Migration routes and adult survival of the critically endangered yellow-breasted bunting Emberiza aureola.

Migratory animals rely on multiple sites during their annual cycles. Deteriorating conditions at any site can have population-level consequences, with long-distance migrants seen as especially susceptible to such changes. Reduced adult survival caused by persecution at non-breeding sites has been suggested a major reason for the catastrophic decline of a formerly abundant, long-distance migratory songbird, the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola.

Landscape structure and site characteristics influence whether the northern house martin occupies artificial nests.

Artificial nest sites can support populations of endangered species when they are correctly installed. Here we analysed the characteristics and conditions that determined whether the northern house martin occupied more than 300 artificial nests around the city of Münster, Germany. We found that artificial nest occupation rates were influenced by various environmental and temporal factors.

Seasonal migration patterns of Siberian Rubythroat (Calliope calliope) facing the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Background: Small songbirds respond and adapt to various geographical barriers during their annual migration. Global flyways reveal the diverse migration strategies in response to different geographical barriers, among which are high-elevation plateaus. However, few studies have been focused on the largest and highest plateau in the world, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) which poses a significant barrier to migratory passerines.

User perspectives of digital manufacturing for lower-limb prosthetic sockets.

Background: There is growing interest to use digital technology (DT) for manufacturing lower-limb prosthetic sockets to improve efficiency and clinical outcomes. However, little is known about how lower-limb prosthesis users perceive DTs, such as 3D scanning and 3D printing.

Objectives: This study aimed to provide an understanding of perceptions and experiences with DT for prosthetic socket manufacturing from the perspective of prosthesis users.

Effects of vegetation on methylmercury concentrations and loads in a mercury contaminated floodplain.

The Yolo Bypass (YB) is a large flood conveyance system designed to protect the city of Sacramento, California, USA from flooding when the Sacramento River approaches flood stage. The Sacramento River watershed and YB are a source of methylmercury (MeHg) to downstream habitat as a result of historic mercury (Hg) and gold mining practices. In the dry season, the YB is extensively farmed and grazed.