Restoration of many terrestrial plant communities involves the reintroduction of fire. However, there have been few studies of the effects of fire on the avifauna during the restoration process. To study the effects of oak savanna restoration on avian communities, breeding birds were censused and the vegetation structure documented in seven experimental burn units (8–18 ha) that had experienced different frequencies of controlled burns during the past 31 years (0–26 burns). Data were analyzed with both direct and indirect gradient analyses using multivariate techniques. The results showed that, as savanna restoration proceeded, there was a general decline in predominantly insectivorous species, particularly those that feed in the upper canopy region (leaves and air space), and a general increase in omnivorous species, particularly those that feed on the ground and in the lower canopy. Insectivorous bark gleaners (woodpeckers) also increased during restoration and were correlated with the increase in standing dead trees resulting from the fires. Overall, savanna restoration resulted in increases in the abundance of many open country bird species, including many species that have been declining in central and eastern North America, including red‐headed woodpecker, Baltimore oriole, eastern kingbird, vesper sparrow, field sparrow, lark sparrow, brown thrasher, American goldfinch, and brown‐headed cowbird. The shifts in species and guilds were correlated with changes in burn frequency and the macro vegetation structure—tree and shrub density, leaf area index, and relative proportion of standing dead trees. The findings show that savanna restoration can increase bird diversity and provide important habitat for uncommon or declining bird species. These birds are most likely attracted to one or more of the distinctive habitat features of the restored savanna environments, including scattered mature trees, standing dead trees and snags, and presence of both shrubby and grassland vegetation. The findings also suggest that restoration ecologists and wildlife biologists will need to work together to achieve desired goals, since different types of savanna restoration efforts may produce different effects on the breeding bird community.
The following article provides a snapshot of the current self-direction movement within the disability sector across the industrialised world, with particular emphasis on the Australian context. As a global movement, self-direction has been in progress for several decades through a variety of implemented responses. Despite implementation variation, all self-direction models aim to facilitate individual control and decision making in care and support services. We describe self-direction, its various models and programs, and explore its benefits and challenges. We conclude by making broad recommendations for decision makers involved in self-direction. In particular, we offer a hierarchical decision tree that can be used to inform policy decisions at a systems -government policy -and organisational level.
Introduction: Comorbidity of mental illness and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) raises workforce challenges in terms of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes required for delivering best care. Aim: (1) To assess the knowledge, skills and attitudes of mental health staff in relation to AOD use and (2) to inform development of training to provide effective screening and interventions for people with both mental health and AOD problems (co-morbidity). Method: Quantitative survey of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding AOD issues completed by multidisciplinary mental health staff (n ¼ 104/218) working across acute and community settings. Results: A 47.7% response rate was achieved. Generally staff held positive attitudes and motivation towards working with people with comorbidity, but there was an absence of formal training, experience or knowledge. Most staff believed they could deal with AOD issues; however, confidence was higher with assessment over AOD-related interventions (brief interventions, motivational approaches and goal setting) and only 24% of staff correctly identified standard drinks. Most staff recognized that AOD assessment and intervention is part of their role and access to training would facilitate their ability to improve service to mental health consumers. Conclusion: Integrated care for people with comorbidity requires mental health service providers to address identified gaps in clinician's knowledge, skills and attitudes with training in relation to AOD. To ensure effective training uptake and implementation, workforce leaders need to target identified barriers with initiatives such as support, mentoring and appropriate tools in relation to AOD.
The current disability policy paradigm operating across all states in Australia is self-direction. This central movement is closely linked to preparations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme called DisabilityCare. We provide one perspective in relation to self-direction in Australia including assumptions about aspirations to self-direct and the limited research evidence base that is available even though anecdotally self-direction practices have been occurring for many years. We conclude that by developing a funding platform, such as DisabilityCare, that empowers people with a disability to make decisions about their own fundamental needs and the fulfilment of them, it will lead to a society that supports people to access and achieve a 'typical' and desired life.
Health care plans can positively influence costs and quality by developing, monitoring, and enforcing their own quality standards for diagnostic imaging.
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