Identifying Predictors of Recurrent Pilonidal Disease in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The Innovative Process of Digitalisation: Institutional Analysis of Indonesia, China and India

The influence of interest groups in United States policy-making process is undeniable. This study critically examines that how interest groups shape public policy in the United States and evaluates the democratic risks their influence poses, alongside regulatory and institutional responses designed to mitigate those risks. This research evaluates negative impact of interest groups on US public policy from a critical perspective. The study, based on qualitative and institutional analysis, examines that how the mechanisms of campaign financing, lobbying practices, and Supreme Court decisions have altered relationship between political participation and democratic fairness. This reassessment underscores that managing the interest group influence is not about the exclusion but about calibrating engagement to uphold democratic ideals.The study does not dispute constitutional right to advocate and engage politically; it just asserts that the current system gives an unfair advantage to moneyed interests, eroding public trust and making democracy less responsive. Finally, the article offers a set of specific regulatory r eforms intended to make the US policy-making process more transparent, to curb undue influence, and to create a fairer environment for the interaction between organized interests and the public good than what exists today.

Research background: This study examines nepotism and corruption as structural barriers to development, focusing on their impact on public administration, institutional effectiveness, and economic performance in long-transition countries. Using data from Kosovo’s judicial and prosecutorial institutions, the research highlights persistent systemic weaknesses. Purpose of the article: The article aims to explain how nepotism and corruption function as mutually reinforcing institutional problems, using a theoretical approach grounded in governance and institutional analysis. Methods: The study is based on empirical data from judicial and prosecutorial bodies in Kosovo, including case-processing times, indictment rates, and backlog statistics. A descriptive institutional analysis was applied to identify key performance gaps. Findings & Value added: The findings show that nepotism disrupts merit-based recruitment and weakens administrative professionalism, while corruption reduces accountability, investor confidence, and effective policy implementation. The evidence also indicates significant delays, low indictment rates, and enforcement gaps shaped by political influence and limited institutional capacity. The study adds value by demonstrating how these factors create a self-reinforcing cycle that obstructs governance reforms and broader socio-economic development.

The development of agribusiness based on village level flagship commodities cannot be carried out in a partial or fragmented manner. It requires an integrated agribusiness system approach that encompasses the entire value chain from upstream to downstream. The objective of this study is to identify the potential of village flagship commodities within an integrated agribusiness system and to develop an Agribusiness Modernization System (AMS) through a case study conducted in Suci Village, Panti Subdistrict, Jember Regency, East Java. Agribusiness modernization has been shown to facilitate the introduction of appropriate technologies, enhance value-chain efficiency for agricultural products, and strengthen the capacities of farmers and local enterprises. Flagship commodities can be determined not merely by historical quantitative advantages but by competitive potential validated through four empirical domains: (1) biophysical contextuality verification, (2) sensory quality validation, (3) market valuation assessment, and (4) institutional readiness analysis. This study demonstrates that integrating the pillars of socio-economic governance with biophysical potential yields a comprehensive approach to rural development. The Place-Based Commodity Selection Framework provides a definitive answer to the fundamental question of commodity selection by moving beyond descriptive–historical methods toward a prescriptive–strategic paradigm. The four-domain analysis convincingly identifies coffee as the flagship commodity of Suci Village, with validation supported by convergent evidence on biophysical suitability, sensory quality potential, significant economic value opportunities, and institutional preparedness. Thus, this study makes a practical contribution to the development of sustainable and competitive rural agribusiness.

The paper develops the normative core of contemporary land management theory as an autonomous foundational discipline that transcends the narrow techno-practical view of “parcel processing” and is framed as a science of governing spatial value. Building on a critical review of the international land administration paradigm, Ukrainian doctrinal contributions, institutional theory, property-rights theory, and spatial economics, the study refines the object and subject of land management: the object is defined as a multidimensional socio-spatial continuum in which territory is transformed into an ordered space of rights, restrictions, regimes, rents, and risks; the subject is the emergence, structure, and dynamics of land-use regimes as systems of legal titles, servitudes, zones, corridors, and reservations in a multi-layer (surface–subsurface–airspace) and multi-temporal configuration. An axiomatic core of contemporary land management theory is articulated. It is shown that its methodology must encompass institutional analysis, doctrinal legal reasoning on spatial regimes, spatial-economic rent modelling, topological and network approaches, environmental accounting, geoinformation and algorithmic modelling, scenario analysis, and procedures of spatial justice. The paper systematizes the kernel of scientific problems in land management theory whose resolution is a precondition for moving from fragmented normative–technical practice to institutionally mature spatial governance. The practical significance of the results lies in providing a conceptual framework for updating curricula, improving cadastral and planning systems, and designing standards for governing spatial value under conditions of digitalization and the growing importance of spatial justice.

