bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidative stability in fried‐salted peanuts elaborated with high‐oleic and regular peanuts from Argentina
Authors: Nepote Valeria , Mestrallet Marta G. , Grosso Nelson R.
Published: May 2006

The purpose of this work was to determine the chemical and sensory stability of fried‐salted peanuts prepared with a high‐oleic cultivar, Granoleico (GO‐FP) in comparison with a regular cultivar, Tegua (T‐FP) of peanut from Argentina. General and fatty acids composition were determined in high‐oleic peanuts, cultivar ‘Granoleico’ (GO) and regular peanuts, cultivar ‘Tegua’ (T). Consumer test of fresh products, oxidative stability chemical indicators (peroxide and p‐anisidine values, and conjugated dienes) and descriptive analyses during storage were performed on fried‐salted peanuts prepared with GO and T. GO showed a higher Oleic/Linoleic (O/L) ratio (17.1 in raw GO and 10.1 in GO‐FP) than T (1.4 in raw T and 1.3 in T‐FP). GO‐FP did not differ in consumer acceptance in comparison with T‐FP. Chemical indicators in GO‐FP had a lower increase than T‐FP across the storage time. Peroxide value reached 20 meqO2 kg−1 after 125 days in GO‐FP and after 19 days in T‐FP. Sensory attributes did not show significant differences between GO‐FP and T‐FP along the storage. Fried‐salted peanuts prepared with kernels of high‐oleic peanuts had better oxidative stability.
The influence of a (1→3)(1→4)‐β‐d‐glucan rich fraction from barley on the physico‐chemical properties and in vitro reducing sugars release of durum wheat pasta
Authors: Cleary Louise , Brennan Charles
Published: May 2006

The effect of the addition of a β‐glucan fibre fraction from barley to durum wheat pasta was evaluated in terms of cooking characteristics, structure, texture and in vitro starch digestibility. Barley β‐glucan (BBG) fibre fraction was incorporated into pasta at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% inclusion rates. Incorporation of the BBG fibre fraction to pasta attenuated reducing sugar release during in vitro digestion, the magnitude of reduction being related to the level of BBG fibre fraction inclusion. Changes to pasta cooking quality and texture were observed with BBG fibre fraction addition, including greater solid loss during cooking, increased pasta swelling and loss of hardness compared with the control pasta. Investigation of pasta microstructure and characterisation of starch gelatinisation events indicated that a combination of changes to the starch–protein matrix and the high water binding capacity of β‐glucan alters the physico‐chemical properties and digestibility of the pastas.
Physico‐chemical characteristics and total quality of five date varieties grown in the United Arab Emirates†
Authors: Ismail Baraem , Haffar Imad , Baalbaki Riad , Mechref Yehia , Henry Jeya
Published: May 2006

Five date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties, commonly grown in the UAE, were studied for their chemical composition, physical, mechanical and rheological properties. All measurements were made at the ‘tamr’ stage, the final stage of fruit ripeness. Samples were analysed for sugar, moisture, protein, ash and mineral element contents. Physical measurements as well as mechanical and rheological measurements of the fruit including pitting pressure, shear pressure, and modulus of elasticity were also carried out. Significant differences were observed in the characteristics that were studied, allowing for distinguishable grades among the five varieties. Chemical and physical characteristics of the fruits influenced their mechanical and rheological properties, which in turn can be indicators of firmness and ultimately of quality. Results from this work revealed new and essential information for better understanding of the date fruit that helps to enhance industrialisation and propagation of the best date varieties that satisfy producers’ as well as consumers’ demands.
Use of pejibaye flour (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) in the production of food pastas
Authors: De Oliveira Maria K. S. , Martinez‐Flores Hector E. , De Andrade Jerusa S. , Garnica‐Romo Ma G. , Chang Yoon K.
Published: May 2006

Pejibaye flour (Bactris gasipaes Kunth, also known as peach palm) produced in Nova California and Extrema in Rondonia, Brazil, was tested for farinographic characteristics. It was also studied for its possible use in producing food pastas, using a mixture containing 15% pejibaye flour (PF) and 85% wheat flour (WF). In terms of the farinogram characteristics of the mixed flour, when compared with WF, there was an increase in values for water absorption, arrival and development times, as well as the tolerance index; on the other hand, there was a decrease in stability and departure times. In the cooking test for spaghetti and twist noodles, it was found that adding PF to the pasta did not significantly alter its characteristics of quality and texture.
Feasibility assessment of vacuum cooling of cooked pork ham with water compared to that without water and with air blast cooling
Authors: Cheng Qiaofen , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: May 2006

