Financial Support Research Articles

Introduction: Simulation plays a crucial role in healthcare by providing a controlled and risk-free environment for training, education, quality improvement, innovation and research. Funding is often required to support the resources needed including; faculty, equipment and/or technology, venues, scenarios and administrative support, amongst others to develop, establish and sustain the delivery of simulation activity. There is a need to clearly articulate the requirements, benefits and cost effectiveness of simulation to justify and secure investment. Additionally, there is a need to foster organisational ownership and buy in to help sustain simulation. Yet funding for this type of learning activity is finite and understanding and justifying costs can be challenging [1]. Methods: The Health Education Improvement Wales (HEIW) Simulation team hold a strategic, facilitatory and supportive role to the diverse multiprofessional simulation community across healthcare in Wales. Frequently the team are asked how and where funding can be sourced to support the development of simulation activity, as well as what rationale can be provided within any business case to justify any expenditure required. Results: In response, the HEIW team undertook a scoping review to determine potential funding sources external to the organisation that can be applied to/accessed by the simulation community across healthcare in Wales to support a range of simulation activity. A guidance document was developed providing a list of the identified potential sources as well as guidance on how to identify other potential sources of funding. In addition, a narrative was developed based on a literature review of the benefits and impact of simulation activity, that could be used to support the development of a business case in application of funding for the use of simulation. The narrative articulates the advantages of simulation in terms of staff development, patient safety, enhancing procedural skills, clinical decision-making, collaboration, teamwork and communication, alongside fostering innovation and quality improvement [2,3]. In particular, it emphasises the importance of simulation as an essential tool for workforce development and operational efficiency. Discussion: Funding may be crucial for some simulation projects as it allows the financing of a range of potential resources that may not already be available. Yet, to gain funding there needs to be an informed and detailed rationale demonstrating the significant value and impact of simulation. Ethics Statement: As the submitting author, I can confirm that all relevant ethical standards of research and dissemination have been met. Additionally, I can confirm that the necessary ethical approval has been obtained, where applicable

Globally, the role of fathers has expanded beyond financial provision to encompass emotional support, shared household responsibilities, and active involvement in children’s development. Yet in Ethiopia, entrenched patriarchal norms continue to define fatherhood narrowly, positioning men primarily as providers and overseers while relegating care-giving and domestic duties to women. This study explored Ethiopian fathers’ perceptions of their paternal roles and the cultural factors shaping these views. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 purposively selected fathers from southern Ethiopia, and the data were thematically analyzed with NVivo 12. Findings revealed that most fathers identified their contributions as financial support, social participation, and supervisory roles over maternal care-giving, while emotional nurturing and direct child-rearing were widely regarded as women’s responsibilities. Participation in household tasks such as cooking and childcare was largely limited, reflecting deeply embedded gender norms. These insights highlight the persistence of traditional constructions of fatherhood that constrain male engagement in care-giving, perpetuate gender inequalities, and place disproportionate burdens on mothers. Culturally grounded strategies and policy interventions are therefore needed to re-frame paternal roles, support equitable parenting, and align family practices with international health and development agendas.

BackgroundBreastfeeding supports infant health, yet medicine use during this period is often influenced by limited safety data, cultural beliefs, and weak regulatory guidance. This study highlights how these factors, along with partner influence, contribute to uncertainty and reliance on informal advice, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines and better communication to support safe medicine use.MethodsThis exploratory qualitative study was conducted between January and April 2024, involving twelve breastfeeding women, seven of their partners, ten healthcare providers, and five representatives from the National Drug Authority in Uganda. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with breastfeeding women and their partners, while key informant interviews were conducted with healthcare providers and regulatory officials. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data, identifying recurring codes that were systematically organized into subthemes and overarching themes.ResultsFour key themes were identified concerning perspectives on medicine use during breastfeeding. First, healthcare providers and regulatory personnel showed varying levels of knowledge of medicine use during breastfeeding, relying on external resources due to uncertainty, while women identified healthcare providers as their primary and most trusted source of information regarding medicine use. Facilitators included trust in healthcare providers, support from partners and family, access to reliable safety information, strengthening pharmacovigilance systems, and conducting drug safety studies. The role of partners in offering financial and emotional support and encouraging medicine adherence was acknowledged. Barriers to medication use during breastfeeding included poor communication and inadequate guidance from healthcare providers, stigma, and concerns about risks from the medicines to the infant. Additionally, unclear drug labeling, inaccessibility of information, and ethical concerns about including breastfeeding women in studies hindered informed decision-making. Recommendations emphasized improving health education, using reliable resources, prescribing safer drugs, timing breastfeeding to minimize medicine risks, and considering non-hormonal contraceptive options to prevent reduced breast milk supply.ConclusionThe study highlights the critical need for improved communication, guidance, and access to reliable information regarding medicine use during breastfeeding. It emphasizes the importance of healthcare provider education, partner involvement, and evidence-based guidelines to support informed decision-making.

