Rams' reproductive status during a controlled breeding period: effect of social dominance.

The aim of this study was to compare the variation in body weight, scrotal circumference (SC), and seminal quality during a breeding period in dominant and subordinate rams. Data were collected from 12 dyads of rams, each bred with 15 ewes for 7 weeks. Before joining, the dominance relationship between both rams from each dyad was determined. Body weight and SC were recorded weekly in the morning, and semen was collected by electroejaculation, determining the volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, and percentage of sperm with progressive motility. In addition, the total number of sperm and sperm with progressive motility ejaculated were calculated. Dominance had no direct effect or interaction with time on any of the variables analyzed. Body weight, seminal volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, percentage of sperm with progressive motility, and total ejaculated sperm varied with time (p < 0.05), and scrotal circumference and total ejaculated sperm with progressive motility tended to vary with time. In general, all indicators evaluated were affected in the first weeks, when most ewes were cycling, recovering as the breeding progressed. It was concluded that, at least under the conditions of this study, dominance position did not affect the profile of the reproductive variables evaluated, although all of them were affected during the breeding period.

Comportamento sócio-sexual e seus problemas no desempenho de touros / Social-sexual behaviour and its problems in performance of bulls

Esta revisão pretende discorrer sobre a estrutura social dos bovinos e sua relação com o comportamento sexual, a fisiologia reprodutiva e a fertilidade de touros a campo e em regime de coleta de sêmen, levando em consideração as diferentes fases do desenvolvimento sexual, os processos de aprendizado envolvidos e os efeitos do estresse social. À luz do conhecimento etológico serão feitas reflexões sobre o fitness (sucesso reprodutivo) de touros mantidos em manejo extensivo de criação e touros em Centrais de Coleta e Processamento de Sêmen (CCPS), a organização arquitetônica dos piquetes e área de coleta e a influência da proximidade de outros touros sobre a qualidade de todo o processo.(AU)

This review intends to discuss the cattle social structure and its relationship with sexual behavior, reproductive physiology, and fertility of bulls in the field and under semen collection regime, taking into account the distinct stages of sexual development, the learning processes involved and the effects of social stress. In the light of ethological science, we will reflect on the fitness (reproductive success) of bulls in extensive breeding management or bulls in Semen Collection and Processing Centers, their architectural organization of paddocks and collection area, and the influence of the proximity of other bulls on the quality of the entire process.(AU)

Multifaceted Interplay among Social Dominance, Body Condition, Appetitive and Consummatory Sexual Behaviors, and Semen Quality in Dorper Rams during Out-Of-Season and Transition Periods.

Dorper rams (n = 24) were evaluated during the sexual resting season to determine their social rank (SR), either high (HSR) or low (LSR), under intensive management conditions in northern Mexico (25° N). Aggressive behaviors were quantified during male-to-male interactions, and appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors during male-to-female interactions. Morphometric, live weight (LW), and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. During the early reproductive season, male-to-female behaviors were newly itemized simultaneously by seminal quality and quantity sampling. Finally, the dependent variables of the hemogram components were also quantified. Neither LW (61.25 ± 2.4 kg) nor morphometric variables differed between SR groups. However, BCS (2.25 vs. 2.66 u), sexual behaviors (i.e., approaches: 59.6 vs. 21.73 n, mating with ejaculation: 77.7 vs. 42.86 %, latency to ejaculation: 16.6 vs. 143.07 s), ejaculate volume (0.57 vs. 0.23 mL), and hemogram components favored the HSR rams (p < 0.05). Moreover, in their first male-to-female interaction, >50% of the LSR rams failed to display any sexual activity. HSR rams displayed a greater number of threatening behaviors, managing to displace LSR rams when exposed to estrus ewes during the male sexual resting season; more sexual behaviors; and an increased seminal volume in a non-live weight-dependent fashion.

Social exclusion at the intersections of immigration, employment, and healthcare policy: A qualitative study of Mexican and Chinese immigrants in California.

While immigrants in the US suffer poor access to healthcare in general, access within immigrant populations varies notably by legal status and employment. Intersections between immigration, employment, and healthcare policy have shaped immigrants' access or exclusion from healthcare; however, little research has examined how immigrants experience and navigate these intersections. Drawing on social exclusion theory and the theory of bounded agency, we aimed to investigate Mexican and Chinese immigrants' experiences of exclusion from healthcare as one key dimension of social exclusion-and how this was shaped by interactions with the institutions of immigration and employment. The examination of two ethnic immigrant groups who live under the same set of policies allows for a focus on the common impacts of policy. We selected Mexican and Chinese immigrants as the two largest subgroups in California's Latinx and Asian immigrant population. We use a policy lens to analyze qualitative data from the mixed-methods Research on Immigrant Health and State Policy (RIGHTS) Study, involving 60 in-depth interviews with Mexican and Chinese immigrants in California between August 2018-August 2019. We identified two primary themes: pathways of social exclusion and access, and strategies used to address social exclusion. Findings show that immigrants' exclusion from healthcare is fundamentally linked to legal status and employment, and that immigrants navigate difficult choices between opportunities for improved employment and changes in legal status. We argue that multiple categories of legal status affect immigrants' employment opportunities and social position, which, in turn, translates to stratified healthcare access. Our findings support the literature establishing legal status as a mechanism of social stratification but challenge legal-illegal binary paradigms.

