bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GIS interpolations of witness tree records (1839–1866) for northern Wisconsin at multiple scales
Authors: He Hong S. , Mladenoff David J. , Sickley Theodore A. , Guntenspergen Glenn G.
Published: March 2003

To construct forest landscape of pre‐European settlement periods, we developed a GIS interpolation approach to convert witness tree records of the U.S. General Land Office (GLO) survey from point to polygon data, which better described continuously distributed vegetation. The witness tree records (1839–1866) were processed for a 3‐million ha landscape in northern Wisconsin, U.S.A. at different scales. We provided implications of processing results at each scale. Compared with traditional GLO mapping that has fixed mapping scales and generalized classifications, our approach allows presettlement forest landscapes to be analysed at the individual species level and reconstructed under various classifications. We calculated vegetation indices including relative density, dominance, and importance value for each species, and quantitatively described the possible outcomes when GLO records are analysed at three different scales (resolution). The 1 × 1‐section resolution preserved spatial information but derived the most conservative estimates of species distributions measured in percentage area, which increased at coarser resolutions. Such increases under the 2 × 2‐section resolution were in the order of three to four times for the least common species, two to three times for the medium to most common species, and one to two times for the most common or highly contagious species. We mapped the distributions of hemlock and sugar maple from the pre‐European settlement period based on their witness tree locations and reconstructed presettlement forest landscapes based on species importance values derived for all species. The results provide a unique basis to further study land cover changes occurring after European settlement.
Evolutionary biogeography and speciation: essay on a synthesis
Authors: Salomon Marc
Published: March 2003

Aim

Different continental and insular speciation processes are reviewed. The areal and clinal conceptions of speciation studies are discussed. I propose a revisited cline theory reconciling cline mechanics and allopatric speciation as cline analysis allows quantification in speciation description more easily and integrates polymorphism within speciation processes. In addition, insular speciation illustrates what could have been the first allopatric stages of many current continental speciations. Intrinsic correspondence is shown between areal and clinal conceptions, and between continental and insular speciation processes; this article is thus an essay towards a unified theory of speciation biogeography.
Effects of habitat fragmentation on carabids in forest patches
Authors: Magura Tibor , Ködöböcz Viktor , Tóthmérész Béla
Published: March 2003

Aim

The aim of this study was to test some of the classical rules of island biogeography for the carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in 15 forest patches during 1995–99.

Location

The 15 forest patches studied are located on the Bereg Plain. The Bereg Plain is at the foot of the Carpathians, partly in Hungary and partly in the Ukraine. Even in recent times, the area was covered by continuous woodland of deciduous trees, and the species of the closed canopy deciduous forest of the hills and mountains were able to disperse from the Carpathians to these lowland forests. But now, because of agricultural activities and forest management, this woodland is fragmented into forest patches.

Methods

The species–area and the number of species–distance to mainland relationships, and the influence of other factors like shape, isolation, and altitude above the see level, on the number of species were studied. We have used three categories of species during the analyses: (i) total number of species; (ii) the number of species of the closed canopy deciduous forest of the hills and mountains (ForHim species); and (iii) the number of widely distributed generalist species (WidGe species).

Results

There were positive, but statistically insignificant correlations between the distance to the Carpathians and the total number of species, and also between the distance to the Carpathians and the number of WidGe species. The correlation was negative for the number of ForHim species, and it was also not significant. There were significant negative correlation between both the total number of species and the number of WidGe species and the size of the forest patches, while there were significant positive correlation between the size of forest patch and the number of ForHim species. The number of ForHim species decreased significantly by the increase of isolation, while the number of WidGe species increased by the isolation. Shape of the forest patches, and their altitude above the sea level had no influence on the total species richness, the ForHim species richness, and the WidGe species richness. We have also proved that each of the total species richness, the ForHim species richness, and the WidGe species richness, is higher for many small forest patches than for one large patch of the same total area.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that historical reasons have a vital influence on the present species patterns. Moreover, in biogeographical studies we must distinguish between species which recognize the habitat as a patch or island and those that can survive in the neighbouring habitats as well. An ignorance of these two categories may disguise basic biogeographic rules.
Latitudinal gradients and geographic ranges of exotic species: implications for biogeography
Authors: Sax D.F.
Published: March 2003

Aim

To explore the biogeographic patterns of exotic species in order to discriminate between hypotheses postulated to produce several biogeographic phenomena: the latitudinal gradient in species richness, the latitudinal gradient in species geographical range size (Rapoport’s rule), species geographical range boundaries and patterns of invasion in the tropics.

Location

Data were taken from North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and oceanic islands.

