bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychiatric care behind locked doors. A study regarding the frequency of and the reasons for locked psychiatric wards in Sweden
Authors: HAGLUND K. , Van Der MEIDEN E. , Von KNORRING L. , Von ESSEN L.
Published: January 2007

The general aim was to describe the frequency of and the reasons for locked doors at wards within Swedish psychiatric care. A questionnaire was answered by 193 ward managers. The findings demonstrated that 73% (n = 193) of the wards were locked on the day of investigation. Wards were sometimes locked in the absence of committed patients and sometimes open in the presence of committed patients. Wards were more often locked if at least one committed patient was present. Fewer wards for children and adolescents, than for adults and old people, were locked. More wards in the areas of Sweden’s three largest cities, than in the rest of the country, were locked. Fourteen categories of reasons for locking wards were generated by a content analysis of answers to an open‐ended question. Most answers were categorized as: prevent patients from escaping, legislation, provide patients and others with safety and security, prevent import and unwelcome visits, and staff’s need of control. Staff working in psychiatric care ought to reflect upon and articulate reasons for, and decisions about, locking or opening entrance doors, with the limitation of patients’ freedom in mind.
Pragmatism rules: the intervention and prevention strategies used by psychiatric nurses working with non‐suicidal self‐harming individuals
Authors: O’DONOVAN A.
Published: January 2007

Self harm in the absence of expressed suicidal intent is an under explored area in psychiatric nursing research. This paper reports on findings of a study undertaken in two acute psychiatric inpatient units in Ireland. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of the practices of psychiatric nurses in relation to people who self harm, but who are not considered suicidal. Semi structured interviews were held with eight psychiatric nurses. Content analysis revealed several themes. For the purpose of this paper the prevention and intervention strategies psychiatric nurses engage in when working with non‐suicidal self harming individuals are presented. Recommendations for further research are offered.
Reflection without shame – reflection without blame: towards a more collaborative understanding between mental health consumers and nurses
Authors: ROPER C. , HAPPELL B.
Published: January 2007

It is now a clear policy expectation that consumers of mental health services be given the opportunity to be active participants in all aspects of mental health service development and delivery. Psychiatric nurses have an important role to play in ensuring opportunities for genuine participation; however, the literature suggests that this role is not always realized in practice. Negative attitudes of health professionals (including nurses) to consumer has been identified as a significant barrier to the realization of this policy goal, with education and training recognized as an important strategy for developing more positive attitudes. This paper describes the implementation of a mental health consumer academic position, through the personal reflections of a nurse academic and a consumer academic. More specifically, the paper addresses the reactions of some nurses to the work of the consumer academic and the apparent feeling of being attacked as nurses. By recognizing this defensiveness, nurses and other health professionals may more effectively move towards promoting consumer participation in mental health care.
Characteristics of aggression in a German psychiatric hospital and predictors of patients at risk
Authors: KETELSEN R. , ZECHERT C. , DRIESSEN M. , SCHULZ M.
Published: January 2007

This study investigated the aggressive behaviour of all mentally ill patients within a whole psychiatric hospital with a catchment area of 325 000 inhabitants over a 1‐year period (i) to assess the 1‐year prevalence and characteristics of aggressive episodes and index inpatients, and (ii) to identify predictors of patients at risk by a multivariate approach. Staff Observation of Aggression Scale was used to assess aggressive behaviour. Characteristics of index inpatients were compared with those of non‐index inpatients. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors. A total of 171 out of 2210 admitted patients (7.7%) exhibited 441 aggressive incidents (1.7 incidents per bed per year). Logistic regression analyses revealed as major risk factors of aggression: diagnoses (organic brain syndromes OR = 3.6, schizophrenia OR = 2.9), poor psychosocial living conditions (OR = 2.2), and critical behaviour leading to involuntary admission (OR = 3.3). Predictors of aggressive behaviour can be useful to identify inpatients at risk. Nevertheless, additional situational determinants have to be recognized. Training for professionals should include preventive and de‐escalating strategies to reduce the incidence of aggressive behaviour in psychiatric hospitals. The application of de‐escalating interventions prior to admission might be effective in preventing aggressive behaviour during inpatient treatment especially for patients with severe mental disorders.
Lamivudine monoprophylaxis for liver transplant recipients with non‐replicating hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Yoshida Hideo , Kato Tomoaki , Levi David M , Regev Arie , Madariaga Juan R. , Nishida Seigo , Martinez Enrique J. , Schiff Eugene R. , Omata Masao , Tzakis Andreas G.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of lamivudine (LAM) monoprophylaxis for patients with non‐replicating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection at orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

Methods:  Among 128 liver recipients with HBV infection between 1994 and 2004 transplanted at our institution, 60 had non‐replicating HBV infection at the time of OLT. Of those, 26 patients received LAM prophylaxis (monoprophylaxis group) and 34 patients received LAM and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) prophylaxis (combination group) after OLT.

