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Invasive species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss worldwide. As introduced, populations increase in abundance and geographical range, so does the potential for negative impacts on native communities. As such, there is a need to better understand the processes driving range expansion as species become established in recipient landscapes. Through an investigation into capacity for population growth and range expansion of introduced populations of a non‐native lizard (Podarcis muralis), we aimed to demonstrate how multi‐scale factors influence spatial spread, population growth, and invasion potential in introduced species. We collated location records of P. muralis presence in England, UK through data collected from field surveys and a citizen science campaign. We used these data as input for presence‐background models to predict areas of climate suitability at a national‐scale (5 km resolution), and fine‐scale habitat suitability at the local scale (2 m resolution). We then integrated local models into an individual‐based modeling platform to simulate population dynamics and forecast range expansion for 10 populations in heterogeneous landscapes. National‐scale models indicated climate suitability has restricted the species to the southern parts of the UK, primarily by a latitudinal cline in overwintering conditions. Patterns of population growth and range expansion were related to differences in local landscape configuration and heterogeneity. Growth curves suggest populations could be in the early stages of exponential growth. However, annual rates of range expansion are predicted to be low (5–16 m). We conclude that extensive nationwide range expansion through secondary introduction is likely to be restricted by currently unsuitable climate beyond southern regions of the UK. However, exponential growth of local populations in habitats providing transport pathways is likely to increase opportunities for regional expansion. The broad habitat niche of P. muralis, coupled with configuration of habitat patches in the landscape, allows populations to increase locally with minimal dispersal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many developed countries there has been a shift from grants to contracts as a source of local public sector funding of the third sector. Smaller third sector organizations may struggle to compete for this funding due to the complex process of accessing and maintaining this funding and conveying their capabilities to funding providers. This study utilizes data from the United Kingdom to determine what factors increase these administrative and communication barriers for smaller organizations. Resources in income and volunteers affect perceptions of the process of obtaining funding. A solution may be standardization of evaluation and monitoring, but this may lead to isomorphism and loss of variety of provision. Better two-way communication may allow local authorities to retain variety in public service provision through improved knowledge of their partners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents findings from a qualitative study undertaken with 46 African and African Caribbean men exploring their experiences of fatherhood. Data analysis was informed by Connell's theoretical work on changing gender relations. Findings indicate that fathers' lives were mediated by masculinities, racism, gender, migration and generational changes in parenting. Fathers advocated a style of parenting centred on good communication with children. The implications of findings for theory, future research and health and social care policy regarding both children's well-being and the inclusion of fathers by health and social care practitioners are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent policy pronouncements emphasise the importance of engaging fathers with preventive primary care services. However, in England, there is a paucity of literature which examines African and African-Caribbean fathers' experiences of service provision. This paper reports a study that investigated African and African-Caribbean fathers' beliefs about fatherhood, health and preventive primary care services, with the aim of addressing the deficit in the literature. Nine focus groups involving 46 African and African-Caribbean fathers, recruited using purposive sampling, were undertaken between October 2008-January 2009. Fatherhood was seen as a core aspect of the participants' identities. The fathers enacted these identities in a number of ways, such as caring for and protecting children, which were influenced by spirituality, relationships with women, paid work and racism. The fathers had concerns about their bodies, medical conditions, physical activity and forms of consumption. However, their primary focus was on maintaining and improving the well-being of their children. This resulted in them neglecting their own health needs as they had to meet the obligations of family life and paid work. The fathers reported limited contact with preventive primary care services and were unaware of their purpose, function and availability. They identified ethnicity as a positive asset, and felt their families and communities had particular strengths. However they acknowledged that structural constraints, including racism, influenced their perceptions of and access to local health services. The engagement of African and African-Caribbean fathers needs to be addressed more specifically in policy as part of a broader programme of action to tackle health inequalities. In addition, child health services could build on fathers' commitment to children's well-being through practice that addresses fathers' as well as mothers' needs in families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an interview with John Baldock, general manager at Theatre Royal Brighton in England, about the operation of the theater. Baldock describes the interior structure of the theater. He recalls some of the productions performed at the theater, including "The Dance of Death," "Design for Living" and "The Importance of Being Earnest."