Methods

The latitudinal extents of the geographical range of exotic species were recorded to the nearest 1° of latitude from several published sources. Species richness was tabulated by recording the number of naturalized species present within 5° bands of latitude. Rapoport’s rule was calculated by averaging the latitudinal extent of all exotic species present within 5° bands. The low‐latitude boundaries of species’ native and naturalized ranges were compared with the nearest 1° of latitude. These comparisons on continents were contrasted with those on islands.

Results

Within the tropics, few exotic species have become naturalized and those that are have established large geographical ranges. Outside of the tropics, exotic species of birds, mammals, fishes and plants demonstrate qualitatively similar latitudinal gradients in richness and geographical range size. They show the same patterns as native species, where richness is negatively correlated and range size positively correlated with latitude. Further, the geographical ranges of naturalized species on continents rarely extend to latitudes lower than those in their native ranges. On islands (where biotic pressure is reduced) exotic species are more frequently naturalized at latitudes lower than those in their native ranges.

Main conclusions

Hypotheses for the latitudinal gradient in species richness and geographical range size that are based on past glaciation events or differential rates of speciation between regions may not be necessary to explain these gradients, as exotic species are recent colonists and their patterns of distribution cannot have been directly affected by past glaciation events or differential rates of speciation between regions. Further, the low‐latitude boundary of species geographical ranges may be set by tolerance for biotic pressure.
Historical biogeography and Late Quaternary environmental change of Lake Pamvotis, Ioannina (north‐western Greece): evidence from ostracods
Authors: Frogley Michael R. , Griffiths Huw I. , Heaton Timothy H. E.
Published: March 2003

Aim

The purpose of this study is to (1) investigate the Quaternary history of Lake Pamvotis using fossil ostracod faunal and isotopic analyses, and (2) use this fossil evidence to assess the pedigree of the lake's fauna and place it within a regional palaeobiogeographical context.

Location

Lake Pamvotis, situated in the Ioannina Basin, north‐western Greece.

Methods

Fossil samples were recovered from a 319 m‐long, 500 ka core drilled on the eastern shore of the current lake. Stable isotopic analyses were carried out on ostracod shell calcite.

Results

A total of 17 ostracod taxa were recovered, of which 13 occur in the modern lake. Fossil assemblages and corresponding isotopic profiles from the Last (Eemian) Interglacial and Last Glacial‐Holocene transition are presented and compared with modern‐day data. Some taxa (e.g. Leptocythere sp. A) appear to be lake basin endemics.

Main conclusions

The ostracod fauna is typical of temperate, carbonate‐rich standing waters and includes both European and Balkan endemic elements. The fossil fauna, coupled with the isotopic data, provides evidence for past lake‐level change, including a progressive deepening throughout much of the Last Interglacial and a gradual shallowing throughout the subsequent glacial. This culminated in a distinct interval of low lake‐levels at the height of the last glaciation. The Lateglacial witnessed a partial recovery in lake depth, although shallowing occurred once again during the Holocene. The biogeographical affinities of the ostracod fauna, whilst not unequivocal, nevertheless suggest that speciation in the region has been by vicariance and hydrological isolation, probably within the Pleistocene.
The effect of tropical deforestation on stingless bees of the genus Melipona (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in central Rondonia, Brazil
Authors: Brown J. Christopher , Albrecht Christian
Published: March 2003

Aim

(1) To determine whether deforestation has affected the incidence of species of Melipona in an area undergoing deforestation. (2) To highlight the potential use of GIS and remote‐sensed environmental variables in studies of insects as bioindicators of landscape change.

Location

Central Rondonia, Brazil in the south‐western Amazon Basin, an area under intense deforestation pressure for agriculture and cattle ranching since the 1970s.

Methods

Stingless bees of the genus Melipona were sampled outside of forest cover on iron‐weed, Vernonia polynthes Less., at 69 locations along a deforestation gradient within a 3150‐km2 study area. We related species richness and composition for each sample point to local and regional deforestation variables, including geographical position along the deforestation gradient, distance to the forest, and percentage of primary forest coverage within a 1 and 2 km radius of the sample points. Deforestation variables were generated using GIS and LANDSAT TM imagery of the study area. Redundancy analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between species incidence, the deforestation variables, and other possible confounding environmental variables.

Results

Seven species were found within the study area. Two species (M. seminigra abunensis Cockerell, 1912 and M. grandis Guérin, 1844) appear not to be affected by deforestation yet, occurring evenly across the deforestation gradient. Two other common species (M. melanoventer Schwarz, 1932 and M. rufiventris brachychaeta Moure, 1950), however, occurred mainly towards the end of the gradient where the forest was more intact, indicating relative susceptibility to deforestation. Melipona species richness, ranging from 1 to 5 species, was inversely related to distance to forest and directly related to percentage of forest cover.

