19683 research outputs found
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CSR investments and innovation – Aligning and creating shared value
No full textNo description supplied.</p
An Empirical Study of the Distribution of Superannuation Death Benefits
No full textIn Australia, if a superannuation member dies before retirement, they will leave superannuation death benefits that must be distributed. Death benefits are usually distributed at the discretion of the trustee or, on appeal, by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (‘AFCA’). Analysis of the distribution of death benefits is exceedingly scarce in the literature. There is some practitioner commentary and case law, but it is not consistent on how this discretion is, or should be, exercised. General trust law holds that trustees exercise broad discretions and have duties to consider all relevant matters, including any non-binding nomination of beneficiaries by the deceased. Other evidence suggests that AFCA does not follow this approach. This article undertakes the first empirical examination of the distribution of death benefits by AFCA. Key findings are (1) there is no evidence that the deceased’s wishes expressed in non-binding nominations have any association with distribution outcomes; and (2) there is a very strong association between receiving a distribution and AFCA’s view that someone was financially dependent on the deceased.</p
Science Fiction, Global Warming and Environmental Education in the Capitalocene
No full textThis essay explores ways in which environmental educators might break with their existing traditions of research and pedagogy by critically appraising climate histories and anticipated futures depicted by SF (science/speculative fiction) in print and audio-visual media. SF has engaged the politics of climate change for at least two centuries and, as a form of public pedagogy accessible to all generations, provides alternative visualisations of the problems arising from humanity's destructive transformations of Earth's climate and possible ways of ameliorating them
The auronidin flavonoid pigments of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha form polymers that modify cell wall properties
No full textPlant adaptation from aquatic to terrestrial environments required modifications to cell wall structure and function to provide tolerance to new abiotic and biotic stressors. Here, we investigate the nature and function of red auronidin pigment accumulation in the cell wall of the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. Transgenic plants with auronidin production either constitutive or absent were analysed for their cell wall properties, including fractionation of polysaccharide and phenolic components. While small amounts of auronidin and other flavonoids were loosely associated with the cell wall, the majority of the pigments were tightly associated, similar to what is observed in angiosperms for polyphenolics such as lignin. No evidence of covalent binding to a polysaccharide component was found: we propose auronidin is present in the wall as a physically entrapped large molecular weight polymer. The results suggested auronidin is a dual function molecule that can both screen excess light and increase wall strength, hydrophobicity and resistance to enzymatic degradation by pathogens. Thus, liverworts have expanded the core phenylpropanoid toolkit that was present in the ancestor of all land plants, to deliver a lineage-specific solution to some of the environmental stresses faced from a terrestrial lifestyle.</p
A critique of the Disability Royal Commission’s approach and recommendations for educational inclusion in schools
No full textThe Disability Royal Commission received evidence of educational exclusion of school students with disabilities, occurring in both overt and covert forms, and of students’ experiences of violence and abuse. According to this evidence and prior research and reports, exclusionary and abusive practices appear to be entrenched in school education in both mainstream and special settings. The relationship between the evidence presented to the Commission and prior inquiries and research is presented with the aim of providing a critique of its approach and recommendations. Highlighted are the contrasting recommendations to either abolish or retain special schools and other segregated school settings. Other recommendations are reviewed to demonstrate how the final recommendations were part of a comprehensive suite of strategies to address long-standing exclusionary practices. Particular attention is given to students with severe-profound intellectual disabilities, who are most likely to be enrolled in or diverted to special schools and segregated units located in mainstream schools. Although the recommendations were comprehensive in addressing key contributors to exclusion, they showed a failure to consider in greater depth prior research and current positive practices of authentic inclusive education. It is argued that the Commission missed the opportunity to draw on research based on models of supports, shared understanding of inclusion, and making use of professionals beyond educators to provide complementary expertise.</p
The role of clinical perfectionism and psychological flexibility in distress and wellbeing
No full textObjectives: Clinical perfectionism, characterised by stringent standards and persistent striving, correlates with self-criticism and poor wellbeing. In this study we explored the mediating roles of psychological flexibility and inflexibility, and self-compassion, in the relationships of clinical perfectionism with distress, and clinical perfectionism and wellbeing. Methods: We used a cross-sectional correlational study design. A non-clinical sample of 210 Australian residents aged between 18 to 65 years old completed an online survey. Data were analysed using correlational, multiple regression, and parallel mediation analysis. Results: Heightened clinical perfectionism was associated with lower wellbeing and increased distress. Regression models revealed significant mediation by psychological inflexibility processes (self-as-content, experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion) and self-compassion. Cognitive fusion and inaction mediated clinical perfectionism-distress, while self-compassion and inaction mediated clinical perfectionism-psychological wellbeing. Conclusions: These findings support clinical perfectionism as a transdiagnostic predictor of distress and reduced wellbeing. Those with high clinical perfectionism tend to rigidly respond to perfectionistic thoughts, avoid uncomfortable emotions, and engage in value-disconnected inaction. Associations between psychological flexibility and inflexibility processes emphasise their multidimensional nature, distinct yet interrelated. Inaction emerges as a common process in clinical perfectionism-distress and clinical perfectionism-wellbeing, while cognitive fusion specifically influences distress, and limited self-compassion affects wellbeing.</p
