Financial Challenges Research Articles

Pilot implementation and qualitative evaluation of a financial hardship screening among Native American patients with cancer.

Native American (NA) patients with cancer are at increased risk of financial hardship due to lack of private health insurance coverage, medical comorbidities, and higher poverty rates. We aimed to implement and evaluate a pilot financial hardship screening (FHS) program among NA patients with cancer. In 2022, we piloted the implementation of FHS among adult NA patients with cancer referred by NA-specific health facilities to an NCI-designated cancer center using the COmprehensive Score for financial Toxicity-Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (COST-FACIT) tool. We dichotomized COST-FACIT scores as mild/no hardship (26-44) and moderate/severe hardship (≤ 25). To evaluate the implementation, we conducted interviews with patients and clinical staff who participated in the screening process. We thematically analyzed interview transcriptions using inductive and deductive coding to identify themes. Of 42 patients completing FHS, 76.2% reported moderate/severe hardship. Ten patients and four clinical staff (1 physician, 3 NA navigation staff) completed interviews. We identified three themes: (1) FHS perceptions and intervention experiences, (2) FHS efficacy and opportunities for expansion, and (3) nuances for NA patients and patient-related factors. Patients expressed positive experiences with FHS, including identifying financial challenges, but preferences regarding timing varied. Staff reported logistic and sustainability challenges in implementing FHS. However, clinic staff reported positive experiences with the tool, interactions with patients, and the resulting supportive care referrals. Implementation of FHS for NA patients with cancer was well received by patients and staff and was perceived by both groups as facilitating efforts to address financial hardship. Measures to improve staffing and sustainability are needed to enable broader implementation.

A Low-Cost Workflow to Generate Virtual and Physical Three-Dimensional Models of Cardiac Structures.

Three-dimensional modeling and printing (3DMP) of anatomical structures from cross-sectional imaging data can enhance the understanding of spatial relationships in complex congenital heart defects. Partially due to the substantial financial, material and personnel resources required, 3DMP is not yet universally used. Here, we describe a workflow that addresses and eliminates these drawbacks. The workflow utilizes the open-source software "3D Slicer" (The Slicer Community) and "Blender" (Blender Foundation) for segmentation and post-editing of datasets. This approach enables the generation of virtual or physical 3D models. The physical models are printed using a standard fused deposition modeling printer. The financial challenges that likely constrain the wider use of 3DMP are largely addressed by this approach. However, the workflow still requires a considerable amount of time to manually segment the imaging data. Three-dimensional modeling and printing might improve planning and safety of congenital cardiac surgical treatment. Furthermore, it is a useful tool for education of parents and medical professionals. This workflow increases its suitability for routine use also in regions with low economic resources.

Exploring the lived experiences of deep vein thrombosis patients in Lahore, Pakistan: a qualitative phenomenological study on healthcare challenges, resilience and social support

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore and describe the lived psychological and emotional experiences of sufferers of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to narrate the effect of those experiences on their...

Waste-to-energy: exploring the roadmap for energy generation from commercial waste in South Africa

Purpose This study aims to investigate the adoption of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies in South Africa (SA), focusing on identifying the key drivers, barriers and potential solutions for commercial uptake. The ultimate aim is to propose an implementation framework that promotes renewable energy while reducing landfill reliance. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) of papers published between 2020 and 2023 was conducted to identify factors impacting WtE adoption in SA. The conceptual model developed from the SLR was tested using a qualitative case study approach. Data was collected through 15 semi-structured interviews with commercial entities and WtE experts from four regions of SA. Findings Anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis are identified as the most suitable waste-to-energy technologies in the South African context. Among the financial challenges of WtE in SA, the availability of cheap coal, low landfill tariffs, high capital costs, funding constraints and regressive economic incentives are critical. The lack of government support, insufficient incentives, regulatory burdens, weak policies and limited innovation capacity are considerable non-financial barriers hindering WtE technologies’ growth. The successful adoption of renewable energy also requires adequate infrastructure, increased sustainability awareness and technical expertise. Research limitations/implications Although the sample size is diverse and consists of a range of organisations, it may not capture the thoughts and experiences of other SA businesses in their entirety. It is important to note that the lack of existing research on the implementation, benefits and impacts of WtE technologies limits the authors’ ability to interpret and benchmark the findings of this study. Yet, this study contributes by developing an implementation framework to encourage WtE adoption, recommending policy actions such as regressive taxation on fossil fuels and landfills and promoting renewable energy through subsidies, awareness and energy credits. Practical implications This study provides a practical framework for businesses and policymakers to adopt WtE technologies by addressing key barriers. The research suggests that businesses could reduce waste management costs and generate new revenue streams by adopting anaerobic digestion and pyrolysis. Policymakers are encouraged to disincentivize landfills and promote WtE through financial incentives such as subsidies and energy credits. The implementation framework offers clear recommendations for integrating WtE into SA’s energy and waste management strategies, supporting both sustainability and economic goals. Social implications The main social contribution is the potential for WtE adoption to improve waste management practices and generate new job opportunities within the renewable energy and waste sectors. Originality/value This study provides a novel contribution by developing an implementation framework tailored to SA’s unique regulatory, economic and social contexts. The research highlights the importance of aligning WtE adoption with sustainability goals, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy. The framework serves as a practical guide for policymakers, businesses and industry leaders seeking to implement sustainable waste management solutions in SA.

