An Incomplete Recovery: Youth Unemployment in Europe 2008 – 2016

After having endured many years of economic decline and other problems as- sociated with the financial and economic crisis between 2008 and 2013, most EU member states have resumed their upward trend. This development is due primarily to ongoing improvements in the labour market1. Although not all EU member states have achieved their pre-crisis unemployment levels (EU average in 2008: 7%), the average unemployment rate has fallen from its high point of 11% in 2013 to 8.7% in 2016. Similar trends hold true in Europe for youth unemployment levels, which bears particular consequences for unem- ployment and economic growth overall. This paper takes a closer look at this topic and its development since the Great Recession, thereby highlighting the situation among different subgroups of young people in EU countries. Ten years ago, youth labour markets in Europe and beyond were hit hard by the Great Recession, leaving many young people to struggle with finding and retaining sustainable jobs in a protracted period of (multiple) recession(s). At the height of the youth employment crisis in 2012/2013, more than 9 million young people aged 15-29 across the EU were unemployed, 3 million more than in 2007. Since then, the youth labour market has improved, though perfor- mance indicators have not yet returned to pre-crisis levels. Since 2013, some member states have seen stronger improvements in this re- gard than others, although this varies among different subgroups of young people. Clearly, integrating young people into education, employment and training systems poses a long-term policy challenge for all member states. Persistent structural problems in European labour markets make an immi- nent, rapid improvement of the situation for young people unlikely. Further action is thus needed to support this demographic in fulfilling their potential in European economies and societies. The EU has responded to this youth employment crisis by proposing a range of successive policy measures. Its most prominent recommendations include the call to establish a Youth Guarantee2 and the Youth Employment Initiative. The Youth Guarantee shall ensure that young people have access to quality employment, education, apprenticeship or training opportunities within four months of becoming unemployed. The Youth Employment Initiative provides additional funding to tackle high rates of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) in European regions most affected by youth unemployment

Uso reflexivo de los manuales escolares de historia: Resultados de una encuesta realizada a docentes, alumnos y universitarios

Este estudio forma parte de un amplio proyecto, «PARA la conciencia histórica», y se centra en los manuales escolares. Los autores se preguntan: ¿Qué esperan los alumnos de los libros de texto? ¿Cómo se utilizan realmente? ¿Hasta qué punto se comprenden e introducen una concepción adecuada de la historia? Como resultado de reunir diversos materiales, rigurosamente construidos y analizados, los autores llegan a conclusiones poco satisfactorias respecto a la posible construcción de la «conciencia histórica» a través de los libros de texto.This paper is part of a wide project «FOR historical consciousness» and focuses on school manuals. The authors ask the following questions: What do students expect from textbooks? How are they really used? How far are they understood and up to what point do they introduce an adequate concept of history? After having gathered different materials and rigorously built and analysed them, the authors reach not very satisfactory conclusions with respect to a possible building of a «historical consciousness» through textbooks.Este estudio forma parte de un amplio proyecto, «PARA la conciencia histórica», y se centra en los manuales escolares. Los autores se preguntan: ¿Qué esperan los alumnos de los libros de texto? ¿Cómo se utilizan realmente? ¿Hasta qué punto se comprenden e introducen una concepción adecuada de la historia? Como resultado de reunir diversos materiales, rigurosamente construidos y analizados, los autores llegan a conclusiones poco satisfactorias respecto a la posible construcción de la «conciencia histórica» a través de los libros de texto

Student essays expressing historical thinking: A quantitative and dually qualitative analysis of 1,100 papers for the History Contest of the German President

History educationalists internationally agree on describing historical thinking and learning on the basis of narrative theoretical models. However, it is striking that there is often a significant difference between rigorous, demanding theoretical and normative expectations, and disappointing empirical results. In the context of the student dissertation project presented here, a substantially wide range of essays has been chosen. More than 1,100 essays from history students between the ages of 7 and 21, with an average length of 33 pages, provide the foundation of this research project. Considering the amount of relevant data (the essays, and submissions using other genres) involved, we developed as a methodological evaluation tool a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory three-phase design (QUANT – QUANT/QUAL – QUAL). This paper presents theoretical and methodological approaches drawing upon examples plus exemplary results of the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of student essays. Thus, we present for discussion the potential of the research field for mixed-methods research

