Alternative Channels Research Articles

Kompletterande, kompenserande och komplicerande

Complementing, compensating and complicating – informal organisation in Swedish child fare work The child welfare work within the Swedish personal social services (PSS) is clearly marked by formalisation and specialisation. It is guided by a diversity of national and local guidelines, while different units assume responsibility for specific tasks (e.g., intake, investigation and decision, or care and treatment). A risk of service fragmentation has been identified as a substantial downside to these organisational settings. However, prior research has mainly focused on formal organisational structures and how work is ‘supposed to’ be carried out. Less attention is paid to informal organisation, namely how work is ‘actually performed’ on day-to-day basis, which has been identified as an important but often overlooked aspect for understanding organisational performance. Therefore, the aim was to describe and analyse the influence of informal organisation in child welfare cases. Non-participating observations and group interviews were conducted in 11 Swedish municipalities. The findings show that informal organisation can ‘grease the wheels’ in child welfare cases: firstly, by complementing formal structures and offering alternative channels for collaboration and information exchange; and secondly, by compensating for gaps in areas of responsibility within the formal organisation, such as when staff offer informal care and support, even though their work is supposed to specifically focus on investigation and decision making, or individual social workers assume an informal case management role. Nevertheless, informal organisation was also found to complicate work, as unregulated and informal areas of work also allow the conflicting interests and work logics among different units and their staff to unfold. The findings are finally discussed in relation to the future organisation of social services.

Formation of an Effective System of Currency Regulation and Control in Russia

In the course of the conducted research, specific problems of the system of currency regulation and control related to negative trends in the Russian foreign exchange market in modern realities have been identified. Based on the evolution of the global and domestic system of currency regulation and control, trends and priority directions of its development have been identifi ed. Measures have been formulated to improve the system of currency regulation and control and increase their effectiveness, which can be used to develop drafts of existing regulatory legal acts and to form the main directions of monetary policy in our country. The categorical apparatus of currency issues has been supplemented on the basis of a comprehensive review of the system of currency control and currency regulation from various points of view. The concepts of "currency control", "currency regulation" and "currency off ense" have been clarifi ed. The consolidation of the basic concepts at the legislative level,the introduction of a currency monitoring system will minimize the number of currency violations and reduce labor costs when working out violations. The study confirmed the need to develop alternative channels of work in connection with the shutdown of the SWIFT system and the promotion of integration processes within the EAEU, which will eliminate many economic risks and ensure Russia’s resistance to sanctions. The proposed innovations will help to develop foreign economic relations between the countries more efficiently, dynamically and qualitatively.

The ion channel TRPV5 regulates B-cell signaling and activation.

B-cell activation triggers the release of endoplasmic reticulum calcium stores through the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway resulting in calcium influx by calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels on the plasma membrane. B-cell-specific murine knockouts of SOCE do not impact humoral immunity suggesting that alternative channels may be important. We identified a member of the calcium-permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel family, TRPV5, as a candidate channel expressed in B cells by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) screen. To further investigate the role of TRPV5 in B-cell responses, we generated a murine TRPV5 knockout (KO) by CRISPR-Cas9. We found TRPV5 polarized to B-cell receptor (BCR) clusters upon stimulation in a PI3K-RhoA-dependent manner. TRPV5 KO mice have normal B-cell development and mature B-cell numbers. Surprisingly, calcium influx upon BCR stimulation in primary TRPV5 KO B cells was not impaired; however, differential expression of other calcium-regulating proteins, such as ORAI1, may contribute to a compensatory mechanism for calcium signaling in these cells. We demonstrate that TRPV5 KO B cells have impaired spreading and contraction in response to membrane-bound antigen. Consistent with this, TRPV5 KO B cells have reduced BCR signaling measured through phospho-tyrosine residues. Lastly, we also found that TRPV5 is important for early T-dependent antigen specific responses post-immunization. Thus, our findings identify a role for TRPV5 in BCR signaling and B-cell activation.

