic paradigm that drives high-quality economic development,the digital economy(DE)can potentially significantly enhance the utilization efficiency of ecological resources and improve human well-being.Based on panel data from 285 prefecture-level cities in China spanning 2011-2021,this study empirically investigates the direct effects,transmission mechanisms,and spatial spillover effects of the DE on ecological welfare performance(EWP)using benchmark regression,intermediary effects,and spatial Durbin models.The results show that the DE significantly improved EWP in Chinese cities.This conclusion remains valid even after controlling for relevant influencing factors.Two transmission paths—upgrading of the industrial structure(UIS)and green innovation(GI)—significantly impacted EWP,as verified by the mediation effect model.Additionally,the mediating effect of the UIS was stronger than that of GI.Spatial heterogeneity tests show that the DE had significant effects on the EWP of eastern cities,with little impact on the central and western cities.Accordingly,grounded in regional developmental disparities,the empowering effects of the DE must be fully harnessed to foster an ecological civilization and enhance the well-being of the populace.
文摘The construction of ecological public welfare forests is an important ccomponent and foundation of building a beautiful China and plays an important role in the construction of ecological civilization.As an important barrier to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring ecological security,ecological public welfare forests play an extremely important role in human survival and development.The construction and management of ecological public welfare forests can bring many ecological benefits to the local area;Yulong County has effectively improved the ecological environment after years of ecological public welfare forest construction.Therefore,promoting the healthy development of ecological public welfare forests is of great significance.Based on the data from the field questionnaire survey in Yulong County,this paper employs a binary regression model to analyze the influencing factors of willingness to pay for ecological compensation.It identifies the existing problems in the ecological compensation of public welfare forests in Yulong County and puts forward corresponding recommendations.These include improving the compensation policies for public welfare forests,strengthening system construction,adjusting the rural industrial structure,and increasing the income levels of farmers.The aim is to provide a reference for improving the management level and scientific management of ecological public welfare forests in Lijiang City and to achieve the management goal of continuously and stably exerting various ecological and social benefits of ecological public welfare forests.
基金supported by the PRIMA programme under grant agreement No 2015,project SUSTAvian FEEDsupported by the European Unionthe visit by Achille Schiavone(22216/IV/23-Poultry MED project)funded by the Fundación Séneca-Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia in connection with the“Jiménez De La Espada”Regional Programme for Mobility,Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange。
文摘Background The provision of environmental enrichments to Muscovy ducks could reduce the expression of the aggressive behaviors.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of black soldier fly(BSF)and yellow mealworm(YM)live larva provision on Muscovy duck performance,excreta corticosterone metabolites(ECM),behavior,and blood parameters.Methods A total of 1263-day-old female Muscovy ducklings were allotted to 18 pens(6 replicates/treatment,7 birds/pen)and assigned to 3 experimental treatments:a control group fed commercial feed,and two experimental treatments fed commercial feed plus the 5%(based on the expected daily feed intake,as fed basis)of BSF and YM live larvae(BSF and YM groups,respectively).A two-phase feeding program was applied:starter(from 3 to 31 days of age)and grower-finisher(from 32 to 55 days of age).The live weight,average daily gain,average daily feed intake,and feed conversion ratio were calculated.Larva consumption times were collected,and video recordings were performed during 3 periods(P)each day:the hour before(P1),during(P2),and after(P3)the larva administration.ECM were evaluated at 3,31,and 55-day-old.Finally,the total red and white blood cell counts,serum proteins,lipids,and liver and renal function serum enzymes were evaluated on 12 birds/treatment.Results The experimental treatment did not affect the growth performance of the birds(P>0.05).Larva consumption times were always similar between the two insect species,except at 14–18 days of age,were BSF larvae were consumed faster than YM larvae(P<0.001).The birds showed less walking activity during P2,and preening behavior increased in YM birds during P3.The C birds increased the attack behavior over the weeks(P<0.05).During weeks 1–3 the YM group reduced the attack frequency(P1>P3;P<0.05).Finally,the provision of live BSF and YM larvae significantly reduced the ECM at 55 days of age and the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio(P<0.05).Conclusions Live BSF and YM larva supplementation in Muscovy duck improves duck welfare,without impairing birds'growth performance.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(71773122,42177463,and 72203214)the Youth Development Program(YDP)of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences(2024QQJH112)。
文摘Using scanner data on the consumption of packaged liquid beverages by Chinese urban households,we estimated the price elasticity of various beverages and compared the effects of volume-based versus sugar-content-based taxation strategies on consumer welfare.Compared to the volume-based tax,the sugar-content-based beverage tax was predicted to cost less in compensating variation under the same amount of sugar reduced,indicating that taxation based on sugar content may be more efficient in preserving consumer welfare.Further comparison across different socioeconomic groups reveals that,given current beverage consumption status in China,the efficiency advantage of the sugar-content-based taxation strategy is more pronounced than that of the volume-based taxation.Our conclusions can provide insights for the food industry and the government to reduce the sugar content in beverages.