Correlation between estrus onset and ovarian parameters in dairy goats / Início do estro e sua correlação com os parâmetros ovarianos em cabras leiteiras

This study assessed the effects of social dominance on the behavioral estrus and ovarian parameters of dairy goats subjected to synchronous estrus induction during the non-breeding season. Synchronous estrus was induced in 23 dairy goats allocated to collective pens. Ovarian ultrasonography was performed at 12 h intervals from device removal to ovulation. Upon estrus onset (EO) detection, the goats were immediately removed from the pens. Dominance was scored according to EO in relation to device removal in each pen, with HD - high dominants (<36 h; n = 8), MD - medium dominants (36 to 48 h; n = 10) and LD - low dominants (>48 h; n = 5). Goats in estrus underwent flexible time artificial insemination (FxTAI) according to EO. The estrus response was 100.0%. The interval to estrus was longer (P<0.05) in LD (53.7 ± 6.5 h) than in MD (37.9 ± 5.5 h) and HD goats (32.3 ± 6.6 h), while the interval from device removal to ovulation was similar (P>0.05) among all groups. The interval from EO to FxTAI was longer in HD goats compared to the other groups (P<0.05). In conclusion, although social hierarchy influenced the time of EO, the ovarian parameters, including ovulation, were not affected.

Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da dominância social sobre o comportamento do estro e os parâmetros ovarianos de cabras leiteiras submetidas à indução sincronizada do estro durante a estação não reprodutiva. A sincronização foi induzida em 23 cabras leiteira alocadas em baias coletivas. A ultrassonografia foi realizada em intervalos de 12 horas desde a remoção do dispositivo até a ovulação. Após a detecção do início do estro (EO), as cabras foram imediatamente removidas dos currais. A dominância foi pontuada de acordo com EO em relação à remoção do dispositivo, sendo: HD - alto dominante (<36 h; n = 8), MD - médio dominante (36 a 48 h; n = 10) e LD - baixo dominante (>478 h; n = 5). As cabras em estro foram inseminadas artificialmente em tempo flexível (FxTAI). O intervalo de estro foi maior (P<0,05) em LD (53,7 ± 6,5 h) do que em MD (37,9 ± 5,5 h) e cabras HD (32,3 ± 6,6 h), por sua vez, o intervalo entre a remoção do dispositivo e a ovulação foi semelhante (P> 0,05) em todos os grupos. O intervalo de EO a FxTAI foi maior em cabras HD quando comparado aos outros grupos (P<0,05). Em conclusão, embora a hierarquia social tenha influenciado o tempo de início do estro, os parâmetros ovarianos incluindo a ovulação não foram afetados.

El criterio del azar vs. la ponderación en la asignación de recursos sanitarios escasos ante emergencias sanitarias / Chance vs. weighting criteria in allocating scarce health resources to health emergencies / O critério da casualidade versus a ponderação na atribuição de recursos sanitários escassos diante de emergências sanitárias

Resumen Cuando suceden eventos como una pandemia, en donde hay que velar por la salud de toda una población, el enfoque se centra en la salud pública. Aunque existen varios criterios con los cuales se pueden tomar estas decisiones, conviene profundizar más sobre la ponderación que va más allá de la simple consideración de factores a primera vista visibles. Se propone la ponderación como mecanismo en lugar del azar ya que, dada la unidad sustancial de la persona y su intrínseca dignidad, su destino no puede quedar sujeto a nada menos que la aplicación del juicio inteligible propio de la razón humana.

Abstract When events such as a pandemic occur, and the entire population's health must be ensured, the focus is on public health. Despite several criteria for decision-making, it is advisable to delve into the weighting beyond the mere consideration of plainly visible factors. We propose weighting as a mechanism instead of chance since, given the person's substantial unity and intrinsic dignity, their destiny cannot be subject to anything less than the exercise of intelligible judgment inherent to human reason.

Resumo Quando ocorrem eventos como uma pandemia, em que se é necessário garantir a saúde de toda uma população, o foco centra-se na saúde pública. Ainda que existam vários critérios com os quais se podem tomar essas decisões, convém aprofundar mais sobre a ponderação que vai além da simples consideração de fatores à primeira vista visíveis. Propõe-se a ponderação como mecanismo em vez da casualidade já que, dada a unidade substancial da pessoa e sua intrínseca dignidade, seu destino não pode ficar sujeito a nada menos que a aplicação do julgamento inteligível próprio da razão humana.

Time of Grain Supplementation and Social Dominance Modify Feeding Behavior of Heifers in Rotational Grazing Systems.