Hedging desperation: How kinship networks reduced cannibalism in historical China

Survival cannibalism persisted across human societies until recently. What drove the decline in cannibalism and other forms of violence? Using data from the 1470–1910 period, this paper documents that in historical China, the Confucian clan—an institutionalized kinship network—acted as an informal internal market to facilitate intra-clan resource pooling and risk-sharing, thus reducing the need for cannibalism during times of drought-related famine. The risk mitigation role of the clan remains robust after controlling for economic development and other factors and ruling out alternative channels. Thus, kinship networks and their associated culture contributed to human civilizational development before the advent of formal markets.

Do Institutional Investors Process and Act on Information? Evidence from M&A Targets

Abstract We document important links between targets’ institutional ownership and takeover-bid outcomes. Firms’ institutional ownership increases the likelihood of receiving stock-for-stock bids. The impact becomes stronger when information asymmetries are higher, whereas we find little support for alternative channels, such as bidder misvaluation or target-side adverse selection. The information channel is further buttressed in our analyses of institutions’ share-retention decisions, targets’ demand for top-tier advisors, collar provisions, and targets’ share of expected synergies. Our findings suggest that institutions’ information advantage facilitates rational payment design and targets’ bargaining power gains, alleviating deadweight losses associated with stock-for-stock offers. (JEL G23, G32, G34)

Alternative Lymphatic Drainage Pathways in the Trunk Following Oncologic Therapy.

Anatomic and functional descriptions of trunk and breast lymphedema following breast cancer treatment are emerging as indicators of lymphatic dysfunction. Indocyanine green-lymphangiography has been instrumental in characterizing this dysfunction in the extremity and can be applied to other regions. Previous work has established a validated Pittsburgh Trunk Lymphedema Staging System to characterize such affected areas. This study aims to identify risk and protective factors for the development of truncal and upper extremity lymphedema using alternative lymphatic drainage, providing implications for medical and surgical treatment. Patients undergoing revisional breast surgery with suspicion of upper extremity lymphedema between 12/2014 and 3/2020 were offered lymphangiography. The breast and lateral/anterior trunks were visualized and blindly evaluated for axillary and inguinal lymphatic flow. A linear-weighted Cohen's kappa statistic was calculated comparing alternative drainage evaluation. Binomial regression was used to compute relative risks (RRs). Significance was assessed at alpha = 0.05. Eighty-six sides (46 patients) were included. Twelve sides underwent no treatment and were considered controls. Eighty-eight percent of the noncontrols had alternative lymphatic flow to the ipsilateral axillae (64%), ipsilateral groins (57%), contralateral axillae (20.3%), and contralateral groins (9.3%). Cohen's kappa for alternative drainage was 0.631 ± 0.043. Ipsilateral axillary and contralateral inguinal drainage were associated with reduced risk of developing truncal lymphedema [RR 0.78, confidence interval (CI) 0.63-0.97, P = 0.04; RR 0.32, CI 0.13-0.79, P = 0.01, respectively]. Radiation therapy increased risk of truncal and upper extremity lymphedema (RR 3.69, CI 0.96-14.15, P = 0.02; RR 1.92, CI 1.09-3.39, P = 0.03, respectively). Contralateral axillary drainage and axillary lymph node dissection were associated with increased risk of upper extremity lymphedema (RR 4.25, CI 1.09-16.61, P = 0.01; RR 2.83, CI 1.23-6.52, P = 0.01, respectively). Building upon previous work, this study shows risk and protective factors for the development of truncal and upper extremity lymphedema. Most prevalent alternative channels drain to the ipsilateral axilla and groin. Ipsilateral axillary and contralateral inguinal drainage were associated with reduced risk of truncal lymphedema. Patients with radiation, axillary dissection, and contralateral axillary drainage were associated with increased risk of upper extremity lymphedema. These findings have important clinical implications for postoperative manual lymphatic drainage and for determining eligibility for lymphovenous bypass surgery.

