Flatback Research Articles

Predation rates on flatback turtle Natator depressus eggs and hatchlings at an island rookery

Predation can significantly threaten the vulnerable egg and hatchling stages of sea turtles, yet for most populations this remains poorly quantified for use in conservation. We provided the first quantified predation rates of flatback turtle eggs and hatchlings at Thevenard Island, a medium-sized rookery on the northwest coast of Australia, with a focus on ghost crabs as potential predators. Burrow densities were used as proxy for ghost crab densities, while start- and end-of-season nest inventories and infrared videography were used to quantify egg and hatchling predation, respectively. Inventories of 27 nests suggested a mean hatching success of 74.2 ± 4.6% with zero predation of eggs, while videography at 17 nests indicated that 30.1 ± 8.1% of emerged hatchlings were predated, mainly by ghost crabs. Females selecting nest locations not easily accessible to ghost crabs, or the composition of flatback’s eggshells may explain the lack of egg predation. A 44.0% egg-to-surf survival rate was estimated, almost double the rate estimated for C. caretta on the Ningaloo coast (24.4%) using similar techniques. Further work is needed to understand if those predation rates are sustainable for recovering threatened species and if mitigation efforts tailored to each species and each life stage are needed.

Assessment of the pelvic and body interface pressure during different recumbent and semi-recumbent birthing positions

BackgroundChildbirth, a multifaceted physiological event, undergoes dynamic changes influenced significantly by the chosen birthing position, impacting comfort and maternal and neonatal outcomes among other factors. This study aimed to investigate the bed-body interface pressure across five commonly adopted birthing positions, particularly focusing on their influence on pelvic expansion biomechanics during labour. MethodsTwenty healthy participants, aged between 18 and 49 years, were evaluated. Interface pressure across multiple regions of interest, including the head, shoulder, pelvis, and full body, were meticulously assessed under different combinations of leg and back positioning. FindingsSignificant variations in interface pressure were observed based on chosen positions. Post hoc pairwise comparisons showed different pressure distributions for all regions of interest, with the combination of legs in stirrups and a flat back resulting in the lowest average pressure in the pelvic region. During the closed glottis pushing task, this combination exhibited lower peak pressure and peak pressure index in the pelvic region compared to other positions. InterpretationWhile upright positions are conventionally preferred, the study underscores the nuanced implications of recumbent and semi-recumbent positions. Although using stirrups with a flat back exerts less pressure, lying flat can impede blood flow and exacerbate pain, while stirrups might lead to discomfort and potential complications. Given these complexities, healthcare providers must consider multiple factors to determine optimal birthing positions. The interplay between birthing positions and obstetric outcomes awaits further exploration and refinement, marking an exciting frontier in maternal care.

Multimodal optical imaging of the oculofacial region using a solid tissue-simulating facial phantom.

Spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) applies patterned near-infrared illumination to quantify the optical properties of subsurface tissue. The periocular region is unique due to its complex ocular adnexal anatomy. Although SFDI has been successfully applied to relatively flat in vivo tissues, regions that have significant height variations and curvature may result in optical property inaccuracies. We characterize the geometric impact of the periocular region on SFDI imaging reliability. SFDI was employed to measure the reduced scattering coefficient ( ) and absorption coefficient ( ) of the periocular region in a cast facial tissue-simulating phantom by capturing images along regions of interest (ROIs): inferior temporal quadrant (ITQ), inferior nasal quadrant (INQ), superior temporal quadrant (STQ), central eyelid margin (CEM), rostral lateral nasal bridge (RLNB), and forehead (FH). The phantom was placed on a chin rest and imaged nine times from an "en face" or "side profile" position, and the flat back of the phantom was measured 15 times. The measured and of a cast facial phantom are accurate when comparing the ITQ, INQ, STQ, and FH to its flat posterior surface. Paired tests of ITQ, INQ, STQ, and FH and concluded that there is not enough evidence to suggest that imaging orientation impacted the measurement accuracy. Regions of extreme topographical variation, i.e., CEM and RLNB, did exhibit differences in measured optical properties. We are the first to evaluate the geometric implications of wide-field imaging along the periocular region using a solid tissue-simulating facial phantom. Results suggest that the ITQ, INQ, STQ, and FH of a generalized face have minimal impact on the SFDI measurement accuracy. Areas with heightened topographic variation exhibit measurement variability. Device and facial positioning do not appear to bias measurements. These findings confirm the need to carefully select ROIs when measuring optical properties along the periocular region.

