Local Entities Research Articles

Establishing a High-Quality Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program in Post-Conflict Regions: A Model for Limited Resource Countries.

Congenital Heart Disease stands as a prominent cause of infant mortality, with notable disparities in surgical outcomes evident between high-income and low- to middle-income countries. This study presents a collaborative partnership between a local governmental entity and an international private organization to establish a high-quality Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Program in a post-conflict limited resource country, Iraq. A descriptive retrospective study analyzed pediatric cardiac surgery procedures performed by a visiting pediatric heart surgery team from October 2021 to October 2022, funded by the Ministry of Health (MOH). We used the STS-EACTS complexity scoring model (STAT) to assess mortality risks associated with surgical procedures. A total of 144 patients underwent 148 procedures. Infants comprised 58.3% of the patients. The most common anomalies included tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect, and various single ventricle categories, constituting 76% of the patient cohort. The overall surgical mortality rate was 4.1%, with an observed/expected surgical mortality rate of 1.1 (95% CI 0.5, 2.3). There was no significant difference between our observed surgical mortality in Category 2, 3, and 4 and those expected/reported by the STS-EACTS Database (p = 0.07, p = 0.72, and p = 0.12, respectively). The expenses incurred by the MOH for conducting surgeries in Iraq were lower than the alternative of sending patients abroad for the same procedures. The partnership model between a local public entity committed to infrastructure development and funding and an international private organization delivering clinical and training services can provide the foundation for building sustainable, high-quality in situ programs in upper-middle-income countries.

Governing Arctic Seals: A Longitudinal Analysis of News and Policy Discourse

Arctic states, regional and local authorities, NGOs, and Indigenous communities have debated how Arctic seals should be governed for more than a century. This governance discourse covers a wide array of issues, from seal hunting and the sale of animal products to the impacts of pollution and climate change. This article examines the frames used by political entities to discuss the regional governance of Arctic seals in the North American Arctic from 1900–2020, a period defined by landmark agreements on seals. Informed by framing and agenda-setting theory, the article employs textual analysis of policy documents and newspaper articles. These serve as a source of information and space for policy advocacy and debate to study political entities’ discourse regarding the issues and policies that shape Arctic seal governance. The analysis focuses on English-language texts from regional and local newspapers and international newspapers of record. The article identifies four dominant frames, namely perceived threats to (a) economic revenue, (b) animal welfare, (c) Indigenous ways of life, and (d) threats emanating from the involvement of NGOs in Arctic regional governance. Each of these frames is associated with one or multiple political entities involved in the regional governance of seals. The article demonstrates how the dominance of these entities and the frames they employ varies over time and corresponds to several anthropogenic threats to seals, including commercial hunting, pollution, and climate change. The article concludes that tensions between local and regional entities and international and non-Arctic entities are reflective of broader Arctic regional governance dynamics.

Eeyou/Eenou community voices on ‘doing’ Miyupimaatisiiun (wellness) planning: An occupational transactional perspective

ABSTRACT This article is the second of ‘twin’ papers centering community participation in Miyupimaatisiuun (wellness) planning within the Eeyou Istchee (Northern Québec James Bay Cree) context. We present and discuss the results of a community-based study that took place over the course of 4 years (2016-2020). Data were collected through 13 visits to four communities, 22 individual conversation-based interviews with local members of Miyupimaatisiiun (wellness) Committees (MC), 50 hours of community-based activity observations, informal brief interviews, and documents related to MC planning activities. Data analysis was grounded in an occupational transactional perspective encompassing local and regional contexts with which MC members coordinate their intentions and actions to plan for community miyupimaatisiiun. Our first manuscript (Lévesque et al., 2022) presented study results on the meaning of community participation in wellness planning. This second paper predominantly addresses the processes of ‘doing’ Miyupimaatisiiun Committee participation. Three themes are presented and discussed: Connecting local entities, Positioning the local Miyupimatisiiun Committee, and Wearing multiple hats. These results help describe and understand community participation as occupational transaction with the effects of colonization and with coloniality, that is, settler forms of knowledge and ways of doing, as participants bridge community sectors and collectivize local entity resources and efforts toward community miyupimaatisiiun. Ways forward for local Cree governance and regional entities hoping to better support community engagement and mobilization for wellness planning, are proposed. Though research results will be of interest to a broad audience, particular relevance to occupational science is emphasized, in terms of occupational transactionalism and coloniality.

