Financial Resources Research Articles

Facilitators and challenges in collaboration between public health units and faith-based organizations to promote COVID-19 vaccine confidence in Ontario

BackgroundEquitable access to vaccination remains a concern, particularly among population groups made structurally vulnerable. These population groups reflect the diversity of communities that are confronted with structural barriers caused by systemic racism and oppression and result in them experiencing suffer disadvantage and discrimination based on citizenship, race, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, spiritual beliefs, and/or gender identity. In Canada, Ontario public health units (PHUs) engage with faith-based organizations (FBOs) to improve vaccine confidence among populations made structurally vulnerable. This study explores the factors that facilitate and hinder engagement in the implementation of vaccine confidence promoting interventions, and challenges associated with working with FBOs.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with 18 of the 34 Ontario PHUs who expressed an interest. Braun and Clarke’s “experiential” approach was used to explore the realities of PHUs’ contextual experiences and perspectives.ResultsThe results showed that receptivity and openness of PHUs to learn from FBOs, previous experience working with religious communities and FBOs, ongoing relations based on respect of different beliefs and opinions on the vaccines, leveraging the support of trusted faith leaders among communities and communications strategy adapted and sensitive to the needs of the community was facilitators to community involvement in the prevention and control of COVID-19. On the other hand, factors both internal and external to the PHUs have often posed challenges to collaboration with the FBOs. Internal factors include low operational capacity of PHU like insufficient human and financial resources, weak analytical capacity, ambiguity in the roles and responsibilities of the different actors. Some external challenges issues were related to the provincial level and the Ministry of Health, while others were related to FBOs. For example, faith-based and collective beliefs promoting vaccine hesitancy have resulted in resistance from some religious communities when PHUs have reached out to collaborate.ConclusionsEngaging with faith-based communities is an ongoing process that requires time, flexibility, and patience, but it is necessary to improve vaccine confidence and equity access among population groups made structurally vulnerable. Lessons learned from this research can guide the implementation of future vaccination programs.

Zero-Based Budgeting versus Management Strategy and Applicability

This study investigates the feasibility of applying zero-based budgeting in themunicipalities of Anbar Governorate in Iraq, verifies the existence of a writtenstrategy for its adoption, analyzes available resources and capabilities, andproposes a practical model for its implementation.This study uses a descriptive and analytical approach through data collection andanalysis. A survey research tool "questionnaire" was used, designed to achieve thestudy objectives, and distributed to 280 municipal employees, including managers,accountants, and local council members, to assess their perceptions of applyingzero-based budgeting. In addition, interviews were conducted with senior officialsto obtain their vision towards implementing zero-based budgeting in theirdepartments and whether it is in their minds and strategies. The results of our studyindicate major gaps in current practices, including the absence of a clear strategyfor adopting zero-based budgeting, insufficient financial resources, lack of skilledemployees, insufficient technological infrastructure, weak administrative support,and the absence of legislative frameworks supporting the implementation of thistype of budgeting. The study also identified critical areas for improvement,including developing a clear strategy, enhancing staff capacity through training,enhancing administrative support, upgrading technological resources, andreviewing legal frameworks to support the foundations of zero-based budgeting.The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive and well-supportedtransition plan to successfully implement zero-based budgeting in Anbarmunicipalities. By addressing these challenges, municipalities can improve resource allocation, prioritize projects more effectively, and ultimately enhancefinancial management practices. The paper concludes with a proposed model thatrepresents the basic steps that should be adopted initially when embarking on thezero-based budgeting process, to ensure the successful implementation of zero-based budgeting.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the HIV care continuum and associated factors in middle-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review.