The state of the biogeometric profile of the posture of young athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat as a prerequisite for the development of corrective and preventive measures

Purpose: The purpose of the presented scientific research was, on the basis of somatoscopic indicators, to substantiate the biological prerequisites for the introduction of corrective and preventive measures into the educational and training process of young athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat. Material and Methods: The scientific study involved 150 athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat, aged 8–14 years. The problems identified during the study were solved using generally accepted methods: theoretical analysis of scientific literature on the chosen research topic; the Torso program was used to determine the types of posture, visual screening of the state of the biogeometric profile of the posture of young athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat included a focus on the tribal system and the use of a method for comparing individual posture on a photogram and methods of mathematical statistics. Results: It has been established that poor posture of various types is common among athletes aged 8-14 years, specializing in hand-to-hand combat, covering a contingent of 46.7 to 60% in different age groups. Based on the results of screening the biogeometric profile of posture of an experimental contingent of young athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat, a general tendency was traced to a decrease in the average values of the number of points at high and medium levels of the state of the biogeometric profile of posture of martial arts athletes with normal posture, and at low and medium levels - the state of the biogeometric profile of the posture of athletes with a stooped back, flat back, round back and scoliotic posture. In addition, a generalized examination of these results showed that some of the tested athletes who had a normal type of posture received the same scores (from 19 to 21 points) as those who had a certain type of posture disorder. We define the risk zone as the zone of overlap of assessments of the level of the biogeometric profile of posture, although theoretically it may appear wider if it is determined by values below the center of the distribution for athletes with normal posture. Since the distribution of all three indicators according to the test data in the group of athletes with normal posture and with various types of musculoskeletal disorders does not correspond to Gauss’s law, its center was determined by the median, which in this case was equal to 22 points. Conclusions: Understanding the findings and results of a wide range of scientific studies reveals the recent intensification of the dynamics of the occurrence of deviations in the state of posture of young athletes. Scientists are convinced that monitoring the state of athletes’ posture will make it possible to control the effect of physical exercise on the musculoskeletal system of young athletes and minimize the risk of injury. In the course of the study, the features of the biomechanics of posture of young athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat were determined. Differences (at the level of trends) between athletes of all ages have been identified, which indicate a certain deterioration in the state of the biogeometric profile of posture with increasing age, but such differences have not received statistical confirmation. The theoretical and practical aspects of the scientific work presented above will be the basis for the theoretical substantiation of the biological prerequisites for the introduction of corrective and preventive measures into the educational and training process of young athletes specializing in hand-to-hand combat.

ASSESSMENT OF PHYSICAL FITNESS OF MATURE WOMEN WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF POSTURE

Relevance of the research topic. The systematization and generalization of a wide layer of both theoretical developments and practical achievements in the field of physical culture and sports serve as a basis for stating that maturity is the longest period of ontogenesis, characterized by the tendency for a person to achieve the optimal level of development of his spiritual, intellectual and physical potential. Against this background, the age of maturity in women, according to numerous data from representatives of the scientific community, is a period of motor deficit. The consequences of the latter include, first of all, the gradual unfolding of involutional processes, negative changes in the hormonal background, the appearance of excess weight, a decrease in the elasticity of connective tissue, the appearance of the first signs of structural and functional disorders of the spine and joints. The purpose of the article is to determine the level of physical fitness of women aged 36-40 with different types of posture. Methods. Theoretical analysis of special scientific and methodical literature, pedagogical testing, methods of mathematical statistics. The results of the work. The assessment of physical fitness of women in the second half of mature age showed the following. Firstly, it was found that according to tests of strength, endurance and flexibility, women aged 36-38 were more physically fit, performing pull-ups in a lying position mainly at an average level, tilting the torso forward from a sitting position and lifting the torso in a sitting position at a sufficient level. In contrast, the physical fitness of women aged 39-40 years was much worse, in particular, most of them performed lying pull-ups at a low level, torso bending forward from a sitting position and lifting the torso in a sitting position at an average level. Secondly, the comparison of groups of women aged 36-38 and 39-40 years, taking into account the type of their posture, did not reveal any differences in pairs of different ages of each type. At the same time, it was found that women with normal posture performed much better than the other groups in exercises such as flexion and extension of the arms in a lying position, pull-ups in a lying position, and women aged 36-38 years were superior in the test of lifting the torso into a seated position. Accordingly, women with a round, flat back and scoliotic posture were less physically prepared to perform these exercises.