Marketing Strategies as a Catalyst for Community Involvement in Educational Waqf

This study investigates the role of marketing strategies in enhancing community involvement in educational waqf. Educational waqf, a charitable endowment in Islamic tradition, often relies on robust community support for its success. We explore how targeted marketing can serve as a catalyst in fostering this support. Our research highlights the significance of effective branding and awareness campaigns in establishing a strong brand identity and creating emotional connections with potential supporters. We also examine the impact of segmenting the target audience and tailoring marketing messages to improve engagement. The study further delves into the importance of community engagement through partnerships with local entities and the implementation of feedback mechanisms. Additionally, we address the role of transparency in reporting and the adoption of innovative practices in sustaining community interest and involvement. Findings reveal that strategic marketing approaches not only enhance visibility and support but also build trust and ensure long-term engagement. This paper provides insights into optimizing marketing strategies to maximize community participation in educational waqf initiatives.

Soils information for urban customers: A perspective

AbstractDue to its benefits, including but not limited to increased access to affordable healthy food, bringing communities together for a common goal, and improving food security, urban agriculture is gaining popularity across the United States. Although soil‐based information is available at the national level, people in urban environments may have limited details about the soils in their communities. To bridge the gap between rural and urban agriculture, city, state, and federal agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service could expand upon the soil survey programs that currently exist and are available within the WebSoilSurvey. Additionally, trace element testing and interpretation would allow for improved knowledge about the risks that urban soils may have on food quality for those interested in urban agriculture.Core Ideas Detailed soil science information for urban agriculture may be lacking on a fine scale. Opportunities exist to support the soil science needs of urban growers via local, state, and federal entities. Information on urban soils can help provide healthy and sustainable foodstuffs.

Dual normative and prerogative state: human rights after 1989 in Poland

The changes that have taken place in Poland since 1989 reveal real problems whose solution depends on civic awareness, i.e. on understanding what a democratic legal state is and what role human rights play in it. Given the threats posed by various populisms, also the manipulation of the concepts of: nation, homeland, citizen, patriot, common good, etc., society may not notice how the normative state is turning into a prerogative state. An important role is played by knowledge and understanding of the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 2 April 1997, not only by lawyers, but by the whole of society and, perhaps above all, by the various levels of power, both legislative, executive and judicial. This also applies to local authorities, economic and social entities. Universal civic education and the everyday practice of democracy and human rights are essential. Over the past thirty-five years, there has been a slow change in the mentality of Poles, especially among the younger generation. People born in European Poland support a civil state in which human rights are respected. Paradoxically, the last eight years of PiS rule have contributed to an awareness of the role of law, including human rights, and a willingness to learn about the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. It is also important that the language of a democratic rule of law is back on track.

The effect of decision making related rationalization on fraud and the mediating role of psychosocial work environment

This study aims to examine the influence of the psychosocial work environment on the proclivity for asset misuse in the context of local government management, with a focus on the perceptions of administrators in Central Sulawesi Province. Employing purposive sampling, a total of 39 government units constituted the study's population, with a final sample size of 114 participants, comprising administrators, officers, and managers. WarpPLS software was employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal a positive relationship between rationalization and the inclination toward asset misuse. Additionally, rationalization exhibits a negative impact on the psychosocial work environment. Finally, the psychosocial work environment demonstrates a negative influence on the propensity for asset abuse. These outcomes suggest that the psychosocial work environment plays a pivotal role in mitigating the inclination for asset misuse within the local government of Central Sulawesi Province. This research sheds light on the significance of fostering a positive psychosocial work environment to enhance decision-making processes and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities in the management of government assets. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for the development of strategies to promote ethical and responsible asset management in local government entities.

3D Local Crime Type Models Based on Crime Hotspot Detection

This paper deals with the analysis of the relationship between locations and types of crime observed in the Czech Republic. Cluster analysis of crime data based on the recursive Bayesian mixture estimation algorithm is used to identify crime hotspots and estimate local models of crime type. The experiments report that the 2D configuration of the algorithm allows the detection of crime hotspots online. The 3D configuration provides 29% more accurate crime type models than 2D clustering and alternative data mining algorithms. For the data set used, it was determined in which crime hotspots the most serious and most frequent types of crime can be expected to occur with the highest probability. The limitation of the study is the artificial support of the 3D clusters by the fully continuous data vector with the recoded values of the crime type. The potential use of the algorithm is expected in online web applications for sharing information on criminal offenses managed by the Police of the Czech Republic with the public and local government entities in the Czech Republic.

