The article is devoted to a comprehensive study of institutional and legal mechanisms for ensuring legality and discipline in public administration bodies. The emphasis is on the analysis of the institutional control system, which includes state authorities, internal control services, specially authorized supervisory structures, and instruments of public control. The essence of legality as a fundamental principle of public administration is revealed, as well as discipline as a special type of official responsibility that ensures an adequate level of organization and professional behavior of civil servants. The work describes the current administrative and legal regulations in the field of control over the activities of public administration bodies, in particular, the norms that determine the procedure for internal and external control, the application of preventive and coercive measures, and the procedures for bringing employees to disciplinary responsibility. Particular attention is paid to the role of anti-corruption institutions, administrative justice, mechanisms of official supervision, and audit. It has been established that the current challenges of public authority transformation require improvement of the regulatory framework, increased efficiency of organizational structures, digitization of control procedures, and development of transparent accountability mechanisms. Based on an analysis of current approaches, the need for systematic modernization of legal instruments of control and supervision, strengthening of professional standards in the civil service, and introduction of innovative methods of ensuring legality, in particular, risk-oriented models of performance evaluation, has been substantiated. It is concluded that the effective functioning of institutional and legal mechanisms for ensuring legality and discipline is a key condition for the formation of a responsible, transparent, and public interest-oriented public administration.

This study explains how human resource management (HRM) practices function in Nepal and why adoption differs across sectors. It uses an explanatory qualitative design based entirely on desk research. A structured framework guided source selection, thematic coding across core HR domains, and an explanatory synthesis that links observed practices to contextual factors such as regulation, resources, leadership capability, and culture. Results show a dual trajectory. Private and joint-venture firms more often practice strategic HR planning, merit-based hiring, targeted training, and merit-linked appraisal. Public enterprises and smaller firms frequently retain administrative routines, weak planning, and formality-driven evaluations. Public bodies should insulate HR from political influence, introduce transparent succession planning, link appraisals to development and promotion, and fund regular upskilling. Private firms should deepen data-enabled talent systems and flexible job design. The paper clearly separates what is established in prior research from what is newly inferred for Nepal, using an issue-based, explanatory lens to connect sector, policy, and culture with HRM outcomes, thereby improving transparency and utility for managers and policymakers.

The text presents methodological considerations on the preparation of scientific studies devoted to the history of public administration. The author tried to demonstrate that such a study should include: an analysis of normative acts constituting the basis for the functioning of public administration; analysis of relations between public administration bodies and political authorities; characteristics of administration officers, with particular emphasis on their qualifications; characteristics of the official staff.

Еhe relevance of the research topic is due to high indicators of corruption and corruption-related offenses and practically unchanged low dynamics of the Corruption Perception Index, which fluctuates in the corridor from 32 to 36 points. Such a situation significantly affects the level of financial security of the entire country; therefore, it requires a managed process approach to anti-corruption policy. The goal was to build a holistic functional model that demonstrates how improving the formation and implementation of new anti-corruption management decisions can transform input data into financial results. For this purpose, the IDEF0 methodology with ICOM interfaces was applied, hierarchical decomposition from the context diagram to second-level subprocesses was used, versioning rules, a number of key concepts, and requirements for data transparency were defined. As a result, the A0 model was obtained with a decomposition into five processes, from maintaining an acceptable level of financial security to assessing and adjusting changes, and full ICOMs were formed for each process. Thus, subprocesses A21-A23, A31-A32, A41-A43, and A51-A53 were described, and tables of information on the course and directives for regulating such processes were constructed. The value of the research is that it translates the initially conditionally designated connection between corruption and the financial security of the state into a clearly structured process model for the further adoption of anti-corruption management decisions. The proposed functional model can be directly used by public authorities and financial control bodies for planning, coordinating, and assessing the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures. The results obtained create a methodological basis for further scientific research and practical reforms in the field of combating corruption and strengthening the financial security of the state.

