Public Management Research Articles

Achieving sustainable development goals from public (dis)value: evidence from Italy

Purpose The rising focus on effective pathways to sustainable development has led to the conceptualization of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as an institutionalization of public value. However, further exploration of public value creation processes, particularly through the lens of public (dis)value, is now advocated by scholars and policymakers. This study aims to understand the role of local ecosystems in enabling sustainable development within local communities through a public value regeneration process. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a case study methodology to examine Fattoria dei Primi, a social agriculture and urban regeneration initiative led by the Italian social cooperative Semi di Vita, with the mission to transform confiscated assets into new public goods. Findings A framework is developed to facilitate practices of public value regeneration and sustainable development. This framework offers a structured approach to understanding the actors, roles and stages involved in the regeneration process, identifying enablers and triggers across the stages of (1) value destruction, (2) value regeneration and (3) new value creation. Practical implications The findings offer valuable guidelines for public administration managers, institutions and policymakers to support public regeneration initiatives and progress toward the sustainable development in alignment with the UN Agenda 2030. Originality/value This study provides an initial examination of the mechanisms driving public value regeneration, demonstrating how collaboration among various stakeholders, including public, private and hybrid organizations, can facilitate regenerative processes and advance the SDGs.

Mitigating risks in public procurement

Purpose This study aims to examine the challenges and risks in public procurement, focusing on Greece’s context within the EU framework. It seeks to provide guidance on mitigating potential risks throughout different stages of public procurement by leveraging the knowledge of Greek professionals and existing literature. The research explores the implementation of the national public procurement plan in Greece, aiming to accelerate contract awards, reduce bureaucracy, promote competition and encourage cost-effectiveness among contracting authorities. Design/methodology/approach The study uses a qualitative approach, combining a literature review with expert interviews. Greek professionals with extensive experience in public procurement were consulted to gather insights on current practices, challenges and risk mitigation strategies. The research also analyzes EU public procurement strategies and their implementation in Greece. This mixed-method approach allows for a comprehensive understanding of the public procurement landscape, integrating theoretical frameworks with practical insights from industry experts. Findings The research reveals significant improvements in Greece’s public procurement sector despite persistent irregularities and challenges. Key findings include the need for increased transparency, professionalization of sector staff, support for SMEs and enhanced digitization. The study identifies specific risks at various stages of the procurement process and proposes mitigation strategies. It also highlights the importance of implementing the national public procurement plan to streamline processes, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and promote competition and cost-effectiveness. Social implications Effective public procurement management has far-reaching social implications. By improving the quality and efficiency of public spending, it can enhance public services and infrastructure, ultimately benefiting citizens’ quality of life. Increased transparency and fair competition can foster trust between citizens and government, promoting a culture of accountability. Supporting SMEs in public procurement can stimulate economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, promoting sustainability and innovation through procurement practices can contribute to broader societal goals such as environmental protection and technological advancement. Originality/value This study provides a unique perspective on public procurement challenges and risk management in Greece within the EU context. By combining insights from experienced Greek professionals with a comprehensive literature review, it offers practical, context-specific guidance for risk mitigation in public procurement. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on public procurement reform in EU member states, particularly those facing similar challenges to Greece. Its findings and recommendations can inform policy-making, improve procurement practices and enhance the overall effectiveness of public spending in Greece and potentially other EU countries.

智汇岐黄，创领未来：科技赋能下的中医药传承与全球创新——2024TCMIID®中医药传承创新发展大赛综述Wisdom in Qi-Huang, Leading the Future: TCM Inheritance and Global Innovation Empowered by Technology: A Review of the 2024 TCMIID® Competition on Preservation and Innovative Development of Traditional C

