Housing Conditions Research Articles

The Right to Adequate Housing and Minorities

Abstract This paper discusses the role of the right to (culturally) adequate housing in the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (fcnm) and its monitoring process conducted by the Advisory Committee on the fcnm. The research aims to reveal potential systemic failings concerning the housing of minorities across Europe by identifying common threads related to housing in the most recent Opinions and Government Comments. The paper begins by highlighting the importance of adequate housing conditions that fulfil an individual’s needs and interests, particularly for members of minorities who face uncertainty and discrimination in their journey towards adequate housing. Various international human rights treaties obligate states to respect, protect, and fulfil the right to culturally adequate housing, which plays a pivotal role in preserving their culture and traditional way of life. However, the role of the fcnm in protecting minorities’ housing rights has been understudied, and the discussion is merely ancillary. Thus, this paper aims to fill the knowledge gap by analysing all Opinions and Government Comments for each state’s two most recently completed Reporting Cycles systematically. The paper concludes that the fcnm has a significant role to play in protecting minorities’ housing rights, and more attention should be given to this aspect in the monitoring process conducted by the Advisory Committee on the fcnm. The findings of this research could help improve the protection of minorities’ housing rights across Europe and contribute to the overall goal of promoting social inclusion and equality for all.

Effect of Feeding Environmental Enrichment on Lesser Anteaters’ Behavior, Space Use and Food Selectivity

ABSTRACT Studying behavioral response to management and housing conditions provides specific evidence to enhance animal welfare. Feeding environmental enrichment (FEE) is a powerful strategy to meet welfare challenges. Lesser anteaters’ (Tamandua tetradactyla; n = 7) response to FEE was assessed by analyzing behavior and space use through focal sampling every 5 minutes/24 hours using cameras. Study 1 (S1): space use of enclosure zones (shelter = SZ, climbing structures = CSZ and ground = GZ) was characterized without FEE during 5 days using the modified Spread of Participation index (SPI). Study 2 (S2) used an ABA experimental design during 18 days (A=pre- and post-enrichment and B = enrichment). The FEE was applied in CSZ, the least utilized zone revealed in S1. S1: The lesser anteaters utilized the zones differently (modified SPI = 0.74 ± 0.02), and stayed mostly in the GZ. S2: An increment in feeding during FEE was detected, but it did not modify total activity, most natural behavior, repetitive locomotion or space use. The electivity index indicated that the routine diet was over-utilized and enrichment items were under-utilized. The provision of enrichment items created new foraging opportunities, improving the behavioral domain of animal welfare.

Effects of Feeding Methionine Hydroxyl Analogue Chelated Zinc, Copper, and Manganese on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Mineral Excretion, and Welfare Conditions of Broiler Chickens: Part 2: Sustainability and Welfare Aspects

This study investigated the effects of the dietary supplementation of mineral methionine hydroxyl analogue chelates (MMHACs) zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) on excreta nitrogen and mineral levels, housing conditions, and the welfare status of broilers. Three-hundred eighty-four day-old Ross 308 male chicks were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each consisting of eight replicate pens of twelve birds per pen. The treatments were (1) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO4 (110 ppm), CuSO4 (16 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (ITM); (2) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (10 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M10); (3) inorganic trace mineral ZnSO4 (110 ppm), tribasic copper chloride (125 ppm), and MnO (120 ppm) (T125); and (4) MMHAC Zn (40 ppm), Cu (30 ppm), and Mn (40 ppm) (M30). Three feeding phases including the starter (days 0–10), grower (days 10–21), and finisher (days 21–42) were used. The findings showed that birds offered MMHACs at both levels had significantly lower Zn and Mn levels, and birds offered the T125 diet had higher Cu levels in the excreta compared to those fed the other diets on days 10, 16, 21, 28, and 42 (p < 0.001). The life cycle assessment showed that MMHAC supplementation at 30 ppm can be expected to improve the sustainability of the poultry industry in terms of reduced emissions into the environment, whereas excreta nitrogen and moisture content, litter conditions, levels of air gases (ammonia, carbon dioxide, and methane), and welfare indicators were similar between the dietary treatments. Hence, the supplementation of MMHACs to broiler diets at 30 ppm could maintain litter quality and welfare status while reducing emissions into the environment and the Zn, Mn, and/or Cu excretion of broilers, therefore reducing the environmental impacts of broiler production.

