bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of Achilles Tendon Pullout Strength Following Midline Tendon-Splitting and Endoscopic Approaches for Calcaneoplasty
Authors: Michalski Max P. , Gonzalez Tyler A. , Metzger Melodie F. , Nelson Trevor J. , Eberlein Samuel , Pfeffer Glenn B.
Published: June 2019

Background:

Calcaneoplasty is a common procedure performed for the management of Haglund’s syndrome when nonoperative management fails. Midline tendon-splitting and endoscopy are 2 common approaches to calcaneoplasty. Studies have suggested that an endoscopic approach may allow earlier return to activity and superior outcomes, but there are no biomechanical or clinical studies to validate these claims. The goal of this study was to quantify and compare Achilles tendon pullout strength following midline tendon-splitting and endoscopic calcaneoplasty in cadaveric specimens.

Methods:

Twelve match-paired cadaveric specimens were randomly divided into 2 groups: endoscopic and midline tendon-split. Following calcaneoplasty, fluoroscopy was used to match bone resection and the Achilles was loaded to failure in a mechanical testing system. A paired-samples t test was conducted to compare bone resection height, bone resection angle, load to failure, and mode of failure.

Results:

The endoscopic approach yielded a 204% greater postsurgical pullout strength for the Achilles tendon than the midline tendon-split (1368 ± 370 N vs 450 ± 192 N, respectively) ( P < .05). There were no differences in resection angle or resection height. All specimens failed due to bone or tendon avulsion.

Conclusion:

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty had more than 3 times greater pullout strength than the midline tendon-splitting approach.

Clinical Relevance:

This may allow earlier return to functional rehabilitation following endoscopic calcaneoplasty, but further studies are needed to determine if these differences are clinically significant. Further understanding of the time-zero biomechanics following calcaneoplasty may provide guidance regarding postoperative management with respect to surgical approach.
Comparison of yield and complications of craniocaudal versus caudocranial needle trajectory for kidney biopsy
Authors: Prasad Narayan , Shukla Rahul , Behera Manas , Yachha Monika , Bhadauria Dharmendra , Kaul Anupama , Lal Heera , Gupta Amit
Published: June 2019

Background:

Percutaneous renal biopsy can result in serious complications. The study is aimed to compare the safety and yield between the two approaches of biopsy techniques: the conventional craniocaudal and the caudocranial trajectory of the biopsy needle under real-time ultrasound guidance.

Methods:

In this prospective observational study, a total of 80 serial kidney biopsies were performed, 40 with craniocaudal angulation and 40 with caudocranial angulation of the biopsy needle on the random allocation of 1:1 in each group. In the craniocaudal approach, the patient must hold the breath in deep inspiration to make a lower pole of the kidney approachable during unloading the biopsy gun, which was not required in caudocranial trajectory as the lower pole was approachable without holding the breath in deep inspiration. All kidney biopsies were performed percutaneously under real-time ultrasonogram guidance with a 16-cm-long, 16- or 18-gauge needles with a penetration depth of 22 mm and a sample notch of 18 mm. The yield and complications between the two groups were analyzed.

Results:

Both the groups were comparable in essential demographic characteristics. The study found that the caudocranial position of renal biopsy is equally suitable concerning tissue yield without any increase in the risk of complications and a smaller number of passes to obtain adequate tissue.

Conclusion:

Caudocranial trajectory of the biopsy needle using a probe needle guide is as safe as the craniocaudal approach. Both approaches have similar yield and complications; however, the caudocranial approach provides ease to the patient during the procedure.
Automated Classification of Malignant and Benign Breast Cancer Lesions Using Neural Networks on Digitized Mammograms
Authors: Abdelsamea Mohammed M , Mohamed Marghny H , Bamatraf Mohamed
Published: June 2019

We propose a novel neural network approach for the classification of abnormal mammographic images into benign or malignant based on their texture representations. The proposed framework has the capability of mapping high dimensional feature space into a lower-dimension, in a supervised way. The main contribution of the proposed classifier is to introduce a new neuron structure for map representation and adopt a supervised learning technique for feature classification. This is achieved by making the weight updating procedure dependent on the class reliability of the neuron. We showed high accuracy (95.2%) for our proposed approach in the classification of abnormal real mammographic images when compared to other related methods.
The fading face of a vanishing legacy: the life and death of immigrant culture in Anzali port city
Authors: Lotfi Sahand , Sholeh Mahsa
Published: June 2019

