bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐glacial vegetation migration in conterminous Montréal Lowlands, southern Québec
Authors: Muller Serge D. , Richard Pierre J.H. 
Published: March 2003

AimThis work examines the post‐glacial plant migration patterns at a regional scale.LocationSt Lawrence lowlands and adjacent highlands, southern Québec.MethodsThe post‐glacial plant dynamics in the St Lawrence lowlands are reconstructed based on fifteen pollen diagrams and seventy‐four radiocarbon dates.ResultsMigratory trends are shown for the first established plant formations (tundra, boreal forest and mixed forest), while the subsequent onset of deciduous forests shows no particular pattern.Main conclusionsSeveral factors are involved in this contrasting behaviour. First, the palaeogeographical context, principally determined by the location of the ice sheet and Champlain Sea, played a major role during the initial stages. The Champlain Sea constituted a barrier to seed dissemination between the Appalachians and Laurentians, favouring the development of Populus instead of Picea in the latter region. Secondly, ecological processes partly determined differences in establishment between conifer‐dominated forests and deciduous forests. The former resulted from the successive onset of dominant species (Picea and Abies), while the deciduous forest stages resulted from domination shifts between already established taxa. Thirdly, physiographic traits explain local departures to the general migratory pattern. The major departure comprises of the onset of tundra, boreal forest and mixed forest on Monteregian hills (most of which constituted islands within Champlain Sea) before their establishment in Appalachians.
A comparison of δ13C ratios of surface soils in savannas and forests in Amazonia
Authors: Magnusson W. E. , Sanaiotti T. M. , Lima A. P. , Martinelli L. A. , Victoria R. L. , De Araújo M. C , Albernaz A. L. 
Published: March 2003

AimTo determine the relationship between stable carbon isotope ratios in surface soils and the present vegetation in Amazonian savannas.LocationAreas in and around savannas in the Brazilian Amazonian States of Amazonas, Pará, Amapá, Roraima, Mato Grosso and Maranhão.Methodsδ13C ratios were measured from surface (0–5 cm depth) soils in fifty‐two plots in savanna plots with different covers of trees, shrubs, and grasses, and in ten adjacent areas covered by forest.ResultsSoil δ13C ratios varied widely (–24.9 to –15.2‰) among and within savannas, but were distinguishable from δ13C ratios under forest (–30.3 to –27.3‰). One site close to forest with 38% tree cover, 44% shrub cover and 45% grass cover was distinguishable from both forest and savanna on Landsat TM5 images, and had a δ13C ratio of –26.7‰. Tree density (TD), basal area (BA) and cover differed strongly between savanna and forest areas. However, most savanna areas had soil organic matter with δ13C ratios closer to those of forest trees than C4 grasses.Main conclusionsIn Amazonia, soil δ13C values >–25‰ can be unequivocally attributed to savannas irrespective of depth. However, there is no precise relationship between tree or grass cover in savannas and surface‐soil δ13C values. This is partly because shrubs, as well as trees and grasses, contribute significantly to soil organic matter δ13C ratios, and partly because there is a stronger negative relationship between area of bare ground and cover of C4 grasses than between area of bare ground and cover of trees or shrubs. This means that the ratio of C3 to C4 plants tends to increase with a decrease in total cover. Areas with large amounts of open ground, may have a small proportion of grass cover relative to tree and shrub cover. Although we did not encounter any such places in this study, very harsh conditions could lead to desert‐like formations with little grass cover and soil organic‐matter δ13C ratios similar to forest areas.
Cladistic biogeography and the art of discovery
Authors: Ebach Malte C. , Humphries Christopher J. 
Published: March 2003

AimsCladistic biogeography is about discovering geographical congruence. The agreement of several taxon‐area cladograms (TACs) rarely yields a perfect result. Areas may overlap, taxa may not be evenly distributed, and thus, ambiguity may be prevalent in the data. Ambiguity is incongruence and may be resolved by reducing paralogy and resolving potential information. Recently, several new approaches in cladistic biogeography [i.e. Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA), Assumption 0] interpret ambiguity as congruence. These methods are problematic, as they aregenerational. Methods constructed under thegenerationparadigm are flawed concepts that are immunized from falsifying evidence. A critique of modified BPA reveals that taking an evolutionary stance in biogeography leads to flaws in implementation.MethodsArea cladistics is a new development in cladistic biogeography. Area cladistics adopts paralogy‐free subtree analysis using Assumption 2, to discover the relative positions of continents through time.ResultsGeographical congruence is the result of allopatric (geographical) speciation. Vicariance, dispersal and combinations of both, are recognized causes for allopatric speciation. Area cladistics highlights the concept that all these events occur in response to geological changes (e.g. continental drift) either directly, by geographical boundaries, or indirectly, at the level of ocean currents. Samples of chosen examples all respond to the geological process. The examples include Ordovician–Silurian and Lower Devonian trilobites to yield a general areagram which is a representational branching diagram that depicts the relationships of areas.Main conclusionFinding one common biogeographical pattern from several unrelated groups is a qualitative approach to interpret the positions of continental margins through time. Area cladistics is not a substitute for palaeomaps that are derived from palaeomagnetic data, but general areagrams adding to the body of knowledge that yields more precise interpretations of the earth's past.
Can landscape‐scale characteristics be used to predict plant invasions along rivers?
Authors: Campbell G. S. , Blackwell P. G. , Woodward F. I. 
Published: March 2003

