bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A conceptual framework for studying species composition in fragments, islands and other patchy ecosystems
Authors: Watson David M. 
Published: March 2003

AimI propose and develop a new classification system to explain diversity patterns in habitat fragments, equally applicable to islands and other inherently patchy ecosystems. My primary goal is to provide an inclusive model to improve the comparability of studies and enhance future efforts to synthesize their findings, yielding a generalized basis for understanding species composition in patchy ecosystems.ResultsDifferentiating islands from fragments and incorporating patch age and patch: matrix contrast, eight classes of patch are distinguished, spanning a range of geographical features. To compare studies of diversity patterns among and between patch types, patch biota are divided into three categories based on their origin—relict species (present before fragmentation), matrix‐derived species and interpatch dispersers. Applying this novel scheme to existing data, the effects of insularization are synthesized. Direct comparisons among fragments revealed broad similarity in the long‐term effects of habitat fragmentation compared with highly divergent patterns in younger landscapes (<200 years). Holding patch: matrix contrast and age constant, fragments and islands were compared. Despite initial differences in community assembly, the biota of islands and fragments converge in several properties over time, as diversities stabilize and patch biotas become distinct from the surrounding matrix.Main conclusionsAlthough necessarily broad, this framework provides an explicit context within which to test forty‐four specific predictions regarding the distribution of diversity in patchy landscapes and thereby gain a clearer understanding of the long‐term biological consequences of insularization. I propose that the fragments‐as‐islands analogy be revisited, potentially yielding valuable insight into the long‐term future awaiting anthropogenically altered ecosystems.
Evaluating the effectiveness of two teaching strategies for patients diagnosed with hypertension
Authors: Zernike Wendy , Henderson Amanda 
Published: March 2003

• This study investigated whether a structured patient‐centred education programme was more effective than the normal ad hoc information that patients receive in improving their knowledge of hypertension whilst in hospital.• Forty patients were assessed to determine their knowledge level regarding the management of risk factors related to hypertension.• A pre‐test was performed shortly after admission to hospital. Twenty patients in the test group received a structured education programme, and 20 patients in the control group received the usual ad hoc information. Two post‐tests were performed, one at the time of discharge and the other approximately 8 weeks after discharge, to determine the change in knowledge levels.• Comparison of the pre‐ and post‐tests of the test group revealed a significant increase in knowledge level at the time of discharge from hospital. Patients were found to retain this new knowledge at 8 weeks and 1 year after discharge. No significant difference was found for the control group.• This study has shown that a structured approach to health education is more effective in improving patients' knowledge about their condition than relying on the ad hoc information that patients traditionally receive during their hospitalization.
Patient's perceptions of bedside handovers
Authors: Cahill Jo 
Published: March 2003

• The bedside handover is a universal phenomenon in nearly every type of care setting. It has become the chief arena for the intershift handover in contemporary nursing practice. Published literature investigating patients' viewpoints on the location of the bedside handover is sparse.• The overall aim of this study is to describe and provide an analysis of patients' perceptions of the bedside handover.• A grounded theory approach to data collection and data analysis was employed to capture surgical patients' views about the bedside handover.• The analysis tentatively suggests the existence of three categories that describe the patients' perceptions of the bedside handover. ‘Maintaining a Professional Distance’, ‘Establishing Professional Sharing’ and ‘Maintaining Patient Safety.’
Identification of infection in granulating wounds by registered nurses
Authors: CUTTING KEITH F. 
Published: March 2003

•The purpose of the study was to investigate the methods used by registered nurses to identify infection in granulating wounds.•Although this research was completed a few years ago recent observations confirm that the findings remain relevant and that accurate identification of wound infection continues to present a challenge.•This study also set out to compare the subjects' and author's decisions on the infected status of the wounds.•The author used criteria previously developed by Cutting & Harding (1994).•Decisions made by the author were found to have a high level of accuracy when compared against a microbiological assay of the wounds.
School nurses’ operational modes and ways of collaborating in caring for child abusing families in Finland
Authors: Paavilainen Eija , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Paunonen Marita 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of the study was to explicate and conceptualize school nurses’ work and working methods while caring for child abusing families. Child abuse in the family refers to physical or psychological abuse, sexual abuse or neglect by parents or other caregivers.• Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews with broad themes from Finnish school nurses (n=20). School nurses were selected so that the sample represented a varied experience of school health services in various schools, differing in size, environment and number of pupils. Data were analysed by using qualitative content analysis.• The analysis resulted in a description of school nurses’ operational modes with child abusing families. These were the ‘active and firm’ mode and the ‘passive and uninvolved’ mode. In addition, the study describes school nurses’ collaboration with other professionals working in school, mainly teachers.• The primary goal of school nurses was to promote the child’s well‐being as effectively as possible, whereas caring for the whole family was of secondary importance. The difficulty in taking care of families with problems was shown in different operational modes, especially in ‘passive’ nurses.• The results of the study can be used to plan and develop nursing education and the work of school nurses. Nurses need more knowledge about child abuse and working with families in school healthcare. It is important that nurses are trained to work with families who abuse their children.
Sexual problems in men with prostate cancer in comparison with men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and men from the general population
Authors: Jakobsson Liselotte , Lovén Lars , Hallberg Ingalill Rahm 
Published: March 2003

