Search Results (1,521)

Zoological environments aim to promote natural behaviours and optimal welfare conditions. Over the past decade, research on the use of artificial ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure has improved vitamin D₃ levels and reduced incidences of metabolic bone disease in diurnal primates; however, this has not been investigated in nocturnals. Aye-ayes (Daubentonia madagascariensis), nocturnal lemurs often housed indoors in zoos with little to no exposure to natural sunlight, have been reported to have low vitamin D₃ levels. This study aims to investigate the impacts of artificial UV-B as a supplemental healthcare strategy for aye-ayes, examining its influences on vitamin D₃ levels and positional sleeping behaviour. The 25-hydroxy-vitamin D₃ (25OHD₃) blood levels were tested before and after exposure to different levels of artificial UV-B and heat sources. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between UV-B and 25OHD₃ at group parameter levels. However, one individual showed a positive correlation. Sleeping position duration analysis showed a potential basking behaviour with the use of increased ear exposure and other thermoregulatory responses. Despite representing 8.06% of the European captive aye-aye population, these findings highlight the need for further research on vitamin D₃ parameters and responses to UV-B to optimise captive conditions and support the species’ long-term health. Full article

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline health measurements among transitional housing residents (n = 29) participating in an 8-week pilot wellness intervention. Methods: Researchers measured anthropometrics, body composition, muscular strength, cardiovascular indicators, physical activity, diet quality, and health-related perceptions. Researchers analyzed data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Results: Most participants were male, White, and food insecure. Mean BMI (31.8 ± 8.6 kg/m²), waist-to-hip ratio (1.0 ± 0.1 males, 0.9 ± 0.1 females), body fat percentage (25.8 ± 6.1% males, 40.5 ± 9.4% females), blood pressure (131.8 ± 17.9/85.2 ± 13.3 mmHg), and daily step counts exceeded recommended levels. Absolute grip strength (77.1 ± 19.4 kg males, 53.0 ± 15.7 kg females) and perceived general health were below reference standards. The Healthy Eating Index-2020 score (39.7/100) indicated low diet quality. Common barriers to healthy eating were financial constraints (29.6%) and limited cooking/storage facilities (29.6%), as well as to exercise, physical impediments (14.8%). Conclusions: Residents living in transitional housing have less favorable body composition, diet, and grip strength measures, putting them at risk for negative health outcomes. Wellness interventions aimed at promoting improved health-related outcomes while addressing common barriers to proper diet and exercise among transitional housing residents are warranted. Full article

Globally, technologically integrated housing solutions are increasingly relevant in addressing the challenges of aging populations and sustainable urban development. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigates how perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and attitudes influence relocation intention to smart retirement villages (SRVs), while also examining any significant differences between the socio-demographic variables and such intention. A total of 305 individuals aged 55 and above participated in an online survey, with data analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27 and AMOS-SEM version 25. The findings reveal that elderly individuals of Chinese ethnicity, those who are married, and those aged between 66 and 70 are more inclined to relocate to SRVs. Attitude and perceived usefulness significantly predict relocation intention, while perceived ease of use exerts an indirect effect through usefulness. These results highlight the importance of integrating user-centered technological design with socio-cultural and demographic considerations in the development of age-friendly built environments. The study offers insights for urban planners, policymakers, and developers seeking to create inclusive and sustainable smart housing solutions for aging populations. Full article

