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Microbial colonization, followed by succession, on newly exposed volcanic substrates represents the beginning of the development of an early ecosystem. During early succession, colonization by mosses or plants significantly alters the pioneer microbial community composition through the photosynthetic carbon input. To provide further insights into this process, we investigated the three-year-old volcanic deposits of Mount Merapi, Indonesia. Samples were collected from unvegetated (BRD) and moss-covered (BRUD) sites. Forest site soil (FRS) near the volcanic deposit-covered area was also collected for reference. An analysis of BRD and BRUD revealed high culturable cell densities (1.7-8.5×10 5 CFU g -1 ) despite their low total C (<0.01%). FRS possessed high CFU (3×10 6 g -1 ); however, its relative value per unit of total C (2.6%) was lower than that of the deposit samples. Based on the tag pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes, the BRD bacterial community was characterized by a higher number of betaproteobacterial families (or genus), represented by chemolithotrophic Methylophilaceae, Leptothrix, and Sulfuricellaceae. In contrast, BRUD was predominated by different betaproteobacterial families, such as Oxalobacteraceae, Comamonadaceae, and Rhodocyclaceae. Some bacterial (Oxalobacteraceae) sequences were phylogenetically related to those of known moss-associated bacteria. Within the FRS community, Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum, followed by Acidobacteria, whereas Burkholderiaceae was the most dominant bacterial family within FRS. These results suggest that an inter-family succession of Betaproteobacteria occurred in response to colonization by mosses, followed by plants.

Objective: To analyse nurses' and midwives' knowledge of and attitudes towards standard treatment guidelines (STGs), which were developed to help their practices at rural community health centres (CHCs) in Timor-Leste., Methods: Fifty-five nurses and midwives were individually interviewed. Data were analysed qualitatively using the Framework approach., Results: Overall, the standard treatments for acute respiratory tract infections, malaria and diarrhoea were well known by the respondents. Clinical nurses showed precise and detailed knowledge, especially for antibiotic use. The respondents were willing to use STGs and believed that they 'should' follow them. This feeling arose due to their self-awareness as frontline health workers and, at the same time, as peripheral civil servants. The changes brought about by the introduction of STGs were positively perceived. Three components of the change were observed: the concept, daily practice and perceived patient satisfaction. The respondents had previously felt a lack of confidence and hoped to improve their capacity as health care workers; they became confident in their practices by using STGs. Self-confidence was identified more clearly in the clinical nurse interviews. Few difficulties in using STGs were indicated, and the respondents suggested ways to deal with these difficulties., Discussion: By using the STGs, the nurses/midwives gained knowledge and self-confidence. The positive perception of the changes promoted further use of the STGs. Clinical nurse training positively influenced the knowledge of and attitudes towards the STGs. Few difficulties in applying STGs in daily practice were identified, which is contrary to previous studies that targeted physicians in the Western world. Development of STGs within a health policy framework was considered a key factor. The STGs exist across related policies and various programmes, which are interconnected. The Timor-Leste experience indicates the value of STGs for non-physician health care providers at the primary health care level.