Financial Support Research Articles

Exploring attributes of global CCS projects and the key factors to their accomplishment based on the CCUS project database

In recent decades, the serious excessive level of carbon emissions has become the worthiest of human consideration to alleviate the problem. The negative impacts of carbon emissions on human beings involve a variety of aspects, such as sea level rise, deforestation, air pollution, global warming, etc. Any one of these issues could cause serious negative impacts on human society. In a large number of relevant studies, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) programs are considered to be the most promising and effective approach. The carbon produced during production is captured and transported to rock formations deep underground where it is centrally stored. There are nearly 300 CCS plants in operation around the world that demonstrate the feasibility of such projects. However, one relevant question is whether the project is costly and has barriers to deploy at a scale. We gathered a comprehensive list of large-scale CCS projects globally by utilizing the CCUS Projects Database. We then conducted a comparative analysis of these projects across various categories of project status, ensuring comparability by standardizing cost and extraction figures for each project. We found that the cost of Capture and Storage Projects is the highest, followed by just Capture Projects and just Storage Projects. These plants predominantly exist in developed regions: the U.S. hosts the most, then Europe, parts of Australia, with fewer plants scattered globally. Based on detailed project-specific information, we found that that the two most common reasons for suspended or closed plants are high costs without sufficient financial support and the impact of government agencies permissions and regulation. As such, improvement in the capital market and more policy support would be crucial for the deployment and operation of Carbon Capture and Storage projects.

Model and Application of Traditional Courtyard-style Aging-friendly Affordable Housing

In recent years, when formulating policies for affordable housing in China, most considerations have been made from the macro perspective of policy guidance, financial support, and social and urban development. Yet, there is a lack of in-depth attention to the residents of affordable housing, especially the significant elderly population. Therefore, this study aims to focus on this demographic, delve into their actual needs, and propose targeted aging-friendly renovation suggestions.

Project Management Practices and Implementation of Somali Humanitarian Fund Projects by Local Non-Governmental Organizations in Mogadishu, Somalia

The effective management and control of a project are fundamental to its success. In the context of intricate projects, such as those associated with the Somali Humanitarian Fund (SHF), strict adherence to a defined scope, schedule, and budget is crucial to attaining the desired outcomes. Humanitarian and Development (SHF) projects carried out by local NGOs in Mogadishu, Somalia. The specific goals of the study included scrutinizing the role of communication in SHF project performance, evaluating the impact of planning on project success, assessing the effects of financing on project performance, and determining the importance of monitoring and evaluation in the implementation of SHF projects. The study was grounded in the Theory of Change, Management by Objective Theory, Adaptive Structuration Theory, and the Theory of Constraints. Employing a descriptive survey design, the research involved a population of 50 SHF projects. Data collection utilized a semi-structured questionnaire, and the analysis was conducted using SPSS, with findings presented through mean scores, standard deviation, and percentages. The findings highlight the critical role of effective communication, comprehensive planning, adequate financing, and robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms in project success. Communication challenges were identified as hindrances to timely project completion, emphasizing the need for improved communication channels and strategies. Planning was deemed essential, but the recognition of inadequate planning as a challenge suggests a need for capacity building and best practice adoption. Financial support was seen as crucial, but there's room for improved assessment by financiers to ensure transparency. M&E processes were acknowledged as integral, yet areas like demonstrating corrective actions and aligning deliverables with objectives need attention for enhanced effectiveness and accountability. Recommendations include enhancing communication channels, bolstering planning capacities, improving financial management practices, and institutionalizing M&E processes. These steps aim to mitigate challenges, optimize resource utilization, and maximize the impact of SHF projects on vulnerable populations in Mogadishu.

Assessing the Performance of Small-Scale Industries in the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana

This study assessed the performance of small-scale industries (SSIs) in the Tamale Metropolis of the northern region. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and sixty (160) respondents who were administered with questionnaires. Out of the 160 respondents, 154 of them responded to the questionnaire constituting a response rate of 96%. On the effects of insufficient finance on the performance of SSIs, most of the respondents used their own personal savings to set-up their industries with a few getting financial support from government agencies such as National Board for small scale industries (NBSSI), GRATIS Project, Technology Transfer Centre, and Ghana Enterprises Development Commission and banks. The results also revealed that lack of finance was the major constrain to the growth of SSIs. Again on the effect of managerial skills on the performance of SSIs, many of the respondents indicated that their industries are been managed by their own boss with employees as supporting staff and that cost of equipment/raw materials were the major obstacles that management team of SSIs face. In investigating the effects of inadequate equipment and technology of SSIs, most of the respondents indicated that they could not buy the required equipment and use ICT and advance technology in the operations of their firms. Only 20.8% of the respondents had access to technical support (training) and many of them too have not registered or acquired the appropriate license for their operations. The study recommended that government agencies like NBSSI, GRATIS Project, and Technology Transfer Centre should assist owners of SSIs to buy the required equipment to grow their firms. There should also be frequent technical support training programmes to help SSIs owners and encourage them to register and acquire the appropriate license for their operations.

