RATTAN DIVERSITY AND BROAD EDAPHIC NICHES IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF BUTON, SULAWESI, INDONESIA

PRITCHETT, R., PHILLIPS, A., MARDIASTUTI, A. & POWLING, A. 2016. Rattan diversity and broad edaphic niches in a tropical rainforest of Buton, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(2): 99 – 110. — This paper attempts to answer the question: how can at least 20 species of rattan palms in the genus Calamus (family Palmae (Arecaceae)) co -exist in a rainforest? A survey of rattans was made in Lambusango Forest on Buton, an island close to south east Sulawesi, in Indonesia. Rattan species and numbers were recorded in 87 quadrats of 30 × 10 m, laid out along linear transects in habitats with a variety of soils. Evidence for edaphic (soil) niches was sought. Different rattan species were found to be adapted to soils with different conductivity and pH values. Standardised mean difference (d) scores were calculated for pairs of species based on their response to soil pH. Of the 66 pairs tested, 61 were found to be significantly different statistically. Such differences suggest, but do not prove, that many species occupy different edaphic niches. It was found that species which show a preference for soils with intermediate pH values (5.0 to 6.5) can grow in soils with a wide range of pH values, implying broad edaphic niches and that competition between these species is weak. Correspondence analysis shows that many species do not distinguish greatly between many soils with intermediate pH values. It is concluded that rattan species show evidence for having different edaphic niches, although the niches for many species are broad. It is speculated that many rattan species may be ecologically equivalent and that a weak version of ecological neutrality theory may apply

Automated virtual reality therapy to treat agoraphobic avoidance and distress in patients with psychosis (gameChange): a multicentre, parallel-group, single-blind, randomised, controlled trial in England with mediation and moderation analyses

BackgroundAutomated delivery of psychological therapy using immersive technologies such as virtual reality (VR) might greatly increase the availability of effective help for patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an automated VR cognitive therapy (gameChange) to treat avoidance and distress in patients with psychosis, and to analyse how and in whom it might work.MethodsWe did a parallel-group, single-blind, randomised, controlled trial across nine National Health Service trusts in England. Eligible patients were aged 16 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum disorder or an affective diagnosis with psychotic symptoms, and had self-reported difficulties going outside due to anxiety. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to either gameChange VR therapy plus usual care or usual care alone, using a permuted blocks algorithm with randomly varying block size, stratified by study site and service type. gameChange VR therapy was provided in approximately six sessions over 6 weeks. Trial assessors were masked to group allocation. Outcomes were assessed at 0, 6 (primary endpoint), and 26 weeks after randomisation. The primary outcome was avoidance of, and distress in, everyday situations, assessed using the self-reported Oxford Agoraphobic Avoidance Scale (O-AS). Outcome analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population (ie, all participants who were assigned to a study group for whom data were available). We performed planned mediation and moderation analyses to test the effects of gameChange VR therapy when added to usual care. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, 17308399.FindingsBetween July 25, 2019, and May 7, 2021 (with a pause in recruitment from March 16, 2020, to Sept 14, 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions), 551 patients were assessed for eligibility and 346 were enrolled. 231 (67%) patients were men and 111 (32%) were women, 294 (85%) were White, and the mean age was 37·2 years (SD 12·5). 174 patients were randomly assigned to the gameChange VR therapy group and 172 to the usual care alone group. Compared with the usual care alone group, the gameChange VR therapy group had significant reductions in agoraphobic avoidance (O-AS adjusted mean difference –0·47, 95% CI –0·88 to –0·06; n=320; Cohen's d –0·18; p=0·026) and distress (–4·33, –7·78 to –0·87; n=322; –0·26; p=0·014) at 6 weeks. Reductions in threat cognitions and within-situation defence behaviours mediated treatment outcomes. The greater the severity of anxious fears and avoidance, the greater the treatment benefits. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of serious adverse events between the gameChange VR therapy group (12 events in nine patients) and the usual care alone group (eight events in seven patients; p=0·37).InterpretationAutomated VR therapy led to significant reductions in anxious avoidance of, and distress in, everyday situations compared with usual care alone. The mediation analysis indicated that the VR therapy worked in accordance with the cognitive model by reducing anxious thoughts and associated protective behaviours. The moderation analysis indicated that the VR therapy particularly benefited patients with severe agoraphobic avoidance, such as not being able to leave the home unaccompanied. gameChange VR therapy has the potential to increase the provision of effective psychological therapy for psychosis, particularly for patients who find it difficult to leave their home, visit local amenities, or use public transport.FundingNational Institute of Health Research Invention for Innovation programme, National Institute of Health Research Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre

