bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Quality of Full-day Kindergarten Education in Korea
Authors: Moon Mugyeong 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Increases in the numbers of working mothers, combined with decreases in the levels of support for child-rearing within families in Korea requires the search for alternative forms of support. In order to lessen the burden of child-rearing on working mothers, as well as to ensure healthy development and learning environment for children, the Korean government has been striving since the 1990s to expand full-day kindergartens. Despite truly remarkable quantitative expansion and increased governmental financial support, several challenges remain in the provision of quality full-day kindergarten programs. These challenges include an absence of agreed upon educational programs, inadequate classroom environments, a lack of full-day class teachers, amongst other difficulties. In order to understand the current status of full-day kindergartens in Korea, a national survey was conducted. It was found that there are significant differences between public and private kindergartens as well as differences between cities and rural areas. Several policy measures are suggested for quality assurance of full-day kindergartens and related issues are discussed.
Quality and Early Childhood Education and Care: A Policy Initiative for the 21st Century
Authors: Ishimine Karin , Tayler Collette , Bennett John 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe expectation of quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) is that higher quality inputs will produce higher quality outcomes for children. There are many ways that outcomes may be expressed and measured, though current procedures emphasize threshold quality. However, threshold quality is essentially an entry-level concept — once the entry requirements are met, quality is assumed to have been attained and subsequently sustained. A more sophisticated, comprehensive procedure is needed. For more than a decade ECEC policy in Australia has been generally weak, fragmented and dominated by matters related to quantity (market issues) rather than quality (pedagogical issues), despite the rhetoric. What should be measured to identify quality in ECEC settings? What should a quality directed ECEC policy emphasize? This paper addresses significant issues in determining and measuring quality for a comprehensive ECEC policy and the links to a rating system in Australia.
Early Childhood Education Policy Development in China
Authors: Zhou Xin 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Great progress in the field of early childhood education policy in China has been made in 2010. In the light of the National Plan for Medium and the Long-term Program for Education Reform and Development, the Chinese government has made a series of efforts aimed at promoting the development of early childhood education. The new policies include an increase in the 3-year early childhood program enrollment; the clarification of the governments’ main responsibilities for the provision of early childhood education; an increase of funding for early childhood education, (especially for disadvantaged children); the strengthening of teacher capacity; and the strengthening of program quality and management amongst other changes. Each province has developed a 3-year Action Plan to implement the policy. The challenges for the implementation of the new policy are also discussed.
Social Investment Policies in Canada, Australia, Japan, and South Korea
Authors: Peng Ito 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This paper compares the social investment policy reforms that have been introduced by the two Anglo-Saxon liberal welfare regimes of Canada and Australia and the two East Asian welfare regimes of Japan and South Korea since the 1990s. The paper examines the causes of these social policy changes, and asks why these seemingly different contexts produce such similar policy idea. While all four countries share similar broad ideational template and language of social investment, they differ in terms of their target groups and policy instruments. Whereas Canada and Australia have focused their social investment policies on children through ECEC (what I call an “invest in the future” model); Japan and South Korea have approached social investment from a more general human capital and economic activation perspective (what I call a “human capital activation” model). As a result, social investment policies in these countries have targeted more broadly on children, women, and the elderly. I argue that these differences in social investment approaches stem from the differences in their social, political and economic contexts, and the political economic legacies.
Legal Frameworks for Early Childhood Governance in the Philippines
Authors: Manuel Marilyn F. , Gregorio Euberto B. 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act of 2000 is the national ECCD policy framework of the Philippines. A basic element of this framework is shared governance. This model exemplifies governance mechanisms at national, provincial, city/municipal and barangay levels to support delivery of integrated ECCD services. A decade of implementing this policy framework provides an excellent starting point and a rich context for looking at the current state of governance of ECCD in the country. The salient features of the ECCD Act and other related policies serve as a backdrop for the discussion of the progress and challenges of ECCD governance. This article concludes with three interrelated policy agenda that would strengthen the country’s governance of early childhood.
Child Care Friendly Policies and Integration of ECEC in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Chih-Peng , Wei Suechun 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The aims of this article are fourfold. Firstly, the article outlines the development of the ECEC policy in Taiwan, with a principle focus on female labor force participation rates and birth rates. Secondly, it describes the different types of ECEC services in Taiwan, discussing the process of their evolution and related statistics from a historical perspective. Thirdly, it introduces two important policy initiatives undertaken in the last decade, both of which are suggestive of either a) a political paradigm shift or, b) a transformation of the role of government in Taiwan. One is “woman/family friendly policies” or policies reconciling work and family, which also include maternity and paternity leaves, parental leave, flexible working hours as well as family leave; and the other are a number of “child care friendly policies”, comprising subsidies for infant care, an early childhood education voucher program, and the Free Tuition Education Project for 5 year old Children. Finally, the authors provide a general introduction of the ECEC integration policy in Taiwan together with an analysis of possible implications resulting from the implementation of the ECEC Act.
