bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of bird species richness: role of climate and vegetation structure at a regional scale
Authors: Cueto Victor R. , de Casenave Javier Lopez
Published: March 2003

We examined the respective roles of climate and vegetation structure on geographical variation in bird species richness. The Province of Buenos Aires (central‐eastern Argentina) was divided into 146 squares of 50 km on a side. For each square we evaluated the number of bird species, the value of thirteen climatic variables, and the value of a vegetation strata index. The climatic matrix was analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and the first factors resulting from PCA were considered as multifactorial climatic gradients. Simple and Partial Correlation Analysis among bird species richness, vegetation strata, and the first two factors derived from PCA (65% of total variation) indicated that bird richness distribution was determined by the availability of vegetation strata, associated with different vegetation types that, at the same time, were influenced by the climatic conditions summarized in the first climatic factor (a gradient of precipitation, relative humidity, annual termical amplitude, and frost occurrence). This relationships reflect the complexity of factors that can act directly as well as indirectly on the geographical patterns in species richness. Also, we evaluated the importance of study scale comparing our results with previous studies at macrogeographic and local scales, found out that the vegetation structure was the principal determinant of bird species richness at this three geographical scales.
GIS analysis of the biogeography of beetles of the subgenus Anisodactylus (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: genus Anisodactylus)
Authors: Noonan Gerald R.
Published: March 2003

The advent of GIS technology and the World Wide Web, respectively, facilitate analysing geographical relationships and electronically storing and exchanging biogeographic data. This paper illustrates GIS technology with a study of the subgenus Anisodactylus Dejean (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: genus Anisodactylus). Species are concentrated in three centres of biodiversity in North America and in four in lands near the western Mediterranean. These centres largely correspond to current areas of wetlands. Eurasia has fewer species than expected based on its area, probably because large portions have habitats unfavourable for the subgenus and/or are poorly collected for Carabidae.

Members of the subgenus are primarily adapted to areas with January temperatures between −10 and 10 °C, July temperatures from 10 to 30 °C and mean annual precipitation from 20 to 200 mm. Cold is apparently a major limiting factor because it typically occurs during several consecutive months of winter and is difficult to escape except by hibernation. Heat is less of a stress when moisture is sufficient.

The size of geographical ranges is often larger in the North than in the South and correlates with the latitude of the centre of ranges at r =0.42 (level of significance=0.05). Geographic ranges are often smaller in western North America and in the western Mediterranean than elsewhere in the Northern Hemisphere. Explanations for the smaller sizes include portions of western North America having unfavourable desert or montane habitats, the Rocky Mountains and deserts barring eastward dispersal of species, and the smaller size and more patchy distribution of climatic zones and habitats. In North America geographical ranges west of the Rocky Mountains are north–south elongated because they track primarily north–south orientated climatic zones and because mountains and deserts bar eastward extension. Ranges in north‐eastern and north‐central North America tend to extend east–west along temperature isotherms. In Eurasia many ranges are stretched east–west because of the shape of the continent and because many northern and southern areas lack suitable habitats. Species with relatively high numbers of apomorphic character states cluster in western Eurasia and to a lesser extent in western North America.

The North American centres of biodiversity are post‐Wisconsin phenomena while those near the western Mediterranean probably date from the Oligocene or Miocene.
Structural and floristic characteristics of some monodominant and adjacent mixed rainforests in New Caledonia
Authors: Read J. , Jaffré T. , Godrie E. , Hope G. S. , Veillon J.‐M.
Published: March 2003

Nothofagus spp. dominate the upper canopy of some rainforests on ultramafic soils in New Caledonia. These monodominant forests typically occur within, or contiguous with, larger areas of mixed‐canopy rainforest. In this study the structure, diversity and composition of six Nothofagus‐dominated plots were investigated, and comparisons were made with three adjacent mixed rainforest plots. Stand density and basal area (all stems ≥ 1.3 m high) in the Nothofagus plots were in the range 16,056–27,550 stems/ha and 43.1–69.9 m2/ha, respectively. There was no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) in total stand density or basal area between the paired Nothofagus and mixed rainforests, but there were consistently fewer trees and less basal area of trees ≥ 40 cm d.b.h. in the Nothofagus forests. Species richness, species diversity (Shannon‐Wiener, based on basal area) and equitability (based on basal area) of trees ≥ 20 cm d.b.h. on 0.1 ha Nothofagus plots were in the range 4–17, 0.96–3.76 and 0.45–0.87, respectively. No significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) were recorded in these three parameters between the paired Nothofagus and mixed rainforests, although species diversity was consistently lower in the paired Nothofagus forests. Comparison of dominance by density and basal area indicated that although the uppermost canopy of the Nothofagus forests was dominated by Nothofagus (70–95%), the basal area and density contribution was ≤ 55% except at Col de Yaté (≈ 85%). Analysis of similarity indicated no significant difference in stand composition of trees ≥ 20 cm d.b.h. (following removal of Nothofagus from the data set) between Nothofagus and mixed rainforests using basal area, density or presence‐absence data. It is concluded that the Nothofagus‐dominated forests differ from the adjacent mixed rainforests mainly by (1) dominance of the uppermost canopy, without necessarily dominance of the stand by basal area or density, and (2) the smaller basal area contributed by large trees (all species).
The diversity and abundance of North American butterflies vary with habitat disturbance and geography
Authors: Kocher Scott D. , Williams Ernest H.
Published: March 2003

