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In intensive swine production systems,, the practice of regrouping unfamiliar pigs is common, often leading to aggressive behavior. Although the effect of different musical genres composed for humans has been evaluated in pigs to mitigate aggression, there have been few attempts to create music specifically for pigs. Here, we assess whether sensory stimulation through music, created by adapting the acoustic parameters in the sound mix, induces changes in the aggressive behaviors of pigs during regrouping. Six litters of 10-week-old piglets were randomly selected and assigned to different treatments. The control group (Group A) received no intervention, while Group B was exposed to music for two continuous hours in the morning and afternoon from the time of regrouping. Group C received musical stimulation for one continuous hour in the morning following regrouping. A significant reduction in the frequency and duration of aggressive behaviors was observed in the groups that received musical stimulation during regrouping. Additionally, social, and individual play behaviors showed a decrease in the musical stimulation groups. These findings provide evidence for the effectiveness of created music as a strategy in reducing aggressive behavior during pig regrouping, which can enhance the welfare of pigs and offer a practical solution for pig producers to minimize aggression and its associated negative impacts.

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We aimed to assess whether object play can be used as a positive emotional state indicator for farmed spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) by examining its association with other positive welfare markers including affiliative behavior and low-amplitude vocalizations. We submitted six groups of spotted pacas (one male/two females per group) (N = 18) to an ABA experimental design (A1/A2: without ball; B: with three boomer balls). Object play behavior occurred only during phase B (mean = 35.5 s, SE = 6.4). The spotted pacas spent more time in affiliative and exploratory behaviors and less time engaging in agonistic interactions during phase B than in both control phases (A1 and A2) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the spotted pacas emitted more low-amplitude bark vocalizations during phase B than during either control phase (p < 0.05), and such vocalizations have previously been shown to indicate a positive affective state and low arousal level. Because the expression of object play was associated with a decrease in aggression, an increase in affiliative behavior, and an increase in low-amplitude barking, we suggest that object play can be used as a non-invasive indicator of positive emotional state in this species.

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Prenatal ethanol exposure affects brain development and causes neural impairment, leading to both cognitive and behavioral consequences in the offspring. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of prenatal exposure to small amounts of alcohol on social play behavior in adolescent male offspring. Swiss mice were prenatally exposed to ethanol by feeding pregnant dams with a liquid diet containing 25% alcohol-derived calories during gestation (alcohol group). They were then compared to both pair-fed dams that received an isocaloric liquid diet containing 0% alcohol-derived calories (pair-fed group) and dams with ad libitum access to a liquid control diet (control group). Additionally, maternal behavior was evaluated in terms of neural activation indexed via c-fos expression in the prefrontal cortex. Although dams exposed to alcohol during pregnancy did not alter their maternal behavior, the offspring presented a decrease in their social play behavior compared with both control and pair-fed offspring. The decrease in social play behavior may be associated with a decrease in number of c-fos-positive cells in the prefrontal cortex. The exposure to small amounts of alcohol during intrauterine development causes both a deficit in social play behavior and a reduction in the neuronal activity seen in the prefrontal cortex.

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Chlordecone was used intensively as an insecticide in the French West Indies. Because of its high persistence, the resulting contamination of food and water has led to chronic exposure of the general population as evidenced by its presence in the blood of people of Guadeloupe, in particular in pregnant women and newborns, and in maternal breast milk. Chlordecone is recognized as a reproductive and developmental toxicant, is neurotoxic and carcinogenic in rodents, and is considered as an endocrine-disrupting compound with well-established estrogenic and progestogenic properties both in vitro and in vivo. The question arises of its potential consequences on child neurodevelopment following prenatal and childhood exposure, in particular on behavioral sexual dimorphism in childhood. We followed 116 children from the TIMOUN mother-child cohort study in Guadeloupe, who were examined at age 7. These children were invited to participate in a 7-min structured play session in which they could choose between different toys considered as feminine, masculine, or neutral. The play session was video recorded, and the percentage of the time spent playing with feminine or masculine toys was calculated. We estimated associations between playtime and prenatal exposure to chlordecone (assessed by concentration in cord blood) or childhood exposure (determined from concentrations in child blood obtained at the 7-year follow-up), taking into account confounders and co-exposures to other environmental chemicals. We used a two-group regression model to take into account sex differences in play behavior. Our results do not indicate any modification in sex-typed toy preference among 7-year-old children in relation with either prenatal or childhood exposure to chlordecone.

