bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russian Arctic warming and ‘greening’ are closely tracked by tundra shrub willows
Authors: FORBES BRUCE C. , FAURIA MARC MACIAS , ZETTERBERG PENTTI
Published: August 2009

Growth in arctic vegetation is generally expected to increase under a warming climate, particularly among deciduous shrubs. We analyzed annual ring growth for an abundant and nearly circumpolar erect willow (Salix lanata L.) from the coastal zone of the northwest Russian Arctic (Nenets Autonomous Okrug). The resulting chronology is strongly related to summer temperature for the period 1942–2005. Remarkably high correlations occur at long distances (>1600 km) across the tundra and taiga zones of West Siberia and Eastern Europe. We also found a clear relationship with photosynthetic activity for upland vegetation at a regional scale for the period 1981–2005, confirming a parallel ‘greening’ trend reported for similarly warming North American portions of the tundra biome. The standardized growth curve suggests a significant increase in shrub willow growth over the last six decades. These findings are in line with field and remote sensing studies that have assigned a strong shrub component to the reported greening signal since the early 1980s. Furthermore, the growth trend agrees with qualitative observations by nomadic Nenets reindeer herders of recent increases in willow size in the region. The quality of the chronology as a climate proxy is exceptional. Given its wide geographic distribution and the ready preservation of wood in permafrost, S. lanata L. has great potential for extended temperature reconstructions in remote areas across the Arctic.
Climatic characteristics of heat waves and their simulation in plant experiments
Authors: DE BOECK HANS J. , DREESEN FREJA E. , JANSSENS IVAN A. , NIJS IVAN
Published: August 2009

Extreme events such as heat waves are emerging as a key facet of climate change, but to date, experiments on the impacts on plants are scarce. Experimental simulation of heat waves requires knowledge of regional heat wave characteristics, as plant responses depend heavily on meteorological conditions. We analysed nine Western European meteorological datasets, and found that heat waves occurring during the growing season in this region encompass more sunshine (+ 69%), lower precipitation (−78%) and a larger vapour pressure deficit (VPD) (+ 111%) compared with normal conditions. Possible consequences for plant responses are discussed, with emphasis on the likely seasonal variation of heat wave impacts. We explain why infrared heating (which typically increases VPD) is an appropriate technique for heat wave simulation. Finally, we advocate experiments to take into account the smaller nighttime compared with daytime temperature increases observed during heat waves, and the precipitation deficits before and during heat waves.
Interaction between water‐soluble carbohydrate reserves and defoliation severity on the regrowth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)‐dominant swards
Authors: Lee J. M. , Donaghy D. J. , Sathish P. , Roche J. R.
Published: August 2009

A field‐study was undertaken in Hamilton, New Zealand to determine if there was an interaction between water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) reserve content and defoliation severity on the regrowth of perennial ryegrass‐dominant swards during winter. Perennial ryegrass plants with either low or high WSC content were obtained by varying the defoliation frequency. At the third defoliation at the one‐leaf stage and at the first defoliation at the three‐leaf stage (harvest H1), swards were mown with a rotary lawnmower to residual stubble heights of 20, 40 or 60 mm. All swards were then allowed to regrow to the three‐leaf stage before again defoliating to their treatment residual stubble heights (H2). Frequently defoliated plants contained proportionately between 0·37 and 0·48 less WSC in the stubble after defoliation, depending on the severity of defoliation. There was no interaction between WSC content and defoliation severity for herbage regrowth between harvests H1 and H2. Herbage regrowth was lower from swards containing low WSC plants compared with high WSC plants (2279 vs. 2007 kg DM ha−1). Furthermore, swards defoliated to 20 or 40 mm had greater herbage regrowth compared with those defoliated to 60 mm (2266, 2249 and 1914 kg DM ha−1 for swards defoliated to residual stubble heights of 20, 40 and 60 mm, respectively). Regrowth of perennial ryegrass was positively correlated with post‐defoliation stubble WSC content within defoliation severity treatment, implying that WSC contributed to the defoliation frequency‐derived difference in herbage yield. However, the effect of defoliation severity on herbage regrowth was not associated with post‐defoliation stubble WSC content.
A method of estimating timeliness costs in forage harvesting illustrated using harvesting systems in Sweden
Authors: Gunnarsson C. , Spörndly R. , Rosenqvist H. , De Toro A. , Hansson P‐A.
Published: August 2009