Aim

We used data from the annual Fourth of July Butterfly Count for the years 1989–97 to examine patterns of species richness and total butterfly abundance across North America and within topographically diverse and disturbed landscapes.

Location

We analysed counts from 514 different locations in North America. The counts represent all areas of the USA and southern Canada, with a few Mexican sites as well, although most counts were in the eastern USA.

Methods

First, we standardized published count data according to the effort expended per count (total party‐hours). Using regression analysis and analysis of variance, we then examined the impact of latitude, longitude, topographical relief, habitat disturbance and different climatic measures on the species richness and total abundance of butterflies per count. We also examined the abundance of exotic species in disturbed landscapes.

Results

Our analyses suggest that: (1) species richness is highest at low latitudes and near Rocky Mountain longitudes; (2) the total abundance of individuals is highest in northern US latitudes and Great Plains longitudes; (3) species richness but not total abundance increases with greater topographical relief; (4) species richness and diversity indices are lower in more disturbed habitats; and (5) the abundance of the introduced Pieris rapae (L.) is greater in more disturbed habitats.

Main conclusions

Different factors control the abundance and species richness of North American butterflies. Along with geographical location, habitat disturbance and topographical variability affect species richness. Our analysis also shows the value of broad‐based monitoring regimes, such as the North American Fourth of July Butterfly Count.
Biodiversity assessment: a case study in predicting richness from the potential distributions of plant species in the forests of south‐western Australia
Authors: Gioia Paul , Pigott J. Patrick
Published: March 2003

Distributions were predicted for 1430 native plant species as part of a biodiversity assessment in the forests of south‐west Western Australia. From these predicted distributions, an index of plant species richness was generated for the forest area. The most common predictors for distribution were found to be climatic surfaces incorporating some aspect of seasonality in temperature and precipitation. Although coarse, the index confirmed existing knowledge of areas of high biodiversity within the study area and introduced a new area, the Blackwood Plateau, for consideration as a conservation reserve with high species richness. An additional survey was conducted to sample actual species richness in 11 test sites. When actual richness was regressed against predicted richness, a significant correlation was obtained if both annuals and geophytes were excluded from the analysis. With refinement of the model and further data collection targeted at areas of low effort, the species richness index is proposed as a useful tool for conservation planning.
Late Pleistocene beetle faunas of Beringia: where east met west
Authors: Elias Scott A. , Berman Daniil , Alfimov Arkady
Published: March 2003

Aim  To examine the issue of Beringian steppe‐tundra from an entomological standpoint, using fossil beetle data collected from late Pleistocene sites.

Location  North‐eastern Siberia (Western Beringia), the Bering Land Bridge (Central Beringia), and Alaska and the Yukon Territory (Eastern Beringia).

Methods  Analysis of habitat preferences of beetle species found in fossil assemblages, leading to classification of major habitat types characterized by the faunal assemblages.

Results  Fossil beetle assemblages indicative of steppe‐tundra are found mainly in the interior regions of Eastern Beringia, whereas these assemblages dominate nearly all late Pleistocene fossil sites in Western Beringia. Eastern Beringian faunas contain a much larger proportion of mesic to hygrophilous species and very few arid‐habitat species. In contrast to this, the habitat requirements of the Western Beringian faunas are more evenly spread across the moisture spectrum.

Main conclusions  The taxonomic patterns of the two sets of fossil assemblages are remarkably different. Eastern Beringian faunal assemblages contain substantial numbers of mesic tundra and riparian rove beetles (Staphylinidae); this element is almost entirely lacking in the Western Beringian fossil assemblages. Taphonomic bias tends to overemphasize moisture‐loving species at the expense of dry, upland species in the fossil record. Both Western and Eastern Beringian landscapes undoubtedly contained mosaics of habitats ranging from dry uplands (steppe‐tundra) through mesic tundra to bogs and riparian corridors.
Endemism, species selection and the origin and distribution of the vascular plant flora of New Zealand
Authors: McGlone M.S. , Duncan R. P. , Heenan P. B.
Published: March 2003

Aim

To evaluate competing views on the origin and distribution of the New Zealand flora by testing the hypothesis that the geographical distribution of species is unrelated to ecological traits such as habitat requirements and dispersal capabilities.