The article presents the whistle-blowing system regulated in Art. 36 of the Code of Administrative Procedure, its role and significance in administrative proceedings and the mode of its application. The author contests the possibility of using the signaling notice after the authority falls into idleness. The argumentation in this, as well as in the wider context, was based on the main value governing administrative proceedings - relations at the level of citizen - power. In the following part, the contested in the doctrine possibility of multiple use of the mechanism of setting a new deadline for settling the matter was discussed. In his arguments, the author primarily took into account the arguments that support a prudent interpretation of the provisions on the prolongation of proceedings before public administration bodies and possible safeguards for the abuse of the institution described in Art. 36 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The main part of the considerations also covers the prerequisites for setting a new date for closing the proceedings. The article ended with a conclusion on the essence of the signaling provision in correlation with the main values governing public administration.

The choice of “fresh” water bodies for a cooling swim on a hot summer afternoon result in a life-threatening infection caused by a brain eating amoeba known as Naegleria fowleri. Reports of infections caused by this amoeba have recently surfaced reports from both in the United States of America, Australia and India. Naegleria fowleri is a eukaryotic free-living amoeba, which belongs to the Percolozoa phylum. This amoeba has 3 stages in its life cycle namely: a cystic from, a trophozoite form and a flagellate form. The trophozoite being the infectious stage. N. fowleri is typically found throughout our environment from bodies of fresh water to soil. The Ameoba is neurotropic and tracks along the nasal mucosa and via the olfactory nerve through the cribriform plate (which is not completely fused in the younger populous) to ultimately infect the olfactory bulbs and the brain, thus causing (primary amoebic meningoencephalitis) abbreviated as PAM. The treatment of PAM is both supportive and specific. A simple and trivial but proven method to prevent the infection is simply keeping one’s head above water when in such open bodies of fresh water. The adequate chlorination of public recreational swimming pools and bodies of water is empirical to aid in the control of the infection. Naegleria fowleri is a rare but deadly infection and the lack of an effective treatment and the associated high mortality rate can only thus be countered by increasing the publics knowledge and awareness surrounding the disease. Countries such as India are making remarkable breakthroughs with lower mortality rates, due to vigorous and intense surveillance, testing and aggressive treatment strategies. India’s success in controlling the outbreak should be used as the yardstick for other countries to follow on an international basis when trying to control this infectious Amoeba.

This study evaluates the role of the Ombudsman Institution in overseeing public administration in Türkiye, using a mixed-methods approach based on qualitative and quantitative data. It examines how far the Institution fills gaps in existing oversight mechanisms, how public bodies respond to citizen applications, and how effective it is compared with other oversight actors. A literature review traces its historical development, structure and functions, while statistical data from annual reports for 2013–2023 are analyzed and presented with graphs. The findings show that the Institution protects citizens’ rights in administrative decision-making, promotes legal compliance and strengthens the accountability of public institutions. The high rate of implementation of its recommendations by public bodies enhances its legitimacy and effectiveness. The study concludes that, with improvements in its legal mandate, the Ombudsman could become a more functional mechanism of public control and that it already plays a complementary and transformative role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Large quantities of construction materials are extracted from the Babai River to meet construction needs in the Bardiya District. The primary objective of this study was to examine the various properties of riverbed aggregates and to investigate the effects of coarse aggregates and their sources on the compressive strength of concrete. For this purpose, five different sites along a 15.5 km stretch of the Babai River within the Barbardiya municipality were selected based on accessibility, extraction area, and deposition. The sample aggregates were collected following the procedure specified in IS 2430-1986, Section 3. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the physical properties, namely specific gravity and water absorption. The results for these were in the ranges of 2.540–2.601 and 0.449–0.799%, respectively. Similarly, the Aggregate Impact Value (AIV), Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV), and Los Angeles Abrasion (LAA) values were found to be in the ranges of 6.52–10.74%, 13.45–16.24%, and 11.82–16.78%, respectively. M20 grade concrete cubes were cast using a nominal volumetric mix. The coarse aggregate source was varied, while the proportions of fine aggregate, cement, and the water-cement (w/c) ratio were held constant. The test results showed that the concrete cubes made with aggregates from the Lathuwaghat source achieved relatively higher compressive strengths, while those made with aggregates from the Babai Bridge site (near the Babai Irrigation Headworks) showed lower values at both 7 and 28 days. The findings of this study aim to provide valuable information on riverbed aggregates to local and public bodies within the construction industry.

