Council Recommendations Research Articles

Study on the implementation of the CAL (Coding as Another Language) curriculum in early childhood education

In recent years, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have been increasingly integrated into preschool education, enriching the learning process with valuable information and motivation while capturing young students' interest. Numerous studies emphasize the importance and impact of utilizing ICT in education, introducing new dynamics to learning experiences, particularly as children grow up surrounded by diverse digital stimuli. From an early age, they interact with applications and digital tools, especially touchscreens, building digital experiences that become essential in educational interventions. Rapid technological advancements have led to the development of a wide range of applications that enhance educational processes, significantly influencing how young children learn and process information. Games, mobile devices, interactive whiteboards, and programming applications aid in the development of critical ICT skills, logical thinking, associative reasoning, computational thinking, and programming abilities. Striking the right balance between play and learning creates a rich, stimulating environment that fosters young learners' growth in skills and abilities. Considering the European Union Council's recommendation of May 22, 2018, digital competence is one of the key skills that must be cultivated both within and beyond school throughout life. As future citizens, today's students need skills that will enable them to solve problems effectively. Our digital society demands individuals capable of responding efficiently to challenges across various social contexts. Consequently, teaching students computational thinking and programming skills has become essential. Research demonstrates that preschool children, when faced with problem-solving tasks requiring the creation of code, can develop basic programming and computational thinking skills, such as debugging and understanding sequences. Moreover, in recent years, digital applications specifically designed to teach young children fundamental programming concepts have emerged. While numerous learning environments focus on coding skills, studies on their effectiveness in fostering coding and computational thinking in preschoolers remain limited. As the number of mobile learning applications grows, it is crucial to identify those with genuine educational value, avoiding those marketed as educational without substantive merit. This study describes an educational intervention based on experiential and collaborative teaching principles. The research aims to demonstrate that through the use of the CAL (Coding as Another Language) approach within the ScratchJr programming environment, significant programming and computational thinking skills can be cultivated in a conventional Greek preschool classroom. The teacher and researcher are the same individual, ensuring direct involvement in the educational process.

Optimising the treatment of chronic ischemic heart disease by training general practitioners to deliver very brief advice on physical activity (OptiCor): protocol of the systematic development and evaluation of a complex intervention

BackgroundChronic ischemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Physical activity (PA) is an effective secondary preventive strategy in IHD management. The German treatment guideline recommends that general practitioners (GPs) deliver PA advice to patients. This recommendation seems inadequately implemented, often due to GP’s insufficient specific training. International guidelines recommend training GPs in how to deliver such advice effectively and efficiently. Evidence is lacking on whether such training can enhance the frequency and quality of PA advice in routine care. The OptiCor project aims to develop and evaluate a GP training in the delivery of very brief PA advice to optimise the treatment of patients with IHD in general practice.MethodsOptiCor comprises three study phases according to the Medical Research Council recommendations for developing and evaluating complex interventions.Phase 1 (needs analysis): A nationwide representative household survey will be conducted to collect data on the receipt of GP-delivered PA advice in people with IHD. Qualitative interviews and group discussions with GPs and people with IHD will help to explore, e.g., attitudes, experiences with, and barriers and facilitators of PA advice implementation or reception, respectively. Findings will inform the training development.Phase 2 (pilot): A pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) on the effectiveness of the developed training on proportions of GP-delivered PA advice during routine care of IHD patients will be piloted.Phase 3 (evaluation): A full pragmatic cRCT will be conducted with patient-reported proportions of GP-delivered PA advice as primary endpoint. Collection of health economic and process-related data will facilitate a potential future broad implementation and health economic evaluation of the training.DiscussionIf the developed training successfully improves proportions and quality of GP delivered PA advice to patients with IHD, it could serve as a low-threshold and sustainable strategy for implementing PA recommendations in the secondary prevention of IHD in routine GP practice.Trial registrationWork package (WP) 1, WP5, and WP6 have been prospectively registered at German Clinical Trials Register (WP1: DRKS00031304, 19/06/2023; WP5: DRKS00034641, 10/07/2024; WP6: DRKS00034642; 10/07/2024).

