Public Institutions Research Articles

Agricultural innovations for sustainability? Diverse pathways and plural perspectives on rice seeds in Odisha, India

AbstractWe focus on alternative innovation pathways for addressing agricultural sustainability challenges in Odisha, India. The first pathway that we term as industrial, is focused on breeding new seed varieties in modern laboratories and test fields, ostensibly for climate resilience. It is driven by public scientific institutions and private corporations. The second pathway that we call agroecological, is grounded in saving and sharing of diverse local varieties, largely by Indigenous (Adivasi) smallholders and their allies in civil society. Using the pathways’ descriptions as bases, we present perspectives of different professional groups who appraise how effectively each pathway addresses a range of sustainability issues. While all participants appraise the agroecological pathway to be clearly better performing for addressing agricultural biodiversity and cultural uses of rice, appraisals for issues of the economy, seed accessibility, stress tolerance, and nutrition diverged from each other. An overall picture in support of one pathway did not emerge. Embracing such ambiguities and uncertainties associated with appraisals, we argue for balancing political support between diverse pathways. Greater support for structurally marginalised agroecological pathways may be crucial to meet sustainability goals. This support can include the restitution of lands and other socio-ecological resources for marginalised pathways as well as guaranteeing autonomy of Adivasi (Indigenous) communities among whom the pathways thrive.

The Role of Total Quality Management and Organizational Culture in Enhancing Employee Performance: Towards Sustainable Public Service Development

This study explores the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) on employee performance, focusing on the mediating role of organizational culture in fostering sustainable and human-centric development within public institutions. Conducted at the Pekanbaru State Asset and Auction Service Office (KPKNL), this research employs SEM-PLS to analyze data from 42 employees. The findings highlight the importance of integrating TQM with a supportive organizational culture to enhance both employee performance and institutional responsiveness to societal needs. The study contributes to the discourse on sustainable public service management by underscoring the value of quality-oriented and inclusive organizational practices.

Orthopoxvirus Genome Sequencing, Assembly, and Analysis.

Poxviruses have exceptionally large genomes compared to most other viruses, which represent unique challenges to sequencing and assembly due to complex features such as repeat elements and low complexity sequences. The 2022 global mpox outbreak led to an unprecedented level of poxvirus sequencing as public health and research institutions faced with large sample numbers and demand for fast turnaround, merged NGS protocols designed for small RNA viruses with poxvirus expertise. Traditional manual assembly, checking, and editing of genomes was not feasible. Here, we present a protocol for metagenomic sequencing and orthopoxvirus genome assembly directly from DNA extracted from a patient lesion swab with no viral enrichment or host depletion. This sequencing approach is cost effective when using high throughput sequencing instruments and allows for detection of genomic insertions, deletions, and large rearrangement with confidence. We describe usage of two publicly available bioinformatic pipelines for genome assembly, quality control, annotation, and submission to sequence repositories.

PENGARUH GAJI INSENTIF DAN MOTIVASI KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN DI RSUD ASY-SYIFA KABUPATEN SUMBAWA BARAT

Asy-Syifa Regional General Hospital in West Sumbawa Regency, as a public health service institution, should have employees who are enthusiastic and motivated to work effectively and efficiently. The salaries and wages given need to be adjusted to the profession, education, and length of service of employees so that they are able to demonstrate high productivity in order to achieve the mission and goals that have been set. However, there are problems at Asy-Syifa Hospital related to the inconsistency in determining employee salaries, incentives, and work motivation. This happens because the salary given is not balanced with the expertise, education, or skills possessed by employees, thus reducing their response and interest in the tasks given by their superiors. The suboptimality in providing incentives and work motivation can be seen from the lack of employee enthusiasm in working, as well as low interest and positive attitudes towards work due to inappropriate rewards, which ultimately have an impact on suboptimal performance. This study aims to determine the effect of Salary, Incentives, and Work Motivation on Employee Performance. The focus of the study was Non-Permanent Employees at Asy-Syifa Hospital, West Sumbawa Regency, with 100 respondents as a sample taken using the Slovin formula. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with SPSS Version 27. The results of the study showed that Salary, Incentives, and Work Motivation partially and simultaneously had a significant effect on Employee Performance at Asy-Syifa Hospital, West Sumbawa Regency.