Pakistan is utilising Artificial Intelligence in many areas particularly in security and public administration. Tools for example facial recognition cameras, large identity databases and digital monitoring systems are growing common in various major cities. These technologies can assist in crime reduction and service delivery and they also create questions about right to privacy of person because Pakistan does not keep a strong and complete data safety law. Many people do not aware about how their private information is being gathered & store and also there are no visible available rules that can limit how government departments can utilise this data system. Pakistan is a party to the ICCPR and Article 17 of the ICCPR safeguards everyone’s right to privacy. The United Nations Human Rights Committee reviewed Pakistan in HRC’s 2024 Observations and showed views about the way digital systems are being utilised by public departments or bodies. . HRC’s 2024 highlighted that facial recognition and other Artificial Intelligence devices may not have particular legal safety that Pakistan needs to make better laws, checks and transparency related to usage of AI tools/ devices. This research paper highlights how Pakistan utilises AI technologies particularly facial recognition and digital monitoring and analyses how these practices relate to Article 17 of the ICCPR. It explains the main thoughts about privacy, reviews available material on Artificial Intelligence and data safety describes Pakistan’s digital environment and examines whether current practices meet international human rights standards or not. The paper also tells practical reforms that can assist Pakistan be benefitted from AI without harming people’s rights to Privacy. The purpose is to show that technology can be helpful but only when it doesn’t violate human dignity and privacy Rights in accordance with ICCPR AND HRC’s 2024 concluding observations.

This study analyzes the issue of imposing administrative fines by public administration bodies in the Polish legal system. Using a dogmatic-legal method, the author verifies the thesis that the imposition of repressive administrative fines by executive authorities fulfills the material conditions of administration of justice and thus violates the constitutional boundary between the executive and judicial powers. Against the backdrop, he presents, among others, the police function of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority. The study, based on current and historical literature on the subject, judgments, and normative content, seeks the limits of punishment, drawing on the coexistence of judicial and administrative application of the law. The conclusions point to the need for a systemic correction of procedural and guarantee solutions in order to prevent the de facto transfer of judicial powers to non-judicial bodies.

The article presents the results of a comprehensive econometric study of the factors influencing the development of the tourism sector in the regions of Kazakhstan. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to diversify the regional economy and identify growth points in the context of increasing spatial disparities. The methodological basis used is the analysis of panel data for 17 regions of the country for the period 2001-2023. A multiple regression model was constructed, allowing for a quantitative assessment of the impact of key socio-economic indicators on the volume of tourism services. The research results show a significant disparity in the development of the regions of Kazakhstan. Leading regions with a high level of socio-economic development and developed tourism infrastructure were identified, as well as regions requiring priority attention and investment to unlock their potential. The results of the regression model demonstrate its high explanatory power (R² = 0.824), confirming the adequacy of the selected variables for analyzing the determinants of tourism development. It was established that consumer incomes (β = 0.385, p < 0.001) and the development of tourism infrastructure (β = 0.294, p < 0.001) have the most significant positive influence. At the same time, a statistically significant restraining effect of social inequality (β = -0.187, p < 0.001) and unemployment (β = -0.157, p < 0.001) was revealed. The practical significance of the study lies in the development of specific recommendations for the regional policy of tourism development, including the prioritization of measures to increase population income, infrastructure development, and the reduction of socio-economic disparities. The obtained results can be used by public administration bodies when forming spatial development strategies and support programs for the tourism industry in the regions of Kazakhstan.

ABSTRACT Unhealthy food marketing to youth on digital platforms is engaging and widespread, prompting calls from public health bodies to restrict and/or monitor this marketing. Yet little is known about what teenagers find persuasive within the online food advertisements they see, especially on teen-dominated platforms like TikTok. This exploratory study examines the visual style of food advertising on TikTok. Using multimodal thematic visual analysis, it assesses 422 TikTok food ads that 147 teens captured and deemed persuasive specifically due to ‘visual style.’ Seven visual styles were apparent: bold focus, ‘real,’ artistic, memeified, nostalgic, maximalist, and bespoke. This typology offers new insights into how teen-targeted food ads are visually persuasive within TikTok’s short-video format and reveals how meme-style aesthetics and traditional advertising are mobilized to seize teen attention.