The declining trust in political institutions, decreasing voter turnout, and the escalation of peaceful protests into violent actions in France make it necessary to closely examine not only the ruling party but also the political opposition, which is a key stakeholder in the democratic regime. This study addresses the competitive capacity of political opposition under the Fifth Republic through an integrated framework combining neo-institutionalism and political culture theory. While the institutional analysis focuses on constitutional provisions, electoral law, party legislation, and parliamentary procedures, the cultural analysis considers citizens’ attitudes toward authority, participation, and pluralism, drawing on Almond and Verba’s concept of political culture and Dahl’s notion of polyarchy as normative benchmarks. As a single-case study, this research provides a holistic perspective by incorporating both institutional and political culture factors to analyze the conditions that enable or constrain opposition. The study claims that the opposition's capacity to compete effectively depends not only on the nature of legal regulations but also on the strength of the country's democratic political culture. In this context, it is argued that during the Fifth Republic in France, the opposition's competitive power was guaranteed by an institutional framework, but the erosion of democratic political culture created a socio-political environment that limited this power.

The article is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of key approaches to the typologization of modern federal states and the study of the special role of capitals in the framework of federal relations. The purpose of the study is to identify the relationship between the type of federation and the functional and status characteristics of its capital based on a comparative analysis of existing classifications of federations, as well as to propose an author's classification of the capitals of federal states. The paper consistently examines such bases of classification as the degree of symmetry, the principle of formation of subjects, the method of federation creation and the level of centralization. On this basis, an institutional analysis of the capitals is carried out, their key functions (political, administrative, symbolic, integration) and statuses are highlighted. The scientific novelty lies in the systematization of the typological features of federations in relation to the phenomenon of metropolitan area and in the development of an original classification of capitals based on the criteria of their origin and political weight in the "center – regions" system. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of federalism and can be used in further research in the field of political science, theory of state and comparative federalism.

This study examines how climate justice principles can be integrated into fiscal governance frameworks to enhance accountability within global climate finance. As climate change intensifies economic vulnerabilities, particularly in developing countries, the allocation and oversight of climate finance have become critical determinants of equity and resilience. Current fiscal oversight mechanisms exhibit notable progress in transparency but remain insufficient in addressing fairness, distributive justice, and participation. Through a comparative institutional analysis of global financial institutions, national budget systems, and emerging technological tools, this study identifies persistent challenges—including fragmented accountability structures, lack of standardized reporting mechanisms, and political-economy dynamics that hinder equitable funding flows. The findings emphasize that climate finance often prioritizes procedural compliance over transformative outcomes, limiting its potential to reduce structural inequalities and build adaptive capacity. The study argues that accountability frameworks must evolve beyond conventional financial auditing, incorporating social and environmental metrics that reflect the moral imperatives of climate justice. By integrating participatory governance, digital innovations, and harmonized reporting standards, fiscal systems can foster more transparent, just, and impactful climate finance. This research contributes to the discourse on climate governance by proposing accountability reforms capable of linking financial decision-making with ethical considerations, thereby advancing global efforts toward a fair and resilient climate transition.

ABSTRACT Co-production has been widely advocated for integrating democratic values into public service delivery, yet passive co-production – mainly driven by external forces – remains under-explored. This research redefines passive co-production through the lens of policy implementation and compliance, developing a theoretical model grounded in the Institutional Analysis and Development framework. Using a design combining survey with survey experiment, the model was tested in both crisis (pandemic prevention) and routine (garbage classification) scenarios in China. Results reveal that government deterrence and social norms significantly drive passive co-production under crisis scenario, whereas only social norms matter in routine setting. Additionally, the interaction between deterrence and social norms varies across scenarios. By expanding co-production’s boundary to include passive forms across different settings, this study not only highlights the need to examine ethical concerns and long-term implications of passive co-production, but also calls for further testing of findings along the active-passive co-production continuum.

