Since the 1980s, decentralization has improved local development adaption in a number of sub-Saharan African nations. However, in recent decades, this approach of autonomous local administration has encountered challenges, such as a decline in funding. However, Côte d'Ivoire's Law No. 2003-208 of July 7, 2003, on the transfer and distribution of state competencies to local authorities, permits local elected officials to mobilise funds locally by establishing revenue-generating ventures in a number of industries, including tourism. How can local tourism support local development in Côte d'Ivoire's decentralized villages given the country's diminishing financial resources? The goal is to demonstrate how local tourist marketing may serve as a lever for funding local development in the dynamic of enhancing living standards. 200 household heads in neighbourhoods chosen by reasoned choice participated in a questionnaire survey, field observation, direct and semi-direct interviews, and documentary research as part of an empirical method. The municipality of Seguela seems to be brimming with a variety of tourism opportunities. To highlight these potentialities, local officials have undertaken to boost local tourism through the opening of roads, the improvement of potable water supply and electrification, the creation of public spaces for tourist attraction, the cleaning of gutters and street sweeping, and especially the establishment of the "Worodougou Lôgôba" festival, etc. These municipal investments have resulted in: the commercialisation of agricultural products and local cultural craftworks, the emergence of various means of mobility, the attraction of customers to restaurants, maquis, and hotels; thus creating direct and indirect jobs. Due to the increased foreign cash earned by tourist taxes, this has made it easier to optimise local budgetary resources.
Blockchain technology has transformed digital transactions by providing decentralized, immutable, and transparent ledgers that eliminate the need for centralized intermediaries. However, the inherent transparency of blockchain networks often exposes sensitive transaction details, creating significant privacy concerns for users and organizations operating in sectors such as finance, healthcare, supply chain management, and digital identity management. Balancing transparency with confidentiality has therefore become a critical challenge in the evolution of blockchain systems. Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) have emerged as a revolutionary cryptographic solution that enables one party to prove the validity of a statement without revealing the underlying confidential information. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for integrating Zero-Knowledge Proof mechanisms into blockchain systems to enhance transaction privacy while preserving transparency, security, and verifiability. The framework incorporates advanced cryptographic protocols, including zk-SNARKs and zk-STARKs, together with decentralized consensus mechanisms to achieve secure and efficient verification of blockchain transactions. The proposed approach evaluates system performance in terms of privacy preservation, computational efficiency, scalability, verification accuracy, and transaction throughput. The findings indicate that Zero-Knowledge Proof-based blockchain architectures significantly improve user privacy, reduce information leakage, strengthen security against malicious attacks, and maintain the transparency and integrity required for decentralized trust. The proposed framework provides a scalable and secure foundation for next-generation blockchain applications requiring both confidentiality and public verifiability.
Decentralized finance systems manage vast assets without central authority, creating a borderless economy that defies traditional legal boundaries. While fostering innovation, this independence invites global criminal activities, as perpetrators exploit automated, anonymous smart contracts to evade detection. Current international legal frameworks remain ill-equipped to address the complexities of cross-border digital fraud or assign liability within immutable, machine-run protocols. This research examines the jurisdictional conflicts and attribution challenges inherent in decentralized financial systems. Utilizing a qualitative doctrinal analysis of recent legislative initiatives and international legal standards, this article evaluates the viability of a functional equivalence model for assigning criminal responsibility. The findings suggest that harmonizing global regulatory requirements is essential to bridge the gap between technical execution and legal accountability. This study proposes a framework that integrates human-led dispute resolution with automated transparency to ensure stability, protect market participants, and foster long-term confidence in the global digital economy.