The article investigates the institutional foundations and mechanisms for the implementation of state personnel policy in the public service system of Ukraine, emphasizing contemporary challenges and directions for improving human resource management. A comprehensive analysis of key state institutions responsible for the formation and implementation of personnel policy is conducted, including the National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service, the Center for Assessment of Candidates for Civil Service, and post-graduate education institutions. The study characterizes the legal and regulatory framework that forms the basis for modernizing the human resource management system. Personnel management mechanisms are examined, including modern competitive recruitment systems, performance evaluation of civil servants through KPIs and efficiency indicators, material and motivational incentives, digitalization of personnel processes, and continuous professional development based on the principles of lifelong learning. The main challenges hindering the effectiveness of personnel policy are identified, such as high staff turnover, insufficient digital competencies of civil servants, and weak integration of HR technologies into public administration. Directions for improvement are proposed, including the introduction of an integrated electronic HR management system, enhancing the institutional capacity of the National Agency, strengthening coordination between central and local authorities, developing a competency-based personnel reserve, and adapting European standards of human resource management (SIGMA, OECD). The scientific novelty of the study lies in the comprehensive combination of the analysis of legal and regulatory support, institutional mechanisms, and practical aspects of personnel management, which allows for the development of recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of public service and the development of a professional personnel corps in Ukraine. The results obtained can be used to improve state personnel policy, form a personnel reserve, and enhance the institutional capacity of public administration bodies.

The island of Crete, Greece is located in eastern Mediterranean region which is characterized by limited water resources. It hosts more than 6 million of tourists every year who consume large quantities of water during their vacations. The study of the interdependence between water and tourism industry in Mediterranean islands with limited water resources is important for their prosperity. Their nexus in Crete has been investigated based on existing data regarding water consumption and the local tourism industry. The share of direct water use in tourism in the total water consumption in Crete has been estimated and compared with other tourism destinations. Tourism industry affects water resources in Crete while water is a basic resource in tourism industry. The share of direct water demand in tourism to total water consumption in the island, at 3.06%, is above the global average, at 0.6%. The high share of direct water demand in tourism industry to total water consumption in Crete, the expected future increase in tourists’ arrivals and the future reduction of water resources due to climate change indicates that improved management of water resources is necessary to avoid water shortages and water-related conflicts. Our results could be useful to public authorities and private bodies related to tourism industry and water use in the island.

Background and aims Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of the rapidly increasing incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) in high-income countries, particularly in men. Studies have shown a lower awareness of HPV-associated cancers, particularly OPC, in men. This study assessed the information provided by health authorities on HPV-induced OPC in multiple high-income countries. Materials and methods A standardized search for HPV information was conducted on health authority websites. Webpages were categorized as high, moderate-to-low or no awareness according to the extent of patient information that was provided on the link between HPV and OPC. Results Seven health authorities demonstrated high awareness of the link between HPV and the development of OPC, 24 showed moderate-to-low awareness, and three exhibited no awareness. In European Medicines Agency Member countries, only 17.4% of the population had access to the high awareness content through their public health bodies. Conclusion and significance Only seven out of the 39 health authorities analyzed provided high awareness content on the link between HPV and OPC. This demonstrates the general lack of public awareness of this important link, suggesting public health bodies currently fail to prioritize this matter and do not provide relevant information to the public.

Kumbakonam stands as one of Tamil Nadu’s most Prominent Pilgrimage Centers. Its ancient temples, sacred tanks, festivals, and rich cultural traditions attract devotees from across the world. As the number of pilgrims continues to rise every year, the town faces several challenges, including transportation issues, wastewater management, accommodation shortages, environmental degradation, and the preservation of heritage. This study analyzes pilgrimage tourism in the Kumbakonam region using primary data gathered through field visits and interviews with pilgrims, local residents, and officials, along with secondary data collected from reports and research publications. The article emphasizes the need for integrated infrastructure planning to ensure sustainable development. Key areas of focus include improving transportation facilities, upgrading sanitation and public amenities, protecting rivers and water bodies, enhancing safety measures, and strengthening visitor management. The study also highlights the role of local community participation in promoting economic development through handicrafts, services, and cultural activities. The overall aim is to establish a holistic and coordinated development framework that enhances pilgrim satisfaction, safeguards cultural identity, and elevates Kumbakonam as a world-class spiritual tourism destination.

