Administrative Units Research Articles

Electromobility in local administration offices of provincial cities in Poland – status at the end of 2022

ABSTRACT: The objective of this article is to investigate behaviours related to electromobility in terms of owned vehicle fleets and charging stations in local administration units, the role of zero-emission vehicles in building the image of the administration and the promotion of environmentally friendly behaviours among its employees as at the end of 2022. The completion of the objective was based on surveys of the data collected using the CATI technique from provincial offices (POs) and municipal offices (MOs)[1] of provincial cities. The survey showed that the primary means of transport owned by the entities surveyed are internal combustion engine vehicles. Of these, the largest group is made up of passenger cars – the average age of vehicles at the time of the survey was approx. eight years. In sum, the local administration in the provincial cities is approaching the target value established by law. The average share of BEVs in the passenger vehicle fleet is 9%. In terms of charging station ownership, there were three dominant patterns. There is a perception among respondents that a fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles builds a positive, pro-environmental image of the office, while in none of the offices was there any action to support the environmentally friendly behaviour of employees in terms of travelling to and from work. [1] The survey covered local government administrative units in 16 cities where local government offices are located and involved provincial local government offices (POs) and municipal local government offices (MOs).

Warfare in Serbian State from the End of the 14th to the Middle of the 15th Century

The aim of this paper is to present the changes in the way of warfare in the Serbian state in the late Middle Ages. The Ottoman pressure on Serbian territories, starting from the eighth decade of the 14th century, influenced changes in the military organisation of their rulers. In order to defend themselves more effectively from attackers, they established various types of military service. Despot Stefan Lazarević implemented a reform of the local government system by creating new administrative units. During the period that is the subject of research, there were also changes in armaments.

The Impact of China's Coast Guard on Indo‐Pacific Security from the Perspective of a Maritime Power

In 2024, the China Coast Guard (CCG) invoked China Coast Guard Regulation No. 3 to detain Taiwanese fishing boats twice in disputed waters. The positive actions of the CCG can be looked back to 2019. The CCG entered the waters of the Diaoyu islands in Japan twelve times and carried out cruises on the Diaoyu islands. It is necessary to study the follow-up actions of the CCG and their impact on Indo-Pacific security. This study examines the effect of the CCG's maritime rights protection on the security of the Indo-Pacific region when the People's Republic of China (China) becomes a maritime power. It was changed to the Maritime Police Corps of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force to integrate the business of marine surveillance, fishery administration, customs, border defense, and other units. The reason for the gradual expansion of powers and the impact of its strong protection of maritime rights and interests on neighboring countries. The research results can help us understand the current situation of the CCG and further evaluate China's ability to achieve maritime power. This paper finds that China intends to implement regular patrols in disputed waters by increasing the tonnage of coast guard ships, strengthening rights protection, and militarizing organizations to demonstrate maritime power. On the other hand, this move triggered a maritime police competition among neighboring countries, and even a naval and air force arms race, intensified disputes between China and neighboring countries, especially the East China Sea and South China Sea issues, and made the security of the Indo-Pacific region more turbulent and complicated.

The Importance of Knowledge of Study Techniques and Their Impact on Academic Performance

