bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Mechanisms for the Formation of Flower Size Preferences by Foraging Bumblebees
Authors: Blarer Albert , Keasar Tamar , Shmida Avi
Published: March 2003

Large flowers often contain larger nectar rewards, and receive more pollinator visits, than small flowers. We studied possible behavioral mechanisms underlying the formation of flower size preferences in bumblebees, using a two‐phase laboratory experiment. Experimentally naive Bombus terrestris (L.) foraged on artificial flowers that bore either a large (3.8 cm diameter) or a small (2.7 cm diameter) display of a uniform color. Only flowers of one display size contained nectar rewards. We changed the display color and the locations of large and small flowers in the second experimental phase. We recorded the bees' choices in both phases. Almost half of the bees (41%) made their first visit to a small flower. The bees learned to associate display size with food reward, and chose rewarding flowers with >85% accuracy by the end of each experimental phase. Some learning occurred within the bees' first three flower visits. Learning of the size–reward association was equally good for large and small displays in the first experimental phase, but better for small displays in the second phase. Formation of size–reward associations followed a similar course in both phases. This suggests that the bees did not apply their experience from the first learning phase to the new situation of the second phase. Rather, they treated each phase of the experiment as an independent learning task. Our results suggest that associative learning is involved in the formation of preferences for large displays by bees. Moreover, bees that had learned to prefer large displays in one foraging situation may not transfer this preference to a novel situation that is sufficiently different. We propose that this feature of the bees' behavior can select for honest advertising in flowers.
How Similar is the Coordination of Parental Roles Among Different Pairs? An Examination of a Monogamous Fish
Authors: Itzkowitz M. , Santangelo N. , Richter M.
Published: March 2003

Although most studies on biparental care assume that parents cooperate in raising offspring, few studies have documented how parents coordinate their activities. Using the biparental convict cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatum) we compared the parental behavior of both single (‘widowed’) parents and individuals within pairs during the 5 d when the offspring were in the relatively uniform and stationary wriggler stage. In particular, we were interested in the consistency of day‐to‐day parental activities among single individuals and among individuals within pairs. Single parents showed differences in most parental activities that were consistent from one day to the next. This day‐to‐day consistency remained after an intruder was added and / or the mate was present. Thus, although the social context changed (i.e., presence or absence of mate, presence or absence of an intruder), an individual's consistency remained. The male and female within pairs were significantly correlated in the time spent on most parental activities across experimental pairs. Thus, while individuals within pairs were unique in their performance of a parental activity, paired males and females managed a high degree of correlation (i.e., coordination). In general, pairs were homogeneous in the degree to which males and females were correlated across different parental activities.
Reproductive Signals of Female Lizards: Pattern of Trait Expression and Male Response
Authors: Weiss S. L.
Published: March 2003

Relative to the volume of studies concerning the function and evolution of male‐biased sexually dimorphic traits, instances of female‐biased sexual dimorphisms remain largely unstudied, especially in species with conventional sex roles. I investigated the signal function of a female‐specific ornamental trait using the striped plateau lizard (Sceloporus virgatus, Phrynosomatidae) as a model system. During the reproductive season, female S. virgatus develop orange color on their throats that is absent in conspecific males. I established the relationship between color expression and female reproductive state, and determined male response to female color. I show that dynamic changes occurring within the color patch can potentially identify each stage of the female reproductive cycle, largely because of a lag in patch growth relative to color intensification. Sexual receptivity is associated with intense patches rapidly growing in size; ovulation occurs near peak color expression; and the unreceptive period is associated with large patches fading in intensity. Because females express orange color during both the receptive and unreceptive periods, the pattern of color expression is consistent with the courtship‐stimulation and courtship‐rejection hypotheses of signal function. Males may preferentially associate with females that have more highly developed color patches during the courtship season, and/or ignore such females when they are unreceptive. An examination of male behavior towards unfamiliar females indicates that female color has a role in courtship stimulation but has little, if any, role in courtship rejection. During the pre‐mating season, males maintained significantly closer affiliation with, and tended to perform more social behavior towards females with more intense color. During the post‐mating season, female color had no apparent effect on male behavior. The evolution and current function of female ornaments may vary among taxonomically‐related species as a result of differences in ecology, social system, and life‐history.
Selective Learning in a Marsupial
Authors: Griffin Andrea S. , Evans Christopher S. , Blumstein Daniel T.
Published: March 2003