AimTo determine whether the invasions of hydrochorus plants, that is those which can make use of rivers to transport their propagules, can be predicted using information derived at the landscape scale. This is desirable to avoid the need for the difficult to measure parameters required by detailed invasion models.MethodsA model for plant propagule dispersal was developed that simulated both local dispersal (autochory) and aided dispersal along river corridors (hydrochory). This provided the simulated invasion behaviour that was to be predicted by the simple analytical method. This latter was based on readily available river network characteristics. The analytical summary was then tested for its ability to predict the results of a series of simulation experiments.ResultsPredicted dispersal rates derived from the analytical summary method were strongly correlated (R2 of 0.8941) to the mean seed displacement simulated by the plant dispersal model.Main conclusionThe simple analytical summary of the river networks provides a good probabilistic description of the simulated invasion process. This means that readily available information might be able to be used to predict real invasions by alien plant species. This method should now be tested against observed invasions by alien plants.
Schizophrenia: a review of current research and thinking
Authors: COFFEY MICHAEL 
Published: March 2003

• Schizophrenia is the major mental illness of our time and causes serious disturbances for those with the condition as well as using up significant proportions of scarce health resources.• This paper reviews the recent literature on advances in classification, aetiology, epidemiology and treatments.• Methodological problems encountered in researching this condition are discussed.• Advances in treatments offered for this condition have improved outcomes but whether the patient receives these treatments may depend on what local services are prepared to offer.
Research in peri‐operative nursing care
Authors: LEINONEN TUIJA , LEINO‐KILPI HELENA 
Published: March 2003

• This review analyses 97 research reports dealing with peri‐operative care which included patients. The literature review was done as the basis of a development project to measure the quality of intra‐operative nursing care from the patient's perspective.• The pre‐operative phase provides information about the teaching, anxiety and stress of patients. Few sources dealt with the intra‐operative phase; there were a small amount of reports concerning concrete nursing activities (e.g. surgical position and warming the patient). The most information was available on the post‐operative phase, such as recovery, adaptation and the treatment of pain.• Peri‐operative research is mainly concerned with the quality of nursing care, control of life and ambulatory surgery.• The main defects of analysed studies can be characterized as follows: small samples and a single hospital, lack of definition of terms, theoretical ambiguity, short follow‐up times, anaesthetic or other drugs used during the care not mentioned in the report (especially in studies on pain and quality). Previously developed research tools had usually been well tested, but there was great variety in the testing of investigator‐constructed tools. There were also discrepancies in the evaluation of validity and reliability.• Future research should especially deal with treatment of pain and anxiety, information and guidance given to patients, and the costs of surgical care; there is also a need for studies dealing with intra‐operative care from the patient's perspective. Although information is already available on the above mentioned topics, more detailed and comprehensive facts are still needed.
Ethical issues and their practical application in a psychological autopsy study of suicide
Authors: COOPER JAYNE 
Published: March 2003

•The psychological autopsy research method provides detailed information about a suicide using various sources including, coroners' reports, medical records and information gathered from interviews with key informants.•The purpose of this article is to discuss the ethical issues that arose when undertaking a psychological autopsy study in Manchester, UK. The sensitive nature of the research is discussed, in particular in relation to the participation of the close relatives and friends of the deceased.•These issues, identified from the experiences of other researchers in this field and by conducting a study in Manchester, had implications for the research design and its application.•The reactions of the informants who took part in the Manchester study are reported, and their comments should be used to refine future studies on sensitive topics. Their suggestions on their needs and the needs of the suicidal have implications for future health service provision.
Competency for nursing practice
Authors: Watkins Mary J. 
Published: March 2003

