Abstract: Habitat degradation poses a critical threat to the Malabar slender loris (Loris lydekkerianus malabaricus), yet little is known about its microhabitat requirements in intact forest. In Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, we combined nocturnal trail surveys (337 first-contact trees) with plotless sampling of 2,830 trees (86 species from 35 families) to characterize both vegetation structure and loris presence. Our results show that lorises occur almost exclusively in mildly degraded wet-evergreen and secondary moist-deciduous subcanopy, where understory trees and climber networks provide continuous pathways. Individuals are most often encountered at heights of 5–15 m—ascending into higher strata as the night progresses—reflecting a balance between foraging access and predator avoidance. Substrate analysis revealed strong preferences for twigs ≤ 1 cm (36.98 %) and small branches 2–5 cm in diameter, oriented obliquely to minimize energetic costs and maintain stability during slow, deliberate arboreal locomotion. Day-sleeping sites were overwhelmingly located within dense tangles of lianas on large-girth trees, where intertwined stems and thorny undergrowth offer concealment from both mammalian and avian predators. Vegetation surveys documented a near-equal mix of evergreen (50.6 %) and deciduous (49.4 %) species—including 26 endemics (18 restricted to the Western Ghats)—with Aporosa cardiosperma emerging as the most abundant riparian pioneer, suggesting both ecological resilience and potential simplification in fragmented patches. Complementing field observations, our recent habitat-suitability modelling in Aralam indicates that broad-scale climatic and anthropogenic factors—precipitation patterns, elevation, and proximity to roads—are the strongest predictors of loris occupancy, underscoring the interplay between landscape-level processes and microhabitat structure. Together, these findings highlight the imperative of multi-strata forest restoration—planting insect-hosting native trees, maintaining continuous canopy and climber networks, and integrating small “mini-forest” modules—to recreate the structural complexity vital for slender loris conservation and the broader resilience of Western Ghats biodiversity.

Abstract: Emotional processes and sleep quality have become fundamental aspects of performance in Paralympic sports among elite and youth athletes. The objective of this study was to compare levels of depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep quality among youth and adult athletes with cerebral palsy (CP) belonging to the national CP Football team in Chile. 10 adult and 12 youth national team athletes participated, completing the DASS 21, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires. The athletes were competing in their respective categories at the 2024 Parapan-American Games. Significant differences were found where young athletes had lower levels of depression (χ² = 4.77, p = 0.02, OR = 11.0) and anxiety (χ² = 6.71, p = 0.01, OR=16.5). Similar differences could be observed in favor of young athletes in sleep latency (p = 0.04; d = 0.34), bedtime (p = 0.02; d = 0.20), total hours of sleep (p = 0.04; d = 0.10), subjective sleep quality (p = 0.002; d = 0.56) and objective sleep quality (p< 0.001; d=0.65). This study suggests that adult para-athletes from a national CP Football team exhibit higher levels of depression and anxiety com-pared to their youth counterparts. Additionally, objective and subjective measures show that adults experience poorer sleep quality. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions by psychological support teams, aiming to enhance athlete performance by promoting healthy habits that address these mental health challenges.

Abstract: This paper outlines a comprehensive workflow for studying behavior of rodent cohorts in their home cages using video tracking and AI-supported image analysis. Key steps include the design of experimental setups with optimal camera and lighting configuration, video preprocessing, and animal tracking using contrast-based software or markerless pose estimation. In addition to supervised analysis, unsupervised pipelines remove bias from the interpretation of behaviors. Here, we propose a protocol that encompasses multiple pipelines for data acquisition and interpretation to ensure reproducible, high-quality data for neuroscience and behavioral research.