• In a questionnaire study, men with prostate cancer (n=155) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (n=131) identified more sexual problems than did men from the general population (n=129). Sexual dysfunction was acknowledged regarding sexual pleasure and attraction, erectile function and sexual satisfaction and sexual performance.• Lowered rates of sexual desire, pleasure and attraction were found when comparing their situation in recollection of pre‐treatment situation to the current situation. Lower intercourse frequency and sexual satisfaction were also found.• Medication, masturbation and artificial aids to achieve erection were not used as substitutes for shortcomings of erectile function either by men with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia nor by their partners.• There seemed to be a lack of information about the illness and treatment consequences for sexual life, including what physical dysfunction to expect after surgery and also what possible help to expect to compensate for the shortcomings.
Stressors and coping methods among chronic haemodialysis patients in Hong Kong
Authors: Mok Esther , Tam Bonnie 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of the study was to determine the stressors and coping methods of chronic haemodialysis patients in Hong Kong. Relationships among treatment‐related stressors, coping methods and length of time on haemodialysis were explored.• Fifty subjects completed the Haemodialysis Stressor Scale (HSS) and Jalowiec Coping Scale (JCS).• Results revealed that limitation of fluid was the most frequently identified stressor, followed by limitation of food, itching, fatigue and cost.• The most common coping methods are ‘accepted the situation because very little could be done’, followed by ‘told oneself not to worry because everything would work out fine’ and ‘told oneself that the problem was really not that important.’ It was found that the traditional philosophies of the Chinese – Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism – share an approach to the understanding and management of life stressors as different from that adopted by Western philosophies.• The findings of this study can further facilitate nurse practitioners in providing support, information, and alternative solutions when assisting patients in coping with long‐term haemodialysis.
Protecting strategies used by sufferers of catastrophic illnesses and injuries
Authors: Dewar Anne 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this research was to describe strategies used by sufferers of catastrophic illnesses and injuries.• Participants were adult men and women with a variety of serious illnesses and injuries.• Qualitative research approaches to data collection and data analysis, using grounded theory methods were employed.• Descriptions of the participants indicate that several strategies are used; this discussion focuses on strategies to protect themselves from further suffering.• Situations where participants use protecting strategies are identified and described.• The findings indicate how care‐recipients try to lessen the burden on their care‐givers and to protect them from the stress of the sufferer’s problems.
Enhancing lives through the development of a community‐based participatory action research programme
Authors: KOCH TINA , SELIM PAM , KRALIK DEBBIE 
Published: March 2003

