International evidence on business cycle magnitude dependence

Are expansions and recessions more likely to end as their magnitude increases? In this paper we apply parametric hazard models to investigate this issue in a sample of 16 countries from 1881 to 2000. For the total sample we find evidence of positive magnitude dependence for recessions, while for expansions we are not able to reject the null of magnitude independence. This last result is likely due to a structural change in the mechanism guiding expansions before and after the second World War. In particular, upturns show negative magnitude dependence in the post-World War II sub-sample, meaning that in this period expansions become less likely to end as their magnitude increases

Video analysis of dogs with separation-related behaviors

Separation-related behaviors are described as problematic behaviors that occur exclusively in the owner's absence or virtual absence. Diagnosis is generally based on indirect evidence such as elimination or destruction that occurs during owner absence. Questionnaire studies are based on owner perception and might therefore underestimate the actual proportion of dogs with separation problems. The aim of this study was to film dogs with separation-related problems when left home alone and compile objective information on behaviors exhibited. Twenty-three dogs, ranging in age from 5 months to 13 years (2.9 \ub1 22.7 years), were filmed home alone for 20-60 min (49.87 \ub1 12.9 min) after owner departure. Analysis of behaviors on tape showed that dogs spent most of their time vocalizing (22.95 \ub1 12.3% of total observed time) and being oriented to the environment (21 \ub1 20%). Dogs also exhibited panting (14 \ub1 18%), were passive (12 \ub1 27%) and were destroying (6 \ub1 6%) during owner absence. Most dogs displayed signs within less than 10 min after owner departure, such as vocalizing (mean latency 3.25 min) and/or destroying (mean latency 7.13 min). Barking and oriented to the environment tended to decrease (respectively p = 0.08 and p = 0.07) and conversely panting tended to increase over time (p = 0.07). Diagnosis of separation-related problems is traditionally dependant on owner reports. Although owner observation may be informative, direct observation and standardized behavioral measurement of dogs with separation-related problems, before and after treatment, would be the best way to diagnose and to measure behavioral improvement

Factors associated with dog behavioral problems referred to a behavior clinic

Undesirable behaviors are common in the domestic dog population. This study aimed to identify similarities and differences in characteristics underlying 2 major groups of behavioral problems, and their treatment outcome. The study focused on 335 dogs that visited a Behavioral Clinic in northern Italy between 2013 and 2016. These cases were categorized into 2 broad groups based on the diagnosis: an \u201caggressive\u201d group (behavioral pathologies involving aggression) and an \u201canxious\u201d group (behavioral pathologies not primarily involving aggression). Each dog underwent a behavior consultation made by a veterinary specialist who used a basic history questionnaire focused on all aspects of dog's behavior, management, and health issue. Several variables were selected from the questionnaires collected. We found a statistical association of the behavioral problem with factors such as size, sex, age, time of onset, dogs' resting place, family composition, and mounting behaviors involving people (P 64 0.05). Small- and medium-sized dogs were mainly \u201canxious\u201d instead of \u201caggressive\u201d; male dogs were mostly \u201caggressive\u201d and female dogs (neutered and intact) were mainly \u201canxious\u201d; dogs adopted from pet shops were all anxious. On average, \u201caggressive\u201d dogs exhibited the problem 4 months after adoption. \u201cAnxious\u201d dogs exhibited the problem within 1 week of adoption. The resting place and diagnosis were statistically related (P 64 0.05): the 20% of dogs that slept on owners' bed were mainly \u201canxious\u201d dogs (78% of these). Sixty-five percent of \u201canxious\u201d dogs and 33% of \u201caggressive\u201d dogs showed mounting behaviors toward people. Most (72.3%) (N = 242/335) of the dogs improved after behavior treatment. \u201cAggressive\u201d dogs (96%, N = 232/242) improved more than \u201canxious\u201d ones (4%; N = 10/242) (P 64 0.05). Moreover, owners of dogs with anxiety problems were significantly more prone to surrender the dog to a shelter or other people (P 64 0.05). Our work supports some previous findings and suggests some new information regarding factors associated with broad scale aggression and anxiety in domestic dogs. Anxiety problems appear more difficult and demanding for dog owners. A referral population is not likely representative of the entire population of dogs. To understand patterns of behavioral problems, we need more complete population data and we need data from dogs across their lifetime