The HIV care continuum during the COVID-19 era faced specific challenges. The pandemic, affecting the delivery of HIV care, exacerbated existing healthcare inequities and vulnerabilities in middle-income countries with limited financial resources. This study aims to set the stage for the systematic review, focusing on the impact of COVID-19 on HIV care in middle-income countries with a focus on barriers and facilitators. A systematic search of relevant literature, including electronic databases and manual assessment of references, was done. The review included quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies conducted in middle-income countries, with no age or gender restrictions. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for reporting the results. In the course of our systematic review, a comprehensive examination of the pertinent literature published between 2020 and 2024 yielded a total of 76 studies. This adverse impact was prominently attributed to an amalgamation of factors intrinsically associated with pandemic-induced restrictions, fear of contracting the COVID-19 and fear of disclosing HIV status. Moreover, an emergent theme observed in select studies underscored the enduring trend of HIV treatment continuity, which was facilitated by the burgeoning utilization of telemedicine within this context. The pandemic negatively affected income and increased vulnerability to HIV across all phases of the HIV care continuum, except for viral suppression. Prevention measures, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), were compromised, leading to increased risky behaviours and compromised mental health among people living with HIV. HIV testing and diagnosis faced challenges, with reduced access and frequency, particularly among key populations. The pandemic also disrupted linkage and retention in care, especially in urban areas, exacerbating barriers to accessing necessary HIV treatment. Additionally, this review highlights the complex and multifaceted landscape of the pandemic's impact on HIV medical appointments, adherence and treatment engagement, with various barriers identified, including fear of COVID-19, economic constraints and disruptions in healthcare services. The coexistence of pandemics has had negative effects on the HIV care continuum, with restrictions on services, an increase in care gaps and a break in the transmission chain in middle-income countries.

MOSQUE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND HALAL ECONOMY ECOSYSTEM: AN ANALYSIS OF MUHAMMADIYAH MOSQUES IN SOUTH SULAWESI, INDONESIA

This research aims to analyze the financial management of Masjid Muhammadiyah in South Sulawesi Province, with a focus on the effective and efficient utilization of financial resources for Halal economic ecosystem development. The mosque plays a crucial role in the Muslim community, and sound financial management is essential for maintaining its operational sustainability and facilitating various beneficial programs and activities for the faithful. Qualitative research methodology with a case study approach was employed. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 80 mosques Muhammadiyah in South Sulawesi and FGD with mosque administrators, financial managers, and congregants involved in the financial management of the mosque. Additionally, relevant documents such as financial reports, budgets, and financial policies were analyzed. The findings reveal that Muhammadiyah mosques in South Sulawesi province possess several strengths in their financial management. These include a commitment from mosque administrators to financial transparency and accountability, as well as the implementation of a robust accounting system. However, several challenges were identified, such as a lack of trained personnel in financial management and the need for income diversification. To address these challenges, strategic steps are recommended. First, enhancing the understanding and capacity of mosque administrators in financial management through training and education programs is crucial. Second, diversifying income sources through the development of creative and sustainable fundraising initiatives is essential. Third, leveraging information technology in financial management to achieve better efficiency and effectiveness is recommended.

MOSQUE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODEL: OPPORTUNITIES & OBSTACLES (CASE STUDY OF MUHAMMADIYAH MOSQUE)

This study aims to explore the financial management practices of the Muhammadiyah Mosque in Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, as well as identify the challenges and opportunities that exist in mosque financial management. The qualitative research involved 35 mosques, with the mosque treasurer as the main informant. Initial findings show that the financial management of the Muhammadiyah Mosque in Gowa, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, still uses simple recording methods. The Muhammadiyah Mosque in Gowa, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, has prepared financial reports, but they only cover cash inflows, cash outflows, and ending balances. The announcement of financial conditions is made before Friday prayers. SWOT analysis shows that one of the main obstacles is limited financial resources, while the opportunity is increasing congregational participation through awareness of the importance of financial support for mosques. This mosque must also anticipate threats such as changes in socio-economic conditions, which could affect the amount of donations received. By taking advantage of this opportunity and overcoming existing obstacles, the Muhammadiyah Mosque in Gowa Regency can improve its financial management, ensure operational continuity, and continue to provide benefits to its congregation and surrounding communities.