Main conclusions

Adverse effects of deforestation on Melipona are detectable in the study area, despite the fact that significant areas of tropical forest cover remain. The species that are most affected may be considered indicators of landscape change, and efforts to protect these species could involve their use in beekeeping programmes designed to raise rural incomes and maintain regional biodiversity.
Comparative phylogeography as an integrative approach to historical biogeography
Authors: Arbogast Brian S. , Kenagy G. J.
Published: March 2003

Phylogeography has become a powerful approach for elucidating contemporary geographical patterns of evolutionary subdivision within species and species complexes. A recent extension of this approach is the comparison of phylogeographic patterns of multiple co‐distributed taxonomic groups, or ‘comparative phylogeography.’ Recent comparative phylogeographic studies have revealed pervasive and previously unrecognized biogeographic patterns which suggest that vicariance has played a more important role in the historical development of modern biotic assemblages than current taxonomy would indicate. Despite the utility of comparative phylogeography for uncovering such ‘cryptic vicariance’, this approach has yet to be embraced by some researchers as a valuable complement to other approaches to historical biogeography. We address here some of the common misconceptions surrounding comparative phylogeography, provide an example of this approach based on the boreal mammal fauna of North America, and argue that together with other approaches, comparative phylogeography can contribute importantly to our understanding of the relationship between earth history and biotic diversification.
Birds of paradise, biogeography and ecology in New Guinea: a review
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: March 2003

Aim

The paper reviews the biogeography and ecology of New Guinea using the birds of paradise (Paradisaeidae) as an illustrative example.

Location

New Guinea, the Moluccas, North‐eastern Australia.

Methods

Panbiogeographic analysis (Crawet al., 1999).

Results

The family Paradisaeidae is interpreted as the main New Guinea vicariant inSibley & Ahlquist’s (1990)Corvinae. It has evolved mainly on the New Guinea orogen, extending, like the orogen, to the northern Moluccas and the Milne Bay islands, but not present north of it on Karkar Island or New Britain. Within the orogen, Vogelkop – Huon Peninsula disjunctions (1500 km) occur between putative sister species inParadisaea,AstrapiaandParotia. Whatever taxonomic rank these affinities warrant, the biogeographic connection is inexplicable by ‘jump’ dispersal from the mainland, but is compatible with an accreted terrane model of New Guinea tectonics including massive lateral strike‐slip movement. This would also account for many aspects of distribution of Paradisaeidae within the New Guinea highlands, and also disjunctions between Sulawesi and the Bismarck Archipelago in the related genusArtamus.

Main conclusions

Birds of paradise are sedentary forest dwellers with small home ranges and are tolerant of disturbance. It is suggested that populations have been caught in the dramatic geological uplift and downwarping of different parts of New Guinea. This has led to fragmentation and juxtaposition of ranges, and determined the altitudinal range of the taxa (including altitudinal ‘anomalies’). Areas of endemism in birds of paradise include Quaternary volcanoes. In New Guinea large areas have eventually been covered by lava flows of different volcanic phases, but the living communities, including local endemics, may remain more or lessin situby constantly colonizing younger flows from adjacent older flows. In this way older life can ‘float’ on younger stratigraphy. At least five, possibly six, of the fifteen genera in subfam. Paradisaeinae are known to occur in mangrove. The ancestors of Paradisaeidae and other New Guinea bird families such as Ptilonorhynchidae probably included birds of the mangrove, beach forest and coastal hinterland which have been stranded in central Australia following marine transgressions (Ptilonorhynchidae) and uplifted in New Guinea during the Tertiary orogeny (Ptilonorhynchidae and Paradisaeidae).
Grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acridoidea) and plant community relationships in the Argentine pampas
Authors: Torrusio Sandra , Cigliano María M. , De Wysiecki María L.
Published: March 2003

Aim

The objectives of this study were to relate species density, richness and relative abundance of grasshoppers to habitat vegetation and to detect variations in these variables among native and exotic plant communities which reflected disturbance history.

Location

Twenty‐seven sites were selected in 2000 representing a variety of native and exotic plant communities, with different degrees of disturbance history, in south‐east Buenos Aires province, Argentina.

Methods

Grasshopper mean density, species relative abundance and species composition were estimated at each site via standard flushing and sweep net techniques. Plant associations at each site were estimated by evaluating the percentage canopy of ground cover of native perennial grasses, introduced perennial forbs, annual pastures, halophilous species, perennial pastures, native perennial forbs, introduced annual forbs and plant species richness. Based on vegetation variables, sites were classified into five disturbance categories: native grasslands, halophilous grasslands, pastures, moderately disturbed pastures and highly disturbed pastures.

Results

Grasshopper communities from sites dominated by introduced plant species (forbs, sown grasses and dicots), were characterized by relatively high densities and a high proportion of potential pest species. Native grassland sites showed lower grasshopper densities, while halophilous grassland had high densities, but with low proportion of potential pest species.