EGS SO06 - Emergency provision for Oesophago-Gastric Surgery in the United Kingdom: A National Survey

Abstract Background Oesophagogastric (OG) emergency conditions may require specialised intervention in centralised OG cancer surgery units. Recently published AUGIS OG commissioning guidance recommends OG units provide 24/7 on-call cover for internal and external OG emergency referrals with a formalised rota. However, there may be widespread inconsistent provision of OG emergency services across United Kingdom (UK) regions with significant workforce, capacity, and funding challenges. This may lead to barriers to provision of on-call OG services. Currently there is no research that establishes current OG on-call coverage or explores OG surgeons’ perceptions and attitudes towards providing this service. Method An 11-item electronic questionnaire was developed at an OG cancer unit to identify OG consultant emergency on-call coverage at NHS OG cancer units in the UK. The questionnaire was initially piloted among OG surgeons for refinement and subsequently disseminated through professional networks (AUGIS), direct contact, and snowballing. It was active for three weeks in January 2024. Secondary outcomes included: identifying barriers to providing an emergency OG service; defining the scope of conditions acceptable for transfer; understanding current referral mechanisms and examining OG consultant attitudes and perceptions towards providing an on-call OG service. Results 71 consultant OG surgeons from 26 UK OG cancer units responded (Figure 1). 61% (n=43) report participating in a 24/7 formalised emergency OG on-call rota, staffed by a median of 5 (range 3-8) surgeons. Among the nine respondents from three centres without a formal OG emergency service, all cited limited funding as the primary barrier. Only 31% (n=19) used auditable referral mechanisms like email or online systems. 97% percent (n=69) of respondents perceive an OG emergency service to be beneficial for patients, and 86% (n=61) agreed it should be nationally mandated for OG cancer units to provide a 24/7 service. Conclusion Consultant OG surgeons recognize the importance of delivering high-quality OG emergency services. However, the data indicates inconsistent delivery across the UK. Given the seriousness of OG emergencies, mandatory provision of this service with appropriate funding and remuneration is essential. Several workforce challenges, including potential impacts on OG cancer resection volume and provision of General Surgical on-call, need to be addressed. Ultimately, patients require timely and specialised intervention. As one respondent emphasized: "A situation where surgeons in non-OG centres can spend a whole night ringing around various OG centres looking for help with a Boerhaave perforation is unacceptable."

Effectiveness of autism training program introduction at primary health care (PHC) level

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a public health issue in many countries especially in developing countries. Family members who have a toddler with ASD face significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Early detection is crucial to achieve improvement in children with ASD. Objectives: The aim of the current research is to study the implementation of a training program for Autism in 4 health care facilities and to evaluate its initial outcomes. Methodology: An interventional study conducted among 63 health care workers dealing with children 18-30 months in 4 health care facilities (2 urban health care facilities and 2 rural health care facilities) in Giza governorate. A tailored autism health education message as well as training on using the Arabic validated version of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) were provided to the HCWs. Results: 58.7% of participating primary health care workers (HCWs) had a satisfactory level of awareness about childhood autism prior to the intervention, and 71.4% had a satisfactory level of understanding following it. When comparing the study subjects' pre-intervention knowledge scores to their post-intervention knowledge scores, there was a statistically significant improvement in their knowledge about autism (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study's findings validate the value of specialized training programs in raising healthcare workers' awareness of childhood autism. Recommendations: Incorporation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the educational curriculum of medical and nursing schools and ongoing education and training in ASD for health care workers.