Prospects of Agrotourism Development in the Region

For every nation, the era of transition to a market economy is marked by a severe lack of financial resources. Bringing in sectors of the economy that yield the fastest and most efficient returns is one strategy to develop and overcome this issue. Agrotourism, which is seen as a new trend in the tourism business, is one of these industries. The Samarkand region is used as an example to examine the scientific and theoretical underpinnings of agrotourism as well as its geographical characteristics in this article. Furthermore, an agrotourism map of the region was created by evaluating each location’s potential for agrotourism, classifying the regions based on how desirable they are for agrotourism, and identifying the facilities and resources available for agrotourism. Factors affecting the market of tourist services in the area were studied, and forecast values of the volume of tourist services were determined.

Proposal for a uniform protocol and checklist for cadaveric courses for surgeons with special interest in open abdominal wall reconstruction.

Over the last decade, there has been a rapid rise in the development and refinement of abdominal wall repair (AWR) techniques. Numerous cadaveric AWR training courses have been set up with the goal of helping practicing surgeons learn and incorporate them into their surgical repertoire. Some maybe excellent but their quality and consistency are unknown. The aim of this article is to present a stepwise cadaveric dissection template and checklist to standardize all training on open AWR courses and to help course organizers benchmark the quality of their program. This article is based on both the authors experience as faculty and course leads of cadaveric AWR courses, and the published anatomical and operative literature. The authors represent the training committee of the European Hernia Society, and the AWR subcommittees of the British Hernia Society and Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland. A standardized stepwise approach for the cadaveric training of the most recognized procedures for open AWR, including retrorectus repair, posterior and anterior component separation techniques, is presented. Considerations on delegate selection, pre-course material and testing, course structure, and cadaveric models is also provided. Time and financial resources for surgeons to attend courses to learn and hone the skills required for safe effective AWR is limited. Ideally all courses should deliver up to date consistent training of the highest quality. One step to achieve this is by developing a standardized approach to ensure delegate understanding of the operative steps and key anatomical features.

IMPLEMENTASI PENATAAN DESA TERDAMPAK LUMPUR LAPINDO DI DESA KETAPANG KECAMATAN TANGGULANGIN

This study examines the implementation of village planning due to Lapindo mud in Ketapang Village. The 2006 Lapindo mud has caused severe damage, one of which is Ketapang Village, Tanggulangin District, causing administrative services to be unable to run. This study aims to identify the implementation of village planning in Ketapang Village, Tanggulangin District. The research method is based on qualitative description with observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study show that the implementation of village planning in Ketapang Village, Tanggulangin District is running optimally including communication with the local government, village government, and community so that it produces mutually agreed decisions, adequate human resources in carrying out administrative services and financial resources that support the merger of villages, and support from stakeholders so that activities and administrative services in Ketapang Village, Tanggulangin District can run like villages in general after being affected by Lapindo mud.

CREATIVE TOURISM: AN ENGINE OF INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN TODAY'S WORLD

In the field of economics, creativity represents the ability to produce work and to perform new, unexpected, original, but at the same time appropriate and useful, beneficial activities. The importance of creativity lies, for example, in innovations, new discoveries, creativity can lead to new directions in art and the like. If we apply creativity to tourism, the result can be an increase in the attractiveness of a specific place or the entire (creative) tourism region. The main goal of the presented article is to map the use of creativity in selected companies and institutions of the travel industry in Slovakia, to identify the strengths of the use of creativity and at the same time, in connection with the revealed shortcomings, to identify areas in which improvement and development of the potential of creative tourism is possible. To achieve the main goal, the article will use the primary data obtained through sociological inquiry in the form of a questionnaire among companies and institutions of the tourism industry in Slovakia and among their consumers. The analysis showed that there is no significant difference in the intensity of the use of innovation and creativity between the studied areas in Slovakia. It has been confirmed that tourism companies and institutions do not have enough financial resources in Slovakia to further develop creativity. The last finding was the creation of own innovations by tourism companies and institutions, not taking them from abroad, or from other businesses.

