County Council Research Articles

СТАНОВЛЕННЯ ТА РОЗВИТОК ЦЕРКОВНО-ПАРАФІЯЛЬНОГО ШКІЛЬНИЦТВА НА ВОЛИНІ У ХІХ – НА ПОЧАТКУ ХХ СТОЛІТТЯ

The article analyzes the process of formation and development of church parish schooling in Volyn from the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century. It has been proven that two-thirds of the children of the Orthodox faith in the villages and towns of Volyn remained outside the spiritual education of the lower – parish level. The prominent place of law teachers in the educational process of parish schools and their functional connections with local priests are substantiated. The conclusion about the requirement of loyalty, beneficence and religiosity towards legislators from the Russian church and the imperial government is formulated. It was established that diocesan school councils were created to organize and control the activities of parish schools, which, in turn, managed the corresponding county councils, which were responsible for the organization of parish schools in the respective Orthodox parish. It was noted that in order to ensure the educational process in church and parish schools, books in Russian or Church Slavonic were selected for them; historical documents proved that children had a hard time perceiving both educational and literary literature in Russian, did not understand the content of books in Church Slavonic, therefore they did not achieve much success. The opinion is substantiated that the basis of educational activities in parish schools in Volyn were prayer, attendance by students of church schools in the parish and participation in traditional church needs (confession, communion). The main methods of education (encouragement and punishment) were described – praise, awarding books, as well as remarks, instruction, shaming, standing in the classroom during the lesson on your feet, prohibition to participate in children's games during breaks, detention in the classroom after lessons for more than an hour, etc.

Divergent imaginings: Transitioning to decarbonised mobility in ‘post-coalonial’ County Durham

ABSTRACT What happens when the various parties involved in constructing decarbonised futures’ infrastructure diverge in their imaginaries? Much of the published research on the sociotechnical imaginaries relating to electric vehicles (EVs) describes the creation of the future of decarbonised transport as a process mired in conflict, with various interested parties represented as strenuously disagreeing in their assessment of the most efficacious solution. The aim of the article is to offer an alternative account, based upon data gathered through participant observation, interviews, and grey literature. It describes the sort of personal transportation futures currently being imagined in the United Kingdom. The focus is specifically on the installation of electric vehicle charge points. The author contrasts Whitehall’s national vision for this infrastructure with the ‘post-coalonial’ vision of officers of Durham County Council in North East England have articulated an alternative, a ‘post-coalonial’ vision, and finds that the vision of both the British civil service and Government of the United Kingdom focused on private ownership and commuting, while Durham County Council envisioned publicly accessible charge points that enabled various types of different journeys. Despite the striking differences the conclusion is that contrary to the findings of previous studies the existence of these divergent infrastructural imaginaries led not to conflict but to co-existence.

Gjellestad introduction, background and historical framework

The spark that ignited this research project was the discovery of the Gjellestad ship in the autumn of 2018 by the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU). The surveying was initiated by Østfold County Council (ØCC) after a landowner planned to drain farmland (Figure 1). Archaeologists Lars Gustavsen and Erich Nau, both associated with NIKU, conducted the geophysical surveys that led to the uncovering of this amazing archaeological find. The discovery attracted massive international interest, partly because in this particular landscape in Østfold County no one had ever found any evidence to suggest that a ship could be hidden below the ground – this “ship” was considered something of an anomaly. In 2019 the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) funded the verification project to investigate the degree of preservation of the ship anomaly using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), as well as to collect material for radiocarbon-dating of other features detected with the GPR. The Museum of Cultural History (MCH) at the University of Oslo led investigations of the ship anomaly, while ØCC led the remaining part of the surveying, mainly through trial trenching and sampling. MCH’s investigations showed that the ship’s state of preservation was poor, with the remaining wood both fragile and prone to attacks from soft rot bacteria, causing uncontrolled deterioration. On the advice of the cultural heritage authorities, the government decided to cover the full cost of the excavation of the ship burial. This excavation was conducted in 2020-21 under the leadership of archaeologist Christian Løchsen Rødsrud.

The effects and costs of an anti-bullying program (KiVa) in UK primary schools: a multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial.

