bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Silico Analyses of Burial Codon Bias Among the Species of Dipterocarpaceae Through Molecular and Phylogenetic Data
Authors: Biswas Raju , Panja Anindya Sundar , Bandopadhyay Rajib
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

DNA barcode, a molecular marker, is used to distinguish among the closely related species, and it can be applied across a broad range of taxa to understand ecology and evolution. MaturaseK gene ( matK) and rubisco bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase form I gene ( rbcL) of the chloroplast are highly conserved in a plant system, which are used as core barcode. This present endeavor entails the comprehensive examination of the under threat plant species based on success of discrimination on DNA barcode under selection pressure.

Result:

The family Dipterocarpaceae comprising of 15 genera is under threat due to some factors, namely, deforestation, habitat alteration, poor seed, pollen dispersal, etc. Species of this family was grouped into 6 clusters for matK and 5 clusters and 2 sub-clusters for rbcL in the phylogenetic tree by using neighbor-joining method. Cluster I to cluster VI of matK and cluster I to cluster V of rbcL genes were analyzed by various codon and substitution bias tools. Mutational pressure guided the codon bias which was favored by the avoidance of higher GC content and significant negative correlation between GC12 and GC3 (in sub-cluster I of cluster I [0.03 <  P], cluster I [0.00001 <  P], and cluster II [0.01 <  P] of rbcL, and cluster IV [0.013 <  P] of matK). After refining the results, it could be speculated that the lower null expectation values ( R = 0.5 or <0.5) were less divergent from the evolutionary perspective. Apart from that, the higher null expectation values ( R = >0.85) also showed the same result, which possibly could be due to the negative impact of very high and low transition rate than transversion.

Conclusion:

Through the analysis of inter-generic, inter/intra-specific variation and phylogenetic data, it was found that both selection and mutation played an important role in synonymous codon choice in these genes, but they acted inconsistently on the genes, both matK and rbcL. In vitro stable proteins of both matK and rbcL were selected through natural selection rather than mutational selection. matK gene had higher individual discrimination and barcode success compared with rbcL. These discriminatory approaches may describe the problem related to the extinction of plant species. Hence, it becomes very imperative to identify and detect the under threat plant species in advance.
Vector Quantized Spectral Clustering Applied to Whole Genome Sequences of Plants
Authors: Shastri Aditya A , Ahuja Kapil , Ratnaparkhe Milind B , Shah Aditya , Gagrani Aishwary , Lal Anant
Published: March 2019

We develop a Vector Quantized Spectral Clustering (VQSC) algorithm that is a combination of spectral clustering (SC) and vector quantization (VQ) sampling for grouping genome sequences of plants. The inspiration here is to use SC for its accuracy and VQ to make the algorithm computationally cheap (the complexity of SC is cubic in terms of the input size). Although the combination of SC and VQ is not new, the novelty of our work is in developing the crucial similarity matrix in SC as well as use of k-medoids in VQ, both adapted for the plant genome data. For Soybean, we compare our approach with commonly used techniques like Un-weighted Pair Graph Method with Arithmetic mean (UPGMA) and Neighbor Joining (NJ). Experimental results show that our VQSC outperforms both these techniques significantly in terms of cluster quality (average improvement of 21% over UPGMA and 24% over NJ) as well as time complexity (order of magnitude faster than both UPGMA and NJ).
Predictors of Infant Care Competence Among Mothers With Postpartum Depression
Authors: Jones Debbie , Letourneau Nicole , Leger Linda Duffett
Published: March 2019

Background/objective:

Postpartum depression is linked to decreased quality mother-infant interactions and long-term negative impacts on children’s behavior and health. Infant care competence may be reduced by postpartum depression and other maternal or environmental variables. Thus, the objective of this study was to explain factors that contribute to perceived infant care competence among mothers with postpartum depression.

Methods:

Multiple regression analysis and correlational analysis were conducted to study associations between the predictors (depression severity, social support, child development, family functioning) and the outcome of perceived infant care competence among a peer support intervention study for mothers with postpartum depression (n = 55).

Results:

Child development, specifically communication ( P = .04), gross ( P = .00) and fine ( P = .00) motor skills, problem solving ( P = .00), and personal-social development ( P = .01), explained maternal perceptions of responsiveness, an aspect of infant care competence. The best-fit model was obtained for the responsiveness subscale, in which 37% of the variance was explained by mothers’ reports of infants’ fine motor skills ( P = .000) and nurturance ( P = .039) as an aspect of social support and family functioning ( P = .078).