Royal Society of Canada working group on health research system recovery: strengthening Canada’s health research system after the COVID-19 pandemic

The Royal Society of Canada Working Group on Health Research System Recovery developed actionable recommendations for organizations to implement to strengthen Canada’s health research system. Recommendations were based on input from participants from G7 countries and Australia and New Zealand. Participants included health research funding agency leaders; research institute leaders; health, public health, and social care policy-makers; researchers; and members of the public. The recommendations were categorized using the World Health Organization’s framework for health research systems and include governance/stewardship: (1) Outline research logistics as part of emergency preparedness to streamline research in future pandemics. (2) Embed equity and inclusion in all research processes. (3) Facilitate streamlined, inclusive, and rigorous processes for grant application preparation and review. (4) Create knowledge mobilization infrastructure to support the generation and use of evidence. (5) Coordinate research efforts across local, provincial, national, and international entities. Financing: (6) Reimagine the funding of health research. Capacity building: (7) Invest in formative training opportunities rooted in equity, diversity, and anti-racism. (8) Support researchers’ career development throughout their career span. (9) Support early career researchers to establish themselves. Producing and using research: (10) Strengthen Indigenous health research and break down systemic barriers to its conduct. (11) Develop mechanisms to produce novel research. (12) Enhance research use across the health research ecosystem.

Missing relation prediction in knowledge graph using local and neighbour aware entity embedding

Missing relation prediction in knowledge graph using local and neighbour aware entity embedding

Korupcja w jednostkach samorządu terytorialnego w Polsce – źródła i przyczyny

The aim of this paper is to present the problem of corruption in local government entities. It addresses the sources and causes, as well as attempts to completely eliminate corruption from public life. The article serves as a review and introduction to the issues related to corruption in local government, its sources, and causes.

Localisation of Humanitarian Aid: A Case Study of Cambodian Children’s Trust's Sustainable Development

Localisation of humanitarian aid has emerged as a major issue after the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 which emphasised the importance of locally-led response as a corrective to power imbalances in the humanitarian system. However, the practical complexities of localised humanitarian aid are yet to be fully discussed. This paper aims to examine the concept of localisation in humanitarian aid through a case study of a local non-governmental organisation, the Cambodian Children's Trust (CCT), in Cambodia. Drawing on the framework of localisation proposed by Baguios et al., (2021), we analyse the application of localisation of child protection programs run by CCT. We provide a holistic understanding of how localisation is conducted in practice, and the impacts it has on the wider humanitarian sector. Our study illustrates that power can be effectively developed to local entities and localisation with empowerment could be achieved despite highly challenging conditions.

The United States National Park System: Overview, Challenges and Policy Recommendations for China

This article conducts a comparative analysis of national park legislation, focusing on insights from the US National Park System to inform the development of China's emerging national park framework. Against the backdrop of a global conservation movement, the US system serves as a valuable model for China, which initiated its own national park system in 2017. On October 12, 2021, China has formally established its inaugural set of national parks, comprising the Three-River-Source National Park, the Giant Panda National Park, the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park, the Hainan Tropical Forests National Park, and the Wuyishan National Park. Encompassing approximately 230,000 square kilometres, these five national parks safeguard nearly 30% of China's crucial terrestrial wildlife species. As China endeavours to enact comprehensive legislation for its national parks, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing efforts by addressing key questions such as the efficacy of the US's "One National Park, One Law" model, the governance dynamics between federal, state, and local entities, and strategies for balancing conservation with diverse land uses. The analysis spans five sections, exploring the historical evolution of the US National Park System, its legal framework, challenges faced by US national parks, and policy recommendations for China. The US experience highlights the importance of establishing clear legal authorities, fostering robust public participation mechanisms, and harmonizing relationships with Indigenous communities. The findings presented in this study aspire to facilitate a nuanced understanding of national park legislation, promoting international collaboration between the US and China for the sustainable management of natural lands and the protection of global biodiversity.

Women's representation in local government in Sri Lanka: a study on the new (local government) electoral system

The female population of Sri Lanka is 51.6%. Women are well represented in a variety of sectors, such as education, health, etc. Women's presence in political institutions is low, despite the fact that it is considerable in grassroot level political activities. In light of the rising female population, it is by no means adequate. To address this issue, Sri Lanka's local government entities now have a mixed election system and a 25% female quota system under the Local Government Election (Amendment) Act No. 01 of 2016 and No. 16 of 2017. It was first put into practice in the 2018 local elections. The goal of this study was to determine whether the aforementioned constitutional provisions have resulted in a numerical increase of 25% in the representation of women in local government, whether the quality of participation has increased as a result, and whether these provisions will result in the creation of a new, promising women's representation in the future national politics. It is important to examine whether the 25% women's representation quota system introduced by the aforementioned constitutional provision has grown numerically and whether the stated goals have been achieved in practice with regard to women's representation. For this study, both primary and secondary data were used. A questionnaire based on 60 selected delegates from 12 local governing bodies was used to gather primary data in the Kalutara district. Simple statistical techniques were used to analyze quantitative data and information, and descriptive techniques were used to analyze quantitative data and information. MS Excel program was used to analyze the primary data. New constitutional provisions have resulted in a numerical increase of 25% for women's representation in local government bodies. It evolved from elected officials. Although the number of women in leadership positions has increased, their qualitative participation has not. It is observed that the level of quality participation has been hampered. The development of a women's representation that can inspire fresh optimism for tomorrow's politics on the national level, is not at a satisfactory level. Therefore, the constitutional measures that were enacted to promote women's representation have not actually achieved their intended goals.