Childhood bullying is a public health priority. We evaluated the effectiveness and costs of KiVa, a whole-school anti-bullying program that targets the peer context. A two-arm pragmatic multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial with embedded economic evaluation. Schools were randomized to KiVa-intervention or usual practice (UP), stratified on school size and Free School Meals eligibility. KiVa was delivered by trained teachers across one school year. Follow-up was at 12 months post randomization. Primary outcome: student-reported bullying-victimization; secondary outcomes: self-reported bullying-perpetration, participant roles in bullying, empathy and teacher-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Outcomes were analyzed using multilevel linear and logistic regression models. Between 8/11/2019-12/02/2021, 118 primary schools were recruited in four trial sites, 11 111 students in primary analysis (KiVa-intervention: n = 5944; 49.6% female; UP: n = 5167, 49.0% female). At baseline, 21.6% of students reported being bullied in the UP group and 20.3% in the KiVa-intervention group, reducing to 20.7% in the UP group and 17.7% in the KiVa-intervention group at follow-up (odds ratio 0.87; 95% confidence interval 0.78 to 0.97, p value = 0.009). Students in the KiVa group had significantly higher empathy and reduced peer problems. We found no differences in bullying perpetration, school wellbeing, emotional or behavioral problems. A priori subgroup analyses revealed no differences in effectiveness by socioeconomic gradient, or by gender. KiVa costs £20.78 more per pupil than usual practice in the first year, and £1.65 more per pupil in subsequent years. The KiVa anti-bullying program is effective at reducing bullying victimization with small-moderate effects of public health importance. The study was funded by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Public Health Research program (17-92-11). Intervention costs were funded by the Rayne Foundation, GwE North Wales Regional School Improvement Service, Children's Services, Devon County Council and HSBC Global Services (UK) Ltd.

The Queen Catherine Court Slum Clearance Scheme: A Turning Point in the History of Social Housing in London

Maps provide a valuable resource to historians and genealogists, but the neat rows of compact houses in the courtyard of the Queen Catherine pub in Ratcliff, home to four of my Irish great-great-grandparents, only hint at the living conditions of its occupants. This article draws together evidence from newspapers, archival sources, censuses, and other genealogical records to provide a conjectural reconstruction of Queen Catherine Court. The overdevelopment and overcrowding of the site resulted in it being declared unfit for human habitation in 1888, but owing to decades of laissez-faire ideology and fragmented local government, slum clearance and the provision of social housing in London had been beset by intractable problems. A flagship project of the London County Council, the Queen Catherine Court scheme was finally brought to completion in 1903 by Stepney Borough Council, marking a first in the capital's history of social housing.

Association between seizure reduction during ketogenic diet treatment of epilepsy and changes in circulatory metabolites and gut microbiota composition

The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high fat, sufficient protein, and low carbohydrate dietary therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy. The underlying mechanisms of action of the KD remain unclear. In mice, the microbiota is necessary for the anti-seizure effect and specific microbes influence circulatory levels of metabolites that are linked to seizure reduction. However, it remains unclear which changes are linked to seizure reduction in patients with epilepsy. We analysed the serum metabolome of children with drug-resistant epilepsy (n=14) before and after three months on KD. Metabolomic changes were correlated to the gut microbiome and treatment outcome, i.e., seizure reduction. In this prospective observational study, we uncovered associations between microbial species and serum metabolites that correlated with seizure reduction. Plasmalogens were most strongly linked to seizure reduction and had significant positive correlations with several gut microbes (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Alistipes communis, Alistipes shahii, and Christensenella minuta) while significant negative correlations were found for five strains of Escherichia coli. Infant-type Bifidobacteria correlated negatively with other metabolites associated with seizure reduction. The microbes and metabolites identified here may contribute to the therapeutic effect of the KD in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. Several of these metabolites (e.g., plasmalogens) play important roles in neurobiology and may influence seizures. Based on our findings, anti-seizure therapeutic strategies could be developed involving the targeted manipulation of the gut microbiota and/or its metabolites. This study was supported by the Swedish Brain Foundation, Margarethahemmet Society, Sunnerdahls Handikappfond, Stockholm County Council Research Funds, and Linnea & Josef Carlssons Foundation.