Implications of Full Day Kindergarten Program Policy on Early Childhood Pedagogy and Practice
Authors: Gananathan Romona 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The government of Ontario is instituting a comprehensive early learning system that moves childcare and the caring profession into the realm of education through the integration of early education and care. This paper highlights the need for the preservation of care and nurturing, the hallmarks of the “caring profession” within the integrated staff team in Full Day Early Learning in Ontario to ensure quality early child development outcomes and the prevention of the “schoolification” of early learning and care programs. Caring and nurturing are important elements of early childhood education practice and form the basis of effective early child development programs. The value of care in early learning, and recognition for the capacities that ECEs bring to integrated staff teams in early education must be reflected in education policy at a team, school, organizational and systems level to ensure successful staff integration and a caring learning environment that contributes to positive child outcomes.
The Role of Korean Fathers: A Study of Korean Fathering Practices in the United States
Authors: Kim Keun Kyu , Chung Jaeyong 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This study explored Korean immigrant fathers’ perspectives on their involvement in children’s learning and schooling in the United States with the intent to suggest for early childhood educators and teachers to consider the importance of involving the immigrant fathers in children’s learning and schooling. In-depth interviews were used to explore of three Korean fathers involvement both at home and at school settings. The results of the study overall indicated that three Korean fathers commonly experienced difficulties and frustration when they participated in their children’s learning, schooling, and playing. Additionally, the Korean fathers reported to encounter acknowledged challenges in terms of language issues, cultural differences, and negative experiences in their involvement in children’s learning and schooling.
Development and Pilot Application of an Integrated Support Model for Disadvantaged Young Children in Poor Rural China
Authors: Huo Liyan , Li Minyi 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
As the biggest developing country in the world, China is now tackling the pressing problems of child poverty, whilst facing the increasing aging population at the same time. In August 2009 and April 2010, the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) officially launched the Project Equal Start: Program of Early Childhood Development in Poor Rural Areas in Qinghai Province and Yunnan Province, which aims at enhancing early childhood development and tackling poverty in poor rural areas. In this article, we described the development the pilot programs’ sites, objects and phases, and also evaluated the significant improvement in multiple dimensions such as children’s early development, education attainments, and parental involvement. At last, it analysed the CDRF’S pilot programs’ policy advocacy, and prospected its influences over how to universalize early childhood development and education in poor rural China.
Policies and Practices for Promoting Multicultural Awareness of Indigenous Early Childhood Education in Indonesia
Authors: Hasan Aliah B. Purwakania , Suwarni Eny 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Unlike other countries where indigenous people constitute the minority groups, in Indonesia majority of the population (about 95%) are natives (pribumi). There are over 300 ethnic groups in Indonesia who live side by side and in some cases form blurred inter-ethnic boundaries. In addition, Indonesia has unique indigenous Early Childhood Education model that is different from other countries. Indigenous Early Childhood Education in Indonesia is stated in the national laws and government regulations local contents curriculum in education. Local contents defined as educational programs, substances and media transfers, which are related with the natural, social and cultural environments and the needs of regional development being taught to students. The objective of this paper is to describe the implementation Indigenous Early Childhood Education for promoting the physical, intellectual, social, emotional growth of young children aged under three years in Indonesia. The paper also intends to explain the barriers encountered and recommend remedial measures.
Integration and Coordination of Early Childhood Care and Education in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Kaga Yoshie , Barnett Steven , Bennett John 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
UNESCO conducted a cross-national study on the issue of integration of early childhood care and education services within education in 2008–2009. In order to have a more comprehensive understanding of the issue, UNESCO undertook a review on a parallel ECCE system in the Republic of Korea by the request of the Korean Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. In this article, an overview of the Korean ECCE system is provided with a brief appraisal of the quality of the Korean ECCE system by referring to selected quality, access and financing indicators. We highlighted positive developments of the country in recent years and discussed issues and challenges that are directly or indirectly related to integration. The challenges include demographic changes and their implications for the parallel system, and uneven qualifications, training and working conditions of childcare and kindergarten staff. Based on observations during the review visit, we analyzed several integration options and provided related policy recommendations.