Objective: The main objective of the research is to identify the role of knowledge about study techniques and its impact on the academic performance of students of the Academic Unit of Accounting and Administration (UACYA) at the Autonomous University of Nayarit (UAN). With the results obtained, it will be possible to demonstrate the importance of training them in this subject and make proposals for improvement. Achieving benefits for the student, being a conscious and responsible subject of their cognitive processes and the construction of their knowledge. Theoretical Framework: The conceptualization of meaningful learning is presented, from its precursor David Ausubel (1969), in which the individual is the constructor of his own knowledge, relating the concepts to be learned and with the information he already possesses. Achieving this, the guideline is given to obtain self-regulated learning, where learners are able to plan, control and direct their own learning, through metacognitive, motivational and behavioral processes. Supported by the use of strategies of study habits and techniques that allow them to meet their objectives and impacting their academic performance. Method: A non-experimental design was used, since there was no control with the variables under study, and it was also of a transectional correlational type, since the correlations between the factors under study were analyzed. The students analyzed were those who were found in the facilities of the Academic Unit of Accounting and Administration, so the type of sampling was of convenience, achieving a sample of 328 students. To analyze the correlations, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used, where first a divergent and convergent analysis was performed, then the reliability analysis, and once the instrument was validated, the exploratory factor analysis was performed, which used the AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) software for the confirmatory analysis and adequacy of the model. Results and Discussion: When applying the factor analysis, it was found that the variables were correctly grouped in three components, with a result of 56.478% of the total variance, being acceptable for the social studies, subsequently the KMO test was 0.799 and Bartlett's sphericity was less than .001, confirming the analysis. After elimination of items (p3 and p4) in the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the fit indices complied with the acceptable values of CFI and RMSEA, obtaining a final adjusted and valid model, i.e. three consistent and relevant dimensions for future research. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this study highlight the importance of seeking strategies to generate in higher level learners the knowledge about study habits and techniques, which will lead them to be able to manage their own knowledge, and therefore fulfill their academic objectives. At the same time to seek to promote further educational research on issues related to meaningful and self-regulated learning. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the importance of understanding the study habits and techniques of higher education students, and how their application in the learning process impacts academic performance. It sets the guideline for higher education institutions to develop in their students the ability to manage their own knowledge.

Onsite training-mentoring intervention improves data quality: an implementation research.

The quality of health data is not satisfactory in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Haramaya University, in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Regional Health Bureau, conducted an implementation research in selected public health facilities and administrative units. This research was aimed to test the onsite training-mentoring (OTM) intervention and adaptation of the implementation strategy to improve the routine health information system (RHIS) data quality in the context of public health sector. An interrupted time series design with an onsite training-mentoring intervention was used to improve data quality in public health sector of Jigjiga Woreda, eastern Ethiopia from July 2021 to June 2022. Both the pre and post intervention assessments data were collected by experienced and trained public health professionals using interviewer guided self-administered interview, record review and observation data collection techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic models to identify predictors of data quality. The overall data accuracy was increased from 88.12% before to 95.0% after intervention; and it was above 90% in all the facilities. The overall data content completeness was increased from 75.75% to 89.9%, though it varied among the facilities. The timeliness and report completeness were 100% in all the facilities. The odds of those health workers who had poor knowledge were less likely to ensure data quality (AOR = 0.39; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.83) than their counterparts. The intervention was brought substantial changes of data quality in the study setting. Knowledge of the workers towards data quality is a crucial factor to ensure data quality in the sector. Thus, collective efforts is required to continue this tested intervention to ensure the quality of the routine health information system in the lower levels of the sector.

Spatio-Temporal Differentiation and Driving Factors of County-Level Food Security in the Yellow River Basin: A Case Study of Ningxia, China

Food security is the primary condition for the development of human society. The Great River Basin is very important to ensure the accessibility and availability of agricultural irrigation, which is vital for food security. The Yellow River Basin plays a significant role in China’s food security, with counties serving as key administrative units for guaranteeing this security. This study uses the Yellow River Basin in China as a case study to construct an evaluation index system for county-level food security. It assesses the food security of 22 counties (districts) in Ningxia from 2013 to 2022, applying spatial correlation theories and driving factor analysis methods to explore the factors influencing county-level food security. The results reveal the following: (1) Overall, the food security index in Ningxia has been on the rise, but there is significant internal variation among counties. (2) Spatially, the food security index is relatively low in administrative centers, while the irrigation areas along the Yellow River play a crucial role in maintaining food security, and the overall food security index in the central arid areas is improving. (3) Food security is driven by multiple factors including economic, social, and climatic influences. To enhance food security in the Yellow River Basin, it is necessary to manage land resources systematically, improve grain production technology, and balance ecological protection with food security.