Social hierarchy affects the access of animals to feed resources. On daily rotational pasture systems, supplementation time may influence feeding behavior. This trial was designed to test the effect of grain delivery time on the feeding behavior of heifers. Heifers divided into two groups according to breed (n = 15 Braford and n = 19 Jersey) were tested in a crossover design with two treatments: INITIAL-supplement at 8 am (entry time to a fresh paddock), and MIDDLE-supplement at 4 pm (middle time of paddock use). Animals entered a new paddock every morning, and grain supplement at 2 kg/animal/day was offered at the fence line (1 m/animal). Then, ingestive and other behaviors were registered by direct visual observation through scan sampling at 2-min intervals for 1 h after grain supply. Agonistic interactions were recorded continuously (instigator-victim) to build a social matrix whereby each heifer was defined as dominant, intermediate, or subordinate. Weekly pasture samples were collected according to the order that animals left the feeding area, using the hand-plucking technique, to determine crude protein and fiber content. Heifers spent more time grazing on the INITIAL treatment (p < 0.0001) but exhibited more behaviors on the MIDDLE treatment (p < 0.0001). Dominant heifers spent more time eating grain (p = 0.0008), whereas subordinate heifers spent more time grazing along the paddock (p = 0.0067), but not along the fence (p = 0.0008). The crude protein content of pasture samples was higher for the INITIAL treatment (p < 0.0001). Behavioral interaction occurred with respect to the order of leaving the feeding area, social rank, and crude protein consumed (p = 0.04). Subordinate heifers consistently grazed more and ate less grain supplement than dominant and intermediate heifers. However, when grain supplement was offered at the time animals entered the paddock, more grazing activity took place during supplement feeding, and subordinate heifers could select a high-protein diet. In the INITIAL treatment, this means that subordinate animals could benefit from the better pasture available, keeping a distance from dominant heifers, reducing agonistic interactions and likely improving their welfare.

Sistemas de jerarquización del campo médico en México: un análisis sociológico / Hierarchy systems of the medical field in Mexico: a sociological analysis

Resumo El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los principales sistemas de jerarquización que caracterizan al campo médico en México (y, por extensión, al de muchos países de Latinoamérica con condiciones similares). Adoptando el enfoque del estructuralismo genético de Bourdieu, la hipótesis es que la estructura del campo médico se corresponde con una serie de esquemas de percepción y apreciación de sus agentes, que se basan en clasificaciones jerárquicas con base en las cuales se divide el trabajo y se distribuye el prestigio entre sus actores sociales. El material empírico incluye grupos focales, entrevistas y observación en hospitales, así como imágenes, memes e ilustraciones tomadas de páginas públicas de Facebook y otros espacios de internet. El análisis se realizó buscando identificar los principales sistemas de jerarquización que estructuran la formación académica y la práctica profesional de los médicos. Se identifican cuatro sistemas de jerarquización: profesional, por subcampos, por especialidades y por tipo de división del trabajo. Estos sistemas de jerarquías, imbricados entre sí, forman parte de la compleja estructura de posiciones del campo médico, y de la red de esquemas de percepción y apreciación incorporada por sus agentes sociales en forma de habitus.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to describe the main systems of hierarchization in the Mexican medical field (and those of other similar Latin American countries). Drawing on Bourdieu's genetic structuralism, our hypothesis is that the structure of the medical field is closely correlated with the schemes of perception and appreciation of the medical field's agents. These schemes are rooted in hierarchical classifications by which work is organized and the main agents' prestige is allocated. Empirical data include focus groups, interviews and observations in hospitals, as well as images, memes and other graphic displays found in Facebook and other public internet locations. The analysis sought to identify the main systems of hierarchization that structure both the academic training and the professional practice of physicians. Four systems of hierarchization are identified: professional, by subfields, by specialties, and by division of labor. These systems of hierarchization, reciprocally entangled with one another, are part of the complex structure of positions within the medical field, as well of the agents' schemes of perception and appreciation which are embodied under the form of habitus.

Does social status matter for resource distribution? / A hierarquia social é importante para a distribuição dos recursos? / ¿La jerarquía social es importante para la distribución de los recursos?

Abstract Resources are distributed unequally depending on the social status (SS) of people. Researchers have often used experiments to explain the role of SS in economic decisions. However, the diverse ways of inducing SS has produced contradictory results. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of SS on the distribution of monetary resources in students aged 18 to 25 years from Córdoba (Argentina). Three experiments using mixed factorial designs were conducted. Different ways of inducing SS and the effect on decisions in different games were examined. In Experiment 1, the effect of two SS induction techniques on the decisions of the Ultimatum Game (UG) and Dictator Game (DG) was compared. In Experiment 2, the effect of SS on the same games, including Social Value Orientation (SVO) and Subjective Social Status (SSS) as covariates was analyzed. In Experiment 3, the role of SS, SVO and SSS in the DG and the Dictator Game Taking (DGT) was examined. In the three experiments, it was not found that SS had any effect on the decisions of the games. However, more rejection and negative valence was observed (Exp. 1: p < .001, n 2 p =.72; Exp. 2: p < .001, n 2 p = .65) for unfair offers than for fair ones (Exp. 2: p < .001). Also, pro-social individuals made fairer offers in the DG (Exp. 2: p < .05) and participants offered more money in the DGT than in the DG (Exp. 3: p = .01). Those findings showed that the effect of SS on behavioral responses is not robust, which highlights the need to obtain new experimental evidence to investigate its role in those decisions.