Transforming Early Learning Vision into Action in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Grieve Jim 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
In Canada, the provinces are responsible for education. This article describes the approach that Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, has taken to implement a new vision for early learning including universal full-day kindergarten for all children aged four and five and modernizing the province’s childcare system. This new vision is based on the current neuroscience, child development research and international promising practices in early childhood education and care. The article chronicles the progress that has been made from 2009 to the present in implementing full-day kindergarten and provides an update about the current status of Ontario’s childcare modernization activities.
A Comparison of International Child Care and US Child Care Using the Child Care Aware — NACCRRA Child Care Benchmarks
Authors: Fiene Richard 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
This is a first of its kind study comparing the USA to other world countries utilizing the Child Care Aware — NACCRRA (National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies) Child Care Benchmarks related to health and safety rules and regulations. A team of researchers analyzed the child care/early care & education rules and regulations from the USA and a selected group of countries to do a comparative analysis using the Child Care Aware — NACCRRA benchmarking scoring protocol. The results from the analyses were somewhat unexpected in that the scores between the USA and the other countries were not as statistically significant in the overall scores. However, when more specific benchmarks were compared statistically significant differences did appear in the health & safety and professional development areas.
Investigating Regional Disparities of Preschool Education Development with Cluster Analysis in Mainland China
Authors: Hong Xiumin , Luo Li , Cui Fangfang 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The unbalanced development of preschool education in different regions severely hinders the process of universalizing preschool education in Mainland China. Using the method of cluster analysis, this paper examined the extent to which the development of preschool education varied in different regions, on the basis of the gross preschool enrollment rate, student-to-teacher ratio, percentage of preschool teachers with a college diploma or above, and per-child preschool education spending index in the year of 2011. This paper suggested 31 provinces in Mainland China be divided into three developmental tiers according to their developmental status of preschool education, and explored each tier’s characteristics in their development of preschool education. One significant finding was that the regional disparities in the development of preschool education correlated with the regional economic disparities in Mainland China.
Kindergarten — a Universal Right for Children in Norway
Authors: Haug Kristin Holte , Storø Jan 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
The article is divided into three parts. In part 1 the Norwegian kindergarten is introduced. We present some facts and the purpose of the kindergarten as it appears in state documents. We also describe a historical backdrop. In part 2 we present some issues crucial to understanding how the relationship between kindergartens and the Norwegian state. Drawing on research, we discuss a number of key concepts. In part 3 we discuss debates in Norway about the content of the kindergarten, how it is to be staffed and related issues about the quality of kindergarten education and care.
Multilevel Dynamic Generalized Structured Component Analysis for Brain Connectivity Analysis in Functional Neuroimaging Data
Authors: Jung Kwanghee , Takane Yoshio , Hwang Heungsun , Woodward Todd S. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe extend dynamic generalized structured component analysis (GSCA) to enhance its data-analytic capability in structural equation modeling of multi-subject time series data. Time series data of multiple subjects are typically hierarchically structured, where time points are nested within subjects who are in turn nested within a group. The proposed approach, named multilevel dynamic GSCA, accommodates the nested structure in time series data. Explicitly taking the nested structure into account, the proposed method allows investigating subject-wise variability of the loadings and path coefficients by looking at the variance estimates of the corresponding random effects, as well as fixed loadings between observed and latent variables and fixed path coefficients between latent variables. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach by applying the method to the multi-subject functional neuroimaging data for brain connectivity analysis, where time series data-level measurements are nested within subjects.
Surgical management for displaced pediatric proximal humeral fractures: A cost analysis
Authors: Shore Benjamin J. , Hedequist Daniel J. , Miller Patricia E. , Waters Peter M. , Bae Donald S. 