The rapidly growing processes of digitalization of world societies imply the need to prepare universities that can create highly skilled Information Systems (IS) professionals with both technical expertise and strong analytical skills as well as ethical decision-making abilities. This paper considers the academic, technological, and institutional processes that enable the Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (KazNU) to develop future IS experts that are engaged in digitalization of the country, building of intelligent systems, cybersecurity, and policy formulation presented by data. Basing the study on empirical findings, institutional analysis, and other academic materials, it is manifested as the research framework, interdisciplinary-oriented curriculum, innovation ecosystems, and international cooperation of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

Subject. The article discusses management in the healthcare system. Objectives. The purpose of the study is to disclose the essence and characteristics of management in the healthcare system. Methods. The study employs an interdisciplinary approach combining methods of institutional and comparative analysis, elements of structural, functional, and systems approaches, as well as logical and meaningful classification. The empirical base consists of publications by domestic and foreign authors, laws and regulations, and statistical data in the field of healthcare. Results. We unveiled the key features of healthcare management, outlined determinants of the need for management of medical institutions to achieve a balance between the access to quality medical services and the rational use of resources. We presented our own understanding of the term "accessibility of medical services" and a mathematical model enabling to interpret it in the logic of quantitative analysis. The paper shows that modern medical organizations are forced to adapt quickly to external challenges, which necessitates the use of specialized management tools, including employee incentive programs considering clinical, statistical, medical and social criteria for performance evaluation. Conclusions. The theoretical significance of the work is in clarifying the conceptual framework, systematizing the factors that determine the features of healthcare management. The practical value is associated with the possibility of applying the findings to improve the management systems of medical organizations, develop personnel policies, and increase the resilience of healthcare to internal and external challenges.

The use of foreign workers in Indonesia not only affects the dynamics of the labour market, but also contributes fiscally through the Foreign Worker Compensation Fund (DKPTKA) as part of Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP). Regulatory provisions, as stipulated in Government Regulation No. 34 of 2021, Articles 33-35, direct the DKPTKA to support the enhancement of Indonesian workers' competencies through training, certification, and the strengthening of vocational training institutions. However, this study found that the current utilization of the DKPTKA is not yet fully in line with these strategic objectives, as most of its allocation is still directed towards job expansion programs and administrative activities. This article aims to provide a factual overview and policy analysis related to the utilization of DKPTKA, examine its compliance with regulatory provisions, and formulate relevant policy recommendations for optimising the use of DKPTKA in a more effective and oriented towards improving the competence of the Indonesian workforce.Through policy analysis and comparison with practices in several countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the UAE, this study shows that foreign worker compensation funds have the potential to be a strategic instrument for local workforce capacity building. Based on these findings, this article recommends reorienting the allocation of DKPTKA towards competency development, integrating technology transfer in the use of foreign workers, providing incentives for local governments, diversifying sources of non-tax state revenue from employment, and strengthening impact-based monitoring and evaluation systems.

