Public Resource Management Research Articles

Automated Water Quality Assessment Using Big Data Analytics

Water is one of the world's most precious resources, essential to life. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban discharge degrade water, rendering it unfit for consumption. Water quality monitoring and evaluation are more important than ever. Big Data analytics is used to examine water quality utilizing enormous datasets of pH, hardness, solids concentration, chloramine, sulfate, conductivity, organic carbon, trihalomethanes, and turbidity. This work classifies water potability, which is vital for human consumption, using strong machine learning on massive datasets. Classifiers were Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Support Vector Machine on 3,276 water bodies. The Random Forest classifier obtained the highest accuracy at 66.77% after significant data preparation and training, followed by Gradient Boosting at 66.01% and SVM at 62.80%. This shows that Big Data analytics and machine learning algorithms can interpret complex water quality data for public health and natural resource management. The Random Forest classifier and SVM in this study accurately calculate water potability. Prediction algorithms consider water cleanliness data and may aid public safety and water resource monitoring.

Towards a Conceptual Approach on the Connections of Urban Metabolism and Entropy with the Human Habitat

The complexity of urban areas has motivated the search for integrative approaches. This paper addresses three topics—human habitat, urban metabolism, and urban entropy—to explore their links within the context of urban territory and sustainability. The lack of approaches, outlooks, and synergies motivates the search for an integrated conceptual framework, what I originated as a review of published works to contribute an interdisciplinary and multiscale outlook. From reviewing 41 articles, published from 1960 to 2020, definitions were extracted, original concepts were identified, synthetic definitions were formulated, and basic elements were identified to be integrated into a first synthetic approach, both illustrative and schematic. Eighteen binding key concepts, which were derived from 83 definitions, were incorporated into the proposed conceptual framework. We suggest that the human habitat, urban metabolism, and urban entropy are strongly interrelated, confirming the utility of the proposed conceptual framework and showing the potential to generate methodological approaches that integrate one or several conceptual elements that comprise it. Demonstrating the explicit bond between definitions, concepts, and components integrated systematically into the proposed conceptual framework is innovative in the field of scientific investigation, considering its applicability to public policy, resource management, or sustainable urban planning.

Digitalization of Public Finances and Public Procurement in Morocco

This article explores the impact of the digitization of public finances and the dematerialization of public procurement on the business climate in Morocco. Through empirical analysis, we demonstrate how these technological initiatives contribute to improving efficiency, transparency and economic competitiveness in a Moroccan context. Drawing on a robust methodology and data collected from a wide range of stakeholders, the study reveals a direct positive effect of dematerializing public procurement on the business climate. This process simplifies administrative procedures, reduces processing times and minimizes the risk of corruption, thereby boosting investor confidence and stimulating economic activity. While the influence of the digitization of public finances, while positive, does not appear to be statistically significant, it does include initiatives such as integrated financial management and budget transparency. These measures improve the management of public resources and reduce tax fraud, although their impact is more diffuse.

GESTÃO DE RECURSOS PÚBLICOS: PRÁTICAS DE REGULAÇÃO DOSANEAMENTO BÁSICO NO MUNICÍPIO DE PORTO VELHO- RO

This article analyzes the management and regulation practices of basicsanitation in the municipality of Porto Velho, Rondônia, focusing on the application ofpublic resources and the inspection of the Municipal Basic Sanitation Plan (PMSB).The research seeks to identify the main flaws and challenges in the administration andapplication of resources allocated to basic sanitation, in addition to understanding howregulatory practices are being implemented in the municipality. Through research anddocumentary analysis, it was observed that deficiencies in monitoring works andinspection compromise the effectiveness of the project. The objective is to verifywhether water supply, sewage collection and treatment and solid waste managementservices are being carried out in an efficient and sustainable manner, as provided for bythe Municipal Basic Sanitation Plan (PMSB). The research also intends to describe theinspection measures adopted, evaluating whether they are guaranteeing the quality anduniversalization of these services for the population. Furthermore, the investigationseeks to reveal the obstacles faced in the implementation of these public policies, suchas the lack of infrastructure, low sanitation coverage in urban and rural areas, to improveplanning, monitoring and transparency in the management of public resources.