Behavioural plasticity allows animals to adjust rapidly to local environmental conditions, but at the risk of erroneously changing behaviour in response to irrelevant events. Adaptive biases or predispositions constrain learning and reduce such potential costs. Preferential learning about complex biologically‐meaningful stimuli, such as predators, has been investigated in only a few systems and there have been no experimental tests for the presence of adaptive biases in a marsupial. We have previously shown that tammar wallabies (Macropus eugenii) became fearful of a model fox (Vulpes vulpes) after it was repeatedly paired with an aversive event. Tammars generalized their acquired response to a cat (Felis catus), but not to a non‐predator (juvenile goat, Capra hircus), suggesting that they might have a bias to associate predators with frightening events. The present study tested this idea directly. We used an experimental design identical to that of earlier predator‐training experiments, but substituted a model goat for the fox as the stimulus predicting a capture attempt. A control group had the same total experience of the goat and of a human with a net, but without any predictive relationship between these two events. We detected no change in behaviour towards the goat, or to any of an array of control stimuli, as a consequence of training. This finding contrasts strongly with the effects of the same pairing procedure using a fox model. Taken together, these studies provide the first evidence for an adaptive predisposition to acquire a fear of predators in marsupials. Learning processes in this group are thus evolutionarily convergent with those previously described in eutherian mammals.
Frequency of Encounter with Risk and the Tradeoff between Pursuit and Antipredator Behaviors in Crayfish: A Test of the Risk Allocation Hypothesis
Authors: Pecor K. W. , Hazlett B. A.
Published: March 2003

Prey animals encountering multiple stimuli must often make behavioral tradeoffs. Many environmental cues may influence the tradeoff observed, but recent theoretical work suggests that temporal variation in risk should influence how prey animals behave during any given period of risk. As time spent under risk of predation increases, prey animals will increase their allocation of foraging during periods of risk. This model is known as the risk allocation hypothesis (RAH) (Lima & Bednekoff 1999). We tested the RAH using the crayfishOrconectes virilis. We selected two frequency regimes (exposure to risk every 6 or 12 h) and three cues suggestive of increasing risk (water, snapping turtle cue, and conspecific alarm cue). Test animals were exposed to one of the six frequency × risk combinations for 24 h, followed immediately by the simultaneous introduction of a food and a risk cue. Three behaviors (burrow use, non‐ambulatory motion, and locomotion) were then recorded for 5 min. Responses were significantly influenced by the interaction of risk and frequency. Further analysis indicated that responses were not consistently influenced by frequency alone. While our results do not support the predictions of the RAH for our frequency regimes, qualitative comparison with an earlier, similar study (Hazlett 1999) suggests that risk allocation is occurring in this system. We recommend that frequency of encounter with risk be considered in future studies. Ignoring temporal variation may lead to over‐ or underestimation of the subject's natural responses.
Responses to Playback of Local vs. Distant Contact Calls in the Orange‐Fronted Conure, Aratinga canicularis
Authors: Vehrencamp Sandra L. , Ritter A. F. , Keever M. , Bradbury J. W.
Published: March 2003

We conducted interactive playback experiments on foraging flocks of orange‐fronted conures, Aratinga canicularis, using loud contact calls that had been recorded at sites ranging from 0 to 30 km from the playback site. Responses were scored on the basis of the proximity of approach to the speaker, the number of different vocalizations produced by the responding flock, and the duration of respondent vocal interactions with the playbacks. Overall response strength decreased significantly as distance between playback and recording sites was increased up to 9 km, and remained at a steady low level for greater distances. As 9 km is the upper limit of conure home ranges measured in this study site, this nonlinear effect of response with distance suggests that response strength is partly determined by familiarity with calls of local birds. An additional and independent amount of the variation in response strength was explained by the structural similarity between respondent and stimulus calls. This correlation could be caused by a preference to interact with known stimulus birds whose calls have converged during prior associations. However, our data suggest that responding birds subtly changed their call structure during longer trials to more closely match the stimulus call. If subsequently verified as a common phenomenon, this finding could provide an important explanation for the remarkable imitative abilities of parrots.
Tree mortality caused by Gremmeniella abietina in a subalpine afforestation in the central Alps and its relationship with duration of snow cover
Authors: Senn J.
Published: March 2003

Tree survival and causes of mortality were studied in an experimental afforestation in the upper subalpine forest zone in the Swiss Alps. A total of 59.8% of Pinus cembra and 45.6% of Pinus mugo were killed by Gremmeniella abietina during the first 20 years after planting, compared to 1.5% of Larix deddua trees. The mortality rates caused by G. abietina were highly correlated with the duration of snow cover in spring. Tree losses were lowest at sites where the snow melted early and highest at sites where the snow ablation was delayed in spring. Tree mortality varied greatly between years. In the year after the coldest summer of the observation period mortality due to G. abietina infections was highest, suggesting high susceptibility of trees in poor condition. Phaddium infestans, which was the second most important factor for mortality in P. cembra, killed trees irrespective of their condition. Other biotic and abiotic causes of tree mortality had negligible influence compared with the impact of G abietina and P. infestans. Excluding anthropogenic impacts, the diverse spatial pattern of forested and treeless sites close to the subalpine timberline may predominantly result from the action of parasitic fungi, depending on the ablation pattern of the snow cover in spring.
Transfer of the P‐type of Heterobasidion annosum from old‐growth stumps of Picea abies to Picea abies and Larix×eurolepis
Authors: Vollbrecht G. , Stenlid J.
Published: March 2003