Association between incorrect postures and curve magnitude of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in china

BackgroundDespite advancements in school scoliosis screening (SSS), there are still no effective indicators to estimate the severity of spinal curvature. We aim to investigate the association between incorrect postures and curve magnitude of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) among Chinese adolescents.MethodsIn this SSS program, we examined the incorrect posture, Adam’s forward bending test (FBT) results, and angle of trunk rotation (ATR) in adolescents. Those with suspected scoliosis were referred for a standing anteroposterior whole-spine radiography as outpatients. The radiographic data of 426 students with lateral Cobb angles were collected from 2016 to 2022 and the associations were studied using logistic regression (LR) models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.ResultsUnivariate LR revealed that female gender [odds ratio (OR) = 2.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67–5.09, P < 0.001], age 16–19y (OR = 2.83, 95%CI 1.10–7.28, P = 0.031), right shoulder height (OR = 2.15, 95%CI 1.23–3.75, P = 0.007), right scapula tilt (OR = 2.03, 95%CI 1.18–3.50, P = 0.010), right rib hump (OR = 1.88, 95%CI 1.23–2.85, P = 0.003), right thoracic rotation ≥ 5° (OR = 2.14, 95%CI 1.43–3.20, P < 0.001), and left thoracolumbar kyphosis (OR = 3.79, 95%CI 1.06–13.56, P = 0.041) were all significantly associated with the severity of the curve magnitude. Multivariate LR showed that female gender [adjusted OR (AOR) = 3.23, 95%CI 1.81–5.73, P < 0.001], those aged 16–19y (AOR = 5.08, 95%CI 1.86–13.91, P = 0.002), and with a right rib hump (AOR = 1.72, 95%CI 1.11–2.64, P = 0.015) presented with a higher risk of severe curve magnitude than men, those aged 7–12y, and without a rib hump, respectively. ROC curves further proved that sex, age, shoulder-height difference, scapula tilt, flat back, rib hump, angle of thoracic rotation were the risk predictors for curve magnitude.ConclusionIncorrect posture and ATR, especially the right rib hump, were significantly associated with the curve magnitude of AIS. Early screening for incorrect postures and ATR could be an effective and economical strategy to predict the severity of AIS through SSS in Chinese adolescents.

Flatback futures—evaluating conservation interventions to reduce threats to an endemic Australian turtle

Australia’s endemic flatback turtle Natator depressus is the focus of a long-term conservation program aimed at securing the persistence of healthy populations in the northwest of Australia into the future. Primary threats to flatback turtles include (1) sea level rise, (2) predation from introduced species, (3) temperature increases, (4) onshore and nearshore light, (5) marine debris, and (6) modification to beaches. Population declines resulting from these threats have been reported or are anticipated, and a range of intervention options are possible that may limit their negative impact. Following methods previously developed and applied to iconic marine species and habitats, we generated a range of intervention options, and asked experts to prioritise those actions using an intervention prioritisation tool (IPT) and the public to prioritise based on social acceptability assessment (SAS). The IPT allows different conservation interventions to be assessed based on their economic cost, implementation feasibility, social acceptability, and perceived effectiveness in maintaining or increasing future turtle populations while simultaneously accounting for expert confidence in their assessment. Results generated by the IPT and SAS can be explored further to resolve uncertainty, a process that can help managers and experts alike in their decision-making process associated with flatback conservation. While this paper is focused on interventions relating to flatback turtles, we propose that our IPT can be applied in different settings to enable consideration of interventions for a range of threatened species and habitats to guide research and conservation investment decisions by managers.