Assessment of Ghana's current energy types to meet tomorrow's needs

Ghana is currently facing challenges in aligning its energy options with future energy demands and reducing its dependency on fossil fuels. This study assessed Ghana's current energy types and their potential to meet future energy needs. A structured questionnaire with a cross-sectional survey and random sampling technique was employed to gather information on energy choices, drivers and challenges from 868 respondents. A multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the impact of energy drivers on preferences in Ghana. Results showed that 82 % of Ghanaians are ready to transition to cleaner energy sources, with preferences for hydropower/grid electricity (45.70 %) and natural gas/LPG (32.90 %) and biofuels (12.00 %). Economic (16.20%) and population (15.50%) growth are the main drivers of energy transitions, while challenges include high initial costs (11.20%) and limited awareness (4.90%). Strategies such as financial support, education, renewable energy promotion, technological advancement and international collaboration should be promoted to actualise Ghana's transition to future renewable energy usage.

Spiritual nursing education programme for nursing students in Korea: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThis study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to understand the characteristics and contents of studies on spiritual nursing education programmes and their effects.MethodsThe literature search included five databases (RISS, KISS, DBpia, Science ON, and KmBase) published in South Korea until September 30, 2021. Nine studies were included in the final review, with six for the meta-analysis using the RevMan 5.4. 1 programme. The programmes targeted nursing students and nurses in the RN-BSN course and employed methods such as lecturing, discussions, and case presentations. The contents focused on self-spirituality awareness, spirituality-related concepts, understanding others’ spirituality, and the process and application of spiritual nursing.ResultsThe meta-analysis revealed statistically significant effects on spiritual nursing competencies, spirituality, spiritual well-being, existential well-being, and spiritual needs, except self-esteem. Spiritual nursing education was effective in enhancing spiritual nursing competencies.ConclusionThe study confirmed that spiritual nursing education effectively improves spiritual nursing competency, indicating a need for increased focus and administrative and financial support for such education in schools and hospitals. Furthermore, future studies should employ randomised experimental designs to examine the effects of online education programmes with short training time on clinical nurses in hospitals.

Development and implementation of personal learning environment-based writing for publication scaffolding platform for Ph.D. Students

This research tackles the challenges Ph.D. students face in academic publishing, which are not fully addressed by existing support systems. It introduces the personal learning environment-based writing for publication (PLE-WfP) platform, created to offer extensive support in academic writing and publication. Developed and tested over ten months with thirteen Year 1 Ph.D. Chinese students at a Thai university, the platform uses a mixed-methods approach encompassing development, intervention, and feedback analysis through reflective diaries. The PLE-WfP platform, structured in individual, group, and submission stages, guides students from beginning writing to collaborative research and final publication, addressing common publishing challenges. Participants expressed a strong preference for the platform’s personalized assistance over conventional methods, highlighting its relevance, adaptability, promptness, and thoroughness. The importance of the academic community in enhancing collaborative writing, confidence, emotional regulation, and resource sharing was also emphasized. This study highlights the need for emotional and financial support in addition to cognitive and technical assistance in academic writing. By providing a novel scaffolding approach, this research contributes valuable insights and solutions to the academic community, demonstrating significant theoretical and practical benefits for global academic discourse.