Location

The New Zealand archipelago.

Methods

An analysis of the factors correlated with distribution and endemism for alpine plants within New Zealand, and for the New Zealand biota as a whole.

Results

Woody plants are highly endemic; nonendemic plants tend to be herbaceous and are concentrated among the highly dispersible ferns and fern allies, orchids and wetland plants. These groups make up 32% of the total flora but contribute 78% of nonendemics. Alpine plants with wide spatial distribution tend to have greater altitudinal ranges, a broader habitat preference and better dispersal ability.

Main conclusions

Most vascular plants reached New Zealand by long‐distance transoceanic dispersal, probably during the Late Miocene to early Pleistocene period. During the Miocene and Pliocene, similar climates and landscapes to those of Australia and northern island groups, and highly invasible terrain, permitted dispersal of woody plants. Cooling climates and formation of a more mountainous, more compact landscape after that time reduced dispersal of woody plants and favoured herbaceous, wetland and highly dispersible plant groups. The prominence of dispersal has led to intense selective immigration, and is responsible for many characteristic features of the flora. Species selection by glacial–interglacial cycles has restricted acquisition or retention of cool or arid climate adaptations, particularly in the lowland flora. Endemic and range disjunction patterns in the New Zealand mainland are not, in general, directly caused by Pliocene inundations or the faulting and associated horizontal displacement of terrain that has continued since the Miocene. They have arisen mainly through Pleistocene extinctions, speciation and dispersal, and some patterns are strongly linked to repeated glaciation. Endemic centres are associated with differentiated terrain and climates providing isolation, distinctive environments, and habitat continuity conducive to speciation.
Invasion history ofOenotheracongeners in Europe: a comparative study of spreading rates in the last 200 years
Authors: Mihulka Stanislav , Pyšek Petr
Published: March 2003

Aim

The dynamics of spread of some representatives ofOenothera, a genus of New World origin and alien to Europe, was analysed.

Location

Distribution data from six European countries., i.e. Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal, Serbia and UK were used.

Methods

Floristic records covering the last 200 years were collated and the cumulative number of localities was plotted against time. A correction of the number of localities, taking into account the intensity of floristic research in particular countries, was applied based on the total number of available herbarium specimens to make comparisons of the rate of spread in particular countries possible.

Results

In total, 35 alien taxa of the genus have been reported from the countries considered, the majority of which has only a limited distribution. So far 1800 records ofOenotheraspecies have been reported from the six countries analysed since 1780, withO. biennis,O. erythrosepala, O. salicifolia, O. stricta, O. cambrica, O. rubricaulis,andO. chicaginensishaving more than 50 localities. There is a highly significant negative correlation between the total number of localities in Europe and the year of the first introduction. Marked differences were found in the taxonomical pattern of invasion in particular countries.

Main conclusions

Multivariate analyses have shown that in Europe, there are two distinct groups of species of North and South American origin, respectively, whose invasion is determined by climatic conditions, namely temperature and precipitation. The South American group is represented by perennial and annual species preferring oceanic climate (e.g.O. rosea, O. stricta), while the North American group consists of biennial representatives (O. biennisand others) better adapted to inland conditions with lower mean temperature and more balanced monthly precipitations. In addition, there is a transitional group of species, including namelyO. erythrosepalaandO. fallax,preferring regions with sufficient rainfall and higher temperatures. The relatively hot climate of Balkan Peninsula seems to prevent invasion byOenotherarepresentatives. Pattern of invasion of particular taxa corresponds well to the climatic conditions in the regions of their natural distribution.
Reconciling fossils and molecules: Cenozoic divergence of cichlid fishes and the biogeography of Madagascar
Authors: Vences M. , Freyhof J. , Sonnenberg R. , Kosuch J. , Veith M.
Published: March 2003

Aim

The biogeographical origins of the extant vertebrates endemic to Madagascar are largely unsolved, but have often been related to vicariance in the context of fragmentation of the supercontinent Gondwana in the Mesozoic. Such hypotheses are especially appealing in the case of cichlid fishes, which show phylogenetic relationships reflecting the temporal successions of the breakup of Gondwana. We used molecular clock data to test this assumption.

Location

Fragments of the 16S rRNA gene and of the nuclear Tmo‐4C4 locus, partly obtained from Genbank from South American, African, Malagasy and Indian cichlids were analysed.

Methods

Based on monophyletic cichlid radiations in African lakes, we calibrated a molecular clock. The obtained rates were used to estimate the age of divergence of the major cichlid clades.

Results

The results agreed better with a Cenozoic than with a Mesozoic divergence, and were in accordance with the fossil record. Sequence divergences of the 16S and 12S rRNA genes of most lineages of Malagasy terrestrial and freshwater vertebrates from their non‐Malagasy sister groups were below saturation and many were relatively similar to those of cichlids.

