Saving the Tasmanian Devil

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Research ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Vehicle Collision ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Climate Events ◽  
Insight Into

The Tasmanian devil is threatened by Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a transmissible form of cancer that has reduced the population by over 80%. Persecution, extreme climate events, vehicle collision and habitat destruction also put pressure on this endangered species. The recovery effort to save the Tasmanian devil commenced over 15 years ago as a collaborative initiative between the Tasmanian government, the Australian government, the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia, and many research institutions. Saving the Tasmanian Devil documents the journey taken by partner organisations in discovering what DFTD is, the effect it has on wild devil populations, and the outcomes achieved through research and management actions. Chapters describe all aspects of devil conservation, including the captive devil populations, applied pathology, immunology and genetic research findings, adaptive management, and the importance of advocacy and partnerships. This book will provide management practitioners and conservation scientists with insight into the complexities of undertaking a program of this scale, and will also be of value to researchers, students and others interested in conservation.

scholarly journals A Tasmanian devil breeding program to support wild recovery

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1296 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. E. Grueber ◽  
E. Peel ◽  
B. Wright ◽  
C. J. Hogg ◽  
K. Belov
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Reproductive Success ◽  
Genetic Research ◽  
Breeding Program ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Strategic Approach ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease ◽  
Transmissible Cancer ◽  
In The Wild

Tasmanian devils are threatened in the wild by devil facial tumour disease: a transmissible cancer with a high fatality rate. In response, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program (STDP) established an ‘insurance population’ to enable the preservation of genetic diversity and natural behaviours of devils. This breeding program includes a range of institutions and facilities, from zoo-based intensive enclosures to larger, more natural environments, and a strategic approach has been required to capture and maintain genetic diversity, natural behaviours and to ensure reproductive success. Laboratory-based research, particularly genetics, in tandem with adaptive management has helped the STDP reach its goals, and has directly contributed to the conservation of the species in the wild. Here we review this work and show that the Tasmanian devil breeding program is a powerful example of how genetic research can be used to understand and improve reproductive success in a threatened species.

scholarly journals Historical and contemporary signatures of selection in response to transmissible cancer in the Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda R. Stahlke ◽  
Brendan Epstein ◽  
Soraia Barbosa ◽  
Austin Patton ◽  
Sarah A. Hendricks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recurrent Selection ◽  
Rapid Evolution ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease ◽  
Evolutionary Response ◽  
Recent Emergence ◽  
Transmissible Cancer ◽  
Genomic Regions ◽  
Sarcophilus Harrisii

AbstractTasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are evolving in response to a unique transmissible cancer, devil facial tumour disease (DFTD), first described in 1996. Persistence of wild populations and the recent emergence of a second independently evolved transmissible cancer suggest that transmissible cancers may be a recurrent feature in devils. We used a targeted sequencing approach, RAD-capture, to identify genomic regions subject to rapid evolution in approximately 2,500 devils as DFTD spread across the species range. We found evidence for genome-wide contemporary evolution, including 186 candidate genes related to cell cycling and immune response. We then searched for signatures of recurrent selection with a molecular evolution approach and found widespread evidence of historical positive selection in devils relative to other marsupials. We identified both contemporary and historical selection in 19 genes and enrichment for contemporary and historical selection independently in 22 gene sets. Nonetheless, the overlap between candidates for historical selection and for contemporary response to DFTD was lower than expected, supporting novelty in the evolutionary response of devils to DFTD. Our results can inform management actions to conserve adaptive capacity of devils by identifying high priority targets for genetic monitoring and maintenance of functional diversity in managed populations.

scholarly journals Disease and the dynamics of extinction

2012 ◽  
Vol 367 (1604) ◽  
pp. 2828-2839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamish McCallum
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Host Density ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Broad Host Range ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Reservoir Species ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease

Invading infectious diseases can, in theory, lead to the extinction of host populations, particularly if reservoir species are present or if disease transmission is frequency-dependent. The number of historic or prehistoric extinctions that can unequivocally be attributed to infectious disease is relatively small, but gathering firm evidence in retrospect is extremely difficult. Amphibian chytridiomycosis and Tasmanian devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) are two very different infectious diseases that are currently threatening to cause extinctions in Australia. These provide an unusual opportunity to investigate the processes of disease-induced extinction and possible management strategies. Both diseases are apparently recent in origin. Tasmanian DFTD is entirely host-specific but potentially able to cause extinction because transmission depends weakly, if at all, on host density. Amphibian chytridiomycosis has a broad host range but is highly pathogenic only to some populations of some species. At present, both diseases can only be managed by attempting to isolate individuals or populations from disease. Management options to accelerate the process of evolution of host resistance or tolerance are being investigated in both cases. Anthropogenic changes including movement of diseases and hosts, habitat destruction and fragmentation and climate change are likely to increase emerging disease threats to biodiversity and it is critical to further develop strategies to manage these threats.