To solve the present housing crisis, the Support for Access to Housing Program, in the context of PRR, mainly focuses on social housing to be built or on housing of social interest to be regenerated. To approach this problem, a research question was raised: “What is the significance of the existing cooperative housing in solving the current housing crisis?” To analyze this issue, a multiple case study was adopted, comparing a collective dwelling of cooperative promotion at controlled costs in Caselas (1980s–1990s) with Expo Urbe (2000–2007) in Parque das Nações, a symbol of the new sustainable cooperative housing, which targets a population with a higher standard of living and thus is excluded from the PRR plan. These cases revealed the discrepancy created by the Cooperative Code of 1998 and its consequences for the urban regeneration of this heritage. They show that Caselas, built in a residential urban neighborhood, is strongly attached to a community, provides good social inclusion for vulnerable groups at more affordable prices, and it is eligible for urban regeneration and reuse (for renting or buying). However, the reuse of Caselcoop’s edifices cannot compromise their cultural and residential values or threaten the individual integrity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Typically, studies aiming to assess the ability of canine parvovirus (CPV) vaccines to immunise puppies with maternally derived antibody (MDA) are undertaken using group-housed puppies. Since live attenuated vaccine virus is invariably shed in the faeces, this can result in repeated oral re-exposure and puppies which failed to respond to the initial vaccination may respond instead to shed vaccine virus in the environment, thus artificially enhancing the efficacy of the vaccine. This problem can be avoided by adopting a pair-housed study design where one vaccinated pup is housed with one unvaccinated sentinel. Using this design, we examine the capability of four commercially available canine parvovirus vaccines to immunise MDA-positive pups. Methods: Thirty-four 6-week-old puppies born to vaccinated dams were divided into four vaccine groups with similar MDA ranges. Within each group puppies were paired based on matching MDA titres, and each pair was housed in separate biocontainment accommodation. In each pair, the pup with the highest MDA was vaccinated and the other left as an unvaccinated sentinel. All vaccinates were given a single dose of one of the vaccines. Vaccinates and sentinels were then bled every 2–4 days and CPV antibody was measured. Daily rectal swabs were also collected from all pups to identify any shed vaccinal CPV. Results: All the pups vaccinated with Nobivac DP PLUS seroconverted, with significantly higher antibody titres compared to the pups in other vaccine groups, all shed vaccine virus, and all bar one of the sentinel pups seroconverted. In the other groups, only vaccinated pups with lower levels of MDA seroconverted and shed vaccine virus but none of the sentinel pups seroconverted. Conclusions: Different canine parvovirus vaccines differ in their ability to replicate in and immunise puppies with MDA, the levels of which may vary widely between individuals. The shedding of vaccinal CPV is an important consideration when designing studies to demonstrate efficacy in MDA-positive puppies. Full article

The impact of cultural identity on music performance anxiety (MPA) is under-researched. This retrospective case study explores the treatment of a professional musician in her 30s who presented with MPA associated with performing music related to her estranged father’s cultural background. The case formulation identified attachment ruptures and negative cognitions associated with her mixed cultural heritage that contributed to an experience of imposterism—referred to in lay literature as ‘racial imposter syndrome’ (RIS). It was hypothesized that RIS served to perpetuate her MPA. An attachment-based approach and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy framework was adopted, drawing on evidence-based treatment for MPA and mixed heritage individuals. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and Session Rating Scale (SRS) were used as outcome measures. These measures fluctuated throughout the therapy. While improvements were observed in depression scores midway through treatment, elevated stress and depression scores at the conclusion of treatment were understood to reflect situational factors related to financial and housing precarity. Nonetheless, at the conclusion of treatment, the client showed improvement in managing MPA, evidenced by her progress in recording an album and reengagement with public performances. This case study adds to the limited research on treating MPA in racially minoritized and mixed-race individuals, Further research is required across larger and more diverse samples to better understand the relationship between MPA and RIS and to develop effective interventions. Full article

To evaluate the response of broiler breeder hens submitted to different amino acid intakes of methionine+cystine, lysine, and threonine, and to determine the coefficients for egg output and body weight for maintenance. Three studies were performed using 160 broiler breeder hens housed individually in metabolic cages. A summit diet and a nitrogen-free diet were formulated. The levels ranged from 1.79 to 7.13, 2.49 to 8.3, and 2.04 to 6.79 g/kg of methionine+cystine, lysine, and threonine, respectively. The variables measured were feed intake, amino acid intake, rate of lay, egg weight, and egg output. The broken line model was used to evaluate the responses. It was verified that higher values of the rate of lay, egg weight, and egg output were observed for the higher concentrations of amino acids studied. A significant difference was observed for the variables rate of lay, egg weight, egg output, and body weight (p < 0.05) for the three amino acids evaluated. The amount of each amino acid required to produce one gram per egg was estimated at 12.4 mg, 14.5 mg, and 11.2 mg for methionine+cystine, lysine, and threonine, respectively. The values estimated by coefficient b that represent the amino acid for maintenance requirement were methionine+cystine, lysine, and threonine of 30.2, 32.2, and 42.4 mg/kg BW, respectively. The coefficients may be used to design additional models to study requirements nutrition in broiler breeders, allowing a better understanding of how these birds respond to different dietary amino acids. Full article

