bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The elevational gradient of Andean plant endemism: varying influences of taxon‐specific traits and topography at different taxonomic levels
Authors: Kessler Michael 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim Little is known about the elevational gradient of plant endemism. It is mostly assumed that patterns are determined by topographical factors such as area of elevational belts and degree of habitat fragmentation, but comparative studies of different plant taxa along the same elevational gradient are lacking. The aim was to compare the elevational patterns of plant endemism of the entire flora and selected families and genera in a search for commonalities.Methods The elevational patterns of endemism for the entire Ecuadorean vascular plant flora, for twenty‐seven selected families, and for twenty‐four selected genera based on the Catalogue of Vascular Plants of Ecuador were analysed.Results Elevational patterns of endemism were non‐random at all taxonomic levels but there was no common elevational pattern. Rather, the study groups showed a wide variety of independent patterns at all taxonomic levels. Most groups had hump‐shaped patterns with maxima at different elevations and mostly at the same or at higher elevations than the maxima of species richness. The overall flora showed highest endemism in the narrowest and most fragmented elevational belts, presumably because of the consequent fragmentation of species populations.Main conclusions Patterns of endemism appear to be influenced both by taxon‐specific ecological traits (e.g. life form, reproduction, dispersal, demography, spatial population structure, competitive ability) in their specific interaction with historical processes and by environmental factors such as topographical fragmentation. The degree to which these influences become visible along the elevational gradient are determined by which combination of species is analysed: for a given genus or family, taxon‐specific traits dominate the patterns, for the entire flora taxon‐specific patterns are blurred by averaging and the signal of topography emerges. Beyond the elevational gradient as such, this study shows that the frequently stated assumption that given biogeographical settings lead to similar patterns of endemism among different taxa is wrong.
Latitudinal shifts in body size of Enallagma cyathigerum (Odonata)
Authors: Johansson Frank 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim  Survey of the latitudinal body size pattern for populations of Enallagma cyathigerum (Odonata) across a south‐north transect.Location  A transect covering the whole distribution range from south to north across Europe was sampled.Methods  Newly emerged adults were collected from five major sites across Europe and one to four localities were sampled within each site. In total 253 adults were collected from fourteen localities. Body size was measured using thorax length, length of right front wing and length of right hind tibia. These body size estimates were thereafter related to latitude and mean temperature in January and July.Results  Body size showed a U‐shaped pattern with latitude, being large at low and high latitudes and small at intermediate latitudes. The same U‐shaped pattern was found for mean January and July temperature, with large animals at low and high temperatures.Conclusion  The U‐shaped relationship between body size and latitude is suggested to be a combination of two effects: (1) the length of the season favourable for growth and development, and (2) variation in life cycle length with latitude.
Historical biogeography of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific, or the generality of unrooted area networks as historical biogeographic hypotheses
Authors: van Welzen Peter C. , Turner Hubert , Hovenkamp Peter 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim Unrooted area networks are perhaps a general way in which different historical biogeographical patterns may be combined.Location Southeast Asia up to the West Pacific, Australia, South America.Methods Unrooted area networks based on Primary Brooks Parsimony Analysis of different data sets of Southeast Asian–West Pacific, Australian and South American clades.Results A large Brooks Parsimony historical (cladistic) biogeographic analysis of Southeast Asia and the West Pacific gave a meaningful result when all clades (representing different historical biogeographic patterns) were united into one matrix and an unrooted area network was produced. This network showed geographically adjacent areas as neighbours, which is interpreted as clades dispersing and speciating as soon as areas rafted towards each other. This pseudo‐vicariance mechanism, together with the very limited, mainly linear dispersal possibilities, a few large, widespread clades with many endemic species, and the large overlap in distributions displayed by different patterns, may explain the peculiar result. When applied to examples from other areas (bird data from Australia and South America), unrooted area networks for all data perform very poorly.Main conclusions Unrooted historical general area networks are not universally applicable. In general, it is better to split historical patterns a priori and analyse them separately.
Nursing intervention to increase hope in cancer patients
Authors: Rustøen Tone , Hanestad Berit Rokne 
Published: March 2003

• Hope is considered to be of great significance for people diagnosed as having cancer, and is thus an important aspect of nursing care. It is therefore of value to document ways in which hope can be strengthened in these patients.• An intervention programme based on Nowotny's (1986) definition of hope and designed to increase hope in groups of cancer patients with the nurse as the group leader was developed.• The intervention was divided into eight sessions, each of which focused on a different aspect of hope. These included: belief in oneself and one's own ability, emotional reactions, relationships with others, active involvement, spiritual beliefs and values, and acknowledging that there is a future.• By focusing on these aspects through interactional processes in the group, it was thought that the participants' hope could be strengthened.
Stroke patients' perceptions of hospital nursing care
Authors: MACDUFF  
Published: March 2003