scholarly journals Low major histocompatibility complex diversity in the Tasmanian devil predates European settlement and may explain susceptibility to disease epidemics

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 20120900 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrina Morris ◽  
Jeremy J. Austin ◽  
Katherine Belov
Keyword(s):  
Major Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Major Histocompatibility ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
Low Genetic Diversity ◽  
Histocompatibility Complex ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mhc Diversity ◽  
Disease Epidemics

The Tasmanian devil ( Sarcophilus harrisii ) is at risk of extinction owing to the emergence of a contagious cancer known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The emergence and spread of DFTD has been linked to low genetic diversity in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We examined MHC diversity in historical and ancient devils to determine whether loss of diversity is recent or predates European settlement in Australia. Our results reveal no additional diversity in historical Tasmanian samples. Mainland devils had common modern variants plus six new variants that are highly similar to existing alleles. We conclude that low MHC diversity has been a feature of devil populations since at least the Mid-Holocene and could explain their tumultuous history of population crashes.

scholarly journals Combining Multiple Organizational-level Databases: An Empirical Evaluation of Different Matching Methods

2021 ◽  
pp. 004912412098618
Author(s):  
Tim de Leeuw ◽  
Steffen Keijl
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Evaluation ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Random Errors ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Matching Methods ◽  
Matching Process ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Insight Into

Although multiple organizational-level databases are frequently combined into one data set, there is no overview of the matching methods (MMs) that are utilized because the vast majority of studies does not report how this was done. Furthermore, it is unclear what the differences are between the utilized methods, and it is unclear whether research findings might be influenced by the utilized method. This article describes four commonly used methods for matching databases and potential issues. An empirical comparison of those methods used to combine regularly used organizational-level databases reveals large differences in the number of observations obtained. Furthermore, empirical analyses of these different methods reveal that several of them produce both systematic and random errors. These errors can result in erroneous estimations of regression coefficients in terms of direction and/or size as well as an issue where truly significant relationships might be found to be insignificant. This shows that research findings can be influenced by the MM used, which would argue in favor of the establishment of a preferred method as well as more transparency on the utilized method in future studies. This article provides insight into the matching process and methods, suggests a preferred method, and should aid researchers, reviewers, and editors with both combining multiple databases and describing and assessing them.

scholarly journals The New Perceptions on Life of Iranian Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Shahba ◽  
Reza Jafari-Shakib ◽  
Mahdi Mahmoudi ◽  
Ahmadreza Jamshidi ◽  
Mahdi Vojdanian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Chronic Inflammatory Disease ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Quantitative Studies ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
First Time ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Gaining Insight

Various studies suggest that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) as a chronic inflammatory disease with many disabilities can have impacts on different aspects of patients’ life. Despite many quantitative studies, only few qualitative studies have thus far been published on this subject. For the first time, the present study aims at gaining insight into the life experience of Iranian AS patients. We performed a content analysis through semi-structured interviews with twenty-eight patients diagnosed with AS, including three females and twenty-five males with an average age of 38.5 years, to gain insight into their experiences. Whatever the patients expressed was written and transcribed verbatim. Then, we did analysis of the results after each interview. The detailed information completely extracted from the interviews was classified as sub-themes and main themes. Three main themes were identified by the analysis: (i) “Always with pain” describing the effects were found in regard to pain on patients’ life, (ii) “The perceived limitation” describing many difficulties that people may face in the society as a result of their disease, and (iii) “Fearing the unknown future” which implies to both patients and their families have concerns about the future and what will happen. Our research findings in line with other qualitative studies showed that AS disease puts a heavy and intolerable burden on patients and their family. It seems that the experiences of people living with AS can be useful to meet challenges caused by the disease and it can enhance their coping with the disease.