Results:  Median follow‐up after OLT was 67 and 54 months, for monoprophylaxis and combination groups respectively. One and five yr patient/graft survival were 96/85% and 96/80% in monoprophylaxis group, and 85/79% and 67/55% in combination group. HBV DNA was re‐detected or increased >105 IU/mL in four patients (15%) at 20–29 month in monoprophylaxis group and six (18%) at 4–35 months in combination group. Recurrent hepatitis was seen in two patients (8%) at 27 and 45 months and monoprophylaxis group and three (9%) at 21–35 months in combination group. The rate of recurrence was not statistically different between two groups.

Conclusion:  LAM monoprophylaxis seemed to be effective for OLT recipients with HBV infection who had non‐replicating HBV at transplantation. HBIG administration may play a less valuable role in preventing HBV recurrence in this group of patients.
Predictors of new onset diabetes after renal transplantation
Authors: Joss Nicola , Staatz Christine E. , Thomson Alison H. , Jardine Alan G.
Published: January 2007

Abstract:  The development of new onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at identifying risk factors for the development of NODAT. We performed a retrospective review of 787 renal transplants performed between 1994 and 2004 at a single centre. NODAT was diagnosed in patients who had two random plasma glucose concentrations >11.1 mmol/L after the first month post‐transplant or patients who required treatment for hyperglycaemia within the first month and continued treatment thereafter. The incidence of NODAT was 7.7%. The incidence of NODAT requiring either insulin or oral hypoglycaemic agents was 4.5%. Risk factors for the development of NODAT were older age (HR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07, p < 0.01), heavier weight at time of transplantation (HR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07, p < 0.01), higher mean pre‐transplant random plasma glucose concentrations (HR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.14–2.08, p < 0.01), higher plasma glucose within the first seven d post‐transplant (HR 1.27, 95% CI: 1.09–1.47, p < 0.01) and use of tacrolimus (HR 3.70, 95% CI: 1.61–8.46, p < 0.01). Ten yr actuarial patient survival was 67.1% in patients with NODAT compared with 81.9% for those without diabetes and 65.3% in patients known to have diabetes pre‐transplant. There was no difference in graft survival. We have identified a high‐risk group in which attempts should be made to reduce the incidence of NODAT by tailoring immunosuppression, lifestyle modification and selecting non‐diabetogenic medications. Improvements in management of patients at higher risk of NODAT may help reduce the incidence of deaths with a functioning graft.
Renal function with cyclosporine C2monitoring, enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium and basiliximab: a 12‐month randomized trial in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Cibrik Diane , Meier‐Kriesche Herwig‐Ulf , Bresnahan Barbara , Wu You Min , Klintmalm Goran , Kew Clifton E. , Kuo Paul C , Whelchel John , Cohen David , Baliga Prabakar , Akalin Enver , Benedetti Enrico , Wright Francis , Lieberman Bonnie , Ulbricht Bettina , Jensik Stephen ,   on behalf of the myfortic‐US01 Renal Transplant Study Group
Published: January 2007

Abstract: Background: Cyclosporine exposure, as estimated by the area under the curve (AUC), predicts outcomes in renal transplantation. Cyclosporine concentration at two h post‐dose (C2) has been shown to be the most reliable, single‐point surrogate marker for AUC. The objective of this study was to measure renal function beyond month 2 post‐transplant using two different C2maintenance targets in combination with enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS), corticosteroids, and basiliximab induction.

Methods: In this open‐label, multicenter trial, renal transplant recipients entered one of two randomized groups at day 61 post‐transplant: group A (higher‐C2range) or group B (lower‐C2range).

Results: Patients (164) were recruited, and 141 patients were entered the randomized groups (group A, n = 66; group B, n = 75). At 12 months, the mean calculated creatinine clearance was significantly greater in group B than in group A (79.2 vs. 71.0 mL/min, p < 0.05). Biopsy‐proven acute rejection occurred in 14.7% patients in group B and in 24.2% patients in group A (n.s.). During the 12‐month trial, 17.7% patients discontinued EC‐MPS because of adverse events. Group B (44.0%) had fewer serious adverse events when compared with group A (62.1%; p = 0.04). Overall patient and graft survival were 99.4% and 95.7% respectively. Among 99 high‐risk patients (i.e., African‐American race, previous transplant, PRA >35% or >4 HLA mismatches), mean creatinine clearance at 12 months was 65.6 mL/min and biopsy‐proven rejection occurred in 20.2% patients.

Conclusions: Low cyclosporine C2levels are associated with improved renal function compared with higher C2levels when used in conjunction with EC‐MPS, steroids and basiliximab induction. EC‐MPS with low cyclosporine C2levels, corticosteroids and basiliximab provides excellent renal function with good efficacy even in high‐risk patients.
Experiences from introducing non‐invasive ventilation in the intensive care unit: a 2‐year prospective consecutive cohort study
Authors: Bülow H.‐H. , Thorsager B. , Hoejberg J. M.
Published: January 2007

Objective:  To describe 2 years of experience and staff learning curves after the introduction of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV).