Financial strain and resilience: a qualitative exploration of parental perspectives on caring for children with sickle cell disease in Ghana.

In Ghana, nearly one in four (25%) of the population are sickle cell disease carriers. Furthermore, 2% of all babies born (20 for every 1000 live births) has sickle cell disease. However, little is known about how parents negotiate the financial challenges facing parents of a child with sickle cell disease. This study explores the financial difficulties of parents and children living with sickle cell disease. The study adopted a qualitative approach. Twenty-seven parents were purposively selected from a sickle cell clinic in Accra, Ghana. Data collection was through an in-depth, face-to-face interview, using an interview guide based on the research objectives, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that parents faced multiple financial difficulties (both direct and indirect) as they met the direct cost of medications, routine laboratory investigations, and hospital admissions. The National Health Insurance scheme does not wholly cover these costs. Families also describe more indirect costs, such as those associated with maintaining their child's well-being alongside those connected to their caring responsibilities, including the impact of giving up work and reducing working hours. Findings highlight the most pressing challenge, including the lack of access to financial support and a more general lack of understanding of the difficulties they faced on the part of policymakers. Supporting sickle cell parents' financial needs would improve their emotional and social well-being, enabling them to be more effective family carers.

Improving the Laboratory Investigation Price Revising Process at Sri Jayawardhanapura General Hospital

Sri Jayawardhanapura General Hospital (SJGH) is a non-profit public enterprise that offers reasonable services. The hospital relies on government grants and revenue generated by patient care services for funding. One of its crucial departments is a laboratory, which serves as a vital support service and the main profit center. However, the frequent rise of consumable prices during economic crises significantly impacts the variable costs of laboratory tests, resulting in financial losses.Calculating the cost incurred by laboratory investigations is essential for implementing a price revision strategy to address this issue. Given the absence of a recognized method for calculating investigation costs, adopting the World Health Organization's Laboratory Test Costing Tool (LTCT), a user-friendly Microsoft Excel-based tool, is recommended. This tool is specifically designed to assist in calculating laboratory test costs, ensuring a more accurate understanding of expenses incurred.Additionally, establishing key indicators to signal the need for price revision and assigning responsibility to initiate the price revision process when these indicators are triggered will streamline the process and improve its responsiveness to financial challenges. By employing such a system, SJGJ can better manage its laboratory costs, maintain service quality, and ensure sustainable operations even during economic hardships.

Financial Challenges Faced by IELTS Test-Takers in Sylhet, Bangladesh: An Exploration of Family Support and Assistance

This study explores the sources of financial assistance available to IELTS test-takers, the motivating factors for taking the test, and the influence of family background on these decisions. The research has adopted a tabular analysis study design to collect the required data and information about IELTS test-takers. Quantitative techniques were applied to gather the necessary primary data and information. This study also adopted In-depth Interview (IDI), Case Studies, and Document Review techniques. Data were collected in Sylhet through coaching centers and an online Google form between June and October 2024, specifically from six centers in Modina Market, Amborkhana, Zindabazar, and Uposhohor. The questionnaire was distributed to 190 individuals, comprising 132 participants currently preparing for a retake. After excluding data of 14 participants due to missing information, 176 responses were analyzed. MS Excel and STATA were employed for data classification and interpretation. Authors used MS Excel for data entry, data cleaning, and tabular analysis and STATA-16 for summary statistics. Female participation in IELTS test preparation is impressive and closely comparable to that of male participants. Additionally, a higher number of students take the IELTS exam in Sylhet district compared to the other three districts. Most of the time, 76.70% of the participants’ family (Parents/Brother/Sister) covered their whole cost of IELTS test and Family members often play a key role in encouraging individuals to pursue the test. IELTS test-takers from low-income families face significant difficulties in covering tuition fees and other expenses related to their preparation, coaching such as the cost of academic materials and center fees. The findings reveal that many test-takers struggle to afford the costs of preparing for the exam. As a student in a low-income country, Bangladesh, many individuals face challenges in covering expenses beyond necessities like food and shelter. Therefore, the study recommends scholarship opportunities and special consideration for participants who are facing financial challenges. The researchers and policy makers of IELTS test, should give a focus to their test fee which will be helpful for students of a developing country.

Aging in place or aging out of place? Family caregivers' perspectives on care for older Pakistani migrants in Norway.