Conclusions:

Recognition of the importance of infant development to perceived infant care competence, particularly mothers’ perceptions of infant responsiveness, may offer targets for intervention. Helping mothers identify infant cues and milestones that signal infant responsiveness may be beneficial. Moreover, social support and family functioning may be targets for intervention to promote perceived infant care competence in mothers affected by postpartum depression.
Subacute Combined Spinal Cord Degeneration by Recreational Laughing Gas (N2O) Use
Authors: Onrust Marthe R , Frequin Stephan TFM
Published: March 2019

Background:

A few young patients were brought in with subacute combined spinal cord degeneration at the Department of Neurology in our hospital. They all have used laughing gas for recreational purposes.

Case:

A 30-year-old woman, known with alcohol abuse, was presented to our Department of Neurology for having paresthesia and unstable movements of arms, legs, and trunk for 9 days. She has used 50 laughing gas patterns per day. The diagnosis of laughing gas–induced combined spinal cord degeneration was evident by the low count of vitamin B12 combined with lesions shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Abstaining from the laughing gas, weekly intramuscular injections of hydroxocobalamin and revalidation, she was fully recovered in 8 weeks.

Conclusions:

Recreational use of laughing gas seems to be more used in our society, however, without having any knowledge of the neurological consequences. The right diagnosis and treatment can provide full recovery in these patients. Furthermore, attention for this diagnosis can help increase social awareness.
Longitudinal analysis of serum neurofilament light chain: A potential therapeutic monitoring biomarker for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hyun Jae-Won , Kim Yeseul , Kim Gayoung , Kim Su-Hyun , Kim Ho Jin
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) has been proposed a potential biomarker in multiple sclerosis (MS) based on mainly cross-sectional observations in Western population. To clarify clinical implication of sNfL, we longitudinally analysed sNfL levels at multiple time points in Korean MS patients undergoing alemtuzumab therapy.

Methods:

Between 2016 and 2018, 144 sera from 17 MS patients treated with alemtuzumab at National Cancer Centre and 35 sera from 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were collected for a longitudinal study with a mean 21-month follow-up. The sera were measured for sNfL levels using single molecule array. Patients were classified into two groups: evidence of disease activity (EDA) or no evidence of disease activity (NEDA).

Results:

During alemtuzumab therapy, sNfL levels in EDA patients were significantly higher than those in NEDA patients and HCs ( p < 0.001). In longitudinal analysis, the sNfL levels were consistently low in NEDA patients, while it consistently increased in radiologically and/or clinically active status in EDA patients. All sNfL levels in radiologically and/or clinically active status samples were higher than those in inactive status samples.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that sNfL is a promising monitoring biomarker for personalized therapeutics in MS patients.
Convex combination-based active impulse noise control system
Authors: Yu Ning , Li Zhaoxia , Wu Yinfeng , Feng Renjian , Chen Bin
Published: March 2019

Active noise control shows a good performance on the suppression of the low-frequency noise and hence it is widely applied. However, the traditional active noise control systems are unsatisfactory in controlling impulse noise in practical situations. A method based on the convex combination of filtered-x least mean square and filtered-x minimum kernel risk-sensitive loss adaptive algorithms (CFxLM) is presented to efficiently suppress impulse noise. Due to the simplicity of the LMS algorithm, the related filter is selected as the fast filter. Because the minimum kernel risk-sensitive loss algorithm is robust to impulse noise and can offer good convergence performance, we first apply it to the active noise control system and select the corresponding filter as the slow one. The proposed CFxLM algorithm can achieve both fast convergence and good noise reduction and any prior knowledge of reference noise is unnecessary. Extensive simulations demonstrate the superior noise reduction capability of the developed CFxLM-based active noise control system in controlling impulse noise.
‘Audubon is not Audubon’: Journalism as communicative logic in the pages of an NGO-produced magazine, 1960–1976
Authors: Comfort Suzannah Evans
Published: March 2019

Recent scholarship has noted the increased visibility of journalism that is subsidized or outright produced by non-governmental organizations, often tying the phenomenon to the post-millennial economic decline of news organizations and the digital revolution. This study demonstrates that non-governmental organizations engaged in communicative logics relying on norms and practices of journalism as early as 50 years ago. In the 1960s and 1970s, the National Audubon Society’s long-running magazine, Audubon, evolved from a bird-watching journal that relied on non-journalists as writers and value-laden personal narratives to a crusading example of advocacy journalism. The publication won a National Magazine Award for reporting excellence in 1976, signaling its acceptance into the journalistic establishment.
Effects of injection parameters on the amount of wall-wet fuel in a port-fuel-injected spark-ignition engine during cold start
Authors: Araki Mikiya , Sakairi Katsuya , Kuribara Takashi , González Palencia Juan C , Shiga Seiichi , Ishima Tsuneaki , Haibara Teruaki , Mitani Shinichi
Published: March 2019