Main conclusions

Results from this study suggest that the most abundant and economic important species of the pampas, Dichroplus elongatus, was associated with sown pasture plants (grasses and dicots) and introduced forbs, and negatively correlated with natural communities (native vegetation and halophilous species). These relationships imply that appropriate management practices that leave more areas with natural vegetation and include perennial pastures and native species in the rotations could show beneficial in reducing the overall density and the proportion of the primary pest species in south‐eastern Buenos Aires province.
Endemic mammalian genera: are they really unique?
Authors: Danell Kjell , Aava‐Olsson Birgitta
Published: March 2003

Aim

The majority (64%) of the extant 1153 mammalian genera occupy only one zoogeographical region and can in that sense be referred to as endemic to that region. The aim in this study was to find out if endemic genera differ in ecological characteristics, e.g. taxonomy, body size, feeding and substrate use, from genera with a more cosmopolitan distribution, and if endemic genera were distributed along a productivity gradient.

Location

The sixteen major zoogeographical regions of the world, including continents, islands and oceans.

Methods

We grouped the mammal genera according to their distribution in endemic (one region) and cosmopolitan (4–12 regions), respectively. Further, we divided the eleven major terrestrial regions of the world into continental and island regions and examined the effect of productivity on the number of endemic genera.

Results

We found statistically significant differences in order, body mass, feeding habit and substrate utilization between the two mammal groups. The endemic genera was dominated by the order Rodentia and were mainly small‐sized, insectivore, frugivore/omnivore or herbivore, semifossorial, terrestrial or arboreal. The small fraction (5%) of genera with the widest distribution (4–12 regions) belonged mainly to the orders Chiroptera, Cetacea and Carnivora and were either small‐ or large‐sized, piscivore/squid‐eater or insectivore, aquatic, terrestrial or volant. We found only weak relationships with productivity for both sets of regions with a positive slope for continental regions and a negative one for island regions. As all island regions were more productive than continental regions, endemic genera were most common in intermediately productive regions overall.

Main conclusions

We conclude that there are major ecological differences between endemic and cosmopolitan genera of mammals.
Realized and potential climate niches: a comparison of four Rhododendron tree species
Authors: Vetaas Ole R.
Published: March 2003

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the hypothesis that there is no difference between the realized and the ex‐situ niches of four selected Rhododendron tree species. If the hypothesis is rejected, the aim is: (1) to evaluate whether the magnitude of discrepancy between the two types of niche is related to competition or external constraint, and (2) to identify which niche dimension is expanded (cold and/or warm limits) and to discuss it in relation to the assumption behind the biogeographical projections related to global warming.

Location

The four target species (Rhododendron arboreum Sm., R. campanulatum D. Don, R. barbatum Wall., and R. wallichi Sm.) are common evergreen broad‐leaved trees in the central Himalayas. Their realized niches are based on data from the elevation‐temperature gradient in Nepal (1000–5000 m a.s.l.). The ex‐situ data are from botanical gardens and arboreta mainly located in the northern hemisphere (n=43).

Methods

Binary data on these taxa were obtained from 707 geocoded herbarium specimens (elevation and UTM location) and from two elevation transects in Nepal (n=194 plots). Climate conditions from ex‐situ locations for each taxon were compared with their realized climate ranges with respect to (i) mean annual temperature (MAT), (ii) mean minimum temperature of the coldest month (MINCM), (iii) mean maximum temperature of the warmest month (MAXWM), and (iv) moisture index (MI). Realized optima were estimated by Generalized Linear Models (GLM), and its non‐parametric extension, Generalized Additive Models (GAM), were used to estimate the realized niches.

Results

All target species have ex‐situ individuals outside the realized climate niche, but the number is much higher for maximum and minimum variables than for MAT. The most dominant species (in‐situ), R. arboreum, had very few individuals outside its realized range, indicating congruence between its ex‐situ and realized niches. The other taxa had many individuals outside the warm end of their realized temperature ranges, but almost none beyond the cold end of their ranges. All target taxa occur in common gardens under warm temperate conditions, but only R. arboreum grows in the warm temperate zone in the Himalayas. This trend at the warm end of the gradient is interpreted as a result of biotic exclusion.

