Ecological Conditions Research Articles

Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Driving Mechanisms of Impervious Surfaces along the Jiaozhou Bay (China) Coast over the Past Four Decades

Impervious surfaces serve as critical indicators for monitoring urbanization processes and assessing urban ecological conditions. The precise extraction and analysis of the spatiotemporal variations in impervious surfaces are essential for informing urban planning strategies. The unique location advantage of Jiaozhou Bay makes it an important urban gathering area. Based on Landsat remote sensing image data, the extraction effect and accuracy of urban built-up area index, biophysical index, and random forest classification were compared and analyzed. Then, the optimal random forest method was used to extract impervious water information from 8 Landsat satellite images of the coastal area of Jiaozhou Bay from 1986 to 2022. Over the past four decades, the impervious surface area in the Jiaozhou Bay coastal region has expanded dramatically from 71.53 km2 in 1986 to 1049.16 km2 in 2022, with the most significant increase, nearly doubling, occurring between 2011 and 2017. Spatially, the distribution of impervious surfaces has expanded progressively from coastal to inland areas and from central to peripheral zones, particularly toward the southwest in Huangdao District and Jiaozhou City. The distribution of impervious surfaces in the Jiaozhou Bay coastal area is primarily confined to flat and gently sloping nearshore regions due to natural constraints like terrain slope. Concurrently, policy initiatives, along with population and economic growth, have catalyzed the rapid expansion of these surfaces. These insights are invaluable for comprehending the urban spatiotemporal dynamics and patterns along the Jiaozhou Bay coast and offer fresh perspectives for research into urban transformations and the sustainable development of ecological environments in other coastal regions.

Illusory light drives pupil responses in primates.

In humans, the eye pupils respond to both physical light sensed by the retina and mental representations of light produced by the brain. Notably, our pupils constrict when a visual stimulus is illusorily perceived brighter, even if retinal illumination is constant. However, it remains unclear whether such perceptual penetrability of pupil responses is an epiphenomenon unique to humans or whether it represents an adaptive mechanism shared with other animals to anticipate variations in retinal illumination between successive eye fixations. To address this issue, we measured the pupil responses of both humans and macaque monkeys exposed to three chromatic versions (cyan, magenta, and yellow) of the Asahi brightness illusion. We found that the stimuli illusorily perceived brighter or darker trigger differential pupil responses that are very similar in macaques and human participants. Additionally, we show that this phenomenon exhibits an analogous cyan bias in both primate species. Beyond evincing the macaque monkey as a relevant model to study the perceptual penetrability of pupil responses, our results suggest that this phenomenon is tuned to ecological conditions because the exposure to a "bright cyan-bluish sky" may be associated with increased risks of dazzle and retinal damages.

Litterfall Carbon and Nitrogen Content of Beech Forests in Serbia

This study aimed to analyze the N storage capacity of litterfall and its impact on C mineralization in beech forests. The research was conducted at 15 sample plots under European beech stands located in different ecological conditions on the territory of Serbia. More than half (53%) of the sample plots are characterized by low and very low litterfall N content (<8 g·kg−1; 9–12 g·kg−1), and a wide C/N ratio, which indicates a slow decomposition of the organic soil layer. These results could be useful indicators of the capacity and dynamics of litterfall N storage and its impact on C mineralization in the context of preserving biodiversity, stability, and longevity of beech forests in Serbia.

Wolbachia impacts microbiome diversity and fitness-associated traits for Drosophila melanogaster in a seasonally fluctuating environment.