Reactive oxygen species regulate early development of the intestinal macrophage-microbiome interface.

Controlled development of cellular intestinal immunity in the face of dynamic microbiota emergence constitutes a major challenge in very early life, and a bottleneck for sustained growth and well-being. Early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents an extreme disturbance of intestinal immunity. It is a hallmark, and often the first manifestation of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD), caused by inborn defects in the NADPH oxidase NOX2 and thus the failure to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytes. However, in contrast to the known role of ROS in antimicrobial defense, the mechanisms underlying intestinal immunopathology in CGD remain enigmatic. This is partly due to the incomplete recapitulation of the CGD-IBD phenotype in established mouse models. We found that mice deficient in the NOX2 subunits p47phox or gp91phox showed similar baseline disturbances in lamina-propria macrophage differentiation, but they responded differently to chemically-induced colitis. Although p47phox and gp91phox-deficient mice differed markedly in microbiota composition, cross-fostering failed to equalize discrepant IBD phenotypes and microbiota, pointing at extremely early and functionally important microbiota fixation under specific pathogen-free housing conditions. In contrast, neonatal acquisition of a complex wild-mouse-microbiota triggered spontaneous IBD, granuloma formation and secondary sepsis with intestinal pathogens in both NOX2-deficient mouse lines, which was in part dependent on NOX2 in intestinal macrophages. Thus, in experimental CGD, the aberrant development of tissue immunity and the microbiota are closely intertwined immediately after birth.

Effects of X-ray irradiation and housing conditions on mitochondria in Peromyscus maniculatus

Effects of X-ray irradiation and housing conditions on mitochondria in Peromyscus maniculatus

Effects of neighborhood deprivation index on survival in gastric cancers.

336 Background: Previous studies have shown that living in disadvantaged neighborhoods resulted in poor outcomes in several malignancies. Neighborhood Deprivation Index (NDI) identifies key variables from 13 measures, including the following dimensions of socioeconomic (SES) status: wealth and income, education, occupation, and housing conditions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of NDI among patients with gastric cancer (GC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 1996-2015. NDI was divided into two groups: less disadvantaged areas (NDI <60) and highly disadvantaged areas (NDI >60), respectively. Demographic and clinical characteristics were summarized by NDI groups. All associations were compared using Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-Square tests, respectively. Kaplan Meier curves were summarized by the NDI group for overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). All associations were compared using a log-rank test. Cox multivariate regression was performed to measure the association between NDI and OS/DSS. All analyses were conducted in RStudio v4.2.3 at a significance level of ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 19,205 GC (11,137 patients with NDI<60 and 8,068 NDI>60) patients were analyzed. Disadvantaged areas (NDI>60) had a higher proportion of Black and Hispanic, single, uninsured, rural patients with later disease stage as compared to NDI <60. Median OS was 10.0 months for patients with NDI <60 versus 9.0 months for those with NDI >60 (p=0.0007). Median DSS was 12.0 months for NDI <60 and 10.0 months for NDI >60 (p=0.010). Multivariate analysis revealed that factors associated with worse OS included NDI >60 [HR 1.044, p=0.009], age (>60) [HR 1.28, p<0.001], male sex [HR 1.082, p<0.001], single marital status [HR 1.21, p<0.001], uninsured status [HR 1.13], p <0.001], advanced disease stage (III/IV) [HR 2.05, p<0.001], and higher grade [HR 1.32, p<0.001]. On the other hand, non-Hispanic Black [HR 0.98] and Hispanic [HR 0.94] race and urban location [HR 0.91, p<0.001] were associated with improved OS. Factors associated with inferior DSS included NDI >60 [HR 1.037, p=0.038], age (p<0.001), male sex [HR 1.05, p=0.005], single marital status [HR 1.15, p<0.001], advanced disease stage (III/IV) [HR 2.375, p<0.001], and advanced grade (III/IV) [HR 1.40, p<0.001). In contrast, Hispanic [HR 0.94], non-Hispanic Black [0.96], and urban location [HR 0.90, p<0.001] were associated with improved DSS. Conclusions: Patients from areas with higher NDI had worse OS and DSS for GC. Tailored healthcare policies that aim to improve healthcare delivery to areas with high deprivation may help improve GC outcomes.