Identifying impactful sea turtle conservation strategies: a mismatch between most influential and most readily manageable life-stages

Sea turtles worldwide face a range of threats including sea level rise and warming associated with climate change, predation by invasive species, plastic and light pollution, coastal development, and human interference. Conservation managers have a long history of aiding sea turtle populations, from protecting nests to head-starting hatchlings. Due to these challenges faced by turtles, there is a constant focus on assessing the likely success of proposed conservation interventions to help inform decision-making processes. We develop an age-based, spatially implicit population model for the north-west shelf stock of Australia’s endemic flatback turtle Natator depressus that estimates the long-term outcomes of a range of onshore and offshore conservation interventions. Analysis of the model shows that young adults contribute most to population growth (i.e. have highest expected future reproductive success); however, this is often the most difficult life stage to manipulate in the field. Observable outcomes of interventions are often delayed for many years, especially for on shore activities (e.g. protecting eggs and hatchlings), due to late age to maturity. The potential impact of warming-induced female bias on population dynamics was also investigated. Although such bias increases population growth rates in the short term, negative effects of the bias (e.g. reduced female mating success) and negative environmental effects (e.g. reduced survival rates, habitat loss) can lead to sustained declines. Population models can rapidly assess climate change and conservation impacts on turtle dynamics and can guide monitoring efforts for real-world application.

I still call Australia home: Satellite telemetry informs the protection of flatback turtles in Western Australian waters

AbstractFlatback turtles (Natator depressus) are endemic to northern Australia, but their movements at sea have remained understudied. Here, we compiled one of the world's largest single‐species satellite tracking datasets (n = 280 transmitters, deployed between 2005 and 2020) to investigate the movements and level of spatial protection afforded to five flatback genetic stocks across Western Australia during different behavioral phases (i.e., inter‐nesting, migration, and foraging). Flatbacks spent 99.5% of their time in Australian waters and are provided with a very high level of spatial protection (&gt;98% overlap with Biologically Important Areas) during the inter‐nesting phase of their life cycle. Up to 85.6% and 59.1% overlap between marine reserves and the foraging and migratory ranges for flatback stocks, respectively, was found. However, our results identified additional foraging and migratory areas where protective measures would benefit multiple stocks at once. The detailed flatback distribution maps produced here will be key resources for managers and researchers and highlight the benefits of collaborative multi‐agency studies. Additionally, this work provides a useful analytical framework for future studies endeavoring to complete large‐scale, multi‐stock spatial distributions and overlap assessments for populations of conservation concern.

Modified S1 Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy.

Surgical technique video. To report a surgical technique to revise patients with previous fusions at L4-S1 leading to an iatrogenic flat back and sagittal imbalance using L5-S1 transforaminal interbody fusion combined with a small S1 corner osteotomy. This is a case of a woman (51 y old) with a history of multiple lumbar surgeries, severe back pain, sagittal imbalance, and loss of lordosis. We describe a feasible revision technique in a complex patient with the goal of attaining optimal distribution of lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance through a modified S1 pedicle subtraction osteotomy, and the use of an interbody cage to enhance the fusion rate and facilitate closure of the 3-column osteotomy. The preoperative patient lordosis angle of 31 degrees at L1-L4 and 16 degrees at L4-S1 became 12 degrees at L1-L4 and 44 degrees at L4-S1 postoperatively. The combination of L5-S1 transforaminal interbody fusion and S1 corner osteotomy is a feasible technique for the restoration of lumbar lordosis in patients with previous fusion and consequent loss of lordosis.

Agreement in the Postural Assessment of Older Adults by Physical Therapists Using Clinical and Imaging Methods.