• This article discusses the report of the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (UKCC) Commission that was published in 1999.• Problems identified with the previous Project 2000 model of diploma‐level nursing programmes are identified, including student criticisms of placement arrangements and the existence of both theory–practice and practice–theory gaps.• The UKCC Commission’s recommendations for curricular revision are discussed, particularly in relation to clinical competence and how this should be defined and measured.• The implications for who should supervise and assess students in clinical practice are also explored.• The importance of preparing and assessing students for holistic individualized care which respects patients’ own beliefs, values and culture is emphasized.
‘Ventilator‐dependent’ children who spend prolonged periods of time in intensive care units when they no longer have a medical need or want to be there
Authors: Noyes Jane 
Published: March 2003

• Children who are dependent on ventilators currently spend many months and in some cases years in intensive care units when they no longer have a medical need to be there.• This article presents the views of 18 young ‘ventilator‐dependent’ people (and their parents) who experienced prolonged periods of time in intensive care units and compares their experiences with published literature.• Findings strongly suggest that living in an intensive care unit is inappropriate and detrimental to health and well‐being.• Recommendations are made regarding the need for alternative placements, appropriate nursing care, the review of funding and discharge management procedures, and upholding children’s rights.
Men making sense of their chest pain – niggles, doubts and denials
Authors: White Alan K. , Johnson Martin 
Published: March 2003

• Participant observation was undertaken of the early admission period of 25 men admitted to hospital with acute chest pain, followed by in‐depth interviews of 10 of the men after discharge.• Grounded theory methods were used in the analysis to develop a model of how the men came to interpret their experiences.• An emerging feature of the men’s experiences was that, although they had suffered intense pain prior to admission, there had been a series of delays whilst they tried to rationalize their symptoms.• We relate our discussion to literature on men and masculinity and the notion of Foucault (1975) of self‐surveillance, to offer an insight into the men’s self concept and social situation.• Our conclusions suggest that men’s self concept as ‘healthy’ may inhibit a speedy response to the signs and symptoms of acute coronary occlusion, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest without nearby life support.
Informational needs about the effects of gynaecological cancer on sexuality: a review of the literature
Authors: Gamel Claudia , Hengeveld Michiel , Davis Bryn 
Published: March 2003

• In order to develop a supportive and information‐giving intervention for women with gynaecological cancer, the effects of cancer on sexuality and the associated informational needs were reviewed.• Pre‐diagnosis symptoms of gynaecological cancer which affect sexual function may resolve after treatment; these symptoms are often replaced by treatment‐associated effects on sexuality.• Sexual dysfunction has been found even when women report regular intercourse and sexual satisfaction.• Effects on sexuality seen at 6 months gradually resolve over time. However, women with cervical and ovarian cancer tend to attain better long‐term sexual function than those with vulvar and endometrial cancer.• Specific sexuality information needs can be ascertained from the findings of qualitative studies in which the experience of sexuality, sexual adaptation and received information is described.• Different sexuality information is needed at three time periods: diagnosis and treatment period; recovery and first intercourse; the period of rebuilding sexual life.• The type of information and the time when it is needed are not necessarily the same for women and their partners.
A pluralistic evaluation of nursing/practice development units
Authors: Gerrish Kate 
Published: March 2003

•  Nursing/practice development units (N/PDU) are perceived as centres for pioneering, evaluating and disseminating innovative practice development and facilitating the professional development of practitioners.•  This paper reports on a pluralistic evaluation research study of the nursing/practice development unit accreditation programme provided by the University of Leeds, UK. Individual and focus group interviews were undertaken with key stakeholders involved in six nursing/practice development units. These included: clinical leaders, team members, executive nurses, trust board members, general medical practitioners, nursing/practice development unit steering group members, and accreditation panel members. Stakeholder perceptions of what constituted a successful nursing/practice development unit were elicited and then used to judge the success of the programme.•  Seven criteria for judging the success of nursing/practice development units were identified. These were: achieving optimum practice; providing a patient‐orientated service; disseminating innovative practice; team working; enabling practitioners to develop their full potential; adopting a strategic approach to change and autonomous functioning.•  The findings highlighted differences between the rhetoric of a successful nursing/practice development unit and the reality in which they function. Whereas all the units were actively involved in innovative practice development, evaluation, dissemination and networking activities, several factors influenced the success of the units, in particular, the role of the clinical leader, the motivation and commitment of nursing/practice development unit members, financial resources, and the nature of support from managers, medical staff and education institutions.•  Although the nursing/practice development units had made significant progress in developing both healthcare practice and practitioners, there is still a need to consider how the claim that nursing/practice development units benefit patients can be substantiated.
The role of district nurses in caring for people with mental health problems who live in rural settings
Authors: Lauder William , Reynolds William , Reilly Victoria , Angus Neil 
Published: March 2003