In a four-stroke cycle port-fuel-injected spark-ignition engine, a significant portion of unburned hydrocarbons is exhausted during the short period of cold start. The aim of this study is to investigate the physics behind the wall-wet phenomena and its determining parameter as simply as possible even though qualitative to some extent. The test engine is driven at a constant speed of 350 r/min. The fuel injection starts at a certain cycle, and the cycles required for the first ignition is counted. Three gasoline injectors having different atomization characteristics are used for port fuel injection, and the droplet size, the spray angle and the spray velocity are varied independently. The fuel transport phenomena from the injector to the cylinder are characterized by only two parameters, α and β, the mass fraction of the fuel without wall-wet and the mass fraction of the evaporated fuel from liquid films on walls. They are determined so that all the first ignition cycles observed experimentally are consistently reproduced by the model. The value of α is successfully determined for every single injector, and it increases monotonously with the decrease in the Stokes number.
Revenue-based attribution modeling for online advertising
Authors: Zhao Kaifeng , Mahboobi Seyed Hanif , Bagheri Saeed R
Published: March 2019

This article examines and proposes several attribution models that quantify how revenue should be attributed to online advertising inputs. We adopt and further develop relative importance methods, which are based on regression models that have been extensively studied and utilized to investigate the relationship between advertising efforts and market reaction (revenue). The relative importance methods aim at decomposing and allocating marginal contributions to the coefficient of determination ( R2) of the regression models as attribution values. In particular, we adopt two alternative submethods to perform this decomposition: dominance analysis and relative weight analysis. Moreover, we demonstrate an extension of the decomposition methods from standard linear models to additive models. We claim that our new approaches are more flexible and accurate in modeling the underlying relationship and quantifying the attribution values. We use simulation examples to demonstrate the superior performance of our new approaches to traditional methods. We further illustrate the value of our proposed approaches using a real advertising campaign data set.
Exploring sharing behaviors across social media platforms
Authors: Ham Chang-Dae , Lee Joonghwa , Hayes Jameson L , Bae Young Han
Published: March 2019

Increasingly, consumers are simulcasting branded content across multiple, interconnected social media platforms creating a complex social media ecosystem. However, little is known about what motivates sharing in the ecosystem as opposed to specific media contexts. Present research explores multiplatform consumers’ general sharing motivations and examines how those motivations, in conjunction with social relationships, influence sharing behavior across social media platforms. First, four focus group interviews were conducted to identify general social media sharing motivations of multiplatform consumers. Employing an online survey ( N = 249), four dimensions comprised of 31 sharing motivation items were identified: social presence, social conversation, easy connection, and self-management. Applying a theory of reasoned action and social exchange theory approach, we conducted a second online survey ( N = 342) to elaborate on our findings in terms of multidimensionality and interdependency among the influencing factors on social sharing behavior. Social conversation exhibited the strongest relationship with attitude toward sharing, whereas self-management was negatively related to the social norm, which, in turn, was negatively associated with sharing intention. Findings and implications are discussed.
A novel aging state recognition method of a viscoelastic sandwich structure based on permutation entropy of dual-tree complex wavelet packet transform and generalized Chebyshev support vector machine
Authors: Qu Jinxiu , Shi Changquan , Ding Feng , Wang Wenjuan
Published: March 2019

A viscoelastic sandwich structure is widely used in mechanical equipment, but therein viscoelastic layers inevitably suffer from aging which changes the dynamic characteristics of the structure and influences the whole performance of the equipment. Hence, accurate and automatic aging state recognition of the viscoelastic sandwich structure is very significant to monitor structural health state and guarantee equipment operating reliably. To fulfill this task, by analyzing the sensor-based vibration response signals, a novel aging state recognition approach of the viscoelastic sandwich structure based on permutation entropy of dual-tree complex wavelet packet transform and generalized Chebyshev support vector machine is proposed in this article. To extract effective aging feature information, the measured nonlinear and non-stationary vibration response signals are processed by dual-tree complex wavelet packet transform, and multiple permutation entropy features are extracted from the frequency-band signals to reflect structural aging states. For accurate and automatic aging state classification, generalized Chebyshev kernel is introduced, and multi-class generalized Chebyshev support vector machine is developed to classify structural aging states. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a typical viscoelastic sandwich structure is designed and fabricated, and various structural aging states are created through the hot oxygen–accelerated aging of viscoelastic layers. The testing results show that the proposed method can recognize the different structural aging states accurately and automatically. In addition, the superiority of dual-tree complex wavelet packet transform in processing vibration response signals and the performance of generalized Chebyshev support vector machine in classifying structural aging states are respectively validated by comparing with the commonly used methods.
Pester Power: Understanding Parent–Child Communication About Fruits and Vegetables in Low-Income Families From the Child’s Perspective
Authors: Askelson Natoshia M. , Golembiewski Elizabeth H. , Meier Cristian L. , Smith Rosamond , Montgomery Doris , Lillehoj Catherine J. , Wilson Suzy
Published: March 2019

