Guidance Note Research Articles

Formula Labelling in the United Kingdom: Manufacturers' Compliance With the Code, UK Law and Guidance Notes.

The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes ('the Code') was established to protect babies and young children from inappropriate marketing of formula milk, bottles and teats and avoid undue commercial influence on caregiver infant feeding practices, including undermining breastfeeding and safe and appropriate formula feeding. UK law encompasses some but not all of the Code. To address persisting concerns about the marketing of infant formula (IF) and follow-on formula (FoF), we assessed labelling compliance in the UK against relevant provisions in the Code, UK law and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) Guidance Notes which interpret UK law. Data were collected during July and August 2022 by taking pictures of labels from company websites, in shops and online. We developed three labelling checklists to systematically assess compliance and to compare compliance scores between the regulatory frameworks, formula types and brands. We assessed 57 labels (n = 32 IF and n = 25 FoF) and found low overall compliance: 50% complied with UK law, 32% with Guidance Notes and 40% with the Code. None of the labels complied with provisions prohibiting idealising text and photographs, nutrition and health claims (where relevant) and cross-promotion between formula types. In conclusion, UK IF and FoF labels violate many of the provisions of all three regulatory frameworks. This is evidence of inappropriate marketing. The UK law should be better enforced and strengthened in line with the Code to protect breastfeeding, support safer, appropriate formula feeding and lessen commercial influence on infant feeding practices.

From red tape to red carpet: the Unidroit Cape Town Convention and MAC Protocol’s Adventure in Africa

Abstract This article examines the implementation of the Mining, Agricultural and Construction (MAC) Equipment Protocol under the Cape Town Convention in Africa, focusing on enhancing economic growth and sustainable development through improved access to financing for high-value mobile equipment. Africa’s economic development is significantly hindered by inadequate infrastructure, which escalates transaction costs and limits access to international markets. Investment in modern infrastructure, particularly in the mining, agricultural, and construction sectors, is typically expensive for many businesses in the African region. The MAC Protocol aims to address these challenges by providing a uniform legal framework that supports the financing of MAC equipment. The Convention and the MAC Protocol facilitate access to affordable capital and reduce risks for financiers who take international interests in MAC equipment, promoting economic activities in Africa. The article highlights the legal protections offered by the MAC Protocol, ensuring rights against third-party claims and enhancing the enforceability of international interests. The adoption of the MAC Protocol by African States could significantly impact their ability to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by making modern, cost-efficient equipment more accessible, thus boosting productivity and economic diversification. The article advocates for adopting the MAC Protocol, emphasizing its potential to enhance foreign investment in the mining, agriculture, and construction sectors, stimulating economic development in Africa. This strategic move will propel African countries towards greater economic resilience and integration into the global economy. The article also critically analyses and illustrates the several declaration mechanisms available to countries adopting the MAC Protocol, accompanied by a guidance note to sensitize lawmakers when signing and/or ratifying or acceding to the Cape Town Convention and the MAC Protocol.

Rethinking content design for Small 3cp Units

A new early childhood course at the University of New England (UNE) has been developed with a combination of 3cp and 6cp units. The 3cp units were developed with consideration to the UNE early childhood student cohort. Research on current early childhood students indicated that they are working full time alongside their studies in early childhood environments, and they can find the transition from TAFE to University difficult. The course was designed so that students started their degree with the 3cp units, with the aim to build their confidence and competence in academic skills, and include relevant and practical content that could be applied within their early childhood context. The purpose of this pecha kucha is to provide an example of practice in development of smaller credit point units across a whole course. The learning design team and early childhood team at UNE worked collaboratively on the new course design. As the early childhood team had a full-time teaching load while content development was also a priority, early childhood researchers were engaged to write content. We wanted to design the 3cp units with a consistent approach across the course and with a similar pedagogical flavour. Traditionally, we also noticed that when creating unit content and assessment, content writers often focused on the ‘hours’ model of developing to 150 hours per unit (for a 6cp unit). The challenge was to consider the right amount of content for 3cp units for our student audience. We needed to shift thinking from the ‘hours’ model to ensure that the development of 3cp content was led by the learning outcomes and assessment requirements, with content being scaffolded into this, also known as backwards design (Davis et al., 2021). McEwan et al. (2023) identify that in academic development and curriculum design, it is necessary to provide a balance between theory and practice. So, we developed a guidance note for staff who were writing content, and a corresponding template in which to develop the content. The guidance note encouraged staff to think differently from the hours model, and encouraged content writers to think practically about the various tasks they were asking students to complete. For example, we researched average reading speeds in online environments and how this may impact the length of time to read and comprehend topic notes. We also developed a consistent structure for content within the 3cp units that we thought would be reasonable. This was the starting point for content writers to develop content. The benefit of this is that most 3cp units have approximately the same amount of content and number of topics, aiming to create a consistent student experience. We are currently conducting research to determine the effectiveness of the 3cp units, and if they are targeted appropriately for students to help them transition from TAFE to University, and if they find the workload too much or too little. This research may also be relevant for the development of other short courses in higher education institutions.