To optimise vacuum cooling for application in the meat industry, an improved cooling method, i.e. vacuum cooling with water (or immersion vacuum cooling), was designed to cool cooked pork ham (2.2 ± 0.2 kg). It was found that the cooling time of vacuum cooling with water was significantly shorter than that of traditional air blast cooling (P < 0.05). For the cooling loss, vacuum cooling with water was significantly lower (6.99%) than that of vacuum cooling without water (13.71%) (P < 0.05). Significant differences in physical and chemical attributes were also observed for ham processed by vacuum cooling with and without water (P < 0.05). Therefore, for a certain size of pork ham, vacuum cooling with water could be an effective method to meet safety guidelines and obtain compatible quality attributes with air blast cooling.
Influence of crude olive leaf juice on rat liver and kidney functions
Authors: Farag Radwan S. , Mahmoud Ebtesam A. , Basuny Amany M. , Ali Rehab F. M.
Published: May 2006

Crude juice of olive leaves (Kronakii cultivar) was obtained by hydraulic press. The level of polyphenlic compounds in the juice was 215 ppm. An aliquots of the concentrated olive leaf juice, represent 600, 1200 and 2400 ppm as polyphenols and butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT; 200 ppm) were administered to rats daily for 6 weeks by stomach tube. The liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities) and kidney (bilirubin, uric acid, creatinine and urea) function tests and serum contents (total lipids, total cholesterol and low and high‐density lipoproteins) were measured to assess the safety limits of the polyphenolic compounds in the olive leaf juice. The data of the aforementioned measurements indicated that the administration of olive leaf juice did not cause any changes in liver and kidney functions. On the contrary, BHT at 200 ppm induced significant increases in the enzyme activities and the serum levels of total lipids, uric acid, urea and creatinine. Microscopical examinations of kidney and liver tissues of rats administered with the phenolic compounds of olive leaf juice had the histological character as that of control rats whilst, the administration of BHT at 200 ppm altered the features of rat liver tissues and severely damaged the rat kidney tissues.
A dimensional structure of nurse–patient interactions from a caring perspective: refinement of the Caring Nurse–Patient Interaction Scale (CNPI‐Short Scale)
Authors: Cossette Sylvie , Cote Jose K. , Pepin Jacinthe , Ricard Nicole , D'Aoust Louis‐Xavier
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports the development of a short version of the Caring Nurse–Patient Interaction Scale.

Background.  Since the 1980s several instruments have been developed to assess external aspects of caring. They involve using an inductive process of knowledge development to investigate the underlying structure of caring, and few reflect an explicit underlying caring theory. We developed the Caring Nurse–Patient Interactions Scale (CNPI‐Long Scale) based on both inductive and deductive processes to assess attitudes and behaviours associated with Watson's 10 carative factors. Two issues led us to abridge our original 70‐item scale into a more concise Short Scale (CNPI‐Short Scale). First, many of our subscales were moderately to highly correlated, which is an empirical reflection of the theoretical non‐independence of the carative factors. Secondly, a 70‐item questionnaire was difficult to be deal with in the clinical research setting with severely ill patients because of its length.

Method.  Items selected were determined by factor analysis, with specific theoretical and empirical requirements. Data were collected in September 2003 from 377 nursing students beginning their first, second or third year of a nursing programme.

Results.  The Short Scale comprises 23 items, reflecting four caring domains: Humanistic Care (four items), Relational Care (seven), Clinical Care (nine) and Comforting Care (three). All items are related to their theoretical domain alone (i.e. factor loading ≥0·40). Alpha coefficients for the four domains were adequate (0·63–0·74, 0·90–0·92, 0·80–0·94 and 0·61–0·76 respectively).

Conclusions.  The CNPI‐Short Scale, has potential for use in clinical research settings, particularly when questionnaire length is an issue. It is a useful tool for research aimed at demonstrating that caring is indeed fundamental to nursing.
Life story work in health and social care: systematic literature review
Authors: McKeown Jane , Clarke Amanda , Repper Julie
Published: May 2006

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to review the literature on life story work in health and social care practice.

Background.  Life story work as an intervention has been used with a number of health and social care clients, such as children people with learning disabilities, older people on medical wards and with older people who have dementia. It may help challenge ageist attitudes and assumptions, be used as a basis for individualized care, improve assessment, assist in transitions between different care environments, and help to develop improved relationships between care staff and family carers. However, to date there has been no attempt to collate the findings from published accounts.

Methods.  A systematic search of the literature on life story work was conducted in February 2004, using nursing, medical and social science databases and a combination of thesaurus and free text search terms. This revealed over 1000 publications; the use of carefully constructed inclusion and exclusion criteria identified 51 relevant items. Fourteen were subsequently selected and reviewed using a set of reflective critical appraisal questions.

Findings.  A range of methodological approaches has been adopted to explore the use of life story work with no one specific methodology prevailing. The work has been most frequently used with older people and people with a learning disability and life story books are the most common approach. Staff perceptions of life story work have been explored, but patient and carer views are less frequently reported. The findings of the studies are discussed in broad themes, offering some tentative recommendations for using life story work in practice.