The infection of Picea abies and Larix x eurolepis by Heterobasidion annosum was studied in felled trees in Sweden. Thinnings were carried out in two stands of L. x eurolepis, 15 and 20 years old, and in a 25‐year‐old stand of P. abies, established on a site heavily infected by H. annosum. The 15‐ and 20‐year‐old L. x eurolepis stands exhibited the greatest incidence of butt rot with infections amounting to 38 and 57%, respectively, of removed trees. The incidence of butt rot in the P. abies stand was only 5%. Heterobasidion annosum was the main butt rot causing fungus. All isolates of H. annosum were of the P‐intersterility group. Transfer of H. annosum from old‐growth P. abies stumps to trees felled in the thinning of the next generation was demonstrated by somatic incompatibility tests. However, the majority of infections could not be connected with decay already established in the previous generation. In L. c eurolepis, rot columns were frequent, including also several genotypes in the same stem, and typically positioned in the inner sapwood. The few infections of P. abies were situated in the heartwood.
Endothia gyrosa associated with severe stem cankers on plantation grown Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Wardlaw T. J.
Published: March 2003

Severe stem cankers in Eucalyptus nitens, from a 14‐year‐old mixed provenance plantation, were associated with infection by Endothia gyrosa, present in its teleomorph state. Surveys of incidence among canker severity classes were carried out in a thinned and pruned stand and an adjacent unthinned and unpruned stand within the affected plantation. No differences in incidence among the canker severity classes were found between the thinned/pruned and unthinned/unpruned stands or between different crown dominance classes within the unthinned/unpruned stand. However, the incidence among canker severity classes was strongly associated with bark roughness with 97% of rough‐barked trees developing either annual cankers or cankers causing cambial damage. Stem cankers were found on only 11% of trees with smooth bark. Bark roughness in E. nitens was shown to differ significantly between provenances. Deployment of provenances prone to rough bark in routine plantation establishment may pose a risk of damaging stem canker outbreaks.
Crown density changes of Norway spruce and the influence from increased age on permanent monitoring plots in Norway during 1988–1997
Authors: Solberg S.
Published: March 2003

On the ‘local county monitoring plots’ located throughout Norway a reduction of crown density has been noted during the period 1988–1997. The aim of this study was to determine whether this change could be attributed to normal effects due to the increased age of trees in the plots. The dataset comprised around 580 plots and 27 000 single trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies), with 10 years of crown density measurements available for each tree. A two‐step approach was used, first to search for an expectancy for normal reduction of crown density by age derived from the dataset, and then to compare this with the actual reduction. The interpretation was somewhat complicated as the various results were dependent upon each other. Highly significant correlations were found between crown density and age. The relationship indicated an annual reduction of crown density of around 0.12%. However, the relationship varied both between years and between regions, and it was not possible to definitely determine whether the relationship was best described by linear or nonlinear models. Of major importance here is that the relationship appeared to be influenced by the presence of stresses, whose effects tended to be more severe in old stands. On this basis it seems questionable whether an expectancy for normal ageing can be properly defined. In the present study, however, it could still be definitely determined that the mean crown density change of—0.41% annually was too negative to be attributed to normal ageing, as it was clearly below all the suggested expectancies from the various models. This suggests that the amount of stress in the period under study has been higher than normal, and this encourages the search for causal agents in further studies. Changes in silviculture may have had some influence. The results were valid for most of Norway, with the exception of western and northern regions. Crown density assessments are subjective, which may possibly give erroneous time trends. However, it is argued that this is less likely to be of major importance in the present data.
A serious new wilt disease of Eucalyptus caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata in Central Africa
Authors: Roux J. , Wingfield M. J. , Bouillet J‐P. , Wingfield B. D. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: March 2003

In a recent survey of Eucalyptus clones in the Republic of Congo, Central Africa, a serious wilt and die‐back disease of two different hybrid clones was observed. Affected trees ranged in age from approximately 6 months to 4 years. Isolations from symptomatic plant material consistently yielded a Ceratocystis species. On the basis of morphology and sequence data this fungus was identified as Ceratocystis fimbriata, a well‐known wilt and canker pathogen of many economically important plants. The Eucalyptus isolates were compared with other Ceratocystis spp. based on sequence data generated from the ITS and 5.8S region of the rRNA operon. The results confirmed the identity of the Ceratocystis isolates from Eucalyptus as C. fimbriata and showed that they group with other C. fimbriata isolates from Brazil, South Africa and Europe. Inoculations on young Eucalyptus plants were conducted in the greenhouse and all three of the Congolese isolates tested, produced typical lesions in the bark and xylem. This study represents the first report of C. fimbriata as a pathogen of Eucalyptus in Africa. This is a serious new disease that will require considerable study in order to ensure that losses, caused by C. fimbriata, do not continue.
Effects of metals and pH on in vitro growth of Armillaria ostoyae and other root and butt rot fungi of red spruce
Authors: Wargo P. M. , Carey A. C.
Published: March 2003