Strategic planning in higher education: perceptions of faculty and administrators at public institutions

Over the past several decades, strategic planning has become ubiquitous in higher education. Yet, there are varying perceptions of its overall value. Perceptions of value are critically important as they can influence the effectiveness and breadth of participation in the strategic planning process, and such participation is widely held to be critical for success. We investigated these issues using an on-line survey distributed to faculty, chairs, and deans at public colleges and universities in the United States. We found that, compared to both faculty and chairs, deans had a more positive assessment of whether the benefits of the process were greater than the costs and were significantly more familiar with strategic plans. On the other hand, faculty indicated strategic plans had less effect on how they do their jobs, while chairs held a negative view as to whether the process led to meaningful evaluation and change. Interestingly, there were no significant differences between responses from baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral institutions. Although shared governance in the strategic planning process is widely endorsed, our work suggests that new approaches may be necessary to achieve the goal of an effective strategic planning process.

EXPERIENCE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING COUNTRIES IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

THE PURPOSE OF THE ARTICLE is to study the experience of the world’s leading countries in the field of sustainable development of higher education institutions in order to identify best practices and opportunities for their implementation in Ukrainian higher education institutions. RESEARCH METHODS. The following methods were used in the study: literature analysis (analysis of global practices, policies and strategies for sustainable development in higher education institutions); comparative analysis (identification of differences and commonalities in approaches to sustainable development in different countries); case studies (in-depth study of specific cases of successful implementation of sustainable development in higher education institutions); expert assessments (obtaining assessments and opinions of experts in the field of sustainable development and education); content analysis (analysis of the content of documents, reports, strategies, publications of universities and other institutions). PRESENTING MAIN MATERIAL. The concept of sustainable development is an integral part of the development strategy of both different sectors of the economy and education. The current challenge for higher education institutions is not only to provide quality knowledge, but also to ensure their own sustainability in the financial, social and environmental vectors. The world’s leading countries have developed unique approaches to implementing sustainable development in their universities, including the integration of sustainable development principles into educational programs and effective resource management. Countries with developed higher education systems are actively implementing sustainability initiatives, including energy efficiency of buildings, use of renewable energy sources, reduction of air emissions, innovations in educational processes, such as the use of technology to improve the quality of education, distance learning and e-administration. Sustainable development of a higher education institution involves the integration of three aspects (economic, social, and environmental) into the management and development of the institution. Sustainable development in education is focused on the “triangle of sustainable development”, which forms the basis for strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of higher education institutions and promote the creation of conditions for the development of modern knowledge and competencies. The experience of leading countries in the field of sustainable development of higher education institutions was analyzed: The European Union, the United States of America, Australia, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Japan, Canada, and Australia. As part of the adaptation and further implementation of international experience in sustainable development of higher education institutions in Ukraine, the following conditions need to be met: diversify funding sources through cooperation with the private sector and international organizations; start introducing green technologies on campuses to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact; integrate the principles of sustainable development into educational programs to train specialists capable of promoting sustainable development in various sectors of the economy; adhere to the principles of social inclusiveness and sustainability. CONCLUSIONS. The experience of the world’s leading countries demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive approach to ensuring the sustainable development of higher education institutions. Economic sustainability, social inclusiveness, and environmental responsibility are integral elements of this process. Ukrainian higher education institutions can use the best international practices to formulate their own sustainability strategies: to strengthen the importance of integrating sustainable development; to use innovative approaches in education; to strengthen international cooperation and exchange of experience, which will allow for more effective adaptation of global sustainability standards to local conditions; to increase financial and political support through government grants, research programs and partnerships with private companies, which stimulates the implementation of sustainable solutions; to increase the globalization of processes that manifest themselves in the In general, the experience of leading countries in the context of sustainable development of higher education institutions serves as an important benchmark for other countries seeking to achieve a sustainable future through education and research. KEYWORDS: higher education institutions; sustainable development; leading countries of the world; implementation; quality of education; development strategy; concept; higher education; universities; sustainable development initiatives; innovations; green technologies; sustainable development triangle.