Integrating SDGs to village development plan through the provision of infrastructure: The case of best village panchayat in Kerala, South India

With the declaration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the importance of localisation principles and, consequently, the local-level institutions in implementing development policies came to the forefront. India adopted a thematic approach by condensing the seventeen goals into nine themes, to be worked upon by the local administrative units, furthering that each Village Panchayat (constitutionally known as Grama Panchayats) should select a theme in a plan year and strive towards attaining it. For the South Indian state of Kerala, with its good trajectory of decentralised governance, this localisation process of SDGs was rather smooth. In this article, we discuss the case of the best-performing Grama Panchayat (GP) in Kerala, which has identified ‘Village with Self-Sufficient Infrastructure’ as the development theme. Through qualitative research methodology, we examine how the Panchayat included projects specific to this theme in the development plans and how the implementation helped produce effects on multidimensional aspects of SDGs using the SDG Impact Assessment Tool. The case studies of different infrastructure-based projects endorse that with proper planning and implementation of such projects, the lowest tier of administration can significantly contribute to the improvement of development goals. We have delineated full fund utilisation through convergence schemes, community participation, and strong monitoring mechanisms as the factors leading the selected Panchayat to be the champion of the cause. The accomplishment exhibited by the Panchayat by integrating SDGs into the Village Development Plan through the projects on the theme of self-sufficient infrastructure can be well emulated by other local bodies across the world.

Open Data for Transparency of Government Tenders: A State Analysis in Croatian Agriculture Land Lease

State-owned agricultural land is an asset that the state must manage in a responsible and transparent manner. Agricultural land is extremely important for farmers as it enables them to carry out agricultural activities. Due to its importance to farmers, it is often the subject of debate as stakeholders are often dissatisfied with the allocation and management of state-owned agricultural land. Qualitative research of the process of state agricultural land lease and the associated legislation in the Republic of Croatia enabled the analysis of the existing business model, with the results pointing to shortcomings in the Initial and Evaluation phases of the process. A steady rise in the number of tenders published in 2015–2022 was recorded. Local administrative units in the Continental region scored higher than those in the Adriatic region (both cities and municipalities) in terms of transparency. Unfortunately, the response rate from the local authorities was below 50% across both region and unit, further indicating low transparency. Based on the findings, a proposal of changes in the tendering process was made utilizing a digital platform as an environment for all stakeholders, which provides functionalities essential for the transparent implementation of tenders for the agricultural land lease in Croatia.

Can digital financial inclusion promote the nighttime economy? - New evidence from Chinese counties’ nighttime lighting data and threshold model

In the post-pandemic era, the relative weakness of the economy is reflected not only in the macro data but also in the nighttime economy. Based on the threshold model and unbalanced panel data of 1772 county-level administrative units in China from 2014 to 2020, this paper deeply explores the relationship between digital inclusive finance and night economy and draws the following conclusions. (1) When digital financial inclusion exceeds certain thresholds, its beneficial influence on promoting the nighttime economy increases from 8.13% to 26.59% and 87.71%. (2) Digital financial inclusion promotes the nighttime economy by increasing employment in the secondary industry and promoting technological innovation. However, digital financial inclusion hinders the nighttime economy by reducing entrepreneurial activity in the accommodation and catering sectors. (3) Coverage breadth first inhibits, then promotes, and inhibits the nighttime economy in different intervals; the effect of usage depth and digital level on the nighttime economy in intervals shows an increasing trend. (4) In the Yangtze River Economic Belt region, digital financial inclusion initially inhibits the nighttime economy but turns into promotion as it develops; after the implementation of the rural revitalization strategy in 2017, digital financial inclusion can more positively and significantly promote the nighttime economy.