2024 TCMIID® 中医药传承创新发展大赛展现了中医药与现代科技深度融合的最新成果，推动了中医药在智能诊疗、理论创新、健康管理、产业升级及国际推广等方面的发展。本综述系统分析了大赛的获奖作品，归纳总结其在人工智能赋能中医诊疗、现代中医理论创新、生态康养、绿色中医药产业化及国际传播等方面的创新点。研究发现，人工智能、大数据、区块链等技术正在推动中医药的智能化、标准化和国际化进程；中医药的理论现代化与科学验证成为行业发展的关键课题；健康管理与公共卫生结合，中医药的个性化、精准化应用日益增强。此外，绿色中医药产业链与ESG发展模式促进了行业的可持续发展。未来，中医药的高质量发展将依赖科技创新、标准化建设、国际市场拓展及绿色转型，以实现更广泛的全球影响力。 The 2024 TCMIID® Competition on the Preservation and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine showcased the latest achievements in integrating TCM with modern technology, driving advancements in intelligent diagnosis, theoretical innovation, health management, industrial transformation, and international promotion. This review systematically analyzes the award-winning projects, summarizing their innovations in AI-powered TCM diagnostics, modernization of TCM theories, ecological wellness, green TCM industrialization, and global dissemination. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain technologies are accelerating the intelligence, standardization, and globalization of TCM. The modernization and scientific validation of TCM theories remain critical areas for development, while personalized and precise TCM applications are increasingly incorporated into public health management. Additionally, the green TCM industry chain and ESG-driven development models are fostering sustainability in the sector. In the future, the high-quality development of TCM will rely on technological innovation, standardization, international market expansion, and green transformation, ultimately enhancing its global influence.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND REFORM OF PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONDITIONS OF FULL-SCALE WAR IN UKRAINE

In recent years, the processes of digitalization of public services and business processes in public institutions in Ukraine have been developing at an accelerated pace, which contributes to the implementation of reforms that are due to Ukraine's desire to join the European Union. The EU provides comprehensive assistance, support in expanding infrastructure, and developing new software solutions for public institutions in order to strengthen their potential in preparation for digital transformation. However, the full-scale war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, which was launched by the aggressor country in February 2022, creates many obstacles in the processes of consolidating efforts to modernize the public finance management sector. Such obstacles include: lack of sufficient influence and control from line ministries; full automation of business processes; insufficient level of integration and interaction between structures; incoherence in the development of information technologies in departments; lack of comprehensive policies for information protection and countering cyber threats, which is especially relevant in conditions of full-scale war; lack of consolidated data for prompt and effective decision-making, etc. To solve the outlined problems during the war, we have generalized approaches to the digital transformation of public services taking into account world experience and substantiated the feasibility of its use in domestic practice, in particular in the budget process, in the social sphere. Particular attention is paid to reforming approaches to budget planning, which is aimed at ensuring macroeconomic balance in the state. It is proven that digital transformations as innovative reform processes will increase the efficiency of interaction between state administration and local self-government bodies, with business structures and active members of civil society, and increase the openness and transparency of the activities of government representatives.

Evaluating fiscal supports on the public–private partnerships: a hidden risk for contract survival

Abstract While public–private partnerships (PPPs) have the potential of bridging infrastructure gaps in developing countries, frequent contract renegotiations and terminations pose significant fiscal challenges. This article investigates whether government fiscal risk-taking—through guarantees or subsidies—along with the strength of underlying fiscal institutions can explain the high incidence of contract distress. Employing matching and a control function method, the analysis reveals that the contract hazard ratio increases by a factor of 3 when government guarantees are issued for PPPs. Furthermore, using a causal survival forest model, it assesses treatment effect heterogeneity of the fiscal supports. The results show that the risk of contract disputes is most pronounced in developing countries at the bottom quintile of public investment management capacity. These findings underscore the critical role of robust infrastructure governance as a prerequisite for effectively leveraging the benefits of PPPs.

Development and evaluation of a next-generation sequencing methodology for measles virus using Oxford Nanopore Technology.