S. Aitbek, А. Сембеков, N. Tazhbayev, K. Yermekova
In recent years, the financial system of Kazakhstan has undergone significant technological changes and is moving from a regulated banking infrastructure to open, flexible and fast digital platforms. However, the most unusual of these trends is the gradual integration of the decentralized finance (DeFi) system into the environment of the domestic economy. On the one hand, if the DeFi architecture is presented as a new tool for reducing the impact of financial intermediaries and reducing the volume of transaction costs; on the other hand, the volatility of open code systems, imperfect regulation and lack of continuity of assets with specific laws and regulations, which are not normal for Kazakhstan, bring additional risks. Such issues indicate that the topic is relevant, requiring deep research. The purpose of the study is to digitally assess the evolution of the decentralized financial market in the country over the past five years, to demonstrate its impact on the stability of the banking system by multi – stage modeling of volatility and regulatory barriers. Within the framework of the chosen goal, the objectives of the scientific work are as follows: - to study the history of the formation and development of the DeFi market; - to consider decentralized finance in the context of domestic scientists, economists, financiers; - a comprehensive study of the main channels and threats of influence of the decentralized finance (DeFi) market in Kazakhstan; - to make forecasts using The scientific novelty of the research work is the assessment of the development trajectory of the DeFi market in Kazakhstan using digital modeling. In other words, a multidimensional analytical method was used, which correlates the limited share of users, the volatility of protocols, the dynamics of transactions and the influence of the regulatory system. In particular, with the help of real Monte Carlo simulation, stochastic modeling, Fuzzi-AHP and financial risk assessment methods, it was possible to understand the existing connections between DeFi and the banking system. The hypothesis of the article is the integration of the DeFi market into the financial system of Kazakhstan, the possibility of improving transactional efficiency and expanding financial inclusion. But the shortcomings of its regulation and asset volatility put additional pressure on the stability of the domestic banking system. This hypothesis requires research based on market facts and occupies a relevant place in the structure of its study.
Serving as the first touch point for users to the cryptocurrency world, cryptocurrency wallets allow users to manage, receive, and transmit digital assets on blockchains and interact with emerging decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Unfortunately, cryptocurrency wallets have always been the prime targets for attackers, and incidents of wallet breaches have been reported from time to time. Although some recent studies have characterized the vulnerabilities and scams related to wallets, they have mostly been studied at a coarse granularity, overlooking potential risks inherent in detailed designs of cryptocurrency wallets, especially from perspectives including user interaction and advanced features. To fill the void, in this paper, we present a fine-grained security analysis of browser-based cryptocurrency wallets. To pinpoint security issues in wallet components, we design WalleTruth, a visual-oriented testing framework specifically for browser-based wallet extensions. We have identified 12 attack vectors that can be abused by attackers to exploit cryptocurrency wallets and exposed 21 concrete attack strategies. By applying WalleTruth on 39 widely-adopted browser-based wallet extensions, we find that all of them can be abused to steal crypto assets from innocent users. Identified potential attack vectors were reported to developers in a timely manner and 26 issues have been patched already. This calls for urgent action from the community to mitigate threats related to cryptocurrency wallets.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has revolutionized financial services by eliminating traditional intermediaries, but this openness creates new vulnerabilities that malicious actors exploit for fraud. The pseudonymous nature of blockchain transactions and lack of centralized oversight make traditional fraud detection methods inadequate for the DeFi ecosystem. This paper introduces ChainGuard, an end-to-end fraud detection system that leverages verifiable machine learning with zero-knowledge Succinct Non-Interactive Arguments of Knowledge (zk-SNARKs). ChainGuard utilizes a comprehensive approach that combines advanced feature extraction from Ethereum blockchain transaction data, optimized machine learning models, and on-chain verification through zk-SNARKs. Our solution enables privacy-preserving fraud detection while maintaining the ability to verify results without exposing sensitive transaction data and the internal architecture of the model. We demonstrate that ChainGuard achieves permissible accuracy in detecting fraudulent activities across Ethereum and various DeFi platforms while ensuring computational efficiency through multiple optimization techniques, including quantization. Experimental results show that our approach achieves performance comparable to traditional fraud detection methods while maintaining the decentralized and trustless nature of blockchain systems.