Conclusion.  Evidence on the use of life story work is immature, leading to the recommendation for more research. Although appraising literature from a range of approaches is complex, there are some potentially far‐reaching benefits of life story work in health and social care practice.
Medical emergency teams: a strategy for improving patient care and nursing work environments
Authors: Galhotra Sanjay , Scholle Carol C. , Dew Mary Amanda , Mininni Nicolette C. , Clermont Gilles , DeVita Michael A.
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of nurses’ perceptions about medical emergency teams and their impact on patient care and the nursing work environment.

Background.  In many acute care hospitals, nurses can summon emergency help by calling a medical emergency team, which is a team of expert critical care professionals adept at handling patient crisis scenarios. Critical care nurses form the core of such teams. In addition, of all the healthcare professionals, nurses are the ones who most often need and call for medical emergency team assistance.

Methods.  A simple anonymous questionnaire distributed amongst 300 staff nurses at two sites of an acute care teaching hospital in the United States of America in mid‐January of 2005.

Results.  A total of 248 nurses responded to the survey (response rate = 82·7%). Ninety‐three per cent of the nurses reported that medical emergency teams improved patient care and 84% felt that they improved the nursing work environment. Veteran nurses (with at least 10 years of experience) and new nurses (<1 year's experience) were more likely to perceive an improvement in patient care than other nurses (P = 0·025). Nurses who had called a medical emergency team on more than one occasion were more likely to value their ability to call a team (P = 0·002). Nearly sixty‐five per cent of respondents said they would consider institutional medical emergency team response as a factor when seeking a new job in the future. Only 7% suggested a change in the team response process, and 4% suggested a change in activation criteria.

Conclusions.  Most nurses surveyed had a favourable opinion of the medical emergency team. Our findings suggest that other institutions should consider implementing a medical emergency team programme as a strategy to improve patient care and nurse working environment.
A programme of symptom management for improving quality of life and drug adherence in AIDS/HIV patients
Authors: Chiou Piao‐Yi , Kuo Benjamin Ing‐Tiau , Lee Ming‐Been , Chen Yi‐Ming , Chuang Peing , Lin Li‐Chan
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports an evaluation of the effect of symptom management programmed on drug adherence, CD4 count and virus load and the quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS.

Background.  Patients with HIV/AIDS have to face the long‐term side effects caused by highly active antiretroviral therapy regimens. There has been little research to evaluate the influence of drug intervention side effects on self‐care.

Methods.  Sixty‐seven patients with HIV/AIDS were randomly assigned to one‐on‐one teaching, group teaching, or control groups. All those in the one‐on‐one and group teaching groups attended a symptom management programme once a week, followed by 3 weeks of continuity and telephone counselling. Those in the control group were offered experimental intervention at the conclusion of data collection. The Customized Adherence Self‐Report Questionnaire, CD4 count and virus load, and Quality of Life Index were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the symptom management programme before and at 3 months after the intervention.

Results.  Median differences on the Customized Adherence Self‐Report Questionnaire, CD4 count and virus load, and quality of life in both experimental groups were statistically significantly better than in the control group.

Conclusions.  The symptom management programme can increase self‐care ability in managing medication side effects in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Promoting physical activity in primary care settings: health visitors’ and practice nurses’ views and experiences
Authors: Douglas Flora , Van Teijlingen Edwin , Torrance Nicola , Fearn Paul , Kerr Ann , Meloni Serena
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study investigating health visitors’ and practice nurses’ attitudes, beliefs and practice associated with routinely advising patients about physical activity.

Background.  There is worldwide concern about increasing rates of obesity and decreasing population levels of physical activity, and it has been argued that primary healthcare professionals are ideally placed to promote physical activity within local communities. In recent years, the public health role of primary care‐based nurses in the United Kingdom has been considerably expanded to include playing a key role in improving the health of their local practice populations. A systematic literature search revealed that very few studies investigating nurses’ views and experiences of this type work have been published. The limited amount of research that has been conducted is generally small‐scale and primarily concerned with general medical practitioners’ practice and attitudes, and not those of nurses.

Methods.  A questionnaire survey (n = 630) and 20 in‐depth interviews were conducted with health visitors and practice nurses in four health regions in Scotland between March and April 2004. The response rate was 63% overall.

Results.  Ninety per cent (n = 149) of health visitors and 88% (n = 186) of practice nurses said that they were very likely or likely to recommend all apparently healthy adult patients to take moderate exercise. Health visitors were more likely to discuss psychological benefits than practice nurses. However, only 9% (n = 15) of practice nurses and 11% (n = 15) of health visitors correctly described the current recommendations – an accumulation of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times a week. Interview data suggested that most nurses gave physical activity advice based on their beliefs about the patient's willingness to change and their impressions of the patient's presenting condition, underlying physical condition and life circumstances. No measure of underlying physical fitness was used. There was a lack of agreement between the questionnaire and interview data associated with levels of physical activity advising.