Armillaria ostoyae, Perenniporia subacida, Resinicium bicolor and Scytinostroma galactinum, root and butt rot fungi found on red spruce, Picea rubens, were tested, in vitro, for their sensitivity to metals typically found in high elevation forest soils where red spruce grows. Rhizomorph production by A. ostoyae from woody inocula in soils from red spruce stands at three elevations at each of five mountainous sites in the eastern United States was inhibited completely in the mineral soil from all elevations at all sites, and was also reduced significantly in the organic horizon from the upper two elevations at three of the sites. Inhibition was correlated with concentrations of metal ions in the soil. Growth of rhizomorphs into an agar medium containing lead and other heavy metals was inhibited for isolates of A. ostoyae from red spruce, but not for an isolate of Armillaria gallica from sugar maple; aluminium inhibited rhizomorph growth of isolates of both species. Mycelial growth of all four root and butt rot fungi was inhibited by lead, aluminium and other heavy metals depending on the solubility and concentration of metal and pH of the medium; growth inhibition was usually greater at an initial pH of 3.5 than at pH 4.5. Metal ions inhibited radial growth of Armillaria species more than that of the other three fungi. Rhizomorph growth of Armillaria was inhibited more than radial growth. Because local spread of A. ostoyae occurs frequently by means of rhizomorph growth between near roots, increases in lead, aluminium and other metals in the forest floor may contribute to this fungus' scarcity in high elevation soils and reduced incidence of infection at these sites in the eastern United States.
Records of Bursaphelenchus spp. (Nematoda, Parasitaphelenchidae) in coniferous timber imported from the Asian part of Russia
Authors: Braasch  , Tomiczek  , Metge  , Hoyer  , Burgermeister  , Wulfert  , Schönfeld
Published: March 2003

Coniferous wood imported from the Asian part of Russia was surveyed in Germany (Mukran ferry terminal, highway and railway border station in Frankfurt/Oder) and Austria (railway in Marchegg, Retz and Wr. Neustadt, Lower Austria). The consignments consisted of mixed timber of Pinus/Picea or Pinus/Larix. Out of 625 samples investigated, 51 samples (8.5%) yielded eight Bursaphelenchus species. Bursaphelenchus mucronatus was found 42 times in Pinus, Picea and Larix wood, Bursaphelenchus hylobianum and Bursaphelenchus fraudulentus were detected twice, in Pinus/Larix and in Larix, respectively. The following species were each found once: Bursaphelenchus leoni in mixed timber of Pinus/Picea, Bursaphelenchus ‘borealis’ in Pinus, Bursaphelenchus hellenicus and Bursaphelenchus paracorneolus in Larix. One sample of Larix wood from Krasnoyarsk region contained a few specimens corresponding to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Bursaphelenchus mucronatus was present in about 30% of the samples showing signs of insect attack. A Monochamus species was found in a sample from Irkutsk. Most of the B. mucronatus isolates found belonged to the European genotype, whereas the East Asian genotype was found in three instances. This is the first report of B. fraudulentus, B. hellenicus, B. leoni, B. paracorneolus and the East Asian genotype of B. mucronatus in Russia. Bursaphelenchus hylobianum is the only species found in Russian wood and not in Europe so far. The species were identified morphologically and by internal transcribed spacer (ITS)‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. Species‐specific ITS‐RFLP patterns were established for B. hylobianum. In the case of the isolate morphologically corresponding to B. xylophilus, DNA extraction from the available low number of specimens failed to yield sufficient rDNA for ITS‐RFLP analysis.
Presence of double‐stranded RNA in Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Ihrmark K. , Zheng J. , Stenström E. , Stenlid J.
Published: March 2003

A search for double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) was conducted among 204 European isolates of the pathogenic fungus Heterobasidion annosum. Nucleic acids were extracted and purified by cellulose CF‐11 chromatography or lithium chloride precipitation. dsRNA was present in eight of the isolates and was confirmed by nuclease digestion. The dsRNA elements ranged between 1.8 and 2.4 kbp and were found in two H. annosum intersterility groups, S and P. Partial amino acid sequence information from one dsRNA element showed significant homology to RNA‐dependent RNA polymerases from several fungal partitiviruses. This is the first report of the presence of dsRNAs in H. annosum. Possible implications of dsRNA for the biology of the fungus and the potential for biological control are discussed.
Occurrence of Phytophthora species in oak stands in Italy and their association with declining oak trees
Authors: VETTRAINO A. M. , BARZANTI G. P. , BIANCO M. C. , RAGAZZI A. , CAPRETTI P. , PAOLETTI E. , LUISI N. , ANSELMI N. , VANNINI A.
Published: March 2003