Collaborative work processes in establishing a MiniMaria treatment center for youth substance addiction: a qualitative inquiry of county council healthcare and municipal efforts

BackgroundThis article is part of a larger study exploring the collaborative dynamics between key stakeholders in providing care to youths suffering from alcohol or substance use and their families in formulating policies and operational practices for county and country-wide application in similar settings. The focus of this article is to describe the collaborative processes between two stakeholders, a municipality, and a county council, in establishing a MiniMaria treatment center. While collaborative efforts between municipalities and county councils in health service provision are often acknowledged, little is known about how communication and decision-making processes between these entities shape the success of such initiatives. This study aims to fill this gap by providing insights into the communicative processes that foster organizational cohesion, agility, and innovation. The guiding research question is: What communicative processes occur between the county council and municipal stakeholders during the planning phase of the MiniMaria treatment center?MethodsThe municipality and county council were selected based on purposive sampling, owing to the proximity and accessibility of the field. An exploratory and descriptive design, incorporating a participatory research approach, was employed for this qualitative investigation.ResultsTwo central themes, each underpinned by specific subthemes sum up the essence of our findings. The first theme underscores the collaborative dynamics and shared objectives that have emerged through the project, thus showing the importance of a unified vision and mutual understanding in driving the initiative forward. The second theme points to the practical aspects of implementing the project, including recruitment strategies, and the significance of interpersonal communication.ConclusionsThis article sheds light on the establishment of a MiniMaria treatment center through collaboration between a municipality and county council, using the Four Flows Model to interpret communicative processes. Membership negotiation was crucial for defining roles and building a unified team identity, while activity coordination ensured aligned stakeholder efforts. Self-structuring facilitated internal organization and operational clarity, and institutional positioning aligned the initiative with broader healthcare norms, enhancing its credibility and impact. These communicative practices were central to get a grip on inter-organizational complexities, emphasizing communication’s constitutive role in organizational development and innovation.

Wrist Stabilising Exercise Versus Hand Orthotic Intervention for Persons with Hypermobility - A Randomised Clinical Trial.

To investigate the effectiveness of wrist stabilisation exercises compared to conventional intervention, whether it reduces pain and/or paraesthesia in the hand, as well as how the interventions affected activity ability, health-related quality of life and effects on hand function and grip strength in people with Hypermobility Diagnosis. A randomised controlled trial.Setting: Units of Occupational therapy in Primary Care, Kalmar County Council, SwedenParticipants: The study included 169 participants' data randomised to the Exercise group (n = 83) or the Control group (n = 86). The samples consisted of adults in diagnosed Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome with symptoms of pain and/or paraesthesia in the hands in the last three years.Interventions: The Exercise group trained according to structured progressive exercises and weights programme. The Control group used the hand orthosis during selected activities. Both groups performed randomised intervention for 12 weeks.Main measures: The primary outcome was the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were the Grip Ability Test, the Jamar dynamometer and the EuroQol EQ-5D. There were 116 subjects who completed the intervention. There were no statistically significant difference between the wrist stabilisation exercise and the conventional intervention in terms of activity ability, health-related quality of life, hand function, grip strength, pain or paraesthesia in people with Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders or hypermobility Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. There is no statistically significant difference between the Exercise group and the Control group regarding activity ability after 12 weeks intervention period.

Practice examples: SEND Academy improves outcomes

Hertfordshire County Council gains success by training SEND co-ordinators with lived experience

From statutory localism to Strasbourg jurisprudence: the changing legal place of Humanism in religious education in England

ABSTRACT This article will show how statutory localist principles for religious education in England have become increasingly entwined in national and supranational European processes, most recently after demands for Humanism’s inclusion in syllabuses. Four legal phases are outlined. The statutory localism of 1944 is described, notably the establishment of locally agreed syllabuses addressing contextual needs. Then, the 1988 reforms are considered, especially the inclusion of criteria with a national focus on ‘Great Britain’. Next, the first of two recent human rights cases in the English courts is reviewed: R (ex. P Fox) v SSE, in 2015, under A2P1 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to education), on the absence of Humanism in examination specifications. Finally, R (ex p. Bowen) v. Kent County Council, in 2023, on Kent’s refusal to accept a Humanist representative, under Article 14 (freedom from discrimination) is discussed. It is argued that local decision-making must now pay attention to complex national and supranational law. The arrangements suggest an unwieldy intersection of the local and global. Local decision-making has become geographically indeterminate as contextual concerns, national judicial decisions and supranational obligations must be addressed.

