Search

The mode of reproduction most often seen in snakes is sexual, but studies have noted facultative parthenogenesis in at least six families. Here, we provide evidence for the first observed case of facultative parthenogenesis in a captive Jamaican boa (Chilabothrus subflavus). A 7‐year‐old female Jamaican boa, isolated since birth, was found to have produced a litter of 15 offspring. To provide molecular DNA evidence of parthenogenesis, 13 new microsatellite loci were isolated in the species. All offspring were found to be homozygous at each locus and only possess alleles found in the dam, implicating that they were born from asexual reproduction. Several developmental abnormalities, including stillbirths and spinal deformities, were noted in the litter which may be explained by their increased level of homozygosity. To preserve genetic diversity in the captive population, research should be conducted to understand the prevalence of this mode of reproduction and to guide future management decisions of this IUCN listed Vulnerable species. Research Highlights: An isolated female Jamaican boa was found to have given birth to 15 offspring.Each offspring was homozygous across 13 molecular markers, with only alleles present in the mother, indicating that they were produced from parthenogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midwifery educators have to provide students with stimulating curricula that teach academic and vocational content, as well as transferable skills. The Research Skills Development (RSD) framework provides a conceptual model that allows educators to explicitly scaffold the development of their students' research skills. This paper aims to demonstrate the effective use of the RSD framework and constructive alignment theory to redesign a second-year Midwifery assessment task. The assessment task was changed into a scenario-based question to better reflect the unit learning objectives and expected graduate attributes. Students were provided with extra time in class to explore the assessment task in a peer environment. Following the return of their assessments, students were asked to complete a questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of the assessment redesign. We show that using a constructively aligned scenario-based assessment task in a second year unit more successfully articulated the expected graduate attributes of midwives. Qualitative and quantitative feedback suggested that students and staff appreciated a more clinically-relevant assessment task. This paper demonstrates that the use of the RSD framework to constructively align graduate attributes, learning experiences, and assessment tasks allows for the transformation of undergraduate assessment into a learning experience relevant to clinical practice.

Two systematic approaches (dimensional and typological) were used to develop classification systems. Each approach was evaluated on criteria applicable to general classification schemes and residential environments for retarded persons. A third, nested system was derived which satisfied rules for development and evaluative criteria. (Author/CL)

The northern sportive lemur (Lepilemur septentrionalis) is one of the most endangered primates in the world. Surveys from 2012 and 2013 identified only 52 individuals, all occurring in small, isolated forest fragments within its historic range. Further exacerbating the issue, the ever-increasing human population of the nearby city of Antsiranana is driving demand for biofuel, which is supplied by the production of charcoal from the forests of Montagne des Français, where the biggest remaining population of northern sportive lemurs resides. Despite the designation of Montagne des Français as a protected area in 2015, illicit anthropogenic activities persist, threatening the remaining population of this Critically Endangered lemur. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership conducted two month-long surveys in Montagne des Français to obtain a current population estimate of L. septentrionalis and approximate focal locations for future conservation initiatives for the species. Our surveys identified 87 individuals in Montagne des Français, almost all of them restricted to the central forest fragments, with northern sportive lemurs being absent or near absent in the northern and southernmost parcels. It appears the population in this region has increased in the last six years, possibly because of the creation of the protected area and the efforts of Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership in collaboration with the regional gendarmerie and officials under the Direction Régionale de l'Environnement et du Développement Durable of the Diana region to patrol the forests and prevent anthropogenic destruction. However, it is also possible that this increase is artificial due to the loss and fragmentation of their forest, causing the lemurs to be more densely populated in the remaining forest patches than has been evident in previous studies. Regardless, results of this survey suggest that northern sportive lemurs should remain listed as Critically Endangered, and effective protection of this species will require further research, along with habitat restoration and regular patrolling by local enforcement to prevent further degradation of the remaining forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]