Administrative Issues Research Articles

Repository (R)evolution: Metadata, Interoperability, and Sustainability

Introduction: Successfully managing an open-access repository requires constant attention to user community priorities in order to inform the development or selection of a platform that fulfills constantly evolving functional demands in an increasingly complex operational environment. This paper uses AgEcon Search (AES) as an example of the way that varying platforms address the metadata and other platform needs of a repository. AES is a successful subject repository with an international scope that has resided on several different platforms in its 25-year lifespan. Elements and Considerations: Critical among the technical requirements of a repository is interoperability with other information sources and the ability to accommodate and describe different types of objects, including data. Experienced in the use of easy and widely used Dublin Core (DC), as well as Machine-Readable Cataloging 21 (MARC 21)-based repository platforms, we discuss both metadata schemas from administrative and user perspectives. Reconsidering underlying metadata issues might positively impact both technical and administrative issues that are currently restricting the development of robust, interoperable systems. As managers of AES, we are uniquely placed to discuss both technical and sustainability issues. Conclusions: Although many institutional and subject repositories are on platforms that use DC for their metadata, other options are available. MARC, the well-established library standard, can provide the wide range of fields needed to fully and accurately describe the variety of document and data types that are included in repositories.

Best practices: CER with vulnerable populations in contentious political environments

ABSTRACT This article outlines best practices for political scientists to consider when conducting civically engaged research (CER) with vulnerable populations during politically contentious times. Best practices are drawn from several studies or the authors’ experiences with student-led CER, and these best practices are demonstrated in a case illustrating an author’s own CER project with individuals who are incarcerated. However, all of the practices encompass the core tenets of CER (Dobbs, Kirstie Lynn, Douglas R. Hess, Graham Bullock, and Adriano Udani. [2021. “Introduction to the Symposium: Civically Engaged Research and Political Science.” PS: Political Science & Politics 54 (4): 711–715].), underscoring the importance of utilizing this approach so researchers can adapt to and deal with ethical and administrative issues as these are compounded in contentious political environments. We ultimately recommend that researchers who are interested in CER and working with vulnerable populations during these times need to develop strategies to educate collaborators about stereotypes of historically marginalized groups, provide opportunities for and document written consent from research participants, utilize convenience samples but expand recruitment techniques to prevent research fatigue, and adjust institutional practices to adapt to the political environments in which the researcher and research participants are embedded.

The Role of Qawā’id Fiqhiyyah in Strengthening Waqf Law: A Review of Challenges and Solutions in Indonesia

The article addresses the various challenges that waqf (Islamic endowment) law faces in Indonesia. It specifically investigates how the application of Qawā'id Fiqhiyyah (principles of Islamic jurisprudence) can enhance waqf law considering obstacles such as public ignorance about waqf, inadequate legal frameworks, and the necessity for effective management strategies to improve the productivity of waqf assets. The aim of this research is to analyze how Qawā’id Fiqhiyyah can provide foundational support to enhance Waqf law, proposing viable solutions to existing issues. The novelty of this research lies in its integrative approach, which combines traditional Islamic legal principles with the contemporary challenges of waqf management. By focusing on Qawā'id Fiqhiyyah, the study proposes a framework that not only addresses legal and administrative issues but also highlights the cultural and social dimensions of waqf in Indonesia, an area that has not been extensively explored in existing literature. . The results of the research suggest that the application of Qawā'id Fiqhiyyah can provide practical solutions to the identified challenges in waqf law. The study outlines several strategies, including enhancing public education about waqf, improving legal frameworks, and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders such as government bodies, religious organizations, and the community. These strategies aim to create a more effective and sustainable waqf system in Indonesia, ultimately leading to increased productivity and a greater social impact of waqf assets