A method for estimating timeliness costs, depending on dry‐matter yield and nutritive value of forage is presented, and used to estimate timeliness costs, to examine different harvesting systems and to present conclusions on machinery selection when harvesting silage for dairy cows in Sweden. Timeliness costs (in € ha−1d−1) of forage for silage were significantly higher for the first cut compared with the second or third cuts in the season. It is, therefore, important to avoid delaying the first cut. The timeliness costs also varied greatly between years. Harvesting costs decreased with increasing forage area up to a certain threshold area beyond which decreasing machinery costs were outweighed by increasing timeliness costs due to a longer duration of harvest. At increasing transport distances, the difference in cost between different harvesting systems and different sizes of machinery increased. Harvesting of forage by contractors decreased harvesting costs, particularly for small forage areas, since increased annual use of the machinery lowered the machinery costs and enabled larger machines with higher capacity to be used. To avoid high timeliness costs it is important to avoid delays in harvesting.
A plate meter inadequately estimated herbage mass in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Fehmi J. S. , Stevens J. M.
Published: August 2009

A resting plate meter was tested in the laboratory and on a field site to determine its effectiveness for estimating peak herbage mass on semi‐arid grasslands. In laboratory tests, data from the plate meter closely predicted the herbage mass of four perennial bunch grasses (thirteen of sixteen tests with r 2 ≥ 0·90) but the closeness of the prediction varied with the pressure of the plate. Field tests took place on a southern Arizona, USA semi‐arid grassland in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Twenty teams of two or three people sampled the site; five teams in each year measured eight to thirteen plate heights and clipped the vegetation beneath. Consistent with a need for yearly calibration, a significantly different (P < 0·05) linear relationship was detected between 3 of the 4 years which was associated with differences in average herbage mass of dry matter (DM) (1525 kg ha−1 for 2005, 2093 kg ha−1 for 2006, 1338 kg ha−1 for 2007 and 1370 kg ha−1 for 2008). Plate height poorly predicted herbage mass within years (r 2 = 0·21, 0·51, 0·49 and 0·41 respectively) with plate heights explaining half or less of the variability in field herbage mass and having a mean prediction error of 466 kg DM ha−1. The plate meter technique had limited potential for estimating peak herbage mass in semi‐arid grasslands.
Preferences of lambs offered Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) herbage as choices
Authors: Catanese F. , Distel R. A. , Arzadún M.
Published: August 2009

Partial preference for feeds in ruminants is a well‐documented phenomenon although their explanation can be elusive. The hypothesis was tested that sheep offered herbage of two annual grass species differing in chemical composition free‐choice would select a diet that would maximize the nutritive value of the diet compared with sheep offered each herbage separately through a greater nutrient balance and synchronization of nutrient release for efficient ruminal microbial function. Fifteen male lambs were placed into metabolic cages, and randomly assigned to three treatments (n = 5): Italian ryegrass fresh herbage (treatment R), barley fresh herbage (treatment B) or free‐choice Italian ryegrass and barley fresh herbage (treatment RB). Both herbages had similar crude protein concentrations but Italian ryegrass herbage had higher concentration of water‐soluble carbohydrates and lower concentration of fibre than barley herbage. Lambs were exposed to the treatments for 15 d. Lambs on treatment RB showed a partial preference of 0·82 (s.e. 0·031) for Italian ryegrass. Lambs on treatment RB had higher intakes of digestible dry matter and higher values for nitrogen retention than lambs on treatment B although similar to that of lambs on treatment R. The results for the dietary choices were not always consistent with maximizing the nutritive value of the diet. Other explanations, such as lambs needed to sample and track the nutritive value of dietary options or there was the development of transient food aversions, were also possible.
Explanation in Information Systems
Authors: Hovorka Dirk S , Germonprez Matt , Larsen Kai R
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Explanation of observed phenomena is a major objective of both those who conduct and those who apply research in information systems (IS). Whereas explanation based on the statistical relationship between independent and dependent variables is a common outcome of explanatory IS research, philosophers of science disagree about whether statistical relationships are the sole basis for the explanation of phenomena. The purpose of this paper is to introduce an expanded concept of explanation into the realm of IS research. We present a framework based on the four principle explanation types defined in modern philosophy: covering‐law explanation, statistical‐relevance explanation, contrast‐class explanation and functional explanation. A well‐established research stream, media richness, is used to illustrate how the different explanation types complement each other in increasing comprehension of the phenomenon. This framework underlies our argument that explanatory pluralism can be used to broaden research perspectives and increase scientific comprehension of IS phenomena above and beyond the methodological and ontological pluralism currently in use in IS research.
A multi‐level, multi‐theory perspective of information technology implementation
Authors: Aubert Benoit A , Barki Henri , Patry Michel , Roy Vital
Published: August 2009

Abstract.  Much of information technology (IT) implementation research has focused on individuals' acceptance of IT by examining their behaviour when faced with new IT and the antecedents of these behaviours. As they are frequently undertaken within a project framework, IT implementations also entail the application of project management practices in order to be successful. Based on the premise that antecedents of lower level theories are frequently determined by the outcomes of a higher level theory, the present paper illustrates how organizational‐level decisions, examined from the perspective of economics theories, can help explain the antecedents of project risk management at the project and individual levels. To do so, the paper describes an IT implementation effort which went through three phases; the first two of which were abandoned versions of the same project. An organizational‐level analysis of the case from an economics perspective and its project‐level analysis from a risk management perspective show how organizational‐level decisions influenced the antecedents at the project and individual levels, providing a more complete understanding of the IT implementation in question, an understanding which neither a theory approach nor a level perspective could provide on its own.
The beginnings of a new era: time to reflect on 17 years of the ISJ
Authors: Avison David E , Dwivedi Yogesh K , Fitzgerald Guy , Powell Philip
Published: August 2009

