scholarly journals A critical survey of vestigial structures in the postcranial skeletons of extant mammals

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Senter ◽  
John G. Moch

In the Mammalia, vestigial skeletal structures abound but have not previously been the focus of study, with a few exceptions (e.g., whale pelves). Here we use a phylogenetic bracketing approach to identify vestigial structures in mammalian postcranial skeletons and present a descriptive survey of such structures in the Mammalia. We also correct previous misidentifications, including the previous misidentification of vestigial caviid metatarsals as sesamoids. We also examine the phylogenetic distribution of vestigiality and loss. This distribution indicates multiple vestigialization and loss events in mammalian skeletal structures, especially in the hand and foot, and reveals no correlation in such events between mammalian fore and hind limbs.

1996 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-78
Author(s):  
William W McBryde

This paper,first presented on 21 October 1995 at ajoint seminar ofthe Scottish Law Commission and the Faculty of Law, University of Edinburgh, on the subject of breach of contract, is a critical survey of the remedies available in Scots law for breach of contract. It considers interest, specific implement, interdict, breach of contract, the mutuality principle, damages and penalty clauses.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olusanmi Babarinde ◽  
Elizabeth Babarinde

Lullabies are essentially sung for their soothing nature but, as this article shows, they have other important functions. One of the most important of these is that lullabies may provide much-needed language stimulation with important long-term consequences for future learning. This paper begins the work of addressing the dearth of scholarly research on lullabies, especially in the Yoruba (Nigeria: Niger-Congo) culture. It looks at the range of themes, dictions, and prosody that are intertwined to reveal Yoruba beliefs and world-views about children, starting with their time in the womb. The study uses a descriptive survey method to analyse data collected through participant observation. It shows that Yoruba lullabies not only offer insights into Yoruba cultural beliefs but also depend greatly on figurative expression and prosodic systems. These rich literary qualities identify lullabies as the earliest sub-genre of children's poetry.


2003 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-247
Author(s):  
P. Sótonyi ◽  
G. Bodó

Klaus-Dieter Budras, Patrick H. McCarthy, Wolfgang Fricke, Renate Richter: Anatomy of the Dog. An Illustrated Text. 4th edition with Aaron Horowitz and Rolf Berg. Schlütersche GmbH & Co. KG Verlag und Druckerei, Hannover, Germany. 222 pages, 71 large-sized colour plates including several illustrations, radiographs, drawings and photographs. 9¾ × 13½", hardcover. ISBN 3-87706-619-4. Price: Ł54 / € 86. Kees J. Dik: Atlas of Diagnostic Radiology of the Horse - Diseases of the Front and Hind Limbs. Second extended and revised edition, Schlütersche, Hannover, 2002. 300 pages with 702 radiographs, 82 drawings. 9¾ ×13½", hardcover. ISBN 3-87706-651-8. Price:€ 144 / USD 179.5 / £ 89.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-82
Author(s):  
Susan Andrews

Background:  Recent reviews of published guidelines for conducting short-term medical missions (STMM) identify significant concerns about the lack of adherence and of formal regulations concurrent with the increasing number of individuals and organizations participating in STMM. Method: A descriptive survey methodology was used. A 44-item survey that identifies current practices utilized by healthcare providers (HCP) who have participated in STMM was used based on the literature and prior research, and distributed electronically to HCP participating in STTM to identify current best practices and compare findings with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. A focus on current operational practices was surveyed and analyzed to develop operational recommendations for the ethical and safe care provided during STMM. Results: Eighty-seven surveys were included in the final analysis, with 33% (N=29) serving as coordinators for the trip. The majority of the respondents were female (67%) and the primary roles represented were: MD (N=17; 20%), nurse practitioner (N=20; 23%), and registered nurse (N=18; 21%). A majority (N=48; 67%) traveled to South America or Latin America, with 38% (N=33) having participated in four or more STMM. Language proficiency was reported as deficient (N=35; 40%) along with little or no knowledge of the basic culture (N=39; 45%). Additional data were collected on trip preparation, clinic operations, and outcomes follow up. Conclusions: Using a convenience sample, the results of the survey provide information on the current best practices utilized by HCP who have participated in STMM and compare the findings to assess for adherence with the most recent recommendations for short-term global health activities. There was variation in the degree to which HCP were knowledgeable about specific aspects related to knowledge of local culture, language proficiency, and adherence to recommended practices for STMM. Additional research on STMM is needed, along with further exploration of how evidence based practices for STMM can be implemented to improve access and safety to the care provided while in the host country.


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