Exploring different stroke populations’ information needs: a cross-sectional study in England

BackgroundWhile tailored information might have the potential to motivate stroke survivors to make essential lifestyle changes and improve long-term outcomes, how this varies among different stroke populations is not yet fully understood.MethodFrom November 2022 to May 2023, stroke survivors in the UK, who were clinically stable, participated in a community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants rated several information themes on a Likert scale from one to five, indicating the relevance of each information group to them. Data were analysed using Wilcoxon and chi-squared tests on SPSS. Descriptive statistics were employed for examining the preferred information delivery method, timing, personnel, and frequency.ResultsSeventy survivors, with an average age of 67 ± 19 (61% males), were recruited. Survivors emphasised the importance of symptoms, risk factors, and recovery information during hospital stay, while medication and lifestyle change information were more significant in the community. Subgroup analysis revealed distinct patterns: First-time stroke survivors highlighted the importance of social and financial support (acute phase median Likert score 3, chronic phase median Likert score 4; p < 0.01), while those with prior strokes emphasised information on driving and working after stroke (acute phase median Likert score 4, chronic phase median Likert score 3; p < 0.05). Survivors recruited after six months of stroke prioritised knowledge of carer support in the community (acute phase median Likert score 3.5, chronic phase median Likert score 4; p < 0.01).ConclusionSurvivors’ information needs differ depending on factors such as the recovery phase, type of stroke, time since diagnosis, and the presence of a previous stroke. Considering these factors is essential when developing or providing information to stroke survivors.

The Impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Performance on Dividend Policy and Economic Outcomes of Pakistani Firms: A Survey-based Research

The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of environmental, social, and governance performance on the dividend policies of registered firms on the (PSX) Pakistan stock exchange. A data set of 261 respondents from the employees of companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange was collected and analyzed using Smart PLS 3. The findings of measurement model assessment and structural model were used for the analysis of the data. Based on the statistical data, the study found that environmental performance, social performance, and governance performance are three significant antecedents of the dividend policy of registered firms on the Pakistan stock exchange (PSX). The research has contributed to the literature about implications of dividend policy. The policy implications of this research are also significant for improving the dividend policy of firms registered on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. This study also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by examining how ESG performance influences dividend policies in firms on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The findings underscore the importance of integrating sustainability into corporate strategies to enhance financial outcomes and support global sustainability targets.

The Factors Hindering the Effective Development of SMEs Businesses in Tanzania a Review Study

The development of SMEs worldwide is dependent upon a favourable business situation. However, SMEs in Tanzania confront a number of obstacles that prevent them from growing, including a lack of funding, inadequate market accessibility, a lack of entrepreneurial expertise and skills, bureaucracy, lack of business training, lack of good infrastructure, a lack of collateral, low production, unfavourable regulations, corruption, the motivation of the business owners, limited access to information, inadequate raw materials and other related factors. The significance of the study is to review on the issues preventing Tanzanian SMEs from developing. The SMEs, businesses have been demanded as the backbone for the growth of economic in almost all the developing countries including Tanzania. In Tanzania it has contributed almost 30% of the national GDP, and almost 20-30% of the total labour force, thus 3-4 million people employed. Therefore the paper has addressed some factors internal, external and other related factors as reviewed that act as the setbacks towards the SMEs development. The study has focused on literature review of different articles, research and case studies done. Mwanza region was chosen as one of the case study because of great opportunity to SMEs in the region, which if could be well utilized could add high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The SMEs involved are such as; retail shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, playing stations, decoction centres, stationeries, etc Tanzania To achieve the intended objective, the researcher developed research question that was aimed at assessing the factors affecting performance and development of SMEs, contributions and solutions to SMEs. Data were collected from literature review of paper and cited by the author concerning Tanzania. The finding showed that most of the SMEs fails to develop due to; failure to access financial support, lack of business skills, poor technology used due to lack of awareness, lack of enough government support, high taxes imposed , failure to comply with government regulations, sudden change in climatic conditions and government rules. The study concluded by suggesting and further recommended on the better strategies that SMEs could implement with the government support like; government should always work and collaborate with SMEs in all areas by implementing favourable business policies, financial institutions should impose affordable and easy regulation to access loan that supports the SMES operations. Also the SMEs owners and employees should be given enough skills to help them perform better and copy with the daily change in technology advancement to assure effective and efficiency performance of the SMEs for their future sustainability in Tanzania.

К ВОПРОСАМ О ДУХОВНОЙ КУЛЬТУРЕ В СЕВЕРОКИТАЙСКОЙ ПРОВИНЦИИ МАНЧЖУРИИ В НАЧАЛЕ XX в.

