Financial Issues Research Articles

Power by Proxy: Participation as a Resource in Global Governance

Abstract Member state participation is essential in global governance, affording international organizations (IOs) legitimacy and translating member state preferences into institutional attention. We contend that institutional leadership positions bolster states’ authority via “proxy representation,” in which states are grouped together and indirectly represented by one leader. We argue that by serving as proxy group leaders, even relatively weak states can obtain greater influence in IOs. We examine these expectations in the context of the IMF’s Executive Board, where wealthy states represent themselves directly while other states belong to multi-member constituencies in which leadership often rotates among members. Focusing on issues related to climate change discussions at the IMF—a key concern for Global South countries and an increasingly important issue in international finance—we examine the extent to which countries’ preferences over climate issues are expressed at IMF Board meetings. Using textual data based on 52,551 internal IMF documents from 1987-2017, we find evidence to support our theoretical expectations; states more effectively advance their preferences when they are proxy leaders — this finding holds robustly even for otherwise weak states. These results suggest that even in IOs with highly asymmetric decision-making, weaker states can gain voice through proxy representation. This has important and positive implications for IO legitimacy, as member state participation is integral to the livelihood of these institutions.

Some Personal Reflections on Enhancing Global North – Global South Academic Cooperation in Legal Higher Education in the Era of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract This paper provides some personal reflections on my experiences as a project leader in four cooperative projects with colleagues from the Global South involving higher education institutions (HEIs) in seven countries—namely, Benin, Uganda, Ethiopia, Colombia, Palestine, Bulgaria, and Kosovo. The aim is to try to assess advantages and shortcomings of some of these funding programs in terms of their framing, structuring, and (limited) funding, and to provide some suggestions for ensuring better coordination of what constitutes an institutionally fragmented field. The focus of my reflections is on three related broad themes—that is, how to enhance international academic cooperation, improve academic mobility, and ensure better access to teaching and research materials for Global South HEIs. The paper first analyzes the issue of funding for North-South cooperation, then moves on to the enhancement of international academic cooperation, international mobility, and finally, the provision of better access to teaching and research materials.

Financial Improvement Strategy of PT. Wahana Interfood Nusantara Tbk. Using The Cash Waterfall Method

This paper examines the financial issues of PT. Wahana Interfood Nusantara Tbk., a manufacturer of cocoa and chocolate goods, and recommends improvements through the Cash Waterfall Method and the \ optimization of their capital structure. As of the third quarter of 2024, the company had a Debt to Equity Ratio of 261% and a negative Interest Coverage Ratio of -0.66, indicating significant financial distress due to excessive debt servicing. This research utilized financial modeling tools such as CAGR forecasting, linear regression, and ARIMA methods, revealing significant shortcomings in cash flow management and recommending a negotiation to debitors of one-year grace period to mitigate severe urgent financial pressures. The Cash Waterfall Method is applied to enhance debt servicing, business viability, and reinvestment, although its application is tempered by its capacity to improve liquidity and recover the company's financial health. The analysis indicates that the unutilized capacity of the newly constructed Sumedang factory, which has an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons, combined with the existing yearly production objective of 6,000 tonnes, is likely to improve the company's overall growth potential. This properly strategized investment necessitates assertive marketing and distribution tactics to facilitate the company's enhancement of net income while concurrently diminishing its need on external financing sources. The study concludes that while the optimal capital structure remains unattainable under current financial distress, a restructured approach focusing on operational recovery and disciplined cash flow management is imperative. Recommendations include leveraging increased production capacity, implementing strategic marketing initiatives, and pursuing shareholder returns once financial stability is restored. This research contributes to understanding the interplay between capital structure, cash flow prioritization, and operational performance in heavily indebted firms, offering actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers in similar contexts.