Conclusion.  There were high levels of enthusiasm for physical activity promotion amongst health visitors and practice nurses. However, nursing leaders and opinion‐makers should challenge practitioners’ current beliefs and assumptions about physical activity promotion in the general population.
Nurse–patient interaction and decision‐making in care: patient involvement in community nursing
Authors: Millard Lynda , Hallett Christine , Luker Karen
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study to identify the extent to which community nurses incorporate patient involvement in decision‐making into their everyday clinical practice.

Background.  The complexity underlying the concept of patient participation is not always recognized. It links the notions of ‘passive patient’ and ‘active participant’, hence its usage along with those of similar terms such as ‘partnership’, ‘involvement’ and ‘collaboration’ is often ambiguous. The literature on this subject is fairly extensive and often contradictory; it encompasses the participation of potential as well as actual patients. Hierarchical structures have been proposed to offer an understanding of the current nature of patient participation, and these have sometimes linked the level of participation to the quality of the nurse–patient relationship. Much work has been done in the area of cancer care, where it has been noted that the role of ‘passive patient’ may in itself be a deliberate choice.

Methods.  The approach was ethnographic and data were collected during 2000 and 2001 by participant observations with 22 nurses and 107 patients; 137 interactions were observed in all. Detailed field notes were kept and then carefully interpreted. The approach to rigour was primarily concerned with ensuring credibility.

Findings.  The extent to which nurses involved patients in making decisions about their care, and the manner in which this was achieved, varied considerably. Collectively, the behaviour of participants is presented as the ‘involving–non‐involving continuum’, with five typologies of behaviour: ‘completely involving’; ‘partially involving’; ‘forced involving’; ‘covert non‐involving’ and ‘overt non‐involving’. The findings highlight that caring for people in their own home does not necessarily mean that patients are involved in care and treatment decisions.

Conclusion.  This observation study of the extent to which community nurses involved patients in decision‐making in nursing care offers some useful insights into one aspect of nursing work. The implications of the study are far‐reaching. The findings suggest that it could be important for nurses and their managers to devote more time to relationship‐building in nursing practice. They also offer a perspective – the involving–non‐involving continuum – that could usefully be incorporated into nurse education at both pre‐ and postregistration levels.
Assessing the need for certainty in users of a clinical genetic health service
Authors: Skirton Heather
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper presents a study investigating the need for closure in users of a genetic health service.

Background.  Genetic healthcare services are used by people who are concerned about a genetic condition in the family. Many clients expect information about the condition, risk assessment and discussion of options available to minimize the impact of the condition on the family. Some use the information to try to obtain certainty or cognitive closure. The psychological theory termed ‘need for cognitive closure’ explains individual differences in motivation to seek information. The tendency to seek closure can be measured by the Need for Closure Scale, which has five sub‐scales: preference for order, preference for predictability, discomfort with ambiguity, decisiveness and closed‐mindedness.

Methods.  Clients who were referred to our genetic service in 1998 were approached before personal contact with staff of the genetic service. Fifty‐two people completed the need for closure scale questionnaire. Six months after the genetic consultation, participants were asked to complete the questionnaire again (n = 45). The data were statistically analysed using Cronbach's alpha, paired t‐tests and independent t‐tests.

Results.  There were no statistically significant differences in Need for Closure Scale scores in this cohort before and after the genetic consultation. Participants scored highly on the preference for order and discomfort with ambiguity sub‐scales, but scores for closed‐mindedness were low. Intolerance of ambiguity was statistically significantly higher in participants whose main concerns centred on their children.

Conclusions.  This psychological theory can help healthcare professionals to understand the motivation of clients who seek information from genetic services, and enhance understanding of those who avoid using the service. It cannot be assumed that additional knowledge is helpful to all clients, nor that knowledge of bad news is necessarily an adverse event if prior uncertainty has existed.
Effect of non‐response bias in pressure ulcer prevalence studies
Authors: Lahmann Nils , Halfens Ruud J.G. , Dassen Theo
Published: May 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study to determine the prevalence of pressure ulcers in German hospitals and nursing homes for national and international comparison, and analyses the influence of non‐response bias.

Background.  Outcome rates are often used to evaluate provider performance. The prevalence of pressure ulcers is seen as a possible parameter of outcome healthcare quality. However, the results from different pressure ulcer prevalence studies cannot be compared, because there is no standardized methodology and terminology. Observed and published prevalence rates may reflect variations in quality of care, but differences could also relate to differences in case‐mix or to random variation.

Methods.  A point prevalence survey was carried out for 2002 and 2003 using data from 21,574 patients and residents in 147 different kinds of institutions throughout Germany. Participation rates and reasons for not participating in the study were documented. Non‐responders were considered in different calculations to show the range of possible prevalence rate for a hypothetic 100% participation.