Abstract.  In this paper we reflect on the first 17 years of the Information Systems Journal (ISJ). The reflections are considered under three headings: origin of papers (authors, geographical period, gender and departments), research paradigms (positive/interpretive, qualitative/quantitative, non‐empirical/empirical, espoused theories and research method) and finally, topics. We find that throughout the period, the published papers evidenced a greater internationalization of the journal. On the other hand, some regions and countries are poorly represented. Another imbalance concerns the lack of practitioner papers along with an author‐gender imbalance. Qualitative research exceeds quantitative research by a factor of more than 2:1. Interestingly, papers classified as descriptive/conceptual/theoretical have been largely superseded in the period by those that have some empirical evidence to illustrate the points made. Sometimes it is argued that the discipline of information systems lacks theory and thinking pieces but the ISJ suggests that this is far from the truth. Further, our analysis has revealed around 250 topics discussed using many research methods to explain the phenomena. Depending on the point of view, this may show that the discipline either lacks focus or is exciting and pluralistic. We lean to the latter view, but others have argued for focusing on fewer topics and research methods.
A communication intervention for nursing staff in chronic care
Authors: Boscart Veronique M.
Published: August 2009

Title.  A communication intervention for nursing staff in chronic care.

Aim.  The paper is a report of a study conducted to evaluate the effect of a brief, focused educational intervention on the quality of verbal interactions between nursing staff and patients in a chronic care facility.

Background.  Positive nurse–patient communication in chronic care is crucial to the quality of life and well‐being of patients. Despite this, patients are dissatisfied with these interactions and nursing staff indicate the need for additional training.

Method.  A repeated‐measures design was used to collect data between April 2003 and February 2004, by audiotaping verbal interactions between nursing staff and patients during morning care. Baseline data were analysed and an educational intervention was developed based on the results of the pretest. Five months after the educational intervention, interactions between the same nursing staff and patients were audiotaped. Twenty‐seven randomly chosen patients and selected nursing staff participated in the study. Data were analysed using a qualitative comparative method, and a quantification technique was developed to compare the quality of the interactions before and after the intervention.

Findings.  Preintervention interactions were task‐oriented, superficial and dominated by nursing staff. Results statistically significantly improved after the intervention was implemented. Nursing staff were less authoritative, used more solution‐focused communication and interactions had a statistically significantly higher positive ratio.

Conclusion.  Brief interventions can change nursing staff’s communication practice and they realized the importance of effective communication as a fundamental component to deliver patient‐focused care.
Instruments to tailor care of people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sigurdardottir Arun K. , Benediktsson Rafn , Jonsdottir Helga
Published: August 2009

Title.  Instruments to tailor care of people with type 2 diabetes.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention for people with type 2 diabetes based on self‐completed instruments to identify particular areas of self‐care needs.

Background.  Diabetes is a demanding disease which requires self‐care. Instruments that identify self‐care needs or factors affecting self‐care can be helpful to detect level of self‐care, distress or knowledge among individuals with diabetes.

Methods.  Participants were randomized into intervention (n = 28) or control groups (n = 25). Both groups answered five validated instruments three times, at baseline and after 3 and 6 months, and biological measurements were conducted simultaneously. The intervention was based on an empowerment approach. The study started in November 2005 and lasted until March 2007.

Findings.  There was no statistically significant difference between groups in level of glycated haemoglobin postintervention as it reduced statistically significantly in both groups between baseline and 3 months but increased again after 6 months. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in body mass index reduction; the intervention group achieved a statistically significant body mass index reduction but this was unchanged in the control group. No statistically significant differences between groups were found in scores for empowerment, well‐being and distress. There was a statistically significant difference between groups in knowledge postintervention.

Conclusion.  Use of instruments to identify self‐care needs can enable patient‐tailored care as it allows direct focusing on issues that are challenging and of relevance for each individual. It seems to be feasible to use the telephone to conduct an empowering educational intervention after one meeting.
Nurses’ moral strength: a hermeneutic inquiry in nursing practice
Authors: Lindh Inga‐Britt , Severinsson Elisabeth , Berg Agneta
Published: August 2009

Title. Nurses’ moral strength: a hermeneutic inquiry in nursing practice.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study to interpret nurses’ experiences of moral strength in practice.