Antisense oligonucleotides-based approaches for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematological malignancy which affects the monoclonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, is in rising incidence around the world, accounting for approximately 2 % of newly diagnosed cancer cases in the US, Australia, and Western Europe. Despite the progress made in the last few years in the available therapeutic options (e.g. proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, tumor cell-targeting monoclonal antibodies, autologous stem cell transplantation, etc.), multiple myeloma is still regarded as incurable, and the prognosis for most patients is poor, as the disease becomes refractory to treatment throughout time. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), designed to be complementary to selected messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences of specific genes involved in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (e.g. Bcl-2, Mcl-1, STAT3, IRF4, IL6, ILF2, HK2, c-MYC, etc.), represent a promising alternative to conventional treatments, and can be tailored according to the individual requirements of each patient. The main goal of antisense therapy for multiple myeloma consists in silencing the specific genes participating in the proliferation and survival of tumor cells via RNA cleavage or RNA blockage, thus preventing mRNA interactions with ribosomes and altering the process of protein translation. So far, pre-clinical and clinical studies showed promising results when Bcl-2 (Genasense), Mcl-1 (ISIS2048), STAT3 (ISIS345794) and IRF4 (ION251) were targeted using ASOs-based formulations. However, FDA approval has not been obtained yet for these products, mainly due to ethical and financial issues posed by customized therapies and insufficient information regarding their long-term toxicity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive insight into antisense oligonucleotides-based therapies, their potential chemical modifications, the mechanisms involved in ASOs-mediated gene silencing, potential systems for ASOs delivery, and the applications of ASOs in the treatment of multiple myeloma. The relevant genetic targets in ASOs-based MM therapies were described, and the research results obtained in the studies conducted so far were analyzed, with a focus on the ASOs formulations that were already included in clinical trials. In the end, current challenges, and future perspectives of antisense therapy for MM were also discussed.

P-570. Infectious Disease Physician Office-Based HIV Program Results in Successful Adherence of Therapy in Patients Receiving Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine

Abstract Background The long-acting (LA) formulation of cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) demonstrated efficacy in Phase 3 studies and was approved in the US for HIV-1 in 2021. CAB+RPV LA offers treatment advantages over daily oral therapy with 1-2 month injections administered by a health care provider. However, onboarding of therapy and drug access for patients has proven challenging for physicians. We describe real-world implementation of a standardized Infectious Disease (ID) office-based CAB+RPV LA program with evaluation of adherence and virologic effectiveness. Methods The ID in-office CAB+RPV LA program was implemented in July 2023 in a national network of ID practices. The program involved creation of standardization for drug orders and approval, nurse training and appointment management. The first 100 patients treated in the program were followed. Data included demographics, prior therapy, baseline laboratory data, adherence to schedule and follow-up laboratory indices. Adherence was defined as injections received +/- 7 days from target date. Results Overall, 100 patients have entered the program in 20 practices nationally from July 2023 to March 2024. Median age is 49 years (IQR: 49-59), 81% male. Median weight and BMI are 89.8 kg (IQR: 80.8-101.6) and 29.2 kg/m2 (IQR: 27.1-31.9), respectively. Median duration of HIV disease is 7 years (IQR 4, 13) and patients received 1 (IQR: 1-2) oral regimen prior to CAB+RPV LA. A total of 55 patients initiated CAB+RPV LA in the ID physician office and 45 transferred care to their ID physician office. Median baseline viral load prior to any CAB+RPV LA was 30 (IQR: 21-65) and CD4 count was 761 (IQR: 535-1008). The majority (98%) are receiving injections every 2 months. Of 274 injections administered to date, 269 (98.2%) have been adherent to schedule. Fourteen patients eligible for 6 month follow-up labs had viral load undetectable (86%, n=12) or suppressed (14%, n=2). Six patients discontinued therapy, primarily due to financial or payor issues. Conclusion An ID physician office-based CAB+RPV LA program resulted in high levels of injection adherence. Patients eligible for follow-up achieved a 100% level of virologic control. These results suggest that CAB+RPB LA administered through a standardized ID office-based program is effective in managing HIV-1. Disclosures Nikhil K. Bhayani, MD, FIDSA, CorMedix: Advisor/Consultant|Cumberland Pharmaceuticals: Advisor/Consultant|Melinta: Advisor/Consultant|Paratek Pharmaceuticals: Advisor/Consultant Erika M. Young, DO, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals: Advisor/Consultant Brian S. Metzger, MD, MPH, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals: Advisor/Consultant|Ferring Pharmaceuticals: Advisor/Consultant Lucinda J. Van Anglen, PharmD, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Ferring Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Novartis Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Takeda Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support

Lifecourse research in cancer: context, challenges, and opportunities when exploring exposures in early life and cancer risk in adulthood

