Around the turn of the century, there was a perception in some circles that behavioural ecology was dead [1]. However, the fashions in behavioural ecology that were then seen in decline were in fact dead before they were born (as indeed any science that thrives on fashion rather than discovery). Fields such as ‘fluctuating asymmetry’ and ‘UV vision’ have sunk into oblivion for all the right rea...

This study aimed to examine the association between specific word reading difficulties (SWRD) identified at age 7 years using a discrepancy approach and subsequent dimensional measures of behavioural difficulties reported by teachers and parents at age 11 years. Behavioural problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Secondary analysis of a UK representative popul...

Scientific assessment of affective states in animals is challenging but vital for animal welfare studies. One possible approach is Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA), a 'whole animal' methodology which integrates information from multiple behavioural signals and styles of behavioural expression (body language) directly in terms of an animal's emotional expression. If QBA provides a valid ...

Coral reef fish present the human observer with an array of bold and contrasting patterns; however, the ability of such fish to perceive these patterns is largely unexamined. To understand this, the visual acuity of these animals - the degree to which they can resolve fine detail - must be ascertained. Behavioural studies are few in number and anatomical analysis has largely focused on estimate...

BACKGROUND Behavioural activation might be a viable alternative to antidepressant medication for major depressive disorder. AIMS To compare the effectiveness of behavioural activation and treatment as usual (TAU, antidepressant medication) for major depressive disorder in routine clinical practice in Iran. METHOD Patients with major depressive disorder (n = 100) were randomised to 16 sessio...

Modern systems are becoming increasingly complex, integrated and distributed, in order to meet the escalating demands for functionality. This has given rise to concepts such as system-of-systems (SoS), which organise a myriad of independent component systems into a collaborative super-system, capable of achieving unmatchable levels of functionality. Despite its advantages, SoS is still an infan...