Methods:  A prospective, consecutive, strictly observational, 2‐year cohort study of all patients treated with NIV in a county general hospital intensive care unit (ICU), with no interventions, was performed.

Results:  One hundred and fifty‐seven patients with 15 different diagnoses were treated with NIV. An increasing number of patients were treated in the second year and, probably as a result of increased staff experience, the NIV treatment time and overall time spent in the ICU were less in the second year of the study period (30 h vs. 19 h and 55 h vs. 34 h, respectively; P < 0.05). Patients were also intubated earlier if NIV failed during the second year. Of the 157 patients, 119 had a full treatment option (i.e. including the possibility of invasive mechanical ventilation) and 26% died; their Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II)‐ and Simplified Acute Physiology II (SAPS II)‐predicted death rates were 31% and 32% respectively (not significant, NS). The overall mortality rate in all NIV patients was 38%, compared with predicted death rates of 36% and 33%, respectively (NS). ‘Do‐not‐intubate’ orders were issued for 38 of the 157 patients, and 11 of these (29%) left the hospital alive. Patients treated successfully with NIV had significantly lower APACHE II scores than those in whom it failed (18.8 vs. 22, P= 0.01).

Conclusion:  With increasing staff experience, more patients may be treated with NIV and the treatment period decreases significantly. Weaning from NIV has almost exclusively been taken over by nurses. Unselected cohorts of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated successfully with NIV, and NIV offers a treatment option even for some patients with a ‘do‐not‐intubate’ order.
Flutrimazole shampoo 1%versus ketoconazole shampoo 2% in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. A randomised double‐blind comparative trial
Authors: Rigopoulos D. , Gregoriou S. , Kontochristopoulos G. , Ifantides A. , Katsambas A.
Published: January 2007

Flutrimazole is an imidazole derivative that has been proven to be efficient in superficial skin fungal infections. The aim of this randomised double‐blind study was to compare for the first time, the efficiency and safety of flutrimazole 1% shampoo versus ketoconazole 2% shampoo in the treatment of tinea versicolor. Study population consisted of 60 patients with pityriasis versicolor diagnosed clinically and through direct microscopy and culture. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: one instructed to apply flutrimazole shampoo 1% and one instructed to apply ketoconazole shampoo 2% both on head and body for 14 days. Patients were re‐evaluated 14 days after the end of treatment clinically and through direct microscopy and culture. Twenty‐one of 26 patients (80.8%) in the ketoconazole and 22 of 29 patients (75.9%) in the flutrimazole group had both visual healing and negative mycological evaluation. Comparison of the response between the two groups with the Yates’ corrected chi‐square was found statistically not significant (χ2 = 0.19, d.f. = 1, P = 0.91). None of the patients in the two groups reported any adverse effects. Fourteen (53%) patients in the ketoconazole group and 23 (79%) in the flutrimazole group assessed the shampoos as cosmetically acceptable regarding texture, smell and foam properties. Flutrimazole shampoo 1% appears to present efficacy comparable with ketoconazole 2% in the treatment of tinea versicolor.
Dispersal of Amazonian birds in continuous and fragmented forest
Authors: Van Houtan Kyle S. , Pimm Stuart L. , Halley John M. , Bierregaard Richard O. , Lovejoy Thomas E.
Published: January 2007

Many ecologists believe birds disappear from tropical forest fragments because they are poor dispersers. We test this idea using a spatially explicit capture data base from the Biological Dynamics of Forest Fragments Project near Manaus, Brazil. We measure bird movements directly, over relatively large scales of space and time, both before and after landscape fragmentation. We found that species which disappear from fragments move extensively between plots before isolation, but not after, and often disperse to longer distances in continuous forest than in fragmented forest. Such species also preferentially emigrate from smaller to larger fragments, showing no preference in continuous forest. In contrast, species that persist in fragments are generally less mobile, do not cross gaps as often, yet disperse further after fragmentation than before. ‘Heavy tailed’ probability models usually explain dispersal kernels better than exponential or Gaussian models, suggesting tropical forest birds may be better dispersers than assumed with some individuals moving very long distances.
Use of microarrays to assess viral diversity: from genotype to phenotype
Authors: Allen Michael J. , Martinez‐Martinez Joaquin , Schroeder Declan C. , Somerfield Paul J. , Wilson William H.
Published: January 2007