The microbiome contributes to many different host traits, but its role in host adaptation remains enigmatic. The fitness benefits of the microbiome often depend on ecological conditions, but theory suggests that fluctuations in both the microbiome and environment modulate these fitness benefits. Moreover, vertically transmitted bacteria might constrain the ability of both the microbiome and host to respond to changing environments. Drosophila melanogaster provides an excellent system to investigate the impacts of interactions between the microbiome and the environment. To address this question, we created field mesocosms of D. melanogaster undergoing seasonal environmental change with and without the vertically transmitted bacteria, Wolbachia pipientis. Sampling temporal patterns in the microbiome revealed that Wolbachia constrained microbial diversity. Furthermore, Wolbachia and a dominant member of the microbiome, Commensalibacter, were associated with differences in two higher-order fitness traits, starvation resistance and lifespan. Our work here suggests that the interplay between the abiotic context and microbe-microbe interactions may shape key host phenotypes that underlie adaptation to changing environments. We conclude by exploring the consequences of complex interactions between Wolbachia and the microbiome for our understanding of eco-evolutionary processes that shape host-microbiome interactions.

Public perception vs ecological quality status: Examining the ecological restoration of the Congost River's Environment

This study examines the public's perceptions of the ecological restoration of the Congost River over the past thirty years, focusing on the period between 2010 and 2022. We conducted a survey of 112 river users across five key zones identified through a pilot study for their high pedestrian density, aiming to analyse how different sociodemographic groups perceive the river's ecological state. A structured questionnaire was distributed along both sides of the river to engage a diverse range of individuals typically utilizing the river environment. The collected data were analysed using regression models and Mann-Whitney U tests to assess differences between groups, with Bonferroni adjustments applied to control for multiple comparisons.The results reveal a broad increase in appreciation for the river since 2010, alongside measurable ecological improvements supported by scientific data. Despite these positive changes, a majority of surveyed users remain sceptical about the river's recovery, with less pronounced scepticism among older respondents, those with higher education, and environmental volunteers. These groups' perceptions align more closely with empirical evidence, highlighting the influence of sociodemographic factors on environmental awareness.Individuals living closer to natural settings and frequent river visitors were found to be more attuned to changes in the river's environment, particularly in aesthetic and sensory aspects. The study underscores the persistence of a perceptual gap between scientific assessments of ecological health and public sentiment, emphasizing the complex relationship between community perceptions and objective environmental indicators. These insights underline the complex relationship between community perceptions and objective environmental indicators, reflecting a broader trend in environmental awareness and the importance of factual communication in ecological issues.

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus (Latham, 1790): a review on ecology, behavior, conservation and management

The specific epithet melanocephalus is derived from Greek words meaning "black" (melas) and "head" (kephalē), referring to the distinctive black plumage on the head and neck of the Black-headed Ibis. The Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) stands as a captivating symbol of avian grace amidst wetland habitats across Asia. With its distinctive black head contrasting against a white body, this elegant bird captivates both ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. In this review, we delve into the ecology, behavior, and conservation status of the Black-headed Ibis, shedding light on its significance in the avian world. It is a striking bird species belonging to the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. Known for its distinctive appearance and graceful appearance, this bird captivates observers across its range in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Threskiornis melanocephalus is commonly found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Middle East, where it inhabits freshwater marshes, flooded grasslands, and shallow lakes. While not globally threatened, this species faces localized threats such as habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to safeguard its populations and their wetland habitats.1

Palaeoenvironmental implications of a turritelline-dominated assemblage from Upper Cretaceous carbonate rocks of Narmada Basin, India

Turritelline-dominated assemblages (TDAs) occur in modern siliciclastic seas within shallow depths, under normal to below normal salinity, high nutrient flux, high ocean upwelling current and/or runoff and cool water conditions. Similar assemblages in carbonate sediments are rare in modern oceans. However, TDA in carbonate rocks are common during the Cretaceous. In this study, we report the presence of a TDA in the late Turonian Nodular Limestone Formation of the Bagh Group, Narmada Basin, central India. An unusually small species of Turritella, T. bardhani Halder, n. sp., is described from the TDA. The TDA, in terms of host rock microfacies and taphonomy, indicates shallow water to intertidal, low to moderate energy, eutrophic to mesotrophic conditions, that prevailed in restricted lagoonal to marginal lagoonal, back-reef environments. The turritellines, based on trace elements and Rare Earth Elements concentration, thrived under dysoxic conditions and experienced above-normal marine salinities. The preferences of modern TDAs do not fully represent such past ecological and lithological conditions, indicating an example of a non-uniformitarian shift in habitat.