State civil apparatus performance model: The role of transformational leadership, work autonomy, and work involvement

The performance of local government employees plays an important role in carrying out government functions and providing quality public services. This study aims to analyze the relationship between Transformational Leadership and Job Performance, focusing on the mediating role of Work Engagement and moderating Job Autonomy in the context of employees of the Sumenep Regency Government. Although the Sumenep Regency Government achieved an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) on the financial report, challenges in the form of ethical violations and low productivity remain. The research method used a questionnaire to collect data from 81 employees with the Slovin sampling technique, ensuring the representativeness of the results. The results of the analysis showed that Job Autonomy had a significant effect on Job Performance (O = 0.555; T = 5.551; p = 0.000), while Transformational Leadership did not contribute directly to Job Performance (O = 0.038; T = 0.468; p = 0.320). This study is expected to provide new insights into the mechanisms that affect employee performance in the public sector and suggest the application of the transformational leadership model as a strategy to increase employee work engagement and performance, as well as increase accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.

An exploration of the service and crime prevention performance of the municipal police departments of Taiwan’s counties: the perspective of broken windows theory

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the service and crime prevention performance of law enforcement agencies in Taiwan’s municipalities. By analyzing these performances, the study seeks to improve the efficiency of police services through appropriate resource allocation, ultimately achieving enhanced crime prevention.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) to construct performance metrics. In the first stage, the service performance of the police force was measured using the number of police officers and police stations as inputs and the number of patrols and temporary patrol boxes as outputs. In the second stage, crime prevention performance was assessed with the number of patrols and temporary patrol boxes as inputs and cases of violence, injury, intimidation and theft as outputs. Additionally, a truncated regression model was employed to analyze the impact of environmental variables such as per capita income, population density, proportion of the population with higher education and the unemployment rate on crime prevention performance.FindingsThe study found significant variations in both service and crime prevention performance across different municipalities. By identifying the most efficient and inefficient units, the analysis revealed critical insights into resource utilization and areas needing improvement. The regression analysis indicated that environmental factors such as higher per capita income, population density, education level and unemployment rate significantly affect crime prevention performance.Originality/valueThis research provides a novel approach to assessing police service efficiency and crime prevention effectiveness using a two-stage DEA model. By incorporating environmental variables through truncated regression, the study offers a comprehensive evaluation framework that can inform policy decisions and resource allocation strategies. This methodology not only highlights the performance metrics of law enforcement agencies but also underscores the influence of socioeconomic factors on crime prevention, contributing to the broader literature on public safety and resource management.

Incorporation of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Quality of Life in Smart Cities

Rapid urbanization and low residential resources in cities are serious issues that are making city life difficult day by day. The development of smart cities is becoming a need of the present era due to the swift increase in population and environmental issues globally. Smart cities are being introduced in different regions of the world with the incorporation of latest technologies. The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the tools that can be used in smart building and cities. AI technologies are transforming public safety, trash management, healthcare, traffic control, and resource management, making cities more sustainable, effective, and responsive to their citizens' demands. There are still lack of awareness in some areas of the world on the efficacy of smart building and construction that is impacting negatively on the economy and growth of those countries.; such as Pakistan is one of those countries that is facing serious challenges due to increased population, urban migration, and poor management of natural resources. The need of planning smart strategies for smart building is very crucial to manage population and housing issues. Smart buildings and cities provide unique and convenient facilities to its residents so that they can contribute positively towards the economy of country. This paper focuses at important areas where AI has the most effects in order to investigate how integrating AI improves quality of life in smart cities. The aim is to highlight artificial intelligence's contribution to improving urban operations, streamlining resource management, and advancing sustainability. Additionally, potential concerns about privacy, data security, and fair access will be discussed. In order to show how AI-driven innovations like predictive analytics, machine learning, and IoT-enabled systems are changing the urban environment, the study synthesizes existing research and real-world examples. The evaluation also covers how AI promotes smart government, tailored urban services, and citizen involvement. The conclusion emphasizes that although AI has great potential to improve the quality of life in smart cities, implementation of the technology must be done in a balanced way to prioritize inclusive policies and ethical concerns for the general welfare of residents.

Special audit examination of the coactiva courts of the central bank of Ecuador, period 2013 - 2014

Auditing is a fundamental tool in the management of entities, ensuring transparency and efficiency through adequate controls. This study analyzes the "Special Audit Review of the Coactiva Courts of the Central Bank of Ecuador" conducted by the Superintendency of Banks during the period 2013-2014. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls and administrative processes of the coactiva court. The results reveal significant deficiencies, including a lack of coordination between the areas of the Recovery and Liquidation Department, inconsistencies in the records of insolvency and bankruptcy judgments, and informal management of portfolio recovery. These deficiencies represent a high risk for the bank's operations, affecting approximately 70% of the processes reviewed. A set of practical recommendations are proposed, such as the implementation of an information filing and systematization system, the updating of the lawsuit registry and the creation of an annual operational audit plan. These measures are aligned with international best practices and seek to improve efficiency, effectiveness and transparency in the management of public resources.