Evaluation of Maine Coon cat behavior during three different management situations

Today, cats are one of the most widespread and beloved companion animals: they share their life with people and are perceived as social partners by their owner. The knowledge and understanding of cat-human communication and of the behavior exhibited in response to different emotions is essential to improve the management of housed cats. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the behavior of cats in three different situations that can occur in house cats' lives. Ten Maine Coon cats, four males and six females, ranging in age from one to 13 years, belonging to a single private owner and managed under the same conditions, were exposed randomly to three different contexts for five minutes (waiting for food, isolation in unknown environment, and brushing). All the situations were video-recorded and subsequently analyzed. The behaviors oriented to environment, oriented to food bowl, locomotion, active interactions, yawning, lip licking and swallowing, and salivation mainly characterized waiting for food, while isolation appears principally characterized by behaviors such as hiding, scratching, worried positions, and exploration. Withdrawal, passive interactions, aggressive behaviors, facial discomfort, and purring characterized brushing. Vocalizations were significantly more frequent during isolation and brushing than during waiting for food, but it is possible that the characteristics of the vocalizations in these two situations are different. Our principal finding is that cats showed different behavioral patterns in the three situations and, in particular, their behavior during brushing was very different than in the two other situations. It can be hypothesized that these different behavioral responses are due to the different emotional states elicited by each of the three challenging and potentially stressful situations. Further investigation is being carried out to better understand cats' behaviors and emotions to improve cats' management in the household

I disturbi compulsivi negli animali da compagnia

I disturbi compulsivi in medicina comportamentale veterinaria sono una patologia ancora poco conosciuta. I comportamenti compulsivi appaiono anomali perch\ue9 sono espressi fuori contesto e spesso in modo ripetitivo, esagerato e prolungato nel tempo. Questi comportamenti hanno tra loro una fisiopatologia simile (cambiamenti nei sistemi serotoninergici e dopaminergici). Al fine di formulare una diagnosi corretta e un idoneo trattamento terapeutico \ue8 di fondamentale importanza prendere sempre in considerazione l\u2019intero organismo animale. Gli approfondimenti diagnostici sono indispensabili in tali casi per orientarsi verso una pi\uf9 accurata diagnostica differenziale e per individuare la reale causa del problema.Compulsive disorders in veterinary behavioral medicine are still poorly understood. Compulsive behaviors appear abnormal because are shown out of context and are often repetitive, exaggerated and prolonged in time. These behaviors share a similar pathophysiology (eg. changes in the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems). In order to formulate a correct diagnosis and an appropriate treatment, it is always very important to take into account the whole animal organism. Further investigations are needed in such cases for a more accurate differential diagnosis

Effects of forest management on ground beetle diversity in alpine beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands

European beech forests are of particular importance for biodiversity, although relatively little is known about how beech forest management impacts on invertebrate communities. In this paper we investigated the influence of beech forest management history [i.e. over-mature coppices (OC) and coppices in conversion to high forests (CCHF)], climatic, topographic and microhabitat characteristics on ground beetle diversity (measured as total relative abundance, species richness, Shannon diversity and abundance of the endangered endemic species Carabus olympiae) in northern Italy. The diversity of forest specialist carabids was higher in OC and in forest stands characterized by a higher mean temperature and lower relative humidity. Moreover, we detected a positive response of several diversity variables to coarse wood debris cover or volume, herb cover, and the standard deviation of tree diameter. Currently, OC seems to be a more favorable habitat for forest carabids, including C. olympiae, although succession over time can lead to a progressive homogenization of the vegetation structure, with negative consequences for the conservation of the forest carabid assemblage.Based on our results, we suggest that the traditional management of beech coppice and its conversion to high forest be modified by including practices aimed at promoting structural and microhabitat diversity such as retention of large trees, creation of canopy gaps, retention of coarse wood debris and the preservation of 'islands' of older trees in the managed stands