Published: February 2015

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to determine which of the following methods of fixation, percutaneous pinning (PP) or intramedullary nailing (IMN), was more cost-effective in the treatment of displaced pediatric proximal humeral fractures (PPHF). Methods A retrospective cohort of surgically treated PPHF over a 12-year period at a single institution was performed. A decision analysis model was constructed to compare three surgical strategies: IMN versus percutaneous pinning leaving the pins exposed (PPE) versus leaving the pins buried (PPB). Finally, sensitivity analyses were performed, assessing the cost-effectiveness of each technique when infection rates and cost of deep infections were varied. Results A total of 84 patients with displaced PPHF underwent surgical stabilization. A total of 35 cases were treated with IMN, 32 with PPE, and 17 with PPB. The age, sex, and preoperative fracture angulation were similar across all groups. A greater percentage of open reduction was seen in the IMN and PPB groups ( p = 0.03), while a higher proportion of physeal injury was seen in the PPE group ( p = 0.02). Surgical time and estimated blood loss was higher in the IMN group ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). The decision analysis revealed that the PPE technique resulted in an average cost saving of $4,502 per patient compared to IMN and $2,066 compared to PPB. This strategy remained cost-effective even when the complication rates with exposed implants approached 55 %. Conclusions Leaving pins exposed after surgical fixation of PPHF is more cost-effective than either burying pins or using intramedullary fixation.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone against glutamate‐induced neurotoxicity in cultured neural stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Guan Shui , Xu Jianqiang , Guo Yifu , Ge Dan , Liu Tianqing , Ma Xuehu , Cui Zhanfeng 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), as a well‐known redox enzyme cofactor, has been proven to play important roles in the regulation of cellular growth and development in mammals. Numerous physiological and medicinal functions of PQQ have so far been reported although its effect on neural stem and progenitor cells (NS/PCs) and the potential mechanism were even rarely investigated. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of PQQ were observed by pretreatment of NS/PCs with PQQ before glutamate injury, and the possible mechanisms were examined. PQQ stimulated cell proliferation and markedly attenuated glutamate‐induced cell damage in a dose‐dependent manner. By observing the nuclear morphological changes and flow cytometric analysis, PQQ pretreatment showed its significant effect on protecting NS/PCs against glutamate‐induced apoptosis/necrosis. PQQ neuroprotection was associated with the decrease of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, the increase of glutathione (GSH) levels, and the decrease of caspase‐3 activity. In addition, pretreatment with PQQ also significantly enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in the NS/PCs exposed to glutamate. These results suggest that PQQ can protect NS/PCs against glutamate toxicity associated with ROS‐mediated mitochondrial pathway, indicating a useful chemical for the clinical application of NS/PCs.
Not just another paediatric neck lump: metastatic cribriform adenocarcinoma of the palate in an adolescent
Authors: Takhar A S , Simmons A , Ffolkes L , Hyde N 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjective:This paper reports the case of a 13-year-old girl with a 2-year history of left cervical lymph node swelling that was diagnosed as metastatic cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland.Case report:A 13-year-old girl with a left, level II cervical lymph node underwent excisional biopsy after an ultrasound suggested suspicious features. The histology indicated polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma, and a primary lesion in the left palate was identified. The patient underwent left maxillectomy, neck dissection and reconstruction. Histological analysis of resection specimens led to a revised diagnosis of cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland.Conclusion:Cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland has recently been described as a separate entity to polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma in light of histological and behavioural differences, including higher rates of metastasis at presentation. This is the first report in the world literature of an adolescent with this entity. It is possible that some previous reports of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma in childhood would have been more accurately described as cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary gland.
Outcomes with gold wire and hydroxyapatite partial ossicular replacement prostheses in type 2 tympanoplasty: a preliminary study
Authors: Katilmis H , Songu M , Aslan H , Ozkul Y , Basoglu S , Kulduk E , Eren E , Candan H 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectives:To compare the hearing results and graft take rates of the recently developed gold wire prosthesis with those of the hydroxyapatite partial ossicular replacement prosthesis in patients with chronic otitis media.Method:This retrospective study examined patients who underwent type 2 tympanoplasty with a minimum follow up of one year. The study population consisted of 32 patients in the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis group and 26 patients in the gold wire group. The main outcome measures were the graft success rate and level of hearing improvement. Complications and extrusion rates were also noted.Results:The graft take rate was 90.6 per cent for the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis group and 92.3 per cent for the gold wire group (p = 0.848). Pre-operatively, there were no significant differences in the air or bone-conduction thresholds between groups. Post-operatively, the mean hearing gain was 18.5 ± 14.0 dB in the partial ossicular replacement prosthesis group and 16.5 ± 10.6 dB in the gold wire group (p = 0.555). The mean air-conduction thresholds were 26.6 ± 12.4 and 32.6 ± 10.5 dB, respectively (p = 0.027), and the mean bone-conduction thresholds were 9.7 ± 7.0 and 10.4 ± 6.4 dB, respectively (p = 0.687).Conclusion:The success and complication rates provided by the gold wire prosthesis seem comparable to those of the hydroxyapatite partial ossicular replacement prosthesis.