Decentralization is a popular idea that is believed to bring improved public service and sustainable growth that is both inclusive and natural. On the other hand, in the case of developing states, the degree to which it works depends mainly on the local political situation and the existing social order. One of the most notable achievements in the Nigerian judicial system has been a historic Supreme Court judgment in 2024 that gave local governments direct financial allocations. Each of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria must now be directly financed to make local governance more effective by limiting state intervention. Nevertheless, this initiative is carried out in a very politicized setting that is at the verge of breaking apart due to the increase of ethnicity after the 2023 elections, and a citizenship policy that perpetuates a two, class system of indigenes and settlers. This paper illustrates how local financial independence, along with the indigene, settler systems, have an effect on the patterns of resource distribution and the provision of public goods and services. Through a mixture of a research paper on the local financial autonomy of LGAs in the South, West and North, Central zones of Nigeria and a theoretical framework based on Peter Ekeh's works "Two Publics" and a ground reality review, it is established that some of the scenarios created by financial autonomy exacerbated local elite capture and exclusion of so, called "long, term residents" who are defined categorically as "non, indigenes." This is evidenced by the findings on disproportionate capital expenditure distribution within wards, and qualitative viewpoints on local narratives about the justification for exclusion and rightful local belonging. The debate will continue on the proposition that if the idea of citizenship is not changed from one based on birth to one based on residency, it will result in local exclusion and development failure. The solution ends with a conclusion on residency, based citizenship and conditionality in the transfer of funds between different levels of governance
The paper proposes an extended quality assessment model for Distributed Ledger Technology platforms, referred to as DLT-QM, developed on the basis of the ISO/IEC 25010 standard while considering the architectural and operational specifics of decentralized and blockchain-based systems. The relevance of the study is determined by the rapid development of digital technologies and the growing adoption of DLT platforms in finance, e-government, logistics, IoT ecosystems, and enterprise information systems, alongside the absence of a unified formalized approach for comprehensive quality assessment of such platforms. The study analyzes the applicability of ISO/IEC 25010 charac-teristics to DLT-oriented software systems and identifies a set of DLT-specific quality attributes reflecting the unique properties of distributed ledger environments, including decentralization level, consensus reliability, transaction finality, auditability, trust model, interoperability, and on-chain/off-chain balance. For each characteristic, mathematical metrics are formalized to support multicriteria quality assessment and optimization of architectural decisions in software engineering tasks. The integral quality indicator QDLT is defined as a weighted combination of the traditional ISO/IEC 25010 component and a DLT-specific component, enabling the adaptation of the model to various application scenarios. The proposed model is validated using four representative DLT platforms: Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, Corda, and Polygon. The obtained results confirm the existence of structural trade-offs between decentralization, performance, security, and interoperability in modern distributed systems. Furthermore, a scenario-oriented application methodology is developed, including a procedure for determining weighting coefficients depending on the application domain, such as financial consortium systems, e-government infrastructures, and IoT supply chain environments. The practical significance of the research lies in the development of a formalized decision-support instrument for selecting DLT platforms in the design and implementation of modern software systems and digital services. Keywords: blockchain, distributed ledger technology, DLT platforms, decentralized systems, distributed systems, information technologies, digital technologies, software engineering.
Blockchain-based innovation has become increasingly relevant in Islamic social finance due to persistent challenges in waqf governance, particularly related to transparency deficits, limited accountability, and declining global trust in institutional reporting systems. This study aims to analyze the integration of blockchain technology in waqf management to enhance transparency and strengthen global trust in Islamic endowment institutions. A qualitative library research design was employed using systematic literature review and conceptual analysis of scholarly articles, policy reports, and fintech governance studies related to blockchain applications and waqf administration. Findings indicate that blockchain technology significantly improves traceability, data immutability, and real-time auditing of waqf assets through decentralized ledger systems and smart contracts. The results further reveal that enhanced transparency directly contributes to increased donor confidence and broader international participation in waqf-based initiatives. Institutional readiness, regulatory frameworks, and digital infrastructure are identified as key determinants of successful implementation. The study concludes that blockchain integration represents a transformative governance model capable of modernizing waqf management systems while reinforcing global trust and accountability in Islamic philanthropic finance ecosystems.