Type of the article: Research ArticleAbstractThis research explores the factors that contribute to green consumer behavior in an emerging market setting, highlighting the growing importance of sustainability-related consumption studies. The main objective of the study is to uncover how psychological and contextual elements combine to foster pro-environmental behavior among consumers in Tunisia. Utilizing an extended framework based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and key concepts from green consumer research, this study examines survey responses from 409 participants, collected through an online survey administered to Tunisian consumers active in online shopping communities during March and April 2025, and analyzes them using fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis with the fsQCA 4.1 software. This method enables the discovery of various pathways leading to green consumer behavior, considering causal complexity and the possibility of multiple solutions. The results of this study show that consumer green behavior is achieved through five different configurations. Perceived behavioral control and trust in eco-labels are found to be core conditions across most solutions, while subjective norms are largely absent or irrelevant in most configurations. This research highlights the importance of using a configurational approach in studying sustainable behavior, as it captures the different pathways through which consumers engage in pro-environmental behavior via multiple causal mechanisms. These insights are relevant for practitioners and policymakers by guiding the design of differentiated strategies that reflect the diversity of pathways to green consumption.AcknowledgmentsNo funding or external support was received for the conduct of this research, and there are no specific acknowledgments to declare.

The phenomenon of marriages that are only carried out religiously without state registration still occurs a lot in Way Kenanga District, West Tulang Bawang Regency, causing unclear legal status of families and limited access to civil rights. This study aims to analyze the impact of the practice of marriage confirmation on family status from the perspective of Maslahah mursalah in Islamic law. The study used a qualitative method with case studies, data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and documentation, and was analyzed using a deductive approach using the theory of Maslahah mursalah as the main foundation. The results of the study indicate that marriage confirmation is effective in providing formal legality, strengthening family civil rights, and increasing the social legitimacy of married couples. This practice also fulfills the principles of maqashid al-syari’ah, especially in maintaining offspring and protecting individual rights. The study recommends the need to increase legal socialization programs, simplify marriage confirmation procedures, and provide financial support from the government for low-income communities, in order to expand the benefits of marriage confirmation for the welfare of society in a sustainable manner.

In developing countries, many people face difficulties in accessing financial support for higher education, medical treatment, or social causes due to a lack of transparency and trust in traditional fundraising systems. To address this issue, this project proposes a Blockchain-Based Crowdsourcing Platform that ensures transparency, security, and trust between donors and recipients. The system will be developed using Java technology with a custom blockchain framework that records every transaction securely and immutably. Each donation or fund request is stored as a block, which cannot be tampered with or deleted. The blockchain ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose, increasing donor confidence. This platform enables individuals, NGOs, and communities to raise funds efficiently while donors can track where their contributions go. It helps build a transparent, decentralized, and corruption-free crowdfunding environment to support education, healthcare, and emergency needs. The proposed solution not only simplifies the process of raising funds but also increases accountability and efficiency. By using blockchain technology, the platform ensures that funds are used only for their intended purposes, providing a reliable and fair environment for both donors and recipients in developing nations.

Abstract Geographical indications (GIs) are an increasingly important feature of global agri‐food markets and trade agreements, yet the economic literature lacks a structural open‐economy model to analyze how GI policies influence exports, productivity, and welfare. To fill this gap, we develop a general equilibrium model of international trade that captures essential features of GI production and policies in both domestic and international markets. Production features include the craftsmanship of GI products and the collective culture of GI producers. GI policies focus on institutional frameworks and financial support for the collective management of GIs, as well as administrative protection (ex officio protection) of the GI label. The model accommodates cross‐country asymmetries in the endowment of GI sectors, as well as in the implementation and strength of GI policies. Through simulation exercises, we analyze the impact of GI policies on production decisions, exporting behavior and market share allocation across the GI and non‐GI sectors. We identify welfare‐maximizing domestic and international GI policies and unveil a novel mechanism for welfare gains in international markets. This mechanism is driven by the interaction between domestic and international GI policies, leading to an inter‐sectoral reallocation of market shares toward firms with higher productivity. Additionally, we formulate empirically testable hypotheses and provide policy recommendations. Our work provides a structural basis for future empirical research on the role of GI policies in shaping export behavior and productivity in global agri‐food markets.