We report the development of a bench protocol and evaluation of bioinformatics pipelines for the whole genome sequence (WGS) of measles virus (MeV) genotype D8. We established a bench protocol using 1 kb amplicons tiling the MeV WGS. Four different pipeline parameters were assessed based on two basecallers and two quality thresholds: Guppy simplex with Q-score thresholds of 20 and 25 (G20 and G25), and Dorado duplex with Q-score thresholds of 20 and 25 (D20 and D25). Using a reference genome, we determined that complete genomes were obtained down to 10 copies/µL with all four parameters; however, errors began to be detected in the consensus sequence at 100 copies/µL. A panel of specimens from 32 measles cases, for which measles WGS had been obtained by other methods (reference sequences), was used to assess the utility and accuracy of the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) for the purposes of measles surveillance. We found that a crossing point (Cp) value of 31 (corresponding to approximately 100 copies/µL) or less could be considered a predictor for the generation of accurate and complete WGS. The GQ20 parameter achieved the most complete genomes (75%) and had the most identical sequences (84.4%). Error rates compared with the reference sequences for all parameters were below one nucleotide per whole genome. After assessing the reproducibility, GQ20 had the most identical sequences (97.4%). Finally, we inserted ONT-generated WGS and reference sequences into outbreaks with known epidemiological links, and our results show that the ONT WGS matches the epidemiological data. This evaluation establishes that NGS generated by ONT produces accurate and reliable MeV WGS.IMPORTANCEThe use of ONT-sequencing platforms has the potential to expand the availability of measles sequencing as a result of its relatively lower cost and portability. This study establishes that measles sequences generated by ONT are accurate and reliable. This will enable sequencing in global regions where there is a lack of sequence data (which also tend to be the measles exporting regions) and more timely sequencing in low incidence settings, due also to the lower number of samples needed for the ONT platform. More timely generation of these data enables better investigation of cases, which informs public health response and outbreak management in measles-eliminated countries.

Human Rights between Non-governability and Political Culture – A New Approach in Human Rights Analysis

This article calls for a new approach in human rights analysis. It points out on a new definition of human rights as a collection of practices in the policy areas of a given specific human right. The article analyzes the politics and strategies of defending human rights. To do so, it integrates the tools of social choice theory with a unique institutionalist perspective that looks at both formal and informal factors. The analysis is novel in two important aspects. Based on institutional theory and social choice, we develop a theory that explains the political aspect of human rights policies in general as well as the functions of several players in the political arena, particularly politicians, bureaucrats, interest groups and the public. These political players operate amid three structural variables. The first is non-governability, that is the inability of the political system to formulate and implement systematic policy plans. Non-governability arises in an environment with a sectarian electoral system that is restricted to a particular group and a traditional public management system that is not oriented towards outcomes and efficiency. The second characteristic is a political culture that promotes short-term calculations over long-term goals. In its extreme form, this culture gives rise to alternative politics, a semi-legal pattern of do-it-yourself behavior that favors outcomes over process. The third characteristic is the judicialization of politics, the situation in which the legal system partially replaces the other authorities in a state. A case study in this paper attempts to examine the factors explaining the Mehadrin’ buses policy making on public transportation in Israel. The separation between men and women on these buses harms the constitutional principles of equality, human honor and dignity and freedom of religion and conscience.

Opportunities of trust in welfare management: From hierarchy and market to morality and social relations

Models for the development of Danish welfare continue to draw on trust as an important resource. This is expressed in efforts to promote debureaucratization, self-management and emancipatory governance. But what kind of trust are we talking about when we talk about trust in the public sector? The starting point of this article is that trust is not a singular entity but is expressed in different ways that are rooted in different models of public management and governance and their underlying assumptions. Thus, it is argued that the functioning of trust can be summarized in four paradigms: institutional trust, economic trust, moral trust and relational trust. The article presents the analytical, managerial and governance-related insights associated with the four paradigms and their interplay and makes suggestions for a relationally oriented research agenda on public trust.