Clinical practice patterns for assessing children with learning difficulties: survey of eye health care professionals
No full textClinical relevance: Understanding what aspects of vision or binocular vision may affect learning, and how these are assessed, is important for the eye health care professional assessing children with learning difficulties. It is vital that visual dysfunction is identified or excluded in these patients to ensure targeted and timely intervention. Background: The aim of this study was to investigate similarities and differences between eye care professionals in the knowledge, attitudes and practice patterns, when evaluating children with learning difficulties. Methods: This study was a cross-occupational, cross-sectional, predominantly quantitative internet-based survey. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and orthoptists working in Australia were eligible to participate. A questionnaire comprising of 31 multiple-choice questions with up to 19 additional branching questions was distributed using REDCap in September 2022. Results: A total of 130 responses were analysed (6 ophthalmologists, 84 orthoptists and 40 optometrists of whom 9 were practicing behavioural vision care). Most respondents assessed distance visual acuity (95%), near stereoacuity (85%), presence of strabismus (88%) and ocular movements (91%). Near vision was assessed less often (65%). Optometrists were most likely to measure colour vision (p </p
The Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre’s Response to the inquiry into the prevalence, causes and impacts of loneliness in New South Wales
No full textLa Trobe University’s Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) highlights the heightened risk of loneliness among Autistic people and its negative impact on their mental and physical health in this submission to the New South Wales inquiry on loneliness. It emphasises that social isolation and loneliness disproportionately affect Autistic individuals due to challenges like social stigma, discrimination, and fewer support networks. These factors contribute to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among Autistic people. OTARC’s recommendations include :Developing a comprehensive mental health strategy to support Autistic people across their lifespan.Co-producing mental health policies with Autistic voices.Improving training for healthcare and education providers to enhance support for Autistic individuals. Public campaigns to dispel myths about Autism and foster social inclusion.Targeted funding for initiatives that address loneliness in Autistic communities.</p
Enhancing Replication Research in Developmental Coordination Disorder
No full textAbstract:-
Purpose of Review: This paper discusses the application of replication research to the study of Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), a field that has engaged multiple health disciplines for over four decades. It seeks to answer how replication research can be incorporated into the investigation of DCD, addressing the growing need for validation and verification in the face of increasing published manuscripts.
Recent Findings: There has been a substantial increase in the number of published manuscripts focusing on various aspects of DCD, including symptoms, assessment, and intervention. This proliferation of research highlights the need for replication studies to ensure the reliability and validity of findings.
Summary: A systematic literature search conducted reveals that replication research is underrepresented in DCD studies. The paper discusses several likely challenges researchers face if incorporating replication into DCD research and provides recommendations to account for these in future study designs. The emphasis on replication research is expected to enhance the reliability and validity of findings in the field, contributing to more effective assessment and intervention strategies for DCD and impacting future research directions.</p
PRevention Intervention and Support in Mental health for people with aphasia (Aphasia PRISM): protocol and mixed methods analysis plan for two feasibility studies
No full textBackground: People with aphasia commonly experience depression and anxiety. The individual therapy program, Aphasia PRevention Intervention and Support in Mental health (Aphasia PRISM) offers low intensity psychotherapeutic interventions using communication supports. Trained stroke clinicians from disciplines other than psychology (e.g., allied health professional, nurse, doctor) can deliver such interventions. The aim of the planned studies is to test the acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of Aphasia PRISM for preventing depression and anxiety and supporting wellbeing in people with aphasia after stroke. Method: This protocol describes two feasibility studies of the Aphasia PRISM using parallel, convergent, mixed methods designs. Participants will be adults with aphasia after stroke from a metropolitan healthcare site (Study A, pre-post case series, approximate n = 6) and two regional/rural sites (Study B, randomised controlled trial, n = 30; random allocation to either: treatment arm Aphasia PRISM + usual care; or attention control of secondary stroke prevention information + usual care) in Victoria, Australia. Eligible participants will be offered 7 weekly intervention sessions (via telehealth or in person). Other participant groups include stroke clinicians / site managers and family members. Feasibility will be assessed with treatment acceptability ratings (primary outcome) and secondary outcomes such as recruitment rate and participant clinical response. Participant clinical responses to intervention will be collected pre-intervention (baseline), concurrently (4 week acceptability measure), immediately post (8 weeks), follow-up (3 months) and follow-up at 6 months (Study B only). Descriptive statistics will be used to analyse quantitative data based on the type and distribution of data. Reflexive thematic analysis, an inductive approach will be used to analyse qualitative data. Discussion: Aphasia PRISM offers the potential for trained stroke clinicians to deliver low intensity psychotherapeutic interventions with communication supports to people with aphasia. </p