Soil‐borne species of Phytophthora were isolated from 19 of 30 examined oak forest areas in Italy. The frequency of isolated Phytophthora spp. (35.2%) was significantly correlated with soil pH and longitude of the sites. Eleven Phytophthora species were detected. Phytophthora cambivora, P. cinnamomi and P. cactorum were recovered from sites in central and southern Italy whereas P. quercina was isolated in the northern and central part of the country. Phytophthora citricola occurred all over Italy. Phytophthora quercina was the only species significantly associated with declining oak trees.
Methods for isolating the alder Phytophthora
Authors: STREITO J.‐C. , JARNOUEN DE VILLARTAY G. , TABARY F.
Published: March 2003

Phytophthora disease of alder (Alnus spp.) is now widespread in Europe. In France, difficulties were initially encountered in attempts to isolate the pathogen from necrotic bark tissue but, with experience, a high degree of success was achieved by direct plating onto agar media. Both corn meal agar and a selective medium derived from PARBHy were satisfactory. Success depended largely on the activity of the fungus in the bark tissue and some evidence was obtained that this varied from year to year. However, autumn was found to be a generally good period for isolation. It is possible to store collected samples at 7 ± 4°C for some days. The alder Phytophthora was isolated from the water of two rivers with a baiting method using alder twigs but the efficiency of the method was low.
Serpula himantioides, Heterobasidion annosumandCalocera viscosaas butt rot fungi in a Danish Douglas‐fir stand
Authors: Koch J. , Thomsen I. M.
Published: March 2003

A scattered wind fall of 50 trees in a 46‐year‐old stand of Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) revealedSerpula himantioides, Heterobasidion annosumandCalocera viscosaas decay causing fungi. Sixty‐four percent of the stumps had visible rot on the stump surface. Mainly, a central brown rot was seen, caused by eitherS. himantioidesorC. viscosacombined with eccentrically placed spots of incipientH. annosumrot. Subsequently, the appearance of fruitbodies disclosed that in total 76% of the wind thrown trees were associated with one or more of the three decay fungi.S. himantioideswas present in a surprisingly large number of trees (54%), and the rot column extended up to 2 m into the stem. This investigation represents the first known incidence ofS. himantioidesandC. viscosacausing root and butt rot in living conifers in Denmark.
Children of parents with mental illness. I: An overview from a nursing perspective
Authors: Devlin Janet M. , O’Brien Louise M.
Published: March 2003

This paper explores the psychosocial consequences of parental mental illness for child mental health and the implications for mental health nursing. The literature on risk and vulnerability to psychosocial disorder, resilience, child protection, disorder prevention and epidemiological data are reviewed. Based upon a health promotion approach, a model for mental health nursing advocacy for families of adult consumers is proposed as an effective means of preventing disorder in subsequent generations.
Preliminary results from an Australian psychosocial rehabilitation program for people with serious mental illness
Authors: Bruseker Robert , O’Halloran Paul
Published: March 2003

Psychosocial rehabilitation, for those with a serious mental illness, is of significant importance due to both its frequency and cost to government. This paper describes the implementation and preliminary assessments of a new psychosocial rehabilitation program in New South Wales. Of particular urgency was the requirement to establish baseline measures for ongoing service evaluation at the unit. An extensive array of assessment tools (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, BPRS; Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, SANS; Quality Of Life Scale, QOLS) was applied to determine the functioning of clients prior to the program. Following the initial assessments, subsequent measures were undertaken on completion of the program and then at 1 year follow‐up. It was hypothesized that the clients would demonstrate significant improvements on these measures with a reduction in their psychopathology as assessed by the BPRS, improvement in their quality‐of‐life as measured by the QOLS and improvement in their negative symptoms as measured by the SANS. The final outcome demonstrated improvement in the assessment scores by 34%. A positive correlation to the above results showed a 54% reduction in the re‐admission rate of clients and length of stay in hospital. The paper describes further developments regarding this psychosocial rehabilitation unit and suggests other psychosocial rehabilitation initiatives.
Staff confidence in dealing with aggressive patients: A benchmarking exercise
Authors: McGowan Sunita , Wynaden Dianne , Harding Neil , Yassine Assaad , Parker John
Published: March 2003