STABILITY AND POTENTIAL OF COMMUNITIES IN THE CONDITIONS OF WAR: THREATS AND COUNTERMEASURES

Goal. In the conditions of war, the stability of the community becomes a decisive factor for its survival and further development. War exacerbates existing threats and creates new ones, requiring communities to rapidly adapt and develop resilience. The main goal of this article is to identify the key threats to communities in war conditions and to develop countermeasures. Method. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used for the research, including case studies of local communities that have already faced military actions, as well as methods of comparative analysis, systemic-structural, generalization, economic-statistical, abstract-logical, monographic, methods of analysis and synthesis. The results. The invasion of the Russian army on the territory of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 caused terrible destruction, including the civil infrastructure of Ukraine. Significant damage to civil infrastructure has a negative impact on the functioning and development of the national economy, regions and communities. Russia's armed aggression today is also the main threat to the stability and security of the country in general and its regions and territorial communities in particular. This requires an immediate response at various levels of state administration and public activity. In addition to military action and political diplomatic pressure, an important aspect of countermeasures is economic stability. The stability of the economy, in particular, requires the strengthening of internal capacities capable of compensating for the economic and social losses that may arise as a result of military operations and require an understanding of countermeasures against threats. The main areas of sustainability are: Social cohesion: Threats: Division of communities, loss of trust, spread of fear and uncertainty. Countermeasures: Formation of mutual aid networks, provision of clear and truthful communication, organization of social events to preserve the community. Economic stability: Threats: Decrease in economic activity, increase in unemployment, drop in local budgets. Countermeasures: Creation of support funds for local enterprises, development of alternative sales channels, promotion of domestic and foreign investments. Psychological endurance: Threats: Spread of stress, injuries, mental disorders among the population. Countermeasures: Provision of psychological assistance, creation of specialized support centers, conducting trainings on psychological stability. Local self-government: Threats: Destruction of management infrastructure, loss of control over territories. Countermeasures: Development of local authorities, involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, creation of high-speed communication networks for communication between different levels of government. Scientific news. An analysis is made of how strategies to counter threats can be integrated into the daily functioning of the community and increase their recovery potential and resilience in the long term. Practical significance. The conclusions and suggestions of the article can be useful in optimizing community resources and developing strategies for their recovery and development in the post-war period.

Regulating Platform Fees under Price Parity

Abstract Online intermediaries greatly expand consumer information, but also raise sellers’ marginal costs by charging high commissions. To prevent disintermediation, some platforms adopted price parity and anti-steering provisions, which restrict sellers’ ability to use alternative sales channels. Whether to uphold, reform, or ban these provisions has been at the center of the policy debate, but, so far, little consensus has emerged. As an alternative, this paper studies how to cap platforms’ commissions. The utilitarian cap reflects the Pigouvian precept according to which the platform should charge net fees no greater than the informational externality it exerts on other market participants.

Label analysis and molecular identification of Japanese Seafood Products purchased on Chinese e-commerce

Sushi and sashimi are seafood products that are widely consumed worldwide, including China. Currently, they are also sold through alternative channels such as e-commerce. In this study, 60 Japanese Seafood Products (JSPs) suitable for sushi and sashimi preparations (fish meat or roe) were purchased on Chinese e-commerce and analyzed. Initially, the trade name accuracy and the labeling compliance with the Chinese standard for pre-packaged food were evaluated. Then, the species composition of the JSPs was assessed by the molecular analysis of two genetic targets (COI and cytb). Finally, the results of the molecular analysis were compared with the trade name reported on the label, and the mismatching rate (MR) was calculated. None of the JSPs labels reported the scientific name of the species. Sixteen different trade names were found, of which only 37.5% could be assigned to a taxonomic level (species or genus). In the other cases, umbrella terms were used. Overall, 66.7% of the JSPs were fully compliant with the Chinese standard. Eighty-seven percent of the JSPs were molecularly authenticated to the species level. Overall, an MR of 11.7% was observed. The mismatched JSPs were labelled as “Snapper”, “Herring roe” and “Bigeye tuna”. The use of umbrella trade names can facilitate the placing on the market of species involved in traceability, economic and sustainability issues. Indeed, some of the recovered species were listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. DNA analysis was once again proved as an efficient tool to unmask and fight seafood frauds.

Climate Change Harm Perception Among U.S. Adults in the NCI Health Information National Trends Survey, 2022.