Pick a better snack™, a multicomponent social marketing intervention to promote fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, develops children’s ability to ask their parents for F&V. This study’s purpose was to understand this “pester power” from the child’s perspective. Pester power is leveraging children’s ability to convince their parents to purchase items in the store that they normally would not have considered buying. Focus groups were conducted with third-grade program participants ( n = 30) and involved a traditional discussion format, a drawing activity, and role-playing. Most of the communication participants described involved straightforward requests, although a few children described behaviors such as whining. Most reported their parents responded affirmatively to requests, and some described a positive emotional response from parents. Parent denials were typically related to concerns about cost or the child not eating the item after purchase. Findings pointed to high self-efficacy and response efficacy among these children, although role-playing of effective asking strategies and addressing reasons why parents deny requests could enhance the program. Social marketing efforts including children should consider how pester power may play a role in moving adult behavior.
Camera-Based Mirror Visual Input for Priming Promotes Motor Recovery, Daily Function, and Brain Network Segregation in Subacute Stroke Patients
Authors: Ding Li , Wang Xu , Chen Shugeng , Wang Hewei , Tian Jing , Rong Jifeng , Shao Peng , Tong Shanbao , Guo Xiaoli , Jia Jie
Published: March 2019

Background. Camera technique–based mirror visual feedback (MVF) is an optimal interface for mirror therapy. However, its efficiency for stroke rehabilitation and the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Objective. To investigate the possible treatment benefits of camera-based MVF (camMVF) for priming prior to hand function exercise in subacute stroke patients, and to reveal topological reorganization of brain network in response to the intervention. Methods. Twenty subacute stroke patients were assigned randomly to the camMVF group (MG, N = 10) or a conventional group (CG, N = 10). Before, and after 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Upper Limb subscale (FMA_UL), the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), manual muscle testing (MMT), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured. Resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded before and after 4-week intervention. Results. The MG showed more improvements in the FMA_UL, the FMA_WH (wrist and hand), and the FIM than the CG. The clustering coefficient (CC) of the resting EEG network in the alpha band was increased globally in the MG after intervention but not in the CG. Nodal CC analyses revealed that the CC in the MG tended to increase in the ipsilesional occipital and temporal areas, and the bilateral central and parietal areas, suggesting improved local efficiency of communication in the visual, somatosensory, and motor areas. The changes of nodal CC at TP8 and PO8 were significantly positively correlated with the motor recovery. Conclusions. The camMVF-based priming could improve the motor recovery, daily function, and brain network segregation in subacute stroke patients.
Investigation of the thermal effect of a tubular permanent magnet actuator with a water cooling channel for active lateral suspension of a high-speed train
Authors: Kim Dong-wook , Woo Jung-Hyun , Park Kyoung-Su
Published: March 2019

Worldwide, high-speed rail is becoming an increasingly popular and efficient means of transport. However, increasing the speed of a train leads to major reductions in stability and ride comfort. Here, we develop a tubular permanent magnet actuator to overcome these problems. To increase actuator thrust, the electromagnetic circuit requires a high current and, thus, becomes hot. We use a water cooling system with 12 straight copper channels to reduce the temperature. We calculate heat transfer coefficients using empirical convection correlations between laminar flow in the channels and experimental results. The predicted, tube surface temperatures correlated well with the experimental data. We evaluated the effects of flow rate and initial water temperature on various design parameters. The cooling system allowed application of a current greater than 100 A, developing a thrust force of over 8000 N. Thus, the system was robust under harsh operating conditions. We measured the thrust and cogging forces and the performance of the water cooling system in terms of the maximum acceptable temperature. The thrust was high and the cogging torque was low, greatly reducing lateral vibration; the temperature remained below the acceptable maximum.
Radiative flow of magneto hydrodynamics single-walled carbon nanotube over a convectively heated stretchable rotating disk with velocity slip effect
Authors: Nasir Saleem , Shah Zahir , Islam Saeed , Khan Waris , Khan Saima Naz
Published: March 2019