Local tax policy: How do local governments in Poland shape their revenues?

Purpose of the study: This study aims to explore how tax rates in surrounding municipalities affect tax decisions in 36 Polish municipalities. It also seeks to understand how local revenues and GDP impact the role of local taxes in funding local governments. Additionally, the study examines the interplay between local tax policies, decentralization, and municipalities' responsibilities, especially considering Poland's significant financial independence.
 Methodology: This article examines the existing body of literature relevant to the author's research areas. Relevant materials were chosen, and additional sources were incorporated, with the most significant ones being documented in the bibliography. As a result, an initial evaluation of preexisting information (derived from secondary studies) was employed as a research methodology.
 Main findings: The findings of the study indicate that tax rates in neighbouring municipalities do have an impact on local politicians' decisions regarding tax resolutions. The study also reveals that there is a positive correlation between own revenue and GDP, indicating the fiscal importance of local taxes in financing local self-government.
 Application of the study: The findings of this study can be applied to inform policymakers and local authorities in Poland on the importance of considering tax rates in neighbouring municipalities when making decisions regarding tax resolutions. This study also highlights the significance of local taxes as a source of revenue for local self-government, particularly in the context of Poland's high degree of financial autonomy.
 Originality/Novelty of the study:This study is interesting because it examines the relationship between personal revenue and GDP and how it affects the fiscal significance of local taxes. It also comprehensively examines how tax rates in neighbouring municipalities influence the decisions made by local officials. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the factors influencing local tax policy and revenue diversification in Poland and can potentially inform future reforms aimed at enhancing the fiscal autonomy and effectiveness of local self-government entities in the country.

UKRAINIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION AND COUNCIL OF EUROPE STANDARDS: THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY

This article holds considerable significance as it thoroughly analyses the combination of local governance, human rights protection and the implementation of the principle of subsidiarity in Ukraine. It offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between these components within the Council of Europe standards. The study of the principle of subsidiarity in the context of human rights at the local level makes a significant contribution to the broader discourse on good governance and legal frameworks. The primary objective of the article is to provide a thorough and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between municipal human rights, the principle of subsidiarity, and the involvement of local and international entities in the protection of human rights in Ukraine. The study aims to achieve several goals: to delve into the principle of subsidiarity, to critically evaluate inaccuracies in the legal literature, and to highlight the role of the Council of Europe in promoting the principle of subsidiarity in the Ukrainian context. The research methodology is a mixture of legal analysis and conceptual exploration. In terms of the literature review, the article draws on the insights of various legal scholars and experts, including but not limited to B. Kofman, A. Krusyan, S. Kvitka, among others. Existing legal literature and academic works are reviewed in order to gain perspectives from different viewpoints, theories and analyses relevant to the research topic. Conclusion. This paper affirms that the Council of Europe and its member states follow the principle of subsidiarity in the protection of human rights at the local level. This involves a deliberate focus on the delineation of competences within local self-government and the provision of complementary (subsidiary) protection through the mechanisms of the European Court of Human Rights. The following sections explore various facets of the article in detail, offering a comprehensive analysis of the localisation of human rights protection, the complexities of subsidiarity in Ukrainian legal literature, and the crucial role played by the Council of Europe in promoting subsidiarity through various mechanisms.