Population aging poses significant challenges to the sustainability of pension systems. This study presents an integrated methodological approach that uniquely combines actuarial life-cycle modeling with agent-based simulation to assess the potential of Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a dual lever for enhancing retiree welfare and supporting pension system resilience under demographic and financial uncertainty. We explore Reverse Mortgage Loans (RMLs) as a potential financial instrument to support retirees while alleviating pressure on public pensions. Unlike prior research that treats individual decisions or policy outcomes in isolation, our hybrid model explicitly captures feedback loops between household-level behavior and system-wide financial stability. To test our hypothesis that RMLs can improve individual consumption outcomes and bolster systemic solvency, we develop a hybrid model combining actuarial techniques and agent-based simulations, incorporating stochastic housing prices, longevity risk, regulatory capital requirements, and demographic shifts. This dual-framework enables a structured investigation of how micro-level financial decisions propagate through market dynamics, influencing solvency, pricing, and adoption trends. Our central hypothesis is that reverse mortgages, when actuarially calibrated and macroprudentially regulated, enhance individual financial well-being while preserving long-run solvency at the system level. Simulation results indicate that RMLs can improve consumption smoothing, raise expected utility for retirees, and contribute to long-term fiscal sustainability. Moreover, we introduce a dynamic regulatory mechanism that adjusts capital buffers based on evolving market and demographic conditions, enhancing system resilience. Our simulation design supports multi-scenario testing of financial robustness and policy outcomes, providing a transparent tool for stress-testing RML adoption at scale. These findings suggest that, when well-regulated, RMLs can serve as a viable supplement to traditional retirement financing. Rather than offering prescriptive guidance, this framework provides insights to policymakers, financial institutions, and regulators seeking to integrate RMLs into broader pension strategies. Full article

Environmental enrichment is essential for promoting species-specific behaviors and enhancing the welfare of zoo-housed animals. This study examined the behavioral responses of two juvenile male binturongs (Arctictis binturong) at the Minnesota Zoo to three enrichment stimuli: lavender oil (olfactory), thawed fish (olfactory and dietary), and hard-boiled egg (olfactory and dietary). Their behaviors were recorded using scan sampling before and after enrichment exposure, focusing on locomotion, foraging, resting, and visitor visibility. Food-based enrichments, particularly the hard-boiled egg, significantly increased foraging behavior, while lavender oil and thawed fish produced minimal behavioral changes. Locomotion and visibility remained stable across the conditions, although a slight increase in resting was observed with lavender oil. No evidence of scent-marking disruption was noted, and individual differences appeared to influence inactivity levels. These findings highlight the potential of biologically relevant, food-based enrichment to stimulate natural behaviors in binturongs and emphasize the importance of species-specific enrichment strategies. Future research should explore a broader range of olfactory cues, assess long-term behavioral responses, and incorporate physiological measures to further evaluate enrichment impacts on binturong welfare. Full article

This study explores the Bonaventurian synthesis of the human being as imago et similitudo Dei, highlighting its anthropological and existential implications. Against the backdrop of contemporary reductionist approaches that fragment the understanding of the human person, Bonaventure offers a holistic vision that integrates intellectual, affective, and volitional dimensions within a Christocentric and Trinitarian framework. Through a systematic analysis of Bonaventure’s primary texts—particularly the Itinerarium mentis in Deum and the Collationes in Hexaëmeron—and supported by critical scholarship, the article argues that human fulfillment transcends the limits of pure rationality and culminates in the unitive act of love with God. The study identifies two central principles of what Lázaro Pulido calls “Christian Socratism”: (1) human life as a journey to the Father’s house, and (2) the configuration of the soul, in wisdom and love, as a dwelling place of God. By situating the moral and spiritual life within the logic of divine attraction, Bonaventure overcomes both Aristotelian intellectualism and postmodern individualism. Ultimately, his thought presents happiness not as self-realization but as conformity with Christ crucified, revealing a path where suffering acquires meaning and the human vocation to love finds its ultimate horizon in the Trinity. Full article

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic disease that remains difficult to treat, even with significant improvements in available medications. While current treatments work well for some, they often do not account for the unique needs of individual patients, leading to less-than-ideal results. Precision medicine offers a new path forward by tailoring treatments to fit each person’s genetic, psychological, and social needs. This review takes a close look at medications for OUD, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, as well as long-acting options that may improve adherence and convenience. Beyond medications, the review highlights the importance of addressing mental health co-morbidities, trauma histories, and social factors like housing or support systems to create personalized care plans. The review also explores how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital health tools, can enhance how care is delivered. By identifying research gaps and challenges in implementing precision medicine into practice, this review emphasizes the potential to transform OUD treatment. A more individualized approach could improve outcomes, reduce relapse, and establish a new standard of care focused on recovery and patient well-being. Full article

Traffic in large cities is increasing due to continuous urbanization, the construction of new housing complexes and the accompanying new street network. The growth of cities creates prerequisites for increasing the intensity of transport, pedestrian, and bicycle flows, especially during peak periods. To improve the conditions in which traffic flows, it is necessary to introduce an effective method for reducing delays that arise at intersections, especially those regulated by traffic light systems. One of the possible approaches to this is to coordinate the operation of traffic light systems. The main thing in this is to determine relatively accurate times for the movement of individual flows, for which adequate traffic models are needed. This article presents a model of the movement of transport flows when starting from the first intersection in a coordinated mode of operation of traffic light systems. This is of particular importance when determining the times of individual signals and, above all, has an impact on the moment for switching on the permitting signal at the next intersection. The presented model aims to provide an opportunity to determine accurate times of passage of vehicles through consecutive intersections that operate in a coordinated mode of traffic light systems. Full article