Advancing data-driven decision-making for human papillomavirus (HPV)

Abstract Background HPV is among the most important infections associated with cancers in men and women, including cervical cancer which is the second most common cancer affecting women aged 15-44 years in the EU. Yet, data on vaccine uptake, HPV infection rates and incidence of related cancers is lacking across Europe, obstructing policymakers’ ability to build adequate prevention strategies towards the EU’s goal of eliminating HPV-related cancers. Methods Vaccines Europe analysed the landscape of data collection practices for HPV, highlighting discrepancies across Europe as well as successful initiatives. Results Our analysis reveals stark gaps in data collection across Europe. Some countries do not report disease levels and vaccination coverage for HPV. When reporting does occur, methods and timelines often differ between countries. Limited data availability exists for vaccination uptake in boys and young adults. This lack of standardisation hinders the comparability and reliability of collected data. It also impedes the integration and analysis of data within and across countries, hindering the development of effective elimination strategies. Concrete actions are needed at EU and national level to further develop and strengthen data collection, sharing and use in decision-making. Our research calls on strengthening ECDC’s role, promoting best practice sharing between countries, ensuring sustained resource allocation for data systems/surveillance, establishing electronic vaccination registries, an EU implementation roadmap to support countries in achieving the objectives of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and translating data into policy recommendations. The Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers provides a framework for EU Member States to establish electronic vaccination registries and the ECDC to develop an HPV dashboard by the end of 2024. Key messages • Current data collection practices leave Europeans more vulnerable in the fight against cancer. • Robust data can guide policy and support elimination strategies for vaccine-preventable cancers.

A monitoring framework for reinforcing policies against antimicrobial resistance in Europe

Abstract In an attempt to overcome barriers to the effective implementation of policies against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the EU Member States, Norway and Iceland, One Health national action plans (NAPs) need to show improvements in both their formulation and their implementation. Research conducted by Tetra Tech, funded by the EU4Health Programme, has identified shortcomings to One Health national policies across all countries, such as limited political focus and awareness of the challenges brought by AMR; lack of operational plans for delivering on the NAPs; and lack of harmonised indicators and inadequate information systems for monitoring the implementation of plans. On this last issue, subsequent reseach by Tetra Tech has supported the design and development of monitoring indicators for reinforcing the expected improvements of NAPs and the implementation of policies aimed at EU Member States in the 2023 “Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach”. While drawing on existing data sources at EU and global level, the study has also worked with Member States representatives in identifying indicators for the monitoring framework and proposed new data collection activities at the national level. Key messages • EU countries face common barriers to the effective implementation of One health policies against AMR, and need to reinforce their national action plans. • Stepping up the fight against AMR in the EU requires a strong monitoring framework for following up on EU recommendations.

8.D. Scientific session: Equitable Immunization: Leveraging Prisons for Vaccination Equity in Europe

Abstract Addressing low vaccine coverage is a pressing public health concern in Europe, where pockets of unvaccinated individuals persist despite ongoing efforts. The European region sees an estimated 1.4 million individuals detained on any given day, with a significantly higher number passing through prisons annually due to high turnover rates. Those experiencing incarceration often come from socially marginalized and disadvantaged groups, facing a multitude of health challenges including non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, mental illness, cognitive disabilities, and substance dependence. Despite their elevated health needs, individuals in prison frequently encounter barriers to accessing healthcare services, including preventive measures such as vaccination. Available but limited data suggest that individuals entering the prison system are often under-immunized, particularly against Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), influenza, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and pneumococci. Unfortunately, vaccination services within prisons are often insufficient, typically being provided according to national schedules or in response to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). It’s crucial to distinguish between the availability of vaccination services and actual coverage, as the modalities of vaccination offerings vary across the region. While individuals in prison are recognized as a target group for HBV vaccination, the methods of offering vaccines may differ based on factors such as age or risk group. Nevertheless, systematic implementation of HBV vaccination in prisons has shown clear benefits for both incarcerated individuals and the wider community. Given the significance of vaccinations in preventing diseases like HBV and human papillomavirus (HPV), which are linked to cancer, initiatives like the Europe Beating Cancer Plan and the European Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancer emphasize their importance. Prisons can serve as a strategic point for delivering comprehensive healthcare and vaccination services to incarcerated individuals, yet routine data on vaccination coverage at entry and uptake during incarceration are often lacking, hindering effective health planning. To address this public health challenge, the ‘Reaching the hard-to-reach: Increasing access and vaccine uptake among prison population in Europe’ (RISE-Vac) project consortium has been formed. This collaborative effort brings together diverse expertise and established networks in the field of prison health, reflecting the varied epidemiological and structural landscapes across Europe. The objective of this workshop is to showcase recent research findings, evidence-based practices, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing vaccination equity in the European region. By sharing insights and best practices, we aim to bolster efforts to improve vaccine access and uptake among incarcerated populations, ultimately contributing to broader public health goals. Key messages • Prison health is public health: vaccination services in prison are essential to achieve immunization targets in Europe. • Maximizing inter-sectoral collaboration is crucial for bridging the gap in vaccination access and uptake among people living in prison in Europe.