BENDRUOMENĖS KŪRIMOSI SVARBA IR NAUDA GYVENAMOJOJE VIETOVĖJE: X MIESTO ATVEJIS

Community building is an important macro and micro phenomenon. This means that the community is economically important in terms of the state's financial resources, their improvement, and growth. The micro-scale is extremely important when it comes to social factors that affect every resident. Therefore, the main goal of this article is to analyze the importance and benefits of community building in the case of X city. The literature section provides insights into the benefits and importance of community building. The concept of community building is analyzed. The study found that the importance and benefits of community building in a residential area include three of the most important and beneficial factors: economic, social, and health connections. During the research, it was revealed that in the presence of a community, the economic factors of the residents became much higher: increasing the awareness of new and small businesses, establishing long-term relationships, promoting business. Social connections are another extremely important phenomenon, thanks to which communities are created. Members of the community make new acquaintances more easily, it is easy for the settlers to get involved in the activities of the community, it promotes the quality of life and safety. Health connections and the interconnectedness of the benefits and importance of community building are another population influencer. It is extremely significant in terms of health, due to the constantly held competitions, which promote the active life of community members, and as a result, the quality of health.

Impact of organisational capabilities on the implementation of circularity‐oriented activities

AbstractA transition to a circular economy should be seen as a fundamental systemic change involving a rethinking and development of organisational capabilities. Most studies have focused on the normative aspects of what circular capabilities and circularity‐oriented activities should be. There is a lack of research empirically demonstrating what dynamic capabilities influence circularity‐oriented activities, which range from product design to waste management. By using survey data of 139 incumbent manufacturing companies, this paper investigates organisational capabilities that influence the implementation of circularity‐oriented activities. The functional relationship analysis is performed by combining a variance‐based structural equation model with ordered logistic regression. Zooming‐in and zooming‐out perspectives highlight the dynamic nature of circular capabilities. Our empirical results show that zooming‐out capabilities (adaptability to the network, adaptability to regulation, consumer acceptance) positively influence product design, while zooming‐in capabilities (financial capabilities and organisational resources and skills) positively affect circularity‐oriented activities, such as cleaner production and waste management.

Is the emphasis on cofinancing good for environmental multilateral funds?

International environmental and development agencies increasingly emphasize external cofinancing when selecting projects to fund. This paper considers whether the emphasis on cofinancing helps promote institutional objectives, or creates perverse and inefficient incentives. We present a model of project selection that can apply to any funding agency, but focus on environmental multilateral funds and climate change. We show that introducing cofinancing objectives to a fund that seeks to maximize its immediate environmental impact is redundant as best, and more likely counterproductive. We test implications of our model using project-level data from two of the leading environmental multilateral funds, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). While tradeoffs exist between emission reductions and cofinancing, we find that they are not strong enough to imply that current cofinancing preferences are diminishing the environmental benefits that funds can claim. However, we also find that the emphasis on cofinancing in project selection is likely to be globally inefficient, as projects with greater cofinancing ratios tend to yield smaller emission reductions per gross dollar spent. This finding should sound a note of caution given the overall scarcity of financial resources available to achieve global climate goals.

A SAÚDE MENTAL NA ATENÇÃO BÁSICA: AVANÇOS E DESAFIOS

Introduction: Mental health is an essential part of primary care, fundamental for the prevention and management of mental disorders. This study highlights the advances and challenges of this integration, such as collaborative models and the use of telemedicine, which have expanded access and care effectiveness, especially in remote contexts. Material and Methods: A literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, including articles published between 2007 and 2023, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The search was carried out in the PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, using specific descriptors. The articles were qualitatively analyzed, identifying patterns, gaps, and relevant strategies for integrating mental health into primary care. Results and Discussion: The results point to significant advances, such as the inclusion of specialized professionals, continuous training, and technologies like telemedicine, which have increased the resolvability and reach of care. However, barriers such as insufficient financial resources, social stigma, and workload overload still limit the effectiveness of the integrated model. Future strategies include increased funding, intersectoral articulation, and the adoption of technological tools, as well as public policies focused on equity and stigma reduction. Conclusions: The integration of mental health into primary care is a complex yet indispensable challenge to improve the quality of life of the populations served. This study reinforces the need for sustainable and collaborative solutions aligned with local and global demands.