Assessing the potential for gas supersaturation downstream of hydropower plants in Norway, Austria and Germany

Hydroelectric power facilities can generate episodic total dissolved gas supersaturation (TDGS), which is harmful to aquatic life. We developed a decision tree-based risk assessment to identify the potential for TDGS at hydropower plants and conducted validation measurements at selected facilities. Applying the risk model to Norway's hydropower plants (n = 1696) identified 473 (28 %) high-risk plants characterized by secondary intakes and Francis or Kaplan turbines, which are prone to generating TDGS when air is entrained. More than half of them discharge directly to rivers (283, 17 % of total). Measurements of 11 high-risk plants showed that 8 of them exhibited biologically relevant TDGS (120 % to 229 %). In Austria and Germany, the analysis of hydropower plants was limited due to significant data constraints. Out of 153 hydropower plants in Austria, 80 % were categorized at moderate risk for TDGS. Two Austrian plants were monitored, revealing instances of TDGS in both (up to 125 %). In Germany, out of 403 hydropower plants, 265 (66 %) fell into the moderate risk, with none in the high-risk category. At a dam in the Rhine, TDGS up to 118 % were observed. Given the uncertainty due to limited data access and the prevalence of run-of-river plants in Austria and Germany, there remains an unclarified risk of TDGS generation in these countries, especially at spillways of dams and below aerated turbines.The results indicate a previously overlooked potential for the generation of biologically harmful TDGS at hydropower installations. It is recommended to systematically screen for TDGS at hydropower installations through risk assessment, monitoring, and, where needed, the implementation of mitigation measures. This is increasingly critical considering the expanding global initiatives in hydropower and efforts to maintain the ecological status of freshwater ecosystems.

Evaluating the response of current biotic indices and functional metrics to natural and anthropogenic predictors in disconnected pools of temporary rivers

Temporary rivers, forming the majority of river networks worldwide, are key biodiversity hotspots. Despite their great value for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, they are often neglected in biomonitoring programs due to several challenges, such as their variable hydromorphology and the difficulty of establishing reference conditions given their dynamic nature, resulting in highly variable communities. Disconnected pools often form in temporary rivers when flow ceases, providing refuge for aquatic taxa. Given their importance for biodiversity conservation, revising and adapting biotic indices are needed. Here, we evaluate the performance of current biological indices designed for perennial rivers (macroinvertebrates, diatoms) and functional metrics (macroinvertebrates) in assessing biological quality of disconnected pools. We sampled 55 disconnected pools in Catalonia, NE Spain, covering local (e.g., physico-chemical variables, water chemistry) and regional (e.g., human influence, hydrological variables at the water body level) natural and anthropogenic gradients. Only a few macroinvertebrate biotic indices (e.g., family richness, EPT/EPT + OCH and OCH) showed strong responses to anthropogenic predictors and were unaffected by natural predictors at both local and regional scales, making them suitable for biomonitoring. Of the newly adopted functional metrics of macroinvertebrate communities tested, only two (i.e., functional redundancy of predators and response diversity based on the total community) responded strongly to anthropogenic predictors. The rest showed varying responses to the interactive effect of anthropogenic and natural predictors, requiring calibration efforts. Models assessing these metrics explained <40 % of the total variation, likely due to the interplay of colonization/extinction dynamics and density-dependent trophic interactions governing community assemblages in disconnected pools. Although some existing biological metrics could potentially be used to monitor the ecological status of disconnected pools, we call for further development of biomonitoring tools specifically designed for these habitats since they will become more widespread with global change.