The aging population in Europe is increasing, with growing ethnic diversity among older individuals due to migration. Public policies emphasize 'aging in place' to address financial challenges and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. However, research often overlooks the heterogeneity among older people, especially non-European migrants. Also, research on family caregivers' role in enabling 'aging in place' for older relatives with migrant backgrounds is limited, despite many older non-European migrants' preference for family care in comparison to long-term institutional care. This study aims to explore the experiences and perspectives of family caregivers in the context of formal and informal care and their preferences regarding the place of care for older family members with migrant backgrounds, particularly the Pakistani Ahmadiyya community in Norway. Eighteen semi-structured individual interviews and two group interviews were conducted in Urdu and English with nineteen female family caregivers of older relatives, ages 25-62, residing in Norway. The analysis yielded three main themes: (1) "Nursing homes are not for the ones who love their parents", (2) Preferences for home with the possibility of sharing care, and (3) Mismatch between family care needs and formal care. Family caregivers' perception of health services has a decisive impact on their older relatives' demand and use of formal health services, emphasizing the need for trust. Even though home care services were seen as a viable option, they should be adapted so that the family caregivers can use them and feel supported in enabling 'aging in place' for older migrants.

COMPLIANCE OF EXERCISE IN PATIENTS WITH ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS IN LOWER MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRY

Exercise adherence is crucial for the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), particularly in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. However, barriers to exercise adherence in this patient population remain poorly studied, especially in resource-poor settings. This study focused on assessing exercise adherence among AS patients in Quetta, Pakistan, identifying both challenges and facilitators of adherence. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess exercise adherence among AS patients in Quetta, Pakistan, and explore key factors influencing their adherence to prescribed exercise programs, including barriers such as physical limitations, financial constraints, and social and support systems. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in several rheumatology outpatient clinics in Quetta from January to July 2024. A purposive sample of 20 AS patients was recruited and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect clinical and demographic data. Thematic analysis was performed to identify key themes related to exercise adherence, including facilitators and barriers. Results: Of the 20 participants, 60% were male and 40% were female, with a mean age of 45 years. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: physical barriers (including chronic pain and fatigue), financial challenges (such as not being able to afford a gym membership or transportation), social factors (including stigma and lack of support), and motivational influences. Despite these barriers, social support and personalized exercise prescriptions emerged as key facilitators of adherence. Participants who received personalized exercise programs and education on the benefits of physical activity had higher adherence rates. Conclusion: Exercise adherence among AS patients in Quetta is influenced by a complex interaction of physical, social, and financial factors. Eliminating these barriers through patient-centred strategies, including personalized exercise programs and increased social support, can significantly improve adherence. These findings highlight the need for personalized approaches to promote physical activity among patients with AS, especially in resource-poor settings such as Quetta.

A Qualitative Exploration of the Role of Culturally Relevant Social Prescribing in Supporting Pakistani Carers Living in the UK.

Approximately 5.7 million people in the UK are providing informal care. Carers across all ethnic groups can experience negative impacts on their physical and mental health but some minority ethnic groups face greater challenges. Higher levels of social isolation exist among Pakistani carers compared to White British carers, yet the needs of Pakistani carers and how well support services meet these needs is less well understood. Social prescribing can help people get more control over their health care in a nonmedical way. South Asian and other ethnically diverse populations are under-served in social prescribing and there is little evidence available on why this is the case. To explore the potential role of culturally relevant and adapted social prescribing in assisting Pakistani carers and identify the cultural and religious influences and barriers on carer health behaviours. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews with Pakistani family carers (n = 27) and social prescribing stakeholders (n = 10) living in London and Sheffield, UK. Participants were recruited through voluntary and community sector organisations (VCSOs), social media, religious organisations, and word of mouth. Interview data was analysed in NVivo using reflexive thematic analysis methods. Two themes were developed; (1) Individual and community level influences: Navigating and accessing carer support within Pakistani communities, including carer identity and cultural barriers to accessing support provision, and cultural adaptation to facilitate support for Pakistani carer health and well-being, (2) societal and structural level challenges: Accessing and providing social prescribing for Pakistani carers, including funding challenges for the provision of culturally relevant carer support, integration of primary care and social prescribing, and enhancing cultural awareness and competence in social prescribing for Pakistani carers. There are complexities surrounding carer identity, family dynamics, stigma, and a lack of knowledge of social prescribing within Pakistani communities. There is a need for more culturally competent support, culturally relevant education, awareness-raising, and collaboration among primary care and VCSO's to better support Pakistani carers through social prescribing, which acknowledges and addresses the complexities. The study included a patient advisory group comprised of two South Asian family carers who contributed towards all stages of the study. They provided feedback on study documents (topic guides and recruitment materials) and recruitment strategy, supported with translation of study documents and interpretation of the interview data, and helped with facilitation of our dissemination activities.