The paper touches on the processes of formation of the Russian population on the border territory of North-East China in the exclusion zone of the Chinese Eastern Railway, and reveals aspects of spiritual culture. The main emphasis is on creating a religiously tolerant environment for settlers in Manchuria, which was a common policy for the entire population of the Far Eastern Region. Particular attention is paid to Baptists, which took an active position in the Far East. Research is based on a wide range of sources, archival funds, personal archives, newspaper articles, research and general scientific literature. Some aspects of the work of Protestant missionaries are reflected only in confessional sources (in the books of V.I. Franchuk, Y.F. Sablin, G.P. Vince). Historical-systemic, comparative chronological, statistical and other methods made it possible to examine part of the spiritual culture in the designated area. The article examines aspects of the spread of evangelical doctrine at the beginning of the 20th century. As a result of the active work of Baptist churches and missionaries, the Far Eastern Union of Baptists (FEBL) was formed, which extended its activities to the border areas. Foreign missions provided personnel and financial support to fellow believers, this contributed to the spread of the gospel message in the 10s of the 20th century, but by the end of the 20s and 30s the situation had changed, and cooperation with foreign organizations was unfavorable. According to the author, the activities of the Manchu Baptist communities were closely connected with the Russian Far East, on the territory of which the governing body of the DVSB was located (initially in Blagoveshchensk, and then in Khabarovsk). The adherents of Evangelical Christian Baptists were mostly Russian-speaking, but work was also carried out with the Chinese population. In turn, the Far Eastern Union of Baptists, through the territory of Northern China, had the opportunity to more quickly and without control receive various types of assistance from European and American churches: funds and spiritual literature for the development of missionary activities.

Перешкоди впровадженню теплових насосів у централізованому теплопостачанні

Today, heat pumps are recognized as one of the technologies that most contribute to the decarbonization of almost all spheres of modern society life, especially industry and energy. The integration of heat pumps into district heating is considered as an implementation of renewable energy technology that will enable the European Union (EU) to achieve its ambitious energy and climate policy goals for developing sustainable society. The purpose of this article is to analyze and systematize the EU experience in overcoming obstacles to the introduction of heat pump technologies in district heating and to determine the possibilities of its application in Ukraine. It was found that it is impossible to ensure the universal integration of heat pumps into district heating for all EU members, and an individual analysis is required for each EU country, taking all technical and environmental aspects into account. Obstacles to the large-scale implementation of heat pump technologies into district heating are of a complex nature. Complex obstacles require an integrated approach that simultaneously removes these obstacles and includes direct incentives, indirect taxes, technical standards, building codes, education, etc. An analysis of the experience of the EU countries (financial support, education and training, preferential tariffs for electricity for heat pump operation, EU regulations on energy efficiency of buildings, the EU directive on renewable energy sources, etc.) made it possible to identify obstacles to the widespread implementation of heat pumps in district heating. The main such obstacles are the high initial cost of heat pump equipment, the high cost of electricity, the high cost of connecting to electricity and heat networks, insufficient government incentives, the lack of domestic production of heat pumps and highly qualified personnel for their implementation. The proposed main preventive measures to overcome these obstacles are the creation of a State Program to stimulate the introduction of heat pumps; legislative support aimed at accelerating the introduction of heat pumps; creation of financial incentives for their implementation; state stimulation of production of heat pump equipment and professional training of operating personnel. This article is aimed at discussing directions for the formation of effective legislative and regulatory measures for comprehensive stimulation of the large-scale introduction of heat pumps in the district heating in Ukraine. Keywords: heat pumps, renewable energy sources, district heating, implementation, obstacles, overcoming.

Forest restoration in practice across Latin America

Forest restoration is a promising solution to counteract climate change, biodiversity loss, and meet a host of socioeconomic objectives. While international initiatives highlight potential contributions of forest restoration as a win-win for people and nature, we lack detailed information on how frontline restoration practitioners are addressing this challenge on the ground. Here, we present a systematic assessment of motivations, scale, and costs of forest restoration implemented by 166 practitioners across 14 countries in Latin America. We found that forest restoration is motivated by interlinked objectives and accordingly, most restoration practitioners concurrently used multiple interventions spanning a range of intensity of inputs matched to the scale of individual projects. Project scale influenced strategy, with low-intensity interventions like natural regeneration implemented when operating at larger scales (≥500 ha). However, active tree planting remains the most frequently used intervention (included in >92 % of programs). Costs of establishing planted areas vary most broadly at the project level ($4445/ha ± 4841 over first 3 years) with little evidence of efficiencies of scale and with additional financial support ($964/ha/yr) required ~10 years past establishment. Moreover, monitoring added substantial additional costs, and we identified widespread misalignment between indicators measured and the most frequently expressed objective of restoring biodiversity. Our results emphasize that, while a promising range of new forest restoration interventions are being implemented across Latin America, lower-cost interventions, accessible and practical monitoring strategies, and better alignment between funding cycles and actual time frames required to achieve restoration objectives are urgently needed to support successful outcomes.