<b>Abstract</b>The rapid growth of decentralized technologies has intensified the need for secure, privacy-preserving, and Sybil-resistant identity systems capable of operating without centralized authorities. Existing blockchain identity mechanisms frequently depend on trusted intermediaries, invasive biometric verification, or token-based incentives that introduce privacy risks, centralization, or economic manipulation. This paper presents the Decentralized Proof of Humanity (dPoH) Protocol, a blockchain-native identity framework designed to establish unique human identities through decentralized verification while preserving user privacy and network scalability.The dPoH protocol combines decentralized attestations, cryptographic verification, reputation mechanisms, and consensus-driven validation to ensure that each participant corresponds to a unique human identity without exposing unnecessary personal information. By eliminating reliance on centralized identity providers, the protocol significantly reduces Sybil attacks while maintaining transparency, auditability, and interoperability across blockchain ecosystems.The proposed architecture is suitable for decentralized finance (DeFi), decentralized governance (DAO), voting systems, digital identity infrastructure, token distribution, and next-generation Web3 applications. The protocol contributes to the growing field of decentralized identity by providing a scalable framework for secure human verification in trustless environments.
Blockchain technology has evolved from its origins as the foundational ledger for cryptocurrencies to a disruptive paradigm for decentralized, transparent, and secure data management across numerous sectors. This review paper provides a systematic analysis of core blockchain architectures, consensus protocols, and smart contract functionalities that enable its diverse applications. We examine the transition from public, permissionless networks to private and consortium models tailored for enterprise needs. The paper surveys seminal and contemporary research across key domains including decentralized finance (DeFi), supply chain provenance, healthcare data exchange, electronic voting, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By synthesizing findings from foundational protocols to cutting-edge cross-chain solutions, we identify common technical motifs and domain-specific implementations. Furthermore, the review delineates persistent challenges such as scalability trilemmas, interoperability gaps, regulatory uncertainty, and significant energy consumption. This consolidated analysis aims to serve as a reference for researchers and practitioners, highlighting both the transformative potential and the critical limitations of blockchain techniques as a trustless infrastructure for the digital age.
Setyo Tri Wahyudi, Al Muizzuddin Fazaalloh, Kartika Sari, Amalia Rahmawati
Fiscal decentralization has expanded the responsibilities of local governments, yet substantial disparities in fiscal performance persist across jurisdictions. This study examines how governance capacity influences fiscal performance and revenue sustainability within Indonesia’s decentralized metropolitan governance framework. Using panel data from seven local governments in the Gerbangkertosusilo metropolitan area during 2015–2024, the analysis develops a Composite Fiscal Performance Index (CFPI) that integrates revenue effectiveness, expenditure efficiency, fiscal autonomy, and revenue sustainability. The results reveal significant and persistent variation in fiscal outcomes. Jurisdictions with stronger governance capacity, particularly Surabaya City and Sidoarjo Regency, consistently achieve higher CFPI scores, reflecting more effective revenue mobilization, greater fiscal autonomy, and stronger expenditure management. In contrast, lower-capacity jurisdictions exhibit weaker fiscal performance, slower growth in own-source revenues, and greater dependence on intergovernmental transfers. Revenue forecasting further indicates that high-performing jurisdictions are more likely to sustain favorable fiscal trajectories over the medium term. By combining multidimensional fiscal performance measurement with forward-looking revenue sustainability assessment, this study contributes to the subnational public finance literature. The findings identify governance capacity as a critical institutional determinant of fiscal resilience and highlight the need for capacity-sensitive policies to improve the effectiveness of decentralized governance systems.