Using System Dynamics for Local Authority Public Health practice in England

A key function of local authority public health teams in England is to undertake a regular health needs assessment of their population. This involves forecasting, among other things, prevalence and incidence of long term conditions and health care service demand. Over the last few years, Kent County Council Public Health has adopted the use of system dynamics modelling (SDM) to not only do this but generate scenarios to simulate the impact of different interventions across different cohorts defined by age groups and diagnosable conditions. These include “no conditions” as well as understand the combined effects of different interventions, demographic changes and wider health determinants. Risk factors, such as smoking, diet and physical activity, were calculated using local linked data for the incidence of single conditions, progression toward complex needs and levels of morbidity including frailty. These were used to create the dynamics of the model. Incidence, prevalence and mortality for each cohort were projected over 25 years with “do nothing” and “Better Health” scenarios. The size of the “no conditions” cohort increased, and the other cohorts decreased in size. The impact of the interventions on life expectancy at birth and healthy life expectancy was significant. SDM heavily influenced local authority commissioning decisions for health improvement services redesign such as smoking cessation, weight management as well as other secondary prevention measures such as hypertension management and cardiovascular disease screening delivered by General Practice and other health service partners.

Earnings and work loss after colon and rectal cancer: a Swedish nationwide matched cohort study

Colorectal cancer is common and prognosis is improving. The conditions of survivors of treatment, including financial consequences, are thus important. The aim of this study was to quantify loss of earnings and work loss in working-age patients with colon and rectal cancer relative to matched comparators. The study utilised data from the CRCBaSe database that is generated from the nationwide Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Register and includes data from several Swedish nationwide registers. The study period was 1995-2020 for rectal cancer patients and 2007-2020 for colon cancer patients. A retrospective population-based nationwide cohort study on earnings, disposable income, and work loss, in survivors of stage I-III colorectal cancer treatment was undertaken. Median regression was used to analyse earnings and disposable income, and logistic regression to analyse the probability of work loss. A cohort of 8863 colorectal cancer survivors diagnosed before 2017 and 52,514 comparators matched on birth year, legal sex, and county of residence, was analysed. There was a clear reduction in earnings between the calendar year prior to and the calendar year after diagnosis, from € 31,319 to € 23,924 for colon cancer patients and from € 32,636 to € 22,647 for rectal cancer patients, and earnings never fully recovered during the 5-year follow-up. Disposable income was practically unaltered. The probability of work loss increased in the calendar year of diagnosis, from 29.8% to 25.3% the previous year to 83.3% and 84.4% for colon and rectal cancer patients respectively, and never fully recovered. The probability of work loss was similar between colon and rectal cancer survivors, but was higher among patients with rectal cancer who had received neoadjuvant therapy. This study shows that despite an extensive welfare system providing maintained disposable income, there is a financial burden in the form of increased risk of work loss and a reduction in earnings among survivors of colorectal cancer. The study was supported by the Swedish Cancer Society, the Swedish Cancer and Allergy Foundation, and the Stockholm Cancer Society, and supported by grants provided by the Regional Agreement on Medical Training and Clinical Research (ALF) between the Stockholm County Council and Karolinska Institutet.

The complex emergencies arising from Cawston Park Hospital

PurposeThree deaths at Cawston Park Hospital shed a bright light on Norfolk’s services for people with learning disabilities and autism, including those operated by the company that ran the hospital. The purpose of this paper is to review Norfolk County Council's current position from the unique aspect of a senior manager wihtin the system.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews the unique perspective of a social worker from within the system.FindingsThe process of making change included engagement and action concerning such thorny challenges as the pressures on community services; the undervaluing of care-giving as a career; and the continuing admissions to specialist mental health services at a time when hospital discharges are being expedited.Originality/valueNorfolk’s investment in improving its services involves the adoption of a human rights approach; a capital programme to facilitate new developments; nurturing care-giving as a career; and bringing a clearer evidence base to this work programme.