Experiences of parents with very premature-born children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders: A qualitative study.

Premature birth is a traumatic and stressful situation for parents who are immediately separated from their infant because of the newborn's need for specialized care. The staff of these units are in charge of following the principles of family-centred care and practices for neonates at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including providing training to the family during their hospital stay and after being discharged. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of parents of premature children at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in regard to care, interventions and assistance provided during the first months of their child's life. A qualitative descriptive study was carried out through individual interviews. The data analysis was conducted through a thematic analysis. The methodology and results were reported following the standards for preparing qualitative research reports and recommendations. Twenty-one parents of premature children were interviewed. From these interviews, three main themes emerged: (i) parents' perspectives on preterm birth risk communication, (ii) navigating parental support and early interventions in preterm birth and (iii) perceptions of preterm birth protective and challenging factors. The parents of premature children need to receive better communication about the care and interventions for their child, and it is necessary that health personnel are better trained in terms of management and administration of public resources. Strategies must be implemented that continuously guide parents on the follow-up and care of their premature child not only during their first moments of life but also after being discharged from the hospital. This study highlights the need to improve care for parents with premature infants at risk, emphasizing the necessity for health care system reforms and support structures, allowing health care professionals to enhance attention and care.

Artificial Neural Networks to Predict Metabolic Syndrome without Invasive Methods in Adolescents.

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide, and an increasing number of cases are diagnosed in younger age groups. This study aimed to propose predictive models based on demographic, anthropometric, and non-invasive clinical variables to predict MetS in adolescents. Methods: A total of 2064 adolescents aged 18-19 from São Luís-Maranhão, Brazil were enrolled. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical variables were considered, and three criteria for diagnosing MetS were employed: Cook et al., De Ferranti et al. and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). A feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) was trained to predict MetS. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to assess the ANN's performance. The ROC curve was constructed, and the area under the curve was analyzed to assess the discriminatory power of the networks. Results: The prevalence of MetS in adolescents ranged from 5.7% to 12.3%. The ANN that used the Cook et al. criterion performed best in predicting MetS. ANN 5, which included age, sex, waist circumference, weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, showed the best performance and discriminatory power (sensitivity, 89.8%; accuracy, 86.8%). ANN 3 considered the same variables, except for weight, and exhibited good sensitivity (89.0%) and accuracy (87.0%). Conclusions: Using non-invasive measures allows for predicting MetS in adolescents, thereby guiding the flow of care in primary healthcare and optimizing the management of public resources.

Threshold incentive mechanisms for the sustainable management of public resources.

Maintaining global ecological balance is inextricably linked to the effective governance of public resources. Previous studies have proposed the introduction of incentive mechanisms to mitigate the defection behavior within the scope of public resource management to facilitate sustainable utilization. However, these incentive strategies often present a considerable financial burden. Here, we first propose a two-threshold incentive scheme based on group state objectives, where the reward mechanism is triggered when the number of cooperators is below the threshold M, and the punishment mechanism is triggered when the number of cooperators is above the threshold Q. We further introduce an incentive mechanism by considering both resource and group thresholds, where incentives are implemented separately when the number of cooperators and the current quantity of resources meet thresholds. Our theoretical results reveal that introducing these two new mechanisms can effectively maintain cooperative behavior and sustainable resources while reducing management costs. However, if the initial resource level is low, the tragedy of the commons will still occur. It is recommended that the number of developers be reduced, the allocation be lowered, or the development simply suspended and the natural regeneration of resources be waited for.

Правове регулювання запобігання корупційним проявам в діяльності державної прикордонної служби в Україні в умовах воєнного стану

The article analyzes the legal regulation on the prevention of corruption in the activities of the State Border Service of Ukraine (SBSU) during martial law. Corruption poses a significant risk to national security, the efficiency of public resource management, economic development, and the stability of government. The legal definition of corruption refers to the use of official powers to obtain an unlawful benefit. In the context of martial law, the DPSU faced increased threats of corruption, in particular when controlling the state border. The article analyzes the main categories of anti-corruption legislation, including the prevention, prevention, prevention and counteraction of corruption, and also examines measures that can effectively reduce corruption risks in public administration. The main initiatives for the prevention of corruption cover a wide range of legal, organizational and educational measures aimed at eliminating the causes and conditions that can contribute to the commission of illegal actions.Effective management and control of state borders becomes especially important during martial law, when national security depends on the reliability of anti-corruption measures. In this context, the improvement of the legislative framework regulating the activities of the State Border Service of Ukraine, in particular regarding granting it the status of administrator of the Unified State Register of conscripts, conscripts and reservists, is important for strengthening control and reducing corruption risks at the border. Such changes will not only ensure more effective monitoring and compliance of border crossers with military and legal obligations, but will also help prevent the illegal movement of people across the border. These measures play a key role in ensuring the country’s internal stability and defense capability, especially in the face of military threats. Updating the legislation will also strengthen the legality of border service actions and increase their transparency, which is necessary to maintain citizens’ trust in state institutions.