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Abstract Considering the relations between play and child development and the marginalization of play at school, evidenced in previous studies, this case study aimed to analyze children's and teacher's participation in the constitution of playing in a public nursery school in Fortaleza. The following procedures were adopted: observation of the class (composed of 24 low-income children) routine; semi-structured interview; elaboration and explanation of drawings; story to be completed; and symbolic game, with analysis both of this game and of play experienced at school along with the children. Analysis of the data collected allowed concluding that the sort of play valued by the teacher is that which is planned and conducted by her aiming at learning and training skills. Free play, valued by children, is seen by her as "a mess." The absence of critical reflection on the adult-centered posture of society, plus to the scarcity of knowledge of the relations between play and child development, compromise the quality of the teacher's work.

Resumo Considerando-se as relações brincadeira-desenvolvimento e a marginalização da brincadeira na escola, evidenciada em estudos anteriores, buscou-se analisar, neste estudo de caso, a participação de crianças e professora na constituição da brincadeira em uma pré-escola pública de Fortaleza. Foram adotados como procedimentos: observação da rotina da turma (composta por 24 crianças de baixa renda), entrevista semiestruturada, elaboração e explicitação de desenhos, história para completar, jogo simbólico e análise desse jogo e das brincadeiras vividas na escola, em parceria com as crianças. A análise dos dados construídos permitiu concluir que a brincadeira valorizada pela professora é aquela planejada e dirigida por ela objetivando a aprendizagem e o treino de habilidades. A brincadeira livre, valorizada pelas crianças, ela vê como "bagunça". A ausência de reflexão crítica sobre a postura adultocêntrica da sociedade, somada à escassez de conhecimentos a respeito das relações brincadeira-desenvolvimento infantil, comprometem a qualidade do trabalho da professora.

Resumen Teniendo en cuenta las relaciones entre el juego-desarrollo y la marginación del juego en la escuela evidenciadas en estudios previos, en este estudio de caso se buscó analizar la participación de niños y la maestra en la constitución del juego en un jardín de infantes público en Fortaleza. Se adoptaron los siguientes procedimientos: observación de la rutina del grupo (compuesto por 24 niños de bajos ingresos), entrevista semiestructurada, elaboración y explicación de dibujos, historia para completar, juego simbólico y su análisis y los juegos practicados en la escuela en colaboración con los niños. El análisis de los datos recolectados permitió concluir que el juego valorado por la maestra es el mismo que planeó y dirigió con el objetivo de que los niños aprendan y entrenen sus habilidades. El juego libre valorado por los niños es considerado un "desorden" por la maestra. La ausencia de reflexión crítica sobre la posición adultocéntrica de la sociedad y la escasez de conocimientos sobre las relaciones entre el juego y el desarrollo infantil comprometen la calidad del trabajo de la maestra.

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Ivermectin is a human and veterinary antiparasitic drug which is one of the most widely used in the world. Studies from our group have revealed several behavioral and neurochemical impairments induced by therapeutic doses of ivermectin in adult rats. However, the effects on juveniles remain unknown. Ivermectin has been prescribed for juvenile humans, pets and farm animals, which still show remarkable development and postnatal maturation and may be more susceptible to drug interventions. Hence, we studied the behavioral and neurochemical effects of two therapeutical doses (0.2 and 1.0 mg/kg) of ivermectin in juvenile rats. As it is underestimated in prescriptions, the stress factor was also studied. Ivermectin 1.0 mg/kg induced hyperlocomotion in juvenile rats. Association of 1.0 mg/kg ivermectin with stress induced hypolocomotion in rats. Ivermectin 1.0 mg/kg whether or not associated with stress exacerbated socialization of rats. Ivermectin did not induce anxiety-like behavior neither affected corticosterone levels of juvenile rats. The motor/exploratory behavioral findings induced by association of ivermectin and stress seem to be triggered after the increase in the striatal serotonergic system activity. Association of ivermectin with stress increased striatal dopamine levels, which increased (excessive) social play behavior. Our results suggest a review of the prescribed dose of ivermectin for juvenile humans and pets. Moreover, the stress factor should be considered for ivermectin medical prescriptions, since it may exacerbate behavioral and neurochemical disturbances.