O controle patrimonial dos bens móveis e a transparência das informações patrimoniais previstas na lei de acesso à informação

This article addressed asset control and the transparency of asset information in Public Administration, with the guiding question: How can asset control of movable assets be a tool for transparency of asset information in public institutions? The study is based on the understanding that asset control of movable assets can be used as a tool for transparency of asset information in public institutions, in accordance with the guidelines of the Access to Information Law. Using the hypothetical deductive method, documentary and bibliographical research, the article is divided into three sections: Accounting and Law, Public assets and asset control and the Principle of Transparency and the relationship with the Access to information law. Asset control must be used by the public manager as an instrument for managing fixed assets, resulting in an improvement in the transparency of asset information. Furthermore, effective asset control contributes to preventing fraud, avoiding losses and optimizing the use of resources, promoting management more responsible and aligned with organizational objectives.

Valuation of medical services information in the efficient organization of public self-financing healthcare institutions

The efficient organization of public healthcare institutions is essential for ensuring a functional healthcare system that meets the needs of the population while also becoming financially sustainable. In the context of self-financing these institutions, the proper utilization of information related to medical services plays a crucial role in optimizing resources and enhancing performance. To achieve adequate self-financing, healthcare institutions must adopt effective strategies for managing the services they provide, based on precise and up-to-date information. This information may include data on the types of medical services provided, the number of patients, the costs associated with each type of service, as well as the assessment of the quality of care delivered. The article aims to explore the fundamental concepts, offering a correlation of relevant terms for a complete understanding of the healthcare system.

Legal obstacles jeopardise research in personalised medicine - experiences from a Nordic collaboration within rheumatology.

Personalised medicine in chronic complex diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is within reach but requires international multi-stakeholder collaboration. We exemplify how national implementations of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have introduced administrative delays and created disincentives for data sharing and collaborative research. Our Danish/Swedish/Norwegian research collaboration (the 3-year NordForsk-funded "NORA" project) aims to develop a personalised medicine approach for the management of RA, built on the exploitation of unique existing data sources: longitudinal data from clinical rheumatology registries, research cohorts, nationwide health care registries, and biobank material from >20 sample collections. Data and results are shared and accessed remotely by collaborators at secure servers. New biomarker assays and patient-centric implementations of the results are to be explored, validated, and disseminated to patients and health care via the development of digital tools. Following the advice of legal experts at the involved academic or public institutions and private companies, GDPR compliance resulted in >20 legal documents to govern the collaboration (consortium-, joint controller-, research collaboration-, data sharing-, and a series of unique two-way data processing-, and material transfer agreements). Lack of agreed-upon templates, policies, procedures, and a shortage of legal resources have caused considerable delays. Thus, our research consortium has spent more time ensuring GDPR compliance than on actual research activities. The current interpretation and implementation of the legal premises (rather than the GDPR per se) for research collaborations caused unnecessary barriers and delays. Our experiences call for Nordic trust-based code-of-conduct-like framework agreements, and for harmonisation of procedures and templates, lest the Nordic advantage in research be lost.

Mastering information security through standard implementation

This paper aims to enhance information security within an organization, considering the perennial concern for security in organizations utilizing ICT applications. Educational institutions also exhibit deficiencies in the domain of data security. The adoption of international organization for standardization (ISO) 27001-2013 served to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities and non-compliance with safety standards, aiming to minimize associated risks. Through this framework, an assessment of data security within public educational institutions in our country was conducted, focusing on a public university as a case study. Given the sensitive nature of this field, guidance is provided on identifying security-related issues based on ISO 27001 standards and on-ground situations. Surveys were employed, aligning with the required standards, to scan the prevailing situation. Data from surveys at public academic institution were collected and analyzed using the SPSS application. The findings underscore instances where security protocols can prevent or mitigate abuses, consequently enhancing the overall level of data security. Emphasizing education as a pivotal recommendation, this study advocates for educating personnel who handle sensitive data, derived from the application of these standards. This paper accounts for potential risks that could expose organizational weaknesses and thoroughly elucidates the steps and procedures undertaken in this approach, substantiated by illustrated examples.