Considering that cultural geography traces the cultural flows and explores the relation of culture to place, for us, as urban researchers and the grandchildren of immigrant families, inquiring how Anzali port city in northern Iran evolved into a ‘pseudo-European’ city and then fell into decline was a concern. We had the privilege to be quite familiar with immigrant communities, cultural behaviors, and everyday customs in Anzali and seemingly were the last generation with this knowledge, as today, the ‘extinction’ of all those people has left only a shadow of what once was a lively community. Studying the city’s actual deteriorating state, we became persuaded to make a small remark on Anzali’s vanishing cultural legacy, mixing our family’s history with historical and pictorial documents. The following text is a shortcut to what at least four generations of immigrants have lived and how they practiced their culture in a welcoming land, ending with an epilogue on a present picture of the fading face of immigrants’ cultural legacy.
A Systematic Review of Bystander Interventions for the Prevention of Sexual Violence
Authors: Mujal Gabriela N. , Taylor Meghan E. , Fry Jessica L. , Gochez-Kerr Tatiana H. , Weaver Nancy L.
Published: June 2019

Introduction:

Bystander interventions have been successful in changing bystander attitudes and behaviors to prevent sexual violence. This systematic review was performed to summarize and categorize the characteristics of sexual violence bystander intervention programs and analyze bystander intervention training approaches for the primary prevention of sexual violence and assault.

Method:

From June to July 2017, the authors searched both published and unpublished American and Canadian studies from 2007 to 2017. The published sources included six major electronic databases and the unpublished sources were Google Scholar and the 40 program websites. From the 706 studies that resulted from this initial search, a total of 44 studies (that included a single bystander intervention program and assessments at both pretest and at least one posttest) were included.

Results:

Thirty-two percent of studies analyzed bystander behavior postintervention, and most found significant beneficial outcomes. The most frequently used training methods were presentation, discussion, and active learning exercises. Bringing in the Bystander and The Men’s Program had the most replicated empirical support for effectiveness.

Discussion:

There has been a substantive increase in quasi-experimental and randomized controlled trial approaches to assessing the effectiveness of this type of intervention since 2014. The training methods shared between these efficacious programs may translate to bystander interventions for other victimization types, such as child abuse.

Conclusion:

The use of in-person bystander training can make positive changes in attitudes and behaviors by increasing awareness of a problem and responsibility to solve it.
Outcomes of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries in Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting With Analogy to the SYNTAX Trial
Authors: Nambiar Pradeep , Kumar Sanjay , Mittal Chander Mohan , Sarkar Ila C.
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Minimally invasive CABG is making positive strides in the evolution of coronary artery bypass surgery. We carried out a retrospective study of the efficacy and outcomes of the usage of bilateral internal thoracic arteries in MICS CABG patients over a 6 year period using primary (MACCE) and secondary outcome measures and also carried out a subgroup analysis of patients with diabetes and methodology of revascularization, and with analogy to the SYNTAX trial of the relative risk.

Methods

Nine hundred and forty patients underwent multivessel MICS CABG via a left mini-thoracotomy from August 2011 to September 2017 and complete revascularization was done using the left internal thoracic artery–right internal thoracic artery Y (LITA–RITA Y) composite conduit. Efficacy and outcomes were evaluated by primary (MACCE) and secondary outcome measures including total length of stay, return to full physical activity, and quality of life. Propensity score matched analyses were carried out in diabetics, in the methodology of revascularization (MICS OPCABG vs. MICS ONCABG), and by comparison to the SYNTAX trial for relative risk. Mean follow-up was 2.9 years (maximum was 5.6 years).

Results

Out of the 940 patients, 843 (89.6%) were diabetic and 97 (10.4%) were nondiabetic. Average grafts were 3.2. There were 9 mortalities (0.9%). The average ICU and hospital stay was 40 ± 12 hours and 3.1 days. Ten patients (1.06%) required reintervention by angioplasty. A total of 99.3% patients were free from major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at follow-up. Mean follow-up was 33 months and 846 (90%) of the patients were followed up. Based on propensity score–matched groups, patients who had their surgery done by MICS ONCABG (beating heart technique) had greater mean number of grafts and hospital length of stay and had significantly longer ICU stay, extubation in OR and blood loss in comparison to patients who had their CABG done by the MICS OPCABG technique. The new technique has shown favorable risk reduction in comparison to both the arms of the SYNTAX trial.

Conclusions

The safety, efficacy and outcomes of minimally invasive CABG evaluated by primary (MACCE) and secondary outcomes and quality-of-life measures have been good in this study, especially in diabetics, and have shown results better than conventional CABG. The learning curve can be safely negotiated by using peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass assistance and comparison with the SYNTAX trial has shown a relative reduction in all-cause risk.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Outcomes After Aortic Valve Repair Surgery
Authors: Ram Eilon , Orlov Boris , Shinfeld Ami , Kogan Alexander , Sternik Leonid , Raanani Ehud
Published: June 2019

Objective

To assess early and late clinical outcomes in patients who underwent aortic valve repair surgery for aortic valve insufficiency, and to investigate predictors for recurrence.