Main conclusions

A Cenozoic dispersal from continental landmasses may explain the origin of most extant Malagasy vertebrate groups better than a Jurassic/Cretaceous vicariance.
Biogeography of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Hoffmann Matthias H.
Published: March 2003

Aim

The biogeography of the genetic model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., is studied using a climatic model of its distribution range. The climatic tolerance or amplitude of A. thaliana, as can be inferred from the general distribution range of the species, is compared with results of experimental studies addressing the species' responses to environmental stress. This is used for corroboration of the model and to reveal particular climatic conditions, whose influences on the plant species are not sufficiently known. Furthermore, this investigation shows climatic range boundaries and, thus, limits for exploiting natural variability of this species for plant physiological studies, plant genetics, and genetic engineering of crop plants. The growth conditions of A. thaliana in the greenhouse are compared with the climatic conditions of its natural range.

Location

Arabidopsis thaliana is native to Western Eurasia. Its natural and synanthropous northern hemispheric range is considered in the model.

Methods

Frequency distributions of the species' occurrence along climatic gradients are calculated and used recurrently for modelling the range. The frequency diagrams, maps of the distribution of suitable monthly climatic conditions, and the climatic range model are used for the assessment of range limiting climatic factors. The greenhouse conditions are simulated using mean monthly temperatures above 22 °C. Water resources cannot be easily assessed because abundant supplies of water in the greenhouse can hardly be translated into terms of monthly precipitation.

Results

The frequency diagrams show the climatic amplitude of the species in natural conditions. The archeophytic western Eurasian range is well represented in the climatic model. Differences between model and range are to be found in America where, apparently, different climatic conditions are to be found compared with Eurasia. The major range limiting climatic conditions extracted from the model and the experimental data, obtained from the literature are congruent. However, at high precipitation no range limiting conditions could be observed. Laboratory conditions (rather high temperatures and ever sufficient moisture) have been shown to be highly artificial, and were only found in the species' synanthropous North American range.

Main conclusions

The study of the climatic amplitude of A. thaliana revealed the potentials and limits of this species as a model plant for studying ecological and ecophysiological traits. Congruencies between model and experimental data may allow us to draw conclusions from the general distribution range of species as to their ecogeographical amplitude.
Accumulating evidence for a dispersal biogeography of southern cool temperate freshwater fishes
Authors: McDowall R. M.
Published: March 2003

Aim

This paper seeks to understand the biogeography of southern cool temperate freshwater fishes in the context of diverse aspects of their natural history.

Location

The fish families discussed are found widely in southern cool temperate lands: in Australia, New Zealand, Patagonian South America and southern Africa, as well as some of the smaller, remote southern oceanic islands.

Methods

The review is based on literature and primarily examines the association between distribution patterns and diadromous (sea‐migratory) life histories.

Results

The broad distribution of freshwater fishes of the lamprey families Geotriidae and Mordaciidae and the salmoniform Galaxiidae and Retropinnidae in the southern cool temperate zone, has caused prolonged perplexity and debate. Arguments in favour of both a dispersal biogeography and a Gondwana‐based vicariance biogeography have been presented. These are not necessarily alternatives.

Main conclusions

Evidence from:

1 Distribution patterns in relation to life‐history strategies;

2 Genetics and morphology;

3 Different elements in the New Zealand fauna and their relationships;

4 Recent dispersal events;

5 Geological history of the Falkland Islands and the relationships of its freshwater fishes; and

6 Parasitology;

all support, or are consistent with, a dispersal biogeography of this southern cool temperate fauna. The groups involved are sufficiently ancient to have formerly inhabited Gondwana, but no compelling evidence indicates that present distributions reflect a former broad Gondwana‐based range. A role for dispersal in these fishes is consistent with increasingly common claims for dispersal in other taxa. This does not mean that there was no ancient influence from Gondwanan vicariance.
Trees, birds and bees in Mauritius: exploitative competition between introduced honey bees and endemic nectarivorous birds?
Authors: Hansen Dennis M. , Olesen Jens M. , Jones Carl G.
Published: March 2003

Aims

To investigate effects of introduced honey bees, Apis mellifera L., on the nectar‐feeding activity of two species of endemic nectarivorous birds, the Grey White‐eye, Zosterops borbonicus mauritianus Gmelin, and the Olive White‐eye, Z. chloronothos Viellot, on two endemic flowering trees, Sideroxylon cinereum Lam. and S. puberulum DC. (Sapotaceae), and to examine pollination efficiency of birds and honey bees.

Location

An upland heath area on the island of Mauritius, Indian Ocean.

Methods

We quantified visitation rates of endemic birds and introduced honey bees at two endemic species of flowering trees. Diurnal variation in nectar standing crop and nectar production was measured. Pollination efficiency of flower visitors was examined using bagging and caging experiments.

