bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of simulated driving in comparison to laboratory-based tests to assess the pharmacodynamics of alprazolam and alcohol
Authors: Huizinga Coen RH , Zuiker Rob G , de Kam Marieke L , Ziagkos Dimitrios , Kuipers Jorrit , Mejia Yuri , van Gerven Joop MA , Cohen Adam F
Published: March 2019

Rationale:

Assessment of the effects of medicines on the risks of car driving must be derived from laboratory tests, simulated driving or real on-road driving tests. Relevance of tests is determined by their sensitivity and predictive ability for the probability of accidents or damage. This cannot be determined directly, but methods should be able to at least detect the effects of a positive control in dosage known to be clearly associated with increased risk.

Objectives:

A driving simulator was evaluated in comparison with a battery of validated tests of CNS performance, the NeuroCart®. Alcohol in a concentration exactly at the legal limit (0.5 g L−1) and well above (1.0 g L−1) as well as alprazolam (1 mg) was used as positive control.

Methods:

This was a randomised, cross-over study using a double dummy blinded design in 24 healthy study subjects (12 M, 12 F) aged 20–43 years. Alcohol was infused intravenously using a validated clamping protocol to obtain concentrations of 0.5 g L−1 and on another occasion 1.0 g L−1. Alprazolam was given orally. Driving tests and lab tests were done at regular time intervals during a study day.

Results:

Alprazolam and alcohol significantly affected the main parameters of driving in the simulator and affected scores of safe driving and alprazolam increased the odds ratio of a virtual crash. Several laboratory measurements of psychomotor performance were affected by the reference substances as expected and correlated significantly with the driving performance

Conclusions:

The driving simulator can detect effects of reference substances at levels that are known to negatively affect driving.
Acute myocardial infarction in pregnancy: spasm caused by hyperthyroidism?
Authors: Wang LingQing , Yang JianGuang , Zheng JiPing , Gu XingJian
Published: March 2019

We present a 26-year-old woman with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the 14th week of pregnancy. Coronary angiography revealed no abnormalities in the coronary arteries. She had no history of coronary risk factors such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Although we do not have direct evidence of coronary spasm in this patient, several factors suggest that coronary spasm is the most likely cause of myocardial infarction. We suspect that hyperthyroidism may have played an important role in coronary spasm in this patient. Early use of coronary angiography is helpful to identify the types of coronary artery lesions.
On music’s potential to convey meaning in film: A systematic review of empirical evidence
Authors: Herget Ann-Kristin
Published: March 2019

With its schema-activating potential to influence an audience’s perception and interpretation of film plot and protagonists, film music goes far beyond the role of an emotionalizing accessory in film contexts. For this review, 24 German and English empirical studies that tested music’s potential to convey meaning were identified to be compared in their research questions, the characteristics of their methods, designs, samples, and stimulus materials, as well as main results. Depending on the degree of realism and the abstraction level of the audio-visual stimulus material, differently connoted music or music of different genres trigger supra-individual associations, which make the recipients’ perceptual patterns and evaluations of film plot and protagonists predictable. The review provides a systematization of music’s effects as well as methodological and content-related indications for future research.
Social Capital’s Influence on Environmental Concern in China: An Analysis of the 2010 Chinese General Social Survey
Authors: Hao Feng , Michaels Jay L. , Bell Shannon Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

This study examines the ways in which social capital influences people’s environmental concern in China. Using data obtained from the 2010 Chinese General Social Survey, we measure social capital through social networks and trust. We find that the ways people think about and act toward others influence the ways they think about and act toward the environment. The structural equation modeling results suggest that one’s connections with others, including socializing with relatives and friends as well as general social networking, are significantly and positively related to various dimensions of environmental concern. Greater trust is positively related to one’s willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of the environment but is also negatively related to perceived dangerousness of pollution. Our findings highlight the value of social capital in promoting environmental concern. We discuss these findings in the context of existing literature, and propose policy implications and suggest directions for future research.
Towards improved governance for sustainable solid waste management in Lebanon: Centralised vs decentralised approaches
Authors: Massoud May A , Mokbel Michel , Alawieh Suheir , Yassin Nasser
Published: March 2019