Process evaluation findings from Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0: a cardiovascular disease prevention intervention for rural women

BackgroundStrong Hearts, Healthy Communities 2.0 (SHHC-2.0) was a 24-week cardiovascular disease prevention program that was effective in improving physical activity and nutrition behaviors and clinical outcomes among women in 11 rural New York, USA towns. This study evaluated the delivery of SHHC-2.0 to prepare the intervention for further dissemination.MethodsThis process evaluation was guided by the Medical Research Council recommendations and engaged program leaders and participants (i.e., women over age 40) using quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative evaluation included examination of enrollment and retention data, a participant survey, and a fidelity checklist completed after classes. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to assess implementation measures: program reach, participant attendance, dose delivered, program length, perceived effectiveness, fidelity, and participant satisfaction. The qualitative evaluation included focus groups (n = 13) and interviews (n = 4) using semi-structured guides; audio was recorded and transcripts were deductively coded and analyzed using directed content analysis and iterative categorization approaches. Comparisons across towns and between intervention and waitlist control groups were explored.ResultsAverage reach within towns was 7.5% of the eligible population (range 0.7-15.7%). Average attendance was 59.8% of sessions (range 42.0-77.4%). Average dose delivered by leaders was 86.4% of curriculum components (range 73.5-95.2%). Average session length was 51.8 ± 4.8 min across 48 sessions. Leaders’ perceived effectiveness rating averaged 4.1 ± 0.3 out of 5. Fidelity to curricular components was 81.8% (range 67.4-93.2%). Participants reported being “more than satisfied” with the overall program (88.8%) and the health benefits they obtained (72.9%). Qualitative analysis revealed that participants: (1) gained new knowledge and enjoyable experiences; (2) perceived improvements in their physical activity, nutrition, and/or health; (3) continued to face some barriers to physical activity and healthy eating, with those relating to social support being reduced; and (4) rated leaders and the group structure highly, with mixed opinions on the research elements.ConclusionsSHHC-2.0 had broad reach, was largely delivered as intended, and participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the program and its health benefits. Our findings expand on best practices for implementing cardiovascular disease prevention programs in rural communities.Clinical trials Registrationwww.clinicaltrials.gov #NCT03059472.

Five decades of policymaking in the EU – background and overview of the current state of employee financial participation