Interacting with potentially aggressive patients is a common occurrence for nurses working in psychiatric intensive care units. Although the literature highlights the need to educate staff in the prevention and management of aggression, often little, or no, training is provided by employers. This article describes a benchmarking exercise conducted in psychiatric intensive care units at two Western Australian hospitals to assess staff confidence in coping with patient aggression. Results demonstrated that staff in the hospital where regular training was undertaken were significantly more confident in dealing with aggression. Following the completion of a safe physical restraint module at the other hospital staff reported a significant increase in their level of confidence that either matched or bettered the results of their benchmark colleagues.
The use of the Liverpool University neuroleptic side‐effect rating scale (LUNSERS) in clinical practice
Authors: Morrison Paul , Gaskill Deanne , Meehan Tom , Lunney Paul , Lawrence Gayle , Collings Paul
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

Forty‐four mental health clients completed the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side‐Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS)—a self‐rating scale to assess the prevalence and intensity of neuroleptic side‐effects. In the month prior to the study, 50% of the clients surveyed had experienced more than half of the side‐effects outlined on the 41‐item scale. A prevalence profile allowed us to rank the frequency of individual side‐effects across the sample. Some side‐effects such as ‘difficulty concentrating’, ‘difficulty remembering’, ‘tiredness’ and ‘restlessness’ were experienced by most of the clients in the study while ‘unusual skin marks’, ‘difficulty passing water’, ‘rashes’ were experienced by a few. A prevalence profile may be a useful guide in developing strategies for managing side‐effects more effectively in small groups of clients. In addition, the use of the LUNSERS in clinical practice would enable case managers to establish baseline measures for individual clients and evaluate changes in medication and other non‐medical strategies for reducing unwanted side‐effects. The identification and assessment of antipsychotic side‐effects is an important area for client and professional carer education.
Best practice in psychogeriatric care
Authors: Orb Angelica , Davis Philip , Wynaden Dianne , Davey Margaret
Published: March 2003

This paper presents a best practice model for psychogeriatric care. Best practice is becoming one of the most common expressions used in the area of health care, and is often referred to in government reports and documents. The definition of ‘best practice’, however, is still evolving. What then, is best practice? And how can the principles of best practice be applied and integrated into the clinical speciality of psychogeriatrics? The article emphasizes the importance of evidence‐based interventions and the need to focus on the pragmatic aspects of providing best practice in the clinical area of psychogeriatrics; that is, what works best in practice? The position taken by the authors of this paper is that the conceptualization of a best practice model in psychogeriatrics is necessary in order to describe and explain the different components involved in the service provided. This conceptualization also communicates and articulates the role of the major stakeholders, and the key players in the achievement of best practice. A psychogeriatric service may become more coherent, more goal‐orientated and more efficient if a model is utilized. This paper outlines a proposed model of best practice in psychogeriatrics, and discusses the potential implications for achieving desirable clinical outcomes.
Mental health nurses’ beliefs about likely outcomes for people with schizophrenia or depression: A comparison with the public and other healthcare professionals
Authors: Caldwell Tanya M. , Jorm Anthony F.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

This paper explores mental health nurses’ beliefs about prognosis, long‐term outcomes and discrimination in response to vignettes describing a person with either schizophrenia or depression. Mental health nurses were added to previous research describing the beliefs of professionals (psychiatrists, general practitioners and clinical psychologists) and the public. This study used a self‐ completion, postal survey procedure. Mental health nurses tended to be more negative than the community but more positive than the other professional groups (particularly the medical professions) about long‐term outcomes and prognosis. Nurses were similar to the medical professional groups in believing that considerable discrimination occurs within the community. Given the potential impact on consumers and the public, all practitioners need to be aware of their own beliefs and those of their professional colleagues.
Coping with everyday reality: Mental health professionals’ reflections on the care provided in an acute psychiatric ward
Authors: Hummelvoll Jan Kåre , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

There is little research evidence about how the mental health professionals are coping with the complexity of everyday practice in psychiatric acute care. The aim of this study was to explore mental health professionals’ reflections on their work on an acute psychiatric ward. Data were collected using participant observation and interview methods. Three core themes were identified from a qualitative hermeneutic analysis. The first core theme, coping with uncertainty, uncovered a dialectical pattern of the factors contributing to thriving and strain in the working situation. The second core theme, caring for the patient, included the caring process, patients’ pathway to acute psychiatric care, as well as the patients’ needs and roles on the ward. The third core theme, coping strategies, included five different methods the primary nursing system, concealing versus integrating, milieu therapy, seclusion and the medical orientated model. It was concluded that good mental health care is a result of collaboration between health professionals and the health services. This study highlights the need for support to professionals and for establishing structures that will enable collaboration to take place. Taken together, this may contribute to enhancing the care of the patient and their families.
Unearthing the conflicts between carer and custodian: Implications of participation in Section 16 hearings under the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act (1992)
Authors: Fishwick Michael , Tait Bryan , O'Brien Anthony J.
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