Revolutionizing Public Management: From Bureaucracy to New Public Governance

In a globalized world moving towards the disappearance of economic borders, the competitiveness of countries has become a strategic issue that is no longer merely a matter of resources but also of optimizing their use. In this context, the governance of public organizations is crucial for ensuring better decision-making, the proper functioning of operations, and effective control within these organizations. In this regard, management paradigms in public organizations have evolved, transitioning from Max Weber’s traditional bureaucratic model to New Public Governance (NPG). The objective of this research is to highlight the organizational transformations within public organizations by theoretically examining the contributions, limitations, and challenges of three paradigms: bureaucracy, New Public Management (NPM), and NPG. The analysis reveals that NPG, based on collaboration, co-production, and networks, better addresses the complex challenges of the modern public sector by promoting more democratic and participatory governance.

Mortality and hospitalizations fully attributable to alcohol use before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic period was associated with increased alcohol consumption. We sought to estimate excess mortality and hospitalizations attributable to alcohol use in Canada between April 2020 and December 2022. Using data from the Canadian Vital Statistics Database and hospital Discharge Abstract Database (Jan. 2016 to Dec. 2022), we analyzed monthly mortality and hospitalization rates for conditions fully attributable to alcohol use in people in Canada aged 15 years and older. We estimated excess rates during the study period of April 2020 to December 2022 by comparing observed rates to expected rates, modelled using the autoregressive integrated moving average method, accounting for trends, seasonality, autocorrelation, and pandemic waves. Between April 2020 and December 2022, mortality fully attributable to alcohol in Canada increased by 17.6% (1600 excess deaths), and hospitalizations fully attributable to alcohol rose by 8.1% (7142 excess hospitalizations). Most increases occurred in the first 2 years, with deaths up about 24% and hospitalizations about 14%. Mortality rose by 55.4% in adults aged 25-44 years, 19.1% in those aged 45-64 years, and 2.6% in those aged 65 years and older, with similar increases among males (17.0%) and females (17.8%). Deaths rose by 11.7% in the highest income quintile, as compared with 17.0%-21.5% in the other quintiles. Excess hospitalizations were highest among people aged 15-24 years (20.3%) and 25-44 years (13.1%) and increased more for females (15.6%) than for males (5.7%). Regionally, mortality increased most in the Prairie provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta; 28.1%) and British Columbia (24.2%), whereas hospitalizations increased the most in the territories (Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon; 27.3%) and the Prairie provinces (14.6%). Alcoholic liver disease was the leading cause of excess mortality and hospitalizations, which increased by 22% and 23%, respectively. Mortality and hospitalizations fully attributable to alcohol increased substantially across different demographics and regions in Canada during the April 2020 to December 2022 period of the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive approach to preventing and managing high-risk drinking, alcohol use disorder, and alcoholic liver disease in the aftermath of the pandemic should comprise both public health and clinical management interventions.

Management and Improvement of Non-Oil Revenues in South Sudan

Purpose: The study looked at the management and improvement of non-oil revenue collection band mobilization on public financial management, as well as the obstacles that non-oil revenue collection faces in South Sudan. Non-oil revenues face several challenges, ranging from ineffective service delivery due to non-oil revenue collection. The key goal was to determine the management of non-oil revenue collection, develop public financial control and examine mechanisms for dealing with non-oil revenue collection issues, and ensure effective and consistent management of non-oil resources under South Sudan government policies and objectives. The study aimed at eliminating or minimizing to a bare minimum, the issues associated with non-oil revenue generation, non-oil revenue administration, tax base penetration, and difficulties in recognizing non-oil revenue mobilization. Methodology: The study used random sampling technique to determine a sample size of 150 respondents. Qualitative data was obtained from interviews using interview guides which were coded into themes and interpreted. Further data was analyzed to give it a broader and more meaningful picture of the sample. The study looked at the difficulties that come with collecting non-oil revenue. Findings: It was revealed that the National revenue authority does not keep a complete or accurate record of all taxable events or levies in its jurisdiction. There was no mechanism in place for keeping track of invoices and payments. Data on utilities, equipment, levies, and other items were done manually, making it vulnerable to manipulation and hence a major non-oil revenue loss. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends digitalization and computerized systems of all forms of non – oil revenues to improve non-oil revenue leakage along with property rate administration. The study further recommended for a non-oil revenue database method for capturing non-oil revenue, as well as a computerized non-oil revenue system to improve revenue capture and mitigate leakages. In addition, policymakers should enact policies that support non-oil revenue management to maintain improved government financial efficiency in South Sudan.