Health Disparities Among Migrant Workers During COVID-19 in Maldives

Background: Migrant workers in the Maldives, primarily from South Asia, form a significant part of the workforce in sectors such as tourism and construction. Despite their crucial role in the economy, they face systemic health disparities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key issues include limited access to healthcare, overcrowded living conditions, poor mental health support, and social marginalization. This study explores how the pandemic intensified these inequalities and evaluates the effectiveness of public health responses. Methods and Materials: A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating surveys and interviews with migrant workers, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Quantitative data was gathered through structured questionnaires assessing healthcare access, living conditions, and mental health. Qualitative insights were obtained from in-depth interviews with stakeholders, focusing on policy gaps and lived experiences. Secondary data from government and NGO reports further contextualized the findings. Results: Findings indicate that migrant workers encountered significant barriers to healthcare due to language differences, lack of health insurance, and fear of deportation. Overcrowded housing conditions facilitated the rapid spread of COVID-19, while mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, were widespread but largely unaddressed. Public health measures, including quarantine and vaccination campaigns, were often inaccessible or inadequately adapted to the needs of migrant workers. Limited policy interventions failed to mitigate these disparities effectively. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and deepened existing health inequalities among migrant workers in the Maldives. Addressing these disparities requires urgent policy reforms, improved healthcare access, and targeted public health interventions. A collaborative approach involving government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders is essential to ensure more equitable health outcomes for migrant workers, both during crises and in long-term healthcare strategies.

Indira Awaas Yojana: Progress, Challenges and Recommendations from Naxalbari Villages of Darjeeling District

This study evaluates the impact of the Indira AwasYojana (IAY) a flagship housing scheme aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions and housing status of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in rural India. Conducted in eight villages—Atal Tea Estate, Merry View Tea Estate, BarajharuJote, Sebdulla Jote, Bijaynagar Tea Estate, Mangal Singh Jote, Birsing, and Pramod Colony situated in the Naxalbari block of Darjeeling district, this descriptive research involved a sample size of 100 beneficiaries. Data collection encompassed structured surveys focusing on pre- and post-IAY housing conditions, grant disbursement, personal expenditures, and satisfaction levels. Findings reveal that while IAY has significantly contributed to improved housing with many beneficiaries transitioning to semi-pucca or pucca houses, challenges persist in terms of financial adequacy, construction quality, and access to basic amenities such as sanitation and durable materials. The majority of beneficiaries who are predominantly women from Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes live in unitary families with modest landholdings and limited incomes. Despite some progress, gaps remain in fulfilling the objectives of the programme particularly in the areas of sanitation, durable construction, and grant sufficiency. Suggestions include increasing grant amounts, streamlining processes, and ensuring the provision of quality construction materials to enhance the effectiveness and better address the housing needs of marginalized rural households. This study provides valuable insights into the socio-economic dynamics and challenges faced by IAY beneficiaries offering actionable recommendations for improving the implementation and impact of IAY.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae identified as the main aetiological agent of respiratory disease in goats from a case-control study in Savannakhet province of Lao PDR.

Clinical signs of respiratory disease are common in Lao goats. To identify the causative agents involved in this clinical syndrome, a matched case-control study was conducted across 70 smallholder goat holdings in Savannakhet province. Fifty paired nasal swab samples were collected from goats with respiratory signs (cases) and unaffected (control) goats from 27 goat holdings. The majority of cases (84 %) were from goats < 12 months of age. Samples were tested using quantitative PCR assays targeting possible pathogens causing respiratory disease. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, the cause of atypical pneumonia, was prevalent in both case (94 %) and control (76 %) groups and was identified as the principal causative agent based on odds ratio of presence (4.9) and a significantly higher pathogen load in case goats. Prolonged close contact between goats during confinement in often poorly constructed goat houses, likely facilitates transmission and progression from carrier to clinical status under the Lao goat production system. Mannheimia haemolytica was detected in 60 % of case and 52 % of control samples with no significant difference in pathogen load, while Pasteurella multocida was detected in only 2 % of control samples indicating no major role in causation for these pathogens. Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus and bovine parainfluenza 3 virus were not detected in any samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed no genetic variation of M. ovipneumoniae in the study samples and close similarity to recent isolates from China, US and Turkey. Improved housing conditions may be helpful in controlling atypical pneumonia in Lao goats and antibiotic treatment of goats with severe signs of respiratory disease was found to be effective.