Investigating direct air capture of carbon dioxide using alkali dosed biochar-based adsorbent

Abstract As a response to the urgent need for global climate change mitigation, negative emissions technologies have gained widespread recognition as essential tools for achieving climate goals. Among these technologies, direct air capture (DAC) and biochar are considered promising methods for carbon capture, contributing to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. Biochar stands out as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective adsorbent for DAC. While both DAC and biochar technologies have undergone extensive research, limited attention has been given to the potential of using alkali-dosed biochar as a sorbent for DAC, with most validation conducted at laboratory level. This study focuses on the DAC of CO2 using a KOH-dosed biochar-based adsorbent and introduces a mobile prototype designed to accommodate a portable biochar filter. Our research explores the viability of this innovative approach for carbon capture, offering a possible solution for sectors with limited financial resources and the public.

Learning in polycentric governance: Insights from the California Delta science enterprise

AbstractScience is critical for learning and adaptation of policy and governance systems. Increasingly, science is produced in the context of a science enterprise: a complex, polycentric institutional arrangement featuring multiple science forums and actors. The characteristics of these polycentric systems can influence whether and to what extent science supports policy‐relevant learning. Limited research, however, has examined how science enterprises function as polycentric systems and how they can be governed to support learning. Using a survey of actors involved in the science enterprise of the California Delta, we integrate the collective learning framework and ecology of games framework to analyze individual‐ and forum‐level drivers of perceived learning across the adaptive management cycle. The results suggest that social drivers such as leadership, trust, and engagement are most highly correlated with perceived learning. While science enterprise actors often perceive administrative and financial resource limitations, those constraints are less important for learning than social drivers.

Asymmetries in energy consumption: Efficiency of public spending across Portuguese municipalities

The efficient allocation of public financial resources to energy consumption in Portuguese municipalities is one of the most discussed topics in public finance, given the growing relevance of sustainability and energy efficiency. The study analyzes how public spending affects energy efficiency through a combination of data analysis and hypotheses testing to assess the relationship between public spending and energy consumption. The methodology includes DEA analysis of the financial data and energy consumption of the municipalities, as well as the definition of hypotheses to determine the possible correlations between investment and efficiency. The results suggest that, in general, municipalities with higher levels of public spending have lower levels of energy efficiency. Meanwhile, municipalities with smaller budgets and fewer resources tend to be more efficient. The DEA analysis of the data suggests that energy efficiency is not directly related to the size and/or economic aptitude of municipalities but rather to their ability to adopt new technologies and more efficient budgetary and financial management practices. The hypotheses tested show varying levels of efficiency in public spending in relation to energy consumption. The study also concludes that public policies should focus on technological innovation and benchmarking to improve energy efficiency. The analysis suggests that collaboration between municipalities and the adoption of best practices are essential to tackle regional disparities and promote energy sustainability. AcknowledgmentsThis article is financed by Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa [Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon].

Public Health Issues in Albania

In respect of actual healthcare situation in Albania, mostly referring to the low level of healthcare services as well as to broad issues pertaining to the public health sector, we have obtained a specific topic not yet delivered from the Albanian researchers of the field, aiming that we can modestly help in the clarification of the situation as it has been often camouflaged in the needs of political powers. According to the researches made on this topic it seems to be the actual healthcare trend of developments in Europe and not only. Due to the latest context we believe that in order to bring a fair approach in the Albanian situation the integration of medical and economic sciences is a must. Thus, the paper considers evidences regarding the legal framework from the healthcare sector in Albania and compares them with the respective demand and legal framework in European Community aiming as a final goal the exploration of opportunities which can bring a better perspective in the country. For the previously mentioned reasons we have interviewed specialists of the field such as: well known doctors, experienced administrators in public hospitals and ordinary staff as they face every day different issues. On behalf of the research made the paper concludes:  On policies and strategies needed to improve the services in the healthcare public sector; On the expansion of the financial resource base and increase funding for public health; On strengthening the managerial capacity of healthcare institutions through the implementation of contemporary models in health management in order to establish the patient in the bottom of the Albanian healthcare system.