Past-year mental health issues: discrepant survey & administrative data

Abstract Introduction Accurately measuring mental health disorder prevalence is crucial for public health planning. Administrative and survey data are common methods, but often yield differing results. This study compares case identification of mental health issues across these data sources in Slovenia. Methods We linked the 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) with three Slovenian health administrative databases: the National Hospital Health Care Statistics Database, Outpatient Prescription Drugs Database, and Absence From Work Database. Case identification utilized self-report of any mental health issue in the past 12 months and healthcare utilization records in 12 months preceding participation in EHIS. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the association between socio-demographic factors and case identification across data sources. Results Significant differences were found in 12 month prevalence of any mental health issue estimates between data sources. Only 45.9% of self-reported cases were identified in administrative data, and 36.6% of administrative cases self-reported mental health issues (Kappa = 0.302). Socio-demographics, including age, gender, education, and employment status, were significantly associated with the likelihood of identification in specific data sources. Discussion Our findings underscore the importance of data source and assessment tool selection on mental health prevalence estimates. Variations in identification across population subgroups could reflect differences in healthcare access and self-disclosure biases. Linking data sources and considering their inherent limitations is crucial for accurate burden estimation. Key messages • Data source and assessment methods significantly impact how we identify individuals with mental health issues in the past year. • Combining data sources and understanding their limitations is essential for improving mental health burden estimation.

EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS AND NEEDS OF TRIBAL STUDENTS AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL IN ALIPURDUAR DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA

India is home to over 84.4 million tribal people, or Adivasis, who represent some of the country's poorest communities, still reliant on traditional practices such as hunting, agriculture, and fishing, with distinct cultures, languages, and lifestyles. In West Bengal's Alipurduar District, over 80% of the population belongs to ethnic tribes. This study investigates the educational problems and needs of secondary-level tribal students in Alipurduar, focusing on gender differences. A survey of 60 students was conducted using the standardized "Educational Problems Questionnaire" and a self-developed "Educational Needs Questionnaire." The findings revealed that 51% of students face challenges in teaching methods, 54% in the social and educational environment, 56% in organizational and administrative issues, and 59% due to cultural and historical factors. Additionally, 48% of respondents expressed educational needs related to school education, 55% expressed societal support, and 44% expressed family involvement. These results underscore the importance of addressing the specific educational challenges faced by tribal students to promote equitable learning outcomes.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0710/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Նիկիայի Բ Տիեզերաժողովի (787 թ․) կանոնները. Միջնադարյան հայերեն թարգմանությունը՝ հունարեն բնագրի հետ զուգորդմամբ

The Second Council of Nicaea, which was held in 787 and recognized by the Orthodox Churches that followed the Byzantine tradition and the Western Church (the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches separated from it) as the Seventh "Ecumenical Council", is of great significance to the history of the church, not only in terms of the study of the dispute over the treatment of images but also from the point of view of the study of issues of canon law and church administration. The 22 canons promulgated by the Council were strictly administrative and prescriptive in nature compared to the canons of previously held Councils. Most likely, this was connected with the desire to restore the ecclesiastical order shaken by the disputes over the images and after them. Therefore, the respective study of the canons of the Second Council of Nicaea seems important, first of all, from the point of view of canon law. This study aims to publish an Armenian translation of the canons of the Council of Nicaea of 787, most probably made in the 13th–14th centuries, along with the Greek original. Such research is relevant not only as a disclosure of the previously unpublished original Armenian text of the canons, but also in the context of clarifying various canonical-legal and administrative concepts of the church and the study of church Councils.

Н.И. Воробьев и Центральный музей Татарской республики (1923–1930 гг.)

N.I. Vorobyev headed the TASSR Central Museum during the formation period of the new museum practices, when the right decisions came with experience and the main task was to develop a new structure of the institution. As the museum director, the young scholar dealt with a large number of administrative issues and difficulties, from budget and personnel shortage to elimination of external threats caused by the low level of security of museum collections. The acute shortage of funds was reflected in everything: the museum could not occupy all the areas allocated by the state, there were no more than three people in the staff of departments, the tasks of purchasing exhibits and planned acquisitions were barely fulfilled. However, at the same time, as part of preparation for exhibitions, ethnographic expeditions to many cantons of the republic were organised under the leadership of N. Vorobyev. During the expeditions, significant materials that document the culture and traditions of the peoples of the region, household items and crafts were collected, as well as a large number of photographs were taken. As a result of this work, the museum was able to adequately represent the Tatar Republic at large-scale All-Union exhibitions in Moscow in 1923 and 1927 and at the international exhibition in Paris in 1925. The public warmly welcomed the Tatrepublic sections at the exhibitions; upon the exhibitions closure, the objects replenished the museum funds. In conditions of limited funding, lack of space capacity and limited number of staff, under Vorobyev’s leadership, the museum laid down the functioning principles, which would serve as the basis of its work in the following decades. Combining museum work with his academic career, Nikolay Vorobyev left the museum during the period when full supervision of the state was being established over the institution. He left not just a museum, but also an academic institution where research work was constantly carried out.