Purpose Opinions drafted by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and reports and studies by the European Parliament and 2014 and 2018 Resolutions on employee financial participation (EFP) emphasised the growing importance of EFP, particularly with respect to small and medium-sized enterprises. Against this background, the commission included the promotion of employee share ownership in its Action Plan to reform European company law and corporate governance and embarked on the 2013/14 Pilot Project. Based on the most recent data on the scope and impact of various EFP schemes in EU companies and the legal and regulatory changes in individual Member States, the aim of this article is to provide an overview of policymaking and the main trends of the dynamics of EFP over the last three decades.Design/methodology/approach We give an overview (1) of the analysis of the most recent rounds of different large-scale cross-country surveys (2015 European Working Conditions Survey, 2021 CRANET [Cranfield Network on International Human Resource Management], 2019 European Company Survey [ECS]) and (2) of the EU policy documents and legislative acts over the last three decades. We provide a tabular overview of the status quo in all 29 countries under consideration as of January 2024 to provide the reader with an Alta vista summary view of all forms of EFP practised.Findings The European Commission’s interest in EFP has grown substantially since the publication of the first PEPPER Report in 1991 and the Council Recommendation on EFP of 27 July 1992. Since then, the European Union has not only extended from 12 Members States to currently 27 but has also faced many complex and urgent challenges. Financial and other crises have endangered prosperity and cohesion on the continent and both, the financial crisis of 2008/09, and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic 2020/21 have left their marks on “Social Europe”.Originality/value The European Commission’s interest in EFP has grown substantially since the publication of the first PEPPER (Promotion of Employee Participation in Profits and Enterprise Results) Report in 1991 and the Council Recommendation on EFP on 27 July 1992. Since then, the European Union has not only extended from 12 Members States to currently 27 but has also faced many complex and urgent challenges. Financial and other crises have endangered prosperity and cohesion on the continent and both, the financial crisis of 2008/09, and the COVID-19 pandemic 2020/21 have left their marks on “Social Europe”.

Unemployment insurance for the self-employed: A conceptual way forward

In this contribution we give common guidelines on how unemployment schemes for the self-employed could be developed in practice. These guidelines have been derived from national descriptions contained in this special edition on unemployment protection for the self-employed, or in other recent comparative contributions on the matter. Our reference framework is the EU Council Recommendation (2019) on Access to Social Protection, and more in particular the overall objective that social protection should be designed in a labour status neutral manner and, where necessary, adapted to the specific work situation of the professional groups covered. Applied to unemployment, the design of the scheme should be as similar as possible to that of unemployment insurance for wage earners. However, it is crucial to adapt the rules as specifically as necessary to the nature of self-employed work, such as, for example, the fact that the self-employed do not work for an employer. Starting from this basis, we developed key rules with regard to unemployment schemes for the self-employed. We did so by addressing the essential components of unemployment schemes: the definition of the unemployment risk, financing, access and entitlement conditions, and re-eligibility in case of repeated claims for unemployment benefits. We also address recent evolutions in the labour market, such as coverage when multiple activities are performed (combining activities as an employee and as a self-employed person), and elaborate on situations involving temporary closure of the self-employed activity (e.g. due to Covid-19) and partial unemployment. In conclusion, we provide some reflections on the apparent ongoing evolution of the risk of unemployment towards a broader income protection scheme, which not only provides income replacement in case of a final loss of professional activity or self-employed business, but also gives structural income support if the person loses income partially due to external economic and/or social reasons.

Organized prostate cancer screening program: a proposal from the Italian Society of Urology (SIU).

To contrast opportunistic PCa screening, the European Union Council suggested extending screening programs to PCa by recommending the implementation of a stepwise approach in the EU Countries to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an organized program based on PSA testing in combination with additional MRI as a follow-up test. The objective of this expert-based document is to propose an organized PCa screening program according to the EU Council recommendations. The Italian Society of Urology (SIU) developed a team of experts with the aim to report 1) the most recent epidemiologic data about incidence, prevalence, and mortality of PCa; 2) the most important risk factors to identify categories of men with an increased risk to eventually develop the disease; 3) the most relevant studies presenting data on population-based screening; and 4) the current recommendations of the leading International Guidelines. According to previous evidence, the Panel proposed some indications to develop a new organized PCa screening program for asymptomatic men with a life-expectancy of at least fifteen years. The SIU Panel strongly supports the implementation of a pilot, organized PCa screening program inviting asymptomatic men in the age range of 50-55 years. Invited men who are already performing opportunistic screening will be randomized to continue opportunistic screening or to cross into the organized protocol. Men with PSA level ≤3 ng/mL and familiarity for PCa received a DRE as well as all those with PSA levels >3 ng/mL. All other men with PSA levels greater than 3 ng/mL proceed to secondary testing represented by mpMRI. Men with Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) lesions 3 and PSAD 0.15 ng/mL/cc or higher as well as those with PI-RADS 4-5 lesions proceed to targeted plus systematic prostate biopsy. The primary outcome of the proposed pilot PCa screening program will be the detection rate of clinically significant PCa defined as a tumor with a ISUP Grade Group ≥2. Main secondary outcomes will be the detection rate of aggressive PCa (ISUP Grade Group ≥4); the detection rate of insignificant PCa (ISUP Grade Group 1); the number of unnecessary prostate biopsy avoided, the metastasis-free survival, and the overall survival. Men will be invited over a one-year period. Preliminary analyses will be planned 2 and 5 years after the baseline enrollment. According to the recent EU Council recommendations on cancer screening, pilot studies evaluating the feasibility and effectiveness of PCa screening programs using PSA as the primary and mpMRI as the secondary screening test in selected cohorts of patients must be strongly promoted by scientific societies and supported by national governments.

