Thinking from Experience in Psychosocial Practice: Reclaiming and Teaching ‘Use of Self’

A course based on psychosocial theory and students' experiences in practice has been taught in the UK, Norway and Quebec. It departs from the classical social work concept ‘use of self’ and aims to help novices in health and social work to understand how the social world is internalised and re-produced and the value of thinking from experience. International developments such as, competency-based education, New Public Management and evidence-based practice reduce opportunities for experiential learning. This trend has been exacerbated by a focus on anti-oppressive practice without a corresponding understanding of how oppressive relations are internalized and enacted by defended and conflicted subjects. Attempts to rectify a relational deficit through traditions of reflective practice and critical reflection are important developments, but could be further strengthened by psychosocial and psychodynamic perspectives. The course combines critical, contextual and relational thinking for students in caring profession

First report of Halopeltis (Rhodophyta, Rhodymeniaceae) from the non-tropical Northern Hemisphere: H. adnata (Okamura) comb. nov. from Korea, and H. pellucida sp. nov. and H. willisii sp. nov. from the North Atlantic

Using genetic sequencing (COI-5P, LSU, rbcL) to elucidate their phylogenetic positions and then morphological characters to distinguish each from existing species, three procumbent species, including two novel species, from warm temperate Northern Hemisphere waters are added to the recently resurrected genus Halopeltis J. Agardh: H. adnata (Okamura) comb. nov. from Korea, H. pellucida sp. nov. from Bermuda and H. willisii sp. nov. from North Carolina, USA. Prior to these reports, the genus was confined to the Southern Hemisphere and tropical equatorial waters of the Northern Hemisphere although the latter records lack molecular confirmation. These three additional species join the six known species presently residing in Halopelti

Psychosoma in crisis: an autoethnographic study of medically unexplained symptoms and their diverse contexts

In this study, we examine autoethnographic data from three critical incidents as experienced by the first author demonstrating the importance of context in understanding medically unexplained symptoms, their incidence and underlying patterns. We make the case for ethnographies as a crucial research strand in discerning the finer aspects of the patient or client experience; aspects that might be missed where people are directed along protocolised pathways of care. The article describes care as fragmented and depersonalising, leading to disembodied exchanges, as reflected in other autoethnographic studies, particularly those that highlight the complex relationship and controversies surrounding diagnostic uncertainty. We observe that psychological therapists, given the quality of the therapeutic relationship and sustained attention to the person?s experience, are well placed to assist in the necessary processes of re-contextualisation and re-embodiment

Biology and ecology of the invasive lionfishes, Pterois miles and Pterois volitans

The Indo-Pacific lionfishes, Pterois miles and P. volitans, are now established along the U.S. southeast coast, Bermuda, Bahamas, and are becoming established in the Caribbean. While these lionfish are popular in the aquarium trade, their biology and ecology are poorly understood in their native range. Given the rapid establishment and potential adverse impacts of these invaders, comprehensive studies of their biology and ecology are warranted. Here we provide a synopsis of lionfish biology and ecology including invasion chronology, taxonomy, local abundance, reproduction, early life history and dispersal, venomology, feeding ecology, parasitology, potential impacts, and control and management. This information was collected through review of the primary literature and published reports and by summarizing current observations. Suggestions for future research on invasive lionfish in their invaded regions are provided

Gracilaria parva sp. nov. (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) a Diminutive Species from the Tropical Eastern Pacific

DNA sequencing of the plastid encoded rbcL gene supported by morpho-anatomical features reveals Gracilaria parva sp. nov. from Panama and Ecuador in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. In the rbcL phylogram, G. parva occurs in a clade sister to the western Atlantic species G. galatensis. Morphologically and anatomically, G. parva is distinguished from two similar, described tropical eastern Pacific species, G. brevis and G. veleroae by its small size, to 2.5 cm tall with branch widths mostly <2 mm occasionally to 4 mm, and by its two to three cell layered cortex. Gracilaria brevis and G. veleroae are taller, have wider branches, and a one cell layered cortex. DNA sequencing is needed to resolve the many diminutive species in the tropical eastern Pacific, particularly those occurring in turf communities. DNA sequencing of historical type specimens from the 19th and 20th centuries is also needed to correctly apply names in this region

The effectiveness of aquatic plants as surrogates for wider biodiversity in standing fresh waters