Solid waste management is a multifaceted task that incorporates a diverse set of shareholders and operations. To create a sustainable solid waste management system, governments should select the most advantageous organisational structure, given a country’s current setting; contextualising the sector’s administrative structure in accordance with a nation’s organisational constraints. This research aimed to determine the recommended level of administrative and financial decentralisation for each solid waste management operation and explore the susceptibilities and prospects of each level of governance in Lebanon. Primary data was gathered from environmental experts and concerned organisations using a semi-structured in-depth interview. Results revealed that the optimal model for solid waste management in the case of Lebanon incurs devolving collection, which would assimilate local populations into the decision-making process and reduce opposition towards devised solid waste management plans. Delegation and the construction of centralised treatment facilities is recommended as it incentivises municipal cooperation and permits the installation of methodologies and technologies that reflect the limitations, public attitudes, and waste dynamics of each distinct geographical territory. Deconcentrating disposal would limit the number of landfills constructed and facilitate monitoring. Administrative and constitutional reformations that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of public agencies would reduce the influence of the central authority on peripheral states. The establishment of municipal cooperation models would diminish regional economic disparities by enhancing the level of communication and collaboration between subnational bodies. The performance of decentralised strategies should be continuously monitored to ensure that local administrators are held accountable.
The Impact of a Childcare Food Service Intervention on Child Dietary Intake in Care: An Exploratory Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yoong Sze Lin , Grady Alice , Seward Kirsty , Finch Meghan , Wiggers John , Lecathelinais Christophe , Wedesweiler Taya , Wolfenden Luke
Published: March 2019

Purpose:

To assess the efficacy of a food service implementation intervention designed to increase provision of foods consistent with nutrition guidelines on child consumption of fruit, vegetables, breads/cereals, meat/alternatives, dairy, and diet quality in care.

Design:

Exploratory cluster randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Twenty-five childcare centers in New South Wales, Australia.

Sample:

Three hundred ninety-five children aged 2 to 5 years.

Intervention:

Centers were randomized to the intervention or control group. Intervention development was guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework and included securing executive support, provision of group training, resources, audit and feedback, and one-on-one support. The intervention was delivered across six months and the study was conducted between March and December 2016.

Measures:

Child diet was assessed by educators using a validated questionnaire modified for completion in childcare center.

Analysis:

Data were analyzed in SAS using generalized linear mixed models adjusted for clustering.

Results:

Children in the intervention group consumed significantly higher number of serves of vegetables (0.4 serves; P < .001), wholegrain cereals (0.7 serves; P = .02), and meat/alternatives (0.5 serves; P < .001), and had higher diet quality scores (10.3; P < .001).

Conclusions:

A food service intervention targeting the provision of food significantly improved child dietary intake in care. Such findings are relevant to health promotion practitioners responsible for supporting improvements in child diet.
Theoretical prediction and experimental verification of the unbalanced magnetic force in air bearing motor spindles
Authors: Wu Quanhui , Sun Yazhou , Chen Wanqun , Wang Qing , Chen Guoda
Published: March 2019

Dynamic vibrations of air bearing motor spindles have significant influence on the surface quality in ultra-precision machining. In this article, the influence of the vibration caused by the unbalanced magnetic force on the diamond turning is investigated on the basis of the theoretical and experimental method. A permanent magnet motor model (10 poles and 12 slots) is built and then simulated to gain a periodic unbalanced magnetic force. The effects of unbalanced magnetic force on the inclination of the spindle shaft is analyzed, which would affect the surface quality of the workpiece, and the surface topography of the workpiece is predicted during an unbalanced magnetic force acting on air bearing motor spindle. The theoretical analysis and experimental turning results validate that the angle between the direction of unbalanced magnetic force and the feed direction has a certain relationship with the profile of the machined surface. Also, under different turning speeds and directions, the surface topography of the machined workpiece shows a 10-cycle-per-revolution pattern, which has good agreement with the simulations of periodic unbalanced magnetic force. This research work provides a theoretical foundation for the fault diagnosis of air bearing motor spindle caused by motor rotor eccentricity and its effect on surface generation in turning.
The effect of representative bird model and its impact direction on crashworthiness of aircraft windshield and canopy structure
Authors: Dar Uzair A , Awais Muhammad , Mian Haris H , Sheikh Muhammad Z
Published: March 2019

A physically representative bird modeling approach is presented to highlight its significance over traditional substitute bird modeling. To give better representation of a real bird, in this study, the bird was modeled as a fluid body while impacting the rigid and deformable structures. For this, an elastic plastic hydrodynamic material model in conjunction with polynomial equation of state is utilized to model the bird behavior. In addition, smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)-based meshless technique was implemented to build real bird model instead of using finite element-based classical mesh technique in order to avoid mesh connectivity and tangling problems. The numerical scheme was validated by comparing the deformation and pressure profile of the impact on rigid and deformable targets with the available experimental data. The results showed that the physically representative bird impacting the rigid and deformable target give correct values of pressure peak than that of substitute bird. The study also revealed that, the bird impacting the target from bottom direction resulted higher magnitude of pressure shock than head, tail or wing direction. In addition, the instantaneous peak impulse during bottom side impact is more detrimental to impacting structure than other impact directions. Finally, after quantifying the effect of bird impact directions, the work was further extended to establish a full-scale numerical model of a military aircraft windshield–canopy structure to determine its dynamic response against similar impact scenarios. The results showed that the bird impacting from bottom side requires relatively less velocity to initiate failure in the windshield than other impact directions. Thus, the bird impacting from its bottom side was recognized as the most dangerous impact condition for structural integrity of windshield.
Kinematic determinants of performance parameters during golf swing
Authors: Khuyagbaatar Batbayar , Purevsuren Tserenchimed , Kim Yoon Hyuk
Published: March 2019