This study empirically delves into whether residential heating methods significantly affect apartment prices in Uiwang City, a suburban city near the Seoul Metropolitan area, South Korea. Using data from 1256 apartment sales, where both district heating systems (DHSs) and individual heating systems (IHSs) coexist, a hedonic price equation was estimated to analyze the impact of the heating method choices on housing values. Various housing attributes, including physical, locational, and environmental factors, were controlled, and multiple regression models were compared to identify the best-performing specification. The results show that apartments equipped with a DHS are priced, on average, KRW 92 million (USD 72 thousand) higher than those with an IHS. The price difference corresponds to KRW 849 thousand (USD 665) per m² and possesses the statistical significance at the 5% level. Moreover, it is quite meaningful, representing roughly 11.2% of the price of an average apartment. These findings suggest that the use of DHS has a positive effect on apartment prices that reflect consumers’ preferences, beyond its advantages in stable heat supply and energy cost savings. This article provides empirical evidence that DHS can serve as an important urban infrastructure contributing to asset value enhancement. Although this study is based on a specific geographic area and caution must be exercised in generalizing its findings, it reports the interesting finding that residential heating method significantly affects housing prices. Full article

Environmentally modified housing [EMH; windowless, insulated sidewalls and ceiling, thermostatically controlled ventilation fans) versus conventional housing [CVH; cross-ventilated, insulated ceiling, ceiling fans) improved broiler performance in the summer. The objective of this investigation was to determine whether social behaviors differed between two population densities (0.06 m²/chick [HD] or 0.07 m²/chick [LD]) in these houses. We used a randomized block statistical design, involving houses, population densities, observation times, and bird age. Behaviors were observed weekly, during the morning and the afternoon. Individual observers focused on the group of broilers in one of three defined 26.76 m² areas in each of the four pens in each house. Aggressive encounters, tail and back pecking, feather eating, thermoregulatory, preening, and flock mobility were recorded. Feather pecking, eating and aggressive encounters were expressed at greater rates in HD birds in CVH. A salt-deficient diet caused increased feather pecking and aggressive encounters, which decreased after correction of the mistake. Increased heat indices (HIs), HD, and greater light intensity in CVH influenced behaviors and mortality more severely than in EMH. In CVH and EMH, burrowing/thermoregulatory/resting activity increased with increasing HIs. Afternoon preening was elevated significantly in EMH. It was concluded that broilers reared in EMH were more comfortable and experienced improved welfare compared to those reared in CVH. Full article

Background/Objectives: Among the paranasal sinuses, the maxillary antrum holds unique clinical relevance due to its proximity to the alveolar process of the maxilla, which houses the teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the position of the root apices of the maxillary canines and posterior teeth relative to the maxillary sinus floor in Romanian subjects. Methods: Data for the study were retrospectively obtained from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. The evaluation considered the pattern of proximity to the sinus floor for each tooth type, comparisons of the sinus relationships of teeth within the same dental hemiarch, as well as those of homologous teeth, and variation in root-to-sinus distance in relation to sex and age. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis, and multiple comparisons were performed using Bonferroni post hoc correction. Results: The study included 70 individuals aged 20 to 60 years. The distance to the sinus floor decreased progressively from the first premolar to the second molar, with median values of 3.68 mm (first premolar), 1.45 mm (second premolar), 0.50 mm (first molar), and 0.34 mm (second molar) (p < 0.01). Stronger correlations were observed between adjacent teeth than between non-adjacent ones. The distances to the sinus floor were greater on the right side compared to the left; however, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05 for all teeth). Concordance between left and right dental hemiarches regarding the closest tooth to the sinus floor was found in 70% of cases (n = 49), most frequently involving the second molars (n = 38; 54.3%). On average, the distance from the sinus floor was smaller in males compared to females, with statistically significant differences observed only for the second molar. Increased age was associated with a greater distance to the sinus floor. Conclusions: Of all the teeth investigated, the second molar showed the highest combined prevalence of penetrating and tangential relationships with the maxillary sinus. At the dental hemiarch level, the second molar was most frequently the closest tooth to the sinus floor, and in the majority of cases, at least one posterior tooth was located within 0.3 mm. Accurate preoperative assessment of tooth position relative to the sinus floor is essential when performing non-surgical or surgical root canal therapy and extractions of maxillary molars and premolars. CBCT provides essential three-dimensional imaging that improves diagnostic precision and supports safer treatment planning for procedures involving the posterior maxilla. Full article