Influence of feedback mechanism on trainee academic performance in national examinations in TVET Institutions in Western Kenya

Feedback mechanism is an integral part of the teaching and learning process since it enables learners and teachers to know where they are in the process, identify whether they have or have not achieved the learning objectives and ultimately enhance the learning process. The purpose of this study was to analyze the nexus of feedback mechanism and trainee academic performance in national examinations in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions in Western Kenya. The study examined how feedback mechanisms from formative assessment influenced trainee academic performance in technical national examinations in TVET institutions in Western Kenya. The study was guided by the social cognitive theory, constructivism theory, and the diffusion of innovation theory. The target population consisted of 406 respondents who included 29 principals, 29 deputy principals in charge of academics, 29 registrars, 29 examination officers, and 290 heads of academic departments in the 29 public TVET institutions in Western Kenya. To have a representative sample, this study employed stratified sampling to select 21 respondents in National Polytechnics and 179 respondents in Technical and Vocational Colleges(TVCs) constituting a sample size of 200 respondents. Questionnaires and interviews were used as data collection instruments. Validity was established through expert opinion with the help of the supervisors. Using Cronbach’s alpha, a reliability coefficient of 0.886 was established based on the results of the piloting of the research instruments. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that formative assessment mechanisms played a critical role in enhancing trainees' academic performance in TVET institutions. It found out that there are strong correlations between feedback clarity, management techniques, and formative assessment scores, emphasizing their predictive value for academic success. The study concludes that the combination of continuous feedback highly influences trainee performance in final examinations in TVET institutions. It advocates for structured feedback systems to support trainees, improve learning experiences, and achieve better academic outcomes.

인근 지역 학생들은 왜 지방 사립 C대학을 선택하였나

This study aimed to explore the selection factors influencing local students' choice of local private universities and to offer strategic recommendations for how these institutions can more effectively attract students. A single case study was conducted involving nine students admitted to a local private C University in Gwangju Metropolitan City through their strong performance in the undergraduate comprehensive entrance examination. Data collection and analysis were performed using Ginoshita's modified grounded theory approach. The findings revealed that students' decision to attend Local C University could be interpreted as a strategic action aimed at maximizing economic efficiency and future economic prospects. Notably, the relocation of public institutions specializing in electricity and AI to an innovation city near Gwangju has resulted in the implementation of recruitment policies prioritizing local talent. This employment prospect significantly influenced students' choice of C University. Furthermore, the university's extensive alumni network and positive reputation were identified as factors that enhanced students' perceived competitiveness in the labor market. For rural students, parental advice and support emerged as a critical component of the decision-making process. This reflects the strong family-oriented values characteristic of Asian cultures. Rural students often face substantial economic and psychological challenges when considering enrollment at metropolitan universities, thus making parental experience and local social networks essential sources of practical and realistic guidance. This support aids students in making rational choices that consider long-term economic stability and utility.

Electronic publications of archival institutions in the Republic of Kazakhstan and features of the developed Е-Doc Complex website

At the present time, electronic publication of archival documents is a modern high-profile way to use them and satisfy information needs of the society and researchers, as well as to popularize the documentary heritage. Publications of archival institutions on the Internet imply a multi-faceted practice, which includes development of search tools and reference mechanisms for collections, providing digital copies of archival documents on certain topics. Archival institutions create various types of electronic publications, namely databases, online exhibitions, collections of archival materials. Thus, currently, electronic archaeography is a promising research area due to the active advancements in the discipline’s practical applications. Publication of collections of archival documents is the most problematic issue among all types of documentary publication in electronic form. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main types of documentary publications provided by archival institutions in the digital environment and to reveal the specifics of the developed software product for publishing collections of archival materials. The research uses materials from the state archives of the Republic of Kazakhstan, regulatory and methodological documents. The results of the research include the following: an analysis of the academic discourse on the problems of publishing documentary heritage at the present stage was carried out; types of electronic publications and methods of their creation in the digital space were examined using the example of the state archives of the Republic of Kazakhstan; the E-Doc Complex website was developed as a separate software product for creating three types of collections of archival documents and thematic virtual exhibitions.

