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The perception of animal emotions is key to enhancing veterinary practice, human–animal interactions, and protecting domesticated species' welfare. This study presents a unique emotion classification deep learning-based approach for pet animals. The actual and emotional status of dogs and cats have been classified using a modified EfficientNetB5 model. Utilizing a dataset of images classified into four different emotion categories—angry, sad, happy, and neutral—the model incorporates sophisticated feature extraction methods, such as Dense Residual Blocks and Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) blocks, to improve the focus on important emotional indicators. The basis of the second strategy is EfficientNetB5, which is known for providing an optimal balance in terms of accuracy and processing capabilities. The model exhibited robust generalization abilities for the subtle identification of emotional states, achieving 98.2% accuracy in training and 91.24% during validation on a separate dataset. These encouraging outcomes support the model's promise for real-time emotion detection applications and demonstrate its adaptability for wider application in ongoing pet monitoring systems. The dataset will be enlarged, model performance will be enhanced for more species, and real-time capabilities will be developed for real-world implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing interest in the animal assisted intervention (AAI) field to identify how participants benefit from their interaction with animals in these services. Although children frequently participate in these interventions, rarely have they been actively involved in research to explore how they experience the presence of an animal in AAI. This thematic synthesis pulls the few qualitative studies available that directly ask children who struggle with social and emotional difficulties abour their perception of their interactions with animals. Through the analysis of the findings of these studeis, a conceptual model is developed that identifies potential mechanisms that may influence the formation of a relationship between children and animals in AAI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: People are increasingly concerned about the treatment and wellbeing of animals in zoos and aquariums, which has led to a big shift in how these places are seen by the public. For zoos and aquariums to keep up with these changing views, they need to understand how society thinks about them. Over the past 30 years, many studies have looked at how people feel about zoos and aquariums. This review seeks to compile recent research that offers insight into how contemporary societies view these establishments. One finding is that a higher number of female researchers have been involved in studies on zoos and aquariums compared to other areas of science, and previous studies have reported that women tended to be more empathetic towards animals and animal welfare than men. Most of the research has been conducted in Western countries, which creates a gap in our understanding from a global point of view. The studies also did not focus much on aquariums or children, and there is a need for more research that assesses changes in visitors' perceptions of animal wellbeing and the role that zoos and aquariums play in species conservation that compares attitudes before and after their visit. These insights highlight important areas for future research that could help shape how zoos and aquariums evolve and improve. Zoos and aquariums attract millions of visitors around the world. At the same time, the functions they fulfill and the way they do that have been subject to scrutiny from different fields of knowledge. The way societies perceive animals has evolved in recent decades and so has the social perception of institutions that work with them. This scoping review aims to gather studies from the last three decades that shade light on how current societies perceive zoos and aquariums. We selected papers describing quantitative studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals. We reviewed 71 works from different fields of knowledge. The proportion of female authors was noticeably higher than in general science. Most studies were carried out in culturally Western countries, a fact that constitutes a gap in knowledge from a global perspective. We also noticed an underrepresentation of aquariums and of children in the analyzed papers, and a need for more pre–post studies to ascertain the effect of a zoo or aquarium on its visitors. These conclusions point out interesting directions for future studies to help scientists, managers, and citizens design the future of these institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Archaeological research has mainly focused on stone tools, pottery, and metal relics excavated from ruins. Recently, interest in natural relics such as animal bones has increased, as these relics can provide insight into the eating habits, cultural level, and perception of animals of the people at that time. This study investigated morphological structures and dimensions of Nyctereutes procyonoides bones excavated from a well at the Gasan-ri archaeological site in Jinju. These bones are presumed to be relics from the Three Kingdoms period. A total of 447 animal bones were excavated, of which 59 (13.2%) were identified as N. procyonoides bones. These identified bones weighed 47.14 g, accounting for 4.83% of the total bone weight (975.30 g). These N. procyonoides bones were found to belong to 2 individuals estimated to be 5 to 6 weeks old. These bones included 5 skull fragments, 2 mandibles, 9 vertebrae, 11 ribs, 10 forelimb bones, 3 hip bones, and 19 hindlimb bones. A fracture was observed near the bregma of one skull. The presence of a complete specimen in the well suggested that it was used in animal sacrifice rituals. This study estimated the value of animals and human dietary culture at that time by utilizing N. procyonoides bones presumed to be relics of the Three Kingdoms period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess One Health risk perception and local knowledge concerning threats arising from the interaction of humans, animals, and the environment at the community level with a particular emphasis on zoonotic disease transmission at Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar City, Gujarat, India, where the majority are vegetarians. Methods: A cross-sectional design with cluster sampling was employed with 387 participants participated in a quantitative survey, comprising 192 livestock handlers and 195 non-livestock handlers. Additionally, 20 in-depth interviews explored qualitative insights. Data were processed using MS Excel and analysed using Stata version 14. Results: In our study, we observed varied risk perceptions among predominantly female participants. Among livestock handlers, 23.4% acknowledged the potential for zoonotic transmission, while this awareness increased to 41.0% among non-livestock handlers. Although handwashing after animal contact and work was common among livestock handlers, only 20.3% recognized the pivotal role of hygiene in preventing zoonotic diseases. Similarly, 37.0% of livestock handlers and 47.2% of non-livestock handlers understood the risks associated with consuming raw milk and meat, which reveals a statistical difference between these two groups (P =0.000). Another significant difference was observed in the perception on animal waste disposal sites with 58.9% of livestock keepers and 80.0% of non-livestock keepers considering such sites as risky factors (P =0.000). Furthermore, vaccination awareness was high, with 85.4% of livestock handlers and 88.7% of non-livestock handlers being aware of vaccination as a preventive measure against zoonotic diseases. Interestingly, nonlivestock individuals demonstrated a higher level of awareness regarding zoonotic diseases compared to their livestock counterparts. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative One Health interventions to address zoonotic disease risks among livestock handlers in India. By bridging knowledge gaps and promoting proactive measures, we can effectively safeguard public health and well-being in the face of emerging zoonotic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In A Theory of Adaptation, Linda Hutcheon considers Darwinist claims that some animal stories survive more readily than others. Just as natural selection drives evolution, genetic selection and memetic cultural transmission drive the evolution, mutation and flourishing of adaptations in ever-changing narratives and technological environments. In the telling and retelling of stories, it invites a state of hyperreality, where copies of copies are believed to be real. Jean Baudrillard's concept of hyperreality describes a condition wherein the boundaries between reality and its simulated representations become indistinguishable. He states that '[i]t is the generation by models of a real without origin or reality'. In a state of hyperreality, adaptations and representations can assume greater significance and authenticity than the actual reality they depict. Consequently, the simulated experiences and images are perceived as more real and authentic than the tangible reality from which they originate. The hyperreality of film adaptations has been explored through the telling of historical narratives, nation-building and authenticity. Modern adaptations of historical events, especially when delivered through a contemporary lens, have the ability to reshape our understanding of the past. Art and entertainment permeate our consciousness, moulding our identities. Consequently, we become a reflection of what we engage with, and in a dialectical process, we