The effects of season and devil facial tumour disease on the reproductive physiology of the male Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii)

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (7) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Keeley ◽  
P. D. McGreevy ◽  
J. K. O'Brien
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Serum Cortisol ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Tasmanian Devil ◽  
Early Stage Disease ◽  
Devil Facial Tumour Disease ◽  
Disease Free

Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD) is the cause of the rapid decline of wild Tasmanian devils. Female devils are seasonal breeders with births peaking during autumn (i.e. March) but the degree of reproductive seasonality in male devils is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the potential effects of season and DFTD on reproductive function in male devils (n = 55). Testicular (1.90 ± 0.23 g) and epididymal (0.90 ± 0.06 g) weights were maximal during autumn and spring (P < 0.05), whereas prostate (3.71 ± 0.74 g) and Cowper’s gland (0.68 ± 0.22; 0.52 ± 0.21 g) weights peaked during autumn (P < 0.001). The motility of spermatozoa from the cauda epididymides extracted post-mortem was similar (P > 0.05) across season and disease state (31.5 ± 13.1% total motility). Testicular and epididymal weights were no different between animals displaying late or early-stage DTFD signs or disease-free animals (P > 0.1). The accessory sex glands were larger in late-stage DFTD animals than in animals with early-stage disease signs or which were disease-free (P < 0.01) but effects of season on this result can’t be excluded. Serum testosterone concentrations peaked during summer (0.25 ± 0.18 ng mL–1) but values were not different from the preceding and subsequent seasons (P > 0.05), nor influenced by disease stage (P > 0.1). Seasonal and DFTD-related changes in serum cortisol concentrations were not evident (P > 0.1). Male devil reproduction does not appear to be restricted by season nor inhibited by DFTD.

The Child’s Guardian – Listening and Giving Weight to Children’s Views

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen James ◽  
David Lane
Keyword(s):  
Child Protection ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Protection System ◽  
Review Panel ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
The Family ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Children’S Views ◽  
Meaningful Relationships ◽  
Insight Into

Both the child protection and public child law systems assume a child-centred approach is at the heart of their work with children. That assumption is based on what are considered child-centred principles, which are enshrined in legislation in England and Wales in the Children Act 1989, mainly the principle of paramountcy of the child’s welfare in Section 1(1) and the principle of no delay in Section 1(2), in relation to the completion of proceedings ( hm Government, 1989). However, comprehensive reviews of both the child protection system (Munro, 2011) and the family justice system (Family Justice Review Panel, 2011), along with research findings (Cappleman et al., 2013) present a picture that challenges this assumption. Increasingly, the focus on the child’s life and welfare is hampered by a lack of time and resources available to professionals such as Guardians to enable them establish a meaningful and trusting relationship with the child in order to gain insight into and an understanding of the child’s world from the child’s perspective. The child appears to be very much on the periphery of a system that lacks real connectedness with the child and their view of their situation and circumstances. Such a level of connectedness can only be achieved by providing children with space and time to develop trust in and meaningful relationships with those whose duty it is to represent their true wishes and feelings and give due weight to the child’s perspective.

Market Forecasts and Personal Adoption of Smart Textiles in Fitness Sector

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 57-75 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manju Sugathan ◽  
Martin Douglas Hendry
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Basic Concept ◽  
Consumer Experience ◽  
Smart Textiles ◽  
Future Design ◽  
User Adoption ◽  
Cultural Experiences ◽  
Innovative Products ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Insight Into

The basic concept of smart textiles consists of textile structures that can sense and react to different stimuli from their environment. While forecasts indicate how this sector has the potential to grow in the future, a gap remains for smart textiles to become commercially viable. Growth in consumerism and consumption of services and experiences has led to innovative products that satisfy higher order needs including ideas, sensory and emotional fulfilment, cultural experiences and entertainment. The aim of the paper is to understand smart textiles in this context and to identify factors that influence personal ownership in fitness sector. These will help manufacturers and technologists gain insight into consumer experience and contribute to better design, innovation, marketing and services. The research findings identify important features consumers value in their decision making to purchase a smart top in fitness sector. The results contribute to the field of user adoption in smart textiles and conclude with proposals for the direction of future design and technical development.

scholarly journals Street-connectedness and education in Kenya: Experiences of formal schooling as rationale for inclusive pedagogies of practice

Prospects ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 265-280
Author(s):  
Su Lyn Corcoran ◽  
Lillian Aoko Awimbo ◽  
Kelvin Mugwanga ◽  
Irene Atieno Aluoch
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Formal Schooling ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractThis article contributes to the literature on street-connectedness and inclusive education, presenting original research findings from two Kenyan studies. Both studies aim to understand street-connected young people’s experiences of education. The first focused on transitioning from the street into education or training, to explore the challenges of making that transition. The second focused on young people who had lived on the street for extended periods of time and were still there at the time of data generation. Both studies generated significant insight into (a) education as motivating initial migrations to the street, (b) the role of fear, embarrassment, and shame in preventing young people from going (back) into formal education, and (c) how acceptance and support are key to overcoming feelings of not belonging and other challenges when transitioning from the street into school. The article provides empirical evidence that should be considered when planning inclusive education provision for street-connected young people globally.

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