CONTENT AND FEATURES OF THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEMS IN THE «SOCIETY 5.0» ERA

The article highlights the peculiarities of the theoretical foundations of the digital transformation of public management and administration systems in the developed countries of the world and Ukraine. A detailed analysis of the formation and development of digitalization processes at the stage of humanity's transition to the era of the information society - knowledge society, or «Society 5.0» was conducted and it was established that the purposeful and planned transformation of national public administration systems on a digital basis is today a global trend. The leading countries of the world consider digitization as a priority national strategic task and a certain driver of new paradigms and concepts of public administration. The new «digital» management is characterized by complexity, organizational and contextual diversity, the very essence of management processes, which consists in the transition from traditional hierarchical and vertical «administration» to a horizontal network system of the platform type with extensive use of tools for digital service-oriented interaction of state authorities and citizen. It is substantiated that in the conditions of the post-war recovery of our state, one of the first steps should be the implementation of all possible steps regarding the further development of the processes of digitalization of state management and administration in Ukraine, which will significantly strengthen the internal human potential of our state and increase its competitiveness on world markets. The transition to a new «digital public administration» will lead to an increase in the quality of public services, a reduction in unjustified state intervention in the processes of self-regulation of market and social relations. This will make it possible to get rid of corruption, increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public administration of our country as a whole.

ABOUT THE MODEL OF HUMAN CAPITAL FORMATION OF EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

The article is devoted to substantiating the expediency and necessity of ensuring the continuous development, renewal and increase of human capital of human resources of socio-economic systems of any purpose, field of activity and scale, as well as the priority importance of the formation of adequate human capital among employees of the public administration system as a condition for effective use human resources of other systems and subsystems of Ukraine. It has been demonstrated that the interpretation of the personality model according to the RAEI method (I. Adizes) in the form of a J. Venn diagram, the use of appropriate test tools and the proposed analysis method to identify its functional characteristics and obtain useful information about the state of its human capital. allows to form conclusions and recommendations regarding its improvement by making appropriate changes and additions to educational and professional programs. In addition, the results of the experimental approbation of the model, the test and the analysis of the results also demonstrated the possibility of recommending it for use in personnel selection processes for the system of public management and administration.

FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF MECHANISMS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN PUBLIC GOVERNMENT BODIES AND MASS MEDIA IN UKRAINE

The article analyses the processes of formation and development of the mechanisms of public management of the interaction between the government and the media in modern Ukraine in peacetime and wartime, and on this basis, a number of promising ways of improving the state information policy in Ukraine are determined. A detailed analysis of the formation of world approaches to the meaningful essence and forms of interaction between institutions of public governance and the mass media was carried out. The processes of formation and development of state information policy in independent Ukraine are characterized, and several models of interaction between state authorities and mass media are highlighted. The peculiarities of the interaction between the authorities and the media in wartime conditions and the conduct of an information war against Ukraine by the aggressor country are determined. The main problems and prospects for improving the mechanisms of interaction between the authorities and the media in the context of ensuring information security and information sovereignty in Ukraine are outlined. It was concluded that effective interaction between the authorities and the media plays a key role in the consolidation of the Ukrainian people, ensuring information security and transparency of the authorities' activities. Only the government's willingness to partner with the media and define common goals can ensure an effective information and communication policy, contribute to social progress and European integration of Ukraine. Therefore, the main task of state policy in the media sphere should be the support of democratic principles, the definition of clear criteria for the interaction between the authorities and the media, as well as the implementation of public control mechanisms for the transparency of decision-making.