In golf, the trunk and pelvis kinematic variables are often related to measures of performance due to the highly complex and multi-joint movements involved in swings. However, it is unclear how specific body segments or joints contributed to the golf performance parameters. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify the key joints, including those of the upper and lower trunk, that are associated with golf performance parameters, such as X-Factor and pelvis motion. A motion capture system was used to obtain three-dimensional kinematics of golf swings performed by 10 low handicap male golfers. Based on regression analysis, right knee adduction, right shoulder external rotation and left elbow extension in ball address to top of the backswing and left knee adduction and lower trunk right bending with left rotation in top of the backswing to end of follow-through were presented as predictor variables for the X-Factor. For pelvis movement, a greater number of joint angles were associated with pelvis posterior tilt during backswing and pelvis motion to target with right rotation during downswing/follow-through. This study provides fundamental details of the movement mechanisms of major joints, as well as their relationships with performance parameters. Such understanding can be combined with training to improve the golfing skill and prevent possible injuries.
Feminist Reggaeton in Spain: Young Women Subverting Machismo Through ‘Perreo’
Authors: Araüna Núria , Tortajada Iolanda , Figueras-Maz Mònica
Published: March 2019

This article explores the feminist potential of the Spanish ‘reggaeton’ movement led by young women through the song lyrics and public discourses of artists Brisa Fenoy, Ms Nina and Tremenda Jauría. These three singers and composers have been categorized as belonging to reggaeton genre, in a context in which Feminism is widespread among young people in Spain. Reggaeton is commonly considered (both in popular culture and academic studies) a sexist musical style, inherently male-centred in the way its songs and its ‘perreo’ dancing style are performed, and also in the pleasure provided to their audiences. Three feminist music projects from diverse backgrounds give voice to the artists themselves and use this music style as a parody and as a way of responding to everything they dislike about reggaeton and society, while at the same time resignifying this music genre and opening up an opportunity to deliver a feminist message.
Evaluation of the volume-value relationship in hip fracture care using evidence-based thresholds
Authors: Navarro Sergio M , Frankel William C , Haeberle Heather S , Billow Damien G , Ramkumar Prem N
Published: March 2019

Background:

Studies have shown high-volume surgeons and hospitals deliver higher value care. The aims of this study were to establish meaningful thresholds defining high-volume surgeons and hospitals performing hip fracture surgery and to examine the relative market share of hip fracture cases using these surgeon and hospital strata.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective cohort study in a database of 103,935 patients undergoing hip fracture repair. We generated stratum-specific likelihood ratio (SSLR) models of a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve using length of stay (LOS) and cost value metrics. Volume thresholds predictive of decreased LOS and costs for surgeons and hospitals were identified.

Results:

Analysis of annual surgeon hip fracture volume produced two volume categories for LOS and cost: 0–30 (low) and 31+ (high). Analysis of LOS by annual hospital hip fracture volume produced strata at: 0–59 (low), 60–146 (medium), and 147 or more (high). Analysis of cost by annual hospital volume produced strata at: 0–125 (low) and 126+ (high). LOS and cost both decreased significantly ( p < 0.05) in progressively higher volume categories. Low-volume surgeons performed the majority of hip fracture cases, although they were performed at medium- or high-volume centres.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates a direct relationship between volume and value, translating to improvement in hip fracture care delivery for both surgeons and hospitals. Higher volume hospitals while lower volume surgeons perform the majority of hip fracture cases, suggesting optimisation opportunities. However, systems-based practices at the hospital level likely drive value to a greater extent than individual surgeons.
Temperature effects on joint strength and failure modes of hybrid aluminum–composite countersunk bolted joints
Authors: Coman Calin-Dumitru , Constantinescu Dan Mihai
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the effects of temperature on the damage initiation and growth in the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composite laminate of a hybrid aluminum–composite countersunk bolted joints designed for the bearing failure mode. Strain gage measurements conducted using an Instron testing machine coupled to a temperature-controlled chamber together with a detailed three-dimensional finite element model incorporating geometric, material and friction-based full contact nonlinearities are used to investigate the temperature effects on the progressive damage analysis of the orthotropic material model. The progressive damage analysis material model integrates the lamina nonlinear shear deformation, Hashin-type failure criteria and strain-based continuum degradation rules, being developed using the UMAT user subroutine in the MSC Patran-Nastran (MSC Software Corporation) commercial software. The results showed that the temperature effects on damage initiation and failure modes are quite accurately predicted by the progressive damage analysis material model, which proved to be computationally efficient and therefore can predict failure propagation and damage mechanisms. A low temperature increases the limit and ultimate forces and produces net-section failure, while a high temperature favors a bearing failure and even shear-out of the composite adherend of the hybrid aluminum–composite countersunk bolted joint.
Consumers’ responses to product design: Using a Semantic Priming Task to assess automatic understanding of product positioning
Authors: Belboula Imene , Ackermann Claire-Lise , Mathieu Jean-Pierre , Cuny Caroline
Published: March 2019