A Mixed Methods Assessment of an Online Mental Health and Resilience Program for Agricultural Sector Students

ABSTRACT Financial, environmental, and socio-cultural challenges affect the mental health and wellbeing of those working and living on-farm. Education programs can help in improving mental health and overall wellbeing, but most of these programs are offered to established farmers in a face-to-face format, leading to a gap in offerings to many subgroups, including young agricultural entrants. To address these gaps, this paper assesses the value of an online mental health and resilience education program for young agricultural entrants. An explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was applied. Firstly, a quantitative survey was conducted with 172 first year agricultural tertiary students, aged 18–20, to assess the knowledge and skills gained due to program participation. Regressions and propensity score matching were used to determine the effect of program participation. Subsequently, seven interviews were conducted with program participants to provide insights into their experiences of the program. Thematic coding was applied to analyze the qualitative data. Findings from the quantitative survey show a significant increase in mental health knowledge and skills amongst program participants compared to participants in the control group. The qualitative interviews show the ability to work through the material in their own time and space, creates a safe environment for online students. Other mechanisms contributing to learning are using “normal language”, a peer voice in communicating wellbeing, and building on learnings in previous education. This paper addresses a gap in literature by being the first study to evaluate online mental health education for agricultural tertiary students. It provides educators and other program designers with valuable information for future program design to support the wellbeing of young agricultural workers.

Model justifying the need for professional competencies in the field of aviation

Around 11.3 million people work in the aviation sector worldwide. During 2020 and 2021, thousands of highly skilled aviation professionals lost their jobs or were retired. After easing travel restrictions in 2022, aviation began to recover rapidly, which was and still is a major challenge for the sector. Along with financial and technological challenges, there is the issue of retraining employees and renewing their competencies. In this era of non-stop progress, the main goal of the players in the aviation sector is to keep up with the changes. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are rapidly being integrated in aviation operations, systems are being automated and ongoing digitization helps to manage increasing flow of information or travelers. Technological, digital, or regulatory changes create a constant need for new and diverse competencies in this field, which becomes a vital need for the sector to survive in the market. This article aims to review the regulations of competencies necessary for those working in aviation and create models to justify the need for professional competencies in aviation. It would reflect the constantly changing environment and its influence on aviation organizations. Therefore, the biggest challenge is to create a model as a sufficient tool to assess the need for competence in work activities.

EDUCAÇÃO FINANCEIRA NA EDUCAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL E TECNOLÓGICA

Strictly speaking, capitalism is a cyclical system that alternates cycles of economic growth followed by declines in activities. This magnifies social vulnerability and contributes to the indebtedness of Brazilian families, making Financial Education an urgent and necessary demand. Within the school context, the integration of Financial Education into the integrated curricula of the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific, and Technological Education contributes to the formation of more conscious, critical individuals capable of dealing with the economic and financial challenges of contemporary times. In light of the foregoing, this study aimed to ascertain the perception of graduates from the Integrated Technical Course in Accounting at the Patrocínio Campus of the Federal Institute of Triângulo Mineiro - IFTM regarding the teaching of Financial Education in schools. To do so, it relied on a qualitative methodological approach through bibliographic analysis and questionnaire application. The data indicate that graduates from the Integrated Technical Course in Accounting at the Patrocínio Campus of IFTM consider the topic relevant and even suggest a mandatory and separate discipline to address it in more detail. They also recommend that facilitating the learning of Financial Education topics occur, among other pedagogical practices, through videos. The results obtained stimulate discussion about the importance of integrating Financial Education into educational institutions, especially those offering Professional, Scientific, and Technological Education, thus contributing to the holistic formation of individuals.

Management Research on Online Recruitment CompaniesBased on Case Analysis of SEEK

This paper explores the study of management research on online recruitment companies, especially to provide a deeper understanding of the management practices of SEEK, Australias largest online recruitment company, through a case analysis focusing on challenges related to corporate governance, cost of capital, and company structure. With the development of the internet and information technology, online recruitment platforms offer efficient and convenient hiring methods for businesses and job seekers, but they also bring unique management challenges. By analysing SEEKs corporate governance structure, including its board composition and compensation policies, this study reveals key issues online recruitment companies face in governance and capital management. Furthermore, the paper examines SEEKs capital structure and its impact on its operations and growth. Through this case sing of the complexities of managing online recruitment platforms. It highlights both the opportunities created by technological advancements and the governance and financial challenges they face.