Resumo Os recursos são normalmente distribuídos de maneira desigual em função do status social (SS) das pessoas, razão pela qual diversos pesquisadores utilizam experimentos para explicar o papel do SS nas decisões econômicas. No entanto, as diversas formas de induzir o SS geraram resultados contraditórios. No presente trabalho, investigou-se o efeito do SS na distribuição dos recursos monetários em estudantes de 18 a 25 anos da cidade de Córdoba, na Argentina, por meio de três experimentos com desenhos experimentais mistos. Especificamente, foram avaliadas diferentes técnicas para manipular o SS e seu efeito nas decisões econômicas: no Experimento 1 comparou-se o efeito de duas técnicas de manipulação do SS nas decisões do Jogo do Ultimato (JU) e do Ditador (JD); no Experimento 2 analisou-se o efeito do SS nos mesmos jogos, incluindo a orientação de valores sociais (SVO) e o status social subjetivo (SES) como covariáveis e, no Experimento 3, indagou-se o papel do SS, da SVO e do SES no JD e no Ditador de Tomar (do inglês, Dictator Taking Game). Nos três experimentos observou-se que o SS não teve efeito nas decisões dos jogos. Não obstante, evidenciou-se maior rejeição (Exp. 1: p < .001, n 2 p = .72; Exp. 2: p < .001, n 2 p = .65) e valência negativa para as ofertas injustas do que para as justas (Exp. 2: p < .001). Além disso, descobriu-se que quanto maior a pró-socialidade, maior a quantidade ofertada no JD (Exp. 2: p < .05) e que no JDT se oferece mais dinheiro do que no JD (Exp. 3: p = .01). Os resultados observados evidenciam que o efeito do SS nas respostas comportamentais não é robusto, por isso se destaca a importância de continuar investigando seu papel em tais decisões.

Resumen Los recursos son usualmente distribuidos de manera inequitativa en función del estatus social (ES) de las personas, razón por la cual diversos investigadores utilizan experimentos para explicar el rol del ES en las decisiones económicas; sin embargo, las diversas formas de inducir el ES han generado resultados contradictorios. En el presente trabajo se investigó el efecto del ES en la distribución de los recursos monetarios en estudiantes de 18 a 25 años de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, por medio de tres experimentos con diseños experimentales mixtos. Específicamente, se evaluaron distintas técnicas para manipular el ES y su efecto en las decisiones económicas: en el Experimento 1 se comparó el efecto de dos técnicas de manipulación del ES en las decisiones del Juego del Ultimátum (JU) y del Dictador (JD); en el Experimento 2 se analizó el efecto del ES en los mismos juegos, incluyendo la orientación de valores sociales (SVO) y el estatus social subjetivo (SES) como covariables; y en el Experimento 3 se indagó el rol del ES, de la SVO y del ESS en el JD y en el Dictador de Tomar (JDT). En los tres experimentos se observó que el ES no tuvo efecto en las decisiones de los juegos. No obstante, se evidenció mayor rechazo (Exp. 1: p < .001, n 2 p = .72; Exp. 2: p < .001, n 2 p = .65) y valencia negativa para las ofertas injustas que para las justas (Exp. 2: p < .001). Además, se encontró que a mayor prosocialidad, mayor cantidad ofertada en el JD (Exp. 2: p < .05), y que en el JDT se ofrece más dinero que en el JD (Exp. 3: p = .01). Los resultados observados evidencian que el efecto del ES en las respuestas comportamentales no es robusto, por lo que se destaca la importancia de continuar investigando su rol en dichas decisiones.

Social dominance affects intake rate and behavioral time budget in pre-pubertal dairy heifers allocated in continuous competitive situations.

In intensive feeding systems, competition may be high and social dominance may affect animal performance by changing dry matter intake (DMI) and behavioral time budgets. If competition level is maintain over time, the strategies developed by heifers of different social status are expected to differ. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare individual DMI, intake rate and eating, ruminating, lying and standing behaviors in dominant (DOM) and subordinate (SUB) pre-pubertal dairy heifers in a model study implying continuous competitive situations. A total of 16 Holstein and Jersey×Holstein pre-pubertal heifers (251±10 days old, weighing 208±14 kg; mean±SEM) were allocated into eight homogeneous dyads. Each dyad was maintained during 120 days (day 0=beginning of measurements) in pens, and received a total mixed ration from one feeder/dyad. The DOM and SUB heifers was determined (day 0, twice during the first month of the experiment and every month afterwards) by observation of the winner in agonistic interactions in each dyad after the feed was supplied. The general activity pattern (eating, ruminating, lying and standing) of each heifer was recorded by direct instantaneous scan-sampling, every 10 min for 12 h, in 7 days (days 1, 21, 35, 60, 75, 100 and 120). Individual DMI was estimated with the double marker technique, in three intervals (I=days 17-26; II=days 78-87 and III=days 112-120), while estimated intake rate (kg/min) was calculated for each interval as the DMI per total eating time. After the experiment was concluded, data of the first 5 and the last 6 h of the 12 h scan-sampling (related to the moment the feed was supplied) was grouped according to the moments of greater and lesser competition for feed on each day. During the first 5 h, where competition was expected to be highest, no differences in eating behavior were found between heifers of different social status, but DOM heifers spent more time ruminating and lying than SUB heifers, while SUB spent more time standing than DOM heifers. No differences were found on DMI between DOM and SUB, but SUB ate at a faster rate on interval II compared with DOM heifers. In conclusion, in this model study of heifer dyads, SUB heifers had greater intake rate with no differences in feed intake, spent less time ruminating and lying, and more time standing than DOM heifers during the first hours after feed delivery.