The diversity among the coccolithovirus strains held in the Plymouth Virus Collection (PVC) was assessed using three complementary techniques: phylogeny based on DNA polymerase and major capsid protein gene sequence; host range; and a new, microarray‐based genome‐wide approach. The PVC is composed of three groups of strains that are geographically and temporally distinct. Virus strains clustered according to these groups in all three diversity assessments. Furthermore, the microarray approach based on genomic content showed that two strains, previously considered as identical to others in the PVC, are actually distinct. These results show the importance of genome‐wide surveys for assessing strain diversity. Not only has the microarray provided an alternative to the phylogeny‐derived pattern for virus evolution, it has also begun to provide some clues to the genes that may be responsible for the different phenotypes displayed by these viruses.
Introduction to Special Issue on International Perspectives on Counseling Psychology
Authors: Leong Frederick T.L. , Savickas Mark L.
Published: January 2007

Lors du Congrès International de Psychologie Appliquée de 2002 à Singapour, le Conseil d’Administration a entériné la proposition de création d’une Division de Psychologie du Counseling. Pour promouvoir son émergence au sein de l’Association Internationale de Psychologie Appliquée et pour encourager son développement, ce numéro spécial analyse l’état actuel de la psychologie du counseling ainsi que ses évolutions à venir dans quatorze pays différents. Ces analyses examinent les forces, faiblesses, opportunités et menaces de la psychologie du counseling. A partir de la matrice SWOT, dont la méthodologie est exposée dans un article introductif, chaque auteur présente les objectifs et stratégies de la psychologie du counseling dans son propre pays pour la prochaine décade. La conclusion de ce numéro spécial reprend en les commentant l’ensemble des conseils et suggestions afin de construire la psychologie du counseling dans le futur.

At the 2002 International Congress of Applied Psychology in Singapore, the Board of Directors voted in support of the proposal to establish a Division of Counseling Psychology. To promulgate the formation of the Division of Counseling Psychology in the International Association of Applied Psychology as well as to foster its development, this special issue presents analyses of the current status and future directions for counseling psychology in 12 different countries. These analyses examine counseling psychology's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Based on these SWOT analyses, which used the methodology explained in this introductory article, each author presents objectives and strategies for advancing counseling psychology in their own countries during the next decade. The special issue concludes with a commentary that reviews and integrates the authors’ recommendations and suggestions for constructing the future of counseling psychology.
Counseling Psychology in China
Authors: Hou Zhi‐Jin , Zhang Naijian
Published: January 2007

Bien que le counseling et la psychothérapie soient pratiqués en Chine depuis bientôt deux décades, la psychologie du counseling n’a pas émergé comme profession ou discipline. Dans cet article, les auteurs utilisent la méthode SWOT pour analyser le développement de la psychologie du counseling en Chine. Les forces, les faiblesses, les opportunités et les menaces quant au développement d’une psychologie du counseling sont circonscrites ainsi que les directions futures.

Although counseling and psychotherapy have been practiced in China for almost two decades, counseling psychology has not emerged as a profession or discipline. In this article, the authors used the SWOT method to analyse the development of counseling psychology in China. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were traced, and future directions for the development of counseling psychology in China were considered.
Counseling Psychology in Hong Kong: A Germinating Discipline
Authors: Leung S. Alvin , Chan Charles C. , Leahy Trisha
Published: January 2007

Cet article décrit la psychologie du counseling comme discipline émergente à Hong Kong. L’analyse SWOT a été utilisée pour examiner les forces et les faiblesses internes, les opportunités et les menaces externes de cette profession. A partir de cette matrice, des questions stratégiques relatives à l’accroissement et au développement de la psychologie du counseling sont identifiées et discutées. Une vision de la psychologie du counseling à Hong Kong dans la prochaine décade est présentée.

This article describes the emerging counseling psychology discipline in Hong Kong. A SWOT analysis was used to examine internal strengths, internal weaknesses, external opportunities, and external threats confronting the counseling psychology profession. Through this process a number of strategic issues central to the growth and development of counseling psychology are identified and discussed. A vision of the counseling psychology discipline in Hong Kong for the next decade is presented.
Counseling Psychology in Israel: A Virtual Specialty in Transition
Authors: Benjamin Benny A.
Published: January 2007

Le domaine de la psychologie du counseling ne s’est pas encore imposé en Israël comme une spécialité officiellement reconnue. Comme dans bien d’autres pays, la psychologie clinique représente le substrat des services de counseling, pour ce qui est du prestige et du nombre de praticiens. Cependant, les psychologues du counseling ont joué un rôle important pendant des années en faisant la preuve de leurs compétences aussi bien dans le monde universitaire que dans la vie pratique. L’une des retombées positives en est la promotion de la psychologie du travail où nombre de psychologues du counseling ont trouvé un refuge pendant des années, secteur qu’ils ont enrichi aussi bien théoriquement que pratiquement. La psychologie du counseling est en Israël appréhendée avec le souci de fournir une réponse à la demande particulière de counseling de la population locale et dans le cadre de l’évolution de l’ensemble de la profession de psychologue.