文摘Every year, a higher number of dogs are abandoned or euthanised due to temperament issues and a lack of understanding by owners regarding dog behaviour and training. This research focuses on the potential to make predictions of adult dog temperament based on early puppy behaviours by using a machine learning model. Specifically, the research used guard dog breeds, such as American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, and German Shepherd. The study collected dog data and general data from dog owners and used the Random Forest approach to build a predictive model. Users are allowed to input puppy data and receive adult dog temperament predictions in model, which is integrated into a web application. The aims of this web application are to enhance responsible dog ownership and reduce abandonment by offering insights and training recommendations based on predicted outcomes. The model achieved a prediction accuracy of 86% on testing, and it is continually improving, though further refinement is recommended to improve its reliability and applicability across a broader range of breeds. The study contributes to canine welfare by providing a practical solution for predicting temperament outcomes, ultimately helping to reduce shelter populations and euthanasia rates.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China: Welfare Measuring and Balancing of Different Interest Groups during Rural-urban Land Conversion (Grant No. 70773047)Special Fund of Doctoral Disciplines in Ministry of Education of China: Research on Value Choice and Exterior Factors of Rural-urban Land Conversion (Grant No. 20070504020)
文摘Rural-urban land conversion is currently a common social economic phenomenon during the process of economic development and rural urbanization in China. Rural-urban land conversion is positively effective as far as social and economic benefits are concerned (Yang, 2002), but its negative effect is also evident, resulting in such problems as low efficiency of rural land configuration and loss of social welfare. Consequently, farm-ers should also have an equal chance to enjoy the social welfare enhanced by land conversion. Based on the theories of welfare economy, this paper puts forward policy suggestions by discussing the welfare changes of various interest groups, builds the model of welfare distribution, and analyzes the conditions of maximizing social welfare. The absolute and opposite value of social welfare is closely related with the speed of rural-urban land conversion, and governments should give farmers and collectives fair compensa-tion to make up for the utility loss caused by land expropriation, which are conclusions drawn from this paper. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for regulating targets and evaluation criteria, realizing the mechanism and implementation of public po-lices during rural-urban land conversion.
文摘The aim of this paper is to investigate the integrated welfare and disclosure by proposing emerging issues in the contemporary scenario. Thus, company welfare is represented as internal sociability; environmental protection or innovation can be interpreted as external sociability, representing the uses of resources that a company does not incur costs, but demonstrates its health and social responsibility. Following a theoretical approach, the paper proposes as result a conceptual study introducing an updated literature analysis on the topic proposed of the integrated welfare systems and disclosure trying to point out emerging issues through a case study. Moreover, the research methodology is based on a qualitative approach and secondary sources in order to propose not only to scientific community a literature analysis. In this way, the implications of the research can be directed to academic communities and policy makers. The research question is the following： Which are emerging issues on the integrated welfare and its disclosure？
基金Surported by Xuzhou Vocational College of Bioengineering 2017 Science and Technology Project-A Preliminary Study on Farm Animal Welfare(2017KY07)Xuzhou Vocational College of Bioengineering Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Brand Profession Construction Fund
文摘Not so much attention has been paid to animal welfare in many pig farms in China yet and there are still some violations of Animal Welfare Practices.Breeding boar is the core of modern pig farm,which is responsible for the reproductive task of supplying sperm for sows. With the development of artificial insemination,breeding boar plays an increasingly important role in pig production and the welfare of it is becoming more and more important. The problems existing in the welfare of breeding boar in China scale pig farm were analyzed from the aspects of rearing method,feed,environment condition,exercise,artificial semen collection,sexual behavior and environment enrichment and the corresponding measures or countermeasures were put forwards to improve their welfare level.
文摘A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.
基金provided by the National Key R&D Program of China(2016YFD0500501)the National Science and Technology Support Program of China(2012BAD39B02)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program,China(ASTIP-IAS07)
文摘Farm animals are sources of meat, milk and eggs for the humans, and animal health ensures the quality and security of these agricultural and sideline products. The animal raising conditions in livestock stations and poultry houses play vital roles in both animal health and production. One of the major factors affecting raising conditions, relative humidity, has not received much attention even though it is important for animal husbandry. In this review, we summarize the impacts of relative humidity on animal health and welfare to draw attention for its importance in the improvement of animal raising conditions in the future.