Diurnal behaviors and herd characteristics of dairy cows housed in a compost-bedded pack barn system under hot and humid conditions.

With international demand for production systems aimed at thermal comfort and animal welfare, milk producers have become increasingly interested in compost barns. However, doubts about the behavioral aspects of cows in tropical and subtropical climates remain, because the compost barn system offers a larger bed area per animal at a lower stocking rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the diurnal behaviors, hygiene and lameness of crossbred dairy cows are influenced by different number of lactations when housed in a compost-bedded pack barn system under hot and humid conditions. Crossbred cows (Holstein and Jersey), which were divided into two treatments based on number of lactations (primiparous and multiparous cows), were evaluated during lactation (n=12). The study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016 in a compost barn in the southwest region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Daytime behavior was observed between milking schedules using focal observations with 0/1 sampling. Cow hygiene and lameness were evaluated using subjective scores ranging from 1 to 4 and 1 to 5, respectively. Animal behavior and welfare was analyzed using Bayesian inference with a mixed effects model. The probabilities of dyspnea and pushing behaviors were higher (P<0.05) in multiparous cows, and the probability increased during the hottest hours of the day. For both multiparous and primiparous cows, the agonistic behaviors of pushing, butting and chasing peaked during the afternoon. Eating behaviors had the highest likelihood values (0.8 at 0800 h). The cows preferred to remain lying down in the morning, while rest and standing rumination were preferred in the afternoon. Primiparous cows were cleaner than multiparous cows, and the hygiene score for this group was significantly lower (P<0.05). The hygiene and lameness scores for all animals were low, and the highest scores were 1 and 2. In conclusion, multiparous cows exhibited more frequent agonistic behaviors during the hottest hours of the day. Regarding hygiene and lameness scores, multiparous cows exhibited a higher degree of dirtiness compared with the primiparous cows.

Salivary testosterone concentration, anxiety, perceived performance and ratings of perceived exertion in basketball players during semi-final and final matches.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of playing semi-final (SFM) and final (FM) matches on salivary testosterone (T) concentration, anxiety, session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) and perceived performance (PP) in elite male youth basketball players. Data from 25 players who participated ≥15 min in 6 assessed matches consisting of SFM (n = 3; 1 match for each age-category [U15, U16, and U17]), and FM (n = 3; 1 match for each age-category) were retained for analysis. Saliva sampling was conducted before and after the matches. Video recordings of the matches were conducted to assess the players match involvement (technical and tactical actions). Anxiety (CSAI-2) was assessed before pre-match saliva sampling, and session-RPE and PP were assessed post-matches. A significant increase in T from pre-to-post matches (SFM and FM; F = 24.40, p < .001) was observed, with no effect for condition (F = 1.70, p = .20) or interaction (F = 0.006, p = .93). No significant correlation between changes in salivary T (pre-to-post matches) and match involvement was observed (p > .05). However, a higher anxiety, session-RPE and PP were observed for FM (p < .05). The results of the present study suggest that while rising T in winners might be considered to be a hormonal response to support the expression of high-status signs, regardless of the playoff round (SFM or FM), the T and perceptual responses may be explained based on psychological aspects associated with the environment rather than by the technical demands or player's involvement in the match.

Does MCH play a role on establishment or maintenance of social hierarchy in Nile tilapia?

Body coloration has a fundamental role in animal communication by signaling sex, age, reproductive behavior, aggression, etc. Nile-tilapia exhibits dominance hierarchy and the dominants are paler than subordinates. During social interactions in these animals, these color changes occur rapidly, and normally the subordinates become dark. In teleosteans, from the great number of hormones and neurotransmitters involved in color changes, melanocyte hormone stimulates (α-MSH) and melanin concentrates hormone (MCH) are the most remarkable. The aim of this project was to investigate the role of MCH in the establishment of hierarchical dominance of the Nile-tilapia. We analyzed the effect of background coloration in the dominance hierarchy. It was then compared to the melanophore sensibility of dominants and subordinates' fishes to MCH; finally, it was checked if the social rank affects the number of these pigment cells in dominants and subordinated fishes. Fishes which have a social hierarchy established and adjusted individually to the background exhibits paler body coloration when a visual contact was possible, independently of previous social rank and background color. Probably, even recognizing each other, fishes could be defending their new territory. Melanophores of the subordinate fishes were more sensible to MCH than dominants. It suggests that dominants fishes, which are paler than subordinates, could be under a chronic effect of MCH, which could be due a desensitization of melanophores to this hormone. The opposite effect seems to be occurring on subordinate fishes. It was not observed a significant change in the number of melanophores when the fishes were exposed to a prolonged period of agonistic interaction. It is possible that the exposure time for this interaction might not have been sufficient to have any change in the number of these cells of dominants and subordinate fishes.