Mental health nursing occurs within a legal and ethical framework that presents conflicts between a paternalistic custodial role and an ethical commitment to autonomy. This paper considers the ethical conflict for nurses posed by acting as second health professional at judicial reviews under Section 16 of the Mental Health (Compulsory Treatment and Assessment) Act. Issues of advocacy and paternalism are discussed in light of the conflict between therapeutic and legislated roles. Strategies aimed at protecting the therapeutic relationship are outlined as a response to the current lack of guidelines in this area. Participation in legal processes of committal requires that nurses reflect carefully and critically on the ethical issues raised.
The Tasmanian children’s project: The needs of children with a parent/carer with a mental illness
Authors: Handley Christine , Farrell Gerald A. , Josephs Angela , Hanke Annabel , Hazelton Michael
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:

This paper presents some of the key findings and recommendations of the report The Tasmanian Children’s Project (TCP): The Needs of Children with a Parent/Carer with a Mental Illness, October, 1999. The TCP, a collaborative venture between the University of Tasmania’s School of Nursing and the Mental Health Services – South, Tasmania (Department of Health and Human Services), is the first study in Tasmania to formally examine the needs of children where the parent/carer has a mental illness. The study is a modified replication and extension of the 1993/94 Victorian Children’s Project. Extension aspects of the TCP included interviews with children (in addition to parents and service providers), the inclusion of data on both maternal and paternal mental illness and a broad definition of mental illness (beyond psychotic illness and major affective disorder). The report highlights the need to provide a range of programs that encourage the development of personal competency among children, parents, and other family members and those that emphasize interagency collaboration. Implications of this research for mental health nursing education and practice are also addressed.
ATTITUDES TO USING CONDOMS IN A GROUP OF DARWIN WOMEN
Authors: Roberts Kay
Published: March 2003

This study was a qualitative descriptive interpretive investigation into a group of women’s attitudes to the use of condoms in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Twenty women were interviewed using a semi‐structured interview schedule. The participants’ perception of who should be responsible for providing and ensuring use of condoms varied, as did their attitudes to condom use. Negative attitudes centred around the need to be prepared for sex, the nuisance value and the need to be careful of slip‐ups, while positive attitudes centred around the lack of mess. Most women in a committed relationship did not use condoms other than for contraception because they trusted their partners to be faithful. Raising the issue outside of birth control suggested unfaithfulness. These women were on the whole more confident of their ability to negotiate condom use than had been found in previous studies. It was concluded that the safe sex message is not getting through to many women, that health promotion should continue to stress the message about safe sex and that advertising should stress the positive aspects of condom use.
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS LEAVING RURAL PRACTICE IN WESTERN VICTORIA
Authors: MacIsaac Peter , Snowdon Tere , Thompson Rob , Crossland Lisa , Veitch Craig
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT

The West Vic Division of General Practice, working with the Department of General Practice, The University of Queensland conducted a qualitative study of GPs who had left western Victoria over the previous 10 years to examine issues relating to the decision to leave rural practice. This study was conducted as part of a project to explore the role of rural Divisions in assisting with general practitioner recruitment and retention. The study supported the conclusions of a similar study in North Queensland and proposed a model that regards rural retention as an interplay of influences both positive and negative with acute trigger factors that can precipitate the decision to leave. Conflict and dissatisfaction with aspects of rural GP hospital work appeared to be a relatively frequent trigger factor that is immediately amenable to intervention from Divisions of general practice and through improvement in negotiation and conflict resolution skills for rural general practitioners.
HOW DEFINITION OF MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS CAN INFLUENCE HELP SEEKING IN RURAL AND REMOTE COMMUNITIES
Authors: Fuller Jeff , Edwards Jane , Procter Nicholas , Moss John
Published: March 2003

The present study sought to understand the rural and remote influences on people’s identification of, and response to, mental health problems. Twenty‐two key informants living in northern and western South Australia were interviewed. They included mental health and generalist health professionals, other human service workers and mental health consumers. Three themes are reported here: reluctance to acknowledge mental health problems and the avoidance of appropriate help; stigma and the avoidance of mental health services; and the influence of rural and remote circumstances. Most informants considered that many mental health problems were amenable to help from generalist workers, with backup support from mental health specialists. Informants thought this intervention to be appropriate because a common view of mental health problems as ‘insanity’ and a culture of self‐reliance created a reluctance to seek help from a mental health specialist. These themes need to be taken into account when designing mental health interventions for rural and remote communities.
ALTERNATIVE CURRICULAR OPTIONS IN RURAL NETWORKS (ACORNS): IMPACT OF EARLY RURAL CLINICAL EXPOSURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST AUSTRALIA MEDICAL COURSE
Authors: Talbot June , Ward Alison
Published: March 2003

