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This research provides a comparative analysis of survey data from practitioners in Japan, Australia, and Korea on their practices for early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS). These data were previously reported for each specific country. In these analyses, educators' conceptual understandings and pedagogical practices relating to ECEfS are explored. Many of the pedagogical practices that are evident in each national context are guided by country-specific policies, educational systems, and curriculum guidelines. Overall, the respondents from the three countries reported that they practised traditional nature-based activities extensively, such as gardening and playing outdoors, and educators taught intentionally about nature. Australian and Korean educators prioritised pedagogies relating to resource conservation and environmental issues, while Japanese educators' survey responses indicated a reluctance to focus on these aspects of sustainability. The introduction of national guidelines is important as a driver to enhance educators' understandings about sustainability within specific countries. A key recommendation is the need for targeted strategies for professional development in order to deepen educators' understandings and improve practices for sustainability in early childhood programs.

Open in new tab Download slide OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the early outcomes and risk factors of paediatric patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after cardiac surgery (post-cardiotomy). METHODS Retrospective binational cohort study from the Australia and New Zealand Congenital Outcomes Registry for Surgery database. All patients younger than 18 years of age who underwent a paediatric cardiac surgical procedure from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2021 and required post-cardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PC-ECMO) in the same hospital admission were included in the study. RESULTS Of the 12 290 patients included in the study, 376 patients required post-cardiotomy ECMO (3%). Amongst these patients, hospital mortality was 35.6% and two-thirds of patients experienced a major complication. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome was the most common diagnosis (17%). The Norwood procedure and modified Blalock–Taussig shunts had the highest incidence of requiring PC-ECMO (odds ratio of 10 and 6.8 respectively). Predictors of hospital mortality after PC-ECMO included single-ventricle physiology, intracranial haemorrhage and chylothorax. CONCLUSIONS In the current era, one-third of patients who required PC-ECMO after paediatric cardiac surgery in Australia and New Zealand did not survive to hospital discharge. The Norwood procedure and isolated modified Blalock–Taussig shunt had the highest incidence of requiring PC-ECMO. Patients undergoing the Norwood procedure had the highest mortality (48%). Two-thirds of patients on PC-ECMO developed a major complication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a study undertaken in Queensland, Australia, analysis of a survey that included both qualitative and quantitative questions revealed that, like their Japanese counterparts, early childhood teachers do not have well-developed ideas and practices in education for sustainability (EfS). Instead, they mainly practise traditional nature-based activities, such as gardening or playing outdoors, and teaching about resource conservation through books, posters or fact sheets. Teachers' understandings of nature education, environmental education, and education for sustainability seem to influence their educational practices. Deeper understandings about sustainability are necessary to extend beyond such traditional practices. Even though national curriculum frameworks and guidelines point to the importance of sustainability within early childhood curriculum, these appear to be insufficient in strengthening early childhood teachers' ideas of sustainability and how to practise it effectively. We suggest that it would be beneficial for early childhood teachers, both preservice and inservice, to have professional development opportunities that build deeper understandings of sustainability and its implementation in their settings.