Why “free maternal healthcare” is not entirely free in Ghana: a qualitative exploration of the role of street-level bureaucratic power

BackgroundGhana introduced a free maternal healthcare policy within its National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2008 to remove financial barriers to accessing maternal health services. Despite this policy, evidence suggests that women incur substantial out-of-pocket (OOP) payments for maternal health care. This study explores the underlying reasons for these persistent out-of-pocket payments within the context of Ghana’s free maternal healthcare policy.MethodsCross-sectional qualitative data were collected through interviews with a purposive sample of 14 mothers and 8 healthcare providers/administrators in two regions of Ghana between May and September 2022. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and imported into the NVivo 14.0 software for analysis. An iteratively developed codebook guided the coding process. Our thematic data analysis followed the Attride-Sterling framework for network analysis, identifying basic, organising themes and global themes.ResultsWe found that health systems and demand-side factors are responsible for the persistence of OOP payments despite the existence of the free maternal healthcare policy in Ghana. Reasons for these payments arose from health systems factors, particularly, NHIS structural issues – delayed and insufficient reimbursements, inadequate NHIS benefit coverage, stockouts and supply chain challenges and demand-side factors – mothers’ lack of education about the NHIS benefit package, and passing of cost onto patients. Due to structural and system level challenges, healthcare providers, exercising their street-level bureaucratic power, have partly repackaged the policy, enabling the persistence of out-of-pocket payments for maternal healthcare.ConclusionsUrgent measures are required to address the structural and administrative issues confronting Ghana’s free maternal health policy; otherwise, Ghana may not achieve the sustainable development goals targets on maternal and child health.

Administrative Law Challenges in Investor- State Arbitration

Attributing a wrongful act to a state in an investor-state arbitration is governed by public international law. However, understanding whether such an act was undertaken by an agent of a state or other entity exercising elements of governmental authority, figuring out the legal nature, effects, scope and legality of such acts and comprehending whether they were taken from the point of public authority requires application of domestic administrative (or wider public) law of the respondent state. Administrative law makes applied public international law provisions operational. In order to evaluate the occurrence and frequency of administrative law challenges in investment arbitration, the author carried out a survey amongst ICSID arbitrators. The results of the survey, presented in the paper, confirmed the hypotheses that it is not seldom in investor-state arbitrations to come across complicated administrative law issues, the resolution of which is a prerequisite for deciding an arbitration case; that a majority of arbitrators in investor-state arbitrations did not specialize in administrative law; and that currently applied mechanisms of handling such complex administrative law issues in practice are not satisfactory.

Administration, Marketing, Pharmacotherapy of Medicines in Neuro-Oncology

Primary tumors make up 1.5% of all clinical cases. The most vulnerable group is children. Brain neoplasms are the second most common after acute leukemia. According to WHO statistics, men suffer 1.5 times more often than women. Administration, marketing, and pharmacotherapy of medicines in neuro-oncology were carried out. The administration of medicines for neuro-oncology pharmacotherapy in the USA and Ukraine was analyzed. Bevacizumab, Everolimus, Lomustine, Temozolomide were found to be approved in both countries. The issue of administration of medicines for neuro-oncology pharmacotherapy other than as prescribed by a doctor has been studied. The possibility of combined pharmacotherapy in neuro-oncology is indicated. Marketing studies of medicines for neuro-oncology pharmacotherapy have been conducted. The medicines are presented in different dosage forms: solutions for infusions, injections, capsules and lyophilisates. The manufacturers of these medicines are pharmaceutical companies from different countries: India, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Ukraine. The majority of medicinal products have indefinite registration in Ukraine, which indicates their availability on the pharmaceutical market for the treatment of neuro-oncological diseases. Causes of tumors, main histological groups of neoplasms, their degree of malignancy, symptoms of tumors, diagnostic methods, therapy and pharmacotherapy in neuro-oncology are given. Further research on the development of methods and preparations of pharmacotherapy for neuro-oncology is relevant and ongoing.