Results

White‐eyes were only nectar‐feeding at the two Sideroxylon species early in the morning, stopping when honey bee foraging activity rapidly lowered nectar standing crops. White‐eyes continued nectar‐feeding at other flowering plant species, exploited less by honey bees, throughout the day. Honey bees were less efficient pollinators of the two Sideroxylon species than white‐eyes.

Main conclusions

Our results indicate that introduced honey bees could be interfering with endemic interactions between the two Sideroxylon species and the two white‐eye species. However, because of lack of a neutral control site without honey bees, we cannot exclude other explanations. We do recommend, although, that honey bees need to be taken into consideration in the future conservation management of Mauritian ecosystems. We suggest that island ecosystems are especially vulnerable to introduced honey bees.
Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) of Mexican terrestrial mammals at different area units: when size matters
Authors: Morrone Juan J. , Escalante T.
Published: March 2003

AbstractAimParsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) is a biogeographical method that uses a parsimony algorithm to obtain an area cladogram, based on taxa inhabiting the study areas. We compare its performance at different geographical units (½° and 1° quadrats, ecoregions and biogeographical provinces) to analyse distributional patterns of Mexican terrestrial mammals, in order to assess the importance of the size of area units.

LocationThe area analysed corresponds to Mexico.

MethodsParsimony analyses were based on 56,859 collection records, corresponding to 703 genera, species and subspecies. Four data matrices were constructed for: (1) 716 quadrats of ½° latitude × ½° longitude, (2) 230 quadrats of 1° latitude × 1° longitude, (3) forty‐five ecoregions and (4) fourteen biogeographical provinces.

ResultsFor the ½° quadrat matrix, we obtained six cladograms of 17,138 steps. For the 1° quadrat matrix, we obtained five cladograms (strict consensus with 9394 steps). For the matrix of ecoregions, we obtained twelve cladograms (strict consensus cladogram with 3009 steps). For the provinces, we obtained a single cladogram with 1603 steps.

Main conclusionsThe best results were obtained with natural areas instead of quadrats. There seems to exist a trend to decrease the absolute number of steps and an increase in the absolute and relative number of synapomorphies as the size of the area units decreases, although this does not necessarily occur for the number of cladograms.
Legacies of the agricultural past in the forested present: an assessment of historical land‐use effects on rich mesic forests
Authors: Bellemare Jesse , Motzkin Glenn , Foster David R.
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aim and location  The research investigated the long‐term effects of human disturbance, namely nineteenth century agricultural land‐use, on the modern species composition, structure and distribution of Rich Mesic Forests (RMF) in western Massachusetts, USA. RMF are a species‐rich north‐eastern variant of the Mixed Mesophytic Forest Type of eastern North America.

Methods  Land‐use history patterns were reconstructed for two towns (c. 16,000 ha) from the onset of widespread European settlement and agricultural land‐use in the late eighteenth century until present. Vegetation and a range of environmental variables were sampled in sixty‐one 10 × 10 m plots in thirty‐four forest stands with varying histories of human disturbance. Vegetation data were ordinated (DCA) to identify patterns of variation and related environmental and historical factors. The distribution patterns of individual taxa in relation to historical land‐use and environmental factors were analysed using G‐tests of independence and logistic regression. Associations between species secondary forest colonization ability and life history characteristics (e.g. diaspore dispersal mode, degree of vegetative spread) were assessed.

Results  Persistent compositional differences were documented between the vegetation of primary forests and post‐agricultural, secondary forests indicating that distribution patterns for many plant species still reflect the open, agricultural environment of the nineteenth century, despite the current predominance of forest cover in the study area. A major factor driving modern vegetation patterns in RMF is the ability and rate of colonization by forest herbs. In particular, species with seeds lacking morphological adaptations for dispersal (barochores) and those which produce seeds with elaiosomes to encourage ant dispersal (myrmecochores) are less frequent in secondary forests. Environmental differences between primary and secondary forests, although present, appear to be less important in influencing species distribution patterns.

Main conclusions  Widespread agricultural land‐use represents a novel disturbance in the naturally forested ecosystems of eastern North America with long‐term impacts on plant community composition and structure. Many secondary forest sites that are environmentally suitable for RMF vegetation do not support the suite of plant species typical of this community type, apparently because of the dispersal limitations of certain forest herbs. These poorly dispersed herb taxa are well adapted for growth in stable forest ecosystems characterized by local, small‐scale disturbance (e.g. gap‐phase dynamics), yet are maladapted for rapid population recovery and recolonization following severe disturbance (e.g. agricultural land‐use).
Evolution of the species ‘expert nurse’. An examination of the practical knowledge held by expert nurses
Authors: Conway Jane E.
Published: March 2003

• The aim of this study was to examine the knowledge that expert nurses use in practice and the factors that influence knowledge use and development.

• A combined ethnographic and phenomenological methodology was used. Data were collected by questionnaires, interviews, workshops, observation visits and critical incident technique.