The field of counseling psychology has yet to take hold in Israel as an officially sanctioned specialty. As in many countries, clinical psychology constitutes the primary deliverer of psychological counseling services, both in number and in status. Nonetheless, counseling psychologists have been prominent over the years in applying their professional skills, both in academia and in applied areas. One local benefit is the boost granted to the vocational psychology field where many counseling psychologists have found a haven over the years and have enriched it, both academically and in practice. Counseling psychology in Israel is discussed in the context of providing a response to the unique counseling needs of the local population and within the structural transition of the psychological profession as a whole.
A Perspective on Counseling Psychology in Japan: Toward a Lifespan Approach
Authors: Watanabe‐Muraoka Agnes Mieko
Published: January 2007

Un survol de l’histoire de la psychologie du counseling au Japon amène à confronter cinq significations différentes du terme «counseling». Ces divers points de vue relatifs au counseling et à sa signification ont handicapé le développement de la psychologie du counseling. Une approche spécifiquement nippone du counseling est indispensable au développement de la professionnalisation de la discipline au Japon. On conclut l’article par une proposition de théorisation et d’approfondissement de la discipline en tant que psychologie développementale du counseling couvrant l’ensemble de la vie.

A precis of counseling psychology's history in Japan leads to discussion of five different meanings for the term “counseling”. These multiple views about counseling and its meaning have hindered development of counseling psychology. An indigenous conceptualisation of counseling is required to promote the professionalisation of the discipline in Japan. A proposal for conceptualising and advancing the discipline as “lifespan developmental counseling psychology” concludes the article.
Transforming a Past into a Future: Counseling Psychology in South Africa
Authors: Watson Mark B. , Fouche Paul
Published: January 2007

Cet article décrit une analyse SWOT de la profession de psychologue du counseling en Afrique du Sud. Deux sources d’information constituent la base de cette investigation: une revue de la littérature sur la profession et l’analyse thématique d’une enquête réalisée auprès de psychologues du counseling pratiquants ou en formation. Il apparaît que cette profession cherche à se constituer une identité pertinente qui serait en prise avec les problèmes spécifiques relevant de l’histoire sociopolitique et socioéconomique de l’Afrique du Sud. On envisage différentes pistes esquissant une vision d’avenir de la profession aussi bien dans un contexte national qu’international.

This article describes a SWOT analysis of the counseling psychology profession in South Africa. Two sources of information formed the basis for the analysis: An examination of the literature on the profession and a content theming of a survey conducted with practising counseling psychologists and those in training. The analysis suggests that the counseling profession is struggling to establish a relevant identity that will address the inherent problems created by South Africa's sociopolitical and socioeconomic history. Several suggestions are made for creating a future vision for the profession within both a national and an international context.
Internationalising Counseling Psychology in the United States: A SWOT Analysis
Authors: Leong Frederick T.L. , Leach Mark M.
Published: January 2007

Dans le respect des exigences de cette édition spéciale, cet article présente une analyse SWOT du domaine de la psychologie du counseling aux Etats‐Unis. Après un bref survol historique, on passe à la description du contexte des tentatives récentes d’internationalisation de la psychologie du counseling aux Etats‐Unis au sein du mouvement multiculturaliste. Le premier plaidoyer en faveur du multiculturalisme initié par la division de psychologie du counseling de l’American Psychological Association est certainement l’un de ses points forts. L’ajout du multiculturalisme international au multiculturalisme local semble être une évolution naturelle pour le domaine et ouvre un ensemble de nouvelles perspectives. On peut citer, comme voie prometteuse, notre préoccupation récente pour la justice sociale, autre champ majeur d’investigation et d’intervention. Cependant, le domaine de la psychologie du counseling reste menacé comme le montre notre statut de «rejeton» de la psychologie clinique. On fait remarquer par la même occasion qu’une part de nos faiblesses est due à notre incapacité d’exploiter certaines de nos activités de première importance telles que la réinsertion, la prévention ou la psychologie positive. Des soucis plus récents ont porté sur le déclin organisationnel avec la fermeture d’un nombre important de formations de premier plan en psychologie du counseling. Les raisons de ces disparitions sont toujours sujettes à débat.

Consistent with the framework recommended for this special issue, the current article provides a SWOT analysis of the field of counseling psychology within the United States. Beginning with a brief overview of the history of the field, the current analysis moves on to contextualise the recent attempts to internationalise counseling psychology in the United States within the multiculturalism movement. The early advocacy of multiculturalism undertaken by the Division of Counseling Psychology within the American Psychological Association is certainly one of its strengths. The movement to add international multiculturalism to domestic multiculturalism appears to be a natural transition for the field and provides a new set of opportunities. Other opportunities for the field include our recent attention to social justice as another core area of inquiry and intervention. Yet, the field of counseling psychology continues to experience threats as it relates to our “step‐child” status vis‐a‐vis clinical psychology. At the same time, it was noted that part of the weakness of our field has been our failure to capitalise on some of our areas of emphasis such as rehabilitation, prevention, and positive psychology. More recent concerns have centered around organisational decline with the closure of a significant number of the leading counseling psychology training programs in the country. The meaning of these closures continues to be debated.
Geographical range size heritability: what do neutral models with different modes of speciation predict?
Authors: Mouillot David , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: January 2007

Aim Phylogenetic conservatism or heritability of the geographical range sizes of species (i.e. the tendency for closely related species to share similar range sizes) has been predicted to occur because of the strong phylogenetic conservatism of niche traits. However, the extent of such heritability in range size is disputed and the role of biology in shaping this attribute remains unclear. Here, we investigate the level of heritability of geographical range sizes that is generated from neutral models assuming no biological differences between species.