Tax Corruption: Legal Loopholes and Criminal Practices by High-Ranking Officials

Introduction: Tax corruption represents a critical issue that undermines economic stability and public trust, particularly when perpetrated by high-ranking officials. This study addresses the interaction between tax corruption and legal loopholes, highlighting how such gaps in the legal system facilitate criminal practices among powerful individuals.Purposes of the Research: The primary aim of this research is to explore how legal loopholes contribute to tax corruption and to examine the criminal practices of high-ranking officials involved in such activities. The study seeks to understand the systemic issues in tax administration and enforcement that allow these practices to flourish.Methods of the Research: The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis through interviews with tax officials and legal experts, with quantitative analysis of case studies involving tax fraud and evasion by high-ranking officials. This methodology provides a comprehensive view of both the legal and practical aspects of tax corruption.Results of the Research: : The findings reveal that significant legal loopholes, coupled with inadequate enforcement mechanisms, create opportunities for high-ranking officials to engage in corrupt practices with minimal repercussions. These corrupt practices undermine public confidence in tax systems and result in considerable revenue losses for the state.Conclusions: The research concludes that addressing tax corruption requires comprehensive legal reforms to close existing loopholes and enhance enforcement capabilities. Strengthening transparency and accountability mechanisms, along with promoting greater public oversight, are essential to mitigating the effects of tax corruption and restoring integrity in tax administration.

Some issues of public administration of education and science

Problem setting. The essential globalization changes require new approaches to the management of the educational sphere, which is an integral set of educational structures, relations, activities and consciousness that ensures the reproduction and development of the intellectual potential of society. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure an optimal ratio of newly introduced elements with traditional ones intended for the management of an educational institution. Analysis of recent researches and publications. The article mainly analyzes the provisions of Ukraine’s regulatory legal acts. Among domestic scholars, attention is drawn to the works of: V. E. Khoustova, O. I. Reshetnyak, V. A. Zinchenko, M. V. Kryvanych, I. V. Borisov. Purpose of research is to examine the legal regulation of the system of public administration of education and science at the conceptual level. Article’s main body. The draft Strategy of Innovative Development of Ukraine for 2010-2020 in the context of globalization challenges envisaged the need to reform the management of science and innovation and the need to create a new government body the Ministry of Science and Innovative Development, which would play a coordinating role in the scheme of innovation development management. The newly created ministry would have to formulate state scientific, technological and innovation programs that would be implemented in the interests of all ministries and departments, control and direct budget funds to the scientific, technological and innovation sphere, organize an examination of the effectiveness of scientific teams. Conclusions and prospects for the development. The state has experience in the establishment and functioning of an independent central executive body directly accountable to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, so the proposal for the functioning of such a specialized body is considered to be worthy of support and is quite possible to implement (using this experience with appropriate adaptation to current global challenges and improvement of certain provisions). In our opinion, the main drawback that contributed to the liquidation of the state committee was the lack of a systematic combination of the powers of the committee and the NAS of Ukraine in the field of science. 2. Specialized bodies for the development of science and innovation in Europe play a crucial role in the development of scientific research, technology and innovation, provide funding and support for scientific and technological projects, contributing to economic growth and social progress, so it is important to adopt this experience to ensure optimization of the management of science and education in Ukraine.