文摘Humans and animals are in regular and at times close contact in modern intensive farming systems.The quality of human-animal interactions can have a profound impact on the productivity and welfare of farm animals.Interactions by humans may be neutral,positive or negative in nature.Regular pleasant contact with humans may result in desirable alterations in the physiology,behaviour,health and productivity of farm animals.On the contrary,animals that were subjected to aversive human contact were highly fearful of humans and their growth and reproductive performance could be compromised.Farm animals are particularly sensitive to human stimulation that occurs early in life,while many systems of the animals are still developing.This may have long-lasting impact and could possibly modify their genetic potential.The question as to how human contact can have a positive impact on responses to stressors,and productivity is not well understood.Recent work in our laboratory suggested that pleasant human contact may alter ability to tolerate various stressors through enhanced heat shock protein（hsp） 70 expression.The induction of hsp is often associated with increased tolerance to environmental stressors and disease resistance in animals.The attitude and consequent behaviour of stockpeople affect the animals＇ fear of human which eventually influence animals＇ productivity and welfare.Other than attitude and behaviour,technical skills,knowledge,job motivation,commitment and job satisfaction are prerequisites for high job performance.
基金the Special Project of Major Theoretical Research and Interpretation of Philosophy and Social Sciences of Chongqing Municipal Education Commission,China(19SKZDZX15)the Key Project of Humanities and Social Sciences Research of Chongqing Education Commission,China(18SKSJ003)the Funding for Cultivating Major Projects in Humanities and Social Sciences of Southwest University,China(SWU1809009)。
文摘This study examines the impact of farmers’cooperatives participation and technology adoption on their economic welfare in China.A double selectivity model(DSM)is applied to correct for sample selection bias stemming from both observed and unobserved factors,and a propensity score matching(PSM)method is applied to calculate the agricultural income difference with counter factual analysis using survey data from 396 farmers in 15 provinces in China.The findings indicate that farmers who join farmer cooperatives and adopt agricultural technology can increase agricultural income by 2.77 and 2.35%,respectively,compared with those non-participants and non-adopters.Interestingly,the effect on agricultural income is found to be more significant for the low-income farmers than the high-income ones,with income increasing 5.45 and 4.51%when participating in farmer cooperatives and adopting agricultural technology,respectively.Our findings highlight the positive role of farmer cooperatives and agricultural technology in promoting farmers’economic welfare.Based on the findings,government policy implications are also discussed.
基金Humanities and Social Science Project of the Ministry of Education[grant number 12YJA790052]Scientific Research Projects in Liaoning Provincial Department of Education[grant number W2013081]Innovation Team Project of Dalian Maritime University[grant number 3132013329]
文摘In recent years,carbon emissions have gradually evolved from an environment issue into a political and economic one.Carbon tariff has brought about new trade barriers of developed countries,and in order to enhance the industrial competitiveness of developed countries,it will produce unfavorable impact on developing countries.Concentrated on the manufacturing industry,which is the most intensive high-carbon industry in China's export structure,this article studies the relationship between carbon tariff policy and industry structure of export trade and builds up a relation between climate change and international trade.First,by means of establishing a partial equilibrium model,it applies geometric analysis and mathematical analysis to compute the impact on China's manufacturing export trade and the consequences of the introduction of the US carbon tariff to China's manufacturing industry that has already imposed a domestic shipping carbon tax.Furthermore,with the application of the GTAP model,it estimates the overall economic and welfare effects on China's manufacturing industry if the US and Europe introduce carbon tariff by means of four ways,and then analyzes the influence on China's manufacturing industry export structure and social welfare as well.The result shows that the introduction of the US carbon import tariff lowers China's export price and export volume,and the implementation of a domestic carbon tax justifies a higher export price and a lower export volume for China.However,the degree of export reduction is smaller than that under the effect of the US carbon tariff.In the case of developed countries imposing carbon tariff on China's energy-intensive industries,such as chemical rubber products,oil and coal-processing industry and paper industry,whose export would be reduced,the negative impact on the paper industry is the severest,which will decrease the paper industry's export ranging from 1.79%to 6.05%,whereas the other industries' export will increase.Anyhow,it will promote China's manufacturing industry to adjust the export structure to a certain extent.In addition,it will lead to a decrease in China's welfare,with a decrease between $2,134 billion and $8,347 billion.Finally,this paper provides information on international coordination,export structure adjustment and green manufacturing adjustment as a reference for the development of China's manufacturing industry.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(71003041)the Fundamental Research Funds of the Central Universities(2662015PY198)
文摘Rural-urban land conversion is a universal phenomenon in the rapid process of economic development and urban growth.The welfare of farmers who lost their farmland attracted a widespread concern within the society and academia.However,further research about differentiated policies according to the characteristics of different farmer groups is still need to be conducted.This article divides the land-lost farmers into three age groups:younger than 45,45-65,and more than 65.It proposes a welfare index system including eight functional areas based on different age groups of affected farmers,taking four districts of Wuhan City as case study area.Fuzzy mathematics method is used to derive the aggregated welfare effect index.Our analysis show that the overall welfare levels of land-lost farmers of all age groups declined,but with a varying degree,with the level of welfare in those farmers who are 45-65 years old,younger than 45 years old,and older than 65 years old decreased by 18.7%,16.6%,and 12.7%,respectively.The direction and degree of effects on the functional activity index varies among different groups.Economic conditions,living environment,health,and social participation of all age groups decrease while social security and housing conditions increase.On the other hand,development opportunities,social communication,and leisure have different changing directions in different age stages.These results call for differentiated and tailor-made compensation policies for land-lost farmers,towards improving the welfare levels of all farmers and reduce the disparity among them.