V. I. VERNADSKY'S NOOSPHERE AND THE CONDITION FOR PROVIDING THE «DICTATORSHIP OF MIND» IN HUMAN COMMUNITIES OF TERRITORIAL COMMUNITIES OF UKRAINE

The article, based on the analysis of the existing experience of using management technologies of involvement, participation and inclusion of human resources in the processes of development, adoption and implementation of management decisions important for the development of territorial communities (TC) of Ukraine, demonstrates that these technologies are still used in practical management to a very limited extent. This is caused by residual manifestations of the traditions of command-administrative management, inherent in the institutional structure of the Soviet period and the long-term impact on the formation of the consciousness of human resources on the principles of collectivism, centralized management and the laws of a non-market economy. It is shown that the radical changes taking place in Ukrainian society require adequate changes in public management technologies at all levels of the state management hierarchy and, first of all, at its basic level – territorial communities, for which it is necessary to intensify the use of the main resource of their population – social, integral or collective intelligence, capable and must ensure the «dictatorship of mind» in the management of the life of communities. A method, tool and conditions have been proposed, under which only people mentally oriented and prepared to work for the benefit of the community, and not personal or group interests and goals, will be included in the leadership and staff of a local government body. The results and conclusions obtained can potentially be used to manage the necessary changes in individual and group intellectual portraits of human resources of communities, which will require a number of additional experimental studies.

ON THE ISSUE OF IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN THE SPHERE OF HIGHER EDUCATION: PHILOSOPHICAL AND WORLDVIEW ASPECT

The article examines the issues of improving the effectiveness of public administration in the field of higher education in a philosophical and ideological aspect. Education is characterized as the basis of the social, political, economic, spiritual and cultural development of the nation. The importance of modernizing management mechanisms at the state level in the field of higher education is proven. The conditions for ensuring the proper level of development of the educational market are investigated. The importance of decentralization in the field of higher education and expanding the autonomous capabilities of higher education institutions in Ukraine is substantiated. The challenges facing the national system of higher education as of today are characterized. Higher education is considered as a sphere for the activities of public administration bodies. The importance of applying the methodology of social and organizational design in reforming public administration of higher education is substantiated. It is proved that the essence of social and organizational design lies in the scientifically based determination of opportunities for the implementation of targeted organizational changes in social systems and institutions, which is used to solve specific management tasks. The fact is substantiated that with the introduction of the principles of humanism, democracy, autonomy of higher educational institutions, as well as public-private partnership and public-public management into the legislation, the main scientific research in Ukraine will be focused on the development and implementation of effective mechanisms for implementing legislative changes in the management system of higher education. The essence of public management in the field of higher education is determined, as well as the most important principles according to which it is carried out at the current stage of development of social relations, in particular in our state. The functions of public management in the field of higher education are presented.

Developing a comprehensive framework for evaluating public health emergency management program implementation: A scoping review.

Public health emergencies and disasters highlight gaps in health systems' emergency preparedness capabilities. Developing robust public health emergency management (PHEM) programs is crucial yet challenging. Existing assessment tools are limited in scope or lack standardized measurement. The aim of this study was to identify core domains of PHEM implementation status and key influencing factors. A scoping review. A literature review and focused desk review were conducted. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to retrieve relevant studies that explored existing PHEM frameworks, core components, factors influencing implementation, and evaluation tools presented in empirical studies. Additionally, a systematic search of authoritative organizational websites was performed to identify relevant guidelines and frameworks. Subject matter experts consolidated the findings from these diverse data sources through a consultative desk review process. Out of 7232 studies identified, 50 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Four core domains of PHEM implementation status were identified: overall implementation level; individual factors (capacity building, resources, engagement, and attitudes); organizational factors (information sharing, community involvement, planning, responsibilities, resources, leadership, monitoring/evaluation, coordination, infrastructure, and policies); and overarching factors (workforce, funding, governance, and collaboration. Nineteen key influencing factors emerged, including elements such as leadership, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement. A conceptual framework was developed that incorporates these thematic domains from major health agencies and determinants identified through qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. This review developed a preliminary evaluation framework for PHEM programs based on a comprehensive synthesis of global evidence. The framework lays the groundwork for further validation and application to advance standardized assessments of PHEM capabilities across diverse contexts, ultimately aiming to strengthen health system resilience against emergencies.