Assessing the impact of socioeconomic and environmental factors on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic based on GPS-enabled mobile sensing and survey data.

This study examines the impact of individual socioeconomic factors, living environment factors (e.g., housing conditions), and environmental exposures (e.g., greenspace) on people's mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. We measured the environmental exposures to greenspace, noise and air pollution using GPS tracking and mobile sensing data collected from survey participants, in addition to obtaining socioeconomic and living environment data from them using conventional survey questionnaires. We used an ordinal logistic regression model to determine the socioeconomic and environmental factors that are significantly associated with mental health outcomes. The results show that increased greenspace exposure is associated with a higher likelihood of better mental health outcomes, while both lower income level and home ownership with a mortgage are linked to lower odds of better mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. This research contributes to the existing literature by identifying the specific socioeconomic and environmental factors that significantly affect mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Artificial Screening of Sesame Germplasm against Shoot Webber and Capsule Borer

Ten promising germplasm lines and three checks (VRI 1-Local check; TC-25 Susceptible check; SI-250 Resistance check) of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) exhibiting different genetic and regional diversity were screened against shoot webber and capsule borer (Antigastra catalaunalis Duponchel) under net house condition during rabi season 2019-20 which were already found promising under open field condition at Regional Research Station, Vriddhachalam, Tamil Nadu. Among the entries tested, three entries viz., B-7-11, SI 2116, and GRT-83148 under artificial screening as well as feeding preference study were recorded less than 10 per cent plant damage and were classified as resistant.

P-1307. AI-Optimized Assessment of Vaccination Strategies in Smallpox Reemergence: an LA Case Study

Abstract Background The resilience of Los Angeles (LA) to smallpox was evaluated using a modified Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, Recovered, Hospitalized, Deceased (SEIRHD) model, which simulated its spread via an artificial intelligence (AI) mobility matrix and assessed different vaccination regimens (one dose primary series vs a two dose primary series) for outbreak control. Methods The matrix combined data from travel surveys, transportation authorities, GPS caches, and population density estimates from LA County. Fifteen LA government districts plus a 30-mile radius city limit were considered for differential force of infection and mobility matrix variables. Transmission parameters, derived from a review of 20th-century epidemics, assigned 90% transmission to households and 80% to workplaces. Residual immunity against smallpox was set at 8.8%. Intensive care unit (ICU) capacity within 30 miles of LA city limits was set as 2,500 beds per the California Health and Human Services Open Data Portal. One and two dose ring vaccine regimens initiated at day 7 were assessed in 16 districts and as a dispersed city model to understand zonal resilience in eradication and if contagion exceeded ICU capacity limits via an R-programed scenario. Results The naïve general scenario had an infection peak at day 73, with a hospitalization peak of 5,600,227 (day 80) of a susceptible population of 18,833,640. With a 50% effective one dose vaccine, contagion remained below the ICU threshold in the basic 30-mile radius model. However, in specific districts (1, 6-9, and 13-15), even a 95% effective one dose vaccine couldn’t maintain contagion below the ICU threshold according to the AI-assisted zonal model. Hypothetical one dose primary series vaccination regimens outperformed two dose regimens in both city-wide and zonal scenarios (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Zonal analysis based on housing conditions and mobility revealed that even with the most effective hypothetical one dose vaccine (95% efficacy after 7 days), 7 out of 15 LA district ICU thresholds were exceeded, indicating the importance of geospatial modelling. Conclusion The model highlights the importance of zone-based evaluations in preparedness and the need for high-efficacy single-dose vaccinations in ring vaccination. Disclosures Tristan Learoyd, MPharm MA MSc MBA PhD MRPharmS, Emergent: Employee John E. Pittman, PharmD, Emergent: Employee

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE WELFARE OF RAJUANGAN FISHERMEN IN THE EASTERN COASTAL WATERS OF LAMPUNG PROVINCE

The objective of this study is to identify the factors influencing the welfare of blue swimming crab fishermen in the eastern coastal region of Lampung Province. The study was conducted in three regencies: East Lampung, Central Lampung, and Tulang Bawang, with a sample of 100 blue swimming crab fishermen. Daily fishermen use boats with a capacity of 1-2 GT, while babangan fishermen use boats with a capacity of more than 2 GT. The average catch for daily fishermen ranges from 1.99 to 3.18 kg per trip during the east season and from 9.08 to 10.33 kg per trip during the west season. Babangan fishermen catch an average of 74 kg per trip during the east season and 222 kg per trip during the west season. The factors influencing the welfare of fishermen during the east season are income level (X1), number of family dependents (X4), housing conditions (D1), ease of access to education (D3), and ease of access to transportation (D4). During the west season, the influencing factors are income level (X1), education level (X3), number of family dependents (X4), age of the head of the family (X5), ease of access to healthcare services (D2), and ease of access to education (D3).