The Design of a Strategic Platform for the Smart Supervision of Public Expenditure for Colombia in the Context of Society 5.0

The overarching vision of Society 5.0 seeks to integrate technology to enhance quality of life and address social issues, with the primary goal of creating human-centered communities, which nowadays represent the inhabitants of smart cities. In this context, this work addresses the design of a modular strategic platform for the smart supervision of public expenditure, to be used by the Directorate of Information, Analysis, and Immediate Reaction (DIARI) of the General Comptroller of the Republic (CGR) of Colombia as a significant contribution towards the country’s transition into Society 5.0. The design was performed by conducting a detailed literature review on fiscal control; performing a comprehensive analysis of the legal, organizational, and technological aspects of the country and the CGR; and developing six functional modules focused on topics such as continuous learning, strategic decision making, distinctive value, strategic achievements, capacity building, and organization, within a three-year implementation plan, through a participatory approach. This plan aims to integrate the platform to enable real-time monitoring, early detection of irregularities, and increased transparency in the management of data and public resources; since the start of the operation of the strategic platform in 2024, the DIARI increased the number of alerts generated by 29% over a three-month period with respect to the year 2023. The strategic platform for the DIARI of the CGR is useful for smart cities and the transition into Society 5.0 since it ensures efficient public expenditure management, enhancing transparency and citizen empowerment through modern technologies, data analytics, and active participation in governance processes.

Budget Control on Capital Project Delivery in Samburu County Government

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of budget control on delivery of capital project delivery in Samburu County-Kenya. Methodology: This study examined the effect of budget control procedures on the completion of capital projects using a descriptive research design. A total of 52 employees who were department heads and routinely took part in the budgeting process, belonging to the J, K, and L job groups, comprise the research sample. To effectively represent the intricate dynamics at work and to offer insightful information about how budget control affects the efficacy and efficiency of capital project delivery within the framework of the Samburu County Government, data was provided in linear regression models. Findings: The findings of this study can assist county governments in better understanding the factors that affect county budget management systems and performance as well as what needs to be changed to enhance the aforementioned budget performance. The findings can also be helpful to academics while looking into how budgetary control affects the provision of public services. Finally, it may offer politicians and other decision-makers new insights into the delivery of capital projects and the management of public resources. The study's results demonstrated that budget control significantly impacted capital project delivery in Samburu County, accounting for 77.3% of the variance with P ˂ 0.05. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study investigated how capital project delivery and budget control interact using the agency theory. Kenyan county governments and legislators should tighten budget control to address issues. The primary finding of the study was that counties can accomplish their financial and quantitative objectives with the aid of budget control. Additionally, it can help the county meet its goals, identify the operating activity items in the budgets, and fortify the relevant accounting structures.

An Analysis of the Law Governing Enforceability of the Reports of the Controller and Auditor General in Tanzania

Abstract Auditing public entities is crucial in ensuring that accountability, and transparency in the management of public resources. The paper examines whether there are any weaknesses in the laws weakening the implementation and enforceability of the CAG’s Reports in Tanzania. The findings indicate that the Government of Tanzania has consistently demonstrated a lack of effectiveness in implementing the reports given by CAG, leading to repeated mismanagement of public monies and other resources inside public entities. It is submitted that the amendment of the law regulating the functioning of the CAG is inevitable in order to enhance the enforcement of the Controller and Auditor General ‘s Reports. This paper argues that if the Annual General Report on the audit of Public Authorities, which highlights inefficiencies in the management of public institutions as reported by the Controller and Auditor General, is not implemented and enforced, the audit reports remain meaningless.

Does the Internal Control System Play a Strong Safeguarding Role Against Fraud in Local Communities?

This paper investigates the application of appropriate mechanisms and procedures for identifying, reducing, and suppressing fraud. Challenges and obstacles faced by municipalities in the implementation of internal controls for the prevention of fraud are also discussed. A survey was conducted in various Belgrade municipalities, and 162 usable responses were received. It was observed that there is a lack of internal control or that, where it exists, it is not sufficient to effectively manage fraud. Further, the results of the study indicate that only one element of fraud risk management, the level of education of employees, is significant in reducing fraud incidents. Namely, the education and training of employees contribute the most to fraud detection. The implications of these findings are discussed. Through the analysis of the relevant literature and research, this paper offers recommendations for improving internal control in local municipalities in order to reduce the risk of fraud and to increase responsibility in the management of public resources.