Water temperature affects aggressive interactions in a Neotropical cichlid fish

Changes in water temperature may affect the aggressive behavior of aquatic organisms, such as fish, either by changing some physiological mechanisms or by increasing the probability of encounters between individuals as a result of variation in their swimming activity. In our study, we evaluated the influence of increasing and decreasing temperature on the aggressive behavior of the Neotropical cichlid fish Cichlasoma paranaense. Firstly, we tested the critical thermal maximum (CTMax) tolerated by this species. Then, we tested the effect of decreasing or increasing the water temperature in 6o C (starting at 27° C) on the aggressive interactions of fish under isolation or housed in groups. We found a CTMax value of 39° C for C. paranaense. We also observe that a 6° C decrease in water temperature lowers swimming activity and aggressive interactions in both isolated and group-housed fish, as expected. On the other hand, the increase in temperature had no effect on the fish's aggressive behavior, neither for isolated nor for grouped fish. We concluded that C. paranaense shows high tolerance to elevated temperatures and, in turn, it does not affect aggressive behavior. Nevertheless, we cannot dismiss possible effects of elevated temperatures on aggressive interactions over longer periods.(AU)

Mudanças na temperatura da água podem afetar o comportamento agressivo de organismos aquáticos, como peixes, seja alterando alguns mecanismos fisiológicos ou aumentando a probabilidade de encontros entre os indivíduos como um resultado da variação na sua atividade natatória. Em nosso estudo, nós avaliamos a influência do aumento e da diminuição da temperatura sobre o comportamento agressivo do peixe ciclídeo neotropical Cichlasoma paranaense. Primeiramente, nós testamos a temperatura crítica máxima (CTMax) tolerada por essa espécie. Depois disso, nós testamos o efeito de reduzir ou aumentar a temperatura da água em 6° C (a partir de 27° C) sobre as interações agressivas de peixes sob isolamento ou alojados em grupos. Nós encontramos um valor de CTMax de 39° C para C. paranaense. Nós também observamos que uma redução de 6° C na temperatura da água diminui a atividade natatória e as interações agressivas tanto em peixes isolados quanto agrupados, como esperado. Por outro lado, o aumento na temperatura não teve efeito no comportamento agressivo dos peixes nem isolados, nem agrupados. Nós concluímos que C. paranaense apresenta alta tolerância a temperaturas elevadas, e que isso, por sua vez, não afeta o comportamento agressivo. No entanto, nós não podemos descartar possíveis efeitos de temperaturas elevadas sobre interações agressivas durante longos períodos.(AU)

Water temperature affects aggressive interactions in a Neotropical cichlid fish

Changes in water temperature may affect the aggressive behavior of aquatic organisms, such as fish, either by changing some physiological mechanisms or by increasing the probability of encounters between individuals as a result of variation in their swimming activity. In our study, we evaluated the influence of increasing and decreasing temperature on the aggressive behavior of the Neotropical cichlid fish Cichlasoma paranaense. Firstly, we tested the critical thermal maximum (CTMax) tolerated by this species. Then, we tested the effect of decreasing or increasing the water temperature in 6o C (starting at 27° C) on the aggressive interactions of fish under isolation or housed in groups. We found a CTMax value of 39° C for C. paranaense. We also observe that a 6° C decrease in water temperature lowers swimming activity and aggressive interactions in both isolated and group-housed fish, as expected. On the other hand, the increase in temperature had no effect on the fish's aggressive behavior, neither for isolated nor for grouped fish. We concluded that C. paranaense shows high tolerance to elevated temperatures and, in turn, it does not affect aggressive behavior. Nevertheless, we cannot dismiss possible effects of elevated temperatures on aggressive interactions over longer periods.(AU)

Mudanças na temperatura da água podem afetar o comportamento agressivo de organismos aquáticos, como peixes, seja alterando alguns mecanismos fisiológicos ou aumentando a probabilidade de encontros entre os indivíduos como um resultado da variação na sua atividade natatória. Em nosso estudo, nós avaliamos a influência do aumento e da diminuição da temperatura sobre o comportamento agressivo do peixe ciclídeo neotropical Cichlasoma paranaense. Primeiramente, nós testamos a temperatura crítica máxima (CTMax) tolerada por essa espécie. Depois disso, nós testamos o efeito de reduzir ou aumentar a temperatura da água em 6° C (a partir de 27° C) sobre as interações agressivas de peixes sob isolamento ou alojados em grupos. Nós encontramos um valor de CTMax de 39° C para C. paranaense. Nós também observamos que uma redução de 6° C na temperatura da água diminui a atividade natatória e as interações agressivas tanto em peixes isolados quanto agrupados, como esperado. Por outro lado, o aumento na temperatura não teve efeito no comportamento agressivo dos peixes nem isolados, nem agrupados. Nós concluímos que C. paranaense apresenta alta tolerância a temperaturas elevadas, e que isso, por sua vez, não afeta o comportamento agressivo. No entanto, nós não podemos descartar possíveis efeitos de temperaturas elevadas sobre interações agressivas durante longos períodos.(AU)

Association of subjective social status and sociodemographic indicators in athletes / Associação do status social subjetivo e indicadores sociodemográficos em atletas

Abstract Subjective social status comprises the perception of individuals about their social status. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between subjective social status and sociodemographic indicators (age, educational level, marital status and economic level) in athletes from Santa Catharina. A total of 593 athletes of both sexes and mean age of 21.18 (± 5.58) years, 371 men, randomly selected, practitioners of individual and collective sport modalities, federated in clubs in the western region of Santa Catarina participated in the study. Social status perception was assessed using the MacArthur scale version for young people adapted to the sports context. For the association between perceived status and sociodemographic indicators, the Chi-square and Multinomial Logistic Regression tests were used, stratified by gender and adjusted for age variables, educational level, marital status and socioeconomic status. Dissatisfaction with status was found in 85% of the sample. Moreover, 46.9% of participants perceived themselves with low family status and 46% perceived themselves with intermediate status in their clubs. The association between groups showed statistically significant differences according to sex, age, educational level and marital status. The association between sociodemographic variables and status according to sex indicated that younger men, with less education, and single were more likely to be dissatisfied with their status. There is need for greater attention by health professionals regarding younger male athletes, with lower education and single regarding their status perception.