1. Freshwaters are among the most globally threatened habitats and their biodiversity is declining at an unparalleled rate. In an attempt to slow this decline, multiple approaches have been used to conserve, restore or enhance waterbodies. However, evaluating their effectiveness is time‐consuming and expensive. Identifying species or assemblages across a range of ecological conditions that can provide a surrogate for wider freshwater biodiversity is therefore of significant value for conservation management and planning. 2. For lakes and ponds in three contrasting landscapes of Britain (lowland agricultural, eastern England; upland, north‐west England; urban, central Scotland) we examined the link between macrophyte species, macrophyte morpho‐group diversity (an indicator of structural diversity) and the richness of three widespread aquatic macroinvertebrate groups (molluscs, beetles, and odonates) using structural equation modelling. We hypothesised that increased macrophyte richness and, hence, increased vegetation structural complexity, would increase macroinvertebrate richness after accounting for local and landscape conditions. 3. We found that macrophyte richness, via macrophyte morpho‐group diversity, was an effective surrogate for mollusc, beetle, and odonate richness in ponds after accounting for variation caused by physical variables, water chemistry, and surrounding land use. However, only mollusc richness could be predicted by macrophyte morpho‐group diversity in lakes, with no significant predicted effect on beetles or odonates. 4. Our results indicate that macrophyte morpho‐group diversity can be viewed as a suitable surrogate of macroinvertebrate biodiversity across diverse landscapes, particularly in ponds and to a lesser extent in lakes. This has important implications for the restoration, conservation, and creation of standing water habitats and for assessing their effectiveness in addressing the decline of global freshwater biodiversity. Management actions prioritising the development of species‐rich and structurally diverse macrophyte assemblages will be likely to benefit wider freshwater biodiversity

Physiological and biochemical responses of Scytonema javanicum (cyanobacterium) to salt stress

Scytonema javanicum (Kutz.) Born et Flah (cyanobacterium) is one of the species distributed widely in the crust of desert soils regularly subjected to severe water stress. To investigate the response of the species to salt stress, many physiological and biochemical parameters, including growth rate, ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm), reactive oxidative species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in culture. The results showed that 50 mM NaCl inhibited growth and Fv/Fm in the medium BG-110, and that the inhibition was maximum after 1-2 days' exposure to salt stress; 50 mM NaCl also increased the contents of ROS and MDA in treated cells, which suggests that salt stress may lead to oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in the alga. Further, changes in the antioxidative enzymes SOD and CAT in the treated alga were consistent with changes in ROS and MDA at certain extent. These observations suggest that oxidative stress resulting from salt stress in S. javanicum could result in the production of antioxidative enzymes to counteract the oxidative damage, and the enzymes may contribute to the ability of S. javanicum to survive the adverse desert environment. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Scytonema javanicum (Kutz.) Born et Flah (cyanobacterium) is one of the species distributed widely in the crust of desert soils regularly subjected to severe water stress. To investigate the response of the species to salt stress, many physiological and biochemical parameters, including growth rate, ratio of variable fluorescence to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm), reactive oxidative species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined in culture. The results showed that 50 mM NaCl inhibited growth and Fv/Fm in the medium BG-110, and that the inhibition was maximum after 1-2 days' exposure to salt stress; 50 mM NaCl also increased the contents of ROS and MDA in treated cells, which suggests that salt stress may lead to oxidative damage and lipid peroxidation in the alga. Further, changes in the antioxidative enzymes SOD and CAT in the treated alga were consistent with changes in ROS and MDA at certain extent. These observations suggest that oxidative stress resulting from salt stress in S. javanicum could result in the production of antioxidative enzymes to counteract the oxidative damage, and the enzymes may contribute to the ability of S. javanicum to survive the adverse desert environment. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

An integrated model of seasonal changes in stock composition and abundance with an application to Chinook salmon

Population-specific spatial and temporal distribution data are necessary to identify mechanisms regulating abundance and to manage anthropogenic impacts. However the distributions of highly migratory species are often difficult to resolve, particularly when multiple populations’ movements overlap. Here we present an integrated model to estimate spatially-stratified, seasonal trends in abundance and population composition, using data from extensive genetic sampling of commercial and recreational Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) fisheries in southern British Columbia. We use the model to estimate seasonal changes in population-specific standardized catch per unit effort (a proxy for abundance) across six marine regions, while accounting for annual variability in sampling effort and uncertain genetic stock assignment. We also share this model as an R package stockseasonr for application to other regions and species. Even at the relatively small spatial scales considered here, we found that patterns in seasonal abundance differed among regions and stocks. While certain locations were clearly migratory corridors, regions within the Salish Sea exhibited diverse, and often weak, seasonal patterns in abundance, emphasizing that they are important, year-round foraging habitats. Furthermore, we found evidence that stocks with similar freshwater life histories and adult run timing, as well as relatively proximate spawning locations, exhibited divergent distributions. Our findings highlight subtle, but important differences in how adult Chinook salmon use marine habitats. Down-scaled model outputs could be used to inform ecosystem-based management efforts by resolving the degree to which salmon overlap with other species of concern, as well as specific fisheries. More broadly, variation in stock-specific abundance among regions indicates efforts to identify mechanisms driving changes in size-at-maturity and natural mortality should account for distinct marine distributions