Abstract: Free will is a question that has interested scientists and philosophers for centuries. It is a staple of discussion in some academic fields and is a lively topic in the popular press and social media. In the present paper, I present a simple argument for free will as an emergent property of intelligent life. In short, the consensus view in physics is that quantum mechanics is inherently probabilistic and processes such as radioactive decay are truly random. Following this, there are quantum random number generators that can be used to inform probabilistic decision making in computers, and in ourselves if we desire. A conditional decision (I will do x with 90% probability) that references a quantum number generator is not deterministic and the future that follows is therefore not determined. To put it into the context of the famous thought experiment, if one could go back in time and redo such decisions, they would not stay the same. The ability to link randomness in the quantum realm to conditional probabilistic action at the macroscopic level is argued to be one of the many cases of radical emergences that must proceed from the evolution of intelligent life with significant technological advancement.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Eye tracking technology has gained increasing attention in sports science as it provides valuable insights into visual attention, decision-making, and motor planning. This systematic review examines the application of eye-tracking technology in basketball, highlighting its role in analyzing cognitive and perceptual strategies in players, referees and coaches. Methods: A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published up December 2024 were retrieved from PubMed and Web of Science using keywords related to basketball, eye tracking and visual search. Inclusion criteria focused on studies using eye-tracking technology to assess athletes, referees, and coaches. A total of 1706 articles were screened, of which 19 met the eligibility criteria. Results: Eye-tracking studies have shown that expert basketball players exhibit longer quiet eye (QE) durations and more efficient gaze behaviors compared to novices. In high-pressure situations, skilled players maintain more stable QE characteristics, leading to better shot accuracy. Referees rely on efficient gaze strategies to make split-second decisions, although less experienced referees tend to neglect key visual cues. In coaching, eye-tracking studies suggest that guided gaze techniques improve tactical understanding in novice players, but have limited effects on experienced athletes. Conclusions: Eye tracking is a powerful tool for studying cognitive and behavioral functioning in basketball, offering valuable insights for performance enhancement and training strategies. Future research should explore real-game settings using mobile eye trackers and integrate artificial intelligence to further refine gaze-based training methods.

Abstract: The aim of this study is to study the cognitive properties and decision-making in judokas of different genders. The study involved 57 elite judokas: 33 male (age 26.62; SD=3.62) and 24 female (age 24.73; SD=3.57). Testing relevant cognitive functions we applied a multidimensional strategy by testing, perception speed, number comparison, memory for words, pattern making, decision making time. All the tests are part of the computer psychodiagnostic complex. Nonparametric methods (median, quartile range), correlation (Spearman) and multiple regression analysis were also used. The obtained results showed gender-specific effects in cognitive functions in elite judokas. Female judokas have better indicators of visual perception productivity. Male judokas have predominantly faster of information processing, non-verbal intelligence and better processing of verbal information. The study of the decision-making variable showed significantly higher values of quick decision in male judokas compared to female. It was found that decision-making in elite judokas is determined by the speed and quality of processing verbal and non-verbal information. Gender features of cognitive activity are characterized by the predominance of a quick response to a non-verbal stimulus in male judokas against the background of the predominance of qualitative properties of visual perception and processing of non-verbal information in female judokas.

Abstract:

The study classified cows' foraging behaviors using machine learning (ML) models evaluated through Random Test-Split (RTS) and Cross-Validation (CV). Models in-cluded Perceptron, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine, K-Nearest Neighbors, Random Forest (RF), and XGBoost (XGB). These models classified activity states (Active vs. Static), foraging behaviors (Grazing (GR), Resting (RE), Walking (W), Ruminating (RU)), posture states (Standing up (SU) vs. Lying down (LD)), and activity-by-posture combinations (RU_SU, RU_LD, RE_SU, RE_LD). XGB achieved the highest accuracy for state classification (74.5% RTS, 74.2% CV) and foraging behavior (69.4% CV). RF out-performed XGB in other classifications, including GR, RE, and RU (62.9% CV vs. 56.4% RTS), posture (83.9% CV vs. 79.4% RTS), and activity-by-posture (58.8% CV vs. 56.4% RTS). Key predictors varied: Speed and Actindex were crucial for GR and W when in-creasing and for RE and RU when decreasing. X low values were linked to RE_SU and RU_SU, while X and Z influenced RE_LD more. RTS showed higher accuracy in be-havioral state and general foraging classification. These results emphasize CV in RF's reliability in managing complex behavioral patterns and the importance of continuous recording devices and movement metrics to monitor cattle behavior accurately.

