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Planned instruction is an important teaching form in early childhood mathematics education, but some educators are concerned about its developmental appropriateness. The present study was undertaken to address this issue. One hundred and seven American preschool teachers participated in the study: They watched a video-taped math lesson that was conducted in a 4-year-olds' classroom in China and answered video-cued questions in a questionnaire. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used in analyzing the data. Research Findings: Results show that on average, participants rated the quality and developmental appropriateness of the lesson as high. They acknowledged children's active learning, teacher's careful preparation, and use of different learning methods. But, they also identified inadequate elements such as lack of peer interactions and lesson differentiation. Practice or Policy: A relief of American preschool teachers' current beliefs regarding the developmental appropriateness of math lessons provides critical reference for professional preparation/development programs. American preschool teachers' high value of children's active learning in a planned math lesson and their appreciation of teacher's skillful guidance imply an imperative need to promote American preschool teachers' pedagogical knowledge and skills in teaching mathematics to young children.

As global leaders, US nurses will have an increasingly recognized role and responsibility in shaping health care in all countries. They should be at the forefront of changing and improving health systems to achieve universal health. Currently, a major health care reform is underway that requires a shift in the professional nursing footprint of China's nurse leaders. These leaders must garner knowledge capital to reinforce ethics, regulations, and standards; use current best practices; implement a comprehensive performance evaluation process; and capture the spirit of caring within their health care environments. Therefore, China is seeking US immersion opportunities for their emerging nurse leaders. Although US Immersion Programs exist, there is scant literature related to international precepting and how transformational learning occurs within this experience. This article introduces a transformational learning experience between US International Nurse Preceptors and a Chief Nursing Officer from Yinchuan, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of recent global health events, US health care leaders are strengthening international relationships to share best practices, health research, and support of workforce capacity. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the American Nurses Credentialing Center, and the Joint Commission International have all committed to expanding their vision and mission to improve health and health care globally. To support excellence in international health care delivery, the authors embarked on a Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) US Healthcare Immersion Program. The purpose of the program is to introduce the US nursing leadership competences to China CNO colleagues in preparation for their future role with health care reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, preschool curriculum has undergone reform and profound changes. Much remains unknown, however, regarding preschool teachers’ teaching beliefs after 30 years of curriculum reform and adaptation. This study aimed to address the issue and investigate teachers’ beliefs concerning teaching mathematics. Twelve preschool teachers in China participated in the study: they watched videos of mathematics lessons conducted in the US and were interviewed with questions regarding the lessons. Qualitative analysis was then applied; themes were searched from the participants’ responses. The study revealed that Chinese preschool teachers acknowledged the features of (a) active learning, (b) involving every child, and (c) connecting lessons with everyday activities. However, they believed that their own teaching would be more purposeful: they would choose a specific content focus, use a series of steps, and make explicit summary at the end. The study also revealed Chinese preschool teachers’ solid specialized content knowledge in mathematics. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Implementing effective antenatal care models is a key global policy goal. However, the mechanisms of action of these multi-faceted models that would allow widespread implementation are seldom examined and poorly understood. In existing care model analyses there is little distinction between what is done, how it is done, and who does it. A new evidence-informed quality maternal and newborn care (QMNC) framework identifies key characteristics of quality care. This offers the opportunity to identify systematically the characteristics of care delivery that may be generalizable across contexts, thereby enhancing implementation. Our objective was to map the characteristics of antenatal care models tested in Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) to a new evidence-based framework for quality maternal and newborn care; thus facilitating the identification of characteristics of effective care.Methods: A systematic review of RCTs of midwifery-led antenatal care models. Mapping and evaluation of these models' characteristics to the QMNC framework using data extraction and scoring forms derived from the five framework components. Paired team members independently extracted data and conducted quality assessment using the QMNC framework and standard RCT criteria.Results: From 13,050 citations initially retrieved we identified 17 RCTs of midwifery-led antenatal care models from Australia (7), the UK (4), China (2), and Sweden, Ireland, Mexico and Canada (1 each). QMNC framework scores ranged from 9 to 25 (possible range 0-32), with most models reporting fewer than half the characteristics associated with quality maternity care. Description of care model characteristics was lacking in many studies, but was better reported for the intervention arms. Organisation of care was the best-described component. Underlying values and philosophy of care were poorly reported.Conclusions: The QMNC framework facilitates assessment of the characteristics of antenatal care models. It is vital to understand all the characteristics of multi-faceted interventions such as care models; not only what is done but why it is done, by whom, and how this differed from the standard care package. By applying the QMNC framework we have established a foundation for future reports of intervention studies so that the characteristics of individual models can be evaluated, and the impact of any differences appraised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation in the Yangtze Gorges of South China plays an important role in our understanding of biological evolution, global correlation, and ocean redox conditions, because of the availability of high-resolution paleontological and geochemical data and numerous radiometric dates. However, integrated study has been focused on the Jiulongwan section that was largely deposited below wave base in a restricted shelf lagoon (). Studies of shallower water successions are lacking, and this presents a challenge to test Ediacaran stratigraphic correlation and ocean redox models. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a high-resolution integrated study of the Doushantuo Formation at the northern Xiaofenghe (NXF) section approximately 35km to the northeast and paleogeographically updip of the Jiulongwan section. With the exception of the basal 20m, NXF sediments were deposited above normal wave base. Integrated biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic data indicate that the 140m thick NXF section correlates with the lower Doushantuo Formation (Member I and much of Member II; i.e., the lower ca. 70m of the formation) at Jiulongwan. Geochemical data from NXF and other Doushantuo sections indicate that euxinic conditions may have been limited to a shelf lagoon (represented by the Jiulongwan section) that was restricted between the proximal inner shelf and a distal shelf margin shoal complex, at least during early Doushantuo time following the deposition of the Doushantuo cap dolostone. Further integrated studies are necessary to test whether euxinic conditions existed in open marine shelves in South China and elsewhere during the Ediacaran Period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The formation of cracks is a fundamental first step in the physical weathering of rocks in desert environments. In this study we combine new field data from the Mojave (U.S.), Gobi (Mongolia) and Strzelecki (Australia) deserts that collectively support the hypothesis that meridional cracks (cracks with orientations not readily attributable to rock anisotropies or shape) in boulders or cobbles form due to tensile stresses caused by directional heating and cooling during the sun''s daily transit. The new studies indicate that rock size, surface age, and latitude play important roles with respect to their influence on rock fracture. Rock size and pavement surface age exert an influence on the development of rock cracks as the average clast size of mature desert pavements may be at or below the threshold-clast size for thermal cracking of rocks. Latitude-controlled seasonal temperature variations play a key role, as demonstrated by: 1) tightly clustered mean resultant orientations that differ by latitude, as predicted in McFadden et al. (2005), and 2) very cold wintertime temperatures and strong diurnal gradients that may favor crack development in wintertime, given the likelihood for strong clast heating during early morning hours. The consistent evidence for meridional cracks in surfaces of diverse age and desert environments, climate, vegetation, and distance of clast transport indicate that directional insolation may play the key role in initially generating and propagating rock fractures, rather than a secondary role as implied in recent field and modeling studies of physical weathering in deserts. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Doushantuo acanthomorphic acritarchs are large morphologically complex organic-walled microfossils broadly constrained between the ∼635Ma Nantuo glaciation and the ∼551Ma Miaohe Biota. They are potential biostratigraphic tools for subdivision and correlation of the Ediacaran System in South China. However, major variations in sedimentary facies and stratigraphic thickness present challenges in understanding the spatial and temporal distribution of these acritarchs. Further, the distribution of acritarchs in the Doushantuo Formation is associated with the presence of early diagenetic chert and phosphate, implying a certain degree of preservational bias and/or environmental control. The purpose of this paper is to document the stratigraphic distribution of Doushantuo acritarchs and to quantitatively evaluate their biostratigraphic significance and possible taphonomic–environmental biases, based on high-resolution paleontological data from six sections over ∼100km in the Yangtze Gorges area, South China. A total of 1082 acritarch fossils were recorded from 84 chert horizons in the six sections of the study area. These chert horizons are not uniformly distributed throughout the Doushantuo Formation, thus the presence/absence of early diagenetic chert does play a role in controlling the distribution of acritarchs. The sampled chert horizons can be grouped into two stratigraphic intervals in the lower and upper Doushantuo Formation, respectively, based on regional stratigraphic correlation. Quantitative analysis shows that the two intervals are distinct