• While nursing remains uncertain about the nature of its role in stroke rehabilitation, recent research by social scientists re‐affirms its importance.• This study explored a small number of stroke patients' perceptions of hospital nursing care in order to illuminate the meaning of the role in practice.• Informants' early experiences of nursing care in general medical and care of the elderly assessment wards were dominated by having the necessary done, while nursing in the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit was characterized by a do it yourself approach.• These two concepts are explored in detail and related to the existing literature, suggesting some specific areas for practice development and research.
Quality of life after renal transplantation
Authors: Fisher Rachel , Gould Dinah , Wainwright Steven , Fallon Maureen 
Published: March 2003

•End stage renal disease (ESRD) inevitably reduces the life‐span of its victims. The treatment of choice for many patients is transplantation but this does not effect a cure. Its aim is to improve renal function and thus to enhance the patient's ability to enjoy as full a life as possible. However, surprisingly little research has been concerned with quality of life after transplantation.•A small‐scale, exploratory study employing a qualitative design was undertaken to compare stress and quality of life between five patients with ESRD awaiting transplantation and five patients who had received a graft within the previous 6 months.•The desire to undergo transplantation was fuelled by patients' perceived need to `get off dialysis' and to `lead a normal life'.•All patients had received abundant technical information about renal transplantation and pre‐operative preparation but information concerning the negative effects of transplantation, including the side‐effects of medication appeared lacking. It was not possible to determine whether this information had not been supplied or had been offered but forgotten or denied.•For pre‐transplantation patients the main sources of stress were the need to undergo dialysis, awaiting the summons to hospital and the social isolation imposed by having a chronic condition such as constant fatigue. Post‐transplantation patients were remarkably free of anxiety considering the impositions placed upon them by frequent clinic attendance to monitor their condition.•Quality of life improved dramatically after transplantation despite the persistence of renal symptoms and patients felt privileged to have been offered this treatment option.
Facing uncertainty and possible death: the Christian patients' experience
Authors: HAWLEY GEORGINA 
Published: March 2003

• This paper presents the hospital experience of a group of coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients.• A description of the qualitative methodology is given.• The participants' experience was identified as facing uncertainty and possible death.• Excerpts from interviews are given.• The participants coped with the situation by praying or having others pray on their behalf.• Their uncertainty and possible death was affected by the conditions of: available support; environment; credible authority; information; belief; and their psychophysiological status at the time.
Role transition from staff nurse to clinical nurse specialist: a case study
Authors: Glen Sally , Waddington Kathryn 
Published: March 2003

• Over the last decade, nursing in the United Kingdom has witnessed a major development and expansion in the number of Clinical Nurse Specialists.• These nurses are considered to be experts in their own specialities, have in‐depth knowledge and provide a service for patients, relatives and staff.• There is, however, a paucity of literature relating to role transition from experienced Staff Nurse to Clinical Nurse Specialist.• Using Nicholson's (1984) model of work‐role transition and Wanous' (1992) four‐stage model of organizational socialization, this study explores the transition of two nurses from experienced Staff Nurses to novice Clinical Nurse Specialists.
The psychological consequences of source isolation: a review of the literature
Authors: GAMMON  
Published: March 2003

• Source isolation can be an extremely frightening and anxiety provoking experience. With the many epidemiological changes that are prevalent in the UK today the need to care for individuals in source isolation is becoming increasingly important to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals.• However, the psychological effects of source isolation are not well understood or researched.• This review defines and examines the historical developments of source isolation and then discusses related research which suggests possible effects of source isolation on an individual's psychological well‐being.• Research which has determined the effects of sensory deprivation and social isolation are discussed, together with literature on the intensive care syndrome.• This review highlights the lack of research on the psychological effects of source isolation. Furthermore, literature and research on related aspects of isolation suggests very serious effects are noted on the psychological well‐being of individuals.• Whilst a cessation of source isolation is not an option, urgent research is required to examine what nurse interventions can be implemented to ameliorate these negative effects.
Paediatric nurses, children and the development of trust
Authors: BRICHER GILLIAN 
Published: March 2003