Main conclusion

The results demonstrate that an extreme cold temperature may represent an absolute boundary for tree species' survival, whereas warm temperatures do not. This is in agreement with the hypothesis that several tree species may survive global warming in‐situ because of high temperature tolerance, but its effect on regeneration is uncertain. In lieu of this there may be a significant time lag between change in climate and transient tree species distribution. Thus the effect of global warming on tree species distribution may be very difficult to predict.
The elevational gradient of Andean plant endemism: varying influences of taxon‐specific traits and topography at different taxonomic levels
Authors: Kessler Michael
Published: March 2003

Aim Little is known about the elevational gradient of plant endemism. It is mostly assumed that patterns are determined by topographical factors such as area of elevational belts and degree of habitat fragmentation, but comparative studies of different plant taxa along the same elevational gradient are lacking. The aim was to compare the elevational patterns of plant endemism of the entire flora and selected families and genera in a search for commonalities.

Methods The elevational patterns of endemism for the entire Ecuadorean vascular plant flora, for twenty‐seven selected families, and for twenty‐four selected genera based on the Catalogue of Vascular Plants of Ecuador were analysed.

Results Elevational patterns of endemism were non‐random at all taxonomic levels but there was no common elevational pattern. Rather, the study groups showed a wide variety of independent patterns at all taxonomic levels. Most groups had hump‐shaped patterns with maxima at different elevations and mostly at the same or at higher elevations than the maxima of species richness. The overall flora showed highest endemism in the narrowest and most fragmented elevational belts, presumably because of the consequent fragmentation of species populations.

Main conclusions Patterns of endemism appear to be influenced both by taxon‐specific ecological traits (e.g. life form, reproduction, dispersal, demography, spatial population structure, competitive ability) in their specific interaction with historical processes and by environmental factors such as topographical fragmentation. The degree to which these influences become visible along the elevational gradient are determined by which combination of species is analysed: for a given genus or family, taxon‐specific traits dominate the patterns, for the entire flora taxon‐specific patterns are blurred by averaging and the signal of topography emerges. Beyond the elevational gradient as such, this study shows that the frequently stated assumption that given biogeographical settings lead to similar patterns of endemism among different taxa is wrong.
Latitudinal shifts in body size of Enallagma cyathigerum (Odonata)
Authors: Johansson Frank
Published: March 2003

Aim  Survey of the latitudinal body size pattern for populations of Enallagma cyathigerum (Odonata) across a south‐north transect.

Location  A transect covering the whole distribution range from south to north across Europe was sampled.

Methods  Newly emerged adults were collected from five major sites across Europe and one to four localities were sampled within each site. In total 253 adults were collected from fourteen localities. Body size was measured using thorax length, length of right front wing and length of right hind tibia. These body size estimates were thereafter related to latitude and mean temperature in January and July.

Results  Body size showed a U‐shaped pattern with latitude, being large at low and high latitudes and small at intermediate latitudes. The same U‐shaped pattern was found for mean January and July temperature, with large animals at low and high temperatures.

Conclusion  The U‐shaped relationship between body size and latitude is suggested to be a combination of two effects: (1) the length of the season favourable for growth and development, and (2) variation in life cycle length with latitude.
Historical biogeography of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific, or the generality of unrooted area networks as historical biogeographic hypotheses
Authors: van Welzen Peter C. , Turner Hubert , Hovenkamp Peter
Published: March 2003

Aim Unrooted area networks are perhaps a general way in which different historical biogeographical patterns may be combined.

Location Southeast Asia up to the West Pacific, Australia, South America.

Methods Unrooted area networks based on Primary Brooks Parsimony Analysis of different data sets of Southeast Asian–West Pacific, Australian and South American clades.

Results A large Brooks Parsimony historical (cladistic) biogeographic analysis of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific gave a meaningful result when all clades (representing different historical biogeographic patterns) were united into one matrix and an unrooted area network was produced. This network showed geographically adjacent areas as neighbours, which is interpreted as clades dispersing and speciating as soon as areas rafted towards each other. This pseudo‐vicariance mechanism, together with the very limited, mainly linear dispersal possibilities, a few large, widespread clades with many endemic species, and the large overlap in distributions displayed by different patterns, may explain the peculiar result. When applied to examples from other areas (bird data from Australia and South America), unrooted area networks for all data perform very poorly.

Main conclusions Unrooted historical general area networks are not universally applicable. In general, it is better to split historical patterns a priori and analyse them separately.
Nursing intervention to increase hope in cancer patients
Authors: Rustøen Tone , Hanestad Berit Rokne
Published: March 2003

• Hope is considered to be of great significance for people diagnosed as having cancer, and is thus an important aspect of nursing care. It is therefore of value to document ways in which hope can be strengthened in these patients.

• An intervention programme based on Nowotny's (1986) definition of hope and designed to increase hope in groups of cancer patients with the nurse as the group leader was developed.

• The intervention was divided into eight sessions, each of which focused on a different aspect of hope. These included: belief in oneself and one's own ability, emotional reactions, relationships with others, active involvement, spiritual beliefs and values, and acknowledging that there is a future.