subsequently reshape the world according to our transformed selves. Thus, entertainment facilitates tangible changes in the real world. These are the key ideas examined in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The task for an embodied cognitive understanding of humans' actions with tools is to elucidate how the human body, as a whole, supports the perception of affordances and dexterous action with objects in relation to other objects. Here, we focus on the relationship between humans' actions with handheld tools and bipedal posture. Posture plays a pivotal role in shaping animals' perception and action dynamics. While humans stand and locomote bipedally, other primates predominantly employ quadrupedal postures and locomotion, relying on both hands and feet to support the body. Drawing upon evidence from evolutionary biology, developmental psychology and performance studies, we elucidate the influence of bipedalism on our actions with objects and on our proficiency in using tools. We use the metaphor of cascades to capture the dynamic, nonlinear transformations in morphology and behaviour associated with posture and the use of tools across evolutionary and developmental timescales. Recent work illustrates the promise of multifractal cascade analysis to reveal nonlinear, cross-scale interactions across the entire body in real-time, supporting the perception of affordances for actions with tools. Cascade analysis enriches our comprehension of real-time performance and facilitates exploration of the relationships among whole-body coordination, individual development, and evolutionary processes. This article is part of the theme issue 'Minds in movement: embodied cognition in the age of artificial intelligence'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Business Law Journal / Administração de Empresas em Revista is the property of Administracao de Empresas em Revista and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Otopetrin 1 (OTOP1) is a proton-activated channel crucial for animals' perception of sour taste. Despite its significance, the gating mechanism of OTOP1 remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that carvacrol activates the mouse OTOP1 (mOTOP1) channel under neutral and acidic conditions. Functional analysis showed that carvacrol enhances pH fluorescence signals in OTOP1-expressing cells, with reduced efficacy at lower pH levels. Carvacrol selectively activates mOTOP1, while mOTOP2, mOTOP3, and Chelonia mydas OTOP1 (CmOTOP1) are insensitive to carvacrol activation under neutral pH. Through chimera and point mutation experiments, swapping S134 in transmembrane segment 3 (TM3) and T247 in the TM5-6 linker abolished carvacrol activation of mOTOP1 and conferred activation on CmOTOP1, suggesting these two residues are critical for carvacrol sensitivity. These findings highlight TM3 and TM5-6 linker as pivotal gating apparatus of OTOP1 channels and potential docking sites for drug design. Carvacrol activates mouse OTOP1 (mOTOP1) at neutral and acidic pH, but not other OTOPs. Key residues S134 and T247 are critical for carvacrol sensitivity, highlighting TM3 and TM5-6 linker as crucial for gating and drug design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry & Psychology (CTJPP) / Kıbrıs Türk Psikiyatri ve Psikoloji Dergisi is the property of Cyprus Turkish Journal of Psychiatry & Psychology (CTJPP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Perinatal wellbeing is a critical area of mental health to address for the benefit of parents, infants, pets, and health services. Animals, and specifically pets, have been investigated as potential wellbeing supports in clinical and non-clinical populations, yet there has been limited exploration of their role in the perinatal period. To address this gap, this study aimed to examine the perceived risks and benefits of pet ownership on perinatal mental health through qualitative reports of lived experience from mothers with pets. An online survey with open-text questions was developed; thematic analysis was applied to data from 31 eligible UK participants. The analysis identified five themes: (1) promoting wellbeing and grounding in a time of change, (2) pets as preparation for parenting, (3) caregiver burden, (4) joy and challenges of pet–baby interactions, and (5) perceptions of changing pet behavior in the perinatal period. This study indicates that accessing emotional support from pets, second-hand joy from the pet–baby bond, and having "parenting practice" are perceived wellbeing benefits from pets. Further, parents expressed that increasing social support for pet and childcare, creating boundaries for pet–baby interactions, and managing perinatal expectations could help minimize risks identified by participants, including caregiver burden and pet-based distress and anxiety. These insights may allow practitioners supporting pet-owning new parents to begin exploring new ways for families to manage pets in the perinatal period in a way that enhances wellbeing for everyone involved, including pets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study aimed to find out how animal videos on social media are perceived by users. Numerous seemingly funny animal videos contain animal suffering. The results of a large-scale survey conducted in this study confirm that animal videos are very popular on social media as participants of all ages and education levels already watched them. However, it seems that viewers often do not realise when animals express signs of stress or discomfort in such videos. Only 45.8% of the participants often noticed animal suffering in videos, while 31% recognised animal well-being. Furthermore, participants of the survey stated that they would like to receive warning labels on videos showing animal suffering. The study highlights the need to inform social media users about animal welfare and provides the basis for developing strategies to reduce the spread of videos showing animal suffering on social media. On social media, numerous animal videos are uploaded and viewed every day. However, these videos, which are apparently funny for humans, are often associated with animal suffering. In this study, 3246 participants of an online survey were asked about their personal perception of animal videos on social media, about recognising animal suffering in these videos, and about their respective reactions. A total of 98.5% of participants who used social media already saw animal videos. Participants most frequently viewed informative videos (52.9%), followed by funny/entertaining animal videos (41.8%). For 45.8% of participants, animal suffering was often recognisable in animal videos. Female participants were more likely to recognise animal suffering than male participants (p < 0.001), and participants living in a rural residence were more likely to recognise it than those from an urban residence (p = 0.017). Furthermore, 62.5% of participants had left a critical comment or disliked a video with animal suffering. Animal videos seem to be highly popular on social media, but animal suffering may go unnoticed in funny videos. The fact that 91.8% of participants want a warning label for animal suffering in videos shows that social media users would like to see animal welfare be given more prominence on social media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study presents a new framework for understanding how tourists perceive animal welfare, incorporating insights from tourists, researchers, and the animals themselves. Using scientific theories to define key aspects of animal welfare, the framework is refined based on tourist feedback, making it a reliable tool for assessing these perceptions. At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, we analyzed 4839 visitor comments from March to August 2023 to evaluate perceptions of panda welfare. This method highlights the importance of clear communication in educational programs, aiming to boost public understanding of animal welfare. By addressing the diverse and complex views of tourists, the framework supports more effective conservation education. It shows that collaborative efforts can create a flexible and theoretically sound benchmarking system, enhancing tourist education and fostering a stronger commitment to animal welfare and conservation as essential elements of sustainable tourism. This study introduces a co-design benchmarking framework to understand tourists' perceptions of animal welfare, integrating diverse perspectives from tourists, researchers, and animals. By leveraging scientific theories to establish benchmark dimensions, the framework is refined through visitor input, ensuring a robust and adaptable methodological tool for assessing tourists' perceptions and animal informed consent in wildlife tourism. Using the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding as an example, we analyzed 4839 visitor comments collected from March to August 2023 to benchmark perceptions of giant panda welfare. This approach underscores the importance of effective communication in educational initiatives, aiming to enhance public literacy and knowledge about animal welfare. By addressing the complexity and variability in tourists' perceptions, the proposed framework contributes to more impactful conservation education efforts. The study demonstrates that a collaborative effort results in a benchmarking framework that is firmly grounded in theoretical foundations yet flexible enough to adapt based on visitors' insights and animal participation. Ultimately, this comprehensive approach ensures that educational initiatives resonate with tourists' diverse backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to animal welfare and conservation, which, we argue, should be key components of sustainable tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal vision depends on opsins, a category of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that achieves light sensitivity by covalent attachment to retinal. Typically binding as an inverse agonist, 11-cis retinal photoisomerizes to the all-trans isomer and activates the receptor, initiating downstream signaling cascades. Retinal bound to bistable opsins isomerizes back to the 11-cis state after absorption of a second photon, inactivating the receptor. Bistable opsins are essential for invertebrate vision and nonvisual light perception across the animal kingdom. While crystal structures are available for bistable opsins in the inactive state, it has proven difficult to form homogeneous populations of activated bistable opsins either via illumination or reconstitution with all-trans retinal. Here, we show that a nonnatural retinal analog, all-trans retinal 6.11 (ATR6.11), can be reconstituted with the invertebrate bistable opsin, Jumping Spider Rhodopsin-1 (JSR1). Biochemical activity assays demonstrate that ATR6.11 functions as a JSR1 agonist. ATR6.11 binding also enables complex formation between JSR1 and signaling partners. Our findings demonstrate the utility of retinal analogs for biophysical characterization of bistable opsins, which will deepen our understanding of light perception in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to describe differences between India and the United States in public perceptions of free-roaming dogs and cats, concerns related to free-roaming animals, and preferred strategies for veterinary medical interventions and population management. Between August 2021 and February 2022, 498 individuals completed an online survey including 210 Indian respondents and 288 American respondents. Free-roaming dogs and cats were largely perceived as community animals among Indian respondents, with significantly more respondents indicating they should be allowed to roam freely compared with American respondents. Respondents from both countries were concerned about animal welfare, although Americans were significantly more likely to list animal welfare, public health and wildlife risks as significant concerns related to free-roaming cats and dogs. American respondents were also more likely to support adoption for sociable animals and euthanasia for unsociable animals, whereas Indian respondents were more likely to support spay/neuter, vaccinate and release strategies for both dogs and cats. Our findings speak to the importance of implementing tailored strategies for free-roaming cat and dog management based on local cultures and community perceptions of free-roaming animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The passing of Frans de Waal marked a significant loss for the field of animal behaviour and cognition. His groundbreaking scientific work transformed our understanding of animal behaviour and influenced many scholars. De Waal's popular science books reached millions, shaping public perception of animal minds and inspiring many young scientists. This memorial article reflects on de Waal's profound impact on a new generation of animal behaviour scholars and the lasting legacy he leaves in the field of animal behaviour and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aristotle grants perceptible qualities the power to generate sense perception in animals. But it is unclear whether, for him, these qualities can produce any effect other than perception. In this paper, I address this issue through a novel approach. To show that they can produce non-perceptual effects, I explore contexts in his extant works where qualities appear to do causal work in nature without leading to perception in animals. This inquiry aims to demonstrate that Aristotle’s realism about qualities survives a potential threat posed by views that dispute the qualities’ causal efficacy outside perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study had a correlational design and aimed to develop and validate a database of dual-perspective (entire face and ¾ face) face-focused photographs depicting pets (dogs, cats, miniature rabbits) and livestock animals (pigs and cattle). Participants (n = 268, 82% women, Mage = 28.2, SD = 8.5) viewed 72 pairs of photographs and evaluated each animal's similarity across two photographs, as well as their valence, typicality, familiarity, cuteness, and dangerousness. The results confirmed that livestock animals received lower ratings in terms of similarity across the two photographs and were perceived as less positively valenced, less typical, less familiar, less cute, and more dangerous compared with pets. Furthermore, individual characteristics were found to be related to the perception of animals. Compared with non-owners, pet owners rated both livestock and pets more positively valenced and cuter. Additionally, the frequency of meat consumption was associated with perceiving livestock animals as less positively valenced, less cute, and more dangerous. The database provides realistic and valid stimuli, which have the potential to facilitate investigations into animal perception and recognition within the context of human–animal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal and plant colouration presents a striking dimension of phenotypic variation, the study of which has driven general advances in ecology, evolution, and animal behaviour. Quantitative Colour Pattern Analysis (QCPA) is a dynamic framework for analysing colour patterns through the eyes of non-human observers. However, its extensive array of user-defined image processing and analysis tools means image analysis is often time-consuming. This hinders the full use of analytical power provided by QCPA and its application to large datasets. Here, we offer a robust and comprehensive batch script, allowing users to automate many QCPA workflows. We also provide a complimentary set of useful R scripts for downstream data extraction and analysis. The presented batch processing extension will empower users to further utilise the analytical power of QCPA and facilitate the development of customised semi-automated workflows. Such quantitatively scaled workflows are crucial for exploring colour pattern spaces and developing ever-richer frameworks for analysing organismal colouration accounting for visual perception in animals other than humans. These advances will, in turn, facilitate testing hypotheses on the function and evolution of vision and signals at quantitative and qualitative scales, which are otherwise computationally unfeasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This article focuses on students dedicated to the study of agronomy. To identify the general perception of students about animal welfare in production systems, four categories were developed and presented through a survey. The four constructs of animal welfare used in this study were as follows: (1) sociodemographic aspects; (2) generalities about animal welfare; (3) ethical and bioethical dimensions of animal welfare; and (4) animal welfare within the framework of bio law. The results indicate that most respondents agreed that animal welfare is important within animal production systems and that causing unnecessary suffering to animals is ethically questionable. Overall, the results indicated significant associations between sociodemographic factors and the different ethical perspectives related to animal welfare, concerning aspects of suffering and the use of animals in experimentation or entertainment activities. These sociodemographic factors mentioned included gender, educational level, and upbringing environment. Understanding the perceptions of university students in agronomy regarding animal welfare is the necessary substrate to improve on and update study programs related to animal production systems. This should be paramount in the training of future professionals who will manage animal welfare issues as part of their future careers in the livestock sector. Ethical considerations regarding our treatment of animals have gained strength, leading to legislation and a societal focus across various disciplines. This is a subject of study within curricula related to agri-food sciences. The aim was to determine the perceptions of agronomy university students concerning animal welfare in livestock production systems. A survey was conducted to encompass various aspects, from participants' sociodemographic attributes to their attitudes and behaviors regarding animal welfare and the consumption of animal products. Statistical analysis, performed using R software, delved into the associations between participants' characteristics and their perspectives on the ethical, bioethical, and legal dimensions of animal welfare. Associations between demographic factors and ethical viewpoints among students were identified. Gender differences emerged in animal treatment perceptions, while rural and urban environments impacted perspectives on various animals. Bioethical considerations revealed distinctive disparities based on gender and education in concerns regarding animal welfare, value perceptions, evaluations of animal behaviors, and opinions on animal research. It is crucial to distinguish between animal welfare and the ethical considerations arising from coexisting with sentient beings capable of experiencing suffering. Ethical theories provide a lens through which we perceive our obligations toward animals. The responsibility to ensure animal welfare is firmly rooted in recognizing that animals, like humans, experience pain and physical suffering. Consequently, actions causing unjustified suffering or mistreatment, particularly for entertainment purposes, are considered morally unacceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities in close proximity to protected areas suffer wildlife depredations which may engender negative attitudes to wildlife resulting in wildlife persecution. We assessed people's perceptions about the aardvark, a shy, nocturnal Afrotherian mammal prioritized for conservation. We used semi-structured questionnaires to conduct interviews with 181 persons (11 to > 70 years old) from randomly selected households. Respondents' perceptions of the aardvark were strongly positive (78%), because the animal does not cause physical harm to people, and flees upon sighting them. Aardvarks were hunted for meat (35%) and to obtain body parts for household use or sale to traditional healers. The positive perceptions about the animal are counteracted by the reputed tasty meat of the animal, which together with sale of its body parts have an overriding influence on animal abundance. We highlight the threats faced by aardvark due to its occurrence in close proximity to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cattle welfare is a critical component of sustainable beef production systems. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate how a specific group of beef industry stakeholders perceived and integrated animal welfare into sustainability programs using an online survey. Individuals represented owners, managers, and chief sustainability officers from a variety of stakeholder groups. Respondents recognized cattle welfare as a critical component to ensuring the overall sustainability of a production system and integrated animal welfare outcomes within their sustainability programs. It was evident that respondents felt animal care and providing basic needs to animals was a critical component of cattle welfare. The motivation of respondents to include cattle welfare in sustainability programming was related to cattle health and performance as well as consumer perception. Additionally, respondents often mentioned following best management practices and often referenced industry guidelines, assessment tools, and sometimes regulations where relevant. Respondents shared that the three pillars of sustainability (e.g., environmental, social, and economic) were interconnected, highlighting the need for balanced approaches to integrating sustainable animal welfare solutions in beef systems. This study aimed to investigate how stakeholders in the United States beef industry incorporate animal welfare into their sustainability programs. A survey was administered online to the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef membership. Twenty-seven surveys were analyzed. Most respondents (n = 26, 96%) had sustainability programs that incorporated animal welfare. Most respondents believed that welfare positively impacted environmental (n = 25/26, 96%), economic (n = 25/26, 96%), and social (n = 26/26, 100%) sustainability. The thematic analysis of five free response questions identified ten themes: Animal Care, Regulations and Guidelines, Responsibility, Consumers and Stakeholders, Performance and Efficiency, Financial Impact, Connectedness, Critical Component, Animal-based Outcomes, and Employees. When asked to define welfare, the most common themes were Animal Care and Regulations and Guidelines. When asked why welfare was a component of their sustainability program, the top factors from a provided list were: cattle health (n = 20, 74%), cattle performance (n = 12, 44%), and consumer perceptions (n = 12, 44%). Findings suggest a widespread recognition of animal welfare's importance within sustainable beef production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of innovation on consumer buying behavior dimensions, particularly consumer knowledge and decision-making, within the context of Happy Meal McDonald's in Jakarta, Indonesia. The research aims to elucidate how these elements influence consumer motivation and perceptions towards packaged food products. Utilizing a questionnaire-based approach, data was collected from 100 respondents at McDonald's retail stores in Jakarta, employing purposive sampling. The study employed PLS-SEM (Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling) to analyze the direct and indirect relationships between independent variables and dependent variables. Results revealed that innovation significantly contributes to both motivation and perception, indicating its crucial role in influencing consumer behavior. Furthermore, the findings suggest avenues for future research, such as exploring collaborative strategies to enhance the appeal of packaged food products and understanding the broader implications of innovation in consumer purchasing decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The perception of animal abuse is closely linked to each society. Because of its culture, Spain is among the European Union countries with the highest records of animal abuse. The Canary Islands, where this study was carried out, also has very high rates of intentional poisoning of wildlife and abandonment of pets. Care and responsibility towards animals is trained from childhood onwards and is strongly influenced by demographic and social factors. In the current investigation, our aim was to examine the perception of animal abuse among adolescents and to disclose the role of the main social and demographic factors on the perception of animal welfare. To accomplish this objective, we conducted a comprehensive survey targeting individuals aged 14–18 years. We found that males who also had hunting relatives had the least sensitivity to animal abuse. Animal welfare is inherited in each society, shaped by the surrounding environment and upbringing of each individual. This influence becomes particularly significant during adolescence. Due to its cultural context, Spain is among the European Union nations with the highest number of cases of animal abuse. The Canary Islands, the scenario of this study, show the highest rates of intentional poisoning of wildlife and pets' abandonment. The aim of the present study was to explore the perception of animal welfare among adolescents, studying the influence of the main socio-demographic factors that may condition it. A validated questionnaire on animal abuse was used and distributed to adolescents aged 14–18 years in two public study centers. Animal abuse rates were correlated with socio-demographic variables. In total, 302 subjects answered the questionnaire. The perception of animal welfare was influenced by socio-demographic variables, gender being the most important. The demographic profile of the least responsive adolescent to animal abuse was a male engaged in sports, not owning a dog, and hailing from a family involved in hunting. Awareness should be raised at an early age, promoting artistic activities, encouraging contact with animals and sporting practices that do not generate a lack of empathy for animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Zoos are home to a diverse range of species, including those in need of conservation. Given the high costs involved in caring for their residents and satisfying their commitments to educating the public, zoos rely on patronage from visitors. Zoos, therefore, need to understand how visitors think and feel about the well-being of the animals in their collections. If visitors perceive zoos as spaces where animals are unhappy, they will be less likely to visit. This qualitative study documented and assessed visitor experiences of and responses to training activities provided for the resident herd of African elephants at Zoo Tampa, Florida, USA. Surveys were conducted with visitors following their attendance at elephant training and enrichment sessions, and they focused on ascertaining visitor perceptions of elephant emotions, care, and welfare. These surveys revealed that visitors perceived that the elephants involved in the encounters were happy, content, calm, comfortable, engaged, excited, good, playful, and safe (among other emotional descriptors) and that they experienced good welfare. Responses also gave insight into why visitors felt this was the case and identified aspects that visitors did not like or that they felt could be improved. The research provides zoos with insight into the impact that animal–caregiver interactions can have on visitors' perceptions, and it offers a model that could be applied across the sector. Zoos strive to provide excellent welfare for resident animals, including those belonging to endangered species involved in captive breeding programs while addressing visitors' concerns regarding the ethics of captivity. Zoos also rely on income and support from visitors to provide exceptional care for their animal residents. It is essential, therefore, that zoos consider how visitors perceive their animals' well-being, including physical and psychological welfare. This pragmatic, qualitative research explores the aspects of training-focused enrichment activities provided for a resident herd of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) that visitors liked/disliked, and it assesses perceptions of the animals' emotions and welfare. Data were collected via surveys following live encounters at Zoo Tampa, Florida (USA). Reflexive Thematic Analysis generated key themes related to visitors' most/least-liked aspects of the encounters, including proximity, elephant–caregiver relationships (ECRs), educational content, and teaching/learning opportunities for the elephants themselves. Participants in the research perceived the elephants as happy, content, calm, comfortable, engaged, excited, good, playful, and safe (among other emotional descriptors) and as having excellent welfare. Expressions of dislike referred to visitors' inability to have contact with the elephants, such as via touching or feeding. While focused on one case-study zoo and a charismatic species, this study nonetheless provides