The Role of Social Networks in the Immigration Decision-making Process: The Case of North American Immigration to Israel

This study focuses on the role of social networks in the decision-making process in migration which occurs between developed countries, specifically in immigration from North America to Israel. The central declared motives for immigration were religious; nevertheless, “materialistic” issues were also mentioned. The decision-making process was long, usually taking from 2 to 10 years. Information was gathered via personal contacts from social networks, during visits to Israel, and from Jewish organisations. The Internet also played a major role in this process. Networks that were set up by Israeli and Jewish organisations were found to be especially effective in organising immigration because they connected non-numerous dispersed individuals, who were thinking about Aliyah, and needed various kinds of support.     

Age-related changes in skeletal-muscle myosin heavy-chain composition: effect of mechanical loading

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of compensatory hypertrophy (CH), heavy-resistance exercise training (HRET), and simultaneous CH and HRET on fast-twitch skeletal-muscle myofibrillar-protein synthesis, myosin heavy-chain (MHC) turnover rate, and MHC-isoform composition in young and old rats. In young animals all treatments intensified myofibrillar-protein synthesis, whereas in old animals with CH protein synthesis remained unchanged. The relative content of MHC I and IID in plantaris muscle increases with age, and the relative content of MHC IIB decreases. HRET and simultaneous CH and HRET decreased the proportion of MHC IIB and IIA and increased that of MHC IID in young rat muscle. In old rat muscle, relative content of MHC IID decreased and that of MHC IIB increased. CH decreased relative content of MHC IIB in both age groups and of MHC IIA in old animals. Relative content of MHC IID increased in both groups, and of MHC IIA, in young animals. MHC in plantaris of young rats turned over much faster in all types of mechanical loading but in old rats only during HRET and its combination with CH.     

Gesundheitscoaching — zwischen Burnout und beruflicher Neuorientierung

Health coaching — burnout and professional reorientationThis paper describes the process of the health coaching called on by a freelance business economist suffering from burnout symptoms and power take-off, determined to make a decision with regard to his professional career. Major aim of the health coaching process is to focus on the clients’ health to ensure his physical, psychological and social well being as well as his mental and physical powers. Further aim of the career coaching is to develop a pathway for the clients’ future career and to enable him to realize a satisfying work-life-balance.     

Do we care? Adult mental health professionals' attitudes towards supporting service users' children

The impact of parental mental health is well known, but children's very existence may fail to be recognized by adult mental‐health services. This study aimed to explore attitudes of mental‐health professionals in one outer London borough regarding support needs of mental‐health service users' children to highlight potential barriers to identifying or meeting their support needs. All statutory mental‐health teams in the borough participated in a cross‐sectional survey. The response rate was 62.8% (n = 94) out of 150. The sample consisted of a diverse range of professionals from both inpatient and community settings. The main finding was that practitioners were overwhelmingly in favour of supporting children. However, attitudes and practices were significantly associated with profession, setting and whether the respondent was a care coordinator. Demographic characteristics or experience was not associated with attitudes. Perceived barriers to supporting children are highlighted. In particular, the mental‐health professionals in our sample considered supporting children important but did not necessarily consider it their role to do so. Training is required to raise awareness about this issue.     

(A‐)typical and (in‐)secure? Social protection and “non‐standard” forms of employment in Europe

Atypical forms of employment (part‐time work, mini‐jobs, fixed‐term contracts and solo self‐employment) have gained in importance overall in recent years in many European countries. They are often part of an irregular career pattern and carry a high risk of unemployment. In a 6‐country comparison (Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Denmark and Poland) we consider whether and in what way national social protection laws cover the various forms of non‐standard employment and the specific risks these entail. Significant variations were found in coverage standards and practices between countries as well as substantial variability within countries in their responses to different types of non‐standard employment. A need for further and improved coordination of both social legislation and tax law is identified.