To examine associations between 1) sociodemographics and 2) trust in health information sources with climate change harm perception. Weighted adjusted logistic regression models examined correlates of climate change harm perception (harm vs no harm/don't know) among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (2022, n = 5585). Sixty-four percent of U.S. adults believed climate change will harm their health. College education (vs high school or less) (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3, 2.2) and having greater trust in doctors (AOR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2, 1.7), scientists (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6, 2.0), and government health agencies (AOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5, 1.9) for health information were associated with believing climate change harms health. Conversely, greater trust in religious organizations was associated with 16% lower odds of believing climate change harms health (95% CI .74, .94). Climate change harm perception varied by sociodemographics and trust in health information source. Health communication delivered via alternative and diverse channels could expand the reach of climate and health messaging and ultimately increase public awareness and support for measures to mitigate the health impacts of climate change.

Effect of Financial Technology on Financial Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Southwest, Nigeria

Financial Technology in the recent times, has significantly intensified competition in Nigerian Banking Industry, hence Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) face persistent pressures from a wide and diverse range of competitors, while the regulatory environment becomes less protective of the financial institutions. This study therefore examined the effect of financial technology on the financial performance of deposit money banks in southwest, Nigeria. The study employed an Ex-Post Facto research design to establish functional relationship among customers and employees of the DMBs branches in the South West geopolitical zone in Nigeria. The descriptive statistics, which involved the current levels of financial performance on deposit money banks showed an improvement in the return on assets due to the deployment of financial technology with the weighted average of 216 or 35.94% while more than 97% of respondents perceive the level of improvement in equities of banks in Nigeria as moderate followed by the rate of improvement in net income margin of banks with weighted mean of 192 or 31.9%. The empirical results showed that the deployment of automated teller machine, mobile banking, internet banking and point of sales on the financial performance of banks have significantly and positively improve banks’ return on asset, equity and the net income. This is an indication that the financial performance of Nigerian banks’ are highly sensitive to changes in the alternative banking channels as 1%, rises in automated teller machine increase the return on asset by 0.18%. In the same vein, increase in mobile banking to the tune of 1% raised the level of return on asset by 0.29%. Thus the study concludes that the deployment of mobile banking and internet bank drive virtually all the indicators of bank financial performance in Nigeria. However, the paper recommends that, the deployment of mobile banking was more pronounced, and particularly in the area of banks’ return on equity although all the alternative banking channels contributes to bank financial performance in Nigeria.

ByPass optics design in NICA storage ring for experiment with polarized beams for EDM search

Experiments with polarized beams for EDM search in the NICA accelerator complex implies the design of an additional ByPass channels. Such alternative channels will make possible to use NICA as a storage ring and get enough statistical data.

Four-Color ImmunoSpot® Assays Requiring Only 1-3 mL of Blood Permit Precise Frequency Measurements of Antigen-Specific B Cells-Secreting Immunoglobulins of All Four Classes and Subclasses.

The B lymphocyte response can encompass four immunoglobulin (Ig) classes and four IgG subclasses, each contributing fundamentally different effector functions. Production of the appropriate Ig class/subclass is critical for both successful host defense and avoidance of immunopathology. The assessment of an antigen-specific B cell response, including its magnitude and Ig class/subclass composition, is most often confined to the antibodies present in serum and other biological fluids and neglects monitoring of the memory Bcell (Bmem) compartment capable of mounting a faster and more efficient antibody response following antigen reencounter. Here, we describe how the frequency and Ig class and IgG subclass use of an antigen-specific Bmem repertoire can be determined with relatively little labor and cost, requiring only 8×105 freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), or if additional cryopreservation and polyclonal stimulation is necessary, 3 × 106 PBMC per antigen. To experimentally validate such cell saving assays, we have documented that frequency measurements of antibody-secreting cells (ASC) yield results indistinguishable from those of enzymatic (ELISPOT) or fluorescent (FluoroSpot) versions of the ImmunoSpot® assay, including when the latter are detected in alternative fluorescent channels. Moreover, we have shown that frequency calculations that are based on linear regression analysis of serial PBMC dilutions using a single well per dilution step are as accurate as those performed using replicate wells. Collectively, our data highlight the capacity of multiplexed Bcell FluoroSpot assays in conjunction with serial dilutions to significantly reduce the PBMC requirement for detailed assessment of antigen-specific B cells. The protocols presented here allow GLP-compliant high-throughput measurements which should help to introduce high-dimensional Bmem characterization into the standard immune monitoring repertoire.