Born Againism in Northern Nigeria: The Pentecostal Experience in Taraba State

Global Christianity has been punctuated by the sudden upsurge of Pentecostal’s born again phenomenon in the 20th century. Employing historical and analytical approaches, this study sought to explore the conceptual clarification of born againism and to determine the historical evolution, growth, attractions and impacts of born againism within the religious landscape of Northern Nigeria. The study revealed that born againism has so far gained wider acceptance among the Northerners with its overwhelming impacts currently being felt in almost every home in Northern Nigeria. Regardless of their religious affiliations, almost every home in the North has recorded the presence of at least a born again Christian. Even in the far North which has been the bastion of Islam religion, Moslems are getting born again by the day in their number and are being discipled secretly. Some of these Moslem converts to Christianity returned back to their people as Christian missionaries and busy evangelizing their fellow Moslem faithful with great zeal and positive responses. The study submitted that if the Northern Christians especially the Pentecostals are given more opportunities and financial backing to evangelized Northern Nigeria freely, there will be more explosion of born again experience that will not only revolutionalized the lives of the normal Christians in the North but also those of Moslems as well as the devotees of our indigenous religion. Received: 20 February 2024 / Accepted: 2 May 2024 / Published: 5 May 2024

Confining by Choking Refugees’ Lifetime

ABSTRACT This article argues that refugees’ confinement is enforced through a combination of spatial tactics which restrict mobility and modes of governing by choking lifetime. Focusing on the Greek context, it contends that asylum seekers are entrapped in a sort of (in)dependency conundrum: they are expected to be self-reliant, and they are blamed for being pampered, but they are simultaneously disrupted insofar as they do autonomous social reproduction activities and build autonomous spaces of liveability. The piece starts by exploring the nexus between asylum procedure, carceral mechanisms and politics of confinement: it highlights that people who seek asylum in Greece are at risk of being detained or being declared inadmissible to the asylum procedure. It moves on to investigate the (in)dependency conundrum, taking into account the ways in which refugees choked: it shows that asylum seekers are deprived both of socio-economic independence and of humanitarian-financial support. It suggests that to be withheld is also their future and that this should be conceived as a form of injury and debilitation. The final section illustrates how asylum seekers stranded in camps have organised collective struggles to protest the suspension of food and financial support, and to claim right to education and to access to public transport. By starting from precise demands, refugees have articulated expansive claims that exceed minimalistic biopolitics.

“If we don't speak the language, we aren't offered the same opportunities”: Qualitative perspectives of palliative care access for women of color living with advanced breast cancer

ContextDespite efforts to enhance equity, disparities in early palliative care (PC) access for historically minoritized patients with advanced breast cancer (ABC) persist. Insight into patient and clinician perspectives are needed to inform future models aimed at improving equity in PC access and outcomes. ObjectivesTo explore qualitative barriers and facilitators to early PC access in an urban setting with Black and Latina women with ABC. MethodsIn this qualitative descriptive study, we conducted one-on-one interviews with Black and Latina women with ABC (N = 20) and interdisciplinary clinicians (N = 20) between February 2022 and February 2023. Participants were recruited from urban academic and community cancer clinics. Transcripts were analyzed using an inductive coding and thematic analysis approach. ResultsBarriers identified by both patients and clinicians included lack of communication between oncology, PC, and primary care teams, limited understanding of PC among patients and non-PC clinicians, language and health literacy-related communication challenges, and racism and marginalization, including implicit bias and lack of diverse racial/ethnic representation in the supportive care workforce. Facilitators identified by both patients and clinicians included patient-to-patient referrals, support groups breaking cultural stigma on topics including self-advocacy and PC, referrals from trusted providers, and community organizations’ abilities to overcome challenges related to social determinants of health, most specifically logistical and financial support. ConclusionsPatients and clinicians reported similar barriers and facilitators to PC access, most commonly through the lens of care coordination and communication. These findings will inform future adaptation of a culturally and linguistically care model to improve access to early PC services for Black and Latina women with ABC.