Guidance note: Assessing historic assets that are proposed to be demolished or partially demolished

This note, authored by CARE in conjunction with the IStructE and ICE, is intended to provide clear guidance for engineers who are requested to inspect and report on historic assets.

Post-COVID-19 Era: Navigating Challenges in Online Thesis Guidance for Academic Enrichment

The integration of information technology (IT) in higher education has significantly enhanced academic performance, with a focus on information systems, electronic thesis management, and legal responsibilities outlined in Higher Education Law No. 12 of 2012. This study explores the challenges and opportunities arising from the transition to online thesis guidance, prompted by the post-COVID-19 era, within the Information Systems Program at Multimedia Nusantara University. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach and thematic analysis, the research uncovers challenges in clarity of instructions, guidance note management, and dynamics of relationships with academic mentors, examiners, and the thesis defense committee. As students navigate the intricate landscape of online thesis guidance, the study emphasizes the importance of transparent communication and adaptability. In conclusion, while IT integration enriches academic quality, challenges identified in online thesis guidance serve as guideposts for institutions to refine strategies and enhance communication. This research provides valuable insights for educational institutions, ensuring a seamless and enriching academic experience for students in the evolving landscape of higher education, particularly in the context of online thesis guidance.

Technical Guidance Note (Level 3, No. 4): Thermal effects on building structures

This note will explain how to determine the movement, or restraint to movement under thermal effects, and how it varies depending on a variety of conditions. It will also highlight areas where potential issues can be overlooked.

Resilience and Sustainability Facility—Operational Guidance Note

Resilience and Sustainability Facility—Operational Guidance Note

Restaurant managers knowledge and intention to improve building ventilation and indoor air quality using control measures in a middle-income country

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus can occur via aerosol in inadequately ventilated indoor spaces, including restaurants. Despite the introduction of guidelines to ensure good indoor air quality (IAQ) and ventilation, business owners in low- or middle-income countries (LMIC) remain unsure about the regulations. This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge and intention to improve IAQ and building ventilation among restaurant managers, and whether it is reflective of the implementation of control measures during COVID-19. This cross-sectional study involved restaurants from eight study sites at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, selected using cluster randomised sampling. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire adapted from the guidance note on ventilation and IAQ for non-residential setting during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Malaysia. Data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 27. Low knowledge level (median score: 4, range: 1–7) and moderate intention level (median score: 6, range 2–8) were reported among restaurant managers; however, the level of knowledge and intention were not correlated with the implementation of control measures. Insights from this study will be useful in informing the authorities to assess and review the practicality of current standard operating procedures and guidelines. The study findings are also expected to be translated to other airborne infectious diseases to increase the country's preparedness in managing future pandemics.

Technical Guidance Note (Level 3, No. 1): Designing for torsion in open-section steel members

The purpose of this Technical Guidance Note is to assist structural engineers familiar with the theoretical behaviour of steel structural elements subject to torsion to avoid or design for it when necessary.

Children as participants in health research in South Africa: A response to Labuschaigne, Mahomed and Dhai.

A complex network of ethico-legal rules makes it difficult for health researchers in South Africa to lawfully recruit adolescents to the kinds of sensitive studies where it may be ethically appropriate to proceed without notifying parents or obtaining parental consent. This article responds to a recent proposal to amend the blanket requirement for mandatory parental consent presently contained in section 71 the South African National Health Act 61 of 2003 [NHA]. The proposed amendment is intended to bring the NHA into alignment with South Africa's 2015 Department of Health Guidelines on Ethics in Health Research by permitting greater flexibility for a health research ethics committee to waive parental consent, and permit adolescents to consent independently. A lacuna in this proposal is highlighted with reference to the requirements of South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 [POPIA]: Even if the NHA is amended as proposed, the goal of aligning South African law with prevailing ethics norms in South Africa would not necessarily be attained, as parental consent may still be required by POPIA. This article investigates whether this goal (of aligning the law with ethics) can be attained in a way that is compliant with POPIA. It is concluded that this is indeed possible in a number of ways, and that the best way to attain this goal is by requesting the South African Information Regulator to issue a guidance note to the effect that all health research projects that are approved by institutional health research ethics committees are to be regarded as being in the public interest, which would qualify such health research projects to be exempted from POPIA's consent requirements.