• Knowledge and expertise were found to have developed in response to the ‘world view’ held by expert nurses. Four distinct types of experts holding different knowledge bases emerged from the data.
Consumer‐orientated outcomes in discharge planning: a pilot study
Authors: Armitage Sue K. , Kavanagh Kay M.
Published: March 2003

• The desired outcome of health care provision can only be known by evaluating care from the perspective of the consumer.

• An exploratory study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a research instrument (a semistructured telephone interview guide) as a measure of patient outcomes in discharge planning.

• A sample of 29 patients was recruited from three medical wards of a large tertiary referral teaching hospital in Sydney, Australia.

• Participants were contacted at home after discharge from hospital and interviewed by telephone. Their perceptions of hospital discharge and continuing care needs were investigated.

• Preliminary analysis of the data obtained in the pilot study demonstrated that there were deficiencies in hospital discharge procedures which impacted on continuing care and that patients can contribute useful information for evaluating and improving discharge planning.
Female nurses' perceptions of acceptable female body size: an exploratory study
Authors: Wright Jane
Published: March 2003

• A review of the literature indicated that women are often dissatisfied with their body size and weight. Feminist research has suggested that the images of the ‘perfect’ female body are socially constructed.

• The research conducted was exploratory in nature and aimed to focus on female nurses' perceptions of acceptable female body size. The choice of female nurses was deliberate in order to explore if they experienced dual pressures as health care workers and women.

• The study consisted of semistructured interviews which were conducted with a convenience sample of 10 nurses drawn from several specialities and hospitals throughout the Southern Health and Social Services Board (Northern Ireland). The research sample was small and therefore the findings cannot be generalized to the nursing profession as a whole.

• Many interesting questions were raised, which suggest that this topic is fertile ground for further research.

• The research findings indicate that assessment of female patients body size is arbitrary in nature and advice given to patients judged to be overweight is less than empirically based.

• Several of the nurses displayed discomfort with their role as intermediaries between patients and doctors when advising on weight control behaviours.

• In addition, there was strong evidence to suggest that there are discriminatory practices towards overweight female patients by doctors.

• The study concludes with recommendations for future practice and research in this area.
The health promoting nurse
Authors: Robinson Sally , Hill Yvonne
Published: March 2003

• This paper suggests that (i) the dominance of an individualistic philosophy of nursing, (ii) nurses' own perceptions of their role and (iii) the hospital:community divide are all obstacles to health promotion being well integrated into nursing practice.

• It explores how these obstacles need to be overcome in order for the new health promoting nurse to emerge in practice.

• This is an attempt to clearly demonstrate ‘who’ the health promoting nurse is, ‘what’ she/he does, ‘how’ she/he works and ‘where’ she/he works.
Developing the nursing care of breast cancer patients: an action research approach
Authors: LAURI SIRKKA , SAINIO CARITA
Published: March 2003

• This study set out to develop the nursing care of breast cancer patients at the Central University Hospital in Turku, Finland, using the methods of action research and to evaluate the results of the development effort from the point of view of both patients and nursing staff.

• A theoretical model of the care of cancer patients was constructed on the basis of existing knowledge of how people react in stress and crisis situations or at different stages of a difficult illness.

• A specific care programme for breast cancer patients was also planned for the hospital's oncology and surgical units.

• Data were collected using questionnaires.

• Results indicated that our theoretical model of the care of cancer patients worked reasonably well. They also clearly highlighted the areas in which there is room for further improvement.

• Patients' experiences of the nursing staff were generally positive and the majority of the nursing staff also regarded the development project as a success.
Pain and the administration of analgesia: what nurses say
Authors: NASH ROBYN , YATES PATRICIA , EDWARDS HELEN , FENTIMAN BELINDA , DEWAR ANNE , MCDOWELL JAN , CLARK ROBERTA
Published: March 2003

• Pain of moderate to severe intensity continues to be an important problem for many hospitalized patients.

• Nurses spend more time with patients than any other health professional group and have a key role to play in the management of patients' pain.

• This paper reports the findings from a series of focus group interviews which were undertaken to explore nurses' perceptions regarding pain and the administration of narcotic analgesia.

• Themes identified from participants' comments related to (1) the pivotal role of nurses in pain management; (2) nursing assessment and pain management decisions (3) individual factors influencing nurses' pain management decisions and (4) the influence of others on nurses' pain management decisions.

• These findings have implications for further research and the development of innovative educational strategies.
Factors contributing to medication errors: a literature review
Authors: O’Shea Ellen
Published: March 2003

• Drug administration is an integral part of the nurse’s role. Responsibility for correct administration of medication rests with the nurse, yet medication errors are a persistent problem associated with nursing practice.

• This review examines what constitutes a medication error and documents contributory factors in medication errors. These factors have been derived from reported medication errors and opinions of nurses as to factors which predispose to errors.