Unemployment insurance for platform workers: Challenges and approaches from a comparative perspective

This contribution presents an overview of the challenges involved in ensuring that persons performing platform work (as either employees, self-employed, or in a third category) are able to effectively access unemployment insurance protection. It also addresses the specific approaches taken by European countries to tackle these challenges, relying especially on the contributions to this special issue on unemployment protection for the self-employed and platform workers. After presenting a brief definition of platform work, the contribution provides an overview of the main challenges linked to unemployment protection insurance posed by the features of platform work; we use primarily the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed as an evaluative framework. These challenges relate to both formal exclusion (due to classification as self-employed or marginal work) and effective exclusion (due to difficulties meeting minimum work requirements and lack of transparency on algorithmic management and platform work). The contribution then analyses some of the main approaches taken by European countries to address such challenges. Actions targeting platform work comprise (a) employment status reclassification; (b) establishment of a presumption of an employment relationship; (c) the setting of requirements to inform on the use of algorithmic management; (d) facilitation of transparency on platform work information; and (e) exemption from formal social security coverage of some forms of (marginal) platform work. General approaches with consequences for the unemployment insurance protection of platform workers include the application of the same criteria for access to unemployment benefits across employment statuses, as well as greater leniency on these criteria for certain forms of non-standard work. The contribution ends with a conclusion, which highlights the main gaps in unemployment insurance protection for platform work, and discusses avenues for action regarding platform work.

A commentary on the Council Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the European Union

The 2023 Council Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue in the European Union is a very special document. It brings social dialogue into the spotlight, while respecting national social dialogue practices. Employers believe that the right balance was struck and perceive the Recommendation as a useful instrument in promoting social dialogue and strengthening capacity of social partners both the EU and national levels. The meaningfulness of this Recommendation depends now on its implementation in Member States. Granting sufficient time for implementing the Recommendation – five years with reporting to the Council on evaluation of taken actions planned for December 2029 – and involving social partners are important success factors.

EU social dialogue revitalisation: Between rhetoric, new rights, political commitments and historical caution

The Council Recommendation on strengthening social dialogue is a positive recognition of the key role of social dialogue in the EU's social market economy. At the same time, episodes of institutional disfavour of the social partners’ co-determination role and resistance to robust sectoral collective bargaining warrant a cautious assessment. This article looks at the current state of EU social dialogue, examining its primary dimensions: the involvement of social partners in policymaking and the scope of collective bargaining. It assesses the Council Recommendation, along with other measures adopted during the Von der Leyen presidency, to ascertain their collective contribution in realigning EU social dialogue with the principles of the EU Treaties. Overall, the analysis reveals a nuanced picture, with both positive and challenging aspects. While collective bargaining has been given a new (albeit partial) boost, the same cannot be said for the social partners’ participation in EU policymaking. Notably, the Council Recommendation reaffirmed the Court of Justice's decision in the EPSU case, solidifying the Commission's discretionary authority to decide on the legislative implementation of framework agreements, to the detriment of the social partners’ regulatory agency. Finally, the article proposes a blueprint for further advancing the EU's aspiration for social dialogue, seeking to reconciling it with the social objectives that, constitutionally, the Union aspires to achieve.

