Housing Environment Research Articles

Monitoring Dairy Cow Rumination Behavior Based on Upper and Lower Jaw Tracking

To address behavioral interferences such as head turning and lowering during rumination in group-housed dairy cows, an enhanced network algorithm combining the YOLOv5s and DeepSort algorithms was developed. Initially, improvements were made to the YOLOv5s algorithm by incorporating the C3_CA module into the backbone to enhance the feature interaction and representation at different levels. The Slim_Neck paradigm was employed to strengthen the feature extraction and fusion, and the CIoU loss function was replaced with the WIoU loss function to improve the model’s robustness and generalization, establishing it as a detector of the upper and lower jaws of dairy cows. Subsequently, the DeepSort tracking algorithm was utilized to track the upper and lower jaws and plot their movement trajectories. By calculating the difference between the centroid coordinates of the tracking boxes for the upper and lower jaws during rumination, the rumination curve was obtained. Finally, the number of rumination chews and the false detection rate were calculated. The system successfully monitored the frequency of the cows’ chewing actions during rumination. The experimental results indicate that the enhanced network model achieved a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 97.5% and 97.9% for the upper and lower jaws, respectively, with precision (P) of 95.4% and 97.4% and recall (R) of 97.6% and 98.4%, respectively. Two methods for determining chewing were proposed, which showed false detection rates of 8.34% and 3.08% after the experimental validation. The research findings validate the feasibility of the jaw movement tracking method, providing a reference for the real-time monitoring of the rumination behavior of dairy cows in group housing environments.

Evolution of the Planning Paradigm and Urban Design of Housing Complexes in the Context of Changing Challenges in Ukraine: Case of Lviv

The study provides a retrospective of the housing development in Lviv and the factors that affected it. Using the general process of housing evolution, the study focuses on the impact of the war as a catalyst that influenced the demand and volume of housing construction over the last decade. Moreover, it reflects the unprecedented demographic shift driven by the number of IDPs in Ukraine since the beginning of 2022. The study demonstrates that, due to the increased demand for housing, the approaches to the design of housing have changed in recent years, defining a new type of urban unit called a housing complex. The study aims to identify and examine the genesis and characteristics of the modern planning paradigm and urban design of residential architecture in Lviv in the context of shifting conditions. Spatial and urban characteristics, social indicators, resident focus, and urban influence evaluate the studied objects. The study results demonstrate key differences in planning philosophies and approaches to designing and constructing new housing, identifying qualitative differences between housing of the previous and current paradigms. A detailed examination and comparison of the studied complexes in Lviv reveals changes in the approach to their planning, reflecting the evolution from the inherited modernist approach to housing to the creation of sustainable planning. It also aims to determine the quality of Lviv's modern housing environment and the vector of its development.

Evolution of the Planning Paradigm and Urban Design of Housing Complexes in the Context of Changing Challenges in Ukraine: Case of Lviv

The study provides a retrospective of the housing development in Lviv and the factors that affected it. Using the general process of housing evolution, the study focuses on the impact of the war as a catalyst that influenced the demand and volume of housing construction over the last decade. Moreover, it reflects the unprecedented demographic shift driven by the number of IDPs in Ukraine since the beginning of 2022. The study demonstrates that, due to the increased demand for housing, the approaches to the design of housing have changed in recent years, defining a new type of urban unit called a housing complex. The study aims to identify and examine the genesis and characteristics of the modern planning paradigm and urban design of residential architecture in Lviv in the context of shifting conditions. Spatial and urban characteristics, social indicators, resident focus, and urban influence evaluate the studied objects. The study results demonstrate key differences in planning philosophies and approaches to designing and constructing new housing, identifying qualitative differences between housing of the previous and current paradigms. A detailed examination and comparison of the studied complexes in Lviv reveals changes in the approach to their planning, reflecting the evolution from the inherited modernist approach to housing to the creation of sustainable planning. It also aims to determine the quality of Lviv's modern housing environment and the vector of its development.