Range expansion and habitat preferences of an introduced bird in the northwestern Arabian Peninsula: The case of the common myna Acridotheres tristis

Introduced species can have harmful impacts on native species and ecosystems. Certain species can benefit from anthropogenic activities and habitat modification, even outside of their native ranges. Introduced species in Saudi Arabia have received little attention, which has resulted in limited knowledge on this topic, especially regarding the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia. One bird species introduced to Saudi Arabia is the common myna (Acridotheres tristis), which appears to be invading vast areas of the country. For the first time, the distribution and habitat preferences of the common myna have been investigated across different habitats in Tabuk Province, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Notably, common mynas were detected in habitats with different conditions, including urban, suburban, and agricultural habitats. Overall, the common myna appears to be a flexible species that has adapted to this arid environment and effectively uses available resources in foraging and nest site selection. Common mynas were observed in both urban and suburban environments of Tabuk City with their presence being noticeably higher in urban and suburban than in agricultural habitats. This suggests that the centers of human activity and urban/suburban development seem to be preferable sites for this species, as shown by analyzing the human influence index. Based on observations from fieldwork, the common myna population is expected to increase since breeding appears to be escalating with no major threats. The current ecological status of the common myna and its range expansion to different habitats in northwestern Saudi Arabia is worrying and thus warrants further monitoring and investigation.

Determination of pomological characters of ‘Mandora’ tangor grafted on different rootstocks under Cyprus ecological conditions

Determination of pomological characters of ‘Mandora’ tangor grafted on different rootstocks under Cyprus ecological conditions

Comparison of VT-20 alloy drilling performance evaluation under dry, MQL, EMQL, and hybrid nanoparticle assisted EMQL ecological conditions

The potential of VT-20, a titanium (Ti) alloy in the aircraft industry, is increased as it has stronger thermal capabilities than other pseudo-α-Ti alloys. However, the alloy’s low heat conductivity and chemical reactivity make machining difficult and necessitate efficient cooling/lubrication. Cutting oils based on emulsion have been used to move heat from the cutting region; however, they are not sustainable due to their negative impacts on workers’ health and the environment. Therefore, this novel study investigates alternative lubricating approaches, such as drilling VT-20 alloy under dry, MQL, EMQL, and HNPEMQL conditions using SEM and line-scan EDS analysis. An indigenously developed electrostatic minimum quantity lubrication (EMQL) and hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) immersed in EMQL (HNPEMQL) techniques were utilized to improve drilling performance while reducing cutting oil consumption. Hybrid nanofluids for HNPEMQL application were developed using aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and plate-structured graphene nanoparticles using a two-step process. The surface quality of the drilled hole, tool wear, thrust force, power consumption, hole quality indicators, and microhardness are evaluated. The efficacy of HNPEMQL showed improved drilling efficiency compared to dry, MQL, and EMQL machining. HNPEMQL, EMQL, and MQL conditions reduced tool wear by 102%, 53%, and 19%, respectively, to dry drilling. The HNPEMQL condition lowered the thrust force by 75.3%, 28.69%, and 18.02%, respectively, compared to the dry, MQL, and EMQL. HNPEMQL demonstrated a 105%, 41%, and 22% reduced variation in circularity values than dry, MQL, and EMQL for the same number of drilled holes. The findings show that HNPEMQL can be considered a promising cooling and lubricating strategy with improved drilling performance and quality.