Postural assessment is one of the indicators of health status in older adults. Since the number of older adults is on the rise, it is essential to assess simpler methods and automated ones in the future. Therefore, we focused on a visual method (imaging method). The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of agreement between the imaging method and the palpation and visual methods (clinical method). In addition, the influence of differences in the information content of the sagittal plane images on the assessment was also investigated. In this experiment, 28 sagittal photographs of older adults whose posture had already been assessed using the clinical method were used. Furthermore, based on these photographs, 28 gray and silhouette images (G and S images) were generated, respectively. The G and S images were assessed by 28 physical therapists (PTs) using the imaging method. The assessment was based on the Kendall classification, with one of four categories selected for each image: ideal, kyphosis lordosis, sway back, and flat back. Cross-tabulation matrices of the assessments using the clinical method and imaging method were created. In this table, four categories and two categories of ideal and non-ideal (KL, SB, and FB) were created. The agreement was evaluated using the prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK). In addition, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to confirm the reliability. When comparing the clinical and imaging methods in the four posture categories, the PABAK values were -0.14 and -0.29 for the S and G images, respectively. In the case of the two categories, the PABAK values were 0.57 and 0.5 for the S and G images, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 86% and 57% for the S images and 76% and 71% for the G images, respectively. The four categories show that the imaging method is difficult to assess regardless of the image processing. However, in the case of the two categories, the same assessment of the clinical method applied to the imaging method for both the S and G images. Therefore, no differences in image processing were observed, suggesting that PTs can identify posture using the visual method.

Reconstructed and projected beach temperatures reveal where flatback turtles are most at risk from climate change

Nest temperature is the predominant driver of emergence success and primary sex ratios in sea turtles, with female offspring produced at higher temperatures due to temperature-dependent sex determination. However, emergence success and primary sex ratios are unfeasible to measure at scale, making methods to estimate these life-history traits from predicted sand temperatures highly desirable for long-term conservation planning in the context of climate change. To address this, we used a mechanistic microclimate model to predict hourly sand temperatures, over 32 nesting seasons since 1986, at 402 West Australian beaches supporting nesting by flatback turtles (Natator depressus). Predicted sand temperatures indicated that ∼70% of these beaches carried a 'very low' to 'intermediate' risk of subjecting embryos to thermal stress. By combining these temperature predictions with a physiological model, current and future emergence success and sex ratios were projected for ten different beaches spanning a range of thermal microclimates, under various climate change scenarios. Under recent climate conditions, emergence success averaged 76%, but declined to 63% and 37% with a 2°C and 4°C increase in air temperature, respectively. The sex ratios of hatchlings varied by location, but extremely skewed sex ratios were anticipated in a 4°C warming scenario. Our projections reveal that 'high risk' nesting beaches will regularly experience clutch failure as climate change progresses, while cooler beaches offer long-term nesting potential and require protection from additional anthropogenic impacts. These projections, covering an entire genetic stock, supply demographic data for assessing extinction risks and this method can be applied to sea turtle populations worldwide.

Haematologic and plasma biochemical reference intervals for flatback turtles Natator depressus

Blood reference intervals (RIs) provide an indication of systemic health and are central to any baseline health survey. RIs are available for all sea turtle species, except for the flatback turtle Natator depressus. We developed the first nesting and foraging flatback turtle RIs from a healthy reference population of 211 individuals. We found flatback turtle RIs were generally similar to other published sea turtle RIs. For flatback turtles, we detected significant differences in blood reference values (RVs) by life stage (nesting vs. foraging), sex, and location, as well as by measurement technique (laboratory vs. field). Clinically significant differences justified the establishment of separate RIs for nesting and foraging flatback turtles and for laboratory and field techniques. Clinical application of these blood RIs for individuals in rehabilitation includes disease diagnosis, health monitoring, and the development of prognostic indicators. As sea turtles are regarded as sentinels of environmental health, flatback turtle baseline health data will also be useful for population health monitoring and as a reference for future studies where changes in RIs may indicate an environment in decline.