Lack of understanding of new products’ positioning is one of the reasons proposed for their failure. Through a process of semantic transformation, product design can communicate a new product’s positioning to consumers. Drawing on the theoretical foundations of implicit cognition and the results of an empirical study, this article demonstrates that the Semantic Priming Task is a valuable tool to evaluate perceived product positioning conveyed by product design and to help practitioners in their decision-making with regard to product design.
Feature subset evaluation method for upper limb rehabilitation training based on joint feature discernibility
Authors: Zuo Guoyu , Xu Zhaokun , Lu Jiahao , Gong Daoxiong
Published: March 2019

A feature subset discernibility hybrid evaluation method using Fisher score based on joint feature and support vector machine is proposed for the feature selection problem of the upper limb rehabilitation training motion of Brunnstrom 4–5 stage patients. In this method, the joint feature is introduced to evaluate the discernibility between classes due to the joint effect of both candidate and selected features. A feature subset search strategy is used to search a set of candidate feature subsets. The Fisher score based on joint feature method is used to evaluate the candidate feature subsets and the best subset is selected as a new selected feature subset. From these selected subsets such as obtained by the above process, the subset with the best performance of support vector machine classification is finally selected as the optimal feature subset. Experiments were carried out on the upper limb routine rehabilitation training samples of the Brunnstrom 4–5 stage. Compared with both the F-score and the discernibility of feature subset methods, the experimental results show the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method which can obtain the feature subsets with higher accuracy and smaller feature dimension.
Party democracy and its enemies: Italy, 1945–1992
Authors: Orsina Giovanni
Published: March 2019

The gap between the narratives of democracy and the practices of power has been a significant source of delegitimation for the post-1945 Italian political system. The system was unable to achieve a solid and principled legitimation by meeting the requirements of a widely accepted and historically rooted notion of democracy, and had to resort to a fragile de facto legitimacy based on the absence of more desirable alternatives. This can partly account for the collapse of the Republican political system in 1992/1993 and the political instability of Italy in the last quarter century. The first section of the article presents the three most relevant narratives of democracy of the Republic’s early years: liberal, progressive, and participatory democracy. The second section argues that in the early 1960s, when the political system finally reached a reasonable level of stability, it was as an ‘Italian-style’ party democracy that did not fully meet the criteria of any of the three original narratives, which were in fact used to delegitimise it. By the late 1970s, all could see how dysfunctional party democracy was, and criticising it became a discursive resource that no political force could refrain from exploiting—including those who were in government. The third section considers how those critiques were inspired, yet again, by variations of the three original narratives. The epilogue throws a quick glance at the post-1994 period.
The uncertain optimization algorithm to suppress vibration of the crankshaft system with random-interval hybrid variables
Authors: Qin Liming , Li Jun , Yu Gaoyuan
Published: March 2019

This study proposes a new uncertain optimization algorithm to suppress vibration of the crankshaft system. In this new algorithm, the interval expression with random-interval hybrid variables is obtained by the confidence level. In addition, the interval order relation, interval probability, radial basis function neural network technology, and multi-objective genetic algorithm are applied to construct uncertain optimization algorithm with random-interval hybrid variables. Moreover, typical examples are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. To suppress vibration of the crankshaft system, the optimization–Latin hypercube sampling design is used to obtain the experimental scheme and the data sampling is performed by multi-body system simulation of the vibration performance. Then, the radial basis function neural network is built considering the torsional displacement and transient stress of the crankshaft. Finally, the uncertain optimization algorithm is operated on the crankshaft structure design of the high-power reciprocating compressor. The results demonstrate that the robustness of the vibration performance and strength property is improved through the uncertain optimization algorithm, compared with that through deterministic optimization. The uncertain optimization algorithm to suppress vibration of the crankshaft system with random-interval hybrid variables is an efficient and effective approach, which is finally proved by the prototype test.
Analysis of internal flow and outlet velocity characteristics associated with dust suppression nozzles and their impact on spray field
Authors: Xu Cuicui , Zhang Yansong , Yao Qingguo , Zhang Shichuan
Published: March 2019