Italy introduced a dedicated crypto-asset tax regime in 2023 that is broadly modelled on its longstanding financial income tax system. The regime primarily governs the taxation of capital gains and other income from crypto-assets for individuals, thereby offering initial legal certainty for users and service providers. However, it establishes a single set of rules for all crypto-assets regardless of their functions or underlying rights and leaves several stages of the crypto-asset lifecycle and many asset-specific tax issues insufficiently addressed. This article analyses the regime’s core design features through the lenses of efficiency and equity and assesses the framework’s ‘future-proof’ capacity in light of rapid technological change with specific attention focused on decentralized finance (DeFi), asset-tokenization, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Finally, it examines enforcement challenges and shows how reliance on the traditional ‘third party tax agent’ model struggles to accommodate the anonymity (or pseudo-anonymity), decentralization, transaction-composability, and a-territoriality of crypto-assets. Against this background, the article identifies potential policy adjustments and alternative compliance mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness and resilience of the Italian framework.
Continuous-Time Dynamic Graphs (CTDGs) are essential for modeling event-driven dynamics in complex, evolving systems, ranging from streaming temporal knowledge graphs (tKGs) and real-time recommendation systems to decentralized finance (DeFi) networks. State-of-the-art temporal graph learning methods predominantly compress historical interactions into flat, one-dimensional state vectors. However, we demonstrate that this architectural choice suffers from severe structural interference, akin to catastrophic forgetting, in heterogeneous networks where entities maintain multiple concurrent relational identities (e.g., decentralized finance wallets acting simultaneously as lenders, swappers and borrowers). In this work, we propose DYG-LA (Dynamic Graph Learning via Linear Attention and Recurrent Matrix States), a novel architecture that resolves structural interference by expanding node memory into Matrix-Valued Hidden States (MVHS). Each node maintains a multi-head H × (D/H) × (D/H) state matrix, geometrically updated via asymmetric outer products and regulated by a selective, data-dependent Ebbinghaus decay. To overcome the O(L²) bottleneck of Transformer-based methods without succumbing to the random sampling paradox of pure sequence models (where nodes lose identity due to sparse or noisy temporal sampling), DYG-LA integrates a dual-memory approach. It pairs an RWKV-6 linear attention short-term temporal scanner with the long-term MVHS global memory. The architecture further incorporates a Dynamic Gated Fusion mechanism, effectively acting as an adaptive mixture-of-experts to route signals from the temporal scanner, spatial structure and memory. We evaluate DYG-LA across twelve benchmark datasets under transductive settings. Comprehensive ablation studies demonstrate that the dual-memory design is critical for complex, heterogeneous networks, with the full model achieving state-of-the-art performance.
Giulio Segalini, Yigit Çolakoğlu, Marko Putnik, Jérémie Decouchant
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications rely heavily on the order in which transactions are executed, making them susceptible to reordering attacks that enable adversaries to extract Blockchain Extractable Value (BEV). While linear blockchain systems such as Ethereum have inspired extensive research into fair ordering mechanisms, DAG-based consensus protocols have remained largely unprotected despite their growing adoption for scalability and performance. In this paper, we introduce Tilikum, a DAG-based ledger protocol that ensures fair transaction ordering without relying on weak edges. Tilikum achieves ordering linearizability by leveraging median-based timestamp aggregation, or batch order fairness, while maintaining low data redundancy and robust garbage collection. We implemented Tilikum in Rust and evaluated it against representative baselines, namely Narwhal/Tusk, Pompē, Themis and FairDAG. Our results show that Tilikum achieves up to $39\times$ higher throughput than other fair-ordering baselines, while fully blocking state-of-the-art DAG-specific reordering attacks.