Intraspecific variability in flatback turtle habitat use: δ15N as an indicator of foraging locations

Identifying migration routes and key habitats is critical for the management and conservation of migratory species. Tracking and stable isotope analysis (SIA), particularly of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), are often used to study animal movements, with SIA particularly useful when animals move through isotopic gradients. Marine turtles are typically highly migratory, moving between nesting and foraging grounds often located 100s-1000s km apart. The flatback turtle Natator depressus is endemic to the Australian continental shelf. Satellite tracking (n = 44) and SIA (n = 33) of females nesting in eastern Queensland, Australia, were used to identify main foraging areas, describe intraspecific variation in the location of foraging areas, and determine if δ13C and/or δ15N values can be used to identify foraging regions. Although foraging grounds were widely dispersed, tracking identified 3 main foraging regions. SIA agreed with tracking, indicating foraging site fidelity. Generalized linear models and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to estimate how well δ13C/δ15N and nesting sites can perform as indicators of broad foraging regions and to predict foraging regions for turtles with no tracking data. δ15N was a strong predictor of the foraging region. LDA correctly classified the foraging region of 94% of individuals and was suitable to predict foraging regions of untracked individuals. A strong negative linear relationship between turtle δ15N and foraging latitude indicates the presence of a δ15N isoscape along the eastern Queensland coast. This is the first demonstration of an isoscape for the region, which should be useful for studying and monitoring the habitat use of flatback turtles and other migratory species.

Social acceptability of conservation interventions for flatback turtles: comparing expert and public perceptions

Sea turtles are facing significant threats, including anthropogenic warming, predation from feral animals, and sea level rise. While a range of intervention options are available, resource constraints and increasing time pressures means managers face the difficult task of prioritising options. To achieve successful conservation outcomes, managers are increasingly seeking to understand the social acceptability, as well as biological plausibility and economic feasibility, of these intervention options. Previous studies have used expert opinion as predictors of social acceptability, given their technical knowledge and experience implementing the interventions; however, the assumption that the social acceptability of interventions is the same for both the general public and experts is largely untested. We tested this assumption using surveys to assess the social acceptability of 24 interventions proposed for a population of flatback turtles Natator depressus in northwest Australia. Survey responses were collected from community members (residents) and experts (resource managers and researchers). Experts were asked to provide their own opinion of acceptability and how they perceived community members would rate intervention options. In general, residents ranked interventions that directly intervene with human behaviour or the environment as more acceptable than those that directly target turtles, while experts tended to favour direct turtle interventions. Experts incorrectly predicted that the community would not be influenced by the target of the intervention. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding social acceptability of interventions before implementation to inform management decisions and engagement and communication strategies, particularly when interventions might be controversial or restrict human behaviour directly.

Reducing the Impact of Tagging on Flatback Turtles Using Double Passive Integrated Transponder Tags

Reducing the Impact of Tagging on Flatback Turtles Using Double Passive Integrated Transponder Tags

Nesting habitat characteristics of flatback (Natator depressus), green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in eastern Queensland, Australia

Nesting habitat characteristics of flatback (Natator depressus), green (Chelonia mydas) and loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in eastern Queensland, Australia

Thoracolumbar/Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis-The Importance of Thoracolumbar Junction in Sagittal Alignment and Balance.