In order to understand the relationship between nozzle structure and spray field, the present paper conducts velocity-based parametric study on two types of dust suppression nozzles, focusing on the link among nozzle structure, velocity distribution, and the resulting spray field. The simulation investigation indicates that the increase of flow velocity mainly occurs in the convergence section and the outlet region of a nozzle, with its magnitude dictated by the convergence angle, ratio of inlet to outlet diameter, and the length–diameter ratio of the outlet. Based on the velocity distribution characteristic of axis direction and radial direction near different nozzles’ outlet, one can predict that fluid density is higher in the central axis region and lower in the boundary region in spray field with cylindrical outlet, which can form a “solid cone” shape and stable spray. In the case where the nozzle outlet has “dash” type, one can find that the spray field, which associated with this type of nozzle, is a fan-shaped, with the fluid density fluctuating up and down. The above hypothesis has been corroborated by the spray experiments which have been conducted here. The simulation results concerning the internal flow field in dust suppression nozzles can provide guidance over the nozzle design and the parametric optimization and are of great significance to enhance the atomization quality of spray field.
Data mining–based disturbances prediction for job shop scheduling
Authors: Qiu Yongtao , Sawhney Rapinder , Zhang Chaoyang , Chen Shao , Zhang Tao , Lisar Vahid Ganji , Jiang Kaibo , Ji Weixi
Published: March 2019

In real production manufacturing process, there are many disturbances (e.g. machine fault, shortage of materials, tool damage) which can greatly interfere the original scheduling. These interventions will cost production managers extra time to schedule orders, which increase much workload and cost of maintenance. On account of this phenomenon, a novel system of data mining–based disturbances prediction for job shop scheduling is proposed. It consists of three modules: data mining module, disturbances prediction module, and manufacturing process module. First, in data mining module, historical data and new data are acquired by radio frequency identification or cable from database, and a hybrid algorithm is used to build a disturbance tree which is utilized as a classifier of disturbances happened before manufacturing. Then, in the disturbances prediction module, a disturbances pattern is built and a decision making will be determined according to the similarity between testing data attributes and mined pattern. Finally, in the manufacturing process module, scheduling will be arranged in advance to avoid the disturbances according to the results of decision making. Besides, an experiment is conducted at the end of this article to show the prediction process and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.
An improved and practical synthesis of Fmoc Rink linker
Authors: Qin Ling-yan , Zhu Hao-ting , Zhan Li , Zhu Yong , Luo Yu
Published: March 2019

Fmoc Rink linker is a widely used peptide-resin linker in the solid-phase synthesis of peptide-amides. This paper describes an improved and practical eight-step synthetic approach for this compound in a 50% overall yield, using p-hydroxybenzaldehyde as the starting material. The procedure is operationally simple and amenable to scale-up synthesis.
Research with Children: A Rich Glimpse into the World of Childhood
Authors: Sorin Reesa
Published: March 2019

I feel angry when my brother is hurting me and he, and I'm tired and I'm having a sleep and Jason just says ‘Matthew, Matthew, look at this’. My face gets angry. [Makes face and clenches fist]. That's when they get even pinker. That's what happens to my arms when I get angry (Matthew, age 5—name has been changed).

Research in early childhood education generally involves children in some capacity, whether it be how they respond to various pedagogical initiatives, how their parents or teachers interact with them or what understandings they bring to a situation. Unfortunately, in the past, much of this research has given children limited voice; positioning them as innocent, incompetent and in need of an adult voice to confirm their place in the research. This article examines my research into young children's emotions, which suggests to me that children's voices can be powerful and possibly richer than those of adults acting on behalf of children.
Teacher and Student Teacher Perspectives of School Readiness
Authors: Cuskelly Monica , Detering Nicole
Published: March 2019

Sixty preschool teachers and 75 final year student teachers completed a questionnaire about the importance of a number of child characteristics for school readiness. Significant differences emerged between the two groups in the importance placed on most characteristics, with considerable variance within each group. Teachers were more likely than students to see retention in preschool as a useful option. Personal experience was reported to be a significant influence on teachers' and students' views.
SUPS Workers' Perspective of Child Care Quality
Authors: Sims Margaret
Published: March 2019