Enhancing capacities for sustainability transition policy design: Lessons from French pesticide reduction plans

CONTEXTReducing pesticide use has become an important policy objective in several countries, yet many have failed to reach their goals. Policies need to be more systemic to address lock-ins hindering pesticide reduction. To do so, policymakers must improve policymaking processes, while ensuring active stakeholder participation. This requires specific policy capacities, which have not yet been characterized. OBJECTIVEThis article aims to identify policy capacities needed to improve the collective elaboration of pesticide reduction policies and integrate a systemic approach. METHODSWe studied the collective elaboration of the French pesticide reduction plans. We built a narration of the policy process organized by policymakers, based on semi-structured interviews and an analysis of grey literature. We then reflected on which policy capacities policymakers needed to better manage the policy design process, using the “management situation” concept. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSOur results show that to better design pesticide reduction policies, policymakers lacked four types of interdependent “policy capacities”: capacities to support collective sensemaking about lock-ins, to co-design interdependent and multi-level instruments, to co-design suitable implementation structures and to ensure learning. These results highlight an issue of dynamic capabilities in public organizations. SIGNIFICANCEOur results provide concrete proposals to improve design processes for pesticide reduction policies aiming at systemic transformations: there is a need to develop new methods, tools, analytical resources and training programs for policymakers, to support the development of the policy capacities identified. These results also suggest avenues for future action-research between public management, systemic agronomy, sustainability and design sciences.

Evidence-Based Umbrella Review of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation in Chronic Neuropathic Pain.

Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques (NIN), such as transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), have been extensively researched for their potential to alleviate pain by reversing neuroplastic changes associated with neuropathic pain (NP), a prevalent and complex condition. However, treating NP remains challenging due to the numerous variables involved, such as different techniques, dosages and aetiologies. It is necessary to provide insights for clinicians and public healthcare managers to support clinical decision-making. This umbrella review aims to consolidate existing evidence on the effectiveness of various NIN in managing chronic NP. A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE database, including meta-analyses of controlled trials comparing NIN techniques with sham interventions for NP treatment. The quality of included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool and the GRADE system, with effect sizes adjusted to the standard mean difference (SMD). The review included 22 meta-analyses comprising 8151 participants from 214 controlled trials. The most investigated NIN techniques were tDCS and rTMS, with primary targets being the motor cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The findings suggest that excitatory protocols, particularly high-frequency rTMS and anodal tDCS, are effective in reducing pain intensity in individuals with NP. However, the overall quality of evidence was rated low, primarily due to heterogeneity among studies and small sample sizes. NIN techniques show promise in managing NP, with potential benefits in pain reduction. However, further high-quality research is needed to establish optimal protocols and long-term effects. This paper consolidates the evidence regarding non-invasive neuromodulation for the treatment of neuropathic pain, including differentiating the most effective techniques based on the aetiology of pain, and provides clinicians with easy access to this critical information. It also highlights key aspects that require further research in the field of non-invasive neuromodulation and neuropathic pain.

Federated public key infrastructure management for secure internet of things interoperability

Proliferating the internet of things (IoT) across all industry fields offers numerous possibilities for invention. It also multiplied the issues of ensuring uniform interoperability among a wide range of devices and platforms. The focus of this paper is to propose an approach for enhancing the security of IoT networks. This study investigated the possible efficacy of employing a federal public key infrastructure (PKI) structure system to serve IoT-based ecosystems. To achieve this goal, we have developed an elaborate experimental framework incorporating different trust models, security protocols, privacy enhancements, and performance metrics that demonstrate the practical benefits of this kind of federated system. One of the contributions of this study is an experimental model that mimics a real IoT ecosystem. It entails many IoT devices, installing vital PKI elements, and the development of safe information transmission channels. Measurements such as latency pointed out the feasibility of various IoT concepts, including such short response time as 2.8 ms for vehicular IoT (V2X). Measures for interoperability ranged with V2X having a 96.4% success, indicating the strength of the standards within that segment. This study reveals the benefits of a federated PKI management system for solving issues of IoT interconnectedness.