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Parece ser um consenso teórico afirmar que o brincar é uma das mais importantes atividades do desenvolvimento infantil. Autores de diferentes abordagens indicam a centralidade dessa atividade para as crianças pequenas. A partir dos pressupostos teóricos da perspectiva histórico-cultural, campo teórico de interesse do presente artigo, temos observado um aumento de trabalhos científicos que problematizam a brincadeira infantil. Entretanto, a partir de um levantamento de artigos, dissertações e teses escritos em português, que realizamos entre os anos de 2004-2014, na base integrada da Universidade de Brasília (UnB) e no oasisbr ­o portal brasileiro de publicações científicas em acesso aberto ­, identificamos um número reduzido de estudos brasileiros que investigam a brincadeira de crianças cegas e com baixa visão. Buscando compreender esse contexto de produções acadêmicas, esse artigo objetiva contribuir para o mapeamento desse objeto de estudo, sinalizando a importância do mesmo para o campo da psicologia, educação e políticas públicas.

It seems to be a theoretical consensus that play is one of the most important activities of child development. Authors from different approaches indicate the centrality of this activity for young children. From the theoretical assumptions of the historical-cultural perspective, our theoretical field of interestin this article, we have seen an increase of scientific papers about child's play. However, from a survey of articles, dissertations and theses written in portuguese (2004-2014) - at the integrated base of the University of Brasília (UnB) and oasis.br (Brazilian Portal of Scientific Publications in Open Access) - we could identify a small number of brazilian studies investigating the role of play in blind and low vision children. By trying to understand this context of academic productions, this article seeks contributing to the mapping of this object of study, signaling the importance of it to the field of psychology, education and public policy.

Parece haber un consenso teórico que el juego es una de las actividades más importantes en el desarrollo del niño. Los autores de diferentes enfoques indican la importancia de esta actividad para los niños pequeños. A partir de los supuestos teóricos de La perspectiva histórico-cultural, el campo teórico de intereses de este artículo, hemos visto un aumento de trabajos científicos que tematizan el juego de niños. Sin embargo, a partir de una investigación de artículos, disertaciones y tesis escritas en portugués, llevados a cabo entre los años 2004-2014, de forma integrada en la Universidad de Brasilia (UnB) y oasisbr ­el portal brasileño de publicaciones científicas de acceso abierto ­ identificamos un pequeño número de estudios brasileños que investigan e juego de los niños ciegos y de baja visión. Tratar de entender este contexto de producciones académicas es el propósito de este artículo buscando contribuir a la asignación de tal objeto de estudio, lo que indica la importancia de ésta al campo de la psicología, la educación y la política pública.

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Several studies have investigated the effects of artificial litter size adjustment on offspring development. Social play behavior is important for neurobehavioral development and is impaired in several developmental psychiatric disorders. This study therefore investigated the effect of litter size on play behavior in adolescent rats. On postnatal day (PND) 2, litters were adjusted to a small litter (SL) size of 3 pups per dam or normal litter (NL) size of 12 pups per dam. Maternal behaviors scored daily during the first week of lactation (PND2-8) revealed that arched nursing and pup licking behaviors were increased in dams with SLs versus those with NLs. SL offspring exhibited accelerated weight gain and advanced development of physical landmarks and reflexes, possibly due to overnutrition. Social isolation lasting 3.5h prior to social play behavioral testing produced a higher frequency and duration of pouncing, pinning, sniffing, and grooming in both male and female offspring. However, male SL offspring exhibited a lower frequency of pouncing and pinning when compared with male NL offspring, while no litter size-dependent differences were observed in social behaviors unrelated to play (sniffing and grooming). These findings identify a possible sexually dimorphic influence of litter size in the development of social behavior. Given that social behaviors such as play behavior are vital for normal cognitive and social development, these findings have important implications for developmental and neuropsychiatric research.