Key Factors Influencing Quality of Life in the Disabled Based on Multifaceted Life Satisfaction

Abstract Background Healthy life of the disabled is considered a global social issue, and enhancing the quality of life (QoL) of the disabled is an important task. The disabled have lower multifaceted life satisfaction due to various daily restrictions, which negatively affects their QoL. Research on the QoL of the disabled is ongoing, but there are few comprehensive studies addressing multifaceted life satisfaction. To enhance the QoL of the disabled, it is essential to understand their multifaceted life satisfaction and investigate key factors influencing their QoL. Methods We used data from the 2021 Disability and Life Dynamics Panel (nationwide survey). On the base of Patrick’s model of disability health promotion, we analyzed the impact of multifaceted life satisfaction of the disabled on their QoL by using multiple regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, education level, daily living activities, type and severity of disability, and presence of multiple disabilities. Results The satisfaction with social relationships(β=.535, p<.0001), income(β=.146, p<.0001), housing environment(β=.132, p<.0001), occupation(β=.130, p<.0001), and health(β=.111, p<.0001) was found to have a significant positive impact on the QoL of the disabled. Particularly, satisfaction with social relationships exerted the greatest impact on their QoL. Conclusions Not only health satisfaction, but also social relations, income, housing environment, occupation had a substantial impact on the QoL of the disabled. These findings can support the government in prioritizing health policy development for the disabled and contribute to improving the QoL for the disabled through a comprehensive and integrated approach. The government should develop health policies to enhance social connections and support networks for the disabled, while also considering aspects for improving income, housing environment, occupation, and health. Key messages • Not only health satisfaction, but also social relations, income, housing environment, occupation had a substantial impact on the QoL of the disabled. • The government should prioritize developing health policies aimed at enhancing social relations for the disabled, while also considering income, housing environment, occupation, and health.

Resistance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Varieties to Gram Pod Borer (Helicoverpa armigera) in a Controlled Environment

The research was conducted within the controlled environment of the net house at the Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna (M.P.), during the Rabi season of 2023-24. Eight diverse chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes, viz. JG-63, JG-130, L-2, JG-14, RAJ-128, Narendran-2, Annagiri and RVG-202, were systematically screened to evaluate their resistance to the gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) under protected conditions. The study was meticulously designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications to ensure robust statistical analysis. Throughout the critical vegetative, flowering and maturity stages, the larval population density of H. armigera was rigorously monitored across all genotypes at regular intervals. The comprehensive data analysis revealed that genotypes RAJ-128 and RVG-202 demonstrated superior resistance, exhibiting the lowest mean larval density of 0.25 and 0.29 larvae per 0.5 m², respectively, indicating their potential for integrated pest management in chickpea cultivation.

The housing environment and its effect on Hispanic children with asthma

IntroductionSubstandard housing in Hispanic minority communities has been associated with detrimental effects on children with asthma that is affected by diverse indoor triggers. Identifying those triggers and offering adequate medical treatment and ways to prevent exposure to triggers will help reduce the number of asthma attacks among children who reside in Hispanic minority communities.ObjectiveOur study aimed to identify the influence of substandard housing quality and its effect on asthma symptoms. Our objectives included assessing the impact of building, flooring types, heating sources, window shading, parental smoking behaviors, moisture and mold in the home, ventilation, and owning a pet on asthma symptom occurrence.Materials and methodsOur study was based on a cross-sectional analytical study involving 353 individuals, their parents, and their homes. Logistic regression modeling was conducted to explain the dependence of each asthma symptom on the investigated independent variables, with child age and sex being investigated as covariables. A post hoc test was employed to ensure goodness of fit, and a pseudo-R square was calculated for each regression model. The Hosmer-Lemenshow test was performed post hoc to ensure goodness of fit, and models were preserved if p > 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of asthma-related symptoms in our study sample was 19.37%, and sleeping quality was affected due to asthma in 23% of participating children. We also found that children living with asthma near agricultural fields were more prone to asthma-related symptoms, as well as those children living in homes with excessive moisture and those who kept stuffed toys or pets inside their rooms.ConclusionsOur study highlights how a variety of environmental factors, such as living near an agricultural area and having curtains, increases shortness of breath. Having leaks and excessive moisture in houses increases shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and rates of colds. Another important exposure is having a pet inside the house which increases chest tightness. A comprehensive understanding of these factors and how they impacted targeted participants, especially those who are Hispanic minorities and living in substandard housing, is essential for informing the design of effective interventions and improving respiratory health in the home environment.