• By focusing on these aspects through interactional processes in the group, it was thought that the participants' hope could be strengthened.
Stroke patients' perceptions of hospital nursing care
Authors: MACDUFF
Published: March 2003

• While nursing remains uncertain about the nature of its role in stroke rehabilitation, recent research by social scientists re‐affirms its importance.

• This study explored a small number of stroke patients' perceptions of hospital nursing care in order to illuminate the meaning of the role in practice.

• Informants' early experiences of nursing care in general medical and care of the elderly assessment wards were dominated by having the necessary done, while nursing in the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit was characterized by a do it yourself approach.

• These two concepts are explored in detail and related to the existing literature, suggesting some specific areas for practice development and research.
Quality of life after renal transplantation
Authors: Fisher Rachel , Gould Dinah , Wainwright Steven , Fallon Maureen
Published: March 2003

•End stage renal disease (ESRD) inevitably reduces the life‐span of its victims. The treatment of choice for many patients is transplantation but this does not effect a cure. Its aim is to improve renal function and thus to enhance the patient's ability to enjoy as full a life as possible. However, surprisingly little research has been concerned with quality of life after transplantation.

•A small‐scale, exploratory study employing a qualitative design was undertaken to compare stress and quality of life between five patients with ESRD awaiting transplantation and five patients who had received a graft within the previous 6 months.

•The desire to undergo transplantation was fuelled by patients' perceived need to `get off dialysis' and to `lead a normal life'.

•All patients had received abundant technical information about renal transplantation and pre‐operative preparation but information concerning the negative effects of transplantation, including the side‐effects of medication appeared lacking. It was not possible to determine whether this information had not been supplied or had been offered but forgotten or denied.

•For pre‐transplantation patients the main sources of stress were the need to undergo dialysis, awaiting the summons to hospital and the social isolation imposed by having a chronic condition such as constant fatigue. Post‐transplantation patients were remarkably free of anxiety considering the impositions placed upon them by frequent clinic attendance to monitor their condition.

•Quality of life improved dramatically after transplantation despite the persistence of renal symptoms and patients felt privileged to have been offered this treatment option.
Facing uncertainty and possible death: the Christian patients' experience
Authors: HAWLEY GEORGINA
Published: March 2003

• This paper presents the hospital experience of a group of coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients.

• A description of the qualitative methodology is given.

• The participants' experience was identified as facing uncertainty and possible death.

• Excerpts from interviews are given.

• The participants coped with the situation by praying or having others pray on their behalf.

• Their uncertainty and possible death was affected by the conditions of: available support; environment; credible authority; information; belief; and their psychophysiological status at the time.
Role transition from staff nurse to clinical nurse specialist: a case study
Authors: Glen Sally , Waddington Kathryn
Published: March 2003

• Over the last decade, nursing in the United Kingdom has witnessed a major development and expansion in the number of Clinical Nurse Specialists.

• These nurses are considered to be experts in their own specialities, have in‐depth knowledge and provide a service for patients, relatives and staff.

• There is, however, a paucity of literature relating to role transition from experienced Staff Nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist.

• Using Nicholson's (1984) model of work‐role transition and Wanous' (1992) four‐stage model of organizational socialization, this study explores the transition of two nurses from experienced Staff Nurses to novice Clinical Nurse Specialists.
The psychological consequences of source isolation: a review of the literature
Authors: GAMMON
Published: March 2003

• Source isolation can be an extremely frightening and anxiety provoking experience. With the many epidemiological changes that are prevalent in the UK today the need to care for individuals in source isolation is becoming increasingly important to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals.

• However, the psychological effects of source isolation are not well understood or researched.

• This review defines and examines the historical developments of source isolation and then discusses related research which suggests possible effects of source isolation on an individual's psychological well‐being.

• Research which has determined the effects of sensory deprivation and social isolation are discussed, together with literature on the intensive care syndrome.

• This review highlights the lack of research on the psychological effects of source isolation. Furthermore, literature and research on related aspects of isolation suggests very serious effects are noted on the psychological well‐being of individuals.

• Whilst a cessation of source isolation is not an option, urgent research is required to examine what nurse interventions can be implemented to ameliorate these negative effects.
Paediatric nurses, children and the development of trust
Authors: BRICHER GILLIAN
Published: March 2003

• Nurses in paediatric settings work hard to develop trusting relationships with the children in their care.

• There are, however, barriers to these trusting relationships, because nurses are often involved in painful or frightening procedures for children, and sometimes parents may hamper the development of trust between nurse and child.

• Nurses use a range of strategies to try and gain confidence and co‐operation from children, but recognize that at times it is necessary to simply restrain and carry on.

• In exploring the experiences of paediatric nurses, it became evident that the need to carry out painful procedures while trying to maintain relationships with children was taken for granted in this type of practice setting.