This term paper examines the importance of business planning in management of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, focusing on the foundational tools that guides the strategic direction and operational activities of an enterprise. It articulates an organization’s vision, objectives, and the means through which these goals can be achieved, thereby transforming entrepreneurial ideas into structured, actionable strategies. Beyond serving as a blueprint for internal management, a well-developed business plan plays a crucial role in attracting investors, securing financial support, and enhancing organizational credibility. It enables entrepreneurs to evaluate market opportunities, assess potential risks, and allocate resources efficiently. Moreover, the process of drafting a business plan encourages critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making, both of which are essential in today’s dynamic business environment. The importance of a business plan, therefore, extends beyond the startup phase; it remains an indispensable instrument for measuring progress, adapting to market changes, and ensuring long-term sustainability. This paper underscores the multifaceted value of business planning and its contribution to entrepreneurial success, organizational growth, and competitive advantage.

BackgroundBrain injury (BI) is the largest cause of mortality and morbidity among children and can lead to significant cognitive, social, emotional and behavioural deficits. There has been an absence of research examining the availability of rehabilitation services for affected children and young people in low and middle income countries (LMICs). This study therefore investigated current rehabilitation provision in LMICs for children and young people with BI.MethodsAn online survey was developed which collected data on funding support for rehabilitation, causes of BI and access to services. The survey was distributed to healthcare professionals known to members of the research team. Participants were asked to forward the survey to other professionals in their networks. Representation was sought from as many LMICs as possible. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (e.g. percentages) and the Kruskal Wallis test to explore differences between Official Development Assistance (ODA) status (least developed, lower middle and upper middle) on access to services.ResultsA total of 179 participants from 32 LMICs responded to the survey. Healthcare professionals from the least developed countries reported charities as the main source of funding to support rehabilitation, while those from upper middle income regions were most often funded by governments. According to healthcare professionals, the greatest cause of BI in LMICs was hypoxia. The Kruskal Wallis test comparing ODA status showed statistically significant differences in access to services for occupational (P = .005), speech and language (P = .038) and aquatic therapies (P < .001), cognitive (p < .001) and vocational rehabilitation (P = .008), and community based inclusive development programmes (P = .009).ConclusionsThere is a lack of equity in accessibility of rehabilitation services for children and young people with BI in LMICs, with some services being non-existent in lower income countries. Improvements to obstetric services, screening and management of infectious diseases are needed to reduce rates of hypoxic injuries and injury prevention programmes are needed to reduce traumatic injury. Centralised, government funding is required to develop services to improve life chances for these children.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-025-24933-0.

ABSTRACT This review offers a novel and integrated synthesis of the role played by Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) in advancing green skills development, focusing on emerging economies. This domain remains insufficiently explored in the current literature. Drawing on bibliometric, qualitative, and engagement‐based methodologies, the study investigates the evolving landscape of DFI‐supported workforce initiatives aimed at fostering climate‐responsive industrial transformation. The review is grounded in a systematic analysis of literature retrieved from ScienceDirect and Scopus (2014–2024) databases. It employs tools such as VOSviewer, MAXQDA, and Python to map citation networks, keyword trends, and public engagement patterns. Key findings reveal fragmented scholarly engagement, emerging thematic concentrations such as climate finance and the circular economy, and persistent sectoral gaps in green skills training. The analysis underscores the collaborative potential of DFIs, the private sector, and educational institutions in aligning workforce development with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 13 (Climate Action). As global sustainability priorities intensify, the urgency of equipping the workforce with relevant green competencies has become increasingly apparent. DFIs offer both financial and strategic support for capacity‐building programmes that promote renewable energy expertise, green technology innovation, and resilience in climate‐vulnerable sectors. However, challenges persist, including constrained financing, limited programme continuity, and the absence of standardised curricula. It concludes by advocating for enhanced cross‐sectoral collaboration and real‐time feedback mechanisms between DFIs, training institutions, and industries. Future research should prioritise the long‐term evaluation of DFI‐backed green skills initiatives, particularly their impact on labour market transformation and sustainable economic development.

Manual scavenging remains a persistent issue in India despite the state claiming zero instances of the practice in recent years. This degrading occupation, deeply entrenched in the caste system, is driven by societal segregation and caste-based discrimination, affecting marginalised communities, particularly Dalits. The article analyses legislative frameworks and the key schemes launched in the past two decades, including the Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), and the National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE). The content analysis method is used to examine the various laws, schemes, and policies enacted to eradicate manual scavenging. The analysis reveals policy gaps, including lack of enforcement, inadequate financial support, lack of political will, and failure to dismantle caste-based discrimination. The article emphasises the need for a holistic approach to end manual scavenging, emphasising that effective reform requires policy promises and actionable, systemic change. By understanding these intersecting problems, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on policy revision and social equity.