Ongoing Journeys of Loss and Gain: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Into Partners' Experiences of Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress.

Traumatic and life threatening events can have a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of those who experience them. Limited research has been conducted into the impact upon partners of people who have experienced trauma and subsequent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to explore such experiences. Six partners of service users awaiting or undergoing treatment for PTSD at a specialist Trauma Service were interviewed. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith et al, 2009). One final, overarching theme was developed from the data: participants experienced trauma and PTSD as an ongoing journey of loss and gain. Their journeys were characterised by striving and struggling to make sense of the trauma and its ensuing consequences, whilst also grappling with the identities of themselves, their partners and relationships shifting over time. Participants navigated their journeys in the context of external resources and support from friends, family, colleagues and professionals. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature and limitations of the study are highlighted. Further research is recommended to investigate and inform how clinical and non-NHS services can provide appropriate and culturally-sensitive support to families of people with PTSD

Ongoing journeys of loss and gain: an interpretative phenomenological analysis into partners' experiences of trauma and posttraumatic stress

Traumatic and life threatening events can have a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of those who experience them. Limited research has been conducted into the impact upon partners of people who have experienced trauma and subsequent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to explore such experiences. Six partners 'of service users awaiting' or undergoing treatment for PTSD at a specialist Trauma Service were interviewed. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith et aI., 2009). One final, overarching theme was developed from the data: participants experienced trauma and PTSD as an ongoing journey of loss and gain. Their journeys were characterised by striving and struggling to make sense of the trauma and its ensuing consequences, whilst also grappling with the identities of themselves, their partners and relationships shifting over time. Participants navigated their journeys in the context of external resources and support from friends, family, colleagues and professionals. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature and limitations of the study are highlighted. Further research is recommended to investigate and inform how clinical and non-NHS services can provide appropriate and culturally-sensitive support to families of people with PTSD.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

RATTAN DIVERSITY AND BROAD EDAPHIC NICHES IN A TROPICAL RAINFOREST OF BUTON, SULAWESI, INDONESIA

PRITCHETT, R., PHILLIPS, A., MARDIASTUTI, A. & POWLING, A. 2016. Rattan diversity and broad edaphic niches in a tropical rainforest of Buton, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(2): 99 – 110. — This paper attempts to answer the question: how can at least 20 species of rattan palms in the genus Calamus (family Palmae (Arecaceae)) co -exist in a rainforest? A survey of rattans was made in Lambusango Forest on Buton, an island close to south east Sulawesi, in Indonesia. Rattan species and numbers were recorded in 87 quadrats of 30 × 10 m, laid out along linear transects in habitats with a variety of soils. Evidence for edaphic (soil) niches was sought. Different rattan species were found to be adapted to soils with different conductivity and pH values. Standardised mean difference (d) scores were calculated for pairs of species based on their response to soil pH. Of the 66 pairs tested, 61 were found to be significantly different statistically. Such differences suggest, but do not prove, that many species occupy different edaphic niches. It was found that species which show a preference for soils with intermediate pH values (5.0 to 6.5) can grow in soils with a wide range of pH values, implying broad edaphic niches and that competition between these species is weak. Correspondence analysis shows that many species do not distinguish greatly between many soils with intermediate pH values. It is concluded that rattan species show evidence for having different edaphic niches, although the niches for many species are broad. It is speculated that many rattan species may be ecologically equivalent and that a weak version of ecological neutrality theory may apply

Interview schedule including demographic and contextual questions.