Evacuation planning for tourists: Lessons from cyclone Fani (2019), India

The evacuation of tourists before hurricanes or cyclones is grossly understudied compared to the evacuation of residents, especially in developing countries. To address this gap, the challenges encountered while evacuating tourists from Puri in India before Cyclone Fani in 2019 were studied. Key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the evacuation operation and their individual roles in it. The major administrative issues identified were: a) inefficiencies in risk communication and b) reactive approach to transportation supply management. Delayed actions led to confusion, insufficient transport supply and delayed the evacuation operation. Tourists were reported to show resistance against evacuation, when the authorities were enforcing the evacuation order. Their resistance stemmed from regret for their unfinished holiday, faith in Lord Jagannath as the savior of Puri, and eagerness to experience the cyclone for its thrill. According to the hoteliers' observations, the presence of elderly and child members in tourist groups motivated evacuation, while higher leftover stay duration deterred them from evacuating. To improve the timeliness of evacuation operations and manage behavioral issues, three categories of interventions are advocated.

Public Administration and National Security in Nigeria

The paper assessed public administration issues and challenges to national security in Nigeria. This is to know how public administration can be strengthened to curb threats to national security in Nigeria. It is a theoretical paper hence, it relied on data obtained from relevant published textbooks, journals, newspapers, and conference papers. The data collected were analysed through the descriptive method. Using the structural functionalism theory, public administration was identified as a critical instrument of government to achieve its national security goal of Nigeria. It found that public administration has not been able to provide the expected national security in Nigeria. The unfriendly and paralysing situations of the political and socio-economic environment, the collapsing conditions of good governance, and the leadership crisis were found as issues and challenges facing public administration on national security in Nigeria. The paper concluded that public administration is what the government uses to maintain national security but could not provide the expected results due to issues of poor political environment and crisis of leadership. It recommended, among others, the redefinition of political structure and rebirth of leadership in Nigeria to promote a better and more friendly political environment that is conducive for public administration to discharge its function of national security in Nigeria.

Evaluation of Proper Treatment Delivery and Time of Initiation of Treatment After Hospitalization by Nursing Staff in Kuwait Teaching Hospital Peshawar

Background: Medication errors are a pressing public health concern, leading to adverse outcomes and substantial healthcare costs. This study examines the incidence of drug administration errors, emphasizing the critical importance of timely treatment initiation. Delays in treatment pose significant risks to patient safety, highlighting the need for improved medication delivery protocols and enhanced patient care practices in hospitals. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study in a Kuwait teaching hospital's paediatrics unit, involving 120 participants, utilized non-probability convenient sampling. Data collection from patient files and attendants utilized a specially designed form. Data was collected by observing one patient for 24 hours. Participants were instructed to retain medication vials. Permission was obtained from the department head, and oral informed consent was secured. No personal identifiers were recorded. Interventions included workshops and performance evaluations, leading to observed improvement. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22. Results: Baseline data showed variations in dose administration across departments, with notable discrepancies in proper drug administration alignment with prescriptions. Treatment initiation delays were significant, and patient satisfaction was moderate. Post-intervention, improvements were observed in dose administration, although treatment initiation delays persisted. However, patient satisfaction notably increased following interventions. Conclusion: Our study highlighted several critical issues in medication administration, such as delays in treatment initiation, improper dose administration, and missed doses. Implementing training sessions and workshops for nursing staff will ensure the best practices and they can manage their responsibilities more effectively.

The Impact of Social Assistance on The Community In Bendoroto Village, Munjungan Sub-District, Trenggalek District

This research aims to evaluate the impact of social assistance on the community in Bendaroto Village, Munjungan District, Trenggalek Regency. The focus of this research is to understand the type of social assistance received, the economic and social impacts felt by the community, and the problems faced during the implementation of the program, Such problems include administrative issues and inequities in disbursement that result in delays in aid disbursement, which reduces aid effectiveness and hampers financial planning. The research methods used include surveys and interviews. The survey results showed that the majority of respondents received direct cash assistance (BLT) and food assistance, with 60% reporting an increase in purchasing power and 45% experiencing an increase in food consumption. Significant social impacts were also seen from the reduction of financial burden for 70% of respondents and the increase in productive motivation for 50% of respondents. However, significant problems were also identified, such as uneven distribution of aid (55%), delays in distribution (60%), and lack of information regarding aid (45%). These findings show that although social assistance contributes positively to economic and social well-being, there are weaknesses in implementation that need to be improved. Recommendations to increase the effectiveness of social assistance include improvements in the distribution system, increased transparency, and better counseling on the use of assistance. This research provides important insights for the development of social assistance policies that are more effective and responsive to the needs of the community

Anticipatory prescribing in community end-of-life care

ObjectivesOur work aims to critically review the use of anticipatory medicines in our inner-city hospice community population and whether our current practices are fit for purpose.MethodsRetrospective audit of community palliative...