As the global population ages, and rates of modifiable risk factors for cancer change, cancer incidence and mortality continue to increase. While we understand many modifiable risk factors related to diet, nutrition, bodyweight, and physical activity in adulthood that influence cancer risk, how exposure during childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood impacts cancer risk is less clear. This is partly because the timeline from initial mutation to cancer development and diagnosis can span several decades. This long latency period creates methodological, ethical, and financial issues; as well as resource and feasibility challenges in the design, implementation, and data analysis of lifecourse studies. As such, the large majority of lifecourse studies are observational, often using recall data which has inherent bias issues. Concurrently, a new research era has begun, with mature birth cohort studies that are phenotyped/genotyped and can support studies on adult cancer risk. Several studies and consortia contain information spanning the lifecourse. These resources can support association, mechanistic and epigenetic investigations into the influences of multi-disciplinary (e.g. genetic, behavioural, environmental) factors, across the lifecourse and critical time periods. Ultimately, we will be able to produce high-quality evidence and identify how/when early life risk factors impact cancer development and survival.

Impact of F-2 Visa Work Restrictions on Financial and Marital Life of F-2 Visa Holders

ABSTRACT Studies on female immigrants show that unequal status of couples within the household links to marital dissatisfaction and domestic abuse especially when their immigration status and financial aspects of their life depend on their husband. As the spouses of international students’ immigration status and financial life depend on their student spouse since F-2 visa regulations prevent them from earning money, there is a gap in the literature about how F-2 visa regulations affect the financial and marital life of female F-2 visa holders, who used to work before coming to the US. This article through the Intersectionality lens (Crenshaw, 1991), interviewing 16 women from 10 different countries, and phenomenological analysis showed that although the women lost their pre-migration financial power, they did not report abuse, and the topics of marital conflicts circled around experiencing negative feelings, couple’s different lifestyles, and facing financial issues caused by not working/earning money.

Bridging the Principle‐Implementation Gap: Evaluating organizational change to achieve interoperability between the UK Emergency Services

AbstractImproving inter‐agency working across organizations is an important goal across public and private sectors. The UK Emergency Services have spent a decade implementing organizational change to improve interoperability between the Police, Fire and Ambulance Services. JESIP—the group tasked with realising this change—have faced criticism. We evaluated JESIP's efforts by interviewing expert commanders, finding participants supported the principle of change, but issues impeded its implementation. We developed the Principle‐Implementation Change Framework for Interoperability (PICI) to describe the gap between change principles and change implementation, identifying the macro‐systemic, meso‐organizational and micro‐psychological processes between them. Key obstacles to implementation included macro‐level funding issues, incompatible meso‐level organizational structures and strained micro‐level peer‐to‐peer relationships. Participants also reflected on the facilitators of change. At the meso‐organizational level, JESIP was perceived to have improved inter‐team communication and flexibility. At the micro‐psychological level participants described enhanced trust, shared identities and the emergence of a new type of interoperability leader. This study highlights the importance of gaining support for the principle of interoperability while addressing implementation challenges posed by the inherent social complexities involved in this change. Change efforts must be monitored over time, considering the macro, meso and micro‐level processes that influence the principle‐implementation gap.

Antecedents and consequences for sustainability in Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Purpose This paper aims to examine the key antecedents and challenges faced by Malaysian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the suggestion for the government to support SMEs in implementing sustainable practices. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews were chosen and conducted with seven SME owner-managers from Kuala Lumpur or Selangor, chosen through a purposive sampling technique. The data was analyzed thematically using NVivo 12 software. The study also extended the resource-based view theory by incorporating sustainable practices as an advantage for SMEs in the competitive business environment. Findings This study discovers the antecedents of sustainable practices are awareness, pressures, competitiveness and company image. According to the data, all SME owner-managers indicate that awareness is the main reason for implementing sustainable practices. The consequences of implementing sustainable practices in SMEs are financial issues, limited knowledge and skills and a lack of resources when implementing sustainable practices. The current study also suggests the government provides financial and non-financial support to encourage sustainability among the SMEs. Practical implications This paper may also provide the policymakers, SME Corporations, investors and SME owner-managers with an understanding of the current sustainable practices among SMEs. It also helps formulate policies, plans and actions to support SMEs in implementing sustainable practices. Originality/value The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature by highlighting the role of sustainable practices in enhancing firm performance while advancing the RBV theory in the context of Malaysian SMEs. This research fills a research gap by examining sustainability’s specific antecedents and consequences within this sector.

