bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential of agroforestry techniques in mitigating CO2emissions in Nigeria: some preliminary estimates
Authors: Adesina F. A. , Siyanbola W. O. , Oketola F. A. , Pelemo D. A. , Momodu S. A. , Adegbulugbe A. O. , Ojo L. O. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACTThis paper attempts some preliminary evaluation of the potential of agroforestry techniques as a forestry strategy for controlling atmospheric CO2—a critical greenhouse gas. Theend‐usescenario that attempts to meet the wood and related needs of the nation while mitigating climate change was adopted. The net emission estimate for the Forestry Sector in 1990—the base year for the study—was 9.5 million tonnes of carbon (MtC). Based on this figure, projections into the year 2030 gave cumulative net emissions of 427.4 and 580.5 MtC at 1.3% and 2.6% deforestation rates respectively. However, mitigating with agroforestry techniques, assuming that about 76% of the estimated 39.5 million ha of farmland in the country is committed to a variety of agroforestry systems, the results show that a total of 1530 MtC can be withdrawn from the atmosphere by the year 2030. The paper concludes that there is a reasonable case for the use of agroforestry techniques in the country, both as a means of sustaining soil productivity and as a strategy for mitigating climate change.
Phytophagous insect assemblages and the regional species pool: patterns and asymmetries
Authors: Frenzel M. , Brandl R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe describe three models predicting relationships between: (a) the taxonomic composition of the regional species pool of phytophagous insects and the composition of the phytophagous insect fauna on a host taxon; and (b) the faunal composition of two host taxa. The predictions of these models were compared with empirical data representing the regional pool of phytophages in Central Europe and the faunas of two plant taxa: the cabbage plants (Brassicaceae) and the thistles (Asteraceae: Cardueae). Three important findings emerge at a general level. (1) Different taxonomic levels of insects (orders, families, genera) of the regional pool and on the investigated host taxa are well correlated in terms of species richness, but there is no consistent trend in the variance explained by this correlation across taxonomic levels. (2) The model considering evolutionary interactions and speciation processes is consistent with patterns found in the empirical data. (3) Asymmetries in sampled species numbers of insect families on both host taxa may be accounted for by reference to the biology of these insects. We conclude that the faunas of single host taxa can provide the basis for extrapolating to the regional pool, at least at high taxonomic levels.
Toward error analysis of large‐scale forest carbon budgets
Authors: Phillips Donald L. , Brown Sandra L. , Schroeder Paul E. , Birdsey Richard A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractQuantification of forest carbon sources and sinks is an important part of national inventories of net greenhouse gas emissions. Several such forest carbon budgets have been constructed, but little effort has been made to analyse the sources of error and how these errors propagate to determine the overall uncertainty of projected carbon fluxes. We performed an error analysis for estimates of tree volume and volume change determined by repeated measurements of permanent sample plots for the South‐eastern United States as a step toward assessing errors in the carbon budget constructed by the USDA Forest Service. Error components recognized were: sampling error for sample plot selection; measurement error for tree height and diameter; and regression error for tree volume. Most of the propagated error in volume and volume change estimation was due to sampling error. Error estimates depended on the size of the area examined (single state to region) and the degree to which tree growth and recruit‐ment balanced mortality and harvesting. Approximate regional 95% confidence intervals were 3 455 073 000 ± 39 606 000 (1.1%) m3 for current growing‐stock volume, and 10 616 000 ± 4210 000 (39.7%) m3 years−1 for growing‐stock volume change. These methods should be useful in further analysis of the sources of error and overall uncertainty in national efforts to quantify carbon fluxes associated with forests and land cover dynamics.
The role of the terrestrial biosphere in Holocene carbon cycle dynamics
Authors: Beerling D. J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMeasurements of atmospheric CO2 concentration, and its stable carbon isotope composition, from gas samples trapped in ice at Taylor Dome, Antarctica, indicate that the global carbon cycle has not been in steady state during the Holocene epoch. Inverse carbon cycle modelling has led to the hypothesized cumulative release from the terrestrial biosphere of 195 Gt C between 7 and 1 kyr before present (bp). Here, three independent lines of evidence testing this hypothesis are critically examined: global reconstructions of terrestrial carbon reservoirs, vegetation–climate modelling, and high latitude subfossil plant stable carbon isotope records. Despite inherent uncertainties associated with each approach, it emerges that none strongly upholds the suggestion that terrestrial ecosystems released large amounts of carbon between 7 and 1 kyr bp. Consequently, our understanding of the processes involved in the exchange of CO2 between the atmosphere, oceans and land biota continues to remain incomplete and to require further investigation.