Background. Moral strength is said to be beneficial in providing nursing care for patients, thereby contributing to high qualitative care. However, few studies focus on the meaning of nurses’ moral strength.

Methods. This study included eight Registered Nurses working in different aspects of health care in southern Sweden. Individual interviews were conducted in 2006 and 2007. We recorded, transcribed verbatim, and interpreted the interviews by a method grounded in hermeneutics.

Findings. Three themes were interpreted on three different levels: the action level as ‘having courage to act on one’s convictions’, the relational level as ‘being attentive and recognizing vulnerability’, and the existential level as ‘facing the unpredictable’.Overall, moral strength was understood as a driving force to be someone special in the care of patients, i.e. someone who makes a difference.

Conclusion. The value of nurses’ moral strength in patient care should be recognized. Attention must be given to aspects outside the individual, e.g. professional and institutional processes that influence the work environment. Clinical team supervision can help make such processes visible and supportive.
Search and destroy policy for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus: cost‐benefit analysis
Authors: Simoens Steven , Ophals Erik , Schuermans Annette
Published: August 2009

Title.  Search and destroy policy for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus: cost‐benefit analysis.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a cost‐benefit analysis of a ‘search and destroy’ policy as compared with the absence of such a policy for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from a hospital perspective, including the impact of nurses on the costs and benefits of this policy.

Background.  The ‘search and destroy’ policy involved screening, isolation, decontamination and antimicrobial treatment of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methods.  A prospective analysis was carried out in one intensive care unit and one gerontology unit of a university hospital in 2007. A benefit‐cost ratio was calculated by dividing the benefits of the ‘search and destroy’ policy by its costs related to screening and quarantine. Benefits consisted of hospital savings through avoidance of isolation, decontamination, antimicrobial therapy and extended hospital stay of affected patients. Resource utilization data were gathered from a time‐and‐motion study of nurses, patient medical records, hospital databases and the literature. Unit costs pertained to 2005.

Results.  The benefit‐cost ratio of the ‘search and destroy’ policy as compared with the absence of such a policy was 1·17 in the intensive care unit and 1·16 in the gerontology unit. Nurses accounted for 23% of costs and 16% of benefits of the policy as compared with the absence of such a policy in the intensive care unit, and 19% of costs and 28% of benefits in the gerontology unit.

Conclusion.  Hospital managers should consider implementing a ‘search and destroy’ policy for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and to support the contribution of nurses and other healthcare workers to such a policy.
Understanding nursing on an acute stroke unit: perceptions of space, time and interprofessional practice
Authors: Seneviratne Cydnee C. , Mather Charles M. , Then Karen L.
Published: August 2009

Title.  Understanding nursing on an acute stroke unit: perceptions of space, time and interprofessional practice.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to uncover nurses’ perceptions of the contexts of caring for acute stroke survivors.

Background.  Nurses coordinate and organize care and continue the rehabilitative role of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers during evenings and at weekends. Healthcare professionals view the nursing role as essential, but are uncertain about its nature.

Method.  Ethnographic fieldwork was carried out in 2006 on a stroke unit in Canada. Interviews with nine healthcare professionals, including nurses, complemented observations of 20 healthcare professionals during patient care, team meetings and daily interactions. Analysis methods included ethnographic coding of field notes and interview transcripts.

Findings.  Three local domains frame how nurses understand challenges in organizing stroke care: 1) space, 2) time and 3) interprofessional practice. Structural factors force nurses to work in exceptionally close quarters. Time constraints compel them to find novel ways of providing care. Moreover, sharing of information with other members of the team enhances relationships and improves ‘interprofessional collaboration’. The nurses believed that an interprofessional atmosphere is fundamental for collaborative stroke practice, despite working in a multiprofessional environment.

Conclusion.  Understanding how care providers conceive of and respond to space, time and interprofessionalism has the potential to improve acute stroke care. Future research focusing on nurses and other professionals as members of interprofessional teams could help inform stroke care to enhance poststroke outcomes.
Creating case scenarios or vignettes using factorial study design methods
Authors: Brauer Paula M. , Hanning Rhona M. , Arocha Jose F. , Royall Dawna , Goy Richard , Grant Andrew , Dietrich Linda , Martino Roselle , Horrocks Julie
Published: August 2009

Title.  Creating case scenarios or vignettes using factorial study design methods.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to develop clinical case vignettes using an adaptation of an incomplete factorial study design methodology.

Background.  In health care, vignettes or cases scenarios are core to problem‐based learning, common in practice guideline development processes, and increasingly being used in patient or care‐giver studies of chronic or life‐threatening illnesses. A large number of behavioural, psycho‐social and clinical factors can be relevant in such decision problems. Unbiased methods for choosing what factors to include are needed, when it is not possible to include all relevant combinations of factors in the vignettes.