Methods We used three different neutral models, which differ in their speciation mode, to simulate the life‐history of 250,000 individuals in a square lattice of 50 × 50 cells. These individuals can speciate, reproduce, migrate and die in the metacommunity according to stochastic events. We ran each model for 3000 steps and recorded the range size of each species at each step. The heritability of geographical range size was assessed using an asymmetry coefficient between range sizes of sister species and using the coefficient of correlation between the range sizes of ancestors and their descendants.

Results Our results demonstrated the ability of neutral models to mimic some important observed patterns in the heritability of geographical range size. Consistently, sister species exhibited higher asymmetry in range sizes than expected by chance, and correlations between the range sizes of ancestor–descendant species pairs, although often weak, were almost invariably positive.

Main conclusions Our findings suggest that, even without any biological trait differences, statistically significant heritability in the geographical range sizes of species can be found. This heritability is weaker than that observed in some empirical studies, but suggests that even here a substantial component of heritability may not necessarily be associated with niche conservatism. We also conclude that both present‐day and fossil data sets may provide similar information on the heritability of the geographical range sizes of species, while the omission of rare species will tend to overestimate this heritability.
Invasiveness and homogenization: synergism of wide dispersal and high local abundance
Authors: McKinney Michael L. , La Sorte Frank A.
Published: January 2007

Aim  To determine whether invasive and locally abundant non‐native species have a more homogenizing effect on plant communities than non‐invasive and less abundant non‐native species.

Location  California and Florida counties, conservation areas in the USA, and eight US cities.

Methods  Species lists among counties, conservation areas and cities were compared to see whether invasive and abundant non‐native species increased the Jaccard index of similarity between localities beyond any increases caused by non‐invasive and less abundant non‐native species.

Results  For all comparisons, we found that invasive non‐native species have a significantly greater homogenizing effect than non‐invasive non‐native species. For the US conservation areas, we found that locally abundant invasive species tend to be more widespread and more widely shared than less abundant invasive species. There is also a positive relationship between homogenization by invasive species and the magnitude of human disturbance.

Main conclusions  Invasive non‐native species tend to be disproportionately shared among communities relative to non‐invasive non‐native species. This effect is enhanced by human disturbance, as measured by the ratio of non‐native to native species. There is a synergism between abundance and geographical range which enhances the homogenizing effects of abundant species. Invasive species, with wide ecological niches, are more widely shared among communities and more locally abundant. Abundant invasive species are thus more spatially homogenizing, and more ecologically dominant (functionally homogenizing). Also, ‘perceived homogenization’ is probably greater than homogenization measured by the increase in shared species. The abundant species typically seen by the casual observer in a biological community are probably more commonly shared between communities than less common species. Studies that lack abundance data and measure homogenization only on the basis of shared species, which includes most homogenization studies to date, probably underestimate the homogenizing impacts of non‐native species as perceived by people.
Altered stream‐flow regimes and invasive plant species: the Tamarix case
Authors: Stromberg Juliet C. , Lite Sharon J. , Marler Roy , Paradzick Charles , Shafroth Patrick B. , Shorrock Donna , White Jacqueline M. , White Margaret S.
Published: January 2007

Aim  To test the hypothesis that anthropogenic alteration of stream‐flow regimes is a key driver of compositional shifts from native to introduced riparian plant species.

Location  The arid south‐western United States; 24 river reaches in the Gila and Lower Colorado drainage basins of Arizona.

Methods  We compared the abundance of three dominant woody riparian taxa (native Populus fremontii and Salix gooddingii, and introduced Tamarix) between river reaches that varied in stream‐flow permanence (perennial vs. intermittent), presence or absence of an upstream flow‐regulating dam, and presence or absence of municipal effluent as a stream water source.

Results  Populus and Salix were the dominant pioneer trees along the reaches with perennial flow and a natural flood regime. In contrast, Tamarix had high abundance (patch area and basal area) along reaches with intermittent stream flows (caused by natural and cultural factors), as well as those with dam‐regulated flows.