Schreiben eines Forschungsantrags

AbstractThe key to success in securing financial support for research projects lies in the preparation of a well-crafted research grant proposal, showcasing the competence, dedication, and organizational skills of the research group as well as the scientific merit of the proposed study. This paper delineates the essential elements of a successful funding proposal, providing a structured guide to enhance the prospects of obtaining the necessary financial support. In general, the research project should align with the objectives and priorities of the funding agency. Attention to formalities, such as proper formatting and adherence to application guidelines, is mandatory. The core component of a research grant proposal is the formulation of a clear and well-founded research question and hypothesis. The methodology section should address the measurement methods and experimental setup. Additionally, developing a realistic research schedule and milestones is of great importance, along with anticipating potential barriers and challenges. Finally, the proposal’s financial aspect is addressed through a detailed cost breakdown that aligns with the sample size calculation and methodology.

Does willingness to pay for the traditional flood control measures kasumitei vary by river section of residential area?

Kasumitei (open levees) comprise a traditional flood mitigation measure used in Japan. Kasumitei allow floodwater to flow into surrounding paddy fields, which act as temporary flood mitigation basins. After flooding, debris accumulated in paddy fields often brings crop damage and debris removal costs. Therefore, in some areas, the disaster mitigation functions of kasumitei may bring about conflicts between beneficiaries (downstream residents) and burden bearers (midstream residents). Ensuring the continued use of kasumitei in the future requires a mechanism to support the burden bearers. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the willingness to pay (WTP) for maintaining the kasumitei would be lower for midstream residents (potential burden bearers) than for upstream (irrelevant) and downstream residents (potential beneficiaries). The results showed that contrary to the hypothesis, WTP for maintaining kasumitei was not affected by the river sections of the respondents' residence. Thus, a financial support scheme for maintaining kasumitei might be acceptable regardless of the beneficiary or bearer in the surveyed respondents. In addition, respondents with higher interest in ecosystem conservation tended to have higher WTP. Therefore, to gain support for the maintenance and use of the kasumitei (a type of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction), the authorities would promote awareness of the measure's contribution to ecosystem conservation. Based on the results, we discussed the potential financial support schemes for maintaining the kasumitei.

The Influence of Perceived Economic Benefits on Single Parenting among Unmarried Mothers in Nigeria

This study, with a specific emphasis on the lived experiences of single mothers, explored the perceived economic advantages of single parenting among Nigerian single women. The study tackled the growing apprehensions over the financial difficulties encountered by families headed by single mothers, highlighting the growing number of low-income families in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The study employed a combination of qualitative (Key Informant Interview) and quantitative (Survey) methods to investigate their viewpoints on the financial benefits of being a single parent. The theoretical framework explained the intricate relationship between socioeconomic issues and single parenting by integrating social exchange theory and rational adaptation theory. 450 respondents participated in the quantitative study, while 30 respondents were selected for the qualitative study. According to data collected, single mothers frequently enter into several partnerships to obtain a variety of financial support for both themselves and their children. The study emphasized asset accumulation and emotional benefits as ways that single mothers can reduce poverty in addition to financial rewards. The study further highlighted the significance of social protection frameworks and all-encompassing initiatives aimed at tackling the distinct obstacles encountered by single mothers, eventually promoting the welfare of mothers and their offspring in an emerging country such as Nigeria. Keywords: Single Mothers, Economic Benefits, Low-income Families, Social Protection

Competitivity Issues Related to Biobank Activity

The recent development of biomedical research and greater attention to the use of human bio-material has led to an increase in the number of studies devoted to biobanks. In considering the question of whether a biobank can be subject to insolvency, the present article discusses multiple points of view related to the legal status of biobanks according to which they are perceived either as an object or subject of law. From an analysis of the various organizational forms of biobank activity, the author argues that biobanks should be considered as subjects of law. Here considerations include accessing financial support from government, municipal, and other sources, the possibility of carrying out income-generating activities, mechanisms for the protection of obtained bio-material, the monitoring requirement related to entities carrying out such activities, and the possibility of recognizing such entities as insolvent. Based on the results of this research (including an analysis of the experience of foreign countries), the permissible organizational-legal forms that biobanks are instantiated, namely, public corporations, public-law companies, institutions, and public benefit funds. Because of the sensitivities involved, it is argued that such organizations should be of a non-profit character. In the light of the research question, special attention is paid to the form of a consortium. Due to the impossibility of liquidating the assets of biobank organizations in order to meet the claims of creditors, it is argued that such organizations cannot be declared insolvent.