zoos with insight into the impact that animal–caregiver interactions can have on visitors' perceptions, and it offers a model that could be applied to other species and at other zoological institutions. These visitor experiences and visitor perceptions of animal welfare drive future visitor actions, including support for zoos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People form perceptions of the approachability of wild animals from images and statements pertaining to non-domestic animals under human care. The exact perceptions have been previously studied in primates. A survey using constructed images and statements about wild animals in care was circulated via email and social media to stakeholders in wildlife rehabilitation. Respondents were asked to categorize each statement or image as representing a pet, education animal, or a releasable wild animal. The results, specifically the finding that 94% of the respondents chose wild animal when presented with a best-practice image, supported our hypothesis that best-practice images and technical names provoked perceptions that the animals were releasable wild animals. Contrary to our hypothesis that not-recommended practices and anthropomorphic labels would lead to perceptions of the animals as pets, we instead found that these scenarios produced an ambiguous grouping of the categories by the respondents. When presented with an ambiguous image, 48% of the respondents labeled it as a pet and 42% labeled it as a wild animal. Practitioners of wildlife rehabilitation should always use clear technical language and employ best-practice images in their public communications to appropriately portray the animals as wild denizens temporarily in care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals are frequently utilized as a teaching-learning tool in multiple educational settings. It is, therefore, important to understand what students think about this topic, in particular medical and veterinary students as "life caregivers" and competent people for a dynamic and responsible social intervention. In this context, this research aims to characterize and disseminate a set of issues related to animal welfare/wellbeing in higher education in the North of Portugal, particularly as regards the teaching of students of the Integrated Master in Medicine (MIM) and Veterinary Medicine (MIMV). After ethical approval, a survey was delivered on paper to 180 undergraduate MIM (n = 100) and MIMV (n = 80) students. After collecting 139 questionnaires partially or fully completed, with varying response rates for each question, it was concluded that most of the students consider that animal experimentation is ethically acceptable when the benefits balance the harms and assuming that refinement of animal procedures is warranted; they also agree to the establishment, maintenance and performance of animal procedures solely for educational purposes as a way of ensuring optimal acquisition of theoretical knowledge, attitudes and behaviors and technical skills. Nevertheless, it is the responsibility of teachers to explore and implement pedagogical methodologies thar are equally effective but more humane and compassionate towards sentient living beings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal experiments have played a significant role in advancing scientific knowledge and enhancing people's quality of life. In order to better understand the opinions and knowledge of veterinary students in the domain of laboratory animal welfare and to explore and advance the teaching methods used in animal ethics education, a questionnaire was designed and used to conduct a survey among undergraduate and postgraduate students majoring in veterinary medicine. The survey encompassed various topics, such as students' level of knowledge about animal welfare, their perspectives on laboratory animals, their proficiency with animal experiments, and their opinions on teaching methods and content. The respondents were a total of 150 undergraduate students and 148 graduate students. The survey results indicated that most students expressed a strong sense of responsibility for the safeguarding of the welfare of experimental animals. However, there were a few students who lacked compassion for animals. Additionally, there was a general lack of basic theoretical knowledge of animal ethics and an inadequate grasp of experimental techniques among current students. Furthermore, most of the participants expressed a strong sense of responsibility to advocate for animal welfare. Although a substantial number of students were unaware of the existence of agencies for the supervision of work involving laboratory animals, they supported teaching and supervision in the domain of animal welfare and were open to various teaching methods and topics of content. In conclusion, targeted training and education regarding laboratory animal welfare and ethics should be conducted in the future to address the specific needs of students. This study provides a foundation for future animal welfare education and will help to improve the professional skills and humanistic qualities of veterinary students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research explores the initial skepticism and bewilderment among zoo staff about animal welfare and environmental enrichment introduced in Japanese zoos in the mid-1990s. Based on the results of a 2001 questionnaire survey conducted by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums and publicly available literature, this paper demonstrates that this skepticism and confusion are not simply due to wariness of a new initiative but to a complex combination of factors, including inadequate information, historical and cultural context, and differing perceptions of animal care in the legal system. For example, it was shown that in the early 2000s, environmental enrichment was misinterpreted as exhibit strategy, leading to resistance from zoo staff. This misinterpretation and resistance can be traced back to the post-World War II popularity of mobile zoos and the legal perception of animals as mere "living beings", not "sentient beings" under Japan's Animal Protection Law. Through the analysis of a case study in Japan in the early 2000s, this paper aims to identify some of the early challenges to introducing and practicing animal welfare and environmental enrichment in non-Western cultures and contribute to better understanding and practice. Despite regional differences, this study aims to contribute to understanding and improving the universal acceptance and application of animal welfare. This study examines the Japanese zoo staff's initial skepticism and bewilderment regarding animal welfare and environmental enrichment in the mid-1990s. Utilizing a 2001 questionnaire conducted by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums and existing literature reveals that this resistance stemmed from inadequate information, cultural history, and legal perspectives on animal care. Specifically, environmental enrichment was initially misunderstood as an exhibition strategy, partly due to post-WWII trends in mobile zoos and legal views of animals as non-sentient under Japan's Animal Protection Law. The research highlights the early hurdles in adopting animal welfare and environmental enrichment in non-Western settings, aiming to provide insights for other regions dealing with similar transitional challenges. It also addresses misperceptions about environmental enrichment in the context of empathetic relationships and professional ethics in Japanese zoology, offering insights into regions facing similar issues. Additionally, the paper discusses the progression of animal welfare practices in Japanese zoos and related managerial challenges, acknowledging cultural and institutional factors. Despite regional differences, this study aims to contribute to understanding and improving the universal acceptance and application of animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Despite concerns about animal welfare, and health and environmental issues associated with eating meat, meat consumption continues to increase in many countries around the world. The aim of this pre-registered study was to identify predictors of meat consumption among 399 Germans and 399 Australians. Participants reported current and intended meat consumption, reasons for eating meat, attitudes towards animals, and perceptions of animal farming. In both countries, the more people enjoyed the taste of meat, the more often they ate it, and the more empathy they had towards farmed animals, the less often they ate it. People who thought they would find it easy to reduce meat consumption had greater intentions to do so. Campaigns to reduce meat consumption should focus on increasing empathy towards farmed animals, highlighting tasty plant-based alternatives and outlining ways to make the transition easier. Despite concerns about animal welfare, and health and environmental issues associated with eating meat, meat consumption has continued to increase worldwide, including in Australia. One exception to this is Germany, with 2021 meat consumption levels being the lowest in the last 30 years. This pre-registered study investigated socio-cultural variables associated with meat consumption in Germany (n = 399) and Australia (n = 399) in a cross-sectional online survey. Participants reported levels of current and intended meat consumption, and they completed measures of speciesism, motivations to eat meat, empathy, animal farming perceptions, perceived behavioural control (PBC) over meat eating, and avoidance and dissociation regarding the animal origins of meat. In both Australia and Germany, enjoying the taste of meat positively predicted consumption and empathy towards farmed animals negatively predicted