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During early life, animals are sensitive to environmental events that may lead to short-term and long-lasting changes in their neurobiology and behavior, which could be related to increased risk for psychopathology. Neonatal handling is an experimental intervention in the mother-infant relationship. Based on previous studies, it is known to decrease rat pups' preference for maternal cues. Handling also reduces social, sexual, and fear behavior in adult animals, which is related to underlying neuroendocrine alterations. One prominent feature of adolescence is the high frequency of social behaviors such as play that appear to be necessary for proper socioemotional development. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of repeatedly handling pups on social play behavior during the neonatal period in juvenile Wistar rats. We found that handling consistently decreased pouncing, wrestling, and chasing play behavior on postnatal days (PND) 25, 30, and 35 compared with non-handled juveniles. As expected, sex differences were also found. Consistent with previous studies in infant and adult rats, the neonatal handling procedure also reduced affiliative behaviors in juvenile animals. The precise mechanisms by which this early intervention leads to these alterations in offspring remain to be determined, but the cumulative effects of briefly disrupting the mother-infant relationship that caused the neonatal handling may be one possible explanation.(AU)

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During early life, animals are sensitive to environmental events that may lead to short-term and long-lasting changes in their neurobiology and behavior, which could be related to increased risk for psychopathology. Neonatal handling is an experimental intervention in the mother-infant relationship. Based on previous studies, it is known to decrease rat pups' preference for maternal cues. Handling also reduces social, sexual, and fear behavior in adult animals, which is related to underlying neuroendocrine alterations. One prominent feature of adolescence is the high frequency of social behaviors such as play that appear to be necessary for proper socioemotional development. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of repeatedly handling pups on social play behavior during the neonatal period in juvenile Wistar rats. We found that handling consistently decreased pouncing, wrestling, and chasing play behavior on postnatal days (PND) 25, 30, and 35 compared with non-handled juveniles. As expected, sex differences were also found. Consistent with previous studies in infant and adult rats, the neonatal handling procedure also reduced affiliative behaviors in juvenile animals. The precise mechanisms by which this early intervention leads to these alterations in offspring remain to be determined, but the cumulative effects of briefly disrupting the mother-infant relationship that caused the neonatal handling may be one possible explanation.

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INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to characterize and compare schoolchildren's play in two samples from different countries (Brazil and Portugal). METHODS: In each context 11 children participated in the study. All participating children had been attending the second grade of elementary school. Observations were carried out at school in a room, which had toys available. In order to register children's behaviors, it was used observations of the focal child and time sampling. RESULTS: Similar results were found in the two contexts regarding both the types of social interactions and children's choices of toys and plays. In terms of social interactions, children preferred to play in dyads. Boys showed a higher tendency to sex segregation in their activities than girls. The types of toys most used by children were the ones in the motor category, followed by the ones in the cognitive category. Educational toys, in turn, were the least used in children's play. Stick to the rules was the play activity most observed by researchers. However, when children were not sticking to the rules, the two samples showed different results. Brazilian children preferred to engage in games/rules, whereas Portuguese children preferred to engage in make-believe play. In both contexts boys preferred rough and tumble play more than girls. When Brazilian children were not playing, they preferred to engage in talking, whereas Portuguese children were more engaged in onlooker activity. CONCLUSION: Similarities between the two samples suggest common aspects in play behavior, while their differences refer to particularities of each social-cultural context.(AU)