Main conclusions  Stream‐flow regimes are strong determinants of riparian vegetation structure, and hydrological alterations can drive dominance shifts to introduced species that have an adaptive suite of traits. Deep alluvial groundwater on intermittent rivers favours the deep‐rooted, stress‐adapted Tamarix over the shallower‐rooted and more competitive Populus and Salix. On flow‐regulated rivers, shifts in flood timing favour the reproductively opportunistic Tamarix over Populus and Salix, both of which have narrow germination windows. The prevailing hydrological conditions thus favour a new dominant pioneer species in the riparian corridors of the American Southwest. These results reaffirm the importance of reinstating stream‐flow regimes (inclusive of groundwater flows) for re‐establishing the native pioneer trees as the dominant forest type.
The role of attachment in couple relationships described as social systems
Authors: Blom Tannelie , Van Dijk Leo
Published: January 2007

The role that attachment plays in adult relationships seems insufficiently elucidated. Of the components of early attachment, proximity seeking and security are of prime importance. Of these two, proximity seeking is also important at the outset of adult relationships. The form of security that is characteristic of adult couple relationships, however, is different from attachment security. Working models of attachment relations also play an important role in new adult relationships. Attachment behaviour may also play a role when, under severe stress, adult coping falls short. In our way of thinking however, the functioning of adult relationships cannot be described in terms of a persistence of attachment qualities but has to be described and explained by the theory of social systems.
Optimisation and the selection of conservation contracts*
Authors: Hajkowicz Stefan , Higgins Andrew , Williams Kristen , Faith Daniel P. , Burton Michael
Published: January 2007

This paper explores alternative techniques for the selection of conservation contracts under competitive tendering programs. Under these programs, purchasing decisions are often based on the benefits score and cost for proposed projects. The optimisation problem is to maximise the aggregate benefits without exceeding the budget. Because the budget rarely permits all projects to be funded, there is a binary choice problem, known in the operations research published work as a knapsack problem. The decision‐maker must choose which projects are funded and which are not. Under some circumstances, the knapsack problem can be unsolvable because computational complexity increases exponentially with the number of projects. This paper explores the use of several decision rules for solving the optimisation problem including the use of advanced meta‐heuristics. It is shown that commonly applied techniques for project selection may not be providing the optimal solution. Improved algorithms can increase the environmental programs benefits and staying within budget. The comparison of algorithms is based on real data from the Western Australian Conservation Auction.
Ambivalent statements in contingent valuation studies: inclusive response formats and giving respondents time to think
Authors: Svedsater Henrik
Published: January 2007

A recent concern in the valuation literature is the uncertainty respondents feel when posed with willingness‐to‐pay questions for environmental amenities in hypothetical market scenarios. Using a multiple‐bounded discrete‐choice format, the results indicate that respondents become less ambivalent when allowed considerable time to think about the valuation task before a response is elicited. In particular they tend to reduce the reported willingness to pay associated with low certainty of paying, hence resulting in more conservative welfare estimates. Implications for the application of environmental valuation techniques are discussed.
Peasants and plantations in the Sri Lankan tea sector: causes of the change in their relative viability*
Authors: Herath Deepananda , Weersink Alfons
Published: January 2007

In contrast to the increasing trend in farm size found in most agricultural sectors, the absolute number of producers and relative share of total production from small farms growing green leaf tea in Sri Lanka have increased significantly over time. The boom in peasant production and the corresponding decline in plantations are due to the same general drivers explaining the increase in farm size elsewhere. Government programs and price effects that reduced revenue uncertainty and relative costs of production have enhanced the competitive position of small farmers relative to large estates.
The Logic of Expressive Collective Action: When will Individuals ‘Nail their Colours to the Mast’?
Authors: Jones Philip
Published: January 2007

Individuals do not act collectively simply because they recognise common interests; collective interests can be defined as collective goods and collective goods are non-excludable. In ‘large’ groups instrumental individuals have no incentive to act because individual action is imperceptible. But are individuals always this instrumental? If it is a mistake to assume that collective action occurs ‘naturally’ when common interests are recognised, it is a mistake to ignore awareness of common interests. Individuals derive satisfaction from expressing identity with common interests but when will individuals choose to ‘nail their colours to the mast’?
The Future of Statistics Within the Curriculum
Authors: Goldstein Harvey
Published: January 2007

This article sets out a vision for the general nature of the statistics curriculum in the medium to long term.
Resampling with R
Authors: Arnholt Alan T.
Published: January 2007

This article shows how R can be used to perform resampling with and without replacement.
A New Way to Teach (or Compute) Pearson's r Without Reliance on Cross‐Products
Authors: Huck Schuyler W. , Ren Bixiang , Yang Hongwei
Published: January 2007

Many students have difficulty seeing the conceptual ‘link’ between bivariate data displayed in a scatterplot and the statistical summary of the relationship, r. This article shows how to teach (and compute) r such that each datum's ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ influences are made apparent and used in a new formula for calculating Pearson's r.
On Comparing Two Numbers
Authors: Finney David J.
Published: January 2007