Enhancing stand establishment and yield formation of cotton with multiple drip irrigation during emergence in saline fields of Southern Xinjiang

ContextFlooding irrigation prior to sowing during the winter or spring seasons has been widely employed to mitigate soil salinity and generate adequate soil moisture for cotton seedling emergence in saline fields. In an effort to conserve water, a technique known as "dry sowing and wet emergence" has been utilized in arid regions of Northern Xinjiang, China, where the soil is not irrigated before sowing, and a single drip irrigation is applied to facilitate cotton emergence immediately after sowing. However, the successful implementation of this technique has not been achieved due to high soil salinity in Southern Xinjiang, China. In light of these challenges, we hypothesize that modifying the traditional "dry sowing and wet emergence" technique from a one-time irrigation to multiple irrigations during the seedling stage could improve the microenvironment of the root-zone soil, thereby mitigating salinity stress and promoting seedling emergence and stand establishment. MethodWe conducted a two-year field experiment employing a randomized block experimental design to assess the impacts of various irrigation methods during the seedling stage on soil microenvironment, seedling emergence, stand establishment, plant physiological response to salinity stress, and yield formation of cotton. The experiment encompassed three treatments, including pre-sowing flood irrigation (flood irrigation), the traditional single drip irrigation for dry sowing and wet emergence (single drip irrigation), and the modified dry sowing and wet emergence with three rounds of drip irrigation (multiple drip irrigation). ResultsMultiple drip irrigation resulted in consistently higher soil temperatures during the period of 5-30 days after sowing (DAS), lower soil salinity from 15-30 DAS, and also maintained relatively higher soil moisture levels than single drip irrigation between 20-30 DAS. In contrast to flood irrigation, multiple drip irrigation led to an increase in soil temperature from 5-30 DAS and a reduction in soil salinity levels during the period of 15-30 DAS. Conversely, single drip irrigation led to a decrease in soil salinity during 5-10 DAS, but a substantial increase in soil salinity and decrease in soil moisture from 20-30 DAS. Multiple drip irrigations used only 40% of the irrigation amount needed for flood irrigation but achieved comparable seedling emergence and stand establishment rates. Compared to single drip irrigation, multiple drip irrigations decreased Na+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the leaves by 21.7% and 15.6%, and increased photosynthetic (Pn) rate and stand establishment rate by 22.0% and 36.3%, respectively. Moreover, multiple drip irrigation produced seedcotton yields equal to those of flood irrigation, with an increase of 24.2% compared to single drip irrigation. ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that multiple drip irrigations enhance seedcotton yield through improving stand establishment compared to single drip irrigation. This improvement is attributed to reduced salinity stress, as evidenced by the decreased soil salinity, Na+ content, and MDA content in the leaves when using multiple drip irrigation during seedling emergence. Therefore, multiple drip irrigation is a promising technique for promoting cotton seedling emergence and stand establishment in saline fields of Southern Xinjiang and other cotton-growing areas with similar ecological conditions.

Indirect and direct drivers of floristic condition in a threatened temperate woodland

Almost half of Earth's surface is threatened by agriculture, which has extensively degraded ecosystems and resulted in significant biodiversity loss. Remnant ecosystems in fragmented agricultural landscapes are threatened by past and present grazing and land-clearing. Declines in native diversity are common in these ecosystems, and their restoration is a key conservation goal globally. Understanding the drivers of change in floristic condition, reflecting continuity in floristic composition towards native plant communities, is fundamental to inform effective restoration practice. Previous investigations have demonstrated abiotic and biotic drivers of floristic condition independently. However, few consider the combined influence of these drivers on floristic condition, or the interactions between them, which may mediate indirect effects (e.g. plant-soil interactions). Despite this, ecological interactions may underpin changes in floristic condition, and provide critical insights needed to inform restoration. Here, we use structural equation modelling to disentangle the relationships between plants, soils and grass and litter biomass (leaf litter and fine woody debris) to elucidate the direct and indirect drivers of floristic condition in some of the most degraded landscapes globally: the critically endangered box-gum grassy woodlands in south-eastern Australia. We identify divergent plant-soil interactions between native versus exotic plants to key soil properties including soil nitrate and phosphorus. Specifically, native plants were negatively associated with increasing soil fertility, which favored exotic species. We also found evidence of indirect effects on floristic condition, mediated through interactions between litter biomass, soils and the basal area of overstorey trees. Our findings highlight the major role of soils in shaping floristic condition through direct and indirect pathways, and the role of multivariate interactions in mediating these pathways in a highly degraded, critically endangered ecosystem. Effective restoration must therefore consider the multivariate direct and indirect drivers of ecological condition to maximise positive outcomes in these landscapes and those similar.