The Ticking Time Bomb in the European Union Has Exploded: The Importance of European Council Recommendations on the Healthcare Workforce

The Ticking Time Bomb in the European Union Has Exploded: The Importance of European Council Recommendations on the Healthcare Workforce

Comparative Analysis of History Teaching in Albania and Kosovo: Council of Europe Recommendations for History 9

History teaching is particularly important to increase intercultural dialogue between people who live in different countries. History textbooks should reveal history in all its complexity, promoting democratic values, tolerance, and cooperation for a better future, without creating prejudice or negative visions of others. This research is focused on history teaching referring to the recommendations of Council of Europe (COE) and their implementation in Albania and Kosovo curricula. The method used in this research integrates both qualitative and quantitative analysis referring to the content of history textbooks in a comparative approach. We used a questionnaire to understand teachers' feelings about COE recommendations and if they are implemented in history texts. Referring to the results, the recommendations of COE are not fully reflected even though they are mentioned in pre-university’ curricula framework. Meanwhile, the questionnaire submitted by the teachers shows to what extent they know the COE recommendations and how much these recommendations develop student’s competencies. 
 
 Received: 15 September 2023 / Accepted: 28 February 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

Mapping social protection coverage for platform workers: A comparative analysis of Belgium, Italy and the Netherlands

The aim of this paper is to examine if and how the reclassification of platform workers from self-employment status to employment status can provide them with adequate social security protection. Little is known about how this transition would guarantee platform workers adequate social protection within the social protection scheme for employees. National social security schemes, in particular income replacement benefit schemes, often (still) depart from the standard employment relationship, leading to lower protection for atypical work forms. Platform workers combine several of the characteristics of atypical forms of work, such as low earnings, irregular working patterns and working. Integrating platform workers into employee social security schemes faces additional challenges due to the online nature of their work, algorithmic management, high levels of unpaid labor, and employer identification difficulties. This paper focuses on unemployment protection, as EU Member States struggle to provide adequate protection for workers with irregular work patterns and income fluctuations, in the case of (short term) income replacement benefits. By constructing nine ideal work patterns reflective of diverse nature of platform work and current practices among platform work, we analyse how different types of ‘employed’ platform workers may fare within the legislation of three EU countries (Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands). This approach allows us to assess the applicability of unemployment protection to different working patterns among 'employed' platform workers, considering formal, effective, and adequate access to unemployment schemes as outlined in the Council Recommendation on access to social protection for workers and the self-employed (2019).

Expert Consensus on Geographic Atrophy in the EU: A Call for Urgent Policy Action.

Geographic atrophy is an eye disease that greatly interferes with the daily lives of patients and their families, posing a serious threat to the aging European demographic. Over the past 30months, this initiative has assembled leading experts in the field of ophthalmology to share insights on the necessary policy steps that need to be taken to overcome this challenge on an EU-wide scale. Through analyzing best practices in Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, this consensus paper sets out a series of policy recommendations, which, if implemented, could greatly benefit all individuals affected by geographic atrophy. Amongst other features, these countries have provided valuable examples of awareness campaigns and an overall commitment to inclusive and comprehensive policies. The policy recommendations emerging from this paper include the adoption of comprehensive screening programs, retinal disease screening in the EU Driving License Directive, the development of a white paper at the European Commission, and the creation of Council recommendations on eye health screening. Given the significant improvements made at the national level throughout the EU, countries will require unitary support at the European level to further develop their policies and successfully address the burden of geographic atrophy.

Dysregulation of Glucocorticoid Receptor Homeostasis and Glucocorticoid-Associated Genes in Umbilical Cord Endothelial Cells of Diet-Induced Obese Pregnant Sheep.

Maternal obesity (MO) is associated with offspring cardiometabolic diseases that are hypothesized to be partly mediated by glucocorticoids. Therefore, we aimed to study fetal endothelial glucocorticoid sensitivity in an ovine model of MO. Rambouillet/Columbia ewes were fed either 100% (control) or 150% (MO) National Research Council recommendations from 60 d before mating until near-term (135 days gestation). Sheep umbilical vein and artery endothelial cells (ShUVECs and ShUAECs) were used to study glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and function in vitro. Dexamethasone dose-response studies of gene expression, activation of a glucocorticoid response element (GRE)-dependent luciferase reporter vector, and cytosolic/nuclear GR translocation were used to assess GR homeostasis. MO significantly increased basal GR protein levels in both ShUVECs and ShUAECs. Increased GR protein levels did not result in increased dexamethasone sensitivity in the regulation of key endothelial gene expression such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, or intercellular adhesion molecule 1. In ShUVECs, MO increased GRE-dependent transactivation and FKBP prolyl isomerase 5 (FKBP5) expression. ShUAECs showed generalized glucocorticoid resistance in both dietary groups. Finally, we found that ShUVECs were less sensitive to dexamethasone-induced activation of GR than human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These findings suggest that MO-mediated effects in the offspring endothelium could be further mediated by dysregulation of GR homeostasis in humans as compared with sheep.