Mathematical simulation modeling of an automated system to reduce heat stress and convergence to theoretical values

Relevance. It is known that the productive qualities of animals depend on the genetic component and animal housing conditions. Due to the fact that the microclimate of the room should be perceived as a complex dynamic system, it is necessary to determine a number of factors that have the greatest influence on its relationship with living organisms. In order to create favorable conditions in the premises for keeping cattle, it is necessary to comply with the regulated values from normative documents. The biggest problem at the moment in microclimate regulation is the detrimental effect of heat stress. As a rule, it is caused by uncontrolled temperature increase in the cattle housing. To date, heat stress is combated in several ways: the use of specialized equipment, pharmacological, prevention of harmful effects, genetic. At the same time used methods to reduce the impact of heat stress is still insufficient, in view of which nowadays research is conducted to create new systems.The purpose of the study was to conduct simulation modeling to verify the values obtained from theoretical studies. Computer-aided design and data processing programs such as Compass-3D and Microsoft Office were used.Results. The results of the study allow us to establish that the velocity of the outgoing air flow at the moment of exit from the duct is 1.615 m/s, and the velocity of the air flow when approaching the cattle decreases and reaches 0.450 m/s. These values are lower than the theoretical one by 15% and 10% respectively. The relationship between the results of simulation modeling and theoretical values is direct and has a strong closeness of relationship, convergence is equal to 0.86.

The role of light and vision in farmed ungulates and implications for their welfare

Understanding the impact of light on, and how it is perceived by, farm animals is crucial for the design of appropriate, high-welfare housing and management conditions. By considering the animal’s visual needs and adaptive capabilities, future housing and management can allow them to better express their natural behavior. In the past, animal environments have been designed primarily to optimize production output and adjusted to human needs. This emphasis has changed toward a more animal-based focus. However, especially in farmed ungulates, there is still limited knowledge about the impact of light parameters on their physiology, performance, and behavior. This poses the risk of not appropriately assessing the importance of these abilities when the animals interact with their physical environment. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of research on the impact of light parameters on farmed ungulates and their preferences for light settings in the most common farmed ungulate species: pigs, sheep, goats, cattle and horses. We focus on three specific light parameters: photoperiod, illumination, and color. Secondly, we identify gaps of knowledge and emphasize their implications for animal welfare and potential improvement of current animal husbandry environments. There was considerable variation in the number of studies by species and light parameters. A large focus of studies looked at illumination in pigs and color perception in horses. Research on cattle, sheep and goats, seems to be underrepresented in the literature. From a human perspective, we tend to overestimate the importance of color perception and preference, whereas contrast discrimination in combination with illumination intensity and quality seems to be more relevant for ungulate orientation and interaction with their environment. Aside from the importance of other senses and their interaction with vision, we conclude that illumination and photoperiodicity seem to be most relevant for securing the welfare of farm ungulates. These aspects should therefore be given more consideration in indoor housing improvements. Future research emphasis should be given to preference testing studies, as they provide insights into the animals’ motivation for specific light conditions that may further improve their welfare, but also health and performance.

Effect of Soil Type and Chicken Manure on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) Growth and Yield under Green House Conditions

Effect of Soil Type and Chicken Manure on Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L) Growth and Yield under Green House Conditions

Evaluating a Hearing Loop Implementation for Live Orchestral Music.