Abstract: Background/Objectives: Adherence to treatment instructions is essential in managing chronic diseases related to obesity. One gene associated with adherence is the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) gene, which has long (L) and short (S) alleles, resulting in LL, SL, and SS genotypes. Risk alleles for obesity include the R variant of the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3AR) and the G variant of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). This study aimed to evaluate whether the S/L variant of 5-HTTLPR, the R variant of β3AR, and the G variant of UCP1 are associated with adherence to a weight loss program. To assess the factors influencing adherence, eating behavior was evaluated using the Eating Behavior Questionnaire (EBQ). Methods: The study included 56 women with a mean age of 57.3±10 years and a mean BMI of 27.2±5.6 kg/m2. Long-read sequencing was used to analyze S/L mutations. Participants followed a six-month diet and exercise regimen for obesity management. Outcomes were assessed using clinical data and EBQ scores. Results: Participants were classified as SS (69.6%), SL (17.9%), or LL (12.5%). The R variant of β3AR was present in 34% of participants, with the G variant of UCP1 in 75%. After the intervention, SS participants showed significantly greater reductions in weight, body fat percentage, and waist circumference than LL participants (p &lt; 0.05). Among EBQ items, significant improvements (p&lt;0.05) were observed in SS participants for eating as a diversion, feeling of fullness, bad eating habits, unsteady eating patterns, and total EBQ score. In SL participants, only bad eating habits improved, whereas no significant changes were observed in LL participants. Obesity risk alleles did not significantly affect clinical outcomes. Conclusions: SS genotype participants demonstrated higher adherence to the weight loss program, leading to improved clinical outcomes and EBQ scores, independent of obesity risk genes.

Abstract: Understanding how organisms respond to thermal stressors over short- and long-term timescales is essential for assessing and predicting their resilience and vulnerability to environmental changes and climate fluctuations. Here, using a biparental-care burying beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides), we tested whether and how parental investment in carcass preparation and thermal condition interact to influence subsequent parental care behaviour and reproductive success. We employed a 3 × 2 factorial experiment, manipulating the levels of parental investment in carcass preparation (Reduced, Control, and Elevated) and ambient temperatures (benign: 20°C and harsh: 23°C) in breeding pairs. We found that (1) irrespective of ambient temperature, males in the Reduced group decreased their pre-hatching care. (2) Across all investment groups, both sexes under the higher temperature reduced post-hatching care. (3) Carcass-preparation investment and thermal condition interactively influenced reproductive success. Overall, the harsh temperature decreased reproductive success. Furthermore, beetle pairs experienced reduced carcass-preparation investment producing fewer eggs and lighter broods, while those experienced elevated carcass-preparation investment producing smaller and lighter broods. Our findings provide new insights into how thermal stress affects parental investment strategies, and enhance our understanding of the phenotypic plasticity in reproductive strategies that animals employ to cope with climate change.

Abstract: A crucial component of small ruminant production, particularly where intensive systems are becoming more prevalent, is determining the forage-to-concentrate (F:C) ratio in their daily diets. The effects of the F:C ratio in lamb, and goat kids' daily diets on growth, stereotypical behavior, and blood biochemical parameters were investigated. Eighteen Tahirova sheep lambs and 18 Turkish Saanen goat kids were used, divided into three groups using the following F:C ratios: 20:80, 60:40, and 80:20. Growth rates, weight gains, and feed conversion ratios were determined. Urea nitrogen, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, creatine kinase and cortisol hormones were measured in blood samples. In lambs, growth remained consistent across F:C groups. In goat kids, however, the 20:80 group showed superior growth and weight gain. Based on the F:C ratios, behavioral differences were found in forage feeding, rumination, water consumption, and standing activities. Similarly, the 20:80 group displayed higher rates of bar biting, crib biting, and wool biting in lambs, as well as bar biting, crib biting, bucket biting, and chain chewing in goat kids. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in the 20:80 group than in the 80:20 group for both species. Insufficient forage can cause abnormal stereotypical behaviors, which negatively impact animal welfare.