• A number of definitions exist as to what constitutes a medication error. The definition used should facilitate interpretation and comparison of a wide range of research reports.

• Medication errors are a multidisciplinary problem and a multidisciplinary approach is required in order to reduce the incidence of errors.
Life course of people with coronary artery disease
Authors: Lukkarinen Hannele
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this study was to describe the life course of coronary artery disease patients from their own perspective at the onset of coronary artery disease and during both the in‐patient period and the one‐year period of aftercare.

• Nineteen people selected from a population of 200 patients who had undergone either coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty were available for thematic interviews. Interviews were conducted one year after the treatment in the subject’s homes.

• Analyses revealed two distinct types of life course; accepting and progressive, as opposed to non‐accepting and regressive. Participants who represented an accepting and progressive life course achieved a better level of rehabilitation than those with a non‐accepting and regressive life course. If health care personnel are able to identify the problems related to a non‐accepting, regressive life course, they will be better able to support patients’ individual life course planning.

• According to the present findings, a rehabilitation programme is particularly needed for patients with acute onset of coronary artery disease at a relatively early age, disruption of an active working career, financial problems, dissatisfaction with outcome of treatment, family problems and a dismal view of the future.

• The findings challenge health care personnel to listen to coronary patients’ own experiences.
Strategies used in post‐operative pain assessment and their clinical accuracy
Authors: Sjöström Björn , Dahlgren Lars Owe , Haljamäe Hengo
Published: March 2003

• Our knowledge about the content of strategies used by staff members in a surgical recovery unit for assessment of post‐operative pain is fairly limited.

• The aim of the present study was to describe variations in the content of strategies used by nurses and physicians in practical clinical pain assessments and to evaluate the clinical accuracy of the strategies used.

• Critical care nurses (n=30), physicians (n=30) and postsurgical patients (n=180) comprise the respondents.

• Applying a phenomenographical approach, interview data were tape‐recorded during 180 clinical pain assessments. The pain assessments were related to comparative bedside pain ratings (Visual analogue Scale, VAS), both by staff members and post‐operative patients. The recorded interviews were analysed to describe variations in ways of assessing pain.

• Pain assessment strategies were established by combining categories describing the impact of experience and categories of assessment criteria.

• The present observations, if included in the education of clinical staff members, could increase the understanding and thereby the quality of the pain assessment process.
From simplicity to complexity: developing a model of practical skill performance in nursing
Authors: Bjørk Ida Torunn , Kirkevold Marit
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this article is to present and discuss a new model of practical skill performance in nursing. The model is conceptualized as having five components: substance and sequence; accuracy; fluency; integration; and caring conduct.

• The model challenges the truism of ‘simple’ nursing procedures. It is argued that performance of practical skills in nursing is characterized by complexity on many levels.

• Complexity lies within and between the components of the performance model and in the interaction between the nurse and the clinical context where practical nursing actions are performed.

• These complexities are described. Examples that illustrate the complex and reciprocal nature of these components are drawn from an empirical study of graduate nurses’ development of practical skill in surgical hospital units.

• Implications of the model for education, practice and research are discussed.
Relationships between partner’s support during labour and maternal outcomes
Authors: Ip Wan Yim
Published: March 2003

• The objective of this study was to measure the relationship between women’s ratings of partners’ participation during labour and maternal outcomes as measured by anxiety level, pain perception, dosage of pain‐relieving drug used and length of labour.

• A convenience sample of 45 primigravid women was selected from the postpartum unit of a public hospital in Hong Kong. They were all first‐time Chinese mothers, aged 18 or over, who had attended antenatal classes and had their partners present during labour.

• The State Scale of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure maternal anxiety during labour. Labour pain was measured by the Visual Analogue Scale. A series of scales were developed to measure partners’ participation during labour.

• Women’s ratings of partners’ practical support were significantly lower than their ratings of partners’ emotional support. There were no significant associations between level of emotional support and maternal outcome measures. However, perceived practical support was positively related to the dosage of pain‐relieving drug used and total length of labour. Positive relationships between the duration of partners’ presence and women’s ratings of perceived support provided by partners during labour were also found.
A formula for diversity: a review of critical care curricula
Authors: Scholes Julie , Endacott Ruth , Chellel Annie
Published: March 2003

• This paper is based on a documentary analysis and literature review of critical care nursing commissioned by the English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

• Five critical care programmes were included in the analysis: ENB 100, 124, 199, 176/183, and 415. In total, 105 curricula were reviewed from 30 institutions.

• Data were extracted and analysed using an adapted grounded theory approach. The documentary analysis was supplemented by two telephone surveys with lecturers (n=84) and clinical managers (n=81).

• There was great diversity in the programmes in terms of the academic level at which the courses were set, module configuration, approaches to practice assessment and the amount of student effort for the same professional award.