Method.  The factors to be considered, number of levels or categories for each factor, and desired number of scenarios were decided in advance. An algorithm was used first to create the full factorial data set, and then a random subset of combinations was generated, according to predefined criteria, based on maximizing determinants. The subset of combinations was incorporated into written vignettes. The study was conducted in 2004–2005.

Findings.  Application of the method yielded diverse and balanced scenarios that covered the full range of factors to be considered for a project to elicit health providers’ processes in diet counselling for dyslipidemia.

Conclusion.  The approach is flexible, decreases possible researcher bias in the creation of vignettes, and can improve statistical power in survey research. This novel application of study design methodology merits consideration when vignettes are being developed to elicit opinions or decisions in studies of complex health issues.
Emotional stability of nurses: impact on patient safety
Authors: Teng Ching‐I , Chang Shin‐Shin , Hsu Kuang‐Hung
Published: August 2009

Title.  Emotional stability of nurses: impact on patient safety.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine the influence of the emotional stability of nurses on patient safety.

Background.  Individuals with greater emotional stability are less likely to exhibit strong emotional reactions to stressful situations, and tend to be more proactive and successful in problem‐solving. Effectively managing patient safety is a priority concern in countries where nurses face high pressure. A heavy work load leads to burnout (a syndrome associated with negative emotions), reduced job satisfaction and increased turnover. While emotional stability influences job performance in various contexts, its influence on patient safety has not been addressed.

Method.  A cross‐sectional design was adopted. The sample comprised 263 nurses working in two Taiwanese medical centres. The data were collected in 2007–2008, with a response rate of 92·6%. All participants were nursing college graduates aged below 50 years. Participants provided information on both their emotional stability and patient safety. Staffing adequacy, hospital, and years of nursing experience served as control variables.

Findings.  Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that emotional stability predicted patient safety (β = 0·18, P < 0·01). The addition of emotional stability as a predictor of patient safety increased the associated explained variance (ΔR2 = 0·03, P < 0·01).

Conclusion.  It is important for to managers create an organisational climate that promotes the emotional stability of nurses. This could help to improve global patient safety by reducing the frequency of adverse events.
The role of irrational thought in medicine adherence: people with diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Williams Allison F. , Manias Elizabeth , Walker Rowan
Published: August 2009

Title.  The role of irrational thought in medicine adherence: people with diabetic kidney disease.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine how irrational thinking affects people’s adherence to multiple medicines prescribed to manage their diabetic kidney disease.

Background.  Approximately 50% of people are non‐adherent to their prescribed medicines and the risk of non‐adherence escalates as the number of prescribed medicines increases. Adherence to prescribed medicines can slow disease progression in diabetic kidney disease.

Methods.  A descriptive exploratory design was used. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 23 participants recruited from a nephrology outpatient clinic in Australia in 2007. Data were analysed using a ‘framework’ method.

Findings.  Participants’ mean age was 59 years, they had approximately six chronic conditions in addition to their diabetic kidney disease and were prescribed a median of ten medicines daily. Two major themes of irrational thinking‐ heuristics and denial – and subthemes were identified. Heuristics contributed to inaccurate risk assessment and biases affecting rational judgement concerning medicines, whereas denial was used to enhance coping necessary to manage this complex health condition.

Conclusion.  Participants underestimated their health risks because they had been taking medicines for many years and preferred not to dwell on their ill health. A large amount of irrational thinking was related to maintaining the emotional strength necessary to manage their comorbid conditions as best they could. Regular assessment and support of medicine adherence throughout the disease course is necessary to avert the development of counterproductive heuristics and denial affecting medicine adherence.
Factors affecting quality of life in Taiwanese survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Chou Li‐Na , Hunter Anita
Published: August 2009

Title.  Factors affecting quality of life in Taiwanese survivors of childhood cancer.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a pilot study to examine the significance, direction, and magnitude of the relationship of risk factors, protective factors, and resilience to quality of life in survivors of childhood cancer, and to explore what these variables meant to participants in order to better understand the quantitative findings and to assess the validity of the instruments with this population.

Background.  Cancer survivors contend with physical, psychosocial and emotional consequences of the disease and its treatment. There has been little research in Taiwan assessing these outcomes and, as survivor numbers increase, appropriate interventions need to be implemented. Haase’s Adolescent Resilience Model was used as the theoretical framework.

Methods.  A mixed methods design was used to assess the relationship between the variables for survivors of leukaemia and brain cancers. Ninety‐eight participants completed quantitative tools and interviews, and the data were collected in 2006.

Findings.  Survivors of leukaemia had better quality of life than those with brain tumours. This is attributed to more positive protective factors, fewer illness‐related and individual risk factors and more positive resilience scores. Findings were congruent with similar studies from other countries. Qualitatively, participants believed that better quality of life meant less loss of self, a more integrated self, less chronic fear, and an ability to rebound and achieve personal control over one’s life.