Protected areas shape the distribution of tourism across rural Europe

Abstract Protected areas (PAs) have expanded rapidly in recent decades to help mitigate the ongoing biodiversity crisis but are under increasing human pressures that jeopardize their conservation effectiveness. Tourism in PAs may galvanize efforts towards biodiversity conservation, but it can also be a major source of threats, leading to multiple adverse social and ecological impacts. Considering the recent Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to protect at least 30% of terrestrial ecosystems by 2030, understanding and assessing how and which PAs shape the spatial distribution of tourism is of great importance to biodiversity management and policy. In this study, we used a geospatial data set that describes the location and capacity of tourism accommodation in 81,185 local administrative units (LAUs) covering over 28 countries across rural Europe. After estimating the number of nights spent per LAU, we modelled the influence of PAs on the distribution of tourism throughout Europe while controlling for other social, economic and environmental covariates, but also for spatial autocorrelation. We reveal a positive link between highly protected PAs and the number of nights spent by tourists in LAUs. The attractiveness of these PAs for tourists may pose a conservation paradox, that is, highly protected PAs, which aim to safeguard nature tend to attract a disproportionate number of tourists, which may lead to nature degradation. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Case-Time Series Study on the Short-term Impact of Meteorological Factors on West Nile Virus Incidence in Italy at the Local Administrative Unit Level, 2012 to 2021.

IntroductionWest Nile Virus (WNV) is a significant public health concern in southern Europe, with meteorological, climatic, and environmental factors playing a critical role in its transmission dynamics. This study aims to assess the short-term effects of meteorological variables on the incidence of WNV in five Italian regions in Northern Italy from 2012 to 2021. MethodsLinking epidemiological data from the national surveillance system and local meteorological data, we conducted a Case-Time Series analysis to examine the association between WNV incident cases and temperature, humidity, and precipitation recorded up to ten weeks before case occurrence at the local administrative unit level. We employed conditional quasi-Poisson regression and distributed lag non-linear models to explore delayed effects. ResultsOur study analyzed 1,110 autochthonous human cases of WNV. We found a positive association between WNV incidence and weekly mean temperature recorded between one to nine weeks before the diagnosis, with the highest effect at one week lag (IRR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.21). An increase in weekly precipitations between the sixth and ninth weeks before diagnosis was also positively associated with WNV incidence. Variations in minimum weekly humidity did not show a consistent impact. ConclusionsOur findings underscore the influence of temperature and, to a lesser extent, precipitation on WNV incidence in Northern Italy, highlighting the potential of climatic data in developing early warning systems for WNV surveillance and public health interventions.

The Impact of Decentralization on Economic Development in India

Abstract: A common occurrence in India, district splitting is said to lead to better developmental outcomes because it creates a population that is more homogenous and closer to its administrative unit. However, this relationship requires examination and to explore the effects of district splitting a difference in discontinuities approach is used with data from Washim, Karnataka, where differences-in-differences and regression discontinuities are combined to assess the change in night-light data, as it is a suitable proximity measure for economic growth, as well as the change in the number of schools per capita at the village level. It has been found that district splitting has little effect on economic growth. However, over time this trend may change because it has also been found that district splitting increases the number of schools per capita, which in the long term may lead to a more skilled and knowledgeable population that will result in economic growth.