Modernization of government accounting in the Machala Canton, Ecuador: challenges and opportunities

The improvement of government accounting, essential for transparency and efficiency in the management of public resources, is a topic of growing importance in contexts such as the canton of Machala, Ecuador. This study, which adopts a mixed approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods, seeks to explore and understand the current challenges and opportunities for the modernization of the accounting system. Through surveys of public sector accountants, aspects such as the accessibility of financial information, obstacles such as the scarcity of specialized human resources and cultural resistance, as well as the transformative potential of technology in improving accounting processes were examined. The findings expose the need for integrated strategies that include international collaborations, training programs and citizen participation to promote more transparent and efficient financial management. This holistic approach is critical to address persistent challenges and move towards a more effective and accountable public administration in Machala Canton.

Seasonal Dynamics of the Genetic Diversity of Mycobacteria in the Waters of Some Lowlands in Buruli Ulcer Endemic Areas in Côte d’Ivoire

The aim of this study was to assess the seasonal dynamics of mycobacterial genes from aquatic ecosystems. To achieve this goal, two field trips were conducted in four towns endemic to Buruli ulcer in Côte d’Ivoire: Abidjan, Daloa, Tiassalé, and Yamoussoukro; one during the dry season and the other during the rainy season. Water was analyzed for the presence of the insertion sequence IS2404 using real-time PCR. Conventional PCR was then used to highlight MIRU/VNTR sequences. Following the analyses, six samples presented the MIRU 1 sequence during the dry season, with one copy found in three samples and two copies in another three. In contrast, during the rainy season, seven samples contained the MIRU 1 sequence, with two copies in one sample and three copies in two others. It is important to note that all samples were negative for the Locus 6 gene. This study highlights the significant impact of seasonal climatic conditions on the genetic composition of water samples and suggests a close correlation between genetic markers and mycobacterial contamination. These findings could have important public health and water resource management implications, as they provide additional information to understanding the risks associated with water contamination based on seasons. This seasonal approach to studying genetic markers in water samples opens new avenues for further research aimed at deepening our understanding of the dynamics of microbiological contaminants caused by mycobacteria in aquatic ecosystems.

Implementation Of Transparency and Accountability in Barangay Sta. Rita & San Nicolas Minalin, Pampanga

The research conducted in Barangay Sta. Rita and San Nicolas, Minalin, Pampanga, aimed to investigate the implementation of transparency and accountability among barangay officials. The study found a majority of female respondents, indicating a positive trend towards gender diversity in leadership roles. Furthermore, respondents in the 36-40 age group were most prevalent, suggesting active engagement from individuals with valuable experience. Marriage was common among respondents, reflecting the importance of familial support in leadership roles. High school graduates comprised the majority, highlighting the significance of practical knowledge in governance. Regarding tenure, a substantial number of respondents had served for 13-20 years, indicating deep community knowledge among experienced officials. In terms of transparency and accountability, the research uncovered commendable practices. Barangay officials demonstrated efficiency in budget management, public service delivery, local legislation, elections, infrastructure development, community engagement, conflict resolution, and resource management. The weighted means for each domain ranged from 3.73 to 4.10, indicating highly implemented practices across various governance aspects. These findings underscore the success of barangay officials in upholding high standards of transparency and accountability, serving as a model for effective local governance. The research suggests the importance of investing in professional development for officials, promoting gender and age diversity, and enhancing community engagement to sustain these positive practices. Ultimately, the implications extend beyond Barangay Sta. Rita and San Nicolas, highlighting the potential for positive change in local governance structures to improve community well-being.

State audit of the effective use of national resources

The article discusses and analyzes the possibilities of implementing state audit mechanisms in the management of public resources. The legislation on auditing, including control and accounting bodies, was reviewed, and the effectiveness of the use of national resources over the past four years was analyzed. Based on this, a conclusion was made about the stage of formation of the concept of auditing the effectiveness of the use of national resources in the domestic legal field, and measures were proposed to develop legislative initiatives in this area with subsequent implementation into the conceptual apparatus. In addition, the need has been identified for the Accounting Chamber, as well as for the Control and Accounting Bodies (hereinafter referred to as CSR) of subjects to coordinate activities with the internal services of companies and their compliance system in order to increase the effectiveness of controlling at all levels. The proposed measures can be applied in all regions of the Russian Federation in order to achieve the objectives of state development on time, in full and with minimal losses.