Conclusion.  Interventions and assessment of their efficacy are necessary to help survivors capitalize on their strengths, to decrease their individual risks and to promote resilience promote self‐control.
Principle‐based concept analysis: recognition in the context of nurse–patient interactions
Authors: Steis Melinda R. , Penrod Janice , Adkins Cherie S. , Hupcey Judith E.
Published: August 2009

Title. Principle‐based concept analysis: recognition in the context of nurse–patient interactions.

Aim. This paper is a report of a principle‐based concept analysis of recognition in the context of nurse–patient interactions.

Background. Recognition is a concept employed in practice and research. Since nursing is patient‐centred and care is problem‐driven, the specificity and accuracy of recognition may have an impact on how nurses label patient phenomena, interventions initiated and patient outcomes.

Data sources. The data set included 98 English language articles published from 1997 to 2008 and retrieved through Medline and CINAHL searches.

Methods. Principle‐based concept analysis was used to examine the state of the science according to major perspectives of the philosophy of science. Conceptual components were integrated into a theoretical definition and the process of recognition was conceptually modelled.

Findings. The scientific literature dealing with recognition in the context of nurse–patient interactions relies on implied meaning. Recognition is a process marked by an awareness of evidence coupled with the formulation of a conceptual label summarizing the identified pattern of patient phenomena. Contextual features of the nurse, patient and organization are relevant during nurse–patient interactions, resulting in pivotal points in nursing care. These pivotal points are the moments of recognition when the nurse consciously applies a summary label to interpreted evidence. Outcomes of recognition include a choice to act or not to act, each option carrying significant outcomes for nurses, patients, and at times, organizations.

Conclusion. A working definition was produced that will serve as a foundation for future concept‐driven research to advance the concept toward greater precision and usefulness in nursing science.
Job satisfaction and perceptions of quality of patient care, collaboration and teamwork in acute care hospitals
Authors: Chang Wen‐Yin , Ma Jui‐Chu , Chiu Hsiao‐Ting , Lin Kuan‐Chia , Lee Pi‐Hsia
Published: August 2009

Title.  Job satisfaction and perceptions of quality of patient care, collaboration and teamwork in acute care hospitals.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to compare levels of job satisfaction and perceptions of the quality of patient care, collaboration and teamwork among healthcare professionals in four acute care hospitals and to determine the factors associated with job satisfaction for physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Background.  Positive inter‐professional relationships improve quality of patient care and staff job satisfaction. Understanding how healthcare professionals perceive their relationships with each other, and identifying factors that affect their job satisfaction and perceptions of the quality patient care, inform quality improvements.

Method.  This cross‐sectional survey study was conducted in four hospitals in Taiwan. Data were collected in 2007 and analysed using descriptive statistics, one‐way anova with the Games‐Howell post hoc test and stepwise regression analysis.

Results.  The survey was completed by 1475 respondent, giving a response rate of 52·2% (180 physicians, 1019 nurses and 276 other healthcare professionals). Physicians were more satisfied with their jobs (F = 26·75, P < 0·05) than either nurses or other healthcare professionals. Conversely, nurses perceived more positive collaborative relationships than did physicians or other healthcare professionals (F = 279·51, P < 0·05). Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that perceptions of quality of patient care and collaborative relationships were the most important predictors of job satisfaction for healthcare providers.

Conclusion.  These findings provide important clues for improving interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring quality patient care through good job satisfaction and teamwork among healthcare professionals in acute care hospitals.
Judging nursing information on the WWW: a theoretical understanding
Authors: Cader Raffik , Campbell Steve , Watson Don
Published: August 2009

Title. Judging nursing information on the WWW: a theoretical understanding.

Aim. This paper is a report of a study of the judgement processes nurses use when evaluating World Wide Web information related to nursing practice.

Background. The World Wide Web has increased the global accessibility of online health information. However, the variable nature of the quality of World Wide Web information and its perceived level of reliability may lead to misinformation. This makes demands on healthcare professionals, and on nurses in particular, to ensure that health information of reliable quality is selected for use in practice.

Method. A grounded theory approach was adopted. Semi‐structured interviews and focus groups were used to collect data, between 2004 and 2005, from 20 nurses undertaking a postqualification graduate course at a university and 13 nurses from a local hospital in the United Kingdom.

Findings. A theoretical framework emerged that gave insight into the judgement process nurses use when evaluating World Wide Web information. Participants broke the judgement process down into specific tasks. In addition, they used tacit, process and propositional knowledge and intuition, quasi‐rational cognition and analysis to undertake these tasks. World Wide Web information cues, time available and nurses’ critical skills were influencing factors in their judgement process.