The littoral fish assemblage of the Desventuradas Islands (Chile) has zoogeographical affinities with the Western Pacific
Authors: Pequeño Germán , Lamilla Julio 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA systematic account of fish species inhabiting waters surrounding the Desventuradas Islands, off Chile, is presented. The 61 species recognized belong to 33 families of Osteichthyes, and one of Chondrichthyes (Squalidae). It was found that the icthyofaunal links were stronger to the Western Pacific (90.7%) than to the Eastern Pacific (6.9%), despite the fact that these islands are much closer to the South American coast than to the coasts of Oceania. Hydrographic and physical barriers are postulated as explaining this pattern.
Floristics and environmental relations in two extreme desert zones of western Egypt
Authors: Abd El‐Ghani Monier M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract

The present study provides quantitative estimates of soil, vegetation structure and species distribution in 144 stands along two transects in two extreme desert zones of western Egypt. This study had two aims: (1) to describe the floristic composition of the accidental type of vegetation growing in parts of the Western Desert of Egypt; and (2) to analyse the distribution of species in relation to certain environmental factors by multivariate data analysis.
Eight environmental variables were recorded: salinity, pH, calcium carbonate, soil moisture, organic matter content, and percentages of sand, silt and clay. A total of 60 species belonging to 19 families of the angiosperms and Ephedra alata was recorded. Chamaephytes and therophytes were the most frequent, denoting a typical desert life‐form spectrum, mainly of Saharo‐Arabian distribution.
The samples were classified into eight twinspan groups. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) showed that these groups could be distinguished by the first two DCA axes. They could also be effectively interpreted and explained with canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Based on forward regression, salinity, fine sediments, organic matter and soil moisture content related closely to the first three canonical axes, and accounted for 84.1% of the species–environment relationship among the stands.
Both classification and ordination resulted in a clear demonstration of the vegetation pattern in the study area. Other twinspan groups were characterized in addition to those identified previously. In conclusion, the study area has a transitional character where the Nubian Desert and the Northern Mediterranean vegetation meet.
The effects of cadexomer iodine paste in the treatment of venous leg ulcers compared with hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing
Authors: Hansson MD, PhD Carita ,   The Cadexomer Iodine Study Group
Published: March 2003

Background The aim was to examine cadexomer iodine paste in a comparative clinical trial. Methods A 12‐week, randomized, open, controlled, multicenter, multinational trial in patients with exudating, venous leg ulcers of cadexomer iodine paste (Iodosorb®/Iodoflex®), hydrocolloid dressing (Duoderm E®, Granuflex E®), or paraffin gauze dressing (Jelonet®) was carried out. All patients used short‐stretch compression bandages (Comprilan®) throughout the study. The primary efficacy variable was a reduction in ulcer size (%), and the secondary end‐point was the time taken to stop exudation, when the patient had completed the study according to the protocol. A total of 153 patients entered the study and were treated for 12 weeks or until cessation of exudation. Results The mean reduction in ulcer size in all patients was 62% with cadexomer iodine vs. 41% and 24% for hydrocolloid and paraffin gauze (ns). Of those treated for 12 weeks (n =51), ulcer area reduction was 66% for cadexomer iodine and 18% for hydrocolloid (p =0.0127). For the whole material, the rate of healing (ulcer area reduction per week) was significantly higher for cadexomer iodine than for paraffin gauze (0.64 cm2/week vs. 0.19 cm2/week, p = 0.0353). The treatment costs were similar in all groups; however, when the costs were correlated with healing over a 12‐week period, cadexomer iodine paste was found to be more cost effective than hydrocolloid dressing or paraffin gauze dressing. Conclusions This study shows that cadexomer iodine paste is an efficient, cost‐effective and safe alternative to hydrocolloid dressing and paraffin gauze dressing for the treatment of venous leg ulcers.
Once‐daily desloratadine improves the signs and symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ring Johannes , Hein Rüdiger , Gauger Anke , Bronsky Edwin , Miller Bruce ,   and the Desloratadine Study Group
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is the most common type of chronic urticaria, and pruritus is the most prominent symptom. Antihistamines are the first‐line treatment for CIU. Sedation and anticholinergic adverse effects are often experienced with the first‐generation antihistamines and there is a risk of cardiovascular adverse effects and drug interactions with some second‐generation agents. Hence, new treatment options are needed. Desloratadine is a new, potent, nonsedating antihistamine that has an excellent cardiovascular safety profile.Methods  This was a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study designed to determine the efficacy and safety of desloratadine in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe CIU. A total of 190 patients, aged 12–79 years, with at least a 6‐week history of CIU and who were currently experiencing a flare of at least moderate severity, were randomly assigned to therapy with desloratadine 5 mg or placebo once daily for 6 weeks. Twice daily, patients rated the severity of CIU symptoms (pruritus, number of hives, and size of largest hive), as well as the impact of CIU symptoms on sleep and daily activity. Patients and investigators jointly evaluated therapeutic response and overall condition. Safety evaluations included the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events, discontinuations due to adverse events, and changes from baseline in vital signs, laboratory parameters, and ECG intervals.Results  Desloratadine was superior to placebo in controlling pruritus and total symptoms after the first dose and maintained this superiority to the end of the study. Measures of sleep, daily activity, therapeutic response, and global CIU status were also significantly better with desloratadine after the first dose; these clinical benefits were also maintained throughout the 6‐week study. No significant adverse events occured.Conclusions  Desloratadine 5 mg daily is a safe and effective treatment for CIU with significant benefits within 24 h and maintained through the treatment period.