In this article, we have examined the three-dimensional flow of heat and mass transport of carbon nanotube–based nanoliquid over a rotating stretchable disk. A uniform magnetic field [Formula: see text] is applied in a transverse direction to the flow of nanofluid. Moreover, we have considered carbon nanotube nanoparticles termed as single-walled carbon nanotubes within the base liquid (water). In addition, at the boundaries of current problem, the effect of velocity slip and thermal convection is deliberated. The heat transport mechanism is also incorporated thermal radiation. The pertinent strong nonlinear ordinary differential system after utilizing the appropriate variables is intended. Homotopy analysis method technique is employed to estimate the analytical results for velocities and thermal fields. For the sake of comparison, the numerical method ND-Solve solution is also obtained. The results are found to be in an excellent agreement. Various graphs have been plotted in order to study the effect of different model variables on the velocities and thermal fields. The main features of physical quantities of flow like [Formula: see text] (local skin friction coefficient), and [Formula: see text] (heat transfer rate) have been formulated and deliberated graphically. It is found that velocity is reduced under the influence of the exterior magnetic field. Concluding remarks are pinched under the analysis of complete investigation.
Coupled vibrations of a drive system during automatic transmission
Authors: Su Chengyun , Wang Shuhan , Liu Yanfang , Dong Peng , Xu Xiangyang
Published: March 2019

Coupled vibrations are difficult to overcome in automatic transmission with mixed gear trains. In this study, a mathematical model for the bending–torsional–axial–oscillation vibrations of mixed gear trains with parallel-axis gear pairs, a clutch, planetary gear sets and a shaft rotor was developed using the concentrated mass method. The dynamic vibration response and transmission error of the meshing gears in different gears were analysed. The response sensitivity of the vibration parameters was obtained using the design coupling function of the peak–peak dynamic transmission error. The degree of coupling of each part with system vibrations was analysed and it was found that the stiffness and damping of gears influenced the coupled vibrations. Finally, the top seven degrees of coupling were obtained, the first two contributions were taken as the target to improve, the thickness of the P1 gear ring was increased by 5 mm and the bushing was added between the P2 planetary and sun gear to increase the stiffness and damping of gears. It could be validated that the vibration performance improved significantly from 3% to 6%. This article presents an analytical method of theoretical and practical value, which can provide a strong basis for reducing the vibrations and noise in automatic transmission.
Effect of chamber diameter of vortex gripper on maximum suction force and flow field
Authors: Wang Ching , Zhao Jianghong , Li Xin
Published: March 2019

The vortex gripper is a non-contact suction device that uses a high-speed rotating airflow to create a negative pressure and suction force. In this research, we studied the effect of the vortex gripper’s diameter on the maximum suction force and internal flow field. First, we proposed a simplified theoretical model of the maximum suction force and predicted the influences of changing the diameter. Then, we obtained the maximum suction forces of the grippers with different diameters through the experiment. Both the theoretical and experimental results show that changing the diameter of the vortex gripper increases the maximum suction force. However, with the increase in the diameter, the prediction of the trend of the maximum suction force is inconsistent with the experimental results. To analyze the difference between the theoretical and experimental results, we further measured the pressure distribution of the vortex gripper and calculated the pressure gradient. The pressure distribution showed that the maximum negative pressure decreases while the diameter increases, and there is a pressure platform, which dominates the central area of the chamber. Next, we indirectly obtained the circumferential velocity distribution based on the relationship between the pressure gradient and circumferential velocity. The results of the circumferential velocity distribution reveal that the high-speed rotating airflow only exists in the area near the inner wall of the vortex chamber, while the circumferential velocity in the central part of the vortex chamber is extremely slow. In addition, the results clarify that the inaccurate assumption of velocity distribution of the simplified theoretical model is the main cause of the theoretical prediction bias.
Two-dimensional fractional algebraic internal solitary waves model and its solution
Authors: Li Yuqing , Yu Zheyuan , Chen Yaodeng , Yang Hongwei
Published: March 2019

With the development of theory and advancement of scientific research, fractional calculus has begun to be considered as a method for the study of physical systems. In this work, based on the basic system of equations for internal solitary waves, we have derived two-dimensional Benjamin–Ono equation. Then, the integer-order two-dimensional Benjamin–Ono equation is transformed into the time-fractional Benjamin–Ono equation. To study the properties of the algebraic internal solitary waves, we discuss the conservation laws of the new model. Also, using the Hirota bilinear method, the derived new model is solved. Finally, we explore the characteristics of motion of the algebraic internal solitary waves with the help of the multi-soliton solutions.
The gut virome: the ‘missing link’ between gut bacteria and host immunity?
Authors: Mukhopadhya Indrani , Segal Jonathan P. , Carding Simon R. , Hart Ailsa L. , Hold Georgina L.
Published: March 2019