The aim of this paper is to consider 'New' Labour's socio-economic and health policies, discuss how they influence preventive health strategies aimed at men, and identify the implications for managers, researchers and practitioners working to improve public health in the primary care sector in England. Policy, theoretical work and empirical research are analysed, critically, to develop the arguments in the paper. Although men may be perceived as a 'hard to reach group', insufficient consideration has been given to how health policy facilitates or restricts successful preventive health work with men. The 'gender duty', which has recently been introduced in England, presents an opportunity to build on earlier successful public health work with men. There is some evidence that innovative public health strategies, informed by an understanding of gender, with men are being developed. This may enable primary care trusts to more successfully, and creatively, target and engage men in health improvement activities. However, the current dominant ideology in public health policy in England is grounded in a perspective that emphasises biomedical, neo-liberal and psychological explanations of health and which neglects the relationship between gender and health inequalities. Recognition of the links between gender, poverty, and the concomitant inequalities, is a priority when planning preventive health work with men. If such inequalities are to be redressed, social and economic policies underpinned by values of equity and social justice are needed, incorporating a more nuanced understanding of the role of gender in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The findings presented in this article were unanticipated and came to light during a study which investigated African and African-Caribbean fathers' views about preventive primary care services. This article reports findings which indicate that African and African-Caribbean fathers strive to enable and protect children's mental well-being and create social, cultural and symbolic forms of capital. It also seeks to identify implications for health and social care policy and practice in England., Design: There is limited literature examining African and African-Caribbean fathers' health experiences in England. Consequently an exploratory research approach was required. This involved nine, in-depth, semi-structured qualitative group interviews undertaken with 46 African and African-Caribbean fathers. The data were analysed thematically using abductive reasoning, informed by Bourdieu's theoretical work., Results: Fathers were striving to enable and protect children's mental well-being through providing authoritative, loving, affectionate fatherhood involving reasoning, good communication and promoting self-esteem. These practices were seen to be necessary if children were to prosper in a harsh social world characterised by structural hazards including racism, negative stereotypes and limited opportunities. The fathers reported their efforts to develop what Bourdieu has termed symbolic, cultural and social capital as means of promoting the mental well-being of their children and the children of others., Conclusion: The implications for theory, future research, public health policy and practice, in relation to the needs of African and African-Caribbean fathers and families, are also discussed, with specific focus on how to realise the potential of African and African-Caribbean fathers' positive contributions to family and community health.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore and analyse men's involvement in antenatal genetic screening and testing in England, and evaluate the use of e-mail communication as a method of health research with men., Design: After receiving a favourable ethical opinion, a longitudinal qualitative pilot study was undertaken., Participants: Eight men, whose partners were pregnant, were recruited by purposive sampling., Findings: Findings indicated that the men experienced ambivalence, doubts and uncertainty about medically identified genetic risks, and also experienced an 'emotional rollercoaster', which was associated with their involvement in antenatal genetic screening and testing. Although connectedness with their partners and shared decision making were highly valued, men's involvement was mediated by their partners and health professionals, including midwives., Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The implications of findings for medicalisation theory and future research are discussed. Using e-mail was a success in that the strong pilot data produced provides a stimulus for future research. In addition, implications for policy and practice are also considered, specifically the importance of addressing ambivalence and mediation if midwives are to communicate effectively when working with men and women regarding antenatal genetic screening and testing., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

There is longstanding interest within anthropology and sociology in the meaning of humour, but little research that examines humour within fathers' health experiences. This paper specifically analyses fathers' stories about humour shared with other men, and the links between gender and health, in order to identify the implications for health-care and future research. Findings indicate that humour is an important aspect of fathers' experiences of social connectedness with other men. Indeed, for African-Caribbean fathers specifically, humour was an important aspect of their relationships with other ethnic minority men. Humour was also used to objectify, humiliate or ridicule others, for example in the form of sexualised or racist humour. However, fathers' stories were also mediated by masculinities, it that masculinities enabled fathers to avoid disclosure of vulnerability regarding health experiences to others. The links between masculinities and health, the implications for interviewing fathers, and the implications for future research and healthcare practice with fathers are also discussed.

Thirteen student nurses from the Mental Health and Learning Disability branches (Project 2000) of the School of Care Sciences at the University of Glamorgan volunteered to participate in a research study as research assistants. Participation of this kind represents a novel, practical way of learning about research. Following training and data collection within the research study we evaluated the student's experience of training and participation. Within the survey both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. Thirteen questionnaires were distributed and twelve completed questionnaires were returned to the School of Care Sciences. The overall results were extremely encouraging with regards to using this approach to increase research awareness. An evaluation of the student's experiences as a researcher confirmed that this was a successful strategy to learning, in particular increasing knowledge of the research process, ethical considerations and skills in interviewing. Involvement also increases the student's awareness of the topic area being studied. Limitations to the study were that this was a small sample.