Abstract: The western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, a worldwide insect pest with its polyphagous feeding behavior and transmitting virus, follows a diurnal rhythmicity driven by expression of the circadian clock genes. However, it remained unclear how the clock signal triggers the thrips behaviors. This study posed a hypothesis that the clock signal modulates cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity to mediate the diurnal behaviors. A PKG gene is encoded in F. occidentalis and exhibits high sequence homologies with those of honeybee and fruit fly. Interestingly, its expression followed a diel pattern with high expression during photophase in larvae and adults of F. occidentalis. It is noteworthy that PKG expression was clearly observed in the midgut during photophase but not in scotophase from our fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. A prediction of protein-protein interaction suggested its functional association with clock genes. To test this functional link, RNA interference (RNAi) of the gene expression was performed by feeding a gene-specific double stranded RNA and led to significant alteration of the two clock genes (Clock and Period) in their expression levels. The RNAi treatment gave adverse effects on immature development and adult fecundity. To further analyze the role of PKG in implementing the diurnal behavior, the adult females was continuously observed for 24 h-period with an automatic digitization device to obtain movement parameters and durations (%) in different micro-areas in the observation arena. Diel difference was observed with speed in RNAi-control females at 0.16 mm/s and 0.08 mm/s, in photo- and scoto-phase, respectively, whereas diel difference was not observed for the PKG-specific RNAi-treated females by showing 0.07 mm/s and 0.06 mm/s, respectively. The diel difference was also observed in durations (%) in the control females, more strongly in the intermediate area in the observation arena. Speed and durations in the different micro-areas in mid-scotophase were significantly different from most photophase in the control females, while speed was significantly different mainly during late photophase in comparing effects of control and RNAi treatments in each light phase. Three sequential stages consisting of high activity followed by feeding and visiting to micro-areas were observed for the control females. For RNAi-treated females the three phases were disturbed with irregular speed and visits to micro-areas. These results suggest that PKG is associated with implementing the diurnal behavior of F. occidentalis under the oscillating expressions of the clock genes.

Abstract: In the present study, groups of 10 adult males from wild-type strain Drosophila melanogaster Canton-S and corresponding mutant Tab2201Y(BDSC# 4440, hereafter, 201Y) were continuously observed using automatic digitization. Data based on instantaneous movement and cumulated movement positions were obtained for micro-areas associated with resource supply (food and humidity) and activity (intermediate and edge) within the observation arena for 24 h. The results confirmed the natural tendency for local enhancement at a relatively low density within the observation arena (14 cm × 14 cm). For Canton-S, coinciding patterns in the measured parameters were observed over time, with two primary patterns identified in the resource supply areas: single peak and double peaks. The single peak was observed with maximum speed and I-index during the transition from the photophase to the scotophase. The double peaks occurred before (mid-to-late photophase) and after (end of scotophase) the single peak, coinciding with a number of parameters including duration rates, stop time and number, mean crowding and social space index (SSI), indicating local aggregations for feeding along with maximum durations in resource supply areas. Coinciding trends in parameters were also found with the stop number and SSI in micro-areas associated activity, indicating short pauses needed to keep balance between attraction and repulsion between nearby individuals. Overall, the measured parameters varied depending on the micro-area, light phase, and strain. In particular, behavioral differences were observed for 201Y, including an increase in speed, especially in the areas related to activity during the scotophase. Between strains, behavioral differences in the measured parameters were overall weaker for 201Y than for Canton-S.

Abstract: In management of mesopredators it is essential to understand their ecological roles and habitat use. However, studies of nocturnal species are challenging and conventional methods are limited in their applicability. This study presents a new method to study habitat preference and behaviour of red fox (Vulpes vulpes), European badger (Meles meles), and Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). In this study the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) equipped with thermal camera is tested and evaluated in relation to conventional monitoring methods. Our results demonstrate that UAVs are highly effective for tracking predator movements across open landscapes, capturing real-time data on locations and behaviours such as foraging, resting, and hunting. This study revealed habitat separations as well as spatial overlap between fox, badger and otter in agricultural areas in Denmark. Foxes showed more versatility, both in behaviour and habitat choice than badger and otter. Otters were almost exclusively found close to water bodies as lakes, streams and coastlines, where they caught fish. Badgers preferred to forage under three covers and in meadows. This study highlights the potential for UAVs to provide novel insights into predator behaviour, habitat use, and interspecies interactions, contributing to a deeper understanding of mesopredator ecology.