• Nurses in paediatric settings work hard to develop trusting relationships with the children in their care.• There are, however, barriers to these trusting relationships, because nurses are often involved in painful or frightening procedures for children, and sometimes parents may hamper the development of trust between nurse and child.• Nurses use a range of strategies to try and gain confidence and co‐operation from children, but recognize that at times it is necessary to simply restrain and carry on.• In exploring the experiences of paediatric nurses, it became evident that the need to carry out painful procedures while trying to maintain relationships with children was taken for granted in this type of practice setting.• What did not appear evident to the nurses was the dichotomy that they viewed trust as really important, but considered breaking trust to be essential.
Documentation practices of nurses in long‐term care
Authors: MARTIN ANTOINETTE , HINDS CORA , FELIX MARGOT 
Published: March 2003

• Documentation of nursing care is an important source of reference and communication between nurses and other health care providers.• This article describes a study of the documentation practices of nurses in a long‐term care institution.• Results revealed a number of positive aspects of nurses' documentation practices and areas requiring modification or change which could be facilitated through redesigning the documentation system.• Implications for professional practice are discussed, which include the need for a concise, non‐duplicating system of documentation, and the importance of nursing documentation in support of evidence‐based practice.
An exploration of the stroke co‐ordinator role
Authors: Burton Christopher R. 
Published: March 2003

• Although there is knowledge of the substantial benefits of collaborative approaches to stroke rehabilitation, information on alternative management strategies is sparse.• This paper describes an exploratory survey, undertaken in the north‐west of England, to highlight features of the stroke co‐ordinator role.• The role is explored in terms of rehabilitation management and service development. Some strategies to support practitioners in the role, and areas for role development, are suggested.
Health effects of work schedules in healthcare professions
Authors: Poissonnet Claude Michèle , Véron Monique 
Published: March 2003

• Increasing variety in working patterns and the appearance of new forms of shift schedules in the different occupational sectors, including health services, have raised great concern about the quality of working life and job performance.• The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of the literature on the effects on health of irregular schedules in healthcare professionals.• Computer and manual searches of databases, and discussion with experts, were used to identify relevant studies.• No conclusive evidence was found to favour any particular work system, although there is evidence that extended workdays (9–12 h) should be avoided as much as possible.• There is need for carefully designed studies in order to evaluate the long‐term consequences of work schedules in healthcare workers.
Critical care nurses’ decision‐making activities in the natural clinical setting
Authors: Bucknall Tracey K. 
Published: March 2003

• This article reports on observation of 18 nurses in urban and rural based critical care settings.• The purpose of the study was to observe and describe the decision‐making activities of critical care nurses within natural clinical settings.• During the 2‐hour observation, the researcher dictated a detailed commentary on to audio‐tape of each nurse’s actions. Tapes were transcribed and subjected to content analysis.• Findings indicated three main categories of decisions. Decision frequencies were linked to nurses’ critical care experience, appointment level, and location, as well as nursing shifts.• The findings are discussed in relation to previous empirical evidence and the implications for practice.• The author concludes that future research should be directed towards measuring the contextual influences on nurses’ decision‐making on the outcome of patient care.
Patients with operable oesophageal cancer: their experience of information‐giving in a regional thoracic unit
Authors: Mills Moyra E. , Sullivan Kate 
Published: March 2003

• A qualitative descriptive study was developed to gain an insight into the experiences of patients with operable cancer of the oesophagus and the information they received.• Through semistructured interviews, participants related details about different aspects of information‐giving.• Key sources of information were the consultant surgeon and other patients. Nurses, other medical staff, physiotherapists and dieticians were then mentioned. Family/friends were poor sources.• Positive and negative aspects of the verbal and written information given were described, but there was minimal support for audiovisual information.• Participants were given information relating to a number of key areas: treatment details, side‐effects, extent of their disease, cure and prognosis and return to normality.• A number of problem areas were identified.• The findings indicate a need for a thoracic nurse specialist, updating of the information booklet and development of a staff education programme.
A pilot study to examine the relationships of dyspnoea, physical activity and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Woo Kevin 
Published: March 2003