Technical Guidance Note (Level 2, No. 15): Design of timber posts

This note describes the design of timber posts based on limit state theory. The note assumes that the reader is familiar with the use of coefficient factors prevalent within BS EN 1995-1-1 (Eurocode 5).

Minor Forest Produce Gathering & Sustainability of Tribal Livelihood Assets –Challenges and Issues in Kerala

This paper presentation is an attempt to understand the challenges and issues in protecting livelihood assets in relation to forest gathering of tribal communities in Kerala. The concept of protection of livelihood assets is one of the core concept of livelihood recovery processes necessitated basically in the event of calamities and other adverse events. The guidance note published by the UNDP on recovery processes is a detailed document on this topic. Forest gathering in Kerala is slowly dying out and is in a stage warranting immediate intervention for revival as if it is affected by adverse events. This study is therefore concentrated on identifying the livelihood assets based on Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), which is a tool developed based on Sustainable Livelihood Approach (SLA) formulated by Chambers & Conway, in 1991. The assets thus identified, in the broad classes of Human, Social, Natural Physical and Financial assets, are Skilled Human resources, Aboriginal Knowledge and Gathering Skills, Tribal Cooperatives and other self-help groups, Forest resources, Forest Dwelling Rights, other related Infrastructure Facilities and Cash Assistances. Each of this assets are discussed primarily based on hands-on experience and exposure of the paper presenter as an official associated with the operations of tribal cooperative sector in Kerala for a period of 5 years and wherever necessary historical data, related literatures and governmental reports are relied. Based on the discussions, reviews, and analysis of data, this paper put forth its findings and conclusions to the intended audience for necessary remedial steps and future studies.

Staff-Monitored Programs—Updated Operational Guidance Note

Staff-Monitored Programs—Updated Operational Guidance Note

Confidence levels and likelihood terms in IPCC reports: a survey of experts from different scientific disciplines

Scientific assessments, such as those by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), inform policymakers and the public about the state of scientific evidence and related uncertainties. We studied how experts from different scientific disciplines who were authors of IPCC reports, interpret the uncertainty language recommended in the Guidance Note for Lead Authors of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report on Consistent Treatment of Uncertainties. This IPCC guidance note discusses how to use confidence levels to describe the quality of evidence and scientific agreement, as well likelihood terms to describe the probability intervals associated with climate variables. We find that (1) physical science experts were more familiar with the IPCC guidance note than other experts, and they followed it more often; (2) experts’ confidence levels increased more with perceptions of evidence than with agreement; (3) experts’ estimated probability intervals for climate variables were wider when likelihood terms were presented with “medium confidence” rather than with “high confidence” and when seen in context of IPCC sentences rather than out of context, and were only partly in agreement with the IPCC guidance note. Our findings inform recommendations for communications about scientific evidence, assessments, and related uncertainties.

Coordinating risk communication and community engagement for a better COVID-19 response in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) is crucial for effective public health emergency response, with coordination of RCCE essential to avoiding duplication, resource wastage and possible confusion at community level. We describe the structure and operational modalities of the regional RCCE coordination mechanism for COVID-19 in Eastern and Southern Africa since the declaration of the first cases in countries in the region in March 2020. Under the co-leadership of UNICEF and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), more than 30 agencies including UN agencies, Non-Government organisations, media and interfaith councils shared information on their interventions and support to the regional COVID-19 response. The technical working group has facilitated the development of joint guidance and reports. The group also shared monthly community feedback reports, Fact sheets, Theme specific Guidance Notes, media webinars and Social science evidence reviews from the sub-working groups. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation provided complementary resources to strengthen the regional coordination and tailored support to country RCCE response processes. This manuscript documents a regional approach to RCCE coordination for public health emergency response for potential replication and knowledge to inform and guide future RCCE for preparedness and response at regional level.