Lung cancer stigma remains a significant yet underexplored challenge, particularly in non-Western contexts. Our study aimed to explore how sociocultural factors shape the experiences of Malaysian lung cancer patients, with particular attention to stigma. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 15 lung cancer patients at a local public hospital in Malaysia, which were analysed using coding reliability thematic analysis in conjunction with consensual qualitative research. Our analysis showed that participants' narratives centred on the challenges they faced and the coping strategies they employed, which we mapped to the socio-ecological model to illustrate the sociocultural influences spanning individual, familial, social and systemic levels. At the individual level, smokers felt guilt, while non-smokers experienced confusion and distress about their diagnosis. Participants reported physical and emotional challenges, finding solace in faith, acceptance and cultural resilience. Within families, feelings of guilt and fear of burdening others constrained disclosure, yet collectivist norms of obligation and care meant that family members still provided crucial emotional and financial support. At the societal level, stigma associating lung cancer with smoking led to blame and isolation for both smokers and non-smokers. Systemic issues such as diagnostic delays, poor health care communication and financial burdens compounded these challenges. Our study highlights how sociocultural values, stigma and systemic barriers are deeply intertwined in shaping lung cancer experiences in Malaysia. Interventions should be designed with sensitivity to religious beliefs, filial obligations and norms of emotional restraint while addressing stigma alongside health care barriers.

Data monopoly, financial support, and the diffusion of green technology: The dual effects of platform enterprises' technological openness strategies

Financial support and urban sports infrastructure development: An empirical analysis of the construction of sports venues in Chinese prefecture-level cities

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, homeownership became increasingly unattainable for many young adults due to unstable job and incomes, rising cost of living and tightened lending conditions. Accordingly, this study attempted to identify the challenges faced by young adults in achieving homeownership and proposes potential strategies to address these challenges. Quantitative research was employed. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 384 young adult respondents, aged 18 to 35 years old, who were selected using simple random sampling. The data were analysed using SPSS software with descriptive analysis techniques. The study identifies several key challenges faced by young adults in achieving homeownership, including high housing prices, unstable income, restrictive housing scheme policies, undesirable housing locations, difficulties in obtaining housing loans, and complex decision-making processes. These recommendations highlight the importance of policy intervention and financial support in promoting homeownership among young adults, especially in urban areas.

Sustainability-the continued delivery of an intervention's intended benefits after external donor support ends-is essential to ensure long-term impact and success. In 2019, a cash transfer program in Blantyre, Malawi, provided full transport reimbursement (mean ∼200 Euros/family), counseling, and patient tracking for caregivers of children with common and curable cancers. This reduced treatment abandonment from 19% to 7% (p < 0.001). We evaluated the program's sustainability over a 4-year period post-implementation. The intervention was implemented from June 2019 to June 2020. We conducted a mixed-methods study to assess sustainment and sustainability. We evaluated the continuation of cash transfers and treatment abandonment rates among children (<16years) newly diagnosed with common and curable cancers from 2022 to 2024. Exploratory stakeholder interviews identified perceived facilitators and barriers to sustainability. The program continued beyond 2020 with modifications-transport reimbursement was limited to the home district. A new donor assumed funding. Reduced abandonment rates were sustained: 9% (10/110) in 2022, 10% (13/127) in 2023, and 3% (2/70) in 2024 (with 40% still on treatment) (p = 0.28). Reported facilitators of sustainability included high acceptability, local ownership, demonstrated effectiveness, and availability of alternative donor support. Barriers included resource constraints, competing health priorities, and concerns about misuse of funds. Four years after initial funding ended, the cash transfer intervention remained active with sustained reductions in treatment abandonment. These findings highlight the potential for sustained impact of financial support programs in low-resource settings. Further research is needed to identify the key determinants of sustainability, informing future scale-up efforts.

ABSTRACT HIV-related stigma affects the well-being and quality of life of people with HIV (PHIV). To evaluate the impact of HIV-related stigma on the quality of life among PHIV in Dar es Salaam, we conducted a qualitative study between December 2021 and June 2022. We enrolled participants in the Dar es Salaam Urban Cohort Study who were from the Ilala Municipality of Dar es Salaam. Using a semi-structured discussion guide, three focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the 33 participants. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. The impact of stigma on quality of life was grouped into three themes: (1) health impact manifested as failure to attend clinic as scheduled, poor adherence to medication and appetite and weight loss; (2) psychosocial impact manifested as fear, stress, depression, family instability, limited social interaction and a difficult learning environment and (3) economic impact manifested as denied employment opportunities, loss of job, denied financial support and a lack of economic support. PHIV experience stigma, which affects their economic status, health and well-being. Therefore, strengthening programmes, such as community education, awareness campaigns, peer support groups among PHIV and the establishment of microeconomic groups for PHIV may reduce stigma and improve quality of life.

The cannibalization effect of intermittent renewables: Are wind and solar power in Germany still dependent on policy support?

Opinions of pharmacy educators regarding declining North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) first-time pass rates.

Urban neighborhood factors influencing adolescent health and well-being: A qualitative study among adolescent boys in the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands.