The nature of static friction

The factors concerned in friction are discussed, together with a review of the limitations of the various approaches heretofore used. A more satisfactory view of the basic cause of static friction is developed in relation to modern experimental knowledge by considering the pertinent factors in systems having ideal surfaces, then relating this discussion to conditions in the best obtainable practical situation.     

The Effect of English Language Proficiency Level and Educational Background on Academic Achievement

The English Proficiency Level (EPL) of 205 first year business students from 16 Asian countries was assessed on arrival in Australia using the Australian Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ASLPR). Academic grades were recorded for their first, second and third semesters. Statistical analysis of the students' records shows that educational background is the major determinant of success in business courses, with no statistically significant effect coming from EPL. In practice, English proficiency is used as a major selection criterion in its application to the entry of full fee paying international students; on the basis of the evidence presented here, there is no need for a stringent EPL criterion to be applied, which is an important finding for those involved in the selection of international students who wish to study in Australian institutions. An important policy impinging on academic achievement is that students who fail their first semester are allowed to continue their studies; the policy leads to an estimated 39% of students allowed such grace going on to obtain a pass for the course; EPL bears no relationship to academic achievement for students in this category, the major determinant being their educational background. Thus, it is important that stringent conditions are applied to potential international students' educational background, but that they are not disadvantaged by their English language ability.     

Writing Radio History as it Happens: The Challenges and Opportunities of Collecting Podcast Histories

This essay reflects on the challenges and opportunities of researching and documenting contemporaneous digital radio histories. It discusses the implications of preservation-minded research into newly forming production cultures and practices around digital radio and podcasting. Moreover, this piece reflects on the current efforts being conducted to construct, document, and analyze new and emerging industrial and cultural formations within and around podcasting.     

The Development of Intra-Departmental Stratification and Competition for Resources: A Case Study of a Non-Research Based Higher Education Institution

Fluctuations in the financial welfare of institutions of higher education have long been tied to our country’s economic well-being. For many institutions the most recent financial downturns have led to historic revenue and enrollment difficulties that have necessitated the use of cost containment strategies to conserve dwindling resources. Included in these tactics are resource allotment decisions that reflect administrative favor towards some academic departments, leading to the development of a prestige-based stratification system and competition driven funding. A case study of a non-research based institution is used to take a preliminary look at the impact of institutional resource conservation on intra-departmental competition for resources and disparate funding allocations across disciplines in this setting. Special attention is given to the trends in enrollment and the selection of particular academic majors that have occurred across time and in response to the institution’s continued fiscal difficulties.     

The new UN CRC General Comment 13: "The right of the child to freedom from all forms of violence"--changing how the world conceptualizes child protection

The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child established CRC General Comment 13 (April 2011) to address today's unabating high rates of violence against children globally despite CRC advances. GC13 provides clear interpretations and stronger detail to supplement the legal language of CRC Article 19, intended to establish protection of children from all forms of violence. Through GC13, the Committee seeks to strengthen policy and practice implementation for all children, including every nation's most vulnerable, by clearly establishing measurable indicators: structure, process and outcomes to children-through improved technical information, expertise and assistance. Based on knowledge and experience gained over the 22 years since the CRC was adopted, GC13 advances best practice approaches and technical resources for States Parties and professionals on preventing violence against children, and on strengthening protection programs, systems, services, research, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. This article addresses child rights and protection issues which have been raised during this period, as well as during the consultation and resulting dialogues, such as the rights of children in early/forced marriage, and the role of the State Party as responsible caregiver when parents or families are not capable of providing protection.     

A Prospective Sequential Analysis of the Relation Between Physical Aggression and Peer Rejection Acts in a High-Risk Preschool Sample

Research Findings: Early Head Start home-based programs provide services through weekly home visits to families with children up to age 3, but families vary in how long they remain enrolled. In this study of 564 families in home-based Early Head Start programs, “dropping out” was predicted by specific variations in home visits and certain family characteristics. It also was negatively related to several targeted program outcomes. Home visits to dropout families focused less on child development, were less successful at engaging parents, and had more distractions. Dropout families had more risks and changes of residence, were more likely to be headed by a single mother, and were less likely to have a mother with poor English skills or a child with a documented disability. Practice or Policy: Home visiting programs may be able to reduce dropout rates, and thereby increase the duration of services to each family, by keeping home visits engaging and focused on child development and also by individualizing to the specific needs of families at risk for dropping out. To keep families involved longer, home visiting programs should consider (a) planning home visits that are longer, more engaging for both parent and child, scheduled at a time when there are fewer distractions for the family; and (b) spending the majority of time on child development activities and topics.