Deviations from the Teachings of Ma’had Al-Zaytun: A Review on MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) Recommendations Toward Aswaja Ideology

In 2002, a research team from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) conducted research related to Ma’had Al-Zaytun. Deviation from the Teachings of Ma’had Al-Zaytun may occur in certain instances as the institution takes into consideration recommendations from the MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council). These recommendations serve as guidance for aligning their teachings with the religious principles and values upheld by the wider Muslim community in Indonesia. The research aims to determine some information regarding Ma'had Az-Zaitun cases, including Ma'had Az-Zaitun's religious activities and deviant religious teaching based on MUI. This study employs a qualitative case study methodology approach. The data was taken from news articles, journal articles, books, YouTube interviews, papers and other sources. Research shows that Panji Gumilang, as the leader of Ma'had Az-Zaitun and a teacher, engages in deviant religious teachings and practices that are against Aswaja’s doctrine. The derivations are Allowing adultery in certain conditions, allowing women in the front row in shalat, allowing women as khatib, and allowing women and non-Muslims in the same prayer row, following the madhab of Bung Karno, singing 'havenu shalom aleichem' which is thick with Judaism, Al-Qur’an based on what Muhammad prophet words, and interpreting the Al-Quran haphazardly which does not comply with the methodology of scientific interpretation of verses, both in terms of the evidence used or the madlul or meaning.

Magnetic Field Density Analysis in Switchgears

For many years the evaluation of the electromagnetic field (EMF) generated by transformer substations (TS) and switchgear assemblies has been an extremely cumbersome and expensive process. Manufacturers and users of TS and switchgear lacked a broadly-accepted assessment procedure specified in an international reference standard. The publication of the new Technical Report IEC/TR 62271-208 solves this situation since it describes a technique for the evaluation of the EMF generated by switchgear assemblies and TS and opens the possibility of employing simulation tools for this purpose. In this paper, preliminary stage of process for validation of simulation tests in order to substitute laboratory tests according to IEC/TR 62271-208, is described. With this purpose, magnetic field emission analysis is carried out using finite elements (FE) method, for a set of 5 identical switchgears (manufactured by Ormazabal), in series connection. Results obtained through simulation are compared to those measured in laboratory tests. Evaluation results are also compared with applicable limits (100 µT and 500 µT at 50 Hz, according to most human exposure regulations: ICNIRP Guidelines, EU Council Recommendation, Spanish Royal Decree 1066/2001, etc).

AWARENESS AND SATISFACTION LEVEL OF GST AMONG RETAILERS

The Goods and Service Tax (GST), the biggest reform in India’s indirect tax structure since the economy began to be opened up 25 years ago at last looks set to become a reality. The Constitution Amendment Bill finally got the nod of Rajya Sabha. The government successfully stitched together a political consensus on the GST Bill to pave the way for the much-awaited rollout of the landmark tax reform that will create a common market of 1.25 billion people. GST will be a game-changing reform for the Indian economy by developing a common Indian market and reducing the cascading effect of tax on the cost of goods and services. It will impact the Tax structure, Tax incidence, and Tax computation. Tax payment, Compliance, Credit utilization, and reporting led to a complete overhaul of the current indirect tax system. Law provides for a period that may extend to five years, based on the recommendations of the GST Council. Here, every taxpayer will be issued a 15-digit common Identification Number which will be called a “Goods and Service Identification Number” (GSTIN) a pan-based number. GST is a consumption-based tax levied on the sale, manufacturing, and consumption of goods and services at the national level. Many taxes have been subsumed under the GST Act.