Methods

Of 151 consecutive patients who underwent aortic valve repair surgery for varying degrees of aortic insufficiency (AI) in our department between 2004 and 2018, 60 (40%) underwent aortic root replacement, 71 (47%) aortic cusp plication, 31 (20%) subcommissural annuloplasty, 29 (19%) circular annuloplasty, and 28 (18%) autologous pericardial patch augmentation.

Results

One patient died in the hospital (0.7%). Mean clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 62±43 months (range 1 to 159) and 50 ± 40 months (range 1 to 158), respectively. The overall survival rate was 99.3% at 1 year and 98% at 5 years of follow-up. Seventeen patients (11.3%) had recurrent severe AI, and all of them underwent reoperation with a mean duration to reoperation of 35 ± 39 months. Risk factors for the development of recurrent significant AI (≥3) or reoperation, by univariable analysis, were unicuspid or bicuspid aortic valve (AV) ( P = 0.018), the use of subcommissural annuloplasty ( P = 0.010), the need for cusp repair ( P = 0.001), and the use of pericardial patch augmentation ( P < 0.001). By multivariable analysis only the use of pericardial patch augmentation emerged as a significant independent predictor for the development of recurrent significant AI (≥3) or reoperation ( P = 0.020).

Conclusion

AV repair can be performed with low morbidity and mortality, with good early and late clinical outcomes. However, in our experience there was a significant rate of recurrent AI especially in patients who underwent cusp augmentation using glutaraldehyde-treated autologous pericardial patch.
Pathologic Fractures in Benign Neoplasms of the Fingers
Authors: Oflazoglu Kamilcan , Lans Jonathan , Castelein René M. , Lozano Calderón Santiago A. , Chen Neal C.
Published: June 2019

Background: To describe the rate and predictors of pathologic fractures in benign neoplasms of the finger, as variables from prediction models for pathologic fractures of the long bones of the extremities are not necessarily applicable to the bones of the hand. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, 69 histologically confirmed neoplasms affecting the bones of the fingers, 49 phalanges and 20 metacarpals, were identified in patients presenting at 2 urban hospitals over a 24-year period. Different variables were studied as possible predictors of pathologic fractures. Results: Forty-nine percent of the tumors presented as a pathologic fracture. The small finger was independently associated with pathologic fractures compared to the other fingers. Tumors of the metacarpal bones were the least likely to fracture compared to other bones. Conclusions: Almost half of neoplasms affecting the bones of the fingers presented initially with a pathologic fracture, most commonly the small finger. Therefore, a lower threshold for surgical treatment of a bone neoplasm affecting the small finger may be reasonable.
Complications of Low-Profile Plate Fixation of Phalanx Fractures
Authors: Guerrero Evan M. , Baumgartner Rita E. , Federer Andrew E. , Mithani Suhail K. , Ruch David S. , Richard Marc J.
Published: June 2019

Background: Phalanx fractures are common, and plate fixation can be used to treat difficult fractures. Major complications have been reported in up to 64% of phalanx fractures treated with plate fixation, with stiffness being the most common. Low-profile anatomic plates (LPAP) have been designed to decrease soft tissue irritation and postoperative stiffness. The objective of this study was to determine whether the use of LPAP has decreased complications in plate fixation of phalanx fractures. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with phalanx fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using LPAP at a single institution from January 1, 2010, to January 25, 2018. Twenty-three patients with 23 phalanx fractures treated with LPAP were included. The primary outcome was the presence of a complication. Results: Of the 23 patients, 12 patients (52.2%) had a postoperative complication. Nine patients (39.1%) required return to the operating room, with 7 (30.4%) returning for removal of hardware and tenolysis/capsulotomy. Two patients (8.7%) had superficial infections, one requiring irrigation and debridement. The other infection resolved clinically after 2 courses of oral antibiotics, with the fracture going on to nonunion. One patient had delayed wound healing treated prophylactically with cephalexin; although the wound healed, the patient developed a boutonniere deformity requiring surgery. There were 2 malunions (8.7%), one requiring revision surgery and the other electing for nonoperative management. All but one fracture progressed to union. Conclusions: ORIF with LPAP consistently achieves fracture union for phalanx fractures, but it does not appear that LPAP reduce the high complication rate.
A review of methodologies for natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: June 2019

Natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation refers to using natural language to facilitate interactive information sharing and task executions with a common goal constraint between robots and humans. Recently, natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation research has received increasing attention. Typical natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation scenarios include robotic daily assistance, robotic health caregiving, intelligent manufacturing, autonomous navigation, and robot social accompany. However, a thorough review, which can reveal latest methodologies of using natural language to facilitate human–robot cooperation, is missing. In this review, we comprehensively investigated natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation methodologies, by summarizing natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation research as three aspects (natural language instruction understanding, natural language-based execution plan generation, knowledge-world mapping). We also made in-depth analysis on theoretical methods, applications, and model advantages and disadvantages. Based on our paper review and perspective, future directions of natural-language-facilitated human–robot cooperation research were discussed.
Dissipativity-based asynchronous control for discrete-time singular Markov jump systems with multiplicative noises
Authors: Lu Xiao , Yan Jiaqiang , Wang Haixia , Sheng Chunyang , Zhang Zhiguo , Cui Wei
Published: June 2019