Aktam U. Burkhanov, Abdul Jalil Mahama, Ilyоs Abdullaev, Nodira B. Abdusalomova · 6 authors
Type of the article: Research ArticleAbstractStablecoins serve as the primary liquidity and settlement platform for decentralized finance, yet recent market shocks and de-pegging events demonstrate systemic vulnerability regarding their stability. The purpose of this study is to quantify the tail risk of Tether (USDT) to determine the accuracy of different risk modeling frameworks during periods of extreme market stress. This study employs historical simulation, parametric Gaussian models, Monte Carlo simulation, and Extreme Value Theory using the Peaks-Over-Threshold approach on daily log returns from 2015 to 2025. Statistical diagnostics confirm high excess kurtosis of 24.3 and a negative skewness of –3.1 in the asset returns, which explicitly invalidates normal distribution assumptions. The empirical results reveal that Gaussian methods systematically underestimate extreme risk by 47% during high-volatility regimes. Extreme Value Theory models capture fat-tailed behavior with 50% higher precision than traditional models, identifying a maximum potential one-day loss of 1.50%. Backtesting parameters at the 95% and 99% confidence levels show that standard Value at Risk models fail to predict 14 out of 18 historical tail-risk anomalies. Expected Shortfall calculations under the generalized Pareto distribution successfully cover 99.8% of historical volatility spikes. This study concludes that Extreme Value Theory frameworks are essential for the robust design of decentralized finance protocols and the development of institutional risk management standards.AcknowledgmentsThe authors express gratitude to our respective university departments and institutional research groups for providing the technical infrastructure necessary to conduct this study. We also recognize the participants of internal research seminars whose early feedback helped refine the core empirical parameters of this stablecoin risk framework.
Vivek Kumar, Navya Vyas, Myron Anthony Godinho, S. Elstin Anbu Raj · 5 authors
Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases (VBD) pose significant threats to global public health. Despite the adoption of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) in India to address this issue, its implementation encounters several obstacles that undermine its effectiveness. This review systematically examines implementation challenges and highlights key areas for improving VBD reduction in India. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. Studies conducted during 2016–2025 were included in this review, as the first IVM guidelines were introduced in India in 2016. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were included in the search. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used as a lens to synthesise the evidence. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using an appraisal tool based on the study design. Results Across the 55 studies included, 35 implementation challenges affecting IVM were identified. The most frequently reported barriers included low preventive practices and risk perception (29.1%, n = 16), insecticide resistance (25.5%, n = 14), deficits in community engagement (21.8%, n = 12), and gaps in physical and information technology infrastructure (21.8%, n = 12). System-level challenges related to health workforce capacity, inter-sectoral coordination, financing, and governance were common. Individual-level barriers included knowledge gaps, misconceptions, and limited motivation among communities, as well as training and competency gaps among implementers. Process-related challenges were prominent and included coverage and fidelity gaps, weak engagement, issues with surveillance data quality, and inadequate planning and monitoring. Conclusion IVM implementation in India reflects interconnected multi-level barriers, particularly within the outer, process and inner domains. Strengthening decentralized, real-time surveillance system with a formal feedback mechanism, alongside institutionalizing community co-design approaches, represents a key approach through theory-informed, context-sensitive implementation strategies to improve implementation fidelity and program effectiveness and accelerate towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. Registration This review protocol was developed and registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). Registration https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/JTCWD
Global environmental and geopolitical challenges, compounded by Ukraine’s wartime infrastructure destruction and heightened investment risks, heavily disrupt corporate operations. Under these conditions, green financing shifts from a mere ecological tool into a vital strategic mechanism ensuring long-term enterprise resilience, market competitiveness, and security-oriented development. This study aims to substantiate strategic vectors of green financing for domestic corporate security and identify practical integration approaches into corporate financial strategies. Methodologically, the research relies on systemic, comparative, structural-functional, and logical generalization analytical approaches. Examining green finance within sustainable development and ESG frameworks, the paper demonstrates its capacity to strengthen corporate financial, energy, regulatory, and reputational security. It specifically highlights Ukraine’s evolving institutional frameworks, national climate policies, and green bond regulations. The study categorizes key domestic green instruments–including green loans, bonds, grants, and ESG investments–substantiating their practical role in mitigating operational risks, maximizing resource efficiency, and expanding access to long-term capital. Key strategic vectors center on energy efficiency, decentralized renewable energy deployment, industrial decarbonization, and circular economy practices. However, market development remains restricted by significant wartime risks, limited capital access, and fragmented implementation mechanisms. Ultimately, green financing must be treated as a strategic priority within corporate management systems. Integrating these financial tools enhances enterprise resilience against external shocks, strengthens economic security, and actively supports post-war recovery and European integration.