The subject of the present study is the administrative procedure as a legal and economic instrument of institutional resilience in wartime Ukraine. The research focuses on the dual role of administrative procedures in safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring economic stability under the extraordinary conditions of armed conflict. Particular attention is given to transparency, predictability and digitalisation mechanisms, which reduce the risk of corruption, strengthen trust in public institutions and create a favourable environment for investment and reconstruction. Methodology. The methodological framework underpinning this study combines general scientific approaches (analysis, synthesis, systemic and structural methods) with special legal and economic methods, including formal-legal, comparative, and institutional analysis. This facilitated the discernment of the essence of administrative procedure as both a legal category and an economic factor, and the evaluation of its wartime adaptations in Ukraine. The objective of the present study is threefold: firstly, to ascertain the legal nature of administrative procedure; secondly, to analyse its impact on the realisation of citizens' rights and on the formation of economic security; and thirdly, to identify prospects for post-war modernisation in line with European standards of good governance. The study's results show that administrative procedures act as a structural determinant of resilience, reducing transaction costs, facilitating business activity and ensuring accountability in the use of international aid. Digital innovations, such as the Diia platform and the ProZorro procurement system, have safeguarded service delivery and transparency during times of crisis. Simplified fiscal and customs procedures, as well as decentralisation reform, demonstrate how flexibility in administrative law can support macroeconomic balance and local resilience. Conclusion. The administrative procedure in wartime Ukraine is not limited to protecting individual rights; rather, it operates as a multidimensional mechanism combining legal certainty, democratic accountability and economic rationality. The modernisation of Ukraine, encompassing the codification of legislation, digital transformation, decentralisation, and alignment with EU standards, is set to play a pivotal role in the country's reconstruction, institutional resilience, and successful integration into the European legal and economic sphere.

The subject of the study is the system of administrative services as a legal and economic mechanism of institutional resilience and a determinant of Ukraine’s economic security. The research focuses on the dual role of administrative services in safeguarding citizens’ rights and stimulating economic activity under conditions of reform and wartime disruption. Particular attention is given to the legal framework, law enforcement practice, and digital transformation, which reduce corruption risks, enhance transparency, and create a favourable environment for investment and post-war reconstruction. Methodology. The methodological framework combines general scientific approaches (analysis, synthesis, systemic and structural methods) with special legal and economic methods, including formal-legal, comparative, and institutional analysis. This enabled the identification of the essence of administrative services as both a legal category and an economic factor, and the evaluation of their enforcement in Ukraine in light of European integration processes and wartime challenges. The aim of the work is to analyse the legal framework and enforcement practice of administrative services, to assess their economic dimension and comparative European context, and to identify the main challenges and prospects for strengthening their role in ensuring Ukraine’s economic security. The results of the study shows that Ukraine has established a solid legal foundation for administrative services through the adoption of the Law "On Administrative Services" (2012) and the Law "On Administrative Procedure" (2022), supported by innovations such as the Diia platform and the ProZorro procurement system. These reforms have enhanced transparency and reduced corruption risks, while simplified wartime procedures and decentralization have ensured continuity of services. However, enforcement remains uneven, with corruption risks persisting in land registration, licensing, and customs, and significant regional disparities undermining equal access. A comparative perspective demonstrates that EU best practices – digital gateways, one-stop-shop models, and open procurement – are directly linked to economic resilience. Conclusion. Administrative services in Ukraine are not limited to routine bureaucratic functions but operate as a multidimensional mechanism combining legal certainty, institutional accountability, and economic rationality. Their modernization – through digital transformation, decentralization, and harmonization with EU standards – will be decisive for post-war reconstruction, institutional resilience, and Ukraine’s successful integration into the European legal and economic space.

This mixed-methods study examines the feasibility of implementing stackable micro-credential programs in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Special Needs Education (SNED) at a Philippine university, responding to critical gaps in accessible teacher training. Combining needs assessment surveys (N=60), key informant interviews (n=10), and benchmarking of five leading universities, the research reveals strong demand for flexible upskilling, with 90% enrollment willingness and 65% preference for Master's-credit-bearing certificates. Stakeholders prioritized hybrid delivery (55% online, 37% blended), affordable pricing (₱20,000-25,000/~$350-440), and practical competencies like IEP design and play-based pedagogy. Benchmarking identified successful models integrating practicum requirements and ICT-enabled instruction, while institutional capacity analysis highlighted faculty readiness (5 qualified instructors) despite needing adjunct support for SNED supervision. Financial projections indicate sustainability, with Year 1 revenue (₱1.125M/~$19,500) exceeding operational costs by 125%. The study contributes to global conversations on micro-credentials by: (1) demonstrating their viability in resource-constrained contexts, (2) proposing a stakeholder-driven design framework adaptable to Global South institutions, and (3) addressing SDG4 targets for inclusive teacher training. Findings offer evidence for policymakers navigating the tension between standardization and localization in competency-based education reforms, particularly in Southeast Asia's evolving qualification landscapes.