The singular systems, which could widely describe more general systems and present traits of physical features, are discussed in this study. Taking the fact that noises always exist in the state and output measurement of one singular system into consideration, which may cause some errors and decrease system performance, this article devotes itself to the dissipative control for discrete-time singular Markov jump systems (SMJSs) with multiplicative noises. To deal with the asynchronous phenomena between the system modes and the controller modes, a set of Markov chains are constructed. To make sure the closed-loop singular system is dissipative, a set of sufficient conditions are derived based on the linear matrix inequalities, and then the asynchronous controller is designed to ensure that SMJSs are stochastically admissible and strictly dissipative. Finally, a simulation example is carried out to verify the correctness of the derived theorem. The designed asynchronous controller improves the robustness of the controller and overcomes the asynchronous phenomenon. This control method can be applied in the fields of robot control system.
Automatic precision robot assembly system with microscopic vision and force sensor
Authors: Ma Yanqin , Du Kai , Zhou Dongfeng , Zhang Juan , Liu Xilong , Xu De
Published: June 2019

An automatic precision robot assembly system is established. The robot assembly system mainly consists of an industrial robot, three cameras, a micro force sensor, and a specific gripper. The industrial robot is a six-axis serial manipulator, which is used to conduct grasping and assembly subtasks. Two microscopic cameras are fixed on two high accuracy translational platforms to provide visual information in aligning stage for assembly. While one conventional camera is installed on the robotic end effector to guide the gripper to grasp component. The micro force sensor is installed on the robotic end effector to perceive the contacted forces in inserting stage. According to the characteristics of components, an adsorptive gripper is designed to pick up components. In addition, a three-stage “aligning–approaching–grasping” control strategy for grasping subtask and a two-stage “aligning–inserting” control strategy for assembly subtask are proposed. Position offset compensation is computed and introduced into aligning stage for assembly to make the grasped component in the microscopic cameras’ small field of view. Finally, based on the established robot assembly system and the proposed control strategies, the assembly tasks including grasping and assembly are carried out automatically. With 30 grasping experiments, the success rate is 100%. Besides, the position and orientation alignment errors of pose alignment for assembly are less than 20 μm and 0.1°.
An evaluation of path-planning methods for autonomous underwater vehicle based on terrain-aided navigation
Authors: Cong Zheng , Li Ye , Jiang Yanqing , Ma Teng , Gong Yusen , Wang Rupeng , Wu Haowei
Published: June 2019

This article presents a comparison of different path-planning algorithms for autonomous underwater vehicles using terrain-aided navigation. Four different path-planning methods are discussed: the genetic algorithm, the A* algorithm, the rapidly exploring random tree* algorithm, and the ant colony algorithm. The goal of this article is to compare the four methods to determine how to obtain better positioning accuracy when using terrain-aided navigation as a means of navigation. Each algorithm combines terrain complexity to comprehensively consider the motion characteristics of the autonomous underwater vehicles, giving reachable path between the start and end points. Terrain-aided navigation overcomes the challenges of underwater domain, such as visual distortion and radio frequency signal attenuation, which make landmark-based localization infeasible. The path-planning algorithms improve the terrain-aided navigation positioning accuracy by considering terrain complexity. To evaluate the four algorithms, we designed simulation experiments that use real-word seabed bathymetry data. The results of autonomous underwater vehicle navigation by terrain-aided navigation in these four cases are obtained and analyzed.
Position/force control of master–slave antagonistic joint actuated by water hydraulic artificial muscles
Authors: Ning Dayong , Che Jinkai , Zhang Zengmeng , Tian Hao , Hou Jiaoyi , Gong Yongjun
Published: June 2019