The human gut virome includes a diverse collection of viruses that infect our own cells as well as other commensal organisms, directly impacting on our well-being. Despite its predominance, the virome remains one of the least understood components of the gut microbiota, with appropriate analysis toolkits still in development. Based on its interconnectivity with all living cells, it is clear that the virome cannot be studied in isolation. Here we review the current understanding of the human gut virome, specifically in relation to other constituents of the microbiome, its evolution and life-long association with its host, and our current understanding in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and associated therapies. We propose that the gut virome and the gut bacterial microbiome share similar trajectories and interact in both health and disease and that future microbiota studies should in parallel characterize the gut virome to uncover its role in health and disease.
Do theatre staff use face masks in accordance with the manufacturers’ guidelines of use?
Authors: Herron Jonathan Blair Thomas , Kuht James Alan , Hussain Ammar Zahid , Gens Kamila Kinga , Gilliam Andrew Douglas
Published: March 2019

Aim:

Surgical face masks are worn by theatre staff to protect the surgical site from airborne contamination and the wearer from bodily fluid splash. This observational/audit aimed to assess whether theatre staff wear masks in accordance with manufacturers’/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of use.

Methods:

A total of 1034 surgically scrubbed staff were assessed on their technique of applying surgical face masks, compared to the CDC guidelines as manufacturers’ guidelines were not available as per Health and Safety Executive guidelines.

Results:

Only 18% of surgically scrubbed staff fully complied with the CDC guidelines on the application of a face mask. Compliance was worst in urology, ophthalmology and vascular surgeons, whereas orthopaedic and plastic surgeons were the most compliant.

Discussion:

Compliance with CDC face mask guidelines may have an impact on surgical site infections (SSI) and protection of staff from body fluid splash, but most staff do not comply with these guidelines.

Conclusions:

Most operating theatre staff do not apply a face mask using correct technique, outlined in CDC guidance, which may increase SSI rates. Staff are not aware of existing guidelines for donning a mask.
The consequences of escalated politicization in the US regulatory process
Authors: Costello Kenneth William
Published: March 2019

To some observers, public utility regulation has expanded its domain far beyond its original mandate and what is socially optimal. Their view is that regulators should stick to setting just and reasonable rates and taking other actions that improve the long-term welfare of utility consumers. After all the raison d’etre for public utility regulation is to protect consumers from “monopoly” utilities. Utilities provide essential services to both individuals and society. When left unregulated, these services would presumably be excessively priced with no guarantee of availability for those who want it and willing to pay for it. Diverting from this focus—driven by escalating politics—risks regulators’ ability to achieve their core objective of protecting consumers. One positive aspect of politicization is that it allows regulators to have access to more diversified information from stakeholders that could result in better decisions. One criticism of regulation is that it tends to stay with its policies and practices too long in spite of changing market and technological conditions. Additional stakeholders in the regulatory process could push regulators toward changes that are in the public interest but would not pursue on their own.
From Bad to Worse?: Troubling Development in Preschool Settings
Authors: Reid Jo-Anne
Published: March 2019

At the end of Jake's first day of school his teacher called him the ‘worst kid in the class’. A year later, when he was not ‘progressed’ to Year 1, the pattern of Jake's school development seemed to be set. As I write, Jake is in Year 4, and many of the predictions his Prep teacher made on that first day seem accurate—he has not had a history of successful learning or social experience at school. As I discuss elsewhere (Hill et al., 2002), Jake has had periods of very successful learning and progress though, which indicate that the ‘developmental pathways’ that children tread are socially constructed, rather than reliant on innate ‘abilities’ or ‘natural’ traits. For Jenks, ‘development’, or ‘progress towards an adult state over time’, is ‘the primary metaphor through which childhood is made intelligible’ (1996, p. 36). Psychological notions of development, however, are far more complicated and troublesome than such a metaphor encourages us to believe.
The More he Looked inside the More Piglet wasn't there: What Adopting a Sociocultural Perspective can help us see
Authors: Robbins Jill
Published: March 2019

Unlike the Piagetian notion of children actively constructing their own understandings, sociocultural theory emphasises that it is through involvement in activities with others that development occurs. Thus, it is important to consider the contexts in which children are developing; the socioculturally relevant activities within those contexts; the participation with, guidance and support of others, and how this changes through involvement in activities and prepares children for future involvement in similar experiences. This article, drawing on research into young children's understandings of natural phenomena, will illustrate how adopting a sociocultural perspective can present a richer image of what children know, than an approach which relies solely on using ‘scientific’ methods to uncover and analyse understandings.
Changing Times: Changing Challenges for Early Childhood Leaders
Authors: Boardman Margot
Published: March 2019