Topographic and Geodetic Survey for Samarkand's Administrative Boundaries

General Background: Administrative and territorial boundary delineation is vital in the effective governance and economic planning of urban regions globally, with digital technologies increasingly integrated into these processes for accuracy and efficiency. Specific Background: In Uzbekistan, the city of Samarkand’s administrative boundaries are undergoing significant realignment as part of a broader initiative to incorporate strategic urban centers and enable digital land management across administrative zones. Knowledge Gap: Existing methods lack precise integration with digital geospatial frameworks, leaving a gap in high-resolution topographic data essential for clear administrative delineation. Aims: This study seeks to develop and apply an accurate, digitally supported methodology for determining the boundaries of Samarkand's administrative units using advanced geodetic and topographic techniques. Results: By utilizing the CREDO DAT program, this study achieved precise boundary coordinates through the automated processing of survey points, and further analysis was conducted using the Panorama program for detailed map orientation. Novelty: This research presents a unique approach by integrating CREDO DAT with geospatial tools in administrative boundary demarcation, enabling accurate and reproducible results that surpass traditional methods in efficiency and scalability. Implications: The findings support the strategic planning of Samarkand’s infrastructure and resource allocation while also laying the groundwork for applying similar methodologies in other urban regions, advancing Uzbekistan’s digital transformation efforts in land management.Highlights: Digital tools enhance accuracy in administrative boundary mapping. CREDO DAT and Panorama software streamline data processing for precise mapping. This method supports effective urban planning and resource management in Samarkand. Keywords: Administrative Zones, Border, Territory, District, City

Territorial re-organisation of administrative units in Pakistan: the demand for new provinces in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh

ABSTRACT The 18th Amendment ushered a public discourse on a novel ethnofederal experiment with both federal and ethnic elites advocating territorial reorganisation of existing provinces, however, this has not resulted in the creation of new units. I argue that this has to do with three inter-related dynamics: first, selective and instrumental political incentives guide the behaviour of federal political elites, combined with the securitisation of the ethnic question. Second, non-dominant ethnic elites are electorally weak and divided among themselves. Third, the rigidity of the constitutional procedure makes non-dominant ethnic elites acutely dependent on the preferences of the provincial majority ethnic group. The paper outlines discourses of the dominant and non-dominant ethnic elites as well as the National Assembly's Report of the Commission for Creation of New Province (s) in the Province of the Punjab, 2013 in order to make sense of the gap between the talk on ethnofederalism and its non-realisation.

Optimizing University administrative structures: Strategies for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in higher education institutions in Nigeria

This study investigated the inefficiencies within Nigerian university administrative structures, prompted by ongoing challenges such as bureaucratic bottlenecks, poor coordination between academic and administrative units, and insufficient technological integration. These issues have hindered the effectiveness of university operations and negatively impacted staff and student satisfaction. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, using both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from select Nigerian universities. The survey measured perceptions of administrative inefficiencies through Likert-scale questions, while interviews with key stakeholders provided deeper insights into structural challenges. The findings revealed significant delays in decision-making, caused by hierarchical administrative structures, as well as a lack of communication between academic and administrative units. Additionally, technological integration was found to be inconsistent and inadequate, exacerbated by financial constraints and insufficient training. These results were consistent with prior studies, highlighting the need for structural reforms to enhance efficiency. The study concluded that optimizing university administrative structures requires decentralizing decision-making, improving communication between departments, investing in modern technology, and implementing clear accountability mechanisms. Based on these findings, the study recommended promoting collaborative practices, adopting digital solutions, and fostering transparency to rebuild trust within the university community. Addressing these inefficiencies is crucial for improving institutional performance and ensuring Nigerian universities remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global educational landscape.

Impact of Ethical Infrastructure on the Performance of Executive Power Administrative Units in Bulgaria

In the last 30 years, issues related to ethics in the public sector have become increasingly relevant in Bulgaria. Since the democratic changes, the interest in ethics in public structures has increased. A number of studies by international and national institutes and organisations have brought the state of the ethical environment in Bulgaria into the focus of research interest, and have highlighted the problems of corruption and the absence of adequate countermeasures. Corruption is the most obvious manifestation of the lack of a functioning ethical infrastructure or adequate control over administration in our country. Reactive behaviour towards cases of corruption is not an effective mechanism for curbing corruption. Rather, actions need to be based on proactive approaches. Yet, to make adequate choices, it is essential to analyse the level to which the elements of the ethical infrastructure which have an impact on organisational performance and affect the ethical climate have been developed. This research analyses the level of development of ethical infrastructure and its impact on the performance of administrative structures in Bulgaria, while also exploring the respondents’ attitudes towards these issues. It defines the applied models of ethical infrastructure and problem areas in the ethical environment of executive administrations in Bulgaria.