Regulatory legal regulation of the organization and financial provision of supportive therapy for oncological diseases and directions for its optimization

The potential benefits of supportive care offer patients more than many “palliative” methods of anti-tumor treatment. It should be regarded as a necessary part of comprehensive disease therapy rather than just an additional service. However, the imperfection of regulatory and organizational issues, including financial support, limits patients’ access to supportive therapy.Aim. To analyze regulatory legal documents governing the organization and financial provision of supportive therapy for oncological diseases and identify areas for optimization.Materials and methods. Content analysis and comparative legal analysis. The content analysis method was applied to 26 directly regulating various organizational aspects of medical care, including oncological diseases from 2012 to the present. In regulatory legal acts, the issues of organization and financing of supportive therapy for oncological diseases were specifically analyzed in terms of how well this area of medical care is regulated.Results. The current fundamental regulatory legal acts governing the organization and financial provision of supportive therapy for oncological diseases and controlling the quality of the provided medical care contain almost no clear provisions that specify practical issues related to supportive therapy.Conclusion. The absence of an officially established definition of “supportive therapy” within the Russian healthcare system and the lack of clear distinctions between the terms “medical rehabilitation” and “palliative care” lead to misunderstanding about the importance of this area in comprehensive oncological therapy. This results in uncertainty in organizational and financial matters. To optimize regulatory oversight, ‘supportive therapy’ should become an integral component of modern oncological disease management, implying both interdisciplinary cooperation and a transparent financial system, the adequacy of which will depend on what is included in this concept.

A Cross-Sectional Multivariable Analysis of the Quality of Hemodialysis Patients' Life in Lahore City, Pakistan.

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe health problem with dire consequences for the quality of life of millions of individuals and their families around the globe. This quantitative study analyzes the factors associated with hemodialysis patients' quality of life (QoL) in Lahore City, Pakistan. Methods: Primary data from a sample of 384 patients were collected through regular visits to the hospital. We employed proportional odds models (POMs) and structural equation models to identify factors associated with the QoL. Results: The results revealed significant associations between various factors and patients' quality of life. While gender showed no association with quality of life, younger age, single marital status, higher education, higher family income, and employment status were associated with a better QoL. Clinical variables such as the absence of diabetes and hypertension and specific laboratory parameters were protective against deteriorating QoL. Physical symptoms like muscle soreness, cramps, and shortness of breath significantly impacted QoL. Social and environmental factors adversely affected patient well-being, including family distress and financial issues. Psychological variables such as anxiety, depression, and fear of death also influenced QoL. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of holistic, patient-centered care approaches in renal failure management, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to address the diverse needs of dialysis patients and enhance their QoL. Further longitudinal research is recommended to validate these findings and guide the development of targeted interventions for improving patient well-being in hemodialysis settings.

Cross-Border Communication Strategies: An Approach to Spanish Euroregions on Twitter (X)

In a political climate of social polarization and distrust in public institutions, which in turn fosters misinformation, the European Union (EU) faces the challenge of becoming closer to its citizens. At the same time, the EU has well-established collaboration mechanisms at the local and regional levels. In this context, this study aims to analyze the Euroregions project, one of the strategies used by the EU to manage the different regions of Europe through cross-border collaboration. Thus, the main objective of this study is to find out, using the social network X (formerly Twitter), the communication strategies deployed by the regional governments that make up each of the five Spanish Euroregions on institutions of cross-border cooperation. The results show that regional governments do not promote effective communication strategies to publicize these Euroregions. Rather, these governments try to communicate their management success, focusing their discourse on the issue of European funds and thus generating a situation of misinformation around the benefits of belonging to the European Union. Our findings contribute to the budding literature on regional European areas, arguing that certain political actions could ameliorate the feeling of disaffection of the population towards European institutions.