The goal of financial inclusion in Zambia’s 8th national development plan

Zambia has not trailed behind other nations in promoting financial inclusion, one of its deliverables in its 2022-2026 Eighth National Development Plan. The analysis focused on the likelihood of reaching this goal and the implications for bank operating stability. A mixed research (quantitative and qualitative) approach was used and drew respondents from several remote areas in Zambia. A hypothesis test on the observed against the hypothesised mean (p-value = 1.93e-38 and <0.005) rejected the null to accept the alternative presupposition that banks have a relevant role in achieving financial inclusion, but they are not a necessary ingredient. The correlation test also aligned at both 95 and 99% confidence levels, that supported the null hypothesis to conclude that there is no correlation between the preferred channels of financial services and the adequacy of financial inclusion. Respondents felt that the financial inclusion services would still be offered at basic satisfactory levels regardless of the available form of financial service provider. The Kruskal-Wallis test supplemented the findings with p = 3.09667e-20(<0.05) that rejected null to conclude that any form of financial services is statistically significant in delivering basic financial inclusion in Zambia. The implications for banks are the risks for continuous survival because of the popular user-friendly alternative channels. It is recommended that the Bank of Zambia should sustain the relative relevance of formal banks by balancing their contributions with other innovative financial service channels. Banks should integrate with new market entrants, or the future will have a banking system without banks. Regulators must support banks’ survival traits such as the light set of criteria in their Know Your Customer (KYC) package.

The impact of imperfect financial markets and stock holdings on corporate innovation: Evidence from China

According to previous research on developed countries, companies engaged in more corporate innovation are likely to have larger stock holdings. Companies are more likely to reserve stock holdings in a transitioning economy like China due to the prevalence of financial market flaws. This research suggests stock ownership and banking ties to the government as two alternative credit financing channels that Listed Chinese companies may employ to mitigate the effects of market imperfections by attracting foreign investment. Financial limitations can be efficiently mitigated through external finance facilitation channels (EFFCs) by lowering debtors and businesses have different levels of knowledge. However, the EFFC effect is diminishing due to the improved market environment brought about by China's ongoing financial reform. This research, therefore, considers potential avenues for reducing the EFFC effect, with practical policy implications for reforming China's financial markets to lower corporate innovation costs.

Inactivation of the TIM complex components leads to a decrease in the level of DNA import into Arabidopsis mitochondria.

The phenomenon of DNA import into mitochondria has been shown for all major groups of eukaryotes. In plants and animals, DNA import seems to occur in different ways. It has been known that nucleic acids enter plant organelles through alternative channels, depending on the size of the imported molecules. Mitochondrial import of small DNA (up to 300 bp) partially overlaps with the mechanism of tRNA import, at least at the level of the outer membrane. It is noteworthy that, in plants, tRNA import involves components of the protein import apparatus, whose role in DNA transport has not yet been studied. In this work, we studied the role of individual components of the TIM inner membrane translocase in the process of DNA import into isolated Arabidopsis mitochondria and their possible association with the porin VDAC1. Using knockout mutants for the genes encoding Tim17 or Tim23 protein isoforms, we demonstrated for the first time the involvement of these proteins in the import of DNA fragments of different lengths. In addition, inhibition of transport channels with specific antibodies to VDAC1 led to a decrease in the level of DNA import into wild-type mitochondria, which made it possible to establish the specific involvement of this porin isoform in DNA import. In the tim17-1 knockout mutant, there was an additional decrease in the efficiency of DNA import in the presence of antibodies to VDAC1 compared to the wild type line. The results obtained indicate the involvement of the Tim17-1 and Tim23-2 proteins in the mechanism of DNA import into plant mitochondria. At the same time, Tim23-2 may be part of the channel formed with the participation of VDAC1, while Tim17-1, apparently, is involved in an alternative DNA import pathway independent of VDAC1. The identification of membrane carrier proteins involved in various DNA import pathways will make it possible to use the natural ability of mitochondria to import DNA as a convenient biotechnological tool for transforming the mitochondrial genome.