Residential Relocation of Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Role of Physical Function and the Housing Environment.

Most older adults in the United States (U.S.) prefer to remain in their current housing as they age, but difficulty with mobility (e.g., walking) may make this more challenging. We estimated the association between difficulty with mobility (mobility) and residential relocation in the following year. We included adults aged ≥65 participating in ≥2 rounds (years 2011-2019) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Mobility was self-reported and change in permanent address was captured by study staff. We used a prospective cohort design and logistic regression with a clustering correction to estimate adjusted associations. We did not find evidence that mobility was associated with relocation versus no relocation in our sample of 26,444 observations from 5699 older adults. However, mobility was positively associated with moves to housing with fewer environmental barriers. Mobility is associated with relocation to housing that is more accessible and may be an indicator of greater need for supports to age in place.

Fairer schooling for a better housing environment: Effect of abolishing school zones on the housing market

Access to high-quality public education is often closely linked to residential property ownership and location in many countries, contributing to rising housing costs in areas with better educational resources. This creates challenges in housing affordability and perpetuates inequality in education access. Our study explores the effectiveness of two policies aimed at reducing the association between property ownership and access to premium public education: the "six-year-one-position" policy, which limits school enrolment to one student per property every six years, and the "multi-dicing" policy, which uses a random allocation system for student placement. While this research focuses on Beijing, China, the implications of such policies are of broader relevance to cities worldwide facing similar issues. Using a spatial difference-in-difference approach, we find that eliminating school zoning can decrease housing prices by 2.5% in areas where these policies are implemented, with reductions of 4.4%–7.9% in districts previously associated with high-ranking schools. However, the announcement of these policies triggers short-term price spikes, with increases of 2.7%–4.7%, reflecting a panic-buying effect. Moreover, we observe a spillover effect, where demand shifts from regions that abolished school zones earlier to those that implemented the policy later, as revealed by a staggered difference-in-difference analysis. These findings offer insights for policymakers in other urban contexts where educational access is intertwined with housing markets, highlighting the need for balanced strategies to address both housing affordability and equitable education access.

Personal exposure of women to PM2.5-bound PAH derivatives from cooking emissions in varied rural kitchen setups

The present study investigates the personal exposure of women to PM2.5 and associated chemical constituents such as Elemental Carbon, Organic Carbon and 63 Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) compounds in varied kitchen setups viz. Indoor kitchen without partition (IKWO); Indoor kitchen with partition (IKWP); Separate enclosed kitchen outside the home (SEKO); Open kitchen (OK); and Open kitchen under stairway (OK_S) of south India. The exposure to PM2.5 was found to be highest in OK_S followed by IKWP, SEKO, IKWO and OK with average concentrations of 8943.54 ± 699, 6117.80 ± 1732, 4257.85 ± 2215, 2118.07 ± 524 and 1505.89 ± 431 μg/m3, respectively. Similarly, OK_S had the greatest levels of PM2.5-bounded PAHs (∑PAH63, ∑PAH16, and BaP) due to their small size and poor ventilation. The lifetime Excess Cancer Risk (ECR) indicated the highest lifetime exposure risk per million population (400) in OK_S type of kitchens followed by IKWO (307), SEKO (151), IKWP (149), and then OK (7) using the relative potency factor (RPF) which includes nitro-PAHs as well as methyl-PAHs apart from PAHs with high molecular weight. Additionally, it was shown that the lifetime ECR of biomass fuel was six times greater than that of LPG. The current analysis recommends a complete transition to LPG and strictly avoiding open kitchens under the staircase. Thus, the findings of this study will provide valuable information to improve the quality of the indoor environment of rural houses in India.