Formation of state policy in the field of public administration and effective control over officials and civil servants who conceal administrative offenses

It is indicated that a significant number of scientific works are devoted to the issue of defining the term, as well as the powers and characteristics of official and official persons. However, research in the field of public policy formation in the field of public administration and effective control over officials and civil servants who conceal administrative offenses is relevant and important for ensuring democracy, the rule of law, and citizens’ trust in government structures. Despite existing regulations and mechanisms that regulate the powers and responsibilities of officials, the problem of hiding administrative offenses remains a serious challenge. According to the principle of the rule of law, the state is obligated to ensure equality before the law and accountability for violations. In the modern world, issues of public administration and control over the activities of officials and civil servants are crucial for upholding the rule of law and fostering trust in governmental structures. The problem of concealing administrative offenses by officials has become pressing due to the expansion of their powers and responsibilities to society. This article undertakes a deep analysis of the legal definitions and legislative precision in defining the terms of officeholders and civil servants, their granted powers, and explores cases of concealing administrative offenses. Various aspects are examined in the article, specifically the delineation of powers vested in officials (civil servants) and the accountability of officials for their actions. The authors emphasize the necessity of establishing effective mechanisms for oversight and supervision to prevent impunity within governmental structures and ensure fair application of the law. All facets explored in the article aim to promote the development of legal culture, strengthen trust in governmental bodies, and ensure transparency and legality in society. The authors provide a detailed examination of the harm caused to the state and society by officials and civil servants through their actions of concealing administrative violations.

Ombudsman in Malaysia: An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in promoting good governance principles

This research focuses on the ombudsman in Malaysia and its importance in strengthening good governance in civil state service. Public complaints towards maladministration and abuse of power of the government administrators or authorities have always been an issue that must be resolved in order to ensure that the government authorities are performing their functions within their jurisdictions. Ombudsman has been introduced in European countries to settle maladministration issues. In Malaysia, the current ombudsman system is adopted by the OFS which is situated in Kuala Lumpur and Integrity and Ombudsman Unit Sarawak (UNIONS) under the Premier Department of Sarawak. The implementation and effectiveness of ombudsman system will be analysed and comparison will be made to Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and United Kingdom; which have adopted and practised ombudsman in their systems; particularly with regards to administrative law issues. This study shall improve the society’s awareness on the importance of ombudsman as one of the alternatives to resolve public complaints towards government administrators.

A smart-contract-based adaptive security governance architecture for smart city service interoperations

Smart cities represent a promising paradigm aimed at enhancing citizens’ quality of life through cutting-edge infrastructure and technological advancements. Collaborative services serve as a cornerstone for any smart city, fostering seamless cooperation among diverse entities, including government agencies, businesses, and individuals, thereby enhancing community outcomes. These services are pivotal, promoting seamless communication and collaboration among various smart applications, and facilitating data exchange, resource sharing, and functional interactions within smart city environments to optimize efficiency, effectiveness, and user experiences. However, the development and deployment of secure, interoperable services in smart cities present significant challenges. These issues encompass, ensuring data security compliance during interoperation, effective management of interconnected services, securely handling sensitive data across services, and addressing issues related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) traits. To tackle these challenges, this research proposes an innovative adaptive security governance framework tailored for smart cities. This framework relies on dynamic security policies implemented through smart contracts to guarantee data security and privacy during smart service interoperation. Real-world use cases in collaborative smart city environments validate the framework, integrating multi-chain blockchain technology, smart services APIs, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN), showcasing its ability to enhance security and efficiency in collaborative services. This study contributes to the development of safe and efficient collaborative services inside smart cities, tackling administrative issues while emphasizing data security and privacy. Smart cities may improve citizens’ living conditions while successfully addressing crucial security problems in an ever-changing environment by using this architecture.