From Theory to Practice - Research of Education at the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning - Cluj-Napoca

This study investigates the integration of architectural education with public sector technology through a collaborationbetween the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning and Cluj County Council. Concentrating on the digitalizationof local urban plans, particularly in rural areas, it offers a practical case study for students to involve them in publicpractice. This partnership allows students to acquire skills in urban planning, territorial management, and compliancewith environmental and professional standards. The research studies how students attain expertise in spatialorganization, urban functionality, and the wider professional scope of architecture and urbanism. The studyemphasizes that real-world, hands-on experiences are indispensable for training future urban planners. It highlightsthe necessity of merging theoretical education with practical application, showcasing the value of collaborativeeducational models in architectural training, particularly in public sector contexts by introducing students and theurban actors of the county administration in a fruitful practice.

Greenspace & Us: Exploring co-design approaches to increase engagement with nature by girls and young women

Nature connection through engagement with greenspaces plays an important role in promoting well-being. In England, certain groups, such as girls and young women from disadvantaged backgrounds, have limited access to high-quality greenspaces and face other barriers to engaging with nature. In Oxfordshire, the County Council has committed to improving access to greenspace and nature for all. In 2022, a group consisting of twenty girls and young women (aged 10–16) from East Oxford not-for- profit organisations, academic institutions and public bodies came together to start an initiative called ‘Greenspace & Us’. The girls and young women participated in six three- hour workshops in February to March 2022. Using the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) approach, we explored the enablers and barriers to girls and young women in Oxford engaging more with nature, which included: increasing equity of access; introducing meaningful co-production; taking safety concerns seriously; making nature normal; promoting the right to play; and increasing the ability to connect with greenspaces.The outputs of this process were synthesised into the ‘Greenspace & Us Manifesto’, which was crafted collectively. Furthermore, these insights were used to design inclusive park furniture, which was later installed in a local park in East Oxford. In this practice-based article, we outline the methods, outcomes as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the engagement, co-design and co-production approaches we used in Greenspace & Us. We hope the insights from our project will support more inclusive and equitable design of greenspaces for all.

RESULTS OF LOCAL ELECTIONS IN HARGHITA COUNTY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

The results of the local elections in Harghita County, 27th September 2020. This study aims to faithfully depict the territorial distribution of the electoral decisions taken by the inhabitants of Harghita County at the local elections held on 27th September 2020. Based on official statistical data from the Central Electoral Office (https://locale2020.bec.ro/rezultate), the voting for mayors, local and county councilors, as well as president of Harghita County Council was thoroughly examined. 67 mayors were elected in the 21st Electoral District ‒ Harghita County, their political affiliation being as follows: DUHR (48), SDP (7), HAT (5), IC (5), FHP (1) and NLP (1). Of the 835 local councilor seats, most were won by DUHR (570), followed by HAT (138), SDP (49), NLP (34), FHP (14), CI (13), PMP (8), SRU-LUSP (3), PRO ROMÂNIA (2), while the Magyar Civic Party, National Unity Block, Humanist Power Party (Social-Liberal) and the Liberal and Democrat Alliance won a single seat each. Harghita County Council is comprised of 30 county councilors (with one less seat than in the 2016-2020 legislature), 19 being DUHR members, 4 HAT, 3 SDP, 2 FHP and 2 NLP. Borboly Csaba, the DUHR candidate, received a total of 69 822 votes (64.54% of the votes), thus winning his fourth term as president of Harghita County Council.

The local authority in the light of the challenges of energy transition

The article addresses the role of local authority units in the energy transition process, which is crucial because energy generating systems are located in a specific municipality and they contain sources of emissions exerting a negative impact on the climate. Therefore, while the State’s central authorities form the legal framework for the activities of the municipalities, counties and voivodships, it is the actual activities of the voivodship assemblies and boards, the county councils and boards and the municipal councils and executive bodies that enable the planned parameters of this negative impact to be achieved. The article takes into account the obligations arising from Union law.