The sparse distribution of the observing network over the high latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere reduces the accuracy of regional atmospheric circulation (re)analysis and weather forecasting. Using operational medium‐range ensemble forecasts, we compared the forecast skill among forecast centres regarding a midlatitude cyclone close to western Australia on 17 December 2017. At forecast day 4.5, a large ensemble spread in an upper‐level trough over western Australia, which had travelled from coastal Antarctica, caused large uncertainty and error in the predicted position of the midlatitude cyclone. Using an ensemble data assimilation system and the Atmospheric General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator and the Local Ensemble Transform Kalman Filter Experimental Ensemble Reanalysis version 2 (ALERA2), we conducted an operational forecast experiment to investigate the impact on ALERA2 and its forecast result of assimilation of 1‐hourly horizontal wind speed observational data from the PANSY radar located at the Japanese Syowa Station in Antarctica. An observing system experiment revealed that incorporation of PANSY radar data improved the reproducibility of atmospheric parameters in the troposphere and lower stratosphere as initial conditions for forecasting. To investigate the impact of PANSY radar data on forecast skill regarding the midlatitude cyclone, 63‐member ensemble forecast experiments were conducted using analysis data both with and without PANSY data as initial conditions. Comparison of the forecast results from the ensemble forecast experiments confirmed that incorporation of PANSY radar data reduced the ensemble spread and error in the upper troposphere over the Antarctic region as initial conditions, which enhanced the accuracy of the prediction of the positions of the upper‐level trough and surface cyclone over western Australia at forecast day 4.5. These experiments suggest that the PANSY radar represents an observing system suitable for continuous improvement in forecast skill of the atmospheric circulation in the Southern Hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of 18 fishes caught in the South China Sea detected two Unicapsula spp. in the myofibers of the trunk muscles of carangid fishes: Unicapsula aequilobata n. sp. in the Japanese scad, Decapterus maruadsi, and Unicapsula seriolae in the yellowstripe scad, Selaroides leptolepis. They formed thin filamentous pseudocysts of 0.9–2.0 (mean 1.4) mm by 0.03–0.06 (0.04) mm (n = 5) and 0.9–3.4 (2.1) mm by 0.02–0.05 (0.04) mm (n = 12), respectively. Myxospores of U. aequilobata n. sp. are composed of three equal shell valves and measured 6.7–8.5 (7.3) μm in length and 7.1–8.8 (7.6) μm in width, and contained a prominent polar capsule (PC) 3.2–3.8 (3.6) μm in diameter (n = 18) and two rudimentary PCs. A nucleotide sequence (5127 bp) of the ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) array was obtained for the genetic characterization of this new species. Based on morphological and phylogenetic criteria, we erect U. aequilobata n. sp. as the sixteenth species in the genus Unicapsula. Nucleotide sequences of the 18S and 28S rDNA obtained from U. seriolae from the yellowstripe scad were almost identical (99.6–100% or 99.0–99.6%, respectively) to those from fish found in the seawaters around Australia and Japan. Consequently, this is a new host and geographical distribution records for U. seriolae. In addition, we illustrated the predicted secondary structure of the available 5.8S rDNA sequences of multivalvulid species, including those obtained from U. aequilobata n. sp., to assess the significance of interspecific nucleotide variations in this short rDNA unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women’s liberation and the sexual revolution have changed the social landscape for heterosexual women in the West over the past 50 years, but exploration of women’s lived experiences of contraceptive use in the context of their sexual lives is comparatively recent. We conducted 94 in-depth open-ended interviews with women of reproductive age (16–49 years) living in New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. Four major themes are explored here: (1) what women do and do not do: unspoken gendered assumptions; (2) focus on partner’s pleasure; (3) juggling responsibilities: sex as a chore; and (4) women’s sexual motivations. Findings suggest sexual double standards and gender expectations continue to pervade women’s sexual and contraceptive practices. We found that women performed their femininity by focusing on enabling their male partner’s pleasure, while simultaneously ignoring their own sexual desires, wishes or interests. Accompanying new-found freedoms are new-found responsibilities, as women now add managing modern contraceptives and a good sex life to their list of tasks alongside paid employment, domestic labour and childrearing. Our research findings suggest that women may derive different pleasures from sex, including what we term ‘connection pleasure’. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective The present study aimed to describe and examine similarities and differences in the current service provision and resuscitation protocols of the ambulance services participating in the Aus- ROC Australian and New Zealand out-of-hospital cardiac arrest ( OHCA) Epistry. Understanding these similarities and differences is important in identifying ambulance service factors that might explain regional variation in survival of OHCA in the Aus- ROC Epistry. Methods A structured questionnaire was completed by each of the ambulance services participating in the Aus- ROC Epistry. These ambulance services were SA Ambulance Service, Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance Western Australia, Queensland Ambulance Service, St John Ambulance NT, St John New Zealand and Wellington Free Ambulance. The survey aimed to describe ambulance service and dispatch characteristics, resuscitation protocols and details of cardiac arrest registries. Results We observed similarities between services with respect to the treatment of OHCA and dispatch systems. Differences between services were observed in the serviced population; the proportion of paramedics with basic life support, advanced life support or intensive care training skills; the number of OHCA cases attended; guidelines related to withholding or terminating resuscitation attempts; and the variables that might be used to define 'attempted resuscitation'. All seven participating ambulance services were noted to have existing OHCA registries. Conclusion There is marked variation between ambulance services currently participating in the Aus- ROC Australian and New Zealand OHCA Epistry with respect to workforce characteristics and key variable definitions. This variation between ambulance services might account for a proportion of the regional variation in survival of OHCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested whether the cultural background of raters influenced ratings of chimpanzee personality. Our study involved comparing personality and subjective well-being ratings of 146 chimpanzees in Japan that were housed in zoos, research institutes, and a retirement sanctuary to ratings of chimpanzees in US and Australian zoos. Personality ratings were made on a translated and expanded version of a questionnaire used to rate chimpanzees in the US and Australia. Subjective well-being ratings were made on a translated version of a questionnaire used to rate chimpanzees in the US and Australia. The mean interrater reliabilities of the 43 original adjectives did not markedly differ between the present sample and the original sample of 100 zoo chimpanzees in the US. Interrater reliabilities of these samples were highly correlated, suggesting that their rank order was preserved. Comparison of the factor structures for the Japanese sample and for the original sample of chimpanzees in US zoos indicated that the overall structure was replicated and that the Dominance, Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness domains clearly generalized. Consistent with earlier studies, older chimpanzees had higher Dominance and lower Extraversion and Openness scores. Correlations between the six domain scores and subjective well-being were comparable to those for chimpanzees housed in the US and Australia. These findings suggest that chimpanzee personality ratings are not affected by the culture of the raters. Am. J. Primatol. 71:283–292, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores how non-native English speaking postgraduate TESOL students at a regional Australian university perceive the meaning and value of obtaining a TESOL qualification from a Western native English speaking country. By doing so, this research investigates the way in which the universal predominance of Western native English and the inequality between NESTs and NNESTs, or English linguistic imperialism, are maintained and/or challenged. We conducted face-to-face semi-structured interviews with eight students from five different non-native English speaking countries who were enrolled in a postgraduate TESOL course. The study revealed that these students were generally aware of the privileged position of Inner Circle English(es) and of NESTs. They highly valued the TESOL qualification obtained in Australia in order to differentiate themselves from other NNESTs in their own country. In this sense, they contribute to the maintenance of English linguistic imperialism. However, some interviewees' critical reflections on the existing inequalities between different varieties of English and the inequality between NESTs and NNESTs also indicated their potential to challenge English linguistic imperialism. Drawing on these findings, future directions for teacher training and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We had investigated feasible measures to reduce CO2 emission and came to conclusion that introduction of new fuel such as hydrogen with near zero CO2 emission is required for achieving Japan''s commitment of 80% CO2 reduction by 2050. Under this background, we are proposing and aiming to realize “CO2 free hydrogen chain” utilizing Australian brown coal linked with CCS. In this chain, hydrogen produced from brown coal is liquefied and transported to Japan by liquid hydrogen carrier. We have conducted feasibility study of commercial scale “CO2 free hydrogen chain”, whose result shows the chain is technically and economically feasible. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim. This paper reports a study of male nurses’ experiences of providing intimate care for women clients. Background. The number of men entering the nursing profession has increased worldwide. As a consequence of the move to a more gender-balanced profession, debate has ensued over how intimate care should be performed when this requires male nurses to be physically close to women clients. As there was little previous work on this topic, we wished to provide nurses, clients and other healthcare professionals with a better understanding of male nurses’ experiences of working with women clients and within a healthcare system where they often feel excluded. Method. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with male nurses working in various clinical settings in Western Australia. Latent content analysis was used to analyse the interviews, which were carried out between June and July 2004. Findings. Three themes were identified: the definition of intimate care, the emotional experience associated with providing intimate care and strategies used to assist in the delivery of intimate care for women clients. Providing intimate care for women clients was a challenging experience for male nurses. Participants described how it required them to invade these clients’ personal space. Consequently, they often experienced various negative feelings and used several strategies to assist them during care delivery. Conclusions. Nurse educators should assist male nurses to be better prepared to interact with women clients in various settings. Furthermore, workplace environments need to provide additional support and guidance for male nurses to enable them to develop effective coping strategies to manage challenging situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the partial pressure of CO2 in surface seawaterwere made in the Southern Ocean south of Australia during four cruises in January to February 1969, December 1983 to January 1984, December 1994 to January 1995 and January 2002. The spatial distribution offor the four cruises showed the same pattern north of the Sub-Antarctic Front (SAF), while year-to-year changes were noted south of the SAF. We evaluated the long-term trend of therepresentative of the zone between oceanographic fronts by taking into account changes in the seasonal variation inand the long-term increase of the sea-surface temperature (SST) of the Southern Hemisphere. The observed growth rate ofwas 0.7± 0.1μatm yr−1 at its minimum, which was observed at the SST of 15°C north of the Subtropical Front (STF), 1.0± 0.5μatm yr−1 in the Sub-Antarctic Zone (SAZ) between STF and SAF, 1.5± 0.4μatm yr−1 in the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) between SAF and the Polar Front (PF) and 1.8± 0.2μatm yr−1 in the Polar Zone (PZ) between PF and 62°S, determined as the northern edge of the Seasonal Sea Ice Zone (SSIZ) on the basis of surface salinity and satellite images. These increases were caused by the uptake of anthropogenic CO2 as well as variations in the thermodynamic temperature effect, ocean transport and biological activity. In the SSIZ between 62 and 66.5°S, we could not clearly evaluate the long-term trend ofdue to the remarkable CO2 drawdown due to biological activity in January 2002. The relatively low growth rates ofclose to the STF and in the SAZ are probably associated with the formation of Subtropical Mode Water and Sub-Antarctic Mode Water in their respective zones. Between the north of the STF and the PZ, the growth rate of total dissolved inorganic carbon was calculated to be about 0.5–0.8μmol kg−1 yr−1 via the buffer factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate identification of teachers' continuing professional learning (CPL) needs is paramount to create relevant professional development opportunities. How teachers' CPL needs can best be identified is, however, a question often unaddressed. This study introduces different classes of identification methods: linear-dominance, linear-unfolding, and circular-unfolding. The TALIS 2018 data collected from primary education teachers in Australia, England, Japan, and the Netherlands were used to assess exemplar psychometric models for each methodological class. The circular-unfolding method was found to identify teachers' CPL needs best. Outcomes are related to prior research and linked to cultural dispositions and educational policy contexts of the studied countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue N and C stable isotope ratios of two sympatric termite species were investigated in relation to those of their stored food materials at two savanna sites in north-eastern Australia (Woodstock and Oak Valley). At both sites, the δ15N values of termite tissues and the stored food materials of the litter-feeding species Amitermes laurensis were significantly greater than their equivalents in the grass-harvesting species Drepanotermes rubriceps. In addition, the carbohydrate/lignin and C/N ratios were higher and chitin/carbohydrate ratios were lower in food materials stored in the mounds of D. rubriceps. Both sets of analyses confirmed that D. rubriceps assimilates less decomposed food materials than A. laurensis. Tissue δ13C values indicated that both species assimilated similar proportions of C3 and C4 plant materials at the Woodstock site, but that the workers of A. laurensis assimilated a greater proportion of C3 plant material at the Oak Valley site. The δ15N values of termites from the Woodstock site were significantly greater than those from Oak Valley, although the differences in order at each site were consistent between species. The results indicate that N and C stable isotope ratios must be carefully compared across habitats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]