consumption. PBC was a strong positive predictor of intentions to reduce meat consumption in both countries. Empathy and liking the taste of meat were among the best predictors of red meat and poultry consumption, suggesting that interventions to reduce meat consumption may work best by targeting these factors while also increasing people's sense of control over their food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was first carried out on stimulus-specific adaptation of neurons in the primary and anterior fields of the awake house mice auditory cortex to sound sequences of four 100-ms tonal signals, with a frequency of tones corresponding to the neuronal characteristic frequency, and also with the inter-tone interval constant for one sequence and varying from 0 to 2000 ms in different sequences. The analysis of the data obtained showed the adaptation effect in the responses of all studied primary auditory cortex neurons, which was observed as the absence or significant decrease in activity evoked by the components of a series of tones following the 1st, at inter-stimulus intervals of 0–500 ms. A quantitative assessment of the adaptation effects as a function of inter-stimulus intervals within the tonal sequence, performed over a whole population of studied neurons, showed that the individual time scales of adaptation of neurons varied significantly, which may be crucial for the formation of optimal time windows for the processing of grouping and separation of sound events, which are important both for perception of animal vocalizations and human speech. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few works explore the assessments that laypeople make about practices that involve animals. This study tests the multiple sorting tasks (MST) as a method to explore perceptions of animals. 115 people of different genders, and age groups, and the condition of owning a pet or not, assessed practices that make use of animals. The inquiry was made through an interview based on a conceptualisation of the free sortings of 18 cards with text and 18 images that contain practices involving animals, and whether the condition of having a pet or not influenced their conceptualisations. A multidimensional scaling analysis (MSA), indicates that people classify the practices based on the function animals have for society, however are worried about the conditions in which animals are used. The results discuss the importance that laypeople give to the ethics of animal uses, and the role of having a pet or not, showing that young people are more sensitive to the welfare of animals. The results conclude that the participants conceptualise images differently according to whether they are asked to evaluate the practice represented only by text; using images induces more moral conceptualisations than text. This demonstrates the utility of the MST and provides theoretical and practical implications for exploring people's perceptions and educating them on animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The defense of animal rights has contributed to questioning the relationship between humans and animals focusing on animal abuse by humans. Current Spanish law has been reformed to safeguard animals that are either protected fauna or that live under human control, no longer considering them as things but as sentient beings. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship of speciesism and animal attitudes with people's perceptions of farm animal abuse, considering the role of gender and place of residence and controlling social desirability. A sample of 457 people, aged between 18 and 73 years old, 73% women, participated in this study. There were 63.7% of participants who lived in urban areas and the rest in rural areas of a territory highly protected by environmental law. They answered an online questionnaire including scenarios of farm animal abuse, the Animal Attitude Scale, Speciesism Scale and Social Desirability Scale. The results showed that negative perceptions of farm animal abuse and the willingness to intervene to stop it were more related to animal attitude than to speciesism. Furthermore, although participants living in rural areas leaned more towards speciesism, they did not have more negative attitudes than those living in urban areas. The results are discussed in terms of whether the law should consider all animals alike, irrespective of people's perceptions, as with different human ethnicities and genders or whether distinctions should be made redefining animal instrumentality in terms of biodiversity and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated whether the perception of animal experience capacities, enabling individuals to recognize animals as moral patients, decreases instrumental violence against animals. Additionally, we aimed to distinguish this effect from the influence of perceptions of agency capacities, referred to as anthropomorphization. To achieve this, we conducted an online experimental study (N = 471, 54% women). Participants performed a manipulation task that increased their perception of the experience dimension of the animal mind and completed online questionnaires as part of a manipulation check to measure acceptance and intentions of instrumental violence against animals. Regression and mediation analyses revealed that increasing perception of the experience dimension of animal mind decreases instrumental violence against animals, particularly intentions to commit such violence, and this effect is unique and distinct from the effect of perception of the agency dimension, i.e., anthropomorphization. The key capacities in lowering violence were homeostatic emotions (pain, fear, hunger, and thirst) which indicate suffering that humans would want animals to avoid. However, when people perceive homeostatic emotions, increased perception of more complex capacities (anger, joy, pleasure, personality) and anthropomorphization do not result in an additional reduction in violence. We interpret these results to mean that people limit violence by using perception of animal experience capacities as pre-violation justification. These findings expand our knowledge about the functions of perception of experience capacities and demonstrate that people diminish animal experience capacities not only to rationalize violence but also as pre-violation justification to facilitate instrumental violence against animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All animals evolved from a single lineage of unicellular precursors more than 600 million years ago. Thus, the biological and genetic foundations for animal sensation, cognition and behavior must necessarily have arisen by modifications of pre-existing features in their unicellular ancestors. Given that the single-celled ancestors of the animal kingdom are extinct, the only way to reconstruct how these features evolved is by comparing the biology and genomic content of extant animals to their closest living relatives. Here, we reconstruct the Umwelt (the subjective, perceptive world) inhabited by choanoflagellates, a group of unicellular (or facultatively multicellular) aquatic microeukaryotes that are the closest living relatives of animals. Although behavioral research on choanoflagellates remains patchy, existing evidence shows that they are capable of chemosensation, photosensation and mechanosensation. These processes often involve specialized sensorimotor cellular appendages (cilia, microvilli, and/or filopodia) that resemble those that underlie perception in most animal sensory cells. Furthermore, comparative genomics predicts an extensive "sensory molecular toolkit" in choanoflagellates, which both provides a potential basis for known behaviors and suggests the existence of a largely undescribed behavioral complexity that presents exciting avenues for future research. Finally, we discuss how facultative multicellularity in choanoflagellates might help us understand how evolution displaced the locus of decision-making from a single cell to a collective, and how a new space of behavioral complexity might have become accessible in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is great potential for the use of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) to quantify aspects of habitat structure in the study of animal ecology and behaviour. Viewsheds—the area visible from a given position—influence an animal's perception of risk and ability to respond to potential danger. The management and conservation of large herbivores and their habitats can benefit greatly from understanding how vegetation structure shapes viewsheds and influences animal activity patterns and foraging behaviour. This study aimed to identify how woodland understory structure influenced horizontal viewsheds at deer eye height. Mobile TLS was used in August 2020 to quantify horizontal visibility—in the form of Viewshed Coefficients (VC)—and understory leaf area index (LAI) of 71 circular sample plots (15‐m radius) across 10 woodland sites in North Wales (UK) where fallow deer (Dama dama) are present. The plots were also surveyed in summer for woody plant size structure, stem density and bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Eight plots were re‐scanned twice in winter to compare seasonal VC values and assess scan consistency. Sample plots with higher densities of small stems had significantly reduced VC 1 m from the ground. Other stem size classes, mean percentage bramble cover and understory LAI did not significantly affect VC. There was no difference in VC between summer and winter scans, or between repeated winter scans. The density of small stems influenced viewsheds at deer eye height and may alter behavioural responses to perceived risk. This study demonstrates how TLS technology can be applied to address