Because of the high force–weight ratio of water hydraulic artificial muscle and its high compatibility with an underwater environment, the water hydraulic artificial muscle has received increasing attention due to its potential uses in marine engineering applications. The master–slave anthropopathic joint actuated by water hydraulic artificial muscles is light and small, and it has good maneuverability for underwater manipulators. However, the control methodologies for water hydraulic artificial muscle joint have not been thoroughly explored to date. This article introduces a master–slave control system of isomorphic artificial muscle joints. The water hydraulic artificial muscle joint acts as a slave joint working under the sea, and the pneumatic artificial muscle joint acts as a master joint that is operated by people. The rotation angle signal of the pneumatic artificial muscle joint is fed back as the input to regulate the rotation angle of the water hydraulic artificial muscle joint through a proportional–integral–derivative control. Meanwhile, the torque of the pneumatic artificial muscle joint is controlled by a proportional–integral–derivative controller based on the feedback of a two-force-transducer system in the water hydraulic artificial muscle joint as input. Therefore, the operator can control the movement and feel the load of the water hydraulic artificial muscle slave joint. Master–slave control experiments were performed, and the position/torque control results were analyzed using various loads and torque gains. This study contributes to the design and control of an anthropopathic underwater manipulator.
Hypertension control and risk of colonic diverticulosis
Authors: Yeo Li-Xian , Tseng Tzu-Hsiang , Chen Wei-Liang , Kao Tung-Wei , Wu Li-Wei , Fang Wen-Hui , Chang Yaw-Wen , Peng Tao-Chun
Published: June 2019

Background:

The prevalence of diverticulosis has increased in our aging population, but the risk factors for diverticulosis are not fully understood. The role of hypertension in the risk of diverticulosis remains uncertain. This study investigated whether hypertension is associated with asymptomatic colorectal diverticulosis.

Methods:

This study enrolled asymptomatic patients who received a colonoscopy as part of a health check. Hypertension was defined by actual measured blood pressure. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between hypertension and diverticulosis. In addition, we established three logistic regression models for covariate adjustment, and further stratified patients with hypertension into three subgroups based on their type of hypertension.

Results:

The study group consisted of 2748 participants, including 141 participants with diverticulosis and 2607 participants without diverticulosis. After adjustments for potential covariates, the odds ratio (OR) for having diverticulosis was 1.83 (95% confidence interval, 1.21–2.75, p = 0.004) in the hypertension group compared with the group without hypertension. In subgroup analyses, hypertension without antihypertensive medication use, and hypertension despite the use of antihypertensive medication were also significantly associated with the occurrence of asymptomatic diverticulosis (OR = 1.73, p = 0.028; OR = 2.07, p = 0.013, respectively). Current normal blood pressure under antihypertensive drug therapy was not associated with diverticulosis (OR = 1.74, p = 0.092).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest a positive association between hypertension and diverticulosis. Participants with poorly controlled blood pressure were found to have a higher risk of asymptomatic diverticulosis. Our study presents epidemiologic evidence for future prevention strategies against diverticulosis.
Leadership and Change: A Dialogue of Theory and Practice
Authors: Humphries Elspeth , Senden Beres
Published: June 2019

Managers of children's services often find themselves taking on responsibilities for which they have no training, and consequently they must learn the role on the job. To answer the need for management training, the Child Studies Department at the Canberra Institute of Technology developed a Graduate Certificate in Children's Service Management. The course aims to develop leadership and an ability to manage change in a field that must be responsive to rapidly changing ideas and requirements. This article focuses on leadership and change by looking at some theoretical ideas that are fundamental in the graduate certificate, and a director's application of those ideas to her service. Two voices interweave throughout the article: providing first a theoretical perspective and then an account of an actual experience of leadership in action.
A Focus on Literacy in Home Day Care
Authors: Cress Susan W.
Published: June 2019

A survey was conducted to look at some of the basic activities and materials of the literacy environments in home day care centres in St Joseph County, Indiana, USA. The literacy environments of preschools and centres, as well as the home environments of early readers, were used to provide the initial framework for the discussion. Results of the survey indicate that, although some of the home day care centres do provide a conducive literacy environment, other children do not have access to basic materials and activities. Suggestions are provided for early childhood educators in advocating for supportive literacy environments in home day care centres.
Problem-Solving in the First Years of School
Authors: Lambert E. Beverley
Published: June 2019

The use of problem-solving as a vehicle for learning has been incorporated into a number of school curricula. However, children in the first years of school, many of whom enter school with high levels of problem-solving experience, are often made to think in ways not always familiar to them. This article discusses the natural preference younger learners have towards cross-domainal problem-solving, and how school curricula which divide knowledge into separate learning domains do not always support this.
Teaching in Early Childhood: Time to Merge Constructivist Views so Learning through Play Equals Teaching through Play
Authors: Hedges Helen
Published: June 2019

Early childhood teachers have been encouraged recently to scaffold children's learning. This paper clarifies this construct alongside guided participation and co-construction, other constructs which have the capacity to positively impact on early childhood programs, pedagogy, and practice by facilitating and extending children's learning beyond the traditional, Piagetian play-based approach to curriculum. Social-constructivist theories support a complex model of teaching and learning which values both child-initiated and teacher-initiated learning experiences. These theories imply a pro-active role for the early childhood teacher in creating a challenging learning environment for young children and possessing the pedagogical knowledge and skill to teach during children's play, thereby reconceptualising teaching in early childhood education.
Working in Early Childhood Settings with Children who have Experienced Refugee or War-Related Trauma
Authors: Sims Margaret , Hayden Jackie , Palmer Glen , Hutchins Teresa
Published: June 2019