基金supported by the US National Science Foundation (0912174)
文摘This study provides an economics assessment of various food safety measures in China. A choice experiment approach is used to elicit Chinese consumer preferences for various food safety attributes using data from a 2008 urban consumer survey. An alternative welfare calculation is used to model aggregate market impacts of select food safety measures. Our results show that the largest welfare gains are found in the current government-run certiifcation program. The implementation of a third-party certiifcation system, a traceability network and a product label would generate signiifcant value and would help reduce current system inefifciencies in China. This study builds on previous research and provides an alternative approach for calculating consumer valuation of safety and quality attributes that can be used to estimate aggregate economic and welfare impacts.
文摘This paper employs difference-in-differences(DID) approach to evaluate the effects of China's Labor Contract Law's implementation on rural migrant workers' welfare.Our findings suggest that the Labor Contract Law has reduced rural migrant workers' working hours by 23%, and increased their social insurance coverage by 10% to 26%. This conclusion holds true after removal of sample selection bias and policy expectation factor.Further analysis reveals that Labor Contract Law's welfare improvement effect was more significant for migrant workers in regions where workers had poor bargaining power. Other economic factors during the same period of time did not affect the law's labor protection effect. Our findings give a clear answer to controversies over whether the Labor Contract Law can improve labor rights for underprivileged groups, and are of reference value for developing labor protection systems.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972997 and 31772598)the China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-38)。
文摘Castration of male animals is a common practice in the meat industry aimed at reducing aggressive behavior, preventing unpleasant flavor, and controlling undesirable breeding. For many years, mechanical castration and surgical castration have been practiced to sterilize the animals. However, these castration methods are not humane because of the associated risk of death, pain, and stress. Recently, immunocastration targeting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis(HPG) axis has been reported as an animal-friendly approach that circumvents many of the concerns with conventional castration, and suggested by researches as an alternative to surgical castration. However, there is no compilation of updated information on the use of immunocastration in sheep and goats. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the developmental process from traditional surgical castration to immunocastration and to screen the process of immune targets. It also compares the respective advantages and disadvantages of traditional castration technologies and immunocastration, in particular including analyses in the characteristics, features application and welfare benefits of immunocastration in sheep and goats were also analyzed.
文摘Nine cowsheds were used, the differences between each cowshed are orientation （east-west or north-south）, cooling （with or without）, and height （3 m, 5 m or 8 m height）. Dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, dew point, shaded area, air velocity, and maximum temperature were measured beneath each shed. The temperature-humidity index （THI） and the shading efficiency were calculated for each cowshed. The trials were conducted using 180 lactating Holstein Friesian cows; twenty cows housed beneath each shade structure. Measurements performed on cows were respiration rate, skin temperature, and rectal temperature; moreover, the milk produced by each cow was recorded, and the feed intake. High air velocities were recorded under high shade structures which enhance the aeration; consequently, maximum temperatures, and THI recorded beneath high sheds were less than those recorded beneath low sheds; also, skin temperatures, and respiration rates for cows housed under high sheds were less than those measured for animals housed under low sheds（differences were found to be significant）. Thereby, increasing shed height enhances dairy cows＇ microclimate under Egyptian conditions （hot climate）; consequently, the milk production increases. The best orientation is the east-west orientation, which is preferable for hot climates. The exploitation of cooling has significant effect on microclimate, cooling enhances the ambient environment and provides comfortable zone for dairy cows within which cows reach high production levels.