Live music creates a sense of connectedness in older adults, which can help alleviate the social isolation frequently associated with hearing loss and aging. However, most hearing-aid (HA) users are dissatisfied with the sound quality of live music and rate sound quality as important to them. Assistive listening systems are frequently independent of a user's HAs and fall short in tailoring to each individual's hearing loss. The present study thus tested whether the use of a hearing loop would improve sound quality during an orchestral concert. Participants with symmetrical moderate-to-severe hearing loss were assigned to use Sonova-provided HAs with a telecoil (n = 20) or their own HAs (n = 8) without a telecoil during a performance by the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. We changed loop input to use one of three feeds every 5 minutes: a mix of microphones from the hall's standard assistive feed on the first balcony (house condition), a mix of microphones located on the stage (stage condition), or no input to the loop (no feed). After each 5-minute interval, we collected sound quality and naturalness ratings for the previous 5 minutes. Sound quality and naturalness ratings were highly related (rRM = 0.81), though each provided unique insight. Repeated measures analysis of variance found significant differences among the loop feed conditions for sound quality and naturalness, with the no feed condition significantly outperforming the house condition on sound quality [t(18) = -3.73, adj. p = 0.005] and naturalness [t(18) = -4.15, adj. p = 0.002]. Mixed effects models allowed us to retain the richness of a repeated observation dataset and provided point estimates of the overall quality and naturalness among conditions; however, assumption violations of normality and homoskedasticity prevented further interpretation. Though HA-integrated assistive listening systems are a promising option for improving live music for people with hearing loss, a hearing loop does not seem to be crucial for orchestral music. Future directions include improving lyric understanding for music with vocals and customizing user experience via Bluetooth Low Energy Audio systems.

Syndemic, mental health and living with dependent persons in Latin America and Spain: a study with a gender perspective

ObjectiveTo analyze the sociostructural determinants associated with mental health problems during the lockdown period among populations residing in Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Spain who lived with minors or dependents, approached from a gender perspective.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in six participating countries via an adapted, self-managed online survey. People living with minors and/or dependents were selected. Multivariate logistic regression models were estimated to assess the associations between sociostructural variables and mental health problems (anxiety (GAD-7) and/or depression (PHQ-9)). The analyses were stratified by sex and country.ResultsOut of a total of 39,006 people, 18,040 reported living with minors and/or dependents (73% women). In all countries, women reported worse mental health, with Spain having a lower prevalence. The risks of mental health problems in women in most countries are associated with poor housing conditions and performing care work. University education was associated with a protective factor. For men, risks were related to being younger, worsening working conditions and concerns about living together at home.ConclusionsWomen in Latin America who lived with dependents had worse outcomes than those in Spain did. It is necessary to develop intersectoral and social determinants strategies to prevent, protect and support the mental health of those who live with dependents and minors.

Study on characters associations and path coefficient analysis for yield and quality traits of parthenocarpic cucumber genotypes in poly-net house conditions

Parthenocarpy in cucumber is a complex trait regulated by various genes and phytohormones. It is an important feature which helps to overcome the problem of poor fruit setting in cucumbers. The present research was conducted to estimate the variability, correlation and path analysis in 15 yield and quality traits using 30 advance breeding parthenocarpic lines including standard check ‘Punjab Kheera 1’. The genetic variability studies reported high estimates of phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation for number of fruits set per node and number of fruits per plant which signified the improvement of these traits with selection. High to moderate heritability and genetic gains were observed for fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, internodal length, vine length, number of female flowers per node, number of fruits set per node, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant, and vitamin C content of fruit. The correlation and path analyses provided a clear picture that there was direct and positive effect of fruit weight, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits set per node, fruit length, vitamin C, flesh to seed cavity ratio, and pistil length on fruit yield per plant.

Housing conditions and the health and wellbeing impacts of climate change: a scoping review.

Housing conditions are emerging as an important consideration in climate change adaptation. Housing modifications have the potential to improve health outcomes by reducing exposure to changing weather conditions and extreme events. This scoping review aimed to explore the existing evidence examining the contribution of housing conditions to the impacts of climate change on health and identify any research gaps. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus and PubMed from January 2013 to September 2023 and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The review included 38 articles consisting of original studies, reviews, and reports, with broad geographical coverage. The most common focus among included articles was on heat-health impacts; housing conditions found to improve heat-health health outcomes included air conditioning, ventilation, and window shading, and there was support for multifaceted housing adaptations rather than single fixes. Ventilation was found to be a priority for improving indoor air quality, while inappropriate insulation and excessive air tightness were found to increase indoor heat and reduce indoor air quality. The scoping review reveals a need for more empirical and qualitative research into indoor heat in homes, climate change hazards other than heat, and intervention studies to inform climate change adaptation policies around housing and improve public health outcomes.