Performance of Valencia orange grafted on different rootstocks in Cyprus-Guzelyurt ecological conditions

Performance of Valencia orange grafted on different rootstocks in Cyprus-Guzelyurt ecological conditions

Application of remote sensing methods to assess the environmental situation in the upper Lena River basin

This article addresses the problem of pollution in the Lena River caused by gold mining enterprises operating in its upper regions. It highlights the ongoing industrial exploitation of ore and placer gold deposits in five regions within the Siberian and Far Eastern federal districts. The most large-scale development is carried out in the Irkutsk region, Buryatia, and Yakutia. Further intensification of gold mining activities will result in significant negative impacts on the ecosystems of the upper reaches of the Lena River basin. In this context, the potential applications of Sentinel-2 satellite data for assessing the ecological conditions of river systems in Yakutia are being explored. The most common water indices, NDTI, AMWI, and Harma, were used in this study. The indices were applied to analyze the area of the Vitim River mouth, which contains the highest concentration of active gold mining license areas in the basin. Test sites were allocated on the Vitim and Lena rivers, as well as on Lake Okhninskoye for control purposes. Water indices were analyzed using the ArcGIS software package, and statistical data processing was conducted in the MS Excel program. It is revealed that the best results for estimating surface water turbidity in the area of the Vitim River mouth are obtained using the AMWI index. Spatial regularities are demonstrated, and the seasonal dynamics of turbidity in the studied water bodies are analyzed. The proposed methodology using the AMWI index can be applied for operational assessment of the state of water bodies in Yakutia under conditions of active anthropogenic pollution. This can facilitate timely implementation of preventive environmental protection measures.

EVALUATION OF SILAGE OF SORGHUM AND SUDAN GRASS HYBRID PULP FOR BIOENERGY PURPOSES

This research was carried out to determine the potential for using the pulp of 10 different sorghum x sudan grass hybrid varieties (Aneto, Greengo, Jumbo, Master BMR, Nutri Honey, Nutrima, Sugar Graze II, Supergraze 1000, Süper Su 22, Tonka) used to obtain ethanol in Bingöl, Eastern Anatolian ecological conditions as silage. Field trials were carried out in 3 replications in 2020 according to the randomized block design. The plants were harvested during the pulping period of the grains. The stems from which the sap was extracted were silaged and left for fermentation at room temperature for 45 days. Feed quality characteristics and organic acid contents were determined in silage materials. Depending on the varieties; silages have a physical score of 7-19, dry matter rate 37.58-50.94%, pH value 3.36-4.30, ADF rate 39.33-50.76%, NDF rate 53.40-66.86%, ADL rate 10.90-13.96%, CP rate 2.76-4.46%, DDM ratio 49.33-50.26%, DMI ratio 1.80-2.36%, RFV ratio 68.66-107.00, net energy value 1.176-1.337, AA ratio 0.11-0.66%, BA ratio 0.76-1.16%, LA ratio 0.07-1.05% and PA ratio was found to vary between 0.0013-0.0026%. As a result, it was concluded that silages made with pulp in cultivars of sorghum x sudan grass hybrid plant can be used more appropriately in cellulosic ethanol production than forage.

