bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns and processes in a seasonally flooded tropical plain: the Apure Llanos, Venezuela
Authors: Sarmiento Guillermo , Pinillos Marcela 
Published: March 2003

AimThe factors and processes determining the ecology and distribution of ecosystems in the Apure lowlands, Venezuela, are critically discussed.LocationThe Middle Apure region, an alluvial Quaternary plain built by the Arauca and Apure rivers, occupies a subsidence area caused by faulting of the geological basement during the last and most active phases of the Andean uplift.MethodsTo assess the determinants of the hydrological and ecological variability in this region, we used remote imagery and field surveys.ResultsThe hydrological and ecological variability responds to a set of interconnected processes of different nature: geological, climatic and paleoclimatic and hydrographic, which together have conditioned the geomorphological history of the regional landscape. This evolution, in turn, has guided the soil forming processes and the functional behaviour of the different types of savanna, forest and wetland ecosystems. The continuously subsiding trend of the Llanos that accompanied the Andean Orogeny, together with the Quaternary climatic oscillations, settled the framework in which successive depositional and erosional events took place. Five Quaternary depositional events, gave rise to the actual landscape pattern. The youngest, Q0a is the actual flood plain, Q0b is the Holocene flood plain, Q1 is from Upper Pleistocene, Q2 from Middle Pleistocene, while Q3 the oldest sedimentary material in this area, is of Lower Pleistocene age. Within each sedimentary unit, we analysed the pattern of land forms, soils and natural ecosystems. The Q0 and Q1 land units show a characteristic unstable drainage system, with frequent changes in the course of rivers and their affluents and diffluents. Soil genesis mainly correlates with the contrasting characteristics of the wet and dry tropical climate, and with the water regime of each land form on each sedimentary unit. So, a sequence from entisols, through inceptisols and alfisols, to ultisols, correlates with the sequence of land units from Q0 to Q3. Different vegetation types predominate on each land form/soil unit. Gallery forest (evergreen and semi‐evergreen) exclusively occurs on Q0a entisols, semi‐deciduous forest characterizes Q0b and Q1 inceptisols, semi‐seasonal savanna is almost entirely restricted to Q0 and Q1 units, hyperseasonal savanna widely dominates on Q2 and Q3 alfisols and ultisols, while seasonal savanna just occurs on the well‐drained Q1 and Q2 alfisols, and on dunes.Main conclusionsThe genesis and dynamics of the various land forms and soils throughout the Quaternary, provide the key to their particular hydrology, and determines the kind of plant formation able to occupy each habitat, thus explaining the complex pattern of quite different ecosystems found in the region.
Increase in the woody component of seasonal savannas under different fire regimes in Calabozo, Venezuela
Authors: Silva Juan F. , Zambrano Alexis , Fariñas Mario R. 
Published: March 2003

AimWe tested the hypothesis that exclusion from fire and cattle is responsible for the increase in tree cover in open savanna vegetation.LocationFour plots in open savanna vegetation from the Calabozo region in central Venezuela were studied. Plot A was located in a Biological Station (EBL) that was excluded from fire and cattle between 1961 and 1991, with only two burning events in 1964 and 1968. The other plots (B, C, D) were located within 2 km distance from A, in neighbouring farms with soils similar to those in A but under various regimes of land use and fire frequency.MethodsWe measured the cover of isolated trees, small tree groups and groves of each plot in 1960 and 1977 using geographic information system (GIS) and digitalized aerial photographs. Additionally, the plots were located in the field and the open grassland was sampled in 1995 for species composition and density of stems above 20 cm height. Information on land use was obtained surveying people at the farms.ResultsThere was an increase in the woody component of all plots during the 17‐year interval (1960–1977). Total woody cover in the four plots as a whole increased from 4.5% to 17.9%. All three components measured, groves, tree groups and isolated trees, increased despite differences in land use and fire frequency between plots. Contrary to our expectations, the field survey performed in 1995 showed that fire‐sensitive species were abundant in the open savanna in plots B, C and D, which were not excluded. Plot B, with the most intense agricultural use showed the highest rate of woody increase, and plot C, under extensive cattle ranching, was second. The results also showed that woody cover increased by aggregation from single trees and small tree groups into groves. As a consequence of these changes, savanna physiognomy changed from open to dense savanna parkland with a woody cover reaching over 25% in one of the four plots.ConclusionsThe results agree with other reported increases in woody cover in savannas under exclusion or with annual fires during the same time period in Africa (Dauget & Menaut, 1992). Our results support evidence from previous studies showing that fire and grazing are only part of a complex system of interacting factors affecting the structure of savanna communities.
Tree seed dispersal among forest fragments: I. Conifer plantations as seed traps
Authors: Hewitt Nina , Kellman Martin 
Published: March 2003