The diversity and complexity of change within school management practices, over the past decade, have meant changing roles for school leaders, teachers and their communities. Early childhood leaders in school settings have not been exempt from the impact of these changes as they have striven to accommodate rapid social and educational challenges within their leadership role. This article reports on a survey undertaken with Tasmanian early childhood teachers and leaders to investigate the nature and diversity of challenges faced by leaders with responsibilities in Kindergarten to Grade 2 leadership. Analysis of the data, concerning the most challenging aspects of early childhood leadership, revealed that both teachers and leaders perceived there were significant, diverse and complex educational changes being faced by leaders. Also, there were pressing organisational dilemmas associated with time available for teaching and leading. Further, teachers perceived there were key challenges inherent in the area of leaders' knowledge and relationships which were impacting negatively on the leadership provision in schools
Roots and Branches: Comparing Child Care Policymaking in the us and Australia
Authors: Michel Sonya
Published: March 2019

Talk presented at ANU, FaCS and University of Melbourne, July 2003

In both Australia and the United States today, child care is very much on the political and social agenda, a concern not only for working parents but also for policy-makers seeking to ‘reconcile work and family’ and, increasingly, to address issues arising from welfare reform.
Developing Quality Sociodramatic Play in the Classroom for Young Children with Language Delays
Authors: Calabrese Nicki McCullough
Published: March 2019

Research suggests that play is not simply a luxury, but a critical component of programs for all young children. One of the primary reasons for this strong support of play is research that has indicated its potent impact upon social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Sociodramatic play, in particular, has been shown to correlate with these areas of development, especially language development. This article discusses guidelines for promoting sociodramatic play in classrooms for young children with language delays.
Early Childhood Teachers' Knowledge of Teaching Children with Disabilities
Authors: Kilgallon Pam , Maloney Carmel
Published: March 2019

In recent years an educational practice has been to increasingly promote the inclusion of students with disabilities into mainstream schools. This trend relies on early childhood teachers utilising their knowledge and skills to successfully induct children with disabilities into the education system. This paper describes early childhood teachers' knowledge of children with disabilities, focusing on their sources of knowledge and experiences in teaching children with disabilities in mainstream settings. Utilising qualitative methodology the study disclosed common factors teachers considered crucial to effective inclusion, including sources and forms of knowledge, teachers' attitudes and expectations, types of support and changes in teaching practices. In addition, the process of inclusion caused early childhood teachers to question their self-efficacy and the adequacy of their practical teaching knowledge.
Sharing Care and Education: Parents' Perspectives
Authors: Elliott Roslyn
Published: March 2019

In Early Childhood services the goal of parent-teacher interactions is to involve parents in the development of a shared caring, rearing and educational experience for children. Yet little investigation has been undertaken to seek out parents' own ideas and suggestions about how they can and might wish to share the care and education of their young children. This paper reports an investigation that used focus groups to identify parents' perspectives detailing what is important to them and their suggestions about how such sharing could be achieved. Four themes were developed from focus group data. These related to methods staff used to report information to parents, omissions of pertinent information, limitations of communication methods used and parent's contributions. Based on these parents' perspectives, teachers' sharing is ‘inside out’ and inwardly focused. Parents suggested teachers rethink their approach to ‘parent engagement’ so parents can positively influence the quality of care and education their children receive.
Assessment of the Early Childhood Practicum: What Can we Learn from Tertiary Supervisors' Silences?
Authors: Ortlipp Michelle
Published: March 2019

This article presents results from a study that focuses on tertiary supervisors' perspectives on practicum assessment. The discussion of results in this paper is restricted to one of the key themes evident in the data -silence. The different ways of understanding silence according to the literature provides the theoretical framework for an exploration of tertiary supervisors' moments of silence during the assessment process. Examples from focus groups, individual interviews and journals are used to illustrate how two different forms of silence expressed themselves in the data. The postructuralist concepts of discourse, subjectivity and power are used to explore what the silences might mean and what we can learn from them.
Fundamental Movement Skills: Teachers' Perspectives
Authors: Martin Marie , Hands Beth
Published: March 2019

The place of explicit movement skill development programs in early childhood settings is contentious. However, given the growing understanding that movement competence is important for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle (Hands, Parker & Larkin, 2001), well planned and effective 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 is presented using a case study approach. The case studies were constructed with teachers working in a range of early childhood settings. The impact of the program on teachers' level of confidence, knowledge of fundamental movement skills, and personal physical activity level is presented. The information was gathered using a structured self-reflection process including a journal, group meetings, individual face-to-face interviews and a final written evaluation. The findings indicate an increase in teacher confidence and knowledge but no impact on personal physical activity level.
Life after the Shock! the Impact on Families of Caring for Young Children with Chronic Illness
Authors: Ashton Jean
Published: March 2019