This document outlines the demographic and brief contextual questions participants were asked regarding their partners’ trauma and PTSD and their relationships, and the interview schedule which was used to guide the semi-structured interviews. (DOCX)</p

Overarching, superordinate and sub-themes.

BackgroundTraumatic life events can have a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of not only those who directly experience them, but others who are indirectly affected, such as victims’ partners.AimsThis study aimed to explore the experiences and views of partners of individuals who have a history of trauma and diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six partners of people who had experienced trauma and were diagnosed with PTSD and awaiting or receiving treatment at a specialist Trauma Service. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.ResultsOne overarching theme resulted from the data: partners experienced trauma and PTSD as an ongoing journey of loss and gain. This was supported by three superordinate themes: making sense of the trauma and ensuing consequences, shifting identities, and accessing and experiencing outside resources. Partners’ journeys were characterised by striving and struggling to make sense of the trauma and its ensuing consequences, whilst grappling with the identities of themselves, their partners and relationships shifting over time. Participants navigated their journeys in the context of external resources and support from friends, family, colleagues and professionals.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the need for greater information and support for partners of people with PTSD.</div

Participants’ sociodemographic information.

BackgroundTraumatic life events can have a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of not only those who directly experience them, but others who are indirectly affected, such as victims’ partners.AimsThis study aimed to explore the experiences and views of partners of individuals who have a history of trauma and diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six partners of people who had experienced trauma and were diagnosed with PTSD and awaiting or receiving treatment at a specialist Trauma Service. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.ResultsOne overarching theme resulted from the data: partners experienced trauma and PTSD as an ongoing journey of loss and gain. This was supported by three superordinate themes: making sense of the trauma and ensuing consequences, shifting identities, and accessing and experiencing outside resources. Partners’ journeys were characterised by striving and struggling to make sense of the trauma and its ensuing consequences, whilst grappling with the identities of themselves, their partners and relationships shifting over time. Participants navigated their journeys in the context of external resources and support from friends, family, colleagues and professionals.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight the need for greater information and support for partners of people with PTSD.</div

THE VEGETATION OF LAMBUSANGO FOREST, BUTON, INDONESIA

POWLING, A., PHILLIPS, A., PRITCHETT, R., SEGAR, S. T., WHEELER, R. & MARDIASTUTI, A. 2015. The vegetation of Lambusango Forest, Buton, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 14(2): 265 - 286. - Lambusango Forest is a tropical rainforest on the island of Buton, which lies close to south east Sulawesi. The forest covers an area of about 95.000 ha, with different parts of the forest having different levels of conservation protection. It lies on rocks of both calcareous (limestone) and non-calcareous (sandstone, conglomerate, peridotite and chert) nature, which give rise to soils with varying pH values, nutrient levels and water-holding capacities. The climate is seasonal, with a dry season of three months and considerable year-to-year variability due to El Nino and La Nina events. The vegetation on the different soils and in different habitats has been studied. Over 300 species of vascular plants found in the forest and surrounding areas are listed, including trees and shrubs, herbs, climbers, epiphytes, ferns and club-mosses. Two genera, Calamus with 18 species and Ficus with 29 species, are particularly species-rich, apparently due to their ability to occupy numerous edaphic and ecological niches. Species of these two genera are also good colonists and so better able to reach Buton in the recent past than other species. The plants of the forest indicate that Buton is floristically very similar to Sulawesi, with at least 83% of the species found in the forest also being known from Sulawesi. Most of the plant families and genera present on Buton are common in SE Asia, indicating colonisation primarily from that continent. Many fewer families and genera have colonised from the Australasian continent. The conservation of plant diversity is necessary for the forest to continue as a functioning ecosystem, to the benefit of the animals of the forest and also the local people