• Diversity arose because of different university module formulae, different methods to differentiate level 2 and level 3 practice, different views about the purpose of the course, and an attempt to make the programmes increasingly flexible to accommodate a heterogeneous student population.

• Documentary analysis has its limitations, and although the research team were able to check out issues with lecturers throughout the analysis, they were unable to capture the lived experience of the curriculum. A second study has been commissioned by the ENB to explore how these issues influence practice.
Health interventions and satisfaction with services: a comparative study of urinary incontinence sufferers living in two health authorities in England
Authors: Roe Brenda , Wilson Kate , Doll Helen
Published: March 2003

• This comparative study found that significantly more people with severe incontinence had contacted a health professional than had those with slight to moderate incontinence (P=0.00008). There was a significant linear trend towards people with severe incontinence seeing a health professional (P=0.00007).

• The majority of people who were incontinent had not been asked to complete a bladder chart, which is an essential requirement for assessment and diagnosis of the type of incontinence and the subsequent health interventions that are offered.

• Significantly more people in the health authority with an established continence advisory service had completed a bladder chart, had received physiotherapy and currently undertook pelvic floor muscle exercises than did those in the health authority without a continence service.

• The majority of sufferers did not use any aids or appliances. Of those who did use incontinence aids, a majority bought their own. There was a significant linear trend for increased pad usage with increasing severity of incontinence (P=0.0003).

• Significantly more people in the health authority with the continence service were satisfied with their healthcare and services, while more of those in the health authority without a service were unsatisfied (P=0.005). Significantly more people in the health authority without a service felt that healthcare and services could be improved (P=0.00001).

• Significantly more people with severe incontinence were dissatisfied with services than were those with slight to moderate incontinence (P=0.01).
Accident and emergency nurses’ perceptions and experiences of caring for families
Authors: Hallgrimsdottir Elin M.
Published: March 2003

• This study is an exploration of accident and emergency (A & E) nurses’ perceptions and experiences of caring for families of critically ill/injured patients and suddenly bereaved families.

• In this study a non‐probability convenience sample of 54 nurses working in three A & E departments in Glasgow was studied.

• A descriptive study design was used and data were collected by use of a questionnaire.

• Closed questions were statistically analysed using SPSS and open questions were content‐analysed into themes and items.

• Results from the study confirm that participants’ perceive of their responsibility to include taking care of patients’ families. Participants were familiar with study findings on families’ needs and felt that it was important to meet their needs.
The ‘invisible assessment’: the role of the staff nurse in the community setting
Authors: Hallett Christine E. , Pateman Brian D.
Published: March 2003

• The number of community staff nurses working in district nursing teams in the UK has increased in recent years as a result of organizational and educational initiatives such as skill mix and the Diploma in Professional Studies in Nursing (Project 2000).

• Although the wider economic, philosophical and educational arguments for the role creation has been discussed in the literature, little has been written on the reality of the role from the viewpoint of the staff nurse or the relationship between the role and service requirements. The researchers conducted 16 interviews with district staff nurses from two NHS Trusts. The interpretation was guided by phenomenology and focused on the subjective perceptions of the nurses.

• The data revealed dissatisfaction with their role among this group of staff nurses. Having been given a considerable degree of autonomy and responsibility as staff nurses in the hospital setting, they found that their role was limited and their skills ‘suppressed’ in the community.

• They recognized that nurses in ‘F’, ‘G’ and ‘H’ Grades had greater experience and more education than they, yet they believed that they had the ability to participate more in the assessment and planning of care than was currently permitted.

• They saw two factors as being mainly implicated in limiting their role: the tendency of district nurses to want to retain their ‘authority’ as assessors of care; and the Trust policy guidelines, which were somewhat inflexible on this issue. D Grade nurses also expressed their need for continuing education and support and for clearer career opportunities.

• Although these data cannot be generalized to the population of staff nurses as a whole, the authors make tentative suggestions relating to the insights which may be taken from them.
Information needs of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at a day‐case unit in Northern Ireland
Authors: Mccaughan Eilis M. , Thompson Kate A.
Published: March 2003

•  Recent restructuring of cancer services in the United Kingdom and advances in cancer chemotherapy have resulted in the majority of chemotherapy being delivered on an outpatient basis.

•  Patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of developing multiple problems and increased anxiety levels and are now more likely to encounter these problems outside the hospital setting. Therefore, providing all the necessary information at chemotherapy sessions is crucial to self‐care activities and coping.

•  A study was carried out to investigate the information needs of patients at various stages of chemotherapy treatment and this article reports these needs at the beginning of treatment.

•  Most patients wanted to receive all possible information about their condition and reported satisfaction with the information provided.

•  The overwhelming finding was lack of information given to patients regarding family relationships. Whilst almost all patients wanted this information, more than half reported that it had not been given.