The stresses experienced by most families include limitations on time, conditions of employment, financial burdens and sibling rivalry. For the families of a child with a chronic illness, these stresses are often compounded, making family functioning problematic. Chronic illness is marked by permanency and the need for ongoing vigilance with respect to management, treatment and care (Curtin & Lubkin, 1995). A chronic illness generally persists for more than three months in a year and may require periods of hospitalisation (Thompson & Gustafson, 1996). Research has shown that the way families and the children themselves manage chronic illness in the home is contingent on a range of factors. This paper outlines some of the difficulties and explores some of the factors impacting on children with chronic illness and their families. Finally, it looks at early education, noting its particular benefit in helping families ‘normalise’ daily life as much as possible.
Slipping through the Policy Cracks: Children with Chronic Illness in Early Childhood Settings
Authors: Ashton Jean , Bailey Jeff
Published: March 2019

An examination of selected Federal and State policies relating to the support of children with additional needs in early childhood services has highlighted a lack of guiding principles for the accommodation and support of children with chronic illness. Children with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable, as they often do not display the characteristics thought to constitute an ‘additional need’ as defined by the policies. Many young children with chronic illnesses, however, experience periods of ill health and are required to undergo treatment regimes which interfere with their social and academic progress to a substantial degree. This paper highlights policy omissions, and offers more comprehensive criteria for use by government, and by staff developing ‘additional needs’ policies in children's services.
Early Intervention for Children with Autism: Parental Priorities
Authors: Rodger Sylvia , Braithwaite Michelle , Keen Deb
Published: March 2019

This paper describes a process of assisting parents of young children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to identify and prioritise their goals for their children's early intervention. A modified version of the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (M-COPM) was used to facilitate this process. Twenty-two child–parent dyads involved in a home-based early intervention program participated in this study. Parents were able to identify and prioritise three to six early intervention goals for their children. Consistent with the core impairments of ASD, identified goals related to the domains of communication, behaviour, play and social interaction. The M-COPM was found to be a useful tool for enabling parents to identify goals for their children, when used and understood from a strong client and family-centred philosophical perspective. Pre- and post-intervention parent ratings of goal performance and satisfaction are presented to demonstrate the use of the M-COPM as an outcome measure. Implications for practitioners in early childhood and special education settings, and areas for further research, are also discussed.
Music Experiences for Toddlers in Day Care Centres
Authors: Suthers Louie
Published: March 2019

Music offers toddlers many opportunities for playful exploration, discovery, self-expression and communication. However, in some settings the reality of the many demands of a busy daily program means children are offered only occasional or limited music experiences. Further, some playroom staff are uncertain about how best to plan music experiences appropriate for children under three. In this project, three types of music experiences were effectively implemented in a toddler playroom over the course of one year. Music became part of caregiving routines, free play, and sociable experience. This article documents the three types of music experiences and the responses of the children and the staff members. Implications for practice are also considered.
Transition to School for Gifted Children
Authors: Whitton Diana
Published: March 2019

Starting school raises concerns for children, parents and teachers. Each has a range of issues to consider. Over the past eight years, The Starting School Research Project has examined eight categories which various stakeholders see as important in children's transition to school. This paper focuses on a particular group, gifted children starting school, to determine whether the perceptions and expectations of parents and gifted children about to start school were similar to or different from those of the more general groups studied by The Starting School Research Project.
Constraints and Facilitators for Physical Activity in Family Day Care
Authors: O'Connor Justen P. , Temple Viviene A.
Published: March 2019

Movement-seeking behaviours should be fostered in young children to maximise their potential to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. This study examined the constraints and facilitators to meaningful movement for children in family day care. The views of key stakeholders (caregivers, parents, and coordination unit staff) were examined via focus group interviews and questionnaires. There was general agreement among stakeholders that physical activity is an important part of young children's lives and should be an essential component of family day care. However, there was concern about the variability in provision of opportunities for physical activity and that the variability reflected individual caregivers' predilection. Despite this, there was little support for structured or programmed physical activity. The major barriers to physical activity described by stakeholders reflected a confluence of environmental and social factors. Major facilitating factors mentioned were training and resources for caregivers.
The Reasoning behind the Scene: Why do Early Childhood Educators use Computers in their Classrooms?
Authors: Edwards Suzy
Published: March 2019

In recent times discussion surrounding the use of computers in early childhood education has emphasised the role computers play in children's everyday lives. This realisation has replaced early debate regarding the appropriateness or otherwise of computer use for young children in early childhood education. An important component of computer use in early childhood education relates to the reasons why educators decide to use a computer in their classrooms in the first instance. This paper reports the findings from a pilot investigation in which 12 early childhood educators from Melbourne were interviewed to determine why they used a computer in their classroom. The findings indicated that they did so for one of three main reasons: 1) the need to remain up to date with technology; 2) the management body decided to use a computer in the classroom; and 3) the computer was viewed as providing an extra learning experience for young children. Implications regarding the relationship between the curricula and computer use are examined in light of these reasons.