Abstract:

As an anti-predation behavior, shoaling enhances survival among prey species by reducing individual predation risk through mechanisms like the dilution effect and collective vigilance. Zebrafish – a highly social and genetically tractable species – are valuable for studying these behaviors. The present study examined zebrafish social preferences in a 3-chamber open-tank free-swim task, assessing whether visual cues alone could distinguish between an intact and an alarmed shoal exposed to the synthetic alarm substance H3NO. Subjects were allowed to freely associate with either shoal while their behavior was recorded and analyzed. Results revealed a significant preference for proximity to the intact shoal, indicating zebrafish’s ability to visually discern threat levels. Subjects spent nearly twice as much time in the zone near the intact shoal, with reduced freezing and faster movement velocities compared to the alarmed shoal zone. Males exhibited more freezing behavior than females, consistent with sex-specific strategies in threat response. These findings underscore zebrafish’s reliance on visual cues for social responding under predatory threat and highlight sex-based differences in threat perception. This research expands the understanding of zebrafish social dynamics and provides a robust framework for future exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and threat assessment in zebrafish.

Abstract: Length of stay is an important metric for shelters, and studies have identified physical characteristics of dogs, and some behaviors, that predict length of stay. Although many shelters include leash walks when introducing dogs to potential adopters, it is unknown whether behaviors during harnessing and walking influence length of stay. During 707 walks of 120 dogs at a New York shelter, we recorded excitable behaviors, such as jumps on, grabs the leash, and pulls on the leash, whose measures of prevalence were largely unknown for shelter dogs. We also examined whether dog demographic characteristics predicted behaviors and whether behaviors predicted length of stay. During harnessing, jumps on had the highest prevalence (45%) and during walking, pulls on the leash (86%). Although we expected measures of prevalence to be higher for dogs in shelters due to limited space and exercise, we found that measures were similar to or lower than reported for dogs in homes, possibly because dogs in shelters are less comfortable with their handlers. Dog age was the most common demographic predictor of behaviors, with jumps on and total pulls/walk decreasing with age. Grabs the leash predicted length of stay, with longer stays for dogs that displayed this behavior. These two findings suggest that it would be beneficial for shelter staff and volunteers to focus training efforts on younger dogs, and especially those that grab the leash.

Abstract:

Existential experiences significantly influence human emotions in various ways. The dichotomy between pleasure and discomfort necessitates particular attention to adverse experiences within a psychopathological framework. Displeasure has been an intrinsic element of human existence from birth. Pain serves as a catalyst for growth, and intellectual development is inherently linked to the acquisition of problem-solving skills. However, the processing of displeasure is not always straightforward. Among the multitude of challenging existential circumstances, frustrations are particularly salient. These frustrations frequently arise throughout the human experience, with many being resolved swiftly and without considerable discomfort. Conversely, certain disappointments may necessitate years of psychological processing. Some of these frustrations exert a profound emotional impact, potentially precipitating mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. High-impact frustrations, often related to commonplace situations such as unemployment and divorce, can have even greater consequences when they engender profound disappointments. Such extraordinary high-impact frustrations demand extensive deconstruction of expectations and can severely affect mental health. A thorough understanding of this phenomenon, termed UNHIFE (high-impact frustration experience), may elucidate the phenomenology associated with numerous neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant that disrupts cognitive and neurobiological functions in brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus. Chronic METH use leads to altered synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). This study investigates gene expression changes following long-access intravenous METH self-administration in a rodent model. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted on PFC and hippocampal tissue to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between METH-treated and control groups. We identified 41 DEGs in the PFC and 32 in the hippocampus, many involved in synaptic plasticity, immune response, and energy metabolism. Key findings included downregulation of mitochondrial function genes and upregulation of genes related to neural development and extracellular matrix organization, highlighting the profound transcriptional effects of METH. As a proof-of-concept, we explored individual gene expression variability in relation to economic demand for METH. Rats exhibiting higher demand showed distinct molecular profiles, including upregulation of genes linked to neural signaling and transcription regulation, such as Foxd1 and Cdh1. This preliminary analysis demonstrates that individual differences in drug-seeking correlate with unique gene expression patterns. These findings suggest that both group-level and individual molecular changes contribute to the neurobiological mechanisms of METH use. A better understanding of these individual differences could potentially inform the development of personalized therapeutic approaches for MUD.