Quantifying and spatializing the island landsenses ecological condition using a two-dimensional model

Achieving the harmonious development of the “social-ecological” system is a crucial aspect of the global sustainable development goals. Landsenses ecology is an emerging concept that emphasizes sustainable land use planning and comprehensive management. Islands serve as ideal study areas setting for studying the landsenses ecology due to their vulnerability as ecosystems exposed to significant human activities. To assess the condition and spatial distribution of landsenses ecology, we established a quantitative evaluation framework that encompassed eight factors across two perceptions - physical and psychological. Our study focused on two islands situated in southeast China, which, despite their proximity, demonstrate remarkable differences in terms of natural and economic characteristics. The results revealed a significant spatial heterogeneity in the landsenses ecological condition on both islands. Nan'ao island (NAI) exhibited higher values for physical (0.5) and psychological (0.243) perceptions compared to Dongshan island (DSI), which was primarily attributed to varying natural environments and topographic factors. Notably, elevation and slope demonstrated strong correlations with landsenses ecological condition, acting as critical determinants of island development. Finally, using beaches as an example, we examined the impact of landsenses ecological conditions about the tourist resources of the islands. This study contributes to the development of scientifically informed urban and tourism planning processes by providing decision-makers with valuable insights.

Spatiotemporal parameters and kinematics differ between race stages in trail running-a field study.

Trail running is an emerging discipline with relatively few studies performed in ecological conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate if and how spatiotemporal parameters (STP) and kinematics differ between initial and final stage of a field trial. Twenty trail runners (10 F, 10 M) were recruited and ran a solo 9.1 km trial. During the test, participants wore a GPS watch and an IMU-based motion capture system. Running speed, elapsed time, STP and kinematics were compared between initial and final stage, separately for uphill (UH) and downhill (DH) sections. Running speed decreased in the final stage ( ). Total test time was more correlated to the time elapsed in UH sections. In the final stage and in both UH and DH sections, contact time and duty factor increased, whilst stride length and flight time decreased ( ). In the final stage, ankle joint was more dorsiflexed in stance and swing phases in UH sections and stance phase only in DH sections ( ). In the final stage, knee joint was less extended in swing phase in UH and DH sections, as well as less extended in stance in UH sections ( ). In the final stage, hip joint was less flexed in the swing phase in UH and DH sections ( ). In the final stage, forward trunk lean was higher across the entire gait cycle in in UH sections ( ). Trunk contralateral axial rotation was lower, in DH sections ( ). During the final stage, results indicate a less efficient propulsion phase, in both UH and DH sections. In UH sections, results suggest lower energy generation at the ankle joint. In DH sections, results suggest that the kinematics of swing leg may play a role in sub-optimizing propulsion phase. This study demonstrates how, in UH and DH sections, similar changes in spatiotemporal parameters can be elicited by dissimilar changes in running kinematics. To optimize performance in trail running, coaches and practitioners are advised to work on different (incline-specific) aspects of running technique.

Preliminary assessment of group composition and activity pattern of the critically endangered Bornean Banded Langur Presbytischrysomelaschrysomelas in Tanjung Datu National Park.

The Bornean banded langur (Presbytischrysomelaschrysomelas) is critically endangered species primarily found in Sarawak, Malaysia. Albeit this species is in peril, the ecology knowledge of this endemic species of Borneo is still scarce. Thus, a rapid survey employing total count and scan sampling method was conducted between July to August 2023 at Tanjung Datu National Park (TDNP), Sarawak to observe the social interaction of species with the environment. The behaviour of langur was recorded by employing scanning sampling method at 10 minutes intervals. This study sought to provide preliminary data on behavioural ecology of the Bornean banded langur within the national park. During the survey, three groups (consisting two to seven individuals) and a solitary male Bornean banded langur were recorded. The langurs were observed in both dipterocarp forests and coastal forests within the park. The daily activities of the Bornean banded langurs in TDNP were predominantly resting (31%), moving (29%), feeding (26%), vocalizing (14%), but not engaging in other social activities such as grooming, playing and mating. Knowing the behavioural ecological status as well as understanding ecology by identifying the activity pattern of langur is essential to government authorities and pertinent stakeholders to implement conservation strategies for the Bornean banded langur and their habitats.