Between 1992 and 1997, Australia accepted approximately 11500 immigrant children under the humanitarian refugee program. Many of these children attend early childhood settings while their parents attend English classes and then go on to seek employment. Children who have experienced trauma develop behaviours that help them cope with the stress and fear of the trauma. In Australian early childhood settings, such coping behaviours are often perceived as maladaptive and undesirable. Until children feel safe in their new environments, they are unable to change their behaviour. The project reported in this paper examined caregivers’ and teachers’ responses, in Australian early childhood settings, to a range of coping behaviours commonly demonstrated by children who have been traumatised. It was concluded that caregivers and teachers are skilled in drawing from a range of options and in developing a repertoire of appropriate strategies with which they can support each child's healing and provide a safe environment for all children.
Reading Early Childhood and Developing Literacy
Authors: Raban Bridie
Published: June 2019

There is much concern and controversy surrounding children's literacy. Should we teach children earlier than we do? Should we foster oral language first? Why do so many children fail in our school system? The review here reports these issues and many more that have captured the attention of early educators through the pages of the Australian Pre-School Quarterly (APQ) and the Australian Journal of Early Childhood (AJEC) across 40 years.
Family Literacy: Schools and Families of Young Children Working Together
Authors: Jayatilaka Jennifer
Published: June 2019

This paper examines ways in which schools and their communities might work together to support young children's literacy development as they make the transition from home to school. Recent research in the area of family literacy is discussed and the terms ‘literacy’ and ‘family literacy’ defined. Implications and recommendations for schools are discussed in terms of a participatory, empowering model of family literacy. This model is illustrated by examples from a recent family literacy initiative conducted by the author. Jenny Jayatilaka completed this research as part of her Masters degree at Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. She has been an early childhood educator for more than 20 years.
Student Teacher Knowledge: Knowing and Understanding Subject Matter in the New Zealand Context
Authors: Garbett Dawn , Yourn Belinda R
Published: June 2019

In the past few decades there has been an increasing awareness of the importance of early childhood education in New Zealand. Concomitant with this has been the move towards professionalising the early childhood sector through a national curriculum and increased expectations for its practitioners. This paper examines issues relating to the changing role of early childhood teachers as they manage the implementation of the New Zealand curriculum. There is no consensus about what makes up the professional knowledge base for early childhood educators. This paper explores the nature of professional knowledge and suggests that subject matter knowledge may be more important than previously recognised for early childhood educators.
The Communicative Competence of Young Children
Authors: Danby Susan
Published: June 2019

This paper explores the verbal and non-verbal interactions of children in a preschool classroom. It analyses an episode in the block area to show the competent ways that some young boys use communication strategies to build their social worlds. Such understandings invite early childhood educators to reconsider young children's communicative competence and the ways they accomplish their social order.
Early Literacy and Diversity
Authors: Hill Susan
Published: June 2019

There are many different approaches to teaching early literacy, however two major forces are at play in the 1990s. There are forces advocating National Curriculum standards, outcomes and accountability. Alternatively, a post-modern view explores the links between language and power in diverse communities. This paper argues from a post-modern position that early literacy benefits from exploring different ethnic experiences, racial and gender relationships as they enrich, extend and enliven learning to read and write.

Several key principles for planning an early literacy curriculum are discussed including finding and using children's funds of knowledge’, building democratic communities in early childhood settings, honouring diversity amongst children and teachers, as well as finding strategies which effectively engage children. Finally, above all else, the notion of having fun together in reading and writing is stressed.
Free Choice Writing in the Early Years
Authors: Millard Carolyn
Published: June 2019

In English the construction of educational disadvantage can be seen at work through the notion of ‘free choice’. Teachers investigating the area of ‘free choice’ and who had assumed that ‘free choice’ writing was an inclusive teaching strategy found, on close examination of the content of girls’ writing, that ‘free choice’ did not mean variety. Girls are rewarded for producing gendered content, form and structure and thus, free choice does not appear to lead to the development of a range of skills; nor do girls appear to be offered opportunities to learn to write in a variety of forms for a variety of audiences.
Cultural Influences on Children's Developing Artistry: What can China and Australia Learn from Each Other?
Authors: Wright Susan
Published: June 2019

This paper discusses the artistic characteristics of children aged two through eight years and the culturally-endorsed shift of emphasis from symbolic play to technical mastery during the course of their artistic development. The teaching practices, educational resources, and teacher training in schools in Australia and the People's Republic of China is reviewed in terms of the pedagogical beliefs of each country. Conclusions are drawn about how positive aspects of artistic processes and practices can be incorporated into each culture.
Early Intervention and Families in Rural Victoria
Authors: Fyffe Chris , Gavidia-Payne Susana T. , McCubbery Jeffrey
Published: June 2019