Quality child-rearing environments play a significant role in shaping positive long-term outcomes for children. In Australia, quality in child care is controlled both by state legislation and national accreditation. However, recent concerns expressed by a wide range of professionals and interested parties have led to the development of several projects by the author, each investigating concerns about child care quality. This report focuses on the perspectives of Supplementary Service (SUPS) workers, whose roles require them to visit and share experiences of children in various child care settings. SUPS workers in this study talked about their definitions of quality care, and shared stories about their experiences of what they perceive to be high and low quality child care.
Children Talk about their Early Experiences at School
Authors: Potter Gillian , Briggs Freda
Published: March 2019

Researchers have explored the issues associated with transition policies, practices, and children's readiness for school. They have collected parents' and teachers' attitudes towards and feelings about children starting school. However, little attention has been given to the voices of children in this matter.

This paper reports on the perspectives of one-hundred children aged 5–6 years on their early experiences of school. The first section explores some of the literature relevant to starting school and the emerging international research trend to giving children a voice in matters that concern them. The second discusses the research methodology and findings. These indicate that, while most children settle in well to school, many have concerns about the affective domain of the school environment, the fear of punishment, being bored, and the lack of choice. While just over half of the children liked school most of the time, 83 per cent of them said they did not like school work, which they clearly defined in their own words.
Are We Asking the Right Question When We Ask ‘Is Child Care Bad for Children?’
Authors: Sims Margaret
Published: March 2019

Originally evolving out of a welfare model of services (Brennan, 1994; Sims & Hutchins, 1996), child care has traditionally been the underdog of early childhood programs. Child care workers remain on lower wages than early childhood teachers (Press & Hayes, 2001). Training requirements to work in child care are less, and the industry is characterised by high caregiver stress levels, high staff turnover and poor working conditions (Commonwealth Child Care Advisory Council, 2001; Press & Hayes, 2001; Sims, 2003, in press). It is no wonder child care is perceived as a ‘necessary evil’ for those parents whose needs require them to be in the workforce.

The Western world is strongly influenced by an ‘Ideology of Motherhood’ (Hutchins & Sims, 1999) which implies that the ultimate achievement of womanhood is to parent children. In this context, women who ‘pass on’ their child caring role to others are judged as poor examples of womanhood. The child care industry, therefore, is seen as having a ‘…financial interest in separating infants and young children from their mothers…’ (Cook, 2002). Alternatives to child care, such as extended parental leave, are debated without challenging the fundamental assumption that children are better off in their homes, being cared for by a parent. Formal child care is often perceived as the opposite, and less desirable end of the child care continuum, with parental care at the most desirable, end. Proving child care is bad for children is often assumed to prove the converse: that parental care is the best for children. The question thus becomes imbued with all the power and emotion surrounding the whole issue of parenthood/motherhood.
Fundamental Movement Skills: Children's Perspectives
Authors: Hands Beth , Martin Marie
Published: March 2019

Ample evidence exists about the importance of physical activity for developing and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. As many habits are formed when young, well-planned and effective movement programs specifically designed for young children are important.

In this paper, the influence of a new teaching resource designed to support teachers in implementing a fundamental movement skill program on the children in the classes is presented using a case study approach. The case studies were constructed with teachers and children in a range of early childhood settings. The impact of the program on the children's level of confidence, knowledge of fundamental movement skills and personal physical activity level is presented. This information was gathered using direct observation methods, observation records and questionnaires. The findings indicated an increase in the children's physical activity levels, confidence and knowledge about fundamental movement skills.
Independence and Interdependence in Early Childhood Services
Authors: Whitington Victoria
Published: March 2019

It is through culture that children make sense of their worlds (Trevarthen, 1998). Cross-cultural models show that families are likely to primarily foster either independence or interdependence in their children (Gonzalez-Mena, 1997; Greenfield, 1994). Young children are likely to pay the ‘price of acculturation’ when they enter early childhood services which have values and practices which are not consistent with those of their family and cultural heritage (Greenfield, Quiroz & Raeff, 2000). The purposes of this paper are to outline some key ideas and issues pertaining to culture and children's development, and to offer some suggestions about how early childhood settings can support children's cultural heritages.
‘Everyone was Really Happy to See Me!’ The Importance of Friendships in the Return to School of Children with Chronic Illness
Authors: Dockett Sue
Published: March 2019