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a 4‐day rural placement in Western Australia on the interest of fourth year medical students in a career in rural general practice. Students undertaking their Alternative Curricular Options in Rural Networks attachment (ACORNS) completed pre‐ and post‐questionnaires examining their expectations, experiences of, and attitudes to rural general practice. Of the 103 students who participated, 81% expressed an interest in a rural career after the placement, whereas prior to this experience only 48% had been interested. The students also recorded a wide range of learning experiences, both clinical and procedural, and expressed positive attitudes to the variety of experiences and the role of the rural GP. The study concluded that early exposure to rural general practice enhances students’ interest in a potential rural practice career and provides them with a broad range of experiences. The role of rural practitioners as role models for students needs to be acknowledged and reinforced.
DEVELOPMENT OF ORAL HEALTH TRAINING FOR RURAL AND REMOTE ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKERS
Authors: Pacza Tom , Steele Lesley , Tennant Marc
Published: March 2003

Research data exists that highlight the discrepancy between the medical/dental status experienced by Aboriginal people compared with that of their non‐Aboriginal counterparts. This, coupled with a health system that Aboriginal people often find alienating and difficult to access, further exacerbates the many health problems they face. Poor oral health and hygiene is an issue often overlooked that can significantly impact on a person’s quality of life. In areas where Aboriginal people find access to health services difficult, the implementation of culturally acceptable forms of primary health care confers significant benefits. The Aboriginal community has seen that the employment and training of Aboriginal health workers (AHW), particularly in rural and remote regions, is significantly beneficial in improving general health. In the present study, an oral health training program was developed and trialed. This training program was tailored to the needs of rural and remote AHWs. The primary objective was to institute a culturally appropriate basic preventative oral health delivery program at a community level. It is envisaged that through this dental training program, AHWs will be encouraged to implement long‐term preventive measures at a local level to improve community dental health. They will also be encouraged to pursue other oral health‐care delivery programs. Additionally, it is considered that this project will serve to strengthen a trust‐based relationship between Aboriginal people and the health‐care profession.
Amalgamation and collaboration in rural general practices: early experience with the gp links program in rural south australia
Authors: Wilkinson David , Symon Brian
Published: March 2003

The GP Links program aims to promote the amalgamation of smaller general practices into larger group practices and is one of several strategies being used to modernise Australian family practice. GP Links provides financial incentives to practices willing to amalgamate. The focus of the program has been on urban practices to date and indeed some of the requirements of the program mean that rural practices are less likely to access the scheme. We report our positive and negative experiences of practice amalgamation through the GP Links program in a regional setting of South Australia. From our experience we suggest that for rural practices, a staged approach of increasing collaboration that may lead to amalgamation, which focuses on rural practices developing a supportive network and alliances with others such as Divisions and University Departments of Rural Health might be a positive way ahead.
PARENTS NEED CARE TOO: PROVIDING FAMILY‐CENTRED CARE DURING PAEDIATRIC RESUSCITATION IN A RURAL AREA
Authors: Walker Tara
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT: Using a critical‐thinking approach, nurses in a rural paediatric unit examined the needs of parents who had a child requiring resuscitation. Respiratory distress syndrome is the major cause of paediatric retrievals in the studied rural area of New South Wales, where babies must be transferred to a metropolitan referral centre for ventilation and ongoing management. After one such event, it was noted that parents were not receiving the care they required when staff were resuscitating their child. Problems that impinged on the delivery of care to such families within the resuscitation environment were identified. A critical‐thinking approach was implemented to improve the delivery of care to families by using a reflective practice process in the management of parental and nursing issues. Nursing care was improved by educating the parents of the possible consequences of bronchiolitis and ensuring parents received current information on their child's progress during such acute phases of care. Staff were given ownership of particular areas of nursing care and issues arising from resuscitation in the unit.
SERVING RURAL AUSTRALIA WITH REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH EXPERTISE
Authors: Mirza Tanjina , Kovacs Gabor T. , Kinfu Yohannes
Published: March 2003

This study aimed to review the use of reproductive health services in Family Planning clinics by women from rural (non‐metropolitan) Australia through a retrospective analysis of data collected at clinics of seven state/territory Family Planning Organisations (FPO). From a total of 146 157 client visits to FPO clinics between July 1998 and June 1999, 42 497 (29.1%) were by clients who lived outside metropolitan areas. Some 97% of clients were women. Our results show the use of reproductive health services by women from rural areas was different from the services used by women from metropolitan areas. There were fewer male clients, more women over 40 years of age, and fewer clients from a non‐English speaking background. More of the attendees had pension cards and fewer were privately insured. We concluded there is considerable demand for reproductive health services among the rural population and reproductive health care needs to be expanded to reach rural women.