The Impact of Geopolitical Stability on Foreign Investment and Transnational Corporations: A Case Study of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Geopolitical stability plays a pivotal role in shaping the global economic landscape, especially concerning foreign investment and transnational corporations (TNCs). This study delves into the intricate relationship between geopolitical stability and these economic factors, employing a case study of the Russia-Ukraine conflict to exemplify their interplay. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, characterized by territorial disputes and political tensions, has had far-reaching consequences on foreign investment and TNCs operating in the region. This study scrutinizes how the conflict's instability has influenced investment decisions and strategies adopted by TNCs. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methodologies, drawing upon economic data, expert opinions, and corporate case studies. The findings indicate a clear correlation between geopolitical stability and foreign investment. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, periods of heightened instability have witnessed reduced foreign investment as risk perceptions rise. TNCs, concerned about the security of their assets and profitability, tend to adopt a cautious approach during such times. Conversely, when geopolitical tensions ease, foreign investment tends to rebound. Moreover, this study explores the strategies employed by TNCs to navigate geopolitical instability. Companies often implement risk management protocols, diversify their portfolios, and forge partnerships with local entities to mitigate risks associated with geopolitical instability. This research contributes to the broader understanding of the impact of geopolitical factors on global economics.

A methodological approach to assessing the durability of welded structures of screens using SolidWorks Simulation software

Purpose. To develop methodological recommendations for studying the characteristics of screen welded assemblies of ГВЧ-31 С type using specialized tools of the SolidWorks Education Edition software package. Methodology. The methodology for analyzing welds when designing a vibrator fixation system is based on the use of current software tools, in particular SolidWorks Simulation in combination with SolidWorks Motion, as well as the HOT SPOT STRESS technology. To analyze the accuracy of determining the dynamic loads arising during the screen operation, the results of modeling using the SolidWorks Motion program are compared with those obtained by traditional methods using the Lagrange equation of the second kind. The computation discrepancy is within 10 %. Findings. It has been determined that it is rational to analyze welds using the SolidWorks Education Edition software shell, taking into account the least profitable option, namely, when their edges are not finished. Furthermore, during solid-state modeling, the formation of a cavity in the weld is simulated in the form of a gap between the welded elements. The stress-strain state analysis of welded constructions using the Finite Element Method has revealed that when the computational mesh cell size is reduced, the stress value increases significantly, which indicates the result singularity and the need for further application of the HOT SPOT STRESS method. In the course of research, it has been determined that the highest stresses in welds occur on the central rib. The duration of use of welded joints is more than 2·106 cycles. Originality. For the first time, the methodology has been substantiated for determining the service life of welded elements of screen constructions using the latest computer analysis tools. The method makes it possible to calculate the dynamic forces arising in constructions performing oscillatory movements, as well as to analyze the stress-strain state of welds using the HOT SPOT STRESS technology and assess their service life. Practical value. It has become possible to implement the method for calculating the stress-strain state of welds in the design of a vibrator fixation system and assessing their service life, which is important for analyzing and determining the parameters of various vibrating machines. The results derived from the investigation were incorporated by the local entity, Ukrprommineral, to modernize the screens.

Internal Public Audit Mission Regarding "The Assessment of the Corruption Prevention System - Year 2023" at the Level of Local Public Entities in Paltiniş Zonal Center Part I Assets Declaration and Gifts Declaration

Taking into account the fact that at the level of public entities more and more varied activities are carried out, this presupposing certain more or less controllable risks, the internal audit is no longer limited to financial-accounting activity, this aspect being supported even by the provisions of art. 15 of Law no. 672/2022 on the internal public audit, republished, with subsequent amendments and additions, where it is specified that the internal audit is carried out on all activities carried out at the level of a public institution. The national anti-corruption strategy 2021-2025, approved by GD no. 1269/2021, gives priority to preventive measures in sectors that are exposed to corruption. In the first part of the article The internal public audit mission regarding "Evaluation of the corruption prevention system - year 2023" at the level of local public entities in the Păltiniș Zonal Center, we carried out an analysis of the implementation stage (implemented / partially implemented / not implemented) in the case of the first two preventive measures: declaration of assets and declaration of assets, measures that were audited during the internal public audit mission within 14 entities of Păltiniș Zonal Center (7 administrative-territorial units and 7 secondary education units).

Peningkatan Keterampilan Laporan Keuangan Koperasi Berbasis Microsoft Excel di Koperasi Wanita Kenanga Madiun

Koperasi Wanita Kenanga Madiun as a local economic entity, requires improved skills in preparing Microsoft Excel-based financial reports. These skills are important to ensure transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in cooperative financial management. Due to limitations, cooperative management still uses manual methods to record cooperative transactions. Besides, cooperative administrators also do not really understand the knowledge of financial reports using Microsoft Excel. Therefore, this service aims to improve Microsoft Excel-based Cooperative Financial Reports skills. This research uses a combination approach between lectures, questions and answers, and training methods followed by the management of the cooperative. After applying this method, there was a significant improvement in the skills of preparing financial statements using Microsoft Excel. Participants were able to effectively implement the concepts taught, increase efficiency in preparing financial statements, and reduce potential errors.