OBJETIVO: comparar as brincadeiras de crianças em idade escolar em amostras de dois países diferentes (Brasil e Portugal). MÉTODO: em cada país 11 crianças participaram do estudo. As crianças freqüentavam o segundo ano do ensino fundamental. As observações foram realizadas dentro do contexto escolar, em uma sala que continha brinquedos. Para registrar os comportamentos das crianças foram utilizadas as técnicas de observação do sujeito focal e amostragem de tempo. RESULTADOS: nas duas amostras foram encontrados resultados similares quanto aos tipos de interação social e escolha de brinquedos e brincadeiras. Quanto à interação social, as crianças preferiam brincar em díades. Os meninos mostraram uma tendência maior do que as meninas para a segregação por sexos em suas atividades. Os tipos de brinquedos mais usados pelas crianças foram os da categoria motora, seguidos pelos cognitivos. Os brinquedos didáticos foram os menos utilizados. A brincadeira proposta pelo objeto foi a atividade mais observada pelos pesquisadores. Contudo, quando as crianças não estavam seguindo a proposta dos objetos, foram encontrados diferentes resultados nas amostras. As crianças brasileiras preferiam os jogos de regras, enquanto que as portuguesas preferiam as brincadeiras de faz-de-conta. Nos dois países os meninos preferiram brincadeiras turbulentas mais do que as meninas. Quando as crianças brasileiras não estavam brincando, elas prefe-riam atividades de conversação, enquanto que as crianças portuguesas atividades de observação. CONCLUSÃO: as similaridades encontradas nas duas amostras sugerem aspectos comuns do comportamento de brincar, enquanto que as diferenças apontam para as particularidades de cada contexto sócio-cultural.(AU)

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OBJETIVO: comparar as brincadeiras de crianças em idade escolar em amostras de dois países diferentes (Brasil e Portugal). MÉTODO: em cada país 11 crianças participaram do estudo. As crianças freqüentavam o segundo ano do ensino fundamental. As observações foram realizadas dentro do contexto escolar, em uma sala que continha brinquedos. Para registrar os comportamentos das crianças foram utilizadas as técnicas de observação do sujeito focal e amostragem de tempo. RESULTADOS: nas duas amostras foram encontrados resultados similares quanto aos tipos de interação social e escolha de brinquedos e brincadeiras. Quanto à interação social, as crianças preferiam brincar em díades. Os meninos mostraram uma tendência maior do que as meninas para a segregação por sexos em suas atividades. Os tipos de brinquedos mais usados pelas crianças foram os da categoria motora, seguidos pelos cognitivos. Os brinquedos didáticos foram os menos utilizados. A brincadeira proposta pelo objeto foi a atividade mais observada pelos pesquisadores. Contudo, quando as crianças não estavam seguindo a proposta dos objetos, foram encontrados diferentes resultados nas amostras. As crianças brasileiras preferiam os jogos de regras, enquanto que as portuguesas preferiam as brincadeiras de faz-de-conta. Nos dois países os meninos preferiram brincadeiras turbulentas mais do que as meninas. Quando as crianças brasileiras não estavam brincando, elas preferiam atividades de conversação, enquanto que as crianças portuguesas atividades de observação. CONCLUSÃO: as similaridades encontradas nas duas amostras sugerem aspectos comuns do comportamento de brincar, enquanto que as diferenças apontam para as particularidades de cada contexto sócio-cultural.

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O presente artigo tem por objetivo descrever a aplicação do mapeamento comportamental centrado no lugar no contexto de um parque escolar. Esta técnica característica da psicologia ambiental relaciona o comportamento investigado com o local onde ele ocorre. Participaram do estudo cerca de 65 crianças de 3 a 5 anos de uma instituição escolar. O planejamento envolveu a definição de 11 categorias comportamentais. Este artigo constitui um recorte dos resultados evidenciando a preferência por determinados setores do espaço pelas crianças. Discutimos a importância dos estudos observacionais de fácil codificação para serem vertidos em intervenções práticas na realidade pesquisada.(AU)

This paper describes the application of behavioral mapping centered on the space of a preschool playground. This technique, characteristic of Environmental Psychology, relates the studied behavior to the place where it occurs. A total of 65 children, aged 3 to 5 years old, from a school participated in the study. The planning process involved the definition of 11 behavioral categories. This paper presents part of the results and reveals that children had a preference for certain areas of the space. We discuss the importance of observational studies with easy coding to be implemented in practical interventions in the studied context.(AU)