To conduct a more comprehensive study of sagittal alignment in patients with thoracolumbar/lumbar (TL/L) degenerative kyphosis. A total of 133 consecutive patients from September 2016 to March 2019 with degenerative spinal kyphosis were enrolled. These patients were divided into different types according to sagittal alignment, including thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis (TLJK). Then, we divided the patients with TLJK into two groups: the Sagittal Balance group (C7-SVA < 50 mm) and the Sagittal Imbalance group (C7-SVA ≥ 50 mm). The sagittal parameters of each type or group were compared and correlation analysis was conducted. Thoracolumbar/lumbar degenerative kyphosis consists of four types: Type I, lumbar kyphosis; Type II, degenerative flat back; Type III, thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis; and Type IV, global kyphosis. According to different sagittal alignments, Type III can further be divided into three subtypes: IIIA, with smooth kyphosis of thoracic and upper lumbar; IIIB, like a clasp knife, with a flat thoracic and lumbar angle; and IIIC, with bigger thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. The thoracolumbar kyphosis angle (°) of the three subtypes were -23.61 ± 5.37, -25.40 ± 7.71, and -40.01 ± 8.40, respectively. Lumbar lordosis was correlated with thoracic kyphosis (IIIA, r = -0.600, p = 0.005; IIIB, r = -0.312, p = 0.046; IIIC, r = -0.657, p = 0.015), and correlated with sacral slope (IIIA, r = 0.537, p = 0.015; IIIB, r = 0.654, p = 0.000; IIIC, r = 0.578, p = 0.039). All spinopelvic parameters were compared between the Sagittal Balance group and the Sagittal Imbalance group, and only the thoracolumbar kyphosis angle showed statistical difference (t = -2.247, p = 0.028). The common characteristics of thoracolumbar junctional kyphosis were found to be a bigger thoracolumbar junctional angle and vertex of kyphosis located in the thoracolumbar junction (T10-L2). Despite TLJK, a change in the thoracic angle was still important to maintain sagittal balance. The thoracolumbar junction plays an important role in sagittal alignment and balance.

Sustainable mindsets: Combining traditional indigenous knowledge with non-aboriginal understanding to address environmental risks

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the traditional owners of Australia. It has been predicted that they have been the custodians of these lands for at least 60,000 years. Their traditional lands are inextricably linked to their languages, cultural practices and spiritual being. As the custodians they have used their traditional Indigenous knowledge to care for the land – its plants, animals and waterways, protecting unique ecosystems and maintaining sustainability. In fact, their traditional understanding reflects what has been described in the literature as a sustainable mindset. We come together as non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal educators to explore how environmental threats within the epoc of Anthropocene may be addressed using such a sustainable mindset – one reflecting both indigeneity and posthumanism perspectives. We describe three case studies showing how the use of traditional knowledge held by local Indigenous communities (IPLCs) can be used with non-Indigenous knowledge to address human induced planetary changes to protect important animal species and the land on which they live. We draw on written and oral reports from our Indigenous co-authors and data obtained informally from them by way of ‘yarning’. We describe how in the north-west of Western Australia areas of significant ecological and cultural value are being negatively affected by human-induced change threatening different animal species and ecosystems. We outline the effects of light pollution in Port Hedland and how this is disrupting the life cycle of the flatback sea turtle - culturally significant sea animals. As a point of comparison, we next describe how green back turtle and Dugong populations are being protected and sustained on the Dampier Peninsula using traditional knowledge more recently supplemented through the work of the Bardi Jawi Rangers. Finally, we examine how the Fitzroy River catchment area is increasingly under threat from water extraction and mining, but how a sustainable mindset can be used to obviate these environmental risks.

The role of visual framing in marine conservation communication

Marine conservation programs face significant challenges engaging different audiences to participate in conservation actions. While it is understood that images can play a crucial role in shaping people's behaviours, in the context of marine conservation, research has focused on the effect of words. We know little about the effect of images on influencing people's intentions. Thus, there is scant guidance for marine conservation programs wanting to use images to improve communication and engagement strategies. This study addresses this gap by assessing how images are used in social media in Australian turtle conservation programs. Specifically, using visual framing analysis and online surveys, we assessed whether images of conservation actions or conservation threats increase participants emotions, self-efficacy, and intentions to engage in pro-conservation behaviours, using flatback turtles as a case study. We find that 1) images of animals are commonly used on social media, with certain types of images (e.g. landscapes, conservation actions) generating higher user engagement; 2) images on Twitter and Instagram generated higher user engagement than on Facebook; 3) images of conservation actions increased feelings of hope and self-efficacy, while images of conservation threats increased feelings of fear and reduced self-efficacy; and 4) feelings of self-efficacy increased participants' intentions to support low-effort conservation actions. Results suggest that the types of images posted on social media can influence viewers' emotions and intentions to engage in pro-conservation behaviours. Our findings provide guidance for conservation programs and managers to develop improved communication and engagement strategies through visual media.