Minority ethnic community participation in needs assessment and service development in primary care: perceptions of Pakistani and Bangladeshi people about psychological distress
Authors: Kai Joe , Hedges Clive 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To promote community participation in exploring perceptions of psychological distress amongst Pakistani and Bangladeshi people, in order to develop appropriate services. Design Training and facilitation of resident community members (as community project workers), to define and conduct qualitative research involving semistructured interviews in their own communities, informing primary care led commissioning and service decision making. Setting A socio‐economically disadvantaged inner‐city locality in the UK. Participants One‐hundred and four South Asian people (49 of Pakistani and 55 of Bangladeshi origin), interviewed by 13 resident community members. Results All community project workers completed training leading to a National Vocational Qualification, and successfully executed the research. Most study respondents located their main sources of stress within pervasive experience of racism and socio‐economic disadvantage. They were positive about `talking' and neutral listening as helpful, but sought strategies beyond non‐directive counselling services that embraced practical welfare advice and social support. The roles of primary health care professionals were believed to be restricted to physical ill health rather than personal distress. The importance of professionals' sex, age, ethnicity and social status were emphasized as affecting open communication. Practical recommendations for the re‐orientation and provision of services were generated and implemented in response to the findings, through dialogue with a primary care commissioning group, Health and Local Authority, and voluntary agencies. Conclusions The work illustrates the feasibility and value of a community participation approach to research and service development in addressing a challenging and neglected area of minority ethnic health need. It offers one model for generating responsive service change in the context of current health policy in the UK, whilst also imparting skills and empowering community members. The study findings emphasize the need to recognize the social contexts in which distress is experienced and have implications for effective responses.
What do people with MS want and expect from health‐care services?
Authors: Somerset Maggie , Campbell Rona , Sharp Deborah J. , Peters Tim J. 
Published: March 2003

Objective To determine the health‐care preferences of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Design Cross‐sectional survey using a postal questionnaire comprising standardized measures of health related quality of life (SF‐36) and of depression (BDI) and original questions about issues linked to health‐care, prioritized by people with MS during an earlier qualitative phase. Participants A stratified sample of 318 people with MS in Scotland and England. Results Questionnaires were sent to 471 people with multiple sclerosis. The 318 respondents (68%) reported a wide variation in quality of life, but on average scored significantly lower than normative values in all dimensions of the SF‐36. The most commonly used home treatment during the previous year was evening primrose oil, taken by almost half of the sample (47%). Use of cannabis was acknowledged by 8%. There was evidence that many preferences concerning health services were not satisfied. For instance lack of advice about at least one MS related issue was reported lacking for three‐quarters of the sample and 17% lacked advice in at least five areas. Advice about exercise was the single most requested area. The most frequently consulted health professional was the GP (78%) followed by the hospital consultant (50%). The professional that respondents most commonly said they would like to have seen was a specialist MS nurse (30%). Forty‐three percent of the sample said they had attended a special meeting for people with MS or disabilities. They were equally divided between those who did and who did not find their last attendance helpful. Conclusions People with MS display a wide variation in their preference for services and unmet needs. Information about management (both conventional and unconventional), relevant tailored advice and access to appropriately skilled professionals should be feasible components of high quality care. This work has highlighted the value of involving people with MS in the identification of their preferences; further research is needed to show how these might be provided most effectively.