Mathematical Reflections on Acupoint Combinations in the Traditional Meridian Systems

The meridian system is a systematic order of empirical knowledge functioning as a rational ground for a balanced treatment by combining meridians. In TCM theory, a continuous circulation of Qi through 12 meridians is postulated, described as the Chinese clock (CC). On this basis, combinations of meridians and acupoints had been described in historical writings. The most common is the interior/exterior system beside the neighbouring system, the opposite clock system, and three systems, developed out of the theory of the six stages. All of these represent symmetrical combinations, which were defined by the steps in the CC. We calculated the possible combinations that fit into the systematics of the historical descriptions, leading to 19 systems. Merging the data of the 19 systems, possible steps in the CC clock for balancing a meridian are 1, 2, 3, and 6. Step 4 is not possible. Step 5 is a combinatory possibility but has no widespread tradition except for activating the yin extraordinary vessels. These possibilities can be plotted on the CC as a powerful tool for daily practice. Only two meridians might be excluded as potentially balancing meridians, so it seems almost impossible to define noneffective acupuncture points as controls in clinical trials

Soziale Ungleichheit und die Rolle sozialer Beziehungen in der (Ganztags-)Schule. Kein Thema für die Fortbildung?

Die soziale Ungleichheit in Deutschland reproduziert sich im Schulsystem noch immer hartnäckig. Das untermauern der jüngste Nationale Bildungsbericht ebenso wie der IQB-Bildungstrend erneut mit aktuellen Daten. Die Corona-Pandemie hat den Zusammenhang von sozialer Herkunft und Bildungserfolg verschärft. Folglich verschlechtern sich die Chancen auf Bildung und Teilhabe von Kindern und Jugendlichen, die in Armut aufwachsen, massiv weiter. Es gibt viel zu tun – auf allen Ebenen: in der Politik und Systemsteuerung, an den Einzelschulen und in der Fortbildung von Lehr- und Fachkräften. Im Projekt ACT-2GETHER haben wir den Fokus bewusst auf das Thema Fortbildung gesetzt, da wir als Partnernetzwerk hier einen Hebel beim Abbau von Benachteiligung sehen. [...] Die Projektpartner von ACT2GETHER wollten wissen, wie Lehr- und Fachkräfte bestmöglich unterstützt werden können: Welche Kompetenzen brauchen sie? Und was benötigen benachteiligte Kinder und Jugendliche im Schulalltag von ihnen? Welche Antworten können Fortbildung bzw. Professionalisierung hier geben? (DIPF/Orig.

Low level laser therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a critical survey

Diabetic foot ulcers as one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus are defined as nonhealing or long-lasting chronic skin ulcers in diabetic patients. Multidisciplinary care for the diabetic foot is common, but treatment results are often unsatisfactory. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound areas as well as on acupuncture points, as a noninvasive, pain-free method with minor side effects, has been considered as a possible treatment option for the diabetic foot syndrome. A systematic literature review identified 1764 articles on this topic. Finally, we adopted 22 eligible references; 8 of them were cell studies, 6 were animal studies, and 8 were clinical trials. Cell studies and animal studies gave evidence of cellular migration, viability, and proliferation of fibroblast cells, quicker reepithelization and reformed connective tissue, enhancement of microcirculation, and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of prostaglandine, interleukin, and cytokine as well as direct antibacterial effects by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The transferral of these data into clinical medicine is under debate. The majority of clinical studies show a potential benefit of LLLT in wound healing of diabetic ulcers. But there are a lot of aspects in these studies limiting final evidence about the actual output of this kind of treatment method. In summary, all studies give enough evidence to continue research on laser therapy for diabetic ulcers, but clinical trials using human models do not provide sufficient evidence to establish the usefulness of LLLT as an effective tool in wound care regimes at present. Further well designed research trials are required to determine the true value of LLLT in routine wound care