• What did not appear evident to the nurses was the dichotomy that they viewed trust as really important, but considered breaking trust to be essential.
Documentation practices of nurses in long‐term care
Authors: MARTIN ANTOINETTE , HINDS CORA , FELIX MARGOT
Published: March 2003

• Documentation of nursing care is an important source of reference and communication between nurses and other health care providers.

• This article describes a study of the documentation practices of nurses in a long‐term care institution.

• Results revealed a number of positive aspects of nurses' documentation practices and areas requiring modification or change which could be facilitated through redesigning the documentation system.

• Implications for professional practice are discussed, which include the need for a concise, non‐duplicating system of documentation, and the importance of nursing documentation in support of evidence‐based practice.
An exploration of the stroke co‐ordinator role
Authors: Burton Christopher R.
Published: March 2003

• Although there is knowledge of the substantial benefits of collaborative approaches to stroke rehabilitation, information on alternative management strategies is sparse.

• This paper describes an exploratory survey, undertaken in the north‐west of England, to highlight features of the stroke co‐ordinator role.

• The role is explored in terms of rehabilitation management and service development. Some strategies to support practitioners in the role, and areas for role development, are suggested.
Health effects of work schedules in healthcare professions
Authors: Poissonnet Claude Michèle , Véron Monique
Published: March 2003

• Increasing variety in working patterns and the appearance of new forms of shift schedules in the different occupational sectors, including health services, have raised great concern about the quality of working life and job performance.

• The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature on the effects on health of irregular schedules in healthcare professionals.

• Computer and manual searches of databases, and discussion with experts, were used to identify relevant studies.

• No conclusive evidence was found to favour any particular work system, although there is evidence that extended workdays (9–12 h) should be avoided as much as possible.

• There is need for carefully designed studies in order to evaluate the long‐term consequences of work schedules in healthcare workers.
Critical care nurses’ decision‐making activities in the natural clinical setting
Authors: Bucknall Tracey K.
Published: March 2003

• This article reports on observation of 18 nurses in urban and rural based critical care settings.

• The purpose of the study was to observe and describe the decision‐making activities of critical care nurses within natural clinical settings.

• During the 2‐hour observation, the researcher dictated a detailed commentary on to audio‐tape of each nurse’s actions. Tapes were transcribed and subjected to content analysis.

• Findings indicated three main categories of decisions. Decision frequencies were linked to nurses’ critical care experience, appointment level, and location, as well as nursing shifts.

• The findings are discussed in relation to previous empirical evidence and the implications for practice.

• The author concludes that future research should be directed towards measuring the contextual influences on nurses’ decision‐making on the outcome of patient care.
Patients with operable oesophageal cancer: their experience of information‐giving in a regional thoracic unit
Authors: Mills Moyra E. , Sullivan Kate
Published: March 2003

• A qualitative descriptive study was developed to gain an insight into the experiences of patients with operable cancer of the oesophagus and the information they received.

• Through semistructured interviews, participants related details about different aspects of information‐giving.

• Key sources of information were the consultant surgeon and other patients. Nurses, other medical staff, physiotherapists and dieticians were then mentioned. Family/friends were poor sources.

• Positive and negative aspects of the verbal and written information given were described, but there was minimal support for audiovisual information.

• Participants were given information relating to a number of key areas: treatment details, side‐effects, extent of their disease, cure and prognosis and return to normality.

• A number of problem areas were identified.

• The findings indicate a need for a thoracic nurse specialist, updating of the information booklet and development of a staff education programme.
A pilot study to examine the relationships of dyspnoea, physical activity and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Woo Kevin
Published: March 2003

• A descriptive‐correlational design was used to examine the relationships between dyspnoea, physical activity, and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of stress, appraisal, and coping provided a framework to guide the study.

• Dyspnoea was measured by a vertical visual analogue scale, fatigue by the Fatigue subscale of the Profile of Mood States, and physical activity by the six‐minute walk (6MW) test and an open‐ended question.

• A convenience sample of seven male and 15 female patients with COPD provided data for analysis.

• The sample was characterized by relatively high forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) indicating mild lung impairment and high mean levels of fatigue and dyspnoea.

• No significant gender difference was found in the ratings of dyspnoea and fatigue and the 6MW distance.

• Dyspnoea, physical activities, and fatigue were all significantly inter‐related (P < 0.001).

• Results indicated that the higher the dyspnoea scores, the shorter the 6MW distance walked, and the higher the fatigue scores.

• Limitations and suggestions for nursing practice and future research are presented.
Compliance of adolescents with chronic disease
Authors: Kyngäs Helvi
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this paper is to describe the factors that affect compliance in adolescents with a chronic illness and to compare compliance and factors connected to compliance between adolescents with asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

• The data were collected by questionnaire. Altogether 1200 individuals were selected from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution’s register. The response percentage was 88 (n=1061).

