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systems on soil compaction and pasture production in Alberta. Can. J. Soil Sci. 82: 1-8. Livestock trampling impacts have been assessed in many Alberta grassland ecosystems, but the impacts of animal trampling on Aspen Boreal ecosystems have not been documented. This study compared the effects of high intensity [4.16 animal unit month per ha (AUM) ha -1 ] short-duration grazing (SDG) versus moderate intensity (2.08 AUM ha -1 ) continuous grazing (CG) by wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) on soil compaction as measured by bulk density at field moist condition (Db f ) and penetration resistance (PR). Herbage phytomass was also measured on grazed pastures and compared to an ungrazed control (UNG). The study was conducted at Edmonton, Alberta, on a Dark Gray Luvisolic soil of loam texture. Sampling was conducted in the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998. Soil cores were collected at 2.5-cm intervals to a depth of 15-cm for measurement of bulk density (Db f ) and moisture content. Penetration resistance to 15 cm at 2.5-cm intervals was measured with a hand-pushed cone penetrometer. The Db f and PR of the top 10-cm of soil were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater by 15 and 17% under SDG than CG, respectively, by wapiti. Generally, Db f in both grazing treatments decreased over winter at the 0-7.5 cm and 12.5-15 cm depths, suggesting that freeze-thaw cycles over the winter alleviated compaction. Soil water content under SDG was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than CG. Total standing crop and fallen litter were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in CG treatment than the SDG. The SDG treatment had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less pasture herbage than CG areas in the spring (16%) and fall (26%) of 1997, and in the spring (22%) and fall (24%) of 1998, respectively. The SDG did not show any advantage over CG in improving soil physical characteristics and herbage production. Les auteurs ont aussi mesuré la phytomasse des herbages dans les parcelles pâturées et les parcelles intactes servant de témoin. L'étude s'est déroulée à Edmonton (Alberta) sur des luvisols gris foncés à texture loameuse. L'échantillonnage a eu lieu au printemps et à l'automne 1997 et 1998. Pour cela, les auteurs ont prélevé des carottes de sol jusqu'à une profondeur de 15 cm, à intervalles de 2,5 cm, et en ont établi le poids volumique apparent (Db f ) et la teneur en eau. Ils ont mesuré la résistance à la pénétration à la même profondeur, également à intervalles de 2,5 cm, avec un pénétromètre manuel à pointe conique. Dans la couche supérieure de 10 cm, le Db f et la RP sont sensiblement plus élevés (P ≤ 0,05) avec la PCD que la PC par les wapitis (de 15 % et de 17 %, respectivement). En général, aux profondeurs de 0 à 7,5 cm et de 12,5 à 15 cm, le Db f diminue pendant l'hiver pour les deux régimes, signe que la succession de gels et de dégels durant cette période atténue le compactage. En régime PCD, le sol renferme sensiblement moins d'eau (P < 0,05) qu'avec la PC. Au total, les peuplements sur pied et les débris végétaux au sol sont sensiblement plus nombreux ...

These data can assist nurses to provide culturally competent solutions to ethical dilemmas in their practice. Dynamic communication between nurses and patients/clients, intentional study of local cultural beliefs, and the development of ethics education will improve the conformity between universal ethical standards and local cultural values.

To address the issues with nursing health service delivery and nursing shortages in Ghana requires all stakeholders to move beyond the traditional stereotypes and be flexible and forward-looking. Needed policy options include expansion of local nursing education and training capacity, collaborative training opportunities, improving the welfare and retention rates of current staff and international exchange of nurse resources that is mutually beneficial to both source and sink countries.

Within boreal grasslands, little information exists on the effects of initial defoliation date, frequency, and intensity on accumulated herbage yield and quality. We investigated the effects of initial defoliation in May, June or July, at heights of 5, 10 or 15 cm, and repeated at 2-, 4-or 6-week intervals throughout the growing season. Harvested material was combined with year-end residual biomass, and examined for herbage removed, crude protein (CP), crude protein yield (CPY) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). Compared to single defoliated check plots, total, grass and forb dry matter (DM) yields were lower under repeated defoliation by 25, 38 and 17 %, respectively. The majority of total herbage produced was harvested in the spring clipping. Total, grass and forb DM yields peaked under moderate (10 cm) clipping. Total DM and grass biomass were maximized with long (6 week) recovery periods. In contrast, forb biomass was greatest with May defoliation followed by a 4-week interval. While maximum grass CPY was found under 10-cm defoliation, forb CPY peaked with early and moderate to intensive defoliation. These results indicate that season-long herbage biomass, along with CPY, can be maximized in boreal grasslands through controlled defoliation.