Resumo O status social subjetivo compreende a percepção de uma pessoa sobre sua posição social. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre o status social subjetivo e os indicadores sociodemográficos (faixa etária, grau de escolaridade, situação conjugal e nível econômico) de acordo com o sexo em atletas. Participaram deste estudo 593 atletas de ambos os sexos, com média de idade de 21,18 (± 5,58) anos, 371 homens, selecionados de forma aleatória, participantes de modalidades individuais e coletivas federados em clubes da região Oeste do Estado de Santa Catarina. A percepção do status social foi verificada por meio da Escala MacArthur versão para jovens, adaptada ao contexto esportivo. Para a associação da percepção de status com os indicadores sociodemográficos de acordo com o sexo, foram realizados os testes Qui-Quadrado e Regressão Logística Multinomial, bruta e ajustada pelas variáveis socidomeográficas investigadas. A insatisfação com o status foi encontrada em 85,0% da amostra. Além disso, os atletas se perceberam com um baixo status no contexto familiar (46,9%) e com um status médio no clube (46,0%). A associação entre as variáveis sociodemográficas com o status, de acordo com o sexo indicou que os homens mais novos, com menor escolaridade, e sem companheiros apresentaram mais chance de estar insatisfeito com o seu status. Atenta-se para a necessidade de uma maior atenção por parte dos profissionais envolvidos para com os atletas homens mais novos, com menor escolaridade, e sem companheiro(a) no que se refere a sua percepção de status.

Experimentally increased temperature and hypoxia affect stability of social hierarchy and metabolism of the Amazonian cichlid Apistogramma agassizii.

The primary goal of this study was to understand how changes in temperature and oxygen could influence social behaviour and aerobic metabolism of the Amazonian dwarf cichlid Apistogramma agassizii. Social hierarchies were established over a period of 96h by observing the social interactions, feeding behaviour and shelter use in groups of four males. In the experimental environment, temperature was increased to 29°C in the high-temperature treatment, and oxygen lowered to 1.0mg·L(-1)O2 in the hypoxia treatment. Fish were maintained at this condition for 96h. The control was maintained at 26°C and 6.6mg·L(-1)O2. After the experimental exposure, metabolism was measured as routine metabolic rate (RMR) and electron transport system (ETS) activity. There was a reduction in hierarchy stability at high-temperature. Aggression changed after environmental changes. Dominant and subdominant fish at high temperatures increased their biting, compared with control-dominant. In contrast, hypoxia-dominant fish decreased their aggressive acts compared with all other fish. Shelter use decreased in control and hypoxic dominant fish. Dominant fish from undisturbed environments eat more than their subordinates. There was a decrease of RMR in fish exposed to the hypoxic environment when compared with control or high-temperature fish, independent of social position. Control-dominant fish had higher RMR than their subordinates. ETS activity increased in fish exposed to high temperatures; however, there was no effect on social rank. Our study reinforces the importance of environmental changes for the maintenance of hierarchies and their characteristics and highlights that most of the changes occur in the dominant position.

Exclusion and bioethics: a Brazilian perspective / Exclusão e bioética: uma perspectiva brasileira

This paper discusses exclusion from the perspective of a developing country, namely Brazil, associating semantic peculiarities to the behavior of different social groups and actors and relating them to the hierarchical structure that shapes society. Aiming to uncover these unconscious mechanisms, the article seeks to elicit individual reflection on the role that each person plays in the maintenance of the inequities inherent to social life in this context.

Este texto discute a exclusão da perspectiva de um país em desenvolvimento - Brasil - associando peculiaridades semânticas ao comportamento de diferentes grupos sociais e atores, relacionando-os à estrutura hierárquica que molda a sociedade. Buscando evidenciar esses mecanismos inconscientes o artigo procura estimular a reflexão individual sobre o papel social de cada um na manutenção das iniquidades inerentes à vida social neste contexto.

Caracterização da dominância e subordinação na estrutura hierárquica de camundongos Swiss Webster em biotério / Characterization of dominant and subordinate social status and the structure of the social hierarchy in Swiss Webster mice