AimIn fragmented landscapes, the survival of plant populations may depend on sufficient rates of migration between fragments with which to counteract local extinctions. Empirical information on the plant migration process is limited because of the difficulties of directly measuring the rare medium to long‐distance dispersal events involved. The potential for hardwood tree species' seedlings growing in conifer plantations to offer `a posteriori' measures of intermediate to long‐distance dispersal events was evaluated.LocationFragmented eastern deciduous forest in a rural, agricultural landscape, Southern Ontario.MethodsTo indicate the degree to which plantations `sample' incoming seed, seedling populations were enumerated in plantations and their species composition and abundances compared with those of mature trees, the presumed seed sources, in the surrounding landscape (to 150 m distance). To further quantify the degree to which hardwood seedling populations in plantations represent seed input, seeds of twelve hardwood species were sown in pine plantations and their emergence and early seedling survival monitored for 2 years. A subset of four of these species was planted in hardwood woodlots and their survival compared with survival in plantations to indicate how well seedlings in plantations reflect colonization in deciduous forest fragments.ResultsHardwood seedling populations in plantations comprised the majority of tree species present in the surrounding landscape. Species' seedling abundances were significantly related to tree abundances around plantations. These findings indicate that most hardwood species can establish in plantations and do so in approximate proportion to the amount of seed supplied. All species produced first year seedlings in plantations, but rates of seedling survival were variable, ranging from under 5 to over 40% per species. Large‐seeded species had significantly greater seedling survival than smaller‐seeded species, suggesting that seed size—survivorship relationships could be used to adjust seedling frequencies to measure seed rain. Mean light levels photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) were significantly higher in plantations than in hardwood woodlots, yet rates of early seedling establishment were comparable between plantations and woodlots for four experimentally sown species.Main conclusionsHardwood seedlings in plantations appear to provide reasonable, although conservative, measures of dispersal to forest fragments, albeit with certain qualifications including adjustments for species' establishment abilities.
Biological images of geological history: through a glass darkly or brightly face to face?
Authors: Holloway Jeremy D. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract Aim  To explore the implications for historical biogeography of a recent review of island biogeographical theory in three main thematic areas and to suggest ways in which a synthesis between the two approaches might be achieved to the benefit of both.Location  The Indo‐Australian tropics.Theme 1  discusses the relationship of species number to area, and how the nestedness of faunas may influence the methodology used for some types of analysis and also the quality of data expected from an archipelago embracing an extreme range of island sizes.Theme 2  examines the way in which the processes of speciation may lead to development of biogeographical patterns through a complex archipelago, illustrated in particular with reference to Sulawesi where biotic enrichment from different lepidopteran groups follows predictions from island biogeographical theory. This also has implications for patterns of endemism in the archipelago, another constraint on the quality of data available for historical biogeography.Theme 3  addresses ecological determinism as an influence in development of biogeographical pattern, focusing on the theme of specificity in insect–plant relationships and the potential for parallel development of pattern in an insect group and its particular plant host group. This theme is developed with particular reference to moth and plant groups that may represent Gondwanan elements in the Oriental fauna, with an analysis of Sarcinodes, a geometrid moth genus associated with Proteaceae.Main conclusions  Prospects are assessed for the synthesis of the two approaches of island biogeography and historical biogeography. Modelling pattern development with the former may complement the methods of analysis of the latter, particularly if some satisfactory method for dating events of pattern development can also be incorporated.
Patients' experiences of chemotherapy: side‐effects associated with 5‐fluorouracil + folinic acid in the treatment of colorectal cancer
Authors: Dikken Clare , Sitzia John 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this study was to investigate the side‐effects experienced by patients with colorectal cancer receiving 5‐fluorouracil + folinic acid chemotherapy. A primary objective was to provide quantitative data on the incidence and severity of side‐effects at each cycle of chemotherapy treatment.• Twelve patients with Duke's B or Duke's C adenocarcinoma participated. Data collection was via a self‐report questionnaire listing 61 possible side‐effects. Participants completed a questionnaire following each cycle of chemotherapy.• The response rate was 100%. Seventy‐eight side‐effects were reported by the sample. Fatigue was the most common side‐effect (incidence = 97%) and achieved the highest C score (59/100). However, patients ranked mouth ulceration as the worst side‐effect overall. Several previously unreported problems were identified, including nose bleeding, change in taste and weight loss.• Although limited by a small sample size, this study suggests the problems experienced by patients undergoing 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy are many and diverse. It is concluded that investigation is needed into associations between side‐effects and the role of patient characteristics in the onset of side‐effects.
Will current clinical effectiveness initiatives encourage and facilitate practitioners to use evidence‐based practice for the benefit of their clients?
Authors: Regan Julie‐Anne 
Published: March 2003