Results.  In 2002 and 2003, the calculated prevalence rate (among participating persons at risk) in hospitals was 25·1% and 24·2% respectively, while in nursing homes it was 17·3% and 12·5% respectively. Non‐response varied from 15·1% to 25·1%. The majority of non‐responders in hospitals and nursing homes had not been willing to participate in the study. Based on different assumptions about the characteristics of the non‐responders, we calculated minimum and maximum prevalence rates as if 100% participation was achieved.

Conclusions.  Calculating the non‐response bias of prevalence rates is an inconvenient but necessary thing to do because its influence on calculated prevalence rates was high in this study. High participation rates in clinical studies will minimize non‐response bias. If non‐response cannot be avoided, the formula provided will help researchers calculate possible minimum and maximum prevalence rates for the total sample of both the responding and non‐responding groups.
Up‐regulated expression of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit on inflammatory infiltrates during Dictyocaulus viviparus infection
Authors: LAZARI O. , KIPAR A. , JOHNSON D. R. , SELKIRK M. E. , MATTHEWS J. B.
Published: May 2006

Cholinergic signalling is known to affect immune cell function, but few studies have addressed its relevance during nematode infection. We therefore analysed the anatomical distribution and expression pattern of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α7 subunit in lungs obtained from Dictyocaulus viviparus‐infected and uninfected control cattle. The analysis was performed on trachea and lung parenchyma from uninfected animals and animals necropsied at 15, 22 and 43 days post‐infection (DPI). Localization of the α7 nAChR was evaluated by immunohistology and mRNA expression analysed by gene‐specific reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In uninfected animals, tracheal, bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium and smooth muscle cells constitutively expressed the α7 nAChR, as did type I and II alveolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages and a few infiltrating leucocytes. By 15 DPI, immunohistology revealed a massive influx of α7 nAChR+ inflammatory cells into the lung parenchyma and tracheal wall. This was reflected in the RT‐PCR results. At later time points, both parenchyma and tracheal wall contained large numbers of α7 nAChR+ leucocytes, but detection of transcript was restricted to the trachea. Recruitment of nAChR‐containing leucocytes to the lungs of D. viviparus‐infected cattle suggests that these cells may represent possible downstream targets for parasite‐secreted acetylcholinesterases.
Evidence and expertise
Authors: Paley John
Published: May 2006

This paper evaluates attempts to defend established concepts of expertise and clinical judgement against the incursions of evidence‐based practice. Two related arguments are considered. The first suggests that standard accounts of evidence‐based practice imply an overly narrow view of ‘evidence’, and that a more inclusive concept, incorporating ‘patterns of knowing’ not recognised by the familiar evidence hierarchies, should be adopted. The second suggests that statistical generalisations cannot be applied non‐problematically to individual patients in specific contexts, and points out that this is why we need clinical judgement. In evaluating the first argument, I propose a criterion for what counts as evidence. It is a minimalist criterion but the ‘patterns of knowing’, referred to in the literature, still fail to meet it. In evaluating the second argument, I will outline the powerful empirical reasons we have for thinking that decisions based on research evidence are usually better than decisions based on clinical judgement; and show that current efforts to rehabilitate clinical judgement seriously underestimate the strength of these reasons. By way of conclusion, I will sketch the ways in which the concept of expertise will have to be modified if we accept evidence‐based practice as a template for health‐care.
The potential contribution of emancipatory research methodologies to the field of child health
Authors: Irwin Lori G.
Published: May 2006

The knowledge production of researchers interested in improving the health‐care of young clients through the employment of emancipatory research methodologies may be limited by the complexity that working with young children presents to the research process. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether emancipatory research methodologies have application within the context of research with children. Critical examination of the challenges inherent in emancipatory research with children reveals that the application of aspects of these approaches presents possibilities for contributing significantly to our knowledge development for the nursing of children.
Case study: a bridge across the paradigms
Authors: Luck Lauretta , Jackson Debra , Usher Kim
Published: May 2006

Case study as a teaching and research tool has an extensive history in health and social sciences. Despite its suitability for many of the research questions that face nurses, nurses have not fully embraced case study as a comprehensive approach for research. The vagaries of the real‐life clinical setting can confound methodologically purist researchers. Case study provides a milieu in which nurse researchers can respond to these vagaries and move towards a paradigmatic openness. In this paper, we argue that case study offers, as yet, under‐explored and under‐utilised potential as a bridge across the traditional research paradigms. We argue that case study has broad research application and epistemological, ontological and methodological flexibility. When used as a research approach, case study is both the process and end product of research. It provides a delineated boundary for inquiry, and a structural process within which any methods appropriate to investigating a research area can be applied.
Postmodern feminist perspectives and nursing research: a passionately interested form of inquiry
Authors: Aranda Kay
Published: May 2006