Herbert Morrison: the making of a politician

The article is devoted to the early stages of the political biography of Herbert Morrison, a British politician and one of the most prominent representatives of the Labour Party in its entire history. The author tells about the origin, family, education and the formation of socio-political views of the future leader of the Labor Party. Further, the development of Morrison’s political career is consistently characterized, including his work in the party and municipal bodies of London, in the House of Commons, in the British government (1929-1931), as well as Leader of the London County Council (1934-1940).

Tracing the path of cycling initiatives: Revisiting Lancaster's CDT program and unravelling current policies

IntroductionActive modes of transportation have gained significant prominence in many cities, with governments and public health organizations increasingly advocating for cycling. While policy and planning decisions are actively aimed at boosting cycling rates, their long-term impact remains somewhat uncertain. This study seeks to shed light on the enduring effects of policy and planning decisions on cycling and outlines potential steps for sustainable progress. MethodsTo achieve this, we have chosen Lancaster, UK, as our case study, with a specific focus on the UK Government-funded Cycling Demonstration Towns (CDTs) program that operated from 2005 to 2011. Our approach involves revisiting this program and the changes in the city through a multi-pronged methodology: conducting surveys with cyclists (n = 65), engaging in interviews with personnel from Lancaster City and Lancashire County Council (n = 3), and analyzing cyclist numbers at specific locations (n = 5). ResultsThe findings of our study reveal the positive influence of the CDTs program on cycling rates and the perspectives of cyclists in Lancaster. However, after the program's completion, progress has been somewhat gradual, drawing attention to specific areas in need of improvement, particularly infrastructure and safety measures. ConclusionsIn conclusion, we delve into potential strategies for implementation, not only within Lancaster but also for other CDTs and cities aspiring to promote cycling initiatives. This underscores the effectiveness of such programs and decisions in the short-term while emphasizing the critical importance of sustained investments in infrastructure and maintenance for long-term impact.

INCIDENCE, DEMOGRAPHICS, CHARACTERISTICS, AND MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE

IntroductionAchilles tendon rupture (ATR) account for 10.7% of all tendon and ligament injuries and causes lasting muscular deficits and have a profound impact on patients’ quality of life1,2. The incidence, characteristics and management of ATR in the United Kingdom is poorly understood.MethodData was collected prospectively from University Hospitals of Leicester Emergency Department (ED) between January 2016 and December 2020 and analysed retrospectively. The medical records were reviewed to determine management protocols (surgical/non-surgical) and limited mobilisation (VACOped™ boot) duration. Leicestershire population data was taken from Leicestershire County Council demography report.Findings277 individuals were diagnosed with an ATR during the 4-year period. The mean (SD) annual incidence was 56 (±6) ATR. An incidence rate of 8.02 per 100,000 people per annum. The average characteristics of those experiencing an ATR is male (78.3%), 46.8yrs old (±14.4), body mass index 29.1 (±6.3). Median (IQR) number of comorbidities 1 (2) and duration to present to ED was 0 days (1). The main mechanism of rupture was sporting activity (62.1%).97.4% were non-surgically managed using a limited mobilisation boot (VACOped). The boot was worn for an average of 62.6 days (±8.9). 94 participants provided pre-ATR Achilles symptoms data. 16% (n=15/94) of participants reported a previous contralateral ATR. 7.4% reported a re-rupture (n=7/94). 15.4% (n=14/91) reported an Achilles tendinopathy on the ipsilateral side prior to ATR. 7.7% (n=7/91) reported bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and 1.1% (n=1/91) reported contralateral Achilles tendinopathy prior to ATR.ConclusionThe incidence of ATR is 8.02 cases per 100,000 people per annum. This is the first UK data on ATR incidence. Most ATR were managed non-surgically in this cohort. The majority of ruptures occurred during sporting activity. Those that had previous Achilles symptoms (24.2%) indicate tendons are not always asymptomatic prior to ATR.