One of the features of the Starting School Research Project (Perry, Dockett & Howard, 2000) has been the study of multiple experiences of the transition to school. An ecological model of transition highlights the significance of context and the ways in which context influences experiences and is influenced by the participants in these experiences. Understanding context is one of the keys to understanding successful transitions. This article considers the contexts and experiences of children with chronic illness as they start or return to school, with particular focus on the importance of children's friendships.
Working Mothers of Children with Chronic Illness: Narratives of Working and Caring
Authors: Vickers Margaret , Parris Melissa , Bailey Jeff
Published: March 2019

This paper reports the initial findings of an exploratory, qualitative study of the life and work of people who are working full-time and also caring for a child with chronic illness. The demands of such a lifestyle are significant. Respondents - all women - often reported ‘doing-it-all’ while constantly being frustrated and challenged in their mothering role
Autism: The Heart of the Disorder? Sensory Processing and Social Engagement—Illustrations from Autobiographical Accounts and Selected Research Findings
Authors: Keane Elaine
Published: March 2019

Autism is currently identified by a set of diagnostic criteria which are based on observable behaviour, denoting a pattern of impairments in communication and social reciprocity, and a tendency for restricted and stereotyped patterns of behaviour and interests. During the past eighteen years, biographical accounts have enriched the conventional autism literature and provided insights into the experience of autism that may inform both research and practice. This paper presents a synthesis of two themes reported frequently in first-hand accounts: difficulties in sensory processing and social perception. Viewed in conjunction with selected research evidence, a picture emerges of underlying basic deficits that may underpin the observable behaviours of the current diagnostic criteria. It is hoped that the article will be of assistance to practitioners in developing an understanding of the nature of autism spectrum disorders.
Change in Behavioural Symptoms in Children with High-functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome: Evidence for One Disorder?
Authors: Dissanayake Cheryl
Published: March 2019

The aim of the study reported here was to establish whether the behavioural profiles of children with high-functioning autism (HFA) come to approximate the profile of children with Asperger Syndrome (AS) over time. The parents of 21 children with HFA and 19 children with AS, all aged between five and 11 years and matched on chronological and mental age, were interviewed using the Autism Behaviour Checklist. The parents reported on their child's current behavioural presentation as well as on their early (childhood) behaviours. The hypothesis that the children with HFA would show more severe symptomatology in comparison to the children with AS on their early behavioural scores was supported. Moreover, the two groups were indistinguishable on their current behavioural profiles, providing support for Szatmari's (2000a; 2000b) developmental model of autism and AS. The lack of qualitative differences in the behavioural profiles between the two groups during early and middle childhood was taken as evidence that AS is a milder variant of autism.
East Timor: Building on the Early Years
Authors: Nyland Berenice
Published: March 2019

When the East Timorese voted for Independence in 1999 they at least expected to have infrastructure, such as school buildings, available as they started the task of building a new nation. The post-Independence destruction also meant that unexpected priority decisions about what should be built, or rebuilt, first had to be made. In a country suffering from low literacy rates, high unemployment, trauma, poverty and food shortages, the question of an education system remains very complex.

This paper explores the potential of early childhood education in the new nation of East Timor. The discussion of the early years will be framed by some of the debates that have occupied the education conversation in the early days of Independence. The question of language has been strongly debated (Lutz, 1991; Burns, 1999; Kehi, 1999; Hull, 2000) and will be a focus of this discussion. Three questions are examined in the paper: one, the extremely complex issues surrounding choices about the language(s) of education in a country where literacy levels are low and colonial rulers have used language as an overt expression of power; two, the importance of the early years; and three, the question of the role of early education in nation building.
Governance of Children's Everyday Spaces
Authors: Cobb Charlotte , Danby Susan , Farrell Ann
Published: March 2019

With the emergence of sociological and economic change there is increasing attention given to governance of children's spaces in recent years. This paper discusses these changes and how they have impacted on, and contributed to, this increased interest. The paper draws on the sociology of childhood framework in order to examine how children themselves actively respond to and participate in enacting governance within school spaces and also within their own peer cultures. It addresses an in-progress study being undertaken to explore young children's everyday interactions within an early childhood setting.
The Normalised Child: A non-traditional psychological framework
Authors: Grebennikov Leonid
Published: March 2019

The terms ‘normalisation’ and ‘normalised child’ were introduced into early childhood scholarship by Maria Montessori, whose ideas regarding norm and deviation in children's development and behaviour have been discussed, debated and sometimes criticised, but remain magnetic and recognised worldwide. Contemporary Western society is witnessing a major expansion of early childhood services. This is an answer both to the increased need for non-familial care for children of working parents and to the perception that high-quality early childhood educational background will enhance children's life chances. As this provision expands, there is also increasing awareness of issues that early childhood workers have difficulty responding to, such as problems of some students' maladjustment, misconduct, or challenging behaviour. This essay argues that the approach towards normalisation advocated by Maria Montessori and further developed by Edwin Mortimer Standing presented in a psychological science context, has much to offer in attempts to find a response to these issues.
Staff Shortages in Children's Services: Challenging taken-for-granted discourses
Authors: Sumsion Jennifer
Published: March 2019