Willingness of Hearing Help–Seekers With Low Incomes to Pay for Hearing Aids, Services, and Over-the-Counter Devices

Purpose: Our aims were to assess associations between patient-related variables and willingness to pay (WTP) for advanced digital technology (ADT) hearing aids, services, and over-the-counter (OTC) devices. Method: A cross-sectional postal survey was sent to 106 individuals presenting to a low-income community hearing aid bank eliciting patient-related variables (age, monthly income, gender, race, educational level, employment status, number in household, self-reported hearing difficulty without amplification [quiet and noise], hours/day hearing aid use, and satisfaction with services) and their WTP for ADT hearing aids, services, and OTC devices. Logistic regression was used to assess associations between WTP and patient-related variables. Results: Forty-eight surveys were returned for a response rate of 51.1% (48/[106–12 return to sender]). Only monthly income ( Mdn = $1,283) was associated with WTP for one ADT hearing aid ( Mdn WTP = $250). Age was the only variable significantly associated with WTP for services ( Mdn WTP = $100). None of the variables were associated with WTP for OTC devices, and 61.7% (29 of 47) of participants would not be willing to pay any amount for one. Conclusions: Participants' WTP for one ADT hearing aid and services were low and was likely due to a lack of financial resources. Most would not be willing to pay anything for an OTC device.

Community Leaders’ Financial Literacy Towards Sustainable Community in Malaysia

In the fast-paced world of the 21st century economic landscapes evolve rapidly and financial literacy has become vital for leaders across all sectors. It equips them to navigate complex financial environments, make informed decisions and adapt to economic shifts. In Malaysia, the government has formed the Community Leaders under the rural development program for village development. As a result of that, the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development has allocated resources to assist community programs. Therefore, these community leaders should be equipped with financial literacy to ensure that the financial resources are managed efficiently and effectively. Financial literacy is one of the most important requisites to financial well-being. It is also described as the measurement of how well an individual can understand and use information related to finance to make decisions. The objective of this study is to examine the needs of the Financial Literacy Model for community leaders. Further, it will also determine the components to be included in developing the Financial Literacy Model to enhance the public financial management system among community leaders. A mixed method research design, which combined qualitative (focused group interviews on selected community leaders) and quantitative (questionnaires) data will be employed in this research. Data analysis in qualitative research focuses on the process of systematically searching and arranging the interview transcripts. Interview sessions are crucial for gaining a thorough understanding of financial knowledge and skills among leaders. The research is anticipated to assist policymakers, community leaders and the government in improving sustainable community development.

Residents’ Exposure to Multiple Shocks and Coping Strategies among Tourism-Gateway Communities in Northern Tanzania

There is increasing awareness about influence of tourism development on resident’s livelihoods. Yet, studies that link tourism and residents capabilities to withstand livelihood-shocks are scant. This study was set to address this empirical gap by evaluating the extent to which tourism development has enabled resident’s access to livelihood assets capable to address multiple livelihood-shocks through coping strategies. Retrospective evaluative technique embedded on multi-method approach was used to collect data, involving 63 in-depth interviews and survey among 416 tourism beneficiaries and 425 non-beneficiary agro-pastoral households in three gateway tourism destination communities of Northern Tanzania. It was found that residents have been exposed to severe multiple shocks in the facets of ecology (i.e. drought, livestock diseases and crop riding), economic (i.e. rise in food-price and business-loss), health (i.e. chronic illness and death) and social (i.e. family conflicts and cattle-theft). In response to the shocks, tourism beneficiary households used effective shock-coping strategies, such as spending on savings and livestock selling to address the shocks. On contrary, non-beneficiaries used less effective coping strategies like remittances and they reduce consumption. The study recommends increase access to resident’s financial and human resources in building greater capabilities to handle multiple livelihood-shocks.