Shifting the paradigm of type 1 diabetes: a narrative review of disease modifying therapies

A new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be accompanied by numerous lifelong financial, emotional, and physical challenges, thus advancements in therapies that can delay the onset of clinical disease are crucial. T1D is an autoimmune condition involving destruction of pancreatic beta cells leading to insulin deficiency, hyperglycemia, and long-term insulin dependence. The pathogenesis of T1D is classified into stages, with the first signal being the detection of autoantibodies without any glycemic changes. In the second stage, dysglycemia develops without symptoms, and in stage 3, symptoms of hyperglycemia become apparent, and at this time a clinical diagnosis of T1D is made. As a greater understanding of these stages of T1D have evolved, research efforts have been devoted to delaying the onset of clinical disease. To date, only one medication, teplizumab, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of stage 2 T1D. This narrative review present published trials and ongoing research on disease modifying therapies (DMT) in T1D, the mechanisms of action for each therapy, and the stages of T1D that these interventions are being studied.

Predicting guest satisfaction and willingness to pay premium prices for green hotels

Green transformation in the hotel industry represents an undeniable trend yet poses financial challenges, particularly in emerging economies. Expanding on the service quality-satisfaction-behavioral intention paradigm, this study investigates the influences of green emotional attachment, attitude towards green hotels, green image, green practice performance, word-of-mouth, guest satisfaction, functional value, and green experiential loyalty on green hotel premium payment. We collected 573 data points from China using purposive sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings revealed the positive effect of attitudes towards green hotels and green practices on guest satisfaction. The findings confirmed a positive correlation between guest satisfaction and willingness to pay a premium price for green hotels. This study also confirms the moderating effect of green experiential loyalty. Moreover, it recognizes gender, age, and income as partial moderating factors. These findings offer valuable insights into green hotel consumption research and assist practitioners in enhancing guest willingness to pay premiums and fostering sustainable industry development. The active implementation of strategies to boost guest satisfaction and willingness to pay premiums can further environmental conservation and support zero-carbon goals in the hospitality sector.

Financial Crisis Arising in Small-Scale Industries After Pandemic Periods

The global COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted the economy, with small-scale industries (SSIs) facing severe financial crises. These industries, which are the backbone of many economies due to their contribution to employment and GDP, were disproportionately affected by the pandemic. This research article will focus on the financial challenges faced by SSIs post-pandemic, specifically addressing diminished demand, cash flow constraints, supply chain disruptions, and obstacles in securing financial assistance.This paper explores the financial challenges encountered by small-scale industries during and after the pandemic, focusing on liquidity crunches, disruptions in supply chains, reduced consumer demand, and labour shortages. Furthermore, it examines the recovery strategies employed by SSIs and suggests long-term solutions for resilience against future crises.

Mineral resource dependence and green transformation: the impact and challenges of green finance in Chinese cities

Overcoming the resource curse while balancing environmental protection and economic growth presents significant challenges. We developed an evaluation system to measure the green economic efficiency (GEE) of 262 cities and introduced the concept of the mineral resource curse. This study investigates both linear and non-linear relationships between mineral resource dependence (MRD) and GEE, as well as the role of green finance in this context. To address the endogeneity issue arising from the bidirectional causality between MRD and GEE, we used the interaction of relief degree of land surface and time as instrumental variables (IV). The empirical results indicate that a city’s MRD significantly inhibits GEE. Specifically, an increase in MRD hinders GEE by reducing green investment and crowding out green credit. By categorizing cities according to resource cycle theory, we found that non-resource-based and regenerative cities effectively avoided the mineral resource curse. However, resource-based, growing, mature, and declining cities did not benefit from their mineral resources. This conclusion remains robust even after changing IV and using various estimation methods such as IVTOBIT. Furthermore, this study discusses the practical effects of green finance. We found that green investment has a limited impact, failing to offset the negative influence of MRD on GEE. Under the influence of green credit, the relationship between MRD and GEE exhibits an inverted U-shape. This finding highlights the limitations of green finance policies at the municipal level in China. Overall, this study provides new evidence for improving China’s green finance system and promoting green economic development. It offers a fresh perspective for China and other developing countries in their green transformation efforts and avoidance of the mineral resource curse.