This article is concerned with the continuing staff shortages in Australian long day care services. To expand possibilities for addressing this ongoing problem, the article advocates the use of discourse as a theoretical and practical tool for reframing discussions about staff shortages. Drawing on discourses of crisis and professionalism as examples, it suggests refocusing conversations and action around discourses of opportunity and critical professionalism, rather than the gendered professionalism traditionally associated with children's services.
Social Inclusion—The Next Step: User-Friendly Strategies to Promote Social Interaction and Peer Acceptance of Children with Disabilities
Authors: Batchelor Denise , Taylor Heather
Published: March 2019

Research tells us that children with developmental disabilities and delays have reduced social interaction and reduced social acceptance by other children in comparison with their same-aged peers within early childhood settings. The consequence of this is that these children have limited access to the possible developmental opportunities within the peer culture, leading to long-term social maladjustment. This can be counteracted by the implementation of carefully planned social interventions; however, the strategies informed by current research are often unable to be implemented because of the lack of user-friendliness for staff. This paper is a quantitative and qualitative case study of a four-year-old child with a moderate developmental disability attending a community kindergarten. The authors investigated the effect of strategies planned in collaboration with kindergarten staff to increase social interaction and acceptance for the focal child within the existing peer culture.
From Whitlam to Economic Rationalism and Beyond: A Conceptual Framework for Political Activism in Children's Services
Authors: Sumsion Jennifer
Published: March 2019

Thirty years after the dismissal of the Whitlam Government, the Australian political, economic and social landscape is dominated by discourses of economic rationalism. The reification of market forces presents challenges for early childhood professionals seeking to establish a viable future trajectory for children's services that includes universal access to affordable, high-quality centre-based long day care services. This article argues that political activism, grounded in critical imagination, critical literacy and critical action, can assist in addressing this challenge.
Literacy in Early Childhood Settings in New Zealand: An Examination of Teachers' beliefs and Practices
Authors: McLachlan Claire , Carvalho Lucila , de Lautour Nicky , Kumar Koshila
Published: March 2019

Recent research indicates that children develop the emergent knowledge and skills that lead to formal literacies in their homes and early childhood settings long before school entry. The research evidence is clear that emergent literacy needs to be actively encouraged in the early years, if children are to have optimum chances of learning to read at school. In New Zealand, there are only a few studies of how literacy is promoted and practised in early childhood settings. This paper examines how 107 teachers in a range of early childhood settings believe that they promote literacy and their reflections on the ways in which Te Whāriki (the national curriculum) influences that practice. The implications for promoting literacy in early childhood settings are explored.
Can Drawing Facilitate Problem-Solving? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lambert E. Beverley
Published: March 2019

This article presents an exploratory study into the use of diagrammatic representation to aid problem-solving. It consists of a case study of one preschooler (3.9 years) who over a 12-month period was encouraged to use drawing as a way of reasoning about daily problems or issues. For this child, diagrammatic representation was found to facilitate effective reasoning as well as the use of metacognitive strategies. The implications for educational practice are discussed.
The Impact of Age and Gender on Prep Children's Academic Achievements
Authors: Boardman Margot
Published: March 2019

Within the current climate of heightened interest in the education of young children, it is essential that consideration be given to different factors which may impact, either positively or negatively, on the achievement of young learners when their academic progress in literacy and numeracy is considered. The research study reported in this paper aimed to investigate whether age and gender impacted on the academic results of five- and six-year-old students in Tasmanian state schools. The dual-method study considered the children's development in the area of early literacy and numeracy, at the commencement of their year in Prep (following their previous year in kindergarten). Results for 884 students from the PIPS (Performance Indicators of Primary Schools) testing procedure (mandated by the Tasmanian Department of Education for all children at the start of their year in Prep) were used to inform this study. Quantitative results revealed that children's age had a significant impact on the results they receive in PIPS at the commencement of Prep. Younger children (aged 5.00–5.03 years at the time of the test) within the Prep class cohort were found to be performing at significantly lower levels of academic achievement than their peers who were six to 11 months older in the areas of maths, reading and phonics. Likewise, girls achieved statistically higher results in reading and in the PIPS total scores when compared to the scores of boys. This study provides key evidence that there are children who, because of their age or gender, are achieving lower test scores on PIPS. These children and their literacy and numeracy needs must be more fully understood and acted upon.