• District Nurses in rural areas frequently fulfil, in some permutation, the functions of district nursing, health visiting, school nursing, and community midwifery. This complex role can bring them into contact with a wide range of mental health problems.• The extent, nature and type of mental health problems, and their response to these problems, is not well documented in the literature.• The findings of this qualitative study indicate that District Nurses do in fact have contact with a wide range of mental health problems. The role of District Nurses in caring for this client group is more substantial than has been previously recognized.• It is suggested that this role be formally acknowledged and that systems put in place to optimize the effectiveness of District Nursing interventions.
Evaluating a community nursing service: listening to the voices of clients with an intellectual disability and/or their proxies
Authors: Koch Tina , Marks June , Tooke Elaine 
Published: March 2003

• The aim of this study was to evaluate a specialist nursing service programme for people with an intellectual disability residing in the community. It is important to correct the imbalance in the literature that has neglected the voices of the clients themselves or denied expression by their proxies.• The aim of the study was to gain a better understanding of matters of importance for clients and their families and to involve them in the evaluation of a service that directly affects their care.• Only three clients were able to participate; however, 17 parents (next of kin) agreed to be interviewed.• In‐depth interviews were audio‐taped, transcribed and analysed relating to the questions asked and were checked against the domains of the nursing practice in the disability area: continuity of care, advanced nursing practice, education and credentialling, personal and professional attributes, primary health care, and normalization.• The findings confirm the high regard in which the programme is held. Service evaluation is crucial in providing evidence for programme funders. The favourable outcome of this evaluation meant that the programme gained funding for another few years.
Introducing an in‐patient treatment for alcohol detoxification into a community setting
Authors: Williams Simon 
Published: March 2003

• Alcohol detoxification in the UK is not standardized and treatment is usually determined by local policies.• Drug regimens are often predetermined and unrelated to the extent and duration of dependence, recent consumption, or previous withdrawal symptoms.• Diazepam loading shortens the detoxification period and avoids the indiscriminate use of medication. It has been shown to be effective as an in‐patient treatment.• This paper examines the feasibility of introducing diazepam loading in a community setting, and discusses the implications that this would have for clinical practice.
Reflections on a community action research project: interprofessional issues and methodological problems
Authors: LAX WENDY , GALVIN KATHLEEN 
Published: March 2003

• This paper describes an action research study in a community setting.• A group of residents from a local housing estate and a number of local workers used participative methods to explore local child care issues with the aim of developing initiatives for improved child care.• The paper describes the study processes and reflects on lessons learnt.• A discussion of implications for interprofessional working concludes the paper and includes emphasis of the need to focus on shared objectives, and develop appropriate organizational structures and educational provision.
White coat hypertension: understanding the concept and examining the significance
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Shan 
Published: March 2003

Summary•  Because the concept of white coat hypertension is evolving, a variety of definitions appear in the literature. There has also been continuing debate as to whether white coat hypertension is a benign clinical condition or is associated with increased hypertensive complications.•  This paper summarizes and evaluates the literature on white coat effect/hypertension, with a focus on the following aspects of the concepts: (1) alternative definitions, (2) prevalence and predictors, (3) prognostic significance, and (4) implications for clinical practice.•  The evidence suggests that white coat hypertension is not a harmless phenomenon. It is frequently associated with increased target‐organ damage and often coexists with other cardiovascular risk factors. The extent of the presence of other risk factors may determine the risks associated with white coat hypertension. It is important for clinicians to understand the concept, learn to diagnose it properly, and develop strategies for evaluating risk levels so that patients receive the proper treatment.
Handling of drug‐related inquiries by hospital nurses
Authors: Rahman  , Budiarti  
Published: March 2003

Objective:
To determine how nurses handled drug‐related questions in the work environment of a teaching hospital in Malaysia and the type of information sources they used
Method:
Questionnaires were distributed in August 1996 to nurses working in various wards. The majority of respondents were staff nurses. They rated their patients as the most common category of individuals with drug‐related inquiries
Results: About 58% of nurses said the most common source of reference text available at the workplace was the
Drug Index of Malaysia and Singapore (DIMS) and that it was the text most of them used to answer drug‐related inquiries. Although the majority of them knew the existence of a drug information centre at the hospital, 73% of nurses referred to pharmacists working in satellite pharmacies to solve drug‐related inquiries
Conclusion:
This survey also showed that nurses sought information on drugs from various sources and that satellite pharmacies served an important purpose in this respect.