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir la aplicación de la asignación de espacio de comportamiento centrado en el parque de una escuela. Esta característica técnica de la psicología ambiental relata el comportamiento investigado con el lugar donde se produce. En el estudio participaron cerca de 65 niños de 3 a 5 años en una escuela. La planificación implicaba la creación de 11 categorías de comportamiento. Este texto sólo proporciona un recorte de los resultados, que muestran la preferencia de los niños por ciertos sectores del espacio. Se discute la importancia de los estudios observacionales, de fácil codificación, para se remitir en intervenciones prácticas en la realidad estudiada.(AU)

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O presente artigo tem por objetivo descrever a aplicação do mapeamento comportamental centrado no lugar no contexto de um parque escolar. Esta técnica característica da psicologia ambiental relaciona o comportamento investigado com o local onde ele ocorre. Participaram do estudo cerca de 65 crianças de 3 a 5 anos de uma instituição escolar. O planejamento envolveu a definição de 11 categorias comportamentais. Este artigo constitui um recorte dos resultados evidenciando a preferência por determinados setores do espaço pelas crianças. Discutimos a importância dos estudos observacionais de fácil codificação para serem vertidos em intervenções práticas na realidade pesquisada.

This paper describes the application of behavioral mapping centered on the space of a preschool playground. This technique, characteristic of Environmental Psychology, relates the studied behavior to the place where it occurs. A total of 65 children, aged 3 to 5 years old, from a school participated in the study. The planning process involved the definition of 11 behavioral categories. This paper presents part of the results and reveals that children had a preference for certain areas of the space. We discuss the importance of observational studies with easy coding to be implemented in practical interventions in the studied context.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir la aplicación de la asignación de espacio de comportamiento centrado en el parque de una escuela. Esta característica técnica de la psicología ambiental relata el comportamiento investigado con el lugar donde se produce. En el estudio participaron cerca de 65 niños de 3 a 5 años en una escuela. La planificación implicaba la creación de 11 categorías de comportamiento. Este texto sólo proporciona un recorte de los resultados, que muestran la preferencia de los niños por ciertos sectores del espacio. Se discute la importancia de los estudios observacionales, de fácil codificación, para se remitir en intervenciones prácticas en la realidad estudiada.

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A brincadeira é uma atividade presente na vida de crianças em diversas culturas, possuindo papel importante no desenvolvimento das mesmas. Apesar disso, tal importância nem sempre é reconhecida pelos adultos, os quais priorizam na educação das crianças aspectos cognitivos formais e apresentam uma dificuldade em visualizar a relação existente entre brincadeira e desenvolvimento. A psicologia evolucionista tem voltado seu olhar para o brincar por este caracterizar-se como adaptado e adaptativo da espécie, contendo aspectos filogenéticos e ontogenéticos. Tal abordagem busca estudar as possíveis relações entre cultura e filogênese no desenvolvimento deste comportamento. Dessa forma o objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar o brincar a partir do referencial teórico da psicologia evolucionista, bem como seu conceito e suas características. Além disso, são apresentadas as relações entre o brincar, os tipos de brincadeira e as diferenças de gênero. A brinquedoteca é apresentada como um possível espaço no qual esse comportamento pode ser estimulado e valorizado(AU)

The play behavior is an activity that is present in children's life in many cultures, having an important role in child development. However, such importance sometimes is not recognized by adults, who prioritize in children education formal cognitive aspects, and have difficulties in visualizing the relation between play and development. Evolutionary Psychology views play as a behavior that has evolutionary and ontogenetic aspects. Such approach intends to study the possible relations between culture and evolution in the development of this behavior. The objective of this paper is to present the play behavior based on the theoretical framework of Evolutionary Psychology, as well as its concept and characteristics. Moreover, the relations between playing, types of play and gender differences are discussed. The toy library is presented as a possible space in which this behavior can be stimulated and valued.(AU)