Understanding and Addressing Non-Payment of Housing Maintenance Fees in Klang Valley: Challenges and Solutions

Housing maintenance fees are essential to maintaining the standard and operation of residential communities. However, non-payment issues present serious problems to the Joint Management Body (JMB) and residents due to various issues related to maintenance are delaying to be solved. Thus, this study objectively assesses the role and relationship of JMB with the respondents toward residents’ commitment and support in making payments for housing maintenance. A quantitative approach through a survey questionnaire was distributed among 31 respondents of high-rise buildings in Klang Valley for a pilot study. Four (4) independent variables were involved: the role of JMB, the relationship between residents and JMB, facilities provided, and safety and security towards the dependent variable of resident’s commitment and support. The findings show that most respondents agree that any problems related to the housing unit should be consulted with JMB and residents should get permission from JMB before proceeding with any necessary action. This study is expected to benefit JMB and residents in ensuring a sustainable harmonious housing environment in the high-rise buildings and thus contribute to the achievement of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Inadequate Sunlight Exposure as A Risk Factor for Nutritional Rickets: A Systematic Review

Insufficient sunlight exposure significantly contributes to the development of nutritional rickets, highlighting the critical importance of sunlight in maintaining optimal bone health and preventing this debilitating condition. Nutritional rickets, a preventable skeletal disorder, has significant implications for child health and development, particularly where there is limited sunlight exposure. Adequate sunlight exposure, especially in the form of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, is essential for synthesizing and maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, which are key in preventing nutritional rickets. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the relationship between inadequate sunlight exposure and the development of nutritional rickets among children. The review could inform effective preventive strategies by identifying the precise levels of sunlight exposure needed for healthy development and the factors contributing to inadequate exposure. Literature was searched through Google scholar, PubMed (Medline), Cochrane, and Elsevier using the following key terms; Nutritional rickets, Sunlight exposure, and vitamin D deficiency. Only peer-reviewed articles and research theses were included. Additionally, only literature reporting on nutritional rickets as a result of inadequate sunlight exposure practices were included. A total of 9 papers were included in the review. Findings such as Limited Sunlight Exposure with factors such as closed housing environments, urbanization, and cultural practices contributing to this phenomenon, Misconceptions and Fear regarding potential harms associated with sunlight exposure, such as skin cancer, sterility, and blindness, Disparities in Knowledge and Practices about sunlight exposure, Environmental Influences such as housing conditions and access to outdoor spaces significantly influence sunlight exposure opportunities for children. Interventions aimed at enhancing sunlight accessibility and creating sun-safe environments are crucial for optimizing exposure and preventing rickets. Comprehensive strategies are necessary to address sunlight exposure practices' complexities, including education, cultural sensitivity, policy reforms, and environmental modifications. Integrating these interventions is essential for promoting optimal sunlight exposure and improving child health outcomes.

Urban Community Perception of The Importance of Sustainable Housing in Greater Tangerang, Indonesia

Abstract This study explores the perceptions of urban communities regarding the significance of sustainable housing within the Greater Tangerang region. Investigating how residents perceive the importance of sustainable features in their housing environments, the research examines the awareness and attitudes of urban inhabitants toward sustainable housing practices. Employing a survey data quantitative assessment with questionnaire, the study aims to shed light on the urban community’s perspectives on sustainable housing and its potential impact on the overall urban environment. Urban communities in Greater Tangerang show moderate understanding of sustainable housing, requiring improved education and outreach efforts. Despite already exhibiting great caring interest, there’s a need for a large-scale initiative involving all stakeholders to further promote sustainable housing concepts and enhance overall awareness and implementation. The findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and developers seeking to enhance sustainable housing initiatives in the Greater Tangerang area.

The effects of poor housing conditions on depressive symptoms in persons with disabilities: Do residence type and neighborhood resources matter?