• One‐fifth (23%) of adolescents with chronic disease felt that they had complied fully with health regimens, while 60% placed themselves in the category of satisfactory compliance and the remaining 17% reported poor compliance.

• In each patient group compliance was promoted by good motivation, a strong sense of normality, a positive attitude towards the disease and treatment, energy and will‐power, experience of results, support from the parents, nurses and physicians, and a feeling that the disease was not a threat to social well‐being.
The development of clinical competencies for use on a paediatric oncology nursing course using a nominal group technique
Authors: Gibson Faith , Soanes Louise
Published: March 2003

• This paper outlines the development of a competency model to be used to assess clinical competence during a post‐registration specialist course.

• A nominal group technique was used to gather data about the detailed practice of paediatric oncology nurses.

• The nominal group technique was chosen to achieve consultation and consensus with a professional group.

• The six steps from undertaking the nominal group technique to implementation are described in detail.

• Some reflections on the use of competency statements are offered.
Patients’ views of a new nurse‐led continence service
Authors: Shaw Christine , Williams Kate S. , Assassa R. Phil
Published: March 2003

• This study used qualitative methods to assess patients’ views of a new nurse‐led continence service that was being evaluated in a randomized trial as part of the Leicestershire Medical Research Council (MRC) Incontinence Study.

• The service was provided by a team of five nurses who had received a 3‐month training programme on the assessment procedures and the evidence‐based practice protocols.

• In‐depth qualitative interviews were carried out by four trained interviewers with 23 respondents, seven male & 16 female (mean age 58 years), and were analysed using NUD*IST software.

• The main themes to emerge were related to the interpersonal skills and technical skills of the nurse and how these impacted on the effectiveness of treatment.

• An informal, friendly approach by nurses with good communication skills relieved patients’ embarrassment and anxiety, giving them confidence and trust in the nurses, thus facilitating information exchange and effectiveness of care.

• Good communication skills conveyed the nurses’ specialist technical skills and knowledge, encouraging patient compliance with treatments.
Compliance and its evaluation in patients with hypertension
Authors: Lahdenperä Tiina S. , Kyngäs Helvi A.
Published: March 2003

• Compliance has been evaluated from a wide range of scientific perspectives since 1950. The fact that there are many concepts referring to ‘compliance’ (such as ‘adherence’ and ‘commitment’) and that there is no agreement on a commonly accepted definition of the concept complicates evaluation.

• This paper aims to describe the ways in which the compliance of hypertensive patients has been defined and evaluated in earlier studies. The material was collected from the MEDLINE and
CINAHL databases and analysed using content analysis.

• The review indicates that the concepts used in evaluating compliance of hypertensive patients vary considerably and that the most commonly used is ‘compliance’. Regardless of the concept used, the methods of measurement and results of the studies indicate that compliance is conceived as observance of health‐related advice given by healthcare personnel.

• This knowledge can be used in the evaluation of hypertensive patients’ compliance in general and in developing the measurement of compliance.
The experience of practice development: an exploratory telephone interview study
Authors: Garbett Rob , Mccormack Brendan
Published: March 2003

•  Practice development is a widely used term within British nursing. However, there is a lack of consistency and clarity in the way that the term is used.

•  A small‐scale qualitative telephone interview study was therefore conceived to explore practitioners’ views of practice development.

•  Qualitative telephone interviews were carried out with 26 nurses working in a range of settings and roles around the UK. Informants reported varying degrees of awareness of practice development roles and activities ranging from little awareness to being closely involved.

•  Most informants seemed to place more emphasis on issues of personal development and educational aspects of practice development than is found in the literature.

•  Practice development staff were seen as having a range of functions ranging from working with individual practitioners to the co‐ordination of education and training within an organization. The credibility of practice development staff was closely related to their clinical experience and ability.
Gender differences and fears in patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Koivula Meeri , Paunonen‐Ilmonen Marita , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu , Tarkka Matti , Laippala Pekka
Published: March 2003

• The study aimed at ascertaining the gender differences and fears among patients awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting.

• Data were collected using a mailed questionnaire from patients (n=207) scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting at one hospital. Intensity of fear was measured on a 10‐point scale including 12 objects of fear.

• The results showed that demographic data, lifestyle and functional capacity differed between the sexes. Patients’ fears differed with respect to their objects and intensity, with women reporting more intense fears. Men also had fears, but the objects of fear differed from those in women. Apart from gender, the intensity of fear was associated with physical exercise, emotional problems and depression.

• Nursing interventions could be developed to meet the different needs for information and support, especially among women but also among men, to relieve their fears during the wait for coronary artery bypass grafting.