• A community‐based participatory action research (PAR) programme that has spanned 5 years is discussed in this article. A primary healthcare philosophy requires research in this practice setting and supports the way healthcare is ideally organized within an integrated team and supported by a community network that includes not only the healthcare workers and service providers but also the community as partners.• The principles driving three PAR inquiries are described: the development of a model for prevention of workplace violence; working with clinicians towards improving wound management practice; and management of continence for community‐dwelling women living with multiple sclerosis.• Participatory action research is a potentially democratic process that is equitable and liberating as participants construct meaning in the process of group discussions.• We conclude that the cyclical processes inherent in PAR promote reflection and reconstruction of experiences that can lead to the enhancement of people's lives, either at an individual or community level, or both.
Young consumers’ food preferences within selected sectors of the Hospitality Spectrum
Authors: Brown Karen , McIlveen Heather , Strugnell Christopher 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn society, young consumers are influenced by an array of factors within their home, school and social environments. The adolescent period is one in which the individual becomes a more independent consumer, exerting increased degrees of independence and a subsequent freedom of preference. Such independence may be particularly apparent within the social environment, despite young consumers generally being categorized under the ‘family market’, within the Hospitality Spectrum. The aim of the study was to analyse young consumers’ food preferences within the home, school and social environments, with particular reference to the role of the Hospitality Spectrum. Young consumers for the study, are defined as being between 11 and 16 years, segmented into two age groups: 11–13 years and 14–16 years. The selected sectors of the Hospitality Spectrum which were studied, were the fast food service and school canteen sectors. In order to fulfil the research aim and objectives, a range of research instruments and analysis techniques were used. The results of the study to date would illustrate that tentative steps have been taken within the school and fast food sectors, to bridge the ‘gaps’ between business supply and consumer preferences. Gender differences were found in food selections within school canteens and fast food establishments, with females more likely to select ‘British’ styled fast foods at school and males more likely to select ethnic foods at fast‐food establishments. No significant differences were found between the two age segments. It is vital that the increasingly important role of the young consumer segment is recognized, in particular considering them as individuals rather than as a part of the ‘total’ family consumer package. However, in market segmentation young consumers are an important consumer group and it must not be overlooked that they will be the future adult consumers. The Hospitality Spectrum must therefore treat this group with respect for the consumer service industry to achieve its full potential. The results of this Northern Ireland study indicates that although the young consumer segment is viewed as important within the selected sectors of the Hospitality Spectrum, the extent of their full potential has yet to be recognized.
Establishment, competition and the distribution of native grasses among Michigan old‐fields
Authors: Foster Bryan L. 
Published: March 2003

1 In this study the potential role of competition in influencing the distribution of three displaced native perennial grasses across complex gradients of plant productivity and species composition was investigated in Michigan old‐fields. To do this plant removal and propagule addition experiments were conducted at nine old‐field sites to examine the effects of living plant neighbours and litter on seedling establishment and growth of target species in relation to community biomass. 2 For two target species, Andropogon gerardi and Schizachyrium scoparium, living plant neighbours suppressed establishment from seed at most sites, and suppressed the growth of transplants at all sites. 3 Plant litter strongly inhibited the seedling establishment of both Andropogon and Schizachyrium at sites of high community biomass and litter accumulation, but had little impact on the growth rate of transplants at any of the sites. 4 The total suppressive effect of the plant community on seedling establishment and transplant growth of both Andropogon and Schizachyrium increased in magnitude in a non‐linear fashion with community biomass. These effects increased in magnitude more rapidly across sites of low to medium biomass than sites of medium to high biomass. 5 The results suggest that these native grasses may be restricted to low productivity habitats within this landscape because of strong competitive interference with establishment by the existing vegetation in the most productive sites.
Controls over the accumulation and decline of a nitrogen‐fixing lichen,Stereocaulon vulcani, on young Hawaiian lava flows
Authors: Kurina Lianne M. , Vitousek Peter M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary1 The abundance of the nitrogen‐fixing lichen colonist,Stereocaulon vulcani, was determined on a matrix of sites on the north‐east slope of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii.2 Rates of lichen colonization and accumulation were highest at low elevation, where conditions are warm and wet, but lichens persisted longest in the colder, drier, higher elevation sites.3 An analysis of lichen abundance data from Mauna Loa's north‐east slope, together with data from sites located on different aspects of Mauna Loa volcano and Kilauea volcano, showed that lichen accumulation on the youngest lava flows was limited most strongly by precipitation rather than by temperature.4 Fertilization experiments showed that at high elevation (1800 m) rates of both nitrogen and carbon uptake were more strongly nutrient‐limited in lichens living on an older lava flow (142 years) than in lichens living on a younger lava flow (52 years). Decline ofS. vulcaniat high elevation may therefore be related to nutrient limitation.5 An 80% reduction in direct light on the younger flow at low elevation decreased rates of nitrogen assimilation and nitrogen content significantly, suggesting that lichen decline here is most probably due to light limitation as a result of shading by vascular plants.
Geographical variation in predictive seedling emergence in a perennial desert grass
Authors: Smith Steven E. , Riley Emily , Tiss John L. , Fendenheim Debra M. 
Published: March 2003