ObjectiveTo analyze the current status, research hotspots, and trends in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) using bibliometric methods, providing a reference for future research.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in the WoSCC for relevant literature published from database inception to March 5, 2025. VOSviewer v.1.6.20 was used for co-occurrence analysis of institutions (≥10 publications) and authors (≥5 publications), and Scimago Graphica V1.0.25 was used to visualize collaboration networks among countries/regions. CiteSpace 6.3.R1 was employed for institutional co-occurrence analysis (≥5 publications), keyword co-occurrence, and clustering analysis.ResultsA total of 1738 relevant articles were included, with a gradual increase in annual publications, especially after 2018. The United States led in both publication volume and total citations. Harvard Medical School was the most prolific institution. Saba, Luca, and Suri, Jasjit S. were the most productive authors. 《IEEE ACCESS》was the journal with the most publications. High-frequency keywords included machine learning, coronary heart disease, and CVD, forming 10 clusters. Main research areas included AI in disease diagnosis, classification, biomarker discovery, and AI system design. Co-cited literature clusters into four AI-CVD directions: classification, risk prediction, algorithm refinement, imaging. In addition, issues such as the interpretability and clinical acceptance of AI data quality and patient privacy protection models cannot be ignored.ConclusionResearch on AI in the field of CVD is still in a stage of rapid development. Currently, the hotspots in this field focus on the application of AI in CVD diagnosis and classification, the application of AI in CVD risk prediction, and the precise utilization of AI in CVD imaging. How to develop explainable AI models is a hot topic of research in the coming period.

The article is devoted to a comprehensive legal and institutional analysis of land use in the North Kazakhstan Region (NKR) of the Republic of Kazakhstan, one of the country’s key agricultural regions. It examines both fundamental and applied aspects of the regulatory framework governing land relations, including the provisions of the Constitution, the Land Code, by-laws, as well as national and regional programs such as the Agro-Industrial Complex Development Concept, the “Digital Kazakhstan” program, and targeted projects for preserving soil fertility. Special attention is given to current challenges in the practical implementation of land policy: inefficient and unbalanced use of agricultural land, disparities in the distribution of land resources between large Agricultural Holdings and small farms, insufficient digitalization of the cadastral system, weak integration of information technologies, and limited control over compliance with environmental standards and soil protection regulations. Based on official statistics, legal acts, and expert assessments, the author concludes that comprehensive modernization of land use regulation, enhanced monitoring, innovative agricultural technologies, and legal education programs for rural communities are necessary to ensure productive, sustainable, and equitable land use in the NKR.

Since the early 2000s, Türkiye’s Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP) maintained electoral hegemony through a combination of economic growth, institutional restructuring, and political narrative control. However, by the mid-2020s, deepening macroeconomic deterioration, institutional erosion, allegations of corruption, policy mismanagement, and growing geopolitical tensions reshaped the country’s internal political equilibrium. Concurrently, the Republican People’s Party (Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi, CHP) achieved renewed national credibility via effective municipal governance and charismatic leaders, most notably Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mansur Yavaş. Drawing from economic data, institutional analyses, political science frameworks, and cross-national comparisons, this paper argues that structural political decay within the AKP and strategic modernization within the CHP converge to make a CHP victory in 2028 not only plausible but increasingly probable.

The management of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the banking sector holds strategic importance in strengthening public trust, supporting sustainable development, and ensuring that the distribution of CSR funds aligns with principles of good governance. However, CSR implementation among Indonesian banks continues to face fundamental issues, including limited transparency, inconsistent reporting standards, and weak supervisory mechanisms. This study aims to analyze the synergy between the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and the banking industry in establishing transparent and accountable CSR fund management. Using a normative legal approach combined with institutional analysis, the findings reveal that although OJK has issued sustainable finance regulations such as POJK No. 51/POJK.03/2017, these regulations have not fully ensured the integrity and accountability of CSR distribution. Strengthening reporting standards, ensuring independent audits, and integrating a digital CSR reporting system are essential to enhance oversight. This study proposes a regulatory–institutional synergy model between OJK and the banking sector to build CSR governance that is transparent, participatory, and impact-oriented.