The challenges posed by postmodern and poststructural theories profoundly disrupt the certainties of feminist and nursing research, yet at the same time offer possibilities for developing new epistemologies. While there are an increasing number of accounts discussing the theoretical implications of these ideas for nursing research, I wish to discuss the practical and the methodological implications of using postmodern feminist theories within empirical research. In particular, I identify the challenges I encountered through an examination of specific aspects of the research process and through examples drawn from empirical research. I conclude that using postmodern feminist theories requires a continuous engagement with, and interrogation of, the modern epistemological and ontological assumptions of qualitative, feminist nursing research and, in so doing, presents the possibility for nurse scholars to begin to develop a ‘passionately interested’ methodological approach to nursing inquiry.
Transcending transculturalism? Race, ethnicity and health‐care
Authors: Culley Lorraine
Published: May 2006

This paper offers a critical commentary on the essentialist concept of ethnicity, which, it is argued, underpins the discourse of transcultural health‐care. Following a consideration of the difficulties that ensue from the way in which ethnicity has been theorised within transcultural nursing in particular, the paper turns to a consideration of alternative ways of thinking about ethnicity, which have emerged from more recent social anthropology and postmodernism. It addresses the question of how to therorise ethnicity in a way that does not entail its reification as a set of fixed cultural properties, and makes some tentative suggestions for the possibility of a critical culturalist approach to difference and healthcare practice, which must include a consideration of racisms.
Beyond the art of governmentality: unmasking the distributional consequences of health policies
Authors: Coyte Peter C. , Holmes Dave
Published: May 2006

The aim of this article is to critique health policy discourses that are taken for granted. This perspective will allow for the identification of ‘exclusionary’ health policies, which we define as policies that are thought to offer universal benefit, despite yielding adverse effects for significant groups of people in society. As such, policies that are said to be designed ‘for all’ frequently benefit only a subset of the population. Our intent is to highlight the distributional consequences of certain health policies that are largely institutionalized in contemporary society. We believe that these distributional effects are explicit representations of power in society and that institutions may provide individual ‘choice’ and ‘freedom’ that, in turn, yields separation as an outcome, a separating equilibrium. Specifically, if those who benefit from policies of partition are numerous and are to obtain significant advantage or incur limited costs, or if those who are adversely affected are scarce (or hidden), or the size of these adverse effects are small (or perceived to be minor), then partition becomes more likely as a ‘legitimate’, but exclusionary, instrument of public policy.
... that the social order prevails: death, ritual and the ‘Roman’ nurse
Authors: Goopy Suzanne
Published: May 2006

In this article, the importance of ritual as a collective response to death is discussed. A case example, taken from a larger ethnographic study, is used to explore the responses and reactions of a group of Italian nurses to death as it occurs within an intensive care unit in Rome, Italy. The material presented is used to analyse the significance that cultural, religious and social beliefs and quasi‐beliefs can have in nursing practice. The issues highlighted in this examination of the place of ritual in death are located and discussed within their highly specific cultural context and suggest that, where emphasis remains on nurses as a collective rather than on the individual nurse, ritual acts to ensure that social and moral order prevails.
Workplace bullying in nursing: towards a more critical organisational perspective
Authors: Hutchinson Marie , Vickers Margaret , Jackson Debra , Wilkes Lesley
Published: May 2006

Workplace bullying is a significant issue confronting the nursing profession. Bullying in nursing is frequently described in terms of ‘oppressed group’ behaviour or ‘horizontal violence’. It is proposed that the use of ‘oppressed group’ behaviour theory has fostered only a partial understanding of the phenomenon in nursing. It is suggested that the continued use of ‘oppressed group’ behaviour as the major means for understanding bullying in nursing places a flawed emphasis on bullying as a phenomenon that exists only among nurses, rather than considering it within the broader organisational context. The work of Foucault and the ‘circuits of power’ model proposed by Clegg are used to provide an alternative understanding of the operation of power within organisations and therefore another way to conceive bullying in the nursing workforce.
To describe or prescribe: assumptions underlying a prescriptive nursing process approach to spiritual care
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Sawatzky Rick
Published: May 2006

Increasing attention is being paid to spirituality in nursing practice. Much of the literature on spiritual care uses the nursing process to describe this aspect of care. However, the use of the nursing process in the area of spirituality may be problematic, depending upon the understandings of the nature and intent of this process. Is it primarily a descriptive process meant to make visible the nursing actions to provide spiritual support, or is it a prescriptive process meant to guide nursing actions for intervening in the spirituality of patients? A prescriptive nursing process approach implies influencing, and in some cases reframing, the spirituality of patients and thereby extends beyond general notions of spiritual support. In this paper we discuss four problematic assumptions that form the basis for a prescriptive approach to spiritual care. We conclude that this approach extends the nursing role beyond appropriate professional boundaries, making it ethically problematic.
Parasitic wasp assemblages associated with native and weedy plant species in an agricultural landscape
Authors: Stephens Claire J , Schellhorn Nancy A , Wood Glenys M , Austin Andrew D
Published: May 2006