Pembentukan Karakter Integritas dan Nilai-Nilai Cinta Tanah Air Melalui Sosialisasi Pendidikan Dini Antikorupsi

Introduction: Corruption in Indonesia is increasingly pervasive, prompting the President to declare a war on corruption. Anti-corruption education plays a crucial role in combating this issue. One effective strategy is to engage Gen Z in anti-corruption efforts, leveraging their ability to rapidly disseminate information through online platforms, which can significantly contribute to preventing and eradicating corruption as a form of love for Indonesia's homeland.Purposes of Devotion: To enhance and motivate students to participate in anti-corruption efforts in alignment with the characteristics and strengths of Gen Z. Method of Devotion: The initiative involves in-person sessions with speakers, followed by interactive discussions where participants have the opportunity to ask questions about the role of Gen Z in combating corruption, tailored to their specific characteristics and advantages.Results of the Devotion: Students at SMP Negeri 27 Maluku Tengah gained a deeper understanding of the importance of anti-corruption education in shaping anti-corruption character and became more engaged in anti-corruption efforts. The creativity and innovation of Gen Z students, coupled with their proficiency in communication and information technology, position them as key players in preventing and addressing corruption. Their ability to swiftly spread information via online platforms, such as social media, can be harnessed to advocate for integrity and transparency in government and public institutions. Educational initiatives, empowerment, and support for anti-corruption efforts can further strengthen the positive role of Gen Z in promoting societal integrity and welfare.

Enhancing accountability through integrated reporting in public higher education institutions: international evidence

IMPACT This article examines whether the integrated reports of higher education institutions (HEIs) take into account the guiding principles of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) framework. In terms of reliability and integrity, the empirical results show the lowest disclosure score, suggesting that there is still considerable room for improvement. Commitment to stakeholder guiding principles had the second lowest disclosure score due to the limited communication channels for public HEIs and the identification of key priorities in response to stakeholder demands. Public HEIs need to promote stakeholder engagement and create more holistic value for stakeholders to improve accountability. In addition, the authors found that the concept of materiality is still unclear, and its definition may therefore vary depending on the guidance and disclosure in the reports. The results serve as a roadmap for extending integrated reporting to policy-makers and as a guide for organizations planning to implement integrated reporting.

Rethinking the missions and functions of public research institutes: evidence from Iranian PRIs

Abstract Public research institutes (PRIs) are pivotal in national and sectoral innovation systems and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. So, the current study has reassessed these institutes’ functions and suggested policy recommendations to augment their influence in moving toward a knowledge-based economy. The findings of this research reveal that functions such as innovation hub and specialized accelerator; strategic and problem-oriented research management platform; standard and regulatory reference; specialized technical service center; center for cooperation, transfer, and dissemination of technology; and the hub of technology and policy intelligence in a specific industrial sector are crucial functions of PRIs in transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. Additionally, to foster a conducive environment for the influence of PRIs in actualizing a knowledge-based economy, policies related to governance and division of responsibilities, stimulation of both supply and demand sides, strengthening the linkage between the supply and demand sides, and provisioning supportive environment and infrastructure are recommended.