Families are increasingly understood as inter-related systems where each component interacts with other components in diverse ways. Contemporary research on families which have children with disabilities emphasises the complexity of families and the futility of searching for one characteristic of a family as predictive of family outcomes. The current study investigated the relationship between family needs, family supports, and demographic information for rural families who were eligible for early intervention services. The study did not attempt to review specific early intervention services, but rather to associate the characteristics of services which families found most and least effective. The results are discussed in terms of the practice of providing family-focused models of service delivery.

This project was funded by the Golden North Centre, Spastic Society, Bendigo
The Number Language used by Preschool Children and their Mothers in the Context of Cooking
Authors: Young-Loveridge Jennifer M.
Published: June 2019

The present study was designed to explore the spontaneous use of number language by preschool children and their mothers in the context of cooking. The results show that preschool children use a variety of number words in this context. Mothers made substantially greater use of number words than did their children, possibly because the cooking context required a greater degree of control by the adult than would have been the case in a free-play context. Many instances of number-word use by mothers and by children went unacknowledged by their conversational partners. Although the relationship between children's number word use and that of their mothers was relatively weak (r=.34), there was a considerably stronger relationship between the numbers of reciprocal numeracy episodes and children's number-word use (r=.59). These findings support the idea that contingent responsiveness by adults is important for enhancing children's mathematics learning.
Nationally Prescribed Curricula and Early Childhood Education: The English Experience and Australian Comparisons—Identifying the Rhetoric and the Reality!
Authors: Moyles Janet
Published: June 2019

Working in Australia for a short period enabled the writer to make a number of comparisons between the National Curriculum established in England since 1989 and the statements contained within the National Agenda for Curriculum Reform in Australia. The impact of such curriculum reform upon well respected early childhood practices has caused much concern in the UK with many experienced people speaking out strongly against the perceived downward pressures upon under five's practitioners. Areas of particular concern have been those associated with a heavily subject-dominated curriculum and highly formalised assessment arrangements beginning with seven-year-olds. This paper considers some of the rhetoric and reality which underpins both country's curriculum reforms and offers suggestions to Australian early childhood educators as to the issues which are likely to require from them, over the next few months and years, a clear and sound articulation of quality early childhood practice.
Theories of ‘Play’: Are they Ethnocentric or Inclusive?
Authors: Fleer Marilyn
Published: June 2019

A review of children's activities by Hutt (1979) has demonstrated that there are some 14 distinct categories that have been labelled as ‘play’. Yet the term ‘play’ has been used in a generic sense to describe all the activities of children. Hutt et al., (1989, p. 5) have argued that virtually all the behaviour of children except for eating, sleeping and elimination has in one context or another been called ‘play’. Given that ‘play’ is deemed an important pedagogical tool in early childhood education, more needs to be understood about the differences between the ‘play-based’ activities of children and their implications for children's learning. This is particularly important for early childhood professionals working with children from a range of cultural groups, since the majority of the ‘play’ education literature has drawn upon research which was conducted with children from Western countries. Similarly, the period in which the data were collected for the most significant pieces of research (i.e., research most cited) reflects children in the 1930s through to the 1960s. As a result of information technology, travel opportunities and a broadening of experiences which children encounter from an early age, the children of the 1990s have different experiences which will invariably influence their ‘play’ activities. This paper discusses these issues and seeks to reconceptualise how we view and hence consider the activities of children.
Is Barbie to Blame?: Reconsidering how Children Learn Gender
Authors: MacNaughton Glenda
Published: June 2019

This paper examines current concerns of early childhood practitioners concerning the influence of toys within popular culture, such as Barbie, on children's gendering. It argues that it is time to rethink our understandings of how children learn to be gendered. The theories underpinning traditional socialisation accounts of how children become gendered and the role of toys in this learning are discussed and critiqued. From this discussion a case is built for greater use of post-structuralist understandings of gendering in deciding if and how, toys within popular culture have a place in gender equity programs in early childhood settings.
Perceptual-Motor Programs do not Facilitate Development: Why not Play?
Authors: Corrie Loraine , Barratt-Pugh Caroline
Published: June 2019

A recent survey in Western Australia indicated that many early childhood teachers are using perceptual-motor programs as a preventative as well as remedial measure. This has raised a number of issues that are of concern. First, analysis of recent research findings suggest that the positive effects of perceptual-motor programs are minimal. Second, it is argued that the resourcing of these programs is diverting funds which are needed to identify and investigate more effective educational strategies. Third, the relationship between the rationale of perceptual-motor programs and the Australian Early Childhood Association's Code of Ethics is rendered problematic. In response to these concerns, play is discussed as an alternative and effective means of developing perceptual-motor skills, in a way that recognises and builds on individual needs.
Perceptual-Motor Programs, Movement and Young Children's Needs: Some Challenges for Teachers
Authors: Campbell Linley
Published: June 2019