questions in large herbivore ecology and conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates narrative sequences where human speakers verbalize non-human animals' imagined thoughts in Finnish. The data contain interviews reporting interspecies encounters in the early 20th-century peasant communities, and conversations from a call-in radio program broadcasted in 2012 where participants describe and explain animal behavior. The study focusses on the grammatical and narrative properties of animal inner speech (AIS). These are analyzed in a cognitive-pragmatic framework concerning reported thoughts, deixis, and intersubjective meaning construal. The results are compared to what we know of language use in Human–Animal interaction. To gain further insight into the role of human language in describing interspecies encounters, the outcome of the analysis is discussed with respect to the biosemiotic notion of perceptual worlds. Reported AIS was found to co-occur with expressions of animal sensory perception, describing the ways in which animals treat and assess sensory input. In doing so, reported AIS differs from what previous literature has observed concerning reported human thoughts. From a narrative perspective, reported AIS reiterated already provided information and did not contribute to the unfolding of events. AIS was used to share awareness of human experience concerning the plurality of perceptual and semiotic centers in the situation described. As such, it displays certain similarities with language use in situations with co-present animals. The paper sheds light on the linguistic coding of interspecies sharedness in perception and spatial coordination. • Animal inner speech (AIS) co-occurs with expressions of animal sensory perception. • Reported AIS partly differs from reported human thoughts. • Narrative AIS display similarities with language used with co-present animals. • Linguistic deixis is mapped on the biosemiotic model of perceptual worlds. • Language forms code interspecies sharedness in perception and spatial coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Failure in antibiotic therapies due to the increase in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria is one of the main threats to public and animal health. In recent decades, the perception of companion animals has changed, from being considered as a work tool to a household member, creating a family bond and sharing spaces in their daily routine. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the current epidemiological situation regarding the presence of AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) in companion animals in the Valencia Region, using the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli as a sentinel. For this purpose, 244 samples of dogs and cats were collected from veterinary centres to assess antimicrobial susceptibility against a panel of 22 antibiotics with public health relevance. A total of 197 E. coli strains were isolated from asymptomatic dogs and cats. The results showed AMR against all the 22 antibiotics studied, including those critically important to human medicine. Moreover, almost 50% of the strains presented MDR. The present study revealed the importance of monitoring AMR and MDR trends in companion animals, as they could pose a risk due to the spread of AMR and its resistance genes to humans, other animals and the environment they cohabit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The number of animals bred to keep up with the increasing demand for animal food products is steadily growing. Different husbandry systems often guarantee different animal welfare standards, which may condition people's choices as animal product consumers. In this study, we explored people's emotional responses toward pictures of farm animals (cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits) kept in intensive and extensive husbandry systems and how it related to their perception of animal welfare as well as their food choices. A total of 835 respondents completed the questionnaire. As expected, pictures of animals in intensive systems elicited negative emotions, especially for pigs and rabbits, whereas pictures of extensive systems, elicited positive emotions, especially for chickens. Intensive systems were perceived to guarantee lower animal welfare levels. Regardless of the husbandry system, cows were perceived to have the highest welfare levels. Most importantly, the quality of the participants' emotional responses was positively associated with the perception of animal welfare and negatively associated with the importance given to welfare when purchasing animal products. Furthermore, several demographic factors, namely gender, education, household composition, living area, pet ownership, and eating habits were found to affect the participants' emotional response to farm animal pictures. As livestock production grows to satisfy the global demand for animal products, understanding public attitudes towards different husbandry systems becomes essential for both animal welfare and socio-economic reasons. This study aimed to investigate people's emotional responses toward pictures of farm animals kept in intensive and extensive husbandry systems, their perception of animal welfare, and their choices as animal product consumers. A questionnaire that included demographic questions and photos of cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits in both intensive and extensive systems was distributed electronically and physically and completed by 835 respondents. Photos of animals in intensive systems elicited more negative emotions, especially for pigs and rabbits (p < 0.05), as opposed to extensive systems, which elicited more positive emotions, especially for chickens (p < 0.001). Higher welfare levels were perceived for extensively farmed animals (p < 0.001) and for cattle compared to all other species, regardless of the husbandry system (p < 0.001). The quality of the emotional response was positively associated with welfare perception (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the importance given to welfare when purchasing animal products (p < 0.001). Finally, the emotional response was found to be affected by gender, education, household composition, living area, pet ownership, and eating habits. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing complexity of value chains leads to an increasing distance between consumers and producers. In anonymized markets, product labels are used to decrease the information asymmetry between producers and consumers, as they replace any form of direct communication. In the context of animal husbandry, we reveal how the distance between consumers and producers is related to consumers' perceptions of animal welfare and elaborate on the role of knowledge, information, and product labels. A quantitative online survey on consumers' perceptions of and attitudes towards animal welfare (AW) was carried out in Austria, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden. Data was analyzed using principal component and cluster analysis, yielding four consumer segments, namely the pragmatists, the AW unconcerned, the indifferent, and the AW concerned. The results indicate that the more contact consumers have with producers/farmers, the higher is consumers' subjective knowledge of animal husbandry systems and the lower is the need for additional information on animal welfare through a label. Further research is needed to investigate the relation between subjective and objective knowledge, animal welfare concern, and consumers' alienation from food production places and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we used open-ended interviews to explore how animal moral claims and interests may be best represented in the human world. The findings suggest that the key to animal representation lies in human perceptions of animal voice and that these perceptions are shaped by cultural, social, economic, legal, and political language constructs and paradigms. Our findings illustrate how the human contextual definition of animals as voiceless or as having a voice has serious implications for animals, society, and the environment. This study highlights the importance of recognising animal voice as crucial for animal representation and draws parallels with similar calls in the literature. We recommend future research to focus on developing ethical, compassionate, and respectful approaches to understanding animal subjective experiences to empower and amplify animal voices. In many contexts, the interests of nonhuman animals (hereafter "animals") are often overlooked or considered to be a lower priority than those of humans. While strong arguments exist for taking animal moral claims seriously, these largely go unheard due to dominant anthropocentric attitudes and beliefs. This study aimed to explore how animal interests might be best represented in the human world. We conducted interviews to investigate people's perceptions of what it means to speak for other animals and who can reliably represent animal interests. Using Grounded Theory analytical methods, we identified one major theme: "Animal voice", and its subthemes: "Animals do/do not have a voice", "Human language constructs realities and paradigms", and "Let animals speak". Our findings illustrate how human language constructs contribute to shaping the realities of animals by contextually defining them as voiceless. This has serious implications for animals, society, and the environment. Drawing parallels with the relevant literature, our results reflect calls for the social and political recognition of animal voice as fundamental to animal representation. We recommend future research to focus on developing ethical and compassionate approaches to understanding animal subjective experiences to empower and amplify animal voices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zoos increasingly seek to capture visitors' attention through immersive activities such as encounters that feature animal-learning sessions. In this piece of qualitative research, visitors' perceptions of the emotions and welfare states of animals during such encounters at the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society in Florida under conditions of animal–caregiver interactions were explored. This study incorporated a range of qualitative methods including participant observation, focus group-type discussions, and autoethnography. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to code data and generate themes that were shown to be associated with participants' perceptions. This article discusses the primary theme affiliated with visitors' perceptions for this study: animals' relationships with caregivers and conspecifics. This theme was then filtered through a recently published welfare assessment model to gain insight into how visitors assessed the animals' welfare. I also assessed the animals based on the Model as a form of accuracy-checking. The visitors' and my assessments aligned. These views of visitors' perceptions provide an opportunity for zoos to incorporate guest perceptions as an unexplored component of animal welfare assessments. In doing so, zoos stand to benefit from elevated visitor satisfaction, heightened involvement in zoo activities, as well as better animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study, we examined how people behave when intuitive, innate morality provides contradictory solutions regarding acceptance of instrumental violence against animals. We investigated two mechanisms of mediation between moral intuitions and acceptance of instrumental violence against animals: one was perception of the experience dimension of animal mind, which enables people to establish animals' moral patient status and rights, and the other was perception of the agency dimension, the basis for anthropomorphization. To examine these topics, we conducted quasi-experimental (n = 533, 50% women) and correlational (n = 532, 91% women) studies. Participants completed on-line questionnaires measuring intuitive morality according to Moral Foundations Theory, acceptance of instrumental violence against animals, and perception of the experience and agency dimensions of animal mind. Regression and correlation analyses confirmed a contradiction in participants' moral foundations: individualizing foundations correlated negatively with acceptance of instrumental violence, whereas binding foundations correlated positively. Moreover, the moral foundations of Authority and Care were the main predictors. Mediation analysis with both dimensions of animal mind as mediators revealed that only perception of the experience dimension plays a mediatory role between moral foundations and acceptance of instrumental violence against animals. Thus, we interpret that when people have opposing moral intuitions, they regulate this contradiction only by establishing moral patient status via perception of the experience dimension of animal mind, not by anthropomorphization via perception of the agency dimension. This, in turn, facilitates people's acceptance of or disagreement with instrumental violence against animals. We argue that people do so to avoid moral ambivalence or dissonance, fear of moral judgment by others, or deterioration of social relationships. These findings add to our knowledge about the different functions of the perception of the experience and agency dimensions of animal mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimuli perception enables animals and robots to interact with unknown environments safely and predictably. For the sensing of soft robotics and wearable devices, although electronic skins have already been widely accepted and studied, their planar geometries are not applicable for multi‐direction volume sensing. Herein, the innervation of sensing microchannel networks into elastic matrices to mimic the exteroception and proprioception of the human bodies is employed. Soft actuators with interlaced actuating and sensing microchannels resembling the distribution of muscle fiber and proprioceptors are fabricated and the internal stimuli perception of deformation configurations (bending, elongating, and bending directions) and magnitudes (bending angle and elongation) of the soft actuators are demonstrated. It is also demonstrated that a soft cubic sensor containing 3D microchannels (diameter: 400 µm) is capable of identifying 3D external stimuli, including force types (pressing, squeezing, shearing, and twisting) and real‐time directions by measuring the resistance variation, and its application in the virtual reality field is exhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geometric–semantic scene understanding is a spatial intelligence capability that is essential for robots to perceive and navigate the world. However, understanding a natural scene remains challenging for robots because of restricted sensors and time-varying situations. In contrast, humans and animals are able to form a complex neuromorphic concept of the scene they move in. This neuromorphic concept captures geometric and semantic aspects of the scenario and reconstructs the scene at multiple levels of abstraction. This article seeks to reduce the gap between robot and animal perception by proposing an ingenious scene-understanding approach that seamlessly captures geometric and semantic aspects in an unexplored environment. We proposed two types of biologically inspired environment perception methods, i.e., a set of elaborate biomimetic sensors and a brain-inspired parsing algorithm related to scene understanding, that enable robots to perceive their surroundings like bats. Our evaluations show that the proposed scene-understanding system achieves competitive performance in image semantic segmentation and volumetric–semantic scene reconstruction. Moreover, to verify the practicability of our proposed scene-understanding method, we also conducted real-world geometric–semantic scene reconstruction in an indoor environment with our self-developed drone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Today, around one-quarter of all shark species are threatened with extinction, and action is needed to reverse this trend. Several factors are known to influence conservation efforts, among which is their negative perception, which influences the way people perceive and emotionally engage with these top predators. Aquariums worldwide play a strong role in this strategy as they host millions of visitors every year and, for many of these, are one of the only chances to see sharks up close and aim to create an everlasting positive perception of these fish. This study tested two different communication strategies to best engage visitors in shark awareness and conservation when visiting an aquarium with sharks. Our results show that, by exposing visitors to the unknown social behaviors of sharks with the help of an interpreter (educator), their perception of these animals slightly improved. Other findings on the potential use of videos as attention grabbers are considered. Sharks are commonly depicted as intentionally dangerous predators and are considered a threat by the general public, limiting support for and success of global shark conservation. Following the SCM framework, this study aimed at testing the effect of information on the social lives of sharks alone or paired with circumstantial humor on the participants' perceived warmth of sharks before visiting an aquarium. The present study took place in a naturalistic setting, allowing testing of the variables in a pseudo-real-world environment where results can objectively help in the implementation of strategies on the ground. A total sample of 303 visitors participated in this study, where three conditions (control: 100; social information: 102; social information with humor: 101) were tested. Results showed that, although mild, it was possible to affect the warmth dimension of the shark's stereotype, most likely due to the presence of information about the social lives of sharks. This information slightly leveraged the perceived warmth dimension, although still far from the less threatening stereotype as aimed. Results also highlight the possible importance of using videos within the strategic communication and education approaches in aquariums in order to be most effective in challenging the shark stereotype. Limitations and future research ideas are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to analyze how consumer perception of the animal welfare (AW) certification seal impacts brand equity (BE). It was conducted in two stages: a causal (experimental) research with a 2x2 design involving two scenarios and two brands, and a descriptive stage exploring the relationships between variables, such as prior knowledge about AW and BE, and BE and price. The sample included 334 Brazilian consumers of chicken breast fillet, randomly assigned to either a Control Group (CG) without the AW certification seal or an Experimental Group (EG) with the seal. The t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test were used in the respective stages. The results revealed that the presence of the AW certification seal did not have a positive impact on BE across brands. However, considering different levels of consumer knowledge about AW, higher knowledge was associated with greater BE. Plausible explanations for the findings include low consumer awareness, understanding, confusion, and skepticism regarding the authenticity of the seal, suggesting directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]