СОЦИАЛНИТЕ МЕДИИ – КЛЮЧОВ ФАКТОР В ПОЛИТИЧЕСКАТА РЕКЛАМА

Social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik-Tok, etc., as well as alternative channels for communication, marketing and dissemination of information such as Whatsapp, Telegram, Viber, etc. create comfortable conditions for holding various events, campaigns, rapid promotion of political messages, promotion of new political formations and individual subjects. At the same time, the online environment is extremely convenient for filtering information, propaganda, spreading misinformation and fake news. The quality and credibility of information, among the mass reader and consumer, is displaced by sensationalism and the feeling of news "saturation".

Utilizing YouTube for The Local Film Culture Expansion

This article explore the role of YouTube in developing local film culture. The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted various local short film festivals and screenings. Local filmmakers are trying to find alternative channels to show their short films via YouTube. Using the media industries studies perspective, this research offers two cases, Tilik and Loz Jogjakartoz, to study the role of YouTube for local film the promotion and distribution. Based on in-depth interviews, Ravacana Films and Kebon Ijo Studio implement specific strategies such as film upload timing, social media promotion and audience attention management so that their films trend on YouTube. This research reveals that YouTube can play an important role in connecting local filmmakers with audiences and the national film industry.

The ebb and flow of trade credit: implications for financing financially dependent firm growth

PurposeThis study investigates the significance of trade credit (TC) as an alternative source of funding in financing the growth of financially dependent firms.Design/methodology/approachPanel data analysis using the difference generalized method of moments (GMM) and fixed-effects ordinary least squares (FE-OLS) is conducted on annual data from publicly listed firms across a number of developing economies. The data cover the period from 2003 to 2019.FindingsThe findings indicate that financially dependent firms rely on TC to manage their growth, especially when they have exhausted their debt capacity. This dependence on TC displays a cyclical pattern. As firms enhance their financial position, they tend to scale back their dependence. Nevertheless, firms with significant growth opportunities continue utilizing TC for at least two years after their initial identification as financially dependent.Practical implicationsThe author's conclusion highlights that TC can be a valuable and accessible source of funding, especially in developing economies where the real sector may require alternative financing channels. Hence, TC has the potential to play a very significant role in financing corporate growth in these economies.Originality/valueThe current study adds to the existing body of literature by revealing that access to alternative sources of finance is also critical for firms that are dependent on external sources and for firms that have exhausted their financial debt capacity.

Echoes of Transformation: Moroccan Youth's Political Voices in Ultras and Rap Music

This article delves into the emergence of Moroccan youth as a significant social agent, a transformation that has unfolded in the wake of decades of patriarchal influence. The onset of the twenty-first century heralded an era characterized by the diminishing impact of political parties and a gradual erosion of the extended family's traditional role. This study aims to scrutinize the profound impact of this societal shift on Moroccan youth, who have exhibited a fervent desire to forge their unique mode of self-expression, thus liberating themselves from the constraints imposed by longstanding social institutions and values. To comprehensively investigate the development of Moroccan youth's visibility and their endeavors to challenge conventional institutions, this research predominantly employs qualitative research methods. Particularly, discourse and content analysis are applied to unearth the nuanced dynamics underpinning the transformation. The multifaceted examination encapsulates the diversification of youth subcultures, fueled by a fusion of globalizing influences and local dynamics, thereby presenting an alternative outlook on Morocco's evolving sociocultural landscape. The primary findings of this research underscore Moroccan youth's adeptness at responding to sociopolitical transformations. They have harnessed alternative channels for articulating their unique perspectives on reality. These avenues encompass public protests, rap music, and participation in Ultras activities, all of which serve as potent tools for expressing dissent and challenging established norms. This proactive response underscores the agency and active engagement of Moroccan youth with pressing social and political issues. Contrary to prevailing perceptions of apathy and disengagement, they have emerged as key proponents of change, effectively navigating the complex terrain of societal transformation and challenging entrenched norms and power structures.