In education today teaching programs and techniques are being reviewed to determine whether they reflect the characteristics of best practice, i.e. practices which are both developmentally and instructionally appropriate. In this paper, perceptual-motor programs being used as physical education programs are examined. The purpose of this article is to encourage thought and reflection about perceptual-motor program practices which appear to be counter-productive to the development of children's motor skills, and enjoyment of physical activity. Specifically, these practices relate to aspects of organisation, content and teaching methods. In addition, I have presented specific guidelines that will assist early childhood teachers to recognise physical education practices that are developmentally and instructionally appropriate.
Young Children and Metacognition: Do we know what they know they Know? And if so, What do we do about it?
Authors: McLeod Lorraine
Published: June 2019

What do we know about what children know about their own knowledge and learning? What do children do about their knowledge? And how do they understand these things? For centuries, these questions have concerned those involved with young children. This paper offers an overview of the philosophies and influences which have underpinned research into the metacognitive abilities of young children during the last two decades. The implications of this research for current teaching practice will be discussed, and concerns and suggestions for the future will be offered.

Recently, a number of comments have niggled at my consciousness; comments like those of Beverley Lambert (1992, p. 139) who suggests that, if the concept of cognitive development within ‘developmentally appropriate practice’ (Bredekamp, 1987, p.2–3) is based on Piagetian theory as she suspects, then ‘the field of early childhood education needs to reexamine its whole approach to the teaching-learning process.’ Comments from Di Catherwood (1994, p.25), who challenges researchers and practitioners to ‘reappraise the premises regarding early cognition that underlie early childhood education.’ And, from Mary Jane Drummond (1989, p.6), the disclosure that early childhood educators are concealing a ‘conceptual vacuum at the centre of our work.’

How can we begin to answer these criticisms and move forward from our present research base? How can the developing metacognitive abilities of our children be enhanced?
Bright but Bored: Optimising the Environment for Gifted Children
Authors: Diezmann Carmel M. , Walters James J.
Published: June 2019

The failure of schools to respond to the unique attributes of young gifted children is leading many parents to seek alternative schooling strategies, including home schooling. A major concern is the lack of challenge that extend gifted children in ways which enhance their emotional, social, and cognitive development. Because gifted children are different in their levels of emotional development, interactions with peers and learning characteristics, they require special support to ensure their giftedness is nurtured. Drawing upon experience with enrichment programs for young gifted children, the authors explore ways of establishing nurturing learning environments that do provide the opportunities for children to develop self-esteem, to be engaged in activities that generate long term interest, and to become knowledge producers.
The Sun Can't Bounce off a Bird’: Young Children and their Understanding of Vision
Authors: Sprod Tim , Jones Brian L.
Published: June 2019

Children's understanding of how it is that they can see objects develops gradually. Our research has produced a map of this development, in terms of two distinct modes of cognitive functioning, illustrated in this article using excerpts from interviews with four- to eight-year-olds. The implications for teachers are discussed.
Caveat Australia? Child Care under a Neo-conservative Agenda: A Canadian Example
Authors: Hayden Jacqueline
Published: June 2019

The recent swing towards a more conservative (Liberal) federal political agenda in Australia parallels similar trends in Canada. A basic tenet of this neo-conservative approach is the reduction of education, health and welfare budgets, along with tax cuts to encourage business and corporate development. Policies are presented within a free market, user pays, corporate framework. Program reductions are justified through an anti professional/reduced government philosophy. This paper analyses the development of the child care system in one province of Canada. The analysis demonstrates that, despite manifold distributions to the child care system, the lack of a constitutional dimension has left the program vulnerable. In the uproar over larger programs, the dismantling of a public system of child care is proceeding quietly and with little protest. Analyses of the activities that predicated this demise present a warning as comparable circumstances arise in Australia.
Nature and Function of Rules
Authors: Fields Barry A.
Published: June 2019

In this paper the nature and function of teacher rules in Year I and 2 primary classrooms is discussed. It is argued that the classroom is a complex mini-society which children must come to understand if they are to adjust to and succeed in school. Rules, it is believed, help children make sense of the world of the classroom. Rules are viewed as serving both a managerial function (helping to establish order) and as a mechanism for defining and understanding the ‘way of life’ in the classroom. Against this backdrop of perspectives on school and teacher rules, the rules of 60 Year 1 and 2 teachers were examined. The findings are discussed with reference to the above two perspectives and to the importance of rules in reinforcing the authority of the teacher in the classroom.