• A descriptive‐correlational design was used to examine the relationships between dyspnoea, physical activity, and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lazarus and Folkman’s theory of stress, appraisal, and coping provided a framework to guide the study.• Dyspnoea was measured by a vertical visual analogue scale, fatigue by the Fatigue subscale of the Profile of Mood States, and physical activity by the six‐minute walk (6MW) test and an open‐ended question.• A convenience sample of seven male and 15 female patients with COPD provided data for analysis.• The sample was characterized by relatively high forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) indicating mild lung impairment and high mean levels of fatigue and dyspnoea.• No significant gender difference was found in the ratings of dyspnoea and fatigue and the 6MW distance.• Dyspnoea, physical activities, and fatigue were all significantly inter‐related (P < 0.001).• Results indicated that the higher the dyspnoea scores, the shorter the 6MW distance walked, and the higher the fatigue scores.• Limitations and suggestions for nursing practice and future research are presented.
Compliance of adolescents with chronic disease
Authors: Kyngäs Helvi 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this paper is to describe the factors that affect compliance in adolescents with a chronic illness and to compare compliance and factors connected to compliance between adolescents with asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).• The data were collected by questionnaire. Altogether 1200 individuals were selected from the Finnish Social Insurance Institution’s register. The response percentage was 88 (n=1061).• One‐fifth (23%) of adolescents with chronic disease felt that they had complied fully with health regimens, while 60% placed themselves in the category of satisfactory compliance and the remaining 17% reported poor compliance.• In each patient group compliance was promoted by good motivation, a strong sense of normality, a positive attitude towards the disease and treatment, energy and will‐power, experience of results, support from the parents, nurses and physicians, and a feeling that the disease was not a threat to social well‐being.
The development of clinical competencies for use on a paediatric oncology nursing course using a nominal group technique
Authors: Gibson Faith , Soanes Louise 
Published: March 2003

• This paper outlines the development of a competency model to be used to assess clinical competence during a post‐registration specialist course.• A nominal group technique was used to gather data about the detailed practice of paediatric oncology nurses.• The nominal group technique was chosen to achieve consultation and consensus with a professional group.• The six steps from undertaking the nominal group technique to implementation are described in detail.• Some reflections on the use of competency statements are offered.
Patients’ views of a new nurse‐led continence service
Authors: Shaw Christine , Williams Kate S. , Assassa R. Phil 
Published: March 2003

• This study used qualitative methods to assess patients’ views of a new nurse‐led continence service that was being evaluated in a randomized trial as part of the Leicestershire Medical Research Council (MRC) Incontinence Study.• The service was provided by a team of five nurses who had received a 3‐month training programme on the assessment procedures and the evidence‐based practice protocols.• In‐depth qualitative interviews were carried out by four trained interviewers with 23 respondents, seven male & 16 female (mean age 58 years), and were analysed using NUD*IST software.• The main themes to emerge were related to the interpersonal skills and technical skills of the nurse and how these impacted on the effectiveness of treatment.• An informal, friendly approach by nurses with good communication skills relieved patients’ embarrassment and anxiety, giving them confidence and trust in the nurses, thus facilitating information exchange and effectiveness of care.• Good communication skills conveyed the nurses’ specialist technical skills and knowledge, encouraging patient compliance with treatments.
Compliance and its evaluation in patients with hypertension
Authors: Lahdenperä Tiina S. , Kyngäs Helvi A. 
Published: March 2003

• Compliance has been evaluated from a wide range of scientific perspectives since 1950. The fact that there are many concepts referring to ‘compliance’ (such as ‘adherence’ and ‘commitment’) and that there is no agreement on a commonly accepted definition of the concept complicates evaluation.• This paper aims to describe the ways in which the compliance of hypertensive patients has been defined and evaluated in earlier studies. The material was collected from the MEDLINE and
CINAHL databases and analysed using content analysis.• The review indicates that the concepts used in evaluating compliance of hypertensive patients vary considerably and that the most commonly used is ‘compliance’. Regardless of the concept used, the methods of measurement and results of the studies indicate that compliance is conceived as observance of health‐related advice given by healthcare personnel.• This knowledge can be used in the evaluation of hypertensive patients’ compliance in general and in developing the measurement of compliance.
The experience of practice development: an exploratory telephone interview study
Authors: Garbett Rob , Mccormack Brendan 
Published: March 2003

•  Practice development is a widely used term within British nursing. However, there is a lack of consistency and clarity in the way that the term is used.•  A small‐scale qualitative telephone interview study was therefore conceived to explore practitioners’ views of practice development.•  Qualitative telephone interviews were carried out with 26 nurses working in a range of settings and roles around the UK. Informants reported varying degrees of awareness of practice development roles and activities ranging from little awareness to being closely involved.•  Most informants seemed to place more emphasis on issues of personal development and educational aspects of practice development than is found in the literature.•  Practice development staff were seen as having a range of functions ranging from working with individual practitioners to the co‐ordination of education and training within an organization. The credibility of practice development staff was closely related to their clinical experience and ability.