Abstract: The inherited behavior patterns (IBPs) that are incompatible with the technological civilization could present challenges which all emerging intelligences and civilizations must confront, and that may help explain Fermi paradox, at least in part, why we have not yet detected any alien civilizations. The civilizations that cannot solve the problem of incompatible IBPs may inevitably become extinct shortly after the appearance of advanced technologies. The current technological civilization is addressing the dangers posed by IBPs too ineffectively to ensure the long-term survival of civilization. One of the first steps that can be taken currently is to increase public awareness of the threats posed by incompatible inherited behavior patterns (IBPs). This can be achieved through widespread education, aimed at both the general population and key decision-makers. Looking toward the future, one potential solution to the problem of incompatible inherited behavior patterns (IBPs) is genetic reprogramming, which could be developed over the next 50 to 100 years. Through advanced genetic engineering techniques, we could potentially modify human behavior to be better suited for conditions prevailing in a technological civilization.

Abstract: There is considerable variation in the mean IQ scores of human racial groups. Such group differences may be caused by genetic or environmental effects. Here we review and refute the claims of those who argue that mean IQ differences are the result of genetic effects, a claim which has seen a resurgence in recent years. We begin with data that question the notion that races vary in IQ and real-world achievement in a manner supporting a racial hierarchy. First, minorities of different genetic ancestry have comparable IQ and achievement levels in the US. Second, worldwide, we often see gaps as large as between White and Black Americans within single racial groups. Third, the Black-White achievement gap is entirely due to sex specific differences in achievement. There are, however, no sex specific mean differences in IQ. With respect to the magnitude of racial achievement gaps, they are well within the range of effects caused by socioeconomic factors, particularly those related to education. Further, when IQ tests do not reference past knowledge (particularly vocabulary), the IQ gap disappears. We then review work showing that mixed race persons do not typically show intermediate IQ, a key prediction of the genetic hypothesis. Finally, we review the three extant transracial adoption studies, which do not provide any support for a genetic explanation for group level differences in IQ. In sum, there is nothing about the nature of racial IQ gaps that suggests a genetic explanation, and the experimental work does not support a genetic explanation.

Abstract: Major depressive disorder (MDD) can lead to cognitive dysfunction. The objective is to assess associative episodic memory and subjective memory complaints in daily life in people with a first episode of depression (FED). Analytical observational design. Fifteen patients with FED mean age 50.20 (8.04) years and 15 healthy control (HCtrl) mean age 45.07 (8.64) years participants, both middle-aged adults, were assessed. The recruitment was from Mental Health Units in Mallorca, and this lasted between March 2021 to October 2022. DSM-5® diagnostic criteria and the Interna-tional Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) were used to diagnose depression. This study was an analytical, cross-sectional, prospective, observational design. The following cognitive tests were used for cognitive assessment: 1) an adapted version of the Face-Name Associative Memory Exam (FNAME-12A), 2) the daily life memory questionnaire (MFE-30), and 3) the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA). People with FED showed a mean score of 43.33 (25.40) compared to the HCtrl 19.66 (10.12) significantly higher scores (p = .05) on the MFE-30, but there were no significant differences in the FNAME. Furthermore, no significant correlations were observed between sub-jective (MFE-30) and objective (FNAME) memory performance. We observed a dissociation be-tween FED patients’ perception of memory difficulties and their objectively measured memory. These results support the idea that patients suffering from depression (even in the first episode) tend to overestimate their memory difficulties.