Abstract Delivering good governance to citizens and businesses is a fundamental duty of any public administration. To be able to meet these requirements, public sector organisations must have the necessary administrative capacity. This is reason enough for its level to be monitored, analysed and evaluated. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the study conducted on the level of administrative capacity of the different types of public bodies included in the Administrative Register of the Republic of Bulgaria. They were obtained by surveying both representatives of the administrations themselves and their socio-economic partners. A validated methodology was applied, approbated by scientists in the relevant field and representatives of practice. The results show which groups of administrations have higher capacity and in which areas and which ones are lagging behind. A statistically significant difference was found between the assessments of administrations and those of civil society representatives.

This research paper aims to highlight the various rules outlined in Law 23/12, which specify the general rules relating to public procurement and the guarantee of transparency and integrity in public transactions. These rules either pertain to the transparency of procedures for concluding public contracts, or to the integrity of public transactions, both internally and externally, for the contracting authority. A descriptive and analytical approach was used to elucidate and analyse the various rules contained in Law 23/12, as well as their effectiveness in ensuring transparency and integrity in public procurement. The state, represented by public bodies, administrations and local communities; public institutions subject to public law; public economic institutions tasked by the state or local communities with overseeing projects; and public institutions governed by commercial rules regarding funded or unfunded operations (whether wholly or partially financed by the state or local community budgets), are all required to publicise their offers using one of the aforementioned methods, whether for bids or consultative procedures. This ensures transparency in public procurement procedures and allows any interested party to be informed about the opportunity to contract with the contracting authority.

Issue/ProblemThe wildfire of August 7 and 8, 2024 in the Municipality of Amari highlighted the vulnerability of the area to natural disasters, due to its extensive forest and agricultural coverage, high combustible material, strong winds, and the dispersion of small settlements with difficult access. Factors such as agricultural activities increased the risk of outbreak and spread of the fire. The disaster started in the rural area of Ano Meros and quickly spread to neighboring villages, requiring the evacuation of nine settlements.ResultsThe social consequences were profound: although there were no human losses, plant and animal capital—the main source of income for residents—was destroyed, resulting in psychological stress, social insecurity, and financial difficulties.LessonsThe implementation of the ‘IOLAOS’ Plan proved crucial, with the Municipality, the Regional Unit, the Region, and the Fire Service coordinating effectively. The timely dispatch of 112 messages facilitated safe evacuation. The Deputy Mayor for Social Protection, in cooperation with the ‘Help at Home’ program, the intercity bus service (KTEL), cultural associations, the local Metropolis, and volunteers, ensured the transfer, accommodation, and catering of vulnerable groups, as well as the provision of psychosocial and nursing care. Significant was also the contribution of individuals and private entities that provided food, essential goods, and support.Key messages• The experience highlighted the necessity of a comprehensive action plan, the value and strengthening of cooperation among public, private, and voluntary bodies, as well as alignment with European Civil Protection guidelines (Regulation 1313/2013, rescEU, EFFIS), which enhance prevention and coordination.

This scholarly publication examines the administrative, legal and economic incentives for developing information technology. It is evident that digitalisation has permeated almost all facets of public life, with information technologies being employed in the production of goods, trade, and the provision of services. These technologies play a significant role in enhancing the mechanism of public administration, reducing corruption risks, and providing both public administration bodies and citizens with effective tools to meet private and public needs. Concurrently, within the national apparatus of the state and economic relations, the implementation of information technologies frequently confronts bureaucratic procedures, as well as the absence of adequate administrative law regulation (i.e., gaps and collisions in the regulatory framework). Moreover, inadequate financing, investment, tax pressure and other adverse factors often impede the effective implementation of innovative information technologies in legal and economic practice. A system of effective legal and economic incentives has the potential to address the challenges arising in the digitalisation of administrative and economic relations. These relations are regarded as legal instruments for achieving both private and public objectives of participants in legal relations. Legislative measures encompass the streamlining of procedures for the registration and restructuring of information technology companies, in addition to the establishment of bespoke legal frameworks governing their operations. Economic incentives include tax benefits, special economic zones and industrial parks, investment attraction mechanisms, grants, the organisation of international economic forums, and other forms of international co-operation by public administration bodies. They also include state guarantees for loan programmes. In the context of intense international competition in the digital technology market, it is concluded that the creation of an effective system of administrative, legal and economic incentives to develop information technologies in Ukraine is an urgent task for public administration bodies. To ensure the further development of information technologies in Ukraine, it is essential to clearly define the objectives, as well as the legal and economic mechanisms for supporting digitalisation processes and fostering a favourable investment climate.