BackgroundPoor housing conditions pose significant risks to the health of persons with disabilities. However, it is not well understood how and for whom the relationship between housing conditions and health is more pronounced. ObjectiveThis study aims to estimate the association between poor housing conditions and psychological health, and to explore whether residential characteristics, such as residence type and proximity to community resources, mitigate these risks for community-dwelling adults with disabilities. MethodsData were obtained from three waves of the Disability and Life Dynamic Panel (n = 5,165), a nationally representative study of individuals with disabilities in Korea. Our sample were limited to those aged 20 or older for the purpose of this study. Individual-level fixed effect analyses were conducted to assess the longitudinal association between poor housing conditions and depressive symptoms, accounting for individual-level heterogeneity. We also tested the moderating effects of the residential characteristics, including residence type and proximity to community resources. ResultsPoor housing conditions, characterized by structural unsafety and inadequate ventilation, lighting, and noise protection, were associated with increased depressive symptoms among adults with disabilities. The negative impact of poor housing conditions on depressive symptoms was less pronounced for those living close to community services or in apartment complexes where housing conditions are professionally managed. ConclusionsThe study indicates that the quality of housing and neighborhood environments affects the psychological health of adults with disabilities. These findings support for the need for place-based interventions aimed at improving the residential environments of community-dwelling adults with disabilities.

Housing Adaptations and Long-Term Care Facility Admissions among Older Adults with Care Needs in Japan

ObjectivesHousing adaptations may contribute to aging in place for older adults with care needs by reducing the risk of long-term care facility (LTCF) admissions, but this association remains unclear. We examined the association between housing adaptations and LTCF admissions among older adults with care needs. DesignRetrospective cohort study using data from a Japanese municipality. Setting/ParticipantsAdults aged ≥65 years who were newly certified with care needs under the public long-term care insurance system between April 2014 and March 2016. MethodsThe study exposure was the implementation of insurance-covered housing adaptations (maximum covered cost: ¥200,000) during the 2 years after certification. Based on this exposure, participants were assigned to a non-implementation group (no housing adaptations), sub-maximum cost group (housing adaptations below the maximum cost), or maximum cost group (housing adaptations at the maximum cost). A Fine-Gray subdistribution hazards model was used to analyze the associations between the exposure groups and new LTCF admissions after adjusting for various risk factors. Death was regarded as a competing risk, and participants were followed until March 2022. ResultsAmong 4610 participants, 1261 (27.3%) had implemented housing adaptations. Among these, 943 (74.8%) were in the sub-maximum cost group and 318 (25.2%) were in the maximum cost group. During the follow-up period (median: 51 months), the incidence of LTCF admission was 3.9/1000 person-months in the non-implementation group, 3.8/1000 person-months in the sub-maximum cost group, and 2.8/1000 person-months in the maximum cost group. The adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio of LTCF admission (reference: non-implementation) was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.75–1.08) for the sub-maximum cost group and 0.67 (0.49–0.93) for the maximum cost group. Conclusions and ImplicationsHousing adaptations can support aging in place for older adults with care needs. Health care professionals and policymakers should consider the suitability of housing environments to reduce the risk of institutionalization.