Conclusion. Addressing the issue of quality and reliability associated with World Wide Web information is a global challenge. This theoretical framework could contribute towards meeting this challenge.
New Zealand phylogeography: evolution on a small continent
Authors: WALLIS GRAHAM P. , TREWICK STEVEN A.
Published: August 2009

New Zealand has long been a conundrum to biogeographers, possessing as it does geophysical and biotic features characteristic of both an island and a continent. This schism is reflected in provocative debate among dispersalist, vicariance biogeographic and panbiogeographic schools. A strong history in biogeography has spawned many hypotheses, which have begun to be addressed by a flood of molecular analyses. The time is now ripe to synthesize these findings on a background of geological and ecological knowledge. It has become increasingly apparent that most of the biota of New Zealand has links with other southern lands (particularly Australia) that are much more recent than the breakup of Gondwana. A compilation of molecular phylogenetic analyses of ca 100 plant and animal groups reveals that only 10% of these are even plausibly of archaic origin dating to the vicariant splitting of Zealandia from Gondwana. Effects of lineage extinction and lack of good calibrations in many cases strongly suggest that the actual proportion is even lower, in keeping with extensive Oligocene inundation of Zealandia. A wide compilation of papers covering phylogeographic structuring of terrestrial, freshwater and marine species shows some patterns emerging. These include: east–west splits across the Southern Alps, east–west splits across North Island, north–south splits across South Island, star phylogenies of southern mountain isolates, spread from northern, central and southern areas of high endemism, and recent recolonization (postvolcanic and anthropogenic). Excepting the last of these, most of these patterns seem to date to late Pliocene, coinciding with the rapid uplift of the Southern Alps. The diversity of New Zealand geological processes (sinking, uplift, tilting, sea level change, erosion, volcanism, glaciation) has produced numerous patterns, making generalizations difficult. Many species maintain pre‐Pleistocene lineages, with phylogeographic structuring more similar to the Mediterranean region than northern Europe. This structure reflects the fact that glaciation was far from ubiquitous, despite the topography. Intriguingly, then, origins of the flora and fauna are island‐like, whereas phylogeographic structure often reflects continental geological processes.
The influence of distinct pollinators on female and male reproductive success in the Rocky Mountain columbine
Authors: BRUNET JOHANNE , HOLMQUIST KARSTEN G. A.
Published: August 2009

Although there are many reasons to expect distinct pollinator types to differentially affect a plant’s reproductive success, few studies have directly examined this question. Here, we contrast the impact of two kinds of pollinators on reproductive success via male and female functions in the Rocky Mountain columbine, Aquilegia coerulea. We set up pollinator exclusion treatments in each of three patches where Aquilegia plants were visited by either day pollinators (majority bumble bees), by evening pollinators (hawkmoths), or by both (control). Day pollinators collected pollen and groomed, whereas evening pollinators collected nectar but did not groom. Maternal parents, potential fathers and progeny arrays were genotyped at five microsatellite loci. We estimated female outcrossing rate and counted seeds to measure female reproductive success and used paternity analysis to determine male reproductive success. Our results document that bumble bees frequently moved pollen among patches of plants and that, unlike hawkmoths, pollen moved by bumble bees sired more outcrossed seeds when it remained within a patch as opposed to moving between patches. Pollinator type differentially affected the outcrossing rate but not seed set, the number of outcrossed seeds or overall male reproductive success. Multiple visits to a plant and more frequent visits by bumble bees could help to explain the lack of impact of pollinator type on overall reproductive success. The increase in selfing rate with hawkmoths likely resulted from the abundant pollen available in experimental flowers. Our findings highlighted a new type of pollinator interactions that can benefit a plant species.
Extreme population genetic differentiation and secondary contact in the freshwater copepod Acanthodiaptomus pacificus in the Japanese Archipelago
Authors: MAKINO WATARU , TANABE AKIFUMI S.
Published: August 2009

We investigated the sequence variation in the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mtCOI) gene and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ncITS) of the calanoid copepod Acanthodiaptomus pacificus in Japan. A. pacificus individuals were divided into three divergent mtCOI lineages (mt‐A, ‐B and ‐C). mt‐A was distributed in the northernmost part of Japan, from Hokkaido to the northern part of Honshu Island, whereas mt‐C was the southernmost lineage, distributed from central Honshu to Shikoku and Kyushu Islands. mt‐B was distributed between these former two lineages, resulting in parapatry with mt‐C and mt‐A. In all lineages, 80% of the localities were fixed for a single haplotype, and different localities tended to have different haplotypes. The degree of genetic differentiation among these lineages (15–22%) was at an interspecific level, according to the criteria of the DNA barcode technique. However, the topology of ncITS was not congruent with that of mtCOI, as the reciprocal monophyly was not observed within mt‐B and mt‐C. Therefore, we merged them into the Southern Lineage and separated it from the Northern Lineage (i.e. mt‐A). Evidence of introgression was found within the Southern Lineage, while gene flow was not observed between the Northern and Southern Lineages, suggesting that A. pacificus is a cryptic species complex. We also argue that genetic differentiations of A. pacificus in Japan may reflect the history of separation, transgression and regression of the landmass during the formation of current Japanese Archipelago.
Allopatric origin of cryptic butterfly species that were discovered feeding on distinct host plants in sympatry
Authors: McBRIDE CAROLYN S. , VAN VELZEN ROBIN , LARSEN TORBEN B.
Published: August 2009