This article expresses concern for the sloppy language that is often used by the media to describe numerical comparisons and suggests guidelines for how such comparisons should be described such that the meanings are unambiguous.
Divide and rule? The military infrastructure of eighth‐ and ninth‐century Mercia
Authors: Bassett Steven
Published: January 2007

Military might is widely recognized as having been a key element in the Mercian kings’ ability to forge and maintain a large kingdom in midland England in and after the seventh century. The paper argues that its basis was a network of fortified places – all major royal settlements that were given substantial defences in the eighth and early ninth centuries – and a systemic mechanism for manning them. The archaeological evidence of these defences at Hereford, Tamworth and Winchcombe is reviewed; the probable locations of other such early fortified places in midland England are considered; and the significance of this burghal system for our understanding of ‘the supremacy of the Mercian kings’ is weighed.
Incentive contracts and bank performance
Authors: Li Hongbin , Rozelle Scott , Zhou Li‐An
Published: January 2007

This paper, using unique survey data from the banking industry in rural China, investigates the effect of incentive contracts on performance. In the context of China's economic transition, we find that the incentive contracts have a positive effect on the bank manager's performance in deposit taking and non‐performing loan reduction. This finding is robust when we control for the endogeneity of incentive contracts. Our empirical results present evidence on the positive effects of incentive‐based banking reforms in rural China.
Risk insurance in a transition economy
Authors: Irac Delphine M. , Minoiu Camelia
Published: January 2007

The hypothesis of Pareto‐optimal risk‐sharing is tested in a transition economy using a new dataset of a representative sample of 364 rural households from Romania. Income shocks are identified as instances of adverse weather, crop failure, animal diseases, illness, and unemployment spells. Despite limited participation of Romanian rural households in formal insurance and credit markets, we fail to reject the hypothesis of full insurance of total non‐durable consumption and its components. Survey responses indicate that the main channels of consumption smoothing are self‐insurance (for adverse weather, crop failure and animal diseases), public transfers (for unemployment spells, maternity and childcare), and to a lesser extent, family ties. We find that adverse weather is associated with higher growth rates of non‐food expenditures. Furthermore, richer households are better able to cope with crop failure than poorer households. An alternative explanation to our not rejecting the hypothesis of full insurance is that some shocks to consumption (such as illness) play the role of preference shifters of the utility function.
Educational inputs and outcomes before the transition from communism*
Authors: Beirne John , Campos Nauro F.
Published: January 2007

Conventional wisdom suggests that the stocks of human capital were one of the few positive legacies from communism. However, if factories under communism were so inefficient, why would the education system not have been? Using the education production function approach and new data on educational inputs and outcomes from 1960 to 1989, we find evidence suggesting that the official human capital stocks figures were ‘overestimated’ during the communist period. In other words, we find that the official human capital stock numbers are significantly higher than those predicted not only in relation to countries at similar levels of development, but also on the basis of educational systems with comparable features and efficiency levels.
Comparison of different classification algorithms in clinical decision‐making
Authors: Übeyli Elif Derya
Published: January 2007

Abstract: This paper gives an integrated view of implementing automated diagnostic systems for clinical decision‐making. Because of the importance of making the right decision, better classification procedures are necessary for clinical decisions. The major objective of the paper is to be a guide for readers who want to develop an automated decision support system for clinical practice. The purpose was to determine an optimum classification scheme with high diagnostic accuracy for this problem. Several different classification algorithms were tested and benchmarked for their performance. The performance of the classification algorithms is illustrated on two data sets: the Pima Indians diabetes and the Wisconsin breast cancer. The present research demonstrates that the support vector machines achieved diagnostic accuracies which were higher than those of other automated diagnostic systems.
What Was the New Party? Sir Oswald Mosley and Associated Responses to the ‘Crisis’, 1931−1932
Authors: WORLEY MATTHEW
Published: January 2007

The economic crisis that finally overwhelmed Ramsay MacDonald's Labour government in August 1931 was accompanied by political upheavals that affected all three mainstream political parties. Divisions, splits and new political configurations became characteristic of 1930−2, amongst which was the New Party launched by Sir Oswald Mosley in February 1931. Initially, at least, Mosley's stated objective was to offer an immediate and practical solution to the economic problems then facing the country. Over time, however, his party took on a more permanent nature, eventually paving the way for the formation of the British Union of Fascists. This article looks at the process of such transformation, and endeavours to explain contemporary and historiographical confusion as to what the New Party entailed.
The March 1943 Crisis in the Battle of the Atlantic: Myth and Reality
Authors: REDFORD DUNCAN
Published: January 2007

The idea that the British faced a ‘crisis’ which threatened their ability to use convoys to supply themselves with food and war materials in the Battle of the Atlantic during March 1943 is well established in the historical literature. This article, however, will argue that the concept of such a crisis is a myth. Through an examination of contemporary documents, statistics, and the actions of the British political and naval leadership, the article will show that March 1943 was not the crisis of the battle and that decisions which have been seen as responding to the crisis were caused by other considerations.