• 1996 saw the implementation of Clinical Effectiveness Initiatives by the NHS Executive and the Royal College of Nursing to promote the use of evidence‐based care.• This paper examines whether or not nurses will be encouraged and facilitated by these initiatives to provide evidence‐based care for their clients.• Both initiatives appear to assume that the use of evidence‐based care leads to improved client care, but several issues are raised which still need to be resolved before this assumption can be made.• The NHS Executive advocates the use of randomized controlled trials as the method of choice for providing evidence of clinical effectiveness. However, this may not necessarily be the best methodology for some areas of nursing practice.• The paper concludes that the Royal College of Nursing's Clinical Effectiveness Initiative has great potential to provide the necessary motivation and facilitation, providing other professional issues are resolved.
Exploring mental health nurses' expectations and experiences of working in the community
Authors: Kipping C. J. , Hickey G. 
Published: March 2003

• As mental health care is increasingly being provided in community settings, a variety of job opportunities are becoming available to mental health nurses. The extent to which nurses' views and experiences of working in community settings have been explored, however, is limited.• This paper reports on newly qualified nurses' plans in relation to taking up work in the community and, for those who thought it likely that they would take up such work, their reasons for doing so.• Reasons for working in the community were diverse, and suggested that a range of satisfactions could be expected. The extent to which such expectations become a reality is considered in the light of findings from interviews with 12 nurses who were working in community settings.• Satisfactions and difficulties experienced by the 12 nurses are described, and suggestions for tackling some of the difficulties are made.
The prevalence and perception of pain amongst hospital in‐patients
Authors: YATES PATSY , DEWAR ANNE , EDWARDS HELEN , FENTIMAN BELINDA , NAJMAN JAKE , NASH ROBYN , RICHARDSON VAL , FRASER JENNY 
Published: March 2003

• The aim of this paper is to describe the prevalence and perceptions of pain and pain management amongst hospital in‐patients.• A cross‐sectional descriptive survey of 205 patients was conducted.• Presence and severity of pain was assessed using verbal descriptor and visual analogue scales, and perceptions of pain were assessed using multi‐item scales.• Although the severity of pain reported was consistent across age groups and clinical areas, women in the study sample were significantly more likely to report high levels of pain than men.• Differences in how men and women communicate their pain were observed, with women indicating that they were less willing to ask for help with their pain.• Results suggest that pain continues to be an important problem for a large number of men and women in hospital, and that the experience of pain impacts negatively upon their well‐being.• Gender differences in the experience of and response to pain remain important considerations for clinical nurses who have major responsibilities for the management of pain in hospitalized patients.
An evaluative study of the basic life support skills of nurses in an independent hospital
Authors: DEVLIN MICHAEL 
Published: March 2003

• This paper reports on a research study carried out in an independent hospital in the south east of England.• The aim of the study was to assess the basic life support skills of nurses in order to compare the results with those reported for nurses in public hospitals.• The findings show that the basic life support skills of the nurses studied are poor but no worse than those of their public sector colleagues.
Strategies for feeling secure influence parents’ participation in care
Authors: Kristensson‐Hallström Inger 
Published: March 2003

• This study investigates what makes parents of hospitalized children feel secure and factors influencing their level of participation. It also studies whether the degree to which parents participate affects their child’s pain and sleep during hospitalization.• Questionnaires were distributed to a series of parents whose children were discharged from two paediatric surgical wards and one paediatric medical–surgical ward at two university hospitals in Sweden.• Parental security is almost equally distributed among three given alternatives: security derived from trusting that professionals know how to take care of the child; security derived from having control over what is happening to the child; and security derived from being the one who knows the child best. Depending upon the strategy chosen, parents want to participate at different levels in their child’s care. The results indicate a relationship between parental participation and their estimation of their child’s pain.• The study confirms a pattern, developed in a previous study, in how parents adopt different strategies affecting their participation during their child’s hospitalization. Some parents who wanted to participate in more aspects of their child’s care seemed to think that their child had less pain than parents who preferred more limited participation.
The success of an integrated care programme for patients with ischaemic heart disease: the practice nurses’ perspective of SHIP
Authors: Wright Lucy , Jolly Kate , Speller Viv , Smith Helen 
Published: March 2003