Abstract  The establishment and maintenance of suitable habitat on‐farm or in the surrounding landscape can enhance the survival of beneficial parasitic Hymenoptera, thus improving the control of pest species. Both endemic and weedy non‐crop plant species across a highly modified agricultural landscape supported species‐rich and abundant parasitic wasp assemblages with diverse biology and host associations. It was also shown that isolated, recently planted, single‐species stands of plants can rapidly accumulate diverse assemblages of parasitoids. Chalcidoidea was the most species‐rich and abundant group, egg and larval parasitoids were the most speciose and abundant guilds, and parasitoids of herbivorous insects feeding on and inside plant tissue were the most species‐rich and abundant functional groups. The hymenopteran assemblages associated with the majority of plant species were dominated by three parasitoid species: a Trichogrammatidae, a Scelionidae (Telenomus sp.) and a Eulophidae (Ceranisus sp.), all genera that contain many important biocontrol agents of pest Lepidoptera, Hemiptera and Thysanoptera. Results show that both native and weedy plant species may potentially provide an important reservoir of mobile parasitic wasps of benefit to crop protection.
New species of Metrinura Mendes (Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae) from Queensland, Australia
Authors: Smith Graeme B
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Two new species of silverfish of the genus Metrinura Mendes are described from the Undara lava flow region, Queensland, Australia. Metrinura subtropica sp. nov. was collected in caves and Metrinura tropica sp. nov. from under rocks or logs. A key to all species in the genus is provided.
DNA microsatellite analysis of naturally occurring colour intermediates between Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) and Bactrocera neohumeralis (Hardy) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Gilchrist A Stuart , Ling Alison E
Published: May 2006

Abstract  The sympatric tephritid fruit flies Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Queensland fruit fly) and B. neohumeralis (Hardy) differ in time of mating and for the colour of the humeral callus (‘shoulder pad’), which is typically entirely yellow in B. tryoni and typically entirely brown in B. neohumeralis. Field collections in sympatric regions usually include at least 1% of individuals whose humeral calli show mixed patches of yellow and brown (‘intermediates’). Over 40 years, a number of studies have debated the possibility that these intermediates are interspecific hybrids. In the present study, we have used microsatellites to show that few if any of these intermediates are hybrids. Instead, most variation humeral callus appears to be confined to one species, B. tryoni. We discuss these results in the context of geneflow between the two species and suggest directions for future research.
The hymenopteran parasitoids of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Australia
Authors: Paull Cate , Austin Andrew D
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) is a serious pest of a number of horticultural crops including grapes in Australia and New Zealand. This study brings together information on the parasitoid complex associated with E. postvittana that previously was fragmented and largely inaccessible. We include species reared during a 3‐year study of the parasitoids of E. postvittana in the vineyards of the Coonawarra region, South Australia, material from several Australian agricultural insect collections and records from the literature. An illustrated key is presented for 25 species of parasitoids and hyperparasitoids associated with E. postvittana, along with information on the taxonomy, identification, distribution and biology of each species. Taxa newly recorded from this host are Perilampus sp. (Perilampidae), and six species of Ichneumonidae: Euceros sp., Labium sp., Netelia sp., Plectochorus sp., Temalucha minuta (Morley) and Eriborus epiphyas sp. n., the latter species being described in full.
A comparison of litter beetle assemblages (Coleoptera) in mature and recently clearfelled Eucalyptus obliqua forest
Authors: Baker Susan C
Published: May 2006

Abstract  This study compares litter‐dwelling beetles in mature wet eucalypt forest with those in young forest regenerated following clearfelling. The aims of the study were to determine the extent to which these forest ages support differing litter beetle assemblages, and to identify species characteristic of each age. Beetles were collected with pitfall traps in a spatially replicated study design to avoid confounding forest age and site differences. Three transects of traps were located in each of mature and young forest stands at four study sites. Beetle abundance was greatest in young forest, and young and mature forest supported distinctly different beetle assemblages. Of 37 commonly collected species, an indicator species analysis found 9 species characteristic of young logging regeneration, and 7 species characteristic of mature unlogged forest. These species could be useful in other Tasmanian studies concerning forest management impacts. Only two significant indicator species were carabids, suggesting that focusing only on carabids as indicators of forest management may be undesirable.
Reproductive success of a colony of the introduced bumblebee Bombus terrestris (L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in a Tasmanian National Park
Authors: Hingston Andrew B , Herrmann Walter , Jordan Gregory J
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Ever since a feral population of the bumblebee Bombus terrestris was found in suburban Hobart, on the Australian island of Tasmania, there has been ongoing debate surrounding the capacity of this species to utilise Australian native vegetation. Although several studies have reported B. terrestris foraging on Tasmanian native vegetation, doubts have been raised as to whether this reflects successful breeding in native vegetation. This study documents the success of a colony of B. terrestris in a Tasmanian National Park, isolated from urban and agricultural areas by 10 km of sea. Examination of the larval cocoons revealed that this colony had produced at least 304 new queens and 939 workers and drones. Pollen stores found in the colony were mostly from native plants, particularly Eucalyptus. These results strongly suggest that B. terrestris is able to reproduce successfully in parts of Australia that still support almost exclusively native vegetation.
Populations of North American bean thrips, Caliothrips fasciatus (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae) not detected in Australia
Authors: Hoddle Mark S , Stosic Christina D , Mound Laurence A
Published: May 2006