Md Sakibul Islam Sheikh, Md Dipu, Maksudur Rahmand, Kazi Riadul Islam · 7 authors
In today's digital environment, secure and trustworthy identity management is critical as centralized systems remain vulnerable to data breaches, identity theft, and unauthorized access.This paper presents a blockchain-based decentralized identity verification framework that enhances data security, privacy, and user control by eliminating reliance on centralized authorities.The proposed system integrates smart contracts, decentralized identifiers (DIDs), and cryptographic security to enable tamper-resistant and transparent identity verification.Sensitive user documents are encrypted using AES-256-GCM and stored off-chain on IPFS, while only cryptographic hashes and verification records are recorded on the blockchain to preserve privacy and data integrity.Key management is strengthened through HKDF-based derivation, and users can selectively disclose identity attributes using privacy-preserving techniques.Experimental analysis indicates that the system significantly reduces identity fraud, improves verification accuracy, and enhances auditability and scalability.The solution is well-suited for applications in finance, healthcare, e-governance, and secure third-party authentication platforms.
The article investigates the theoretical and practical foundations of financing social protection at the local level under fiscal decentralization, martial law, and escalating socio-economic challenges in Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to develop theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding the pragmatism of local social protection financing and to substantiate practical directions for its improvement under contemporary conditions. The methodological framework combines systemic, comparative, institutional, and statistical analysis to evaluate financial mechanisms and expenditure structures. Empirically, the study analyzes the 2025 budget of the Ternopil City Territorial Community. The findings reveal a highly socially oriented budget prioritizing education, healthcare, and welfare, though capital expenditures remain limited due to wartime uncertainty. Systemic challenges include financial capacity disparities among communities, high state transfer dependence, and displacement-driven demand for social services. To address these issues, the study advocates transitioning from an expenditure-oriented model to results-based financial management focused on measurable outcomes, digitalization, and enhanced targeted assistance. The scientific novelty lies in conceptualizing the pragmatism of social protection financing as an integrated management model that blends budgetary and extra-budgetary sources to boost community resilience. Practically, the findings offer local authorities a concrete framework to optimize budget planning, diversify funding streams, and formulate effective post-war recovery strategies grounded in financial sustainability, transparency, and cross-sector partnerships.
Nuryadin Ali Mustofa, Agus Pahrudin, Ahmad Fauzan, Laila Maharani
This study examined global research trends in the digital transformation of educational finance and school management through a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in the Scopus database from 2016 to 2025. Data were collected from the Scopus database on April 14, 2026, using a structured TITLE-ABS-KEY search query. The search initially identified 1,059 documents, which were refined to 162 relevant publications through PRISMA-based inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric mapping and performance analyses were conducted using Biblioshiny (R) and VOSviewer, supported by data cleaning and standardization through OpenRefine and a thesaurus file. The results showed a significant increase in global research output on digital transformation in educational finance and school management, particularly after 2020. This trend reflects growing scholarly and institutional attention to the role of digital technologies in educational governance and financial administration. Conference proceedings remained the dominant publication source, while journal publications continued to grow. China emerged as the leading contributor, supported by strong institutional productivity and collaboration networks. Thematic analysis identified major research clusters in financial management, information systems, data-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence, e-learning, and educational technology. Recent studies also emphasized sustainability, economic analysis, blockchain, and decentralized finance. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive global research map and offering policy insights to advance technology-driven, sustainable educational management practices.