• Follow‐up care of patients with angina and myocardial infarction after hospital discharge is known to be suboptimal across the UK.• The employment of cardiac liaison nurses ensured timely notification of hospital discharge and good communication of each patient’s current and planned care.• The direct ongoing support of the liaison nurse was valued by more practice nurses than educational support meetings and the initial counselling skills course.• The most important factor which enabled practice nurses to expand their role to provide post‐hospital follow‐up care was the support of the doctors in the practice.• After the conclusion of the Southampton Heart Integrated Care Project (SHIP) and the withdrawal of cardiac liaison nurses, the lack of hospital discharge notification was the most important reason for practice nurses discontinuing follow‐up care.
Stress amongst district nurses: a preliminary investigation
Authors: Rout Usha Rani 
Published: March 2003

• This paper presents the results of a pilot study investigating stress among district nurses in the north‐west of England. Nurses completed questionnaires covering job satisfaction, mental health, stress, Type A behaviour, health behaviour, coping skills and demographic details.• A specific measure of stress was developed following in‐depth interviews with primary care professionals, including district nurses. A total of 79 district nurses took part in the study. The major sources of stress isolated by the district nurses related to: time pressure, administrative responsibility, having too much to do, factors not under their control, interruptions, keeping up with National Health Service (NHS) changes, and lack of resources.• Factor analysis of stress questionnaire responses identified five major factors: demands of the job and lack of communication, working environment, problems with patients, work/home interface and social life, and career development.• The highest levels of satisfaction were reported for the amount of variety in their job and the lowest level of job satisfaction was reported for chance of promotion. The results revealed that the mental wellbeing of the nurses was higher than that of the other population groups.• Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed three major stressors that were predictive of high levels of job dissatisfaction: demands of the job and lack of communication, working environment, and career development. The implications of the findings for further research are considered.
The effect of an acute pain service on nurses’ knowledge and beliefs about post‐operative pain
Authors: Mackintosh Carolyn , Bowles Sandra 
Published: March 2003

• The management of post‐operative pain has been an area of concern for many years, with many studies focusing on the knowledge and beliefs of nurses working in this area.• Following the report of the Royal College of Surgeons & College of Anaesthetists (1990) in the UK, there has been a rapid expansion in the development of Acute Pain Services (APS) in an attempt to counter these concerns.• This descriptive study considers the possible impact the introduction of an APS had on the knowledge and beliefs of nurses working in the surgical area.• A closed‐answer questionnaire was used to replicate an earlier study ( Mackintosh, 1994) which took place before the introduction of the APS.• Findings demonstrate a consistent but mainly statistically non‐significant trend in all areas towards an improved knowledge base and more appropriate beliefs about pain.
Pain and nutrition as experienced by patients with hip fracture
Authors: Hallström Inger , Elander Gunnel , Rooke Liselotte 
Published: March 2003

• The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ experiences of care in connection with hip fracture.• The care process was examined through non‐participant observation, informal field interviews and healthcare records.• The findings showed that many factors in the healthcare services directly or indirectly influence patients’ perceptions of the quality of care. Some of these factors may depend upon a varying knowledge and empathy, while others are due to a lack of agreed protocols/procedures. Patients’ needs with respect to pain relief and nutrition are discussed.
Competence and British nursing: a view from history
Authors: Bradshaw Ann 
Published: March 2003

• In the light of current political and professional debate in the United Kingdom concerning preparing nurses for competence, this paper takes an historical perspective, and considers how nursing competence was defined historically through an analysis of statutory syllabuses and nursing textbooks 1874–1977.• Competence was perceived by nursing textbook writers to have four facets. Firstly, it involved the moral character of the nurse; secondly, it required technical knowledge, practical skill and procedure; thirdly, it depended on the role of the ward sister; and fourthly, it relied on the professional etiquette of right relationships.• The analysis shows that the traditional system of nursing competence presumed a clearly defined purpose: the production of the bedside nurse, whose function was to care for the sick person. This raises a fundamental question for nursing today: what is the purpose of the modern nurse?
Nurse–patient relationships and partnership in hospital care
Authors: McQueen Anne 
Published: March 2003

• In the reformed UK National Health Service, shaped by government initiatives ( Department of Health, 1989,
1990,
1998), those receiving health care are encouraged to take an active part in decision‐making affecting their therapy and care and to take steps to improve their health and well‐being. This is endorsed by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.• To enable this, healthcare consumers require information, education, encouragement and support, and nurses are in an ideal position to meet this need.• Fundamental to this is the formation of a trusting professional relationship, the importance of which is arguably overshadowed by more observable nursing work.• The argument here is that forming such a therapeutic relationship involves the nurse in work of an interpersonal and emotional nature that is required to be recognized in clinical practice, education and research.