Main contents and revision direction of the Urban Complex Development Act

The Act on Support for Urban Complex Development was enacted and promulgated on February 6, 2024. It is scheduled to take effect on February 7, 2025. This new law encourages private project implementers to actively participate in urban complex development, unlike the urban public housing complex project (under the public housing special law) that was introduced in accordance with the government’s plan to drastically expand the supply of 3080+ publicly led metropolitan housing announced on February 4, 2021. The urban public housing complex project is a system designed to establish a new business model for station areas, semi-industrial areas, and low-rise residential areas that are underutilized and aging because of difficulties with redevelopment and reconstruction projects. Public institutions have become project implementers instead of existing cooperative-centered redevelopment and reconstruction projects. The urban public housing complex project is a development project that utilizes comprehensive acquisition (including land expropriation) to quickly promote the project and supply new buildings in the form of compensation in kind if the landowner so desires. However, the complex development project introduced in the Act on Support for Urban Complex Development differs significantly from the plan described above in that the private sector, including landowners, trustees, and real estate investment trusts (REITs), become the main project implementers, promoting the project by utilizing management, disposal plans, and sales claims. In this article, I examine the concept and characteristics of complex development projects, procedures, and special provisions for these projects and identify problems and revision directions for relevant laws. Since complex development projects utilize management, disposal plans, and sales claims as business methodsand the project target is an urban area with a high concentration of old and substandardbuildings, I describe such projects by comparing them with the provisions of the Urban and Housing Environment Improvement Act, which regulates redevelopment and reconstruction projects. Finally, I suggest that necessary actions to smoothly implement complex development projects include securing differentiation from other development projects, supplementing specific provisions on REITs as the newly introduced project implementers, and improving the sales claim system and consent rate centered on land area.

Understanding the relationship between perceived accessibility, housing and transport equity of different types of residents: A structural equation modelling approach

This study uses structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse the relationship between perceived accessibility, housing and transport equity and their influencing factors in Nanjing, China. It aims to address the current shortfall in studies to compare differences in perceived (rather than objective) measures of accessibility using a transport equity lens. A comparison sample of 664 affordable housing residents and 828 commercial housing residents living in different locations across the city was collected through an online survey. The research shows that affordable housing residents are in a more disadvantaged position than commercial housing residents based on their perceived accessibility, housing and transport equity evaluation results are all worse than those of commercial housing residents. Therefore, two SEM models were constructed to understand the underlying factors driving these perceptions. The results show that both housing location and transport provision significantly affect perceived accessibility, housing and transport equity. Improving people’s transport affordability is the most effective way to improve perceived accessibility, and transport equity for both groups, however, improving the housing environment is more critical for affordable housing residents, while improving housing affordability is more important for commercial housing residents.

Advances and Challenges in Pest Management for Protected Cultivation in India: Integrative Approaches and Future Prospects

Poly house farming in India has transformed agriculture by enabling year-round crop production and protecting crops from adverse weather. However, the controlled environment of poly houses represents unique challenges in pest management, making it crucial to implement effective strategies to maintain crop health and yield. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) offers a comprehensive approach that combines cultural, biological and chemical practices to control pests while minimizing environmental impact. The advantages of protected cultivation include increased productivity, improved produce quality and efficient resource utilization. Despite these benefits, poly house farming faces limitations such as high initial costs, the need for meticulous planning and ongoing crop protection requirements. Pest identification is vital for effective management, as misidentification can lead to inappropriate control measures. Common pests in poly houses include insects, slugs, mites, nematodes, pathogens and weeds. Pest monitoring strategies such as scouting, using monitoring tools and record-keeping are essential for timely and effective management interventions. Management strategies encompass physical, biological and chemical methods. Physical approaches include the use of sticky and pheromone traps, while biological control involves the release of natural predators and entomopathogens. Chemical management involves both biorational pesticides and conventional chemicals, with IPM emphasizing the integration of these methods to reduce reliance on harmful chemicals. Preventive measures like insect-proof screens and soil solarization, along with curative measures and advanced technologies like video camera networks and decision support systems, are pivotal for effective pest control. Future prospects include improving technology standards, enhancing computerized control systems, and fostering research and government support to advance protected cultivation in India.

Exploring the Connection between Social Housing and Employment: A Scoping Review.

Adequate housing is a social determinant of health and well-being, providing stability from which people can engage in important life activities, including self-care and productivity. Social housing is a system-level intervention that aims to provide affordable housing to people vulnerable to experiencing social and economic marginalisation. Given the importance of employment to social-economic status and overall health and well-being, we sought to better understand the available knowledge and research related to employment and living in a social housing environment. We used scoping review methodology to explore peer-reviewed research published between 2012-2022 regarding social housing and employment, identifying 29 relevant articles. Using the Psychology of Working Theory and neighbourhood effects as interpretive theoretical frameworks, we analysed the extracted data. Overall, the results affirmed that social housing residents have low employment rates conceptualised as related to the complex interplay of a range of personal and environmental factors. Most published literature was quantitative and originated from the United States. Policy and research implications are discussed, including the need for more multifaceted, person-centred interventions that support employment and ultimately promote health and quality of life for social housing residents.