taxonomically and largely independent of taphonomic or facies controls. Thus, the two intervals can be regarded as assemblage biozones. The lower biozone (biozone 1) is numerically dominated by Tianzhushania spinosa (n =587; 68.3%) and Meghystrichosphaeridium magnificum (n =74; 8.6%), whereas the upper biozone (biozone 2) is dominated by Ericiasphaera rigida (n =104; 47.1%) and Tianzhushania spinosa (n =34; 14.1%). The three most common genera, Meghystrichosphaeridium, Tianzhushania, and Ericiasphaera, have been identified in all sections. Correspondence analysis (CA), detrended correspondence analysis (DCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and pairwise comparisons of samples (Spearman rank coefficient and Jaccard–Chao index), all consistently support biostratigraphic zonations. Thus, the distribution of the Doushantuo acanthomorphs is primarily controlled by biostratigraphic position of samples, with facies and taphonomic differences playing a secondary role. Our case study suggests that acanthomorphic acritarchs can offer a viable tool for regional correlation of the Ediacaran System. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• SIMS δ13C carb from Ediacaran Doushantuo Fm in China and Mooifontein Mbr in Namibia. • 10‰ variation in SIMS δ13C carb over μm-mm scales in lower Doushantuo Formation. • 4‰ variation in SIMS δ13C carb over μm-mm scales in Mooifontein Member. • Bulk-sample δ13C variation at m-scale match SIMS δ13C variation at μm-mm scales. • Bulk-sample data reflect influence of authigenic carbonate in Doushantuo samples. Carbonate carbon isotope (δ13C carb) chemostratigraphy is a valuable tool in Precambrian stratigraphic correlation. The effectiveness of this tool rests on the assumption that δ13C carb data record global seawater signals. However, in some cases δ13C carb data exhibit rapid and noisy stratigraphic variations that may have been influenced by authigenic or diagenetic carbonate minerals. To assess the contribution of non-primary minerals towards bulk carbonate carbon isotope values, we acquired SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) δ13C carb data, electron microscopic data, and CL (cathodoluminescence) microscopic data from two Ediacaran successions—the lower Member II of the Doushantuo Formation in South China and the Mooifontein Member of the Zaris Formation in southern Namibia. The Doushantuo samples came from a stratigraphic interval with noisy meter-scale δ13C carb variations of up to 10‰, whereas the Mooifontein Member is characterized by consistent δ13C carb values with limited meter-scale variations of less than ~4‰. Our data show that the meter-scale stratigraphic variations in δ13C carb are also mirrored in the SIMS data at μm-mm scales in both Doushantuo and Mooifontein samples. In the Doushantuo samples, SIMS δ13C carb values of authigenic calcite vary by up to 10‰ over μm-mm scales and can be either higher or lower than those of the co-existing dolomite matrix, which also appears to be affected by authigenic carbonate on the basis of petrographic observation. Bulk-sample δ13C carb values measured on powders microdrilled from the same SIMS specimens are within the range of SIMS δ13C carb values. Thus, we infer that bulk-sample δ13C carb values of Doushantuo samples represent mixtures of different carbonate components. The Doushantuo and Mooifontein SIMS δ13C carb data validate the traditional method of using chemostratigraphic consistency to evaluate authigenic/diagenetic alteration, but given that secondary phases may be 13C-enriched relative to matrix carbonate, caution is warranted when taking maximum values to approximate primary chemostratigraphic trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this first paper in a series of four papers on midwifery, we aimed to examine, comprehensively and systematically, the contribution midwifery can make to the quality of care of women and infants globally, and the role of midwives and others in providing midwifery care. Drawing on international definitions and current practice, we mapped the scope of midwifery. We then developed a framework for quality maternal and newborn care using a mixed-methods approach including synthesis of findings from systematic reviews of women's views and experiences, effective practices, and maternal and newborn care providers. The framework differentiates between what care is provided and how and by whom it is provided, and describes the care and services that childbearing women and newborn infants need in all settings. We identified more than 50 short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes that could be improved by care within the scope of midwifery; reduced maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, reduced stillbirth and preterm birth, decreased number of unnecessary interventions, and improved psychosocial and public health outcomes. Midwifery was associated with more efficient use of resources and improved outcomes when provided by midwives who were educated, trained, licensed, and regulated. Our findings support a system-level shift from maternal and newborn care focused on identification and treatment of pathology for the minority to skilled care for all. This change includes preventive and supportive care that works to strengthen women's capabilities in the context of respectful relationships, is tailored to their needs, focuses on promotion of normal reproductive processes, and in which first-line management of complications and accessible emergency treatment are provided when needed. Midwifery is pivotal to this approach, which requires effective interdisciplinary teamwork and integration across facility and community settings. Future planning for maternal and newborn care systems can benefit from using the quality framework in planning workforce development and resource allocation., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)