Abstract  Caliothrips fasciatus is native to the USA and western Mexico and overwintering adults are regular contaminants in the ‘navel’ of navel oranges exported from California, USA to Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. Due to the long history of regular interceptions of C. fasciatus in Australia, a survey for this thrips was undertaken around airports, seaports, public recreational parks and major agricultural areas in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia to determine whether C. fasciatus has successfully invaded Australia. Host plants that are known to support populations of C. fasciatus, such as various annual and perennial agricultural crops, urban ornamentals and weeds along with native Australian flora, were sampled for this thrips. A total of 4675 thrips specimens encompassing at least 76 species from a minimum of 47 genera, and three families were collected from at least 159 plant species in 67 families. Caliothrips striatopterus was collected in Queensland, but the target species, C. fasciatus, was not found anywhere. An undescribed genus of Thripidae, Panchaetothripinae, was collected from ornamental Grevillea (var. Robyn Gordon) at Perth (Western Australia) Domestic Airport, and is considered to be a native Australian species. This survey has provided valuable information on the background diversity of thrips species associated with various native and exotic plant species around major ports of entry and exit for four of five states in Australia. We suggest that the major reason C. fasciatus has not established in Australia is due to high adult mortality in navels that are kept at low storage temperatures (2.78°C) during an 18‐ to 24‐day transit period from California to Australia.
Aquatic invertebrates in final void water bodies at an open‐cut coal mine in central Queensland
Authors: Proctor Heather , Grigg Andrew
Published: May 2006

Abstract  We describe the diversity of aquatic invertebrates colonising water‐filled final voids produced by an open‐cut coal mine near Moura, central Queensland. Ten disused pits that had been filled with water from <1 year to 22 years prior to the survey and three nearby ‘natural’ water bodies were sampled in December 1998 and again in March 1999. All invertebrates collected were identified to family with the exception of oligochaetes, cladocerans, ostracods and copepods, which were identified to these coarser taxonomic levels. Sixty‐two taxa were recorded from >20 000 individuals. The greatest familial richness was displayed by the Insecta (33 families) followed by the mites (Acari) with 12 families. While natural water bodies held the greatest diversity, several mine pits were almost as rich in families. Classification analyses showed that natural sites tended to cluster together, but the groupings did not clearly exclude pit sites. Mining pits that supported higher diversity tended to be older and had lower salinity (<2000 µS/cm); however, salinity in all water bodies varied with rainfall conditions. We conclude that ponds formed in final voids at this mine have the potential to provide habitat for many invertebrate taxa typical of lentic inland water bodies in central Queensland.
Revision of the Indo‐Australian genus Cnematoplatys Schmidt with description of a new species from Queensland (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae: Eupariini)
Authors: Stebnicka Zdzislawa T
Published: May 2006

Abstract  The euparine genus Cnematoplatys Schmidt, with seven species, is reviewed, including one species, C. yorkensis described as new. The generic diagnosis is revised, a lectotype of the type species, C. benardi Schmidt, is designated, a key to the species is provided and pertinent morphological details are illustrated. All data on taxonomy and available data on distribution are given, and a cladistic analysis is included to test the monophyly of the genus.
Proliferative phase endosperm promoters from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Tiwari Sushma , Spielman Melissa , Day Rob C. , Scott Rod J.
Published: May 2006

Endosperm accounts for a large proportion of human nutrition and is also a major determinant of seed viability and size, not only in cereals, but also in species with ephemeral endosperms, such as soybean and oilseed rape. The extent of endosperm proliferation early in seed development is a crucial component in setting seed size; therefore, a biotechnological approach for the modification of this trait requires promoters active in early endosperm. To find such promoters, we constructed an array based on cDNAs extracted from developing Arabidopsis seeds enriched for proliferating endosperm. Hybridization with RNA extracted from vegetative and reproductive tissues, including endosperm, and subsequent data filtering yielded sets of endosperm‐expressed and endosperm‐preferred genes, including many hundreds not previously identified in array experiments designed to detect genes expressed in Arabidopsis seeds. Of eight promoters selected for validation, seven were active in early endosperm, three with no detected activity elsewhere in the plant. Therefore, this strategy has yielded proliferative phase endosperm promoters which should be useful in altering seed size.