Концептуальна модель державно-церковних відносин в сучасній Україні

The article summarizes and analyzes the basic concepts related to state-church relations, the models of these relations, and proposes the author's conceptual model of state-church relations for modern Ukraine. The relevance of the study is due to the fact that in Ukraine the share of citizens who declare themselves believers is more than 70%, the church is a public institution with a high level of trust from society, and the presence of 35,778 religious communities in Ukraine. However, the insufficient conceptual justification of the model of relations that would be effective in modern conditions is noted. First of all, it is noted that although the concept of "state-church relations" is often used in scientific discourse, it is not enshrined in either international or domestic legislation. The analysis of regulatory documents and scientific sources allowed us to establish that these relations concern the relations between public authorities and religious organizations. The main regulatory legal acts that regulate the issues of state-church relations are summarized. It has been established that although religious organizations have separate state regulation, they can use all the rights provided for by law for public associations. This opens up great opportunities for socially beneficial initiatives of religious organizations. The following models of state-church relations are summarized: 1) antagonistic: ignoring the state's hostile attitude towards the church; 2) separation of the church from the state: the state does not identify itself with any of the religions (churches); 3) state church: legally enshrined privileged position of one of the religions (churches); 4) cooperative: the church and the state are separated, but interact; 5) partnership: the church and the state interact on a partnership basis; 6) subordination of the church to the state; 7) primacy of the church: dominance of the church in all spheres of public life; 8) separation: the state does not create special legislation regulating state-church relations; 9) syncretic: assumes the possible existence of a state church; 10) theocracy: political power in the state belongs to the clergy or the leadership of the church; 11) caesaropapism: the head of state is simultaneously the head of the church. In Ukraine, the model of autonomy in state-church relations is legally enshrined. However, in practice, a partnership model is already being implemented: after all, memoranda are concluded between state and religious organizations, advisory bodies are created, cooperation is carried out in the social sphere, etc. Taking into account this trend, it is proposed to implement in practice a partnership model of state-church interaction. This model combines the principles of separation of the church from the state with elements of cooperation and partnership in specific areas of public life. The model provides for state support for the initiatives of religious organizations, if they do not contradict the legislation. Within the framework of the model, a set of principles is proposed that allow state-church relations to acquire a modern meaning and bring more social benefit to the society of Ukraine

Towards a rational framework for economic and risk assessment of energy efficiency projects

Shifting towards a low-carbon and sustainable economy requires both a shift to Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and a significant increase in Energy Efficiency (EE) targets. This paper introduces a novel, user-friendly, and step-by-step framework for the techno-economic and risk-based assessment of EE Projects (FEEP). The four-stage methodology represents a step beyond traditional methods by systematically identifying intervention areas, conducting technical evaluations, and providing a comprehensive tool for economic and risk assessment. The proposed tool may empower decision-makers to select the most suitable approaches for the economic viability analysis of future projects. The framework incorporates environmental assessment, quantifying anticipated CO2 reductions from EE measures. A real-world case study demonstrates how the new framework allows structuring the decision-making process under a reliable and straightforward approach, providing additional confidence to the investors through visual risk assessment indicators. The paper concludes with how managers and EE analysts of private and public institutions can take advantage of the proposed methodology to evaluate and benchmark a broader range of EE initiatives.

Forgotten older people: health system debt.

The exercise of all human rights is inherent to all persons, which must be guaranteed by the States regardless of the characteristics of all persons, such as age, gender, sexual preferences, ethnic origin, nationality or migratory status. This document presents a reflection on the discrimination that older people face not only because they are older (ageism), but also because of other characteristics that place them in a situation of greater vulnerability and discrimination, such as belonging to the LGBT+ community, being in prisons or having HIV. It urges reflection on the role and sensitivity with which public institutions, mainly health institutions, must have to guarantee a fundamental right such as health, not only in the physical aspect but also in the mental one. The health challenges that the country faces are presented, and a call is made to leave no one behind, encouraging the most vulnerable populations to have immediate attention free of discrimination. The elderly are the present and the future of the realities of our countries, where Mexico is no exception.

Fairness and Contractual Performance in Vertical Linkages Within an Uncertain Environment: A Case of a Tomato Value Chain

In developing countries with uncertain institutional environments, ensuring fairness in contractual arrangements within food value chains is crucial to overcome modern challenges. This paper empirically investigates the vertical relationship between tomato growers and canneries in Algerian agriculture to assess the determinants of contractual performances and price fairness implications. The study is based on an analysis of a comprehensive dataset of 9127 tomato growers engaged in contract farming over four years (2018–2021). Three regression methods were estimated, namely logit, tobit, and quantile regressions, alongside exploratory analysis. The main findings shed light on the factors influencing contractual performance among contracting producers, primarily farm scale and distance from the contracting processor. Additionally, the findings highlight the key role of contract enforcement mechanisms in influencing the contractual performances of tomato growers. Several recommendations are made to incentivize tomato growers and improve overall contractual performance within such public policy settings. Contract arrangements, including fair price negotiation and the requirement for tomato processing firms to make specific investments, are advocated to foster self-enforcement and significantly enhance the growers’ contractual performance. This is particularly important in many developing countries where the business environment is characterized by an absence of effective public enforcement institutions along with a highly uncertain environment.