Women’s preferences for discussion of prognosis in early breast cancer
Authors: Lobb Elizabeth A. , Kenny Dianna T. , Butow Phyllis N. , Tattersall Martin H.N. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives To determine preference for prognostic information in women with early breast cancer. Design Cross sectional survey. Participants 100 women with early stage breast cancer attending six teaching hospitals in Sydney, Australia. Main outcome measures Women’s preference for prognostic information. Results This study identifies new elements to consider in the prognostic consultation. Whilst 91% of women wanted to know their prognosis prior to commencing adjuvant treatment, 63% wanted their cancer specialist to check with them first before giving it. Seventy‐seven percent wanted to be asked if they would like a second opinion. Seventy‐five percent wanted to know about complementary therapies. Most wanted their cancer specialist to check their understanding, provide an opportunity to ask questions, and explain medical terms (98%). The majority wanted information summarized (94%), supported by published information (88%) and written down (79%). Ninety‐seven percent wanted their fears and concerns listened to and 79% wanted emotional support. In addition 80% of women wanted their cancer specialist to tell them where they could go to get additional emotional support for themselves and their families. Seventy‐two percent of women wanted their cancer specialist to make sure they had a relative or friend with them. Conclusions Data from this study suggests that a variety of techniques are needed to communicate prognosis. Whilst acknowledging individual women’s preferences, and not wanting to appear prescriptive, recommendations emerge for effective discussion of prognosis with women with early stage breast cancer.
Conversation analysis: a method for research into interactions between patients and health‐care professionals
Authors: Drew Paul , Chatwin John , Collins Sarah 
Published: March 2003

Background It is clear that much of the success of health‐care provision depends on the quality of interactions between health professionals and patients. For instance, it is widely recognized that patients are more likely to take medication effectively if they have been involved in discussions about treatment options, and understand and support the decision about what is prescribed (patient concordance). Hence, patient participation is important for the success of medical outcomes. The key is to explore how communicative choices made by health professionals impact on the quality of interactions in general, and of patient participation in particular. However, to date there has not been an appropriate method for investigating this connection or impact. Objective To outline the perspective and method of Conversation Analysis (CA). Developed within sociology and linguistics, CA offers a rigorous method (applicable to large data sets) to the study of interaction in health settings. Strategy The method of CA is illustrated through a review of CA studies of doctor–patient interactions. Two such studies, one from the US and the other from Finland, are reviewed, in order to show how CA can be applied to identifying both forms of patient participation, and the interactional conditions which provide opportunities for patient participation. These studies focus principally on the medical examination and diagnostic stages of the consultation. Further research will examine the forms and conditions of patient participation in decision‐making.
A qualitative exploration of treatment decision‐making role preference in adult asthma patients
Authors: Caress Ann‐Louise , Luker Karen , Woodcock Ashley , Beaver Kinta 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectives  To explore preferred treatment decision‐making roles, and rationales for role preference, and to identify perceived facilitators to and barriers from attaining preferred role.Design  Qualitative design.Setting and Participants  One secondary care and four primary care sites in North‐west England. Purposive sample of 32 adult asthma patients with varied socio‐economic backgrounds and disease severity.Methods  Tape‐recorded focused‐conversation style interviews. Interview topic guide derived from the literature. Sort cards employed to provide the focus for exploration of role preferences.Results  Active (n = 7), collaborative (n = 11) and passive (n = 14) decisional role preferences were identified. Respondents cited level of knowledge; trust; duration of condition; severity of condition at the decisional juncture; lifelong nature of asthma; a perception that ‘it is my body’; characteristics of the individual and their response to health professionals as influencing role preference. Perceived facilitators and barriers to participation included condition‐related knowledge, practical issues (e.g. lack of time during consultation) and clinicians' interpersonal skills.Conclusions  Most respondents wished to contribute to or feel involved in treatment decision‐making, but not necessarily to control it. Some hindrances to participation would be amenable to intervention. The quality of the provider–patient relationship is central to facilitating participation.
Responding to the active and passive patient: flexibility is the key
Authors: Brown Rhonda F. , Butow Phyllis N. , Henman Michael , Dunn Stewart M. , Boyle Francis , Tattersall Martin H.N. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground  Patients vary widely in their preferences and capacity for participation in medical decision‐making. This study aimed to document oncologist responses to more extreme presentations and identify helpful and unhelpful strategies for clinicians.Patients and methods  A trained actor played the role of a patient with early stage breast cancer who was attending her first consultation with a medical oncologist. She adopted in random order two different consultation participation styles: that of a very anxious, active patient, and that of a depressed, passive patient. Medical consultations between the actor and 16 medical oncologists were videotaped and then analysed qualitatively by two trained raters.Results  Strategies that facilitated shared decision‐making with both patient types and were positively endorsed by the actor/patient included explicit agenda‐setting, active listening, checking understanding, endorsing question‐asking, offering decisional delay, and non‐verbal behaviours conveying empathy and warmth. Oncologists successfully negotiated with the active patient to share control of the consultation, and responded to emotional cues from the passive patient. Unhelpful strategies were also identified.Conclusions  Few clinicians receive training in responding to differing communication styles in their patients that could potentially cause conflict and hinder optimal treatment decision‐making. This study suggests some useful strategies for oncologists to consider, to widen their behavioural repertoire in the cancer consultation.