Surveys of tropical insects are increasingly uncovering cryptic species – morphologically similar yet reproductively isolated taxa once thought to comprise a single interbreeding entity. The vast majority of such species are described from a single location. This leaves us with little information on geographic range and intraspecific variation and limits our ability to infer the forces responsible for generating such diversity. For example, in herbivorous and parasitic insects, multiple specialists are often discovered within what were thought to be single more generalized species. Host shifts are likely to have contributed to speciation in these cases. But when and where did those shifts occur, and were they facilitated by geographic isolation? We attempted to answer these questions for two cryptic species within the butterfly Cymothoe egesta that were recently discovered on different host plants in central Cameroon. We first used mtDNA markers to separate individuals collected on the two hosts within Cameroon and then extended our analysis to incorporate individuals collected across the entire pan‐Afrotropical range of the original taxon. To our surprise, we found that the species are almost entirely allopatric, dividing the original range and overlapping only in the narrow zone of West‐Central Africa where they were first discovered in sympatry. This finding, combined with analyses of genetic variation within each butterfly species, strongly suggests that speciation occurred in allopatry, probably during the Pleistocene. We discuss the implications of our results for understanding speciation among other cryptic species recently discovered in the tropics and argue that more work is needed on geographic patterns and host usage in such taxa.
Decreased outer membrane permeability protects mycobacteria from killing by ubiquitin‐derived peptides
Authors: Purdy Georgiana E. , Niederweis Michael , Russell David G.
Published: August 2009

Ubiquitin‐derived peptides are bactericidal in vitro and contribute to the mycobactericidal activity of the lysosome. To further define interactions of ubiquitin‐derived peptides with mycobacteria, we screened for mutants with increased resistance to the bactericidal activity of the synthetic ubiquitin‐derived peptide Ub2. The four Ub2‐resistant Mycobacterium smegmatis mutants were also resistant to the bactericidal action of other antimicrobial peptides and macrophages. Two mutants were in the mspA gene encoding the main M. smegmatis porin. Using a translocation‐deficient MspA point mutant, we showed that susceptibility of M. smegmatis to Ub2 was independent of MspA channel activity. Instead, the M. smegmatis Ub2‐resistant mutants shared a common phenotype of decreased cell wall permeability compared with wild‐type bacteria. Expression of mspA rendered Mycobacterium tuberculosis CDC1551 more susceptible both to ubiquitin‐derived peptides in vitro and to lysosomal killing in macrophages. Finally, biochemical assays designed to assess membrane integrity indicated that Ub2 treatment impairs membrane function of M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis cells. The M. smegmatis Ub2‐resistant mutants were more resistant than wild‐type M. smegmatis to this damage. We conclude that Ub2 targets mycobacterial membranes and that reduced membrane permeability provides mycobacteria intrinsic resistance against antimicrobial compounds including bactericidal ubiquitin‐derived peptides.
Over‐expression of Brassica napus phosphatidylinositol‐phospholipase C2 in canola induces significant changes in gene expression and phytohormone distribution patterns, enhances drought tolerance and promotes early flowering and maturation†
Authors: GEORGES FAWZY , DAS SHANKAR , RAY HEATHER , BOCK CHERYL , NOKHRINA KATERYNA , KOLLA VENKAT APPARAO , KELLER WILF
Published: August 2009

Phosphatidylinositol‐specific phospholipase C (PtdIns‐PLC2) plays a central role in the phosphatidylinositol‐specific signal transduction pathway. It catalyses the hydrolysis of membrane‐bound phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate to produce two second messengers, sn‐1,2‐diacylglycerol and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate. The former is a membrane activator of protein kinase C in mammalian systems, and the latter is a Ca2+ modulator which induces distinctive oscillating bursts of cytosolic Ca2+, resulting in regulation of gene expression and activation of proteins. Sustained over‐expression of BnPtdIns‐PLC2 in transgenic Brassica napus lines brought about an early shift from vegetative to reproductive phases, and shorter maturation periods, accompanied by notable alterations in hormonal distribution patterns in various tissues. The photosynthetic rate increased, while stomata were partly closed. Numerous gene expression changes that included induction of stress‐related genes such as glutathione S‐transferase, hormone‐regulated and regulatory genes, in addition to a number of kinases, calcium‐regulated factors and transcription factors, were observed. Other changes included increased phytic acid levels and phytohormone organization patterns. These results suggest the importance of PtdIns‐PLC2 as an elicitor of a battery of events that systematically control hormone regulation, and plant growth and development in what may be a preprogrammed mode.