Sustainability of Local Public Finances from the Perspective of Territorial Disparities in the Rural Areas of Romania

The sustainability of local public finances is of general interest in the context of the socio-economic transformations of recent decades. In former communist countries such as Romania, where there has been no real reform of local government, this interest is heightened by the strong disparities between administrative units that have adapted to the new context and those that, for various reasons, have become dependent on government subsidies to be able to function. Using information derived from the budget execution for 2019–2023 at the level of the administrative units in rural areas, this study analyzes the structure of income and expenditure budgets. The territorial disparities are demonstrated by typological analyses showing strong regionalization, with a well-defined income or expenditure structure profile. In the same sense, multivariate analysis which uses a series of illustrative demographic and socio-economic profiles as explanatory variables shows significant correlations with the structure of local budgets. It is thus possible to distinguish certain regional patterns, depending on the level of development, geographical position, or quality of infrastructure. The study results demonstrate the need for genuine administrative reform to reduce the dependence of local budgets on subsidies and increase their self-sustainability, especially in rural areas.

First report of Angiostrongylus vasorum in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) in Algeria

BackgroundAngiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the “French heartworm,” is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions.MethodsBetween February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification.ResultsHistological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria.Graphical

Mapping and evaluating spatiotemporal patterns of urban expansion in global earthquake-affected areas: a nighttime light remote sensing perspective

ABSTRACT Amidst the backdrop of frequent global earthquakes, assessing the spatiotemporal dynamics of urban expansion in earthquake-affected areas is imperative for sustainable development insights. The current analyses, however, are primarily focused on administrative units or some specific natural units. Here, we quantified spatiotemporal patterns of urban expansion from 2000 to 2020 in global earthquake-affected areas globally. Specifically, we delineated such areas using data from earthquakes of magnitude 5.5 and above since 1965. Then, employing nighttime light remote sensing data, we extracted urban entities and systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal patterns of urban expansion in earthquake-affected areas. The findings indicate a phase-based differential growth in urban expansion in earthquake-affected areas from 2000 to 2020. The average deceleration factor for urban areas in earthquake-affected areas over the past 20 years is 128.67%. Urban expansion in earthquake-affected areas is growing at a rapid pace, except for Europe and North America. In addition, 66.7% of urban expansion in global earthquake-affected areas presents low-density sprawl and solitary edge expansion trends, potentially affecting population density and land use efficiency. This study offers the most exhaustive analysis of urban expansion in earthquake-affected areas in recent decades and calls for administration beyond administrative boundaries to some extent.

Coupling Coordination Relationships Between Ecosystems and Economic Development in Qinghai and Tibet

The coordinated development of ecological protection and socioeconomics in the Tibetan Plateau is of great significance. This study examines the coupling coordination of urban ecosystems and economic development across 15 municipal administrative units in Qinghai Province and the Tibet Autonomous Region, the core areas of the Tibetan Plateau. The findings reveal that a larger proportion of the Qinghai and Tibet ecosystems are classified above the medium vulnerability level, primarily due to inherent natural geographic conditions. Additionally, the area of the two provinces and regions below the medium development level is larger, which is mainly influenced by indicators of economic strength and industrial structure. The degree of coupling coordination between the ecosystem and economic system in Qinghai and Tibet is predominantly driven by economic factors. Given the existing natural environmental conditions, the eastern regions of Qinghai and Tibet still possess certain development potential, while the economic development in the western areas is somewhat constrained by the natural environment. Based on this, further policy recommendations have been proposed to adjust and upgrade the industrial structure, aligning ecological protection with economic development in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. These recommendations aim to facilitate the formulation of strategies and policies for sustainable urban construction and social development in such high-ecological-value regions as the Tibetan Plateau.