Os camundongos utilizados em biotérios pertencem à família Muridae, subfamília Murinae, ordem Rodentia, gênero Mus e espécie Mus musculus. São animais sociais e territoriais. Diversas linhagens foram desenvolvidas em laboratório porém apresentam comportamento agressivo semelhante ao de camundongos selvagens. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a estrutura hierárquica, características corporais e os níveis de hormônios em camundongos dominantes, subordinadas e não-agressivos. O modelo de avaliação do padrão de comportamento agressivo (PCA) classificou os animais da seguinte forma: LAg - indivíduos com comportamento agressivo baixo, HAg - dominante (altamente agressivo) e Sb - subordinado. O reagrupamento de camundongos macho adulto promove um efeito estressor considerável e influencia a formação de sua estrutura hierárquica. Comparações comportamentais antes (BfR) e após reagrupamento mostrou que o percentual de peso perdido por animais nas categorias especificadas foram as seguintes: Lag - 68,1% , HAg - 86,9% e Sb - 90,5% ; os níveis médios de corticosterona por categoria foram BfR : 43,5 ± 17,5, LAg: 177,0 ± 40,4, Hag: 72,8±23,8 e Sb: 136,4±51,2 ng/mL. Camundongos dominantes apresentaram diferenças nas características do corpo (principalmente a relação corpo/ cauda) em relação aos indivíduos subordinados. Também foram observadas duas posições hierárquicas adicionais: “indivíduo neutro” (sem comportamento agressivo) e “subordinado alvo”.

The mice used in animal facilities belong to the family Muridae, subfamily Murinae, order Rodentia, genus Mus and species Mus musculus. They are social and territorial animals. Several lineages developed in the laboratory show aggressive behavior similar to that of wild mice. The aim of this study was characterize the hierarchical structure, body characteristics and hormonal levels in dominant, subordinate and non-aggressive mice. The model established for spontaneous aggression (MSA) evaluates the pattern of aggressive behavior (PBA) and categorizes the animals as follows: LAg - individuals with low aggressive behavior, HAg – dominant (highly aggressive) and Sb - subordinate. The regrouping of adult male mice produces substantial stress and influences the formation of their hierarchical structure. Behavioral comparisons before regrouping (BfR) and after regrouping showed that the percentage of body weight lost in mice was dependent of the specific categories as follows: LAg - 68.1%, HAg - 86.9% and Sb - 90.5%; the average corticosterone levels by category were BfR: 43.5±17.5, LAg: 177.0±40.4, HAg: 72.8±23.8 and Sb: 136.4±51.2 ng/mL. Dominant mice showed differences in body characteristics (primarily the body/tail relationship) relative to subordinate mice. Two additional hierarchical positions were observed: “neutral individual” (without aggressive behavior) and “subordinate target” (an animal that receives approximately 30% of the total number of attacks made by dominant animals).

Caracterização da dominância e subordinação na estrutura hierárquica de camundongos Swiss Webster em biotério / Characterization of dominant and subordinate social status and the structure of the social hierarchy in Swiss Webster mice

Os camundongos utilizados em biotérios pertencem à família Muridae, subfamília Murinae, ordem Rodentia, gênero Mus e espécie Mus musculus. São animais sociais e territoriais. Diversas linhagens foram desenvolvidas em laboratório porém apresentam comportamento agressivo semelhante ao de camundongos selvagens. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a estrutura hierárquica, características corporais e os níveis de hormônios em camundongos dominantes, subordinadas e não-agressivos. O modelo de avaliação do padrão de comportamento agressivo (PCA) classificou os animais da seguinte forma: LAg - indivíduos com comportamento agressivo baixo, HAg - dominante (altamente agressivo) e Sb - subordinado. O reagrupamento de camundongos macho adulto promove um efeito estressor considerável e influencia a formação de sua estrutura hierárquica. Comparações comportamentais antes (BfR) e após reagrupamento mostrou que o percentual de peso perdido por animais nas categorias especificadas foram as seguintes: Lag - 68,1% , HAg - 86,9% e Sb - 90,5% ; os níveis médios de corticosterona por categoria foram BfR : 43,5 ± 17,5, LAg: 177,0 ± 40,4, Hag: 72,8±23,8 e Sb: 136,4±51,2 ng/mL. Camundongos dominantes apresentaram diferenças nas características do corpo (principalmente a relação corpo/ cauda) em relação aos indivíduos subordinados. Também foram observadas duas posições hierárquicas adicionais: “indivíduo neutro” (sem comportamento agressivo) e “subordinado alvo”. (AU)

The mice used in animal facilities belong to the family Muridae, subfamily Murinae, order Rodentia, genus Mus and species Mus musculus. They are social and territorial animals. Several lineages developed in the laboratory show aggressive behavior similar to that of wild mice. The aim of this study was characterize the hierarchical structure, body characteristics and hormonal levels in dominant, subordinate and non-aggressive mice. The model established for spontaneous aggression (MSA) evaluates the pattern of aggressive behavior (PBA) and categorizes the animals as follows: LAg - individuals with low aggressive behavior, HAg dominant (highly aggressive) and Sb - subordinate. The regrouping of adult male mice produces substantial stress and influences the formation of their hierarchical structure. Behavioral comparisons before regrouping (BfR) and after regrouping showed that the percentage of body weight lost in mice was dependent of the specific categories as follows: LAg - 68.1%, HAg - 86.9% and Sb - 90.5%; the average corticosterone levels by category were BfR: 43.5±17.5, LAg: 177.0±40.4, HAg: 72.8±23.8 and Sb: 136.4±51.2 ng/mL. Dominant mice showed differences in body characteristics (primarily the body/tail relationship) relative to subordinate mice. Two additional hierarchical positions were observed: “neutral individual” (without aggressive behavior) and “subordinate target” (an animal that receives approximately 30% of the total number of attacks made by dominant animals). (AU)