Guiding surveyors and protecting the public : The new RICS guidance note ‘Planned Preventative Maintenance of Commercial and Residential Property’

Managing the operational risk to commercial property lies not only with those investing in the assets but also with those advising on the planned preventative maintenance (PPM). With a need to consider the life cycle of building components, defect evolution and compliance of assets with legal requirements, surveyors are under increased pressure to deliver professional advice with often limited access to both site and documents. While most surveyors have devised their own methods in the undertaking and delivery of PPM, there has historically been no bespoke guidance on this from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The lack of formal guidance was exposed by the tragic events of Storm Doris in 2017, where wind damage to a commercial property resulted in the fatality of a member of the public. The subsequent investigation identified failings in the PPM process at the property. In response to the report of the coroner, the RICS embarked upon preparing a global guidance note with the intention of delivering high-quality surveying services as well as guiding surveyors and protecting the public.

‘Privacy by design’ in the EU General Data Protection Regulation: A new privacy standard or the Emperor’s new clothes?

Privacy by design (‘PbD’) is a conceptual framework that has been widely adopted as a helpful, practical framework for organisations to ‘translate’ legal data protection principles into concrete technical design and organisational policies. It can offer a harmonising framework for multiple, overlapping legal compliance obligations. Privacy is engineered directly into the design of new technologies, as a default setting, while still achieving full functionality. The article explains the seven foundational principles of the concept with detailed cross reference to the relevant conditions of lawful processing under the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (‘POPIA’), offering the first in-depth analysis of PbD in a South African context. PbD is now an express legal obligation in art 25 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (2016). The article sketches the background to that important development and provides an in-depth critique of the three key shortcomings of art 25. It recommends that instead of following the EU example, South Africa’s Information Regulator could promote the adoption of PbD through a guidance note and in approved codes of conduct. It concludes that a PbD approach is already (albeit only impliedly) required for compliance with the conditions of lawful processing under POPIA.

Mass Migrations And The Emerging Socio-Political Constructs Of Identity, Interest And Security In Hosts State

Mass Migrations And The Emerging Socio-Political Constructs Of Identity, Interest And Security In Hosts State

Non‐GAAP Earnings Disclosure Trends in New Zealand

AbstractNon‐generally accepted accounting practice (non‐GAAP) earnings provoke mixed opinions on their usefulness. We provide evidence over a 15‐year period that captures changes to accounting standards, economic conditions and regulatory guidance notes on non‐GAAP earnings. First, many firms do not use non‐GAAP earnings measures, with its popularity peaking at almost 59% in 2012 compared to below 33% in 2004, before decreasing to under 48% by 2018. The most common adjustments are tax, interest and depreciation, consistent with the preference for operating performance metrics. We document an improvement in the frequency of ‘Unknown’ adjustments (those that cannot be reconciled), reaching 32% in 2007, but it was not until 2013 that a significant improvement occurred. As this coincides with the timing of a Financial Markets Authority (FMA) guidance note requiring non‐GAAP earnings reconciliations, implying greater disclosure transparency needs clear regulatory guidelines. Second, we find an elevated use of asset impairment, restructuring and fair value adjustments around the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), which suggests managers perceive GAAP earnings have to be supplemented during major economic shocks.

The SCCS Notes of Guidance for the testing of cosmetic ingredients and their safety evaluation, 11th revision, 30–31 March 2021, SCCS/1628/21

The “SCCS Notes of Guidance for the Testing of Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Safety Evaluation, 11 th Revision” (SCCS/1628/21) contains relevant and updated information on the different aspects of testing and safety evaluation of cosmetic substances in Europe. The emphasis is on cosmetic ingredients for which a concern has been expressed for human health. Indirectly, the Guidance also provides some advice on the safety of finished products. A general aim is to improve harmonised compliance with the current cosmetic EU legislation, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, for which animal testing and marketing bans fully apply from 2013 onwards. This means that no in vivo testing of ingredients or finished products is allowed in Europe for the purpose of cosmetics. For this reason, the SCCS has closely followed the progress made in regard to the development and validation of alternative replacement methods, also referred to as new approach methodology (NAM). The “SCCS Notes of Guidance” are regularly revised and updated in order to incorporate progress made and experience gained over time, in particular on the use of NAMs, and the new methods and data that became available since previous revision (SCCS/1602/18) formed the basis of the current (11 th) Revision.