Summary 1 Mechanisms that link germination and emergence to environmental cues associated with seedling success (predictive germination) would be expected to evolve when seedlings have a greater mortality risk than seeds, but may be less important in perennial plants than in annual plants. 2 We investigated variation in predictive seedling emergence among divergent populations of a short‐lived perennial desert grass, Digitaria californica, from sites that differed in climatic and edaphic factors. This species is native to environments in which the amount and duration of adequate soil moisture may control germination and seedling establishment success. 3 We utilized a special irrigation system that permits application of a range of amounts of water within a single experiment in a glasshouse. Emergence data were subjected to probit and survival analyses to describe differences among the populations in response to applied water. 4 Significant variation in predictive emergence was shown to exist among populations of D. californica when measured as amount of water required for 50% emergence following 3 days of water application, or as time required to achieve this level of emergence. Both climatic and soil characteristics were important with populations that originated from sites with less summer precipitation, and soils with higher water‐holding capacity tended to have lower water requirements for emergence. 5 The report demonstrates the existence of subtle variation in predictive emergence among populations of a perennial grass representing a relatively narrow range of ecological amplitude. It also establishes the usefulness of line‐source irrigation and probit analysis procedures in studying seedling emergence behaviour.
The demographic role of soil seed banks. II. Investigations of the fate of experimental seeds of the desert mustard Lesquerella fendleri
Authors: Cabin Robert J. , Marshall Diane L. , Mitchell Randall J. 
Published: March 2003

Summary 1 Although poorly studied and understood, the post‐dispersal movements and fates of seeds may affect critically the subsequent structure of plant communities, particularly in desert ecosystems where seeds can be the most abundant or only viable form of many plant species. We investigated the fate of experimental seeds of the desert mustard Lesquerella fendleri by examining seed dispersal and predation, and by quantifying the proportion of seeds that germinated and survived as seedlings in three different microsites within a New Mexico desert shrubland. 2 We found very limited seed dispersal but strong density‐dependent seed predation by rodents. There was a significant and consistent microsite effect in the proportion of soil seeds germinating and seedlings surviving to the end of the experiments. We did not find a consistent microsite effect for soil seed persistence, but did find a positive correlation between soil seed persistence and soil seed germination. Overall, these results indicate that seed predation may strongly affect the distribution of the seed bank, and that the abiotic environment may largely determine the extent to which soil seed populations in turn affect the distribution of emerging surface plants. 3 We present a seed fate model that synthesizes the results of the present and previous empirical investigations of the Lesquerella study system. This diagram illustrates how interactions among the abiotic environment, microsite variation and seed genotypes can determine which soil seeds successfully germinate and establish into the surface plant population. We suggest that the demography of desert surface plant populations may depend more on the time between seed inputs and the longevity of these seeds in the soil than on the amount of seeds produced at any one point in time and space.
Population dynamics of Vulpia ciliata: regional, patch and local dynamics
Authors: Watkinson Andrew R. , Freckleton Robert P. , Forrester Lisa 
Published: March 2003

Summary 1 Data on the population dynamics of the annual grass Vulpia ciliata were collected at three levels, from the scale of the regional population down to small (10 × 10 cm) patches. We use these data to explore the degree to which fine scale processes influence large scale patterns of abundance. 2 Populations were characterized by their persistence, despite their small size. The mean half‐life of populations was estimated to be around 45 years. Most populations are small (a few m2) in area, with only a few as large as a hectare in size. 3 Population regulation occurs as a consequence of density‐dependent seedling recruitment. This reduces population growth by up to 87%. The nature of this density dependence appeared to be essentially the same across sites and years. 4 Interactions with perennial vegetation also significantly affected population dynamics, through reducing seedling recruitment and survival, and on average depressed population growth by a further 30% at one site and by up to 96% in another population. 5 Plants were aggregated and densities were positively spatially autocorrelated. This tends to buffer patches against extinction. Mean seed production per plant, was also significantly spatially autocorrelated; however, the strength of this was minor. 6 Data on small‐scale extinction showed that disturbance is an important determinant of the distribution of numbers of plants within subplots. Comparison of the distribution of subplot densities with the results of a spatial simulation model suggested that disturbance at a relatively large scale (at least 20 × 20 cm) impacts on dynamics at the population scale. 7 An integro‐difference equation model for patch expansion shows that populations are constrained to an area no larger than around 100 m2 on a time‐scale relevant to the dynamics of this species (about 20 years). 8 We conclude that the most characteristic features of dynamics at the regional scale, namely the persistence and very small spatial size of individual populations, can be readily explained by processes operating at small spatial scales.