Innovations and Trends in Pension Plan Coverage, Pension Type and Plan Design

In this paper, we outline recent trends in employer pension pIan structure in the United States, focusing on plan coverage, plan type and pension plan design. We then identify the key factors that we believe will shape company-sponsored pension design in the future, drawing conclusions from a review of recent research and practice. Finally, we offer a cautious prognosis about the future of pension pIan coverage, pIan type and pIan design, focusing on the role of labor force aging, as well as anticipated developments in the business environment and anticipated changes in public policy

Combating Childhood Obesity: Changing Our Environment

A review of literature was conducted to identify risk factors and prevention strategies for childhood obesity. Factors contributing to childhood obesity include poor food choices, physical inactivity, and genetics. Complications of obesity include respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and endocrine diseases, cancer, gallbladder disease, poor health status, depression, low self-esteem, and social withdrawal. Since childhood obesity, largely due to the environment that children live in today, is increasing in the United States, strategies must be implemented that will contribute to the prevention of childhood obesity. Changes that promote a healthy environment must involve all aspects of society to ensure that the prevention of childhood obesity will be more successful

The mediodorsal thalamus as a higher order thalamic relay nucleus important for learning and decision-making

AbstractRecent evidence from monkey models of cognition shows that the magnocellular subdivision of the mediodorsal thalamus (MDmc) is more critical for learning new information than for retention of previously acquired information. Further, consistent evidence in animal models shows the mediodorsal thalamus (MD) contributes to adaptive decision-making. It is assumed that prefrontal cortex (PFC) and medial temporal lobes govern these cognitive processes so this evidence suggests that MD contributes a role in these cognitive processes too. Anatomically, the MD has extensive excitatory cortico-thalamo-cortical connections, especially with the PFC. MD also receives modulatory inputs from forebrain, midbrain and brainstem regions. It is suggested that the MD is a higher order thalamic relay of the PFC due to the dual cortico-thalamic inputs from layer V (‘driver’ inputs capable of transmitting a message) and layer VI (‘modulator’ inputs) of the PFC. Thus, the MD thalamic relay may support the transfer of information across the PFC via this indirect thalamic route. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the anatomy of MD as a higher order thalamic relay. It also reviews behavioral and electrophysiological studies in animals to consider how MD might support the transfer of information across the cortex during learning and decision-making. Current evidence suggests the MD is particularly important during rapid trial-by-trial associative learning and decision-making paradigms that involve multiple cognitive processes. Further studies need to consider the influence of the MD higher order relay to advance our knowledge about how the cortex processes higher order cognition

Ethnography in Congregations

Ethnography is increasingly used in research conducted in congregations. Ethnography can provide rich description and is able to navigate between the stories of congregational members and the story observed by the researcher. Quality ethnography in congregations requires attention to ethics, navigating insider/outsider dynamics, and research aims

Ethnography in Congregations

Ethnography is increasingly used in research conducted in congregations. Ethnography can provide rich description and is able to navigate between the stories of congregational members and the story observed by the researcher. Quality ethnography in congregations requires attention to ethics, navigating insider/outsider dynamics, and research aims

Professional learning modes. Literature review

This literature review summarises evidence from education research to describe and compare different modes of professional learning. It applies the findings to the question: ‘what works best, and for whom’ in terms of modes of professional learning for Australian teachers, with particular focus on early childhood teachers, casual relief teachers and teachers in rural and remote teaching contexts. A key professional learning challenge common to these teachers is isolation – which can be physical, pedagogical, technological and/or social isolation. The review sought to identify research on modes of professional learning and in particular any studies that compared different modes of professional learning. The reviewers were interested in evidence pointing to the circumstances in which a particular mode of professional learning might have the most impact on teaching practice or school culture, as well as whether particular modes, or combination of modes, had greater impact for specific cohorts of teachers

Effects of remote learning on mental health and socialisation. Literature Review

This literature review focuses on the effects of remote learning on mental health, including acute mental health issues and possible ongoing implications for student wellbeing and socialisation. It provides an overview of some of the challenges that can impact on the mental health and relationships of young people, many of which have accelerated or become more complex during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the light of concern about rising antisocial behaviour and extremism there is a focus on socialisation and self-regulation on return to school post-pandemic. In the face of limited Australian research on these topics, the review takes a global focus and includes experiences from other countries as evidenced in the emerging research literature. Based on these findings the review offers advice to school leaders regarding the self-regulatory behaviours of students on return to school after periods of remote learning, and addresses social and emotional considerations as students transition back to school. It also considers ways in which schools can promote wellbeing and respond to mental health concerns as a way to address and prevent antisocial behaviours, recognise manifestations in extremism (including religious fundamentalism), and challenge a general rise in extremist views

Valuing Caribbean Biodiversity Knowledge

Valuing Caribbean biodiversity for health and wealth requires knowledge of the bioresource so as to better appreciate the myriad of uses and services it provides. Increasing the knowledge base provides increasingly accurate valuation, which hopefully will lead to better management and sustainable use of this biodiversity. The Caribbean region comprises 229,540 km2 of land (only 10% of which is still in original forest cover) and 2,754,000 km2 of ocean. In the region there are about 13,000 identified plant species of which 205 genera and 6500 species are endemic. The marine area, with a maximum depth of 7686 m, includes the world’s second largest barrier reef. It is estimated that the region has 25.6% marine endemic species. Multiple uses have been found for both terrestrial and marine organisms of the Caribbean. Mass extinctions have occurred for Peoples, associated traditional knowledge, terrestrial and marine biodiversity. Sea level rise and increasing temperature are global problems that threaten this area. All this information cannot be covered in one chapter so this review, based on a wide range of publications including our own research, is to raise awareness of these issues and the need to know more while suggesting solutions for discussion