Susceptibility of Synanthropic Rodents (Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus) to H5N1 Subtype High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses.

Synanthropic wild rodents associated with agricultural operations may represent a risk path for transmission of high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) from wild birds to poultry birds. However, their susceptibility to HPAIVs remains unclear. In the present study, house mice (Mus musculus), brown rats (Rattus norvegicus), and black rats (Rattus rattus) were experimentally exposed to H5N1 subtype HPAIVs to evaluate their vulnerability to infection. After intranasal inoculation with HA clade 2.2 and 2.3.2.1 H5N1 subtype HPAIVs, wild rodents did not show any clinical signs and survived for 10- and 12-day observation periods. Viruses were isolated from oral swabs for several days after inoculation, while little or no virus was detected in their feces or rectal swabs. In euthanized animals at 3 days post-inoculation, HPAIVs were primarily detected in respiratory tract tissues such as the nasal turbinates, trachea, and lungs. Serum HI antibodies were detected in HA clade 2.2 HPAIV-inoculated rodents. These results strongly suggest that synanthropic wild rodents are susceptible to infection of avian-origin H5N1 subtype HPAIVs and contribute to the virus ecosystem as replication-competent hosts. Detection of infectious viruses in oral swabs indicates that wild rodents exposed to HPAIVs could contaminate food, water, and the environment in poultry houses and play roles in the introduction and spread of HPAIVs in farms.

Long-term effects of pre-weaning social housing on response to a social and housing transition in pregnant heifers

Dairy cattle are routinely managed in social groups and subject to various management and social transitions, yet conventional approaches to rearing dairy calves limit social experience during early weeks of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term effects of dairy calf social housing, with calves housed individually or in pairs, on long-term behavioral responses observed in pregnant heifers following social regrouping and introduction to a novel housing environment. Holstein heifers were raised during the milk-feeding period (provided 8 L/d milk replacer) in either individual pens (n = 20 heifers) or paired pens (n = 20 pens; 1 focal heifer/pen) and subsequently identically managed in groups on pasture from 9 weeks of age. At 30 d before expected calving, pregnant heifers were moved from pasture to a free stall barn, which represented introduction to a novel social group and an unfamiliar housing environment. Behavior was continuously recorded from video for 24 h, beginning at 0000 h on the day after introduction, to characterize feeding behavior, locomotor activity, and stall usage, as well as social proximity and competitive behavior surrounding the feed bunk and stall. Stocking density of the free stall barn fluctuated and was categorized as low (≤75%, 100 × animals in pen/available stalls), medium (>75%, 100%), or high (≥100%). Body weights obtained following calving indicated that previously PH heifers were heavier (632.3 vs. 593.4 kg; PH vs. IH), and body weight was included as a covariate in analysis of feeding behavior. Upon introduction to the free stall pen, previously PH heifers spent more time walking (1.9 vs. 1.3 min/h) with no effect of calf social housing on duration of lying time. However, stall use was subject to an interaction between previous housing treatment and stocking density and differed overall between previous housing treatments; previously PH heifers spent less time in the stall, particularly at high stocking density (29.4 vs. 48 min/h), due to shorter (29.6 vs. 95.7 min/visit) but marginally more frequent stall visits. Previously pair-housed heifers were also less likely to be displaced from a stall (44 vs. 85% of heifers replaced; PH vs. IH). Feeding behavior was similarly influenced by previous housing treatment particularly at high stocking density, with previously PH heifers spending more time feeding (8.2 vs. 4.2 min/h) and visiting the feed bunk more frequently (1.5 vs. 0.8 visits/h). These results suggest that preweaning social housing had long-term effects on behavior and ability to adapt to a novel environment which became most apparent under heightened competitive pressure.