Low Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Critical Survey

Diabetic foot ulcers as one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus are defined as nonhealing or long-lasting chronic skin ulcers in diabetic patients. Multidisciplinary care for the diabetic foot is common, but treatment results are often unsatisfactory. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) on wound areas as well as on acupuncture points, as a noninvasive, pain-free method with minor side effects, has been considered as a possible treatment option for the diabetic foot syndrome. A systematic literature review identified 1764 articles on this topic. Finally, we adopted 22 eligible references; 8 of them were cell studies, 6 were animal studies, and 8 were clinical trials. Cell studies and animal studies gave evidence of cellular migration, viability, and proliferation of fibroblast cells, quicker reepithelization and reformed connective tissue, enhancement of microcirculation, and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of prostaglandine, interleukin, and cytokine as well as direct antibacterial effects by induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The transferral of these data into clinical medicine is under debate. The majority of clinical studies show a potential benefit of LLLT in wound healing of diabetic ulcers. But there are a lot of aspects in these studies limiting final evidence about the actual output of this kind of treatment method. In summary, all studies give enough evidence to continue research on laser therapy for diabetic ulcers, but clinical trials using human models do not provide sufficient evidence to establish the usefulness of LLLT as an effective tool in wound care regimes at present. Further well designed research trials are required to determine the true value of LLLT in routine wound care

Acupuncture in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Complaints: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes, which presents with a loss of sensorimotor function or pain. This study assessed the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for DPN-related complaints. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, patients with type II diabetes and symptoms of neuropathy in the lower limbs were included. A total of 12 acupuncture treatments were administered over 8 weeks. The waitlist control group received the same acupuncture treatment starting at week 16 (after baseline). Results: A total of 62 patients were randomized (acupuncture group n = 31; control group n = 31). The primary outcome was overall complaints, and it was reduced with a significant difference of 24.7 on a VAS (CI 95% 14.8;34.7, p < 0.001) between both groups in favor of acupuncture. Reductions were recorded for the secondary outcomes VAS pain, neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI), emotional dimensions of pain, SF-12, and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain impact (DPNPI) after the intervention and at the follow-ups in the acupuncture group. Adverse reactions were minor and transient. Conclusions: Acupuncture leads to a significant and lasting reduction in DPN-related complaints when compared to routine care and is well tolerated, with minor side effects

Acupuncture in diabetic peripheral neuropathy—protocol for the randomized, multicenter ACUDPN trial

Background: Acupuncture is used to treat patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy; however, the evidence is unclear. We present the design and methodology of the ACUDPN (ACUpuncture in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy) trial, which investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) symptoms. Methods: The aim of this study is to investigate whether acupuncture is effective for the treatment of DPN symptoms.MethodsThis study is a two-armed, randomized, controlled, parallel group, open-label, confirmatory, multicenter trial (8-week intervention period plus 16weeks of follow-up). Physicians in outpatient units in Germany who specialize in acupuncture treatment will treat 110 diabetes type II patients with clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in the feet and legs with signs of neuropathy according to nerve conduction testing. The patients will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following two groups: (a) semi-standardized acupuncture plus routine care or (b) routine care alone. Acupuncture will consist of 12 treatments per patient over 8weeks. The primary outcome will be the overall DPN-related complaints in the extremities after 8weeks as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Further outcome measures will include DPN-related pain, the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Impact (DPNPI) scores, and nerve conduction parameters of the sural nerve at weeks 8, 16, and 24. Discussion: The results of this trial will be available in 2021 and will help clarify whether acupuncture can be considered effective for the treatment of DPN with regard to the subdimensions of the neuropathic clinical picture