Legal basis for the implementation of information and innovative technologies in the field of medical care

The article considers the legal aspects of the introduction of information and innovative technologies in the field of medical care and the relevance of the application of information technologies in the field of medical care. The use of new information and innovative technologies will ensure the objectivity of data, contribute to the efficiency of service provision and increase the efficiency of information transfer. The introduction of information and innovative technologies includes three main stages: obtaining primary information (knowledge and technical skills) about technologies, organizing the implementation of technology with the resolution of logistical, legal, financial and personnel issues of service provision, and then after implementation - supporting organizational measures taking into account the introduced technology. The term «medical service», which is first defined in law, is disclosed. A medical service is a service provided to a patient by a health care institution or an individual entrepreneur who is registered and has a license to conduct activities in the medical field, is carried out in accordance with the procedure established by law and is paid for by the customer. The feasibility of using the latest technologies in the medical field is revealed, these include: nanotechnology, biomedical research in combination with mathematical and computer modeling, microanalysis of biological fluids and tissues, creation of artificial organs and tissues. The main areas of application of modern information technologies are: medical information system, telemedicine, medical diagnostics, expert systems, medical equipment and computer systems, innovative technologies in the treatment process, scientific research in medicine. Methods of using the latest technologies in the organizational process are described, namely: the use of interactive technologies, special software and web servers, electronic platforms, creation of an electronic database, etc. The possibilities of innovative technologies are investigated and characterized. «Law on Health Care» dated 19.11.1992 No. 2801-ХІІ and other laws, regulatory legal acts regulate public relations in the field of health care, the legal aspects of the introduction of information and innovative technologies are considered in Law No. 2807-IX dated 01.12.2022 On the National Informatization Program. The use of laws for conducting activities in the medical field is described.

Complexities in post-wildfire governance: lessons from Colorado’s 2020 wildfires

BackgroundThe increasing size and severity of western U.S. wildfires in recent years has generated greater attention towards post-wildfire response and recovery. Post-fire governance requires coordinating response and recovery capacities across jurisdictions, landscapes, and time scales. The presence of wildfire on federal public lands necessitates federal agency involvement in both suppression and recovery efforts, and program coordination with lower levels of government and non-governmental organizations. Using semi-structured interviews, we investigated experiences of leaders across the governance system with federal post-fire policies and programs following the record-breaking Cameron Peak and East Troublesome wildfires in the state of Colorado.ResultsOur research found that persistent administrative and coordination challenges exist within and among federal agencies in the post-fire response and recovery space. Challenges included cross-jurisdictional coordination of key emergency response programs, program rules that affect post-fire project timing and effectiveness, the absence of a formal federal post-fire response strategy, and program funding issues. These factors revealed and exacerbated scale mismatches between existing agency capacities and the post-fire landscapes that result from unprecedentedly longer, larger, and more severe wildfires occurring in the western USA. Non-federal and non-governmental organizations were instrumental in overcoming these challenges through coordinating response and recovery efforts across both federal and private lands. To improve the federal post-fire response capacity, study participants stressed the importance of broader cross-jurisdictional use of federal resources, longer timeframes for recovery activities, and reforming the federal funding process.ConclusionsOur findings revealed a persistence of post-fire coordination and funding issues within federal land management agencies, and current agency capacities remain insensitive to the scale of twenty-first-century post-wildfire settings. Addressing the mismatches between existing agency resources and the spatial and temporal scale complexities of post-fire environments will require broader federal support for existing programs along with re-envisioning the overall approach to the post-fire response and recovery process.

Sustainable Development and Security: Key Challenges to Achieving SDG 16

Introduction. SDG 16, one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015, aims to build peaceful inclusive societies for sustainable development, ensure equitable access to justice everywhere, and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The subject of the study is characteristic features of the current progress in the realization of SDG 16 targets, as well as identifying further prospects for its achievement at the global level. The relevance of the study stems from the fact that SDG 16, like all other SDGs, is critical to ensuring a prosperous future for all humankind, yet SDG 16 is one of the goals where progress has been very slow and some indicators have regressed. The aim of the study is to analyze the available statistical data on the results of the implementation of SDG 16, to identify current obstacles to its achievement, and to characterize future prospects taking into account the current realities.Materials and Methods. The study is based on the analysis of statistical data on the performance of the world community in the process of achieving the SDGs, such as the Global Sustainable Development Report, the Global SDG 16 Progress Reports for 2023 and 2024.Research results. Based on the analysis, the article offers conclusions about the main reasons that hinder progress towards SDG 16, including the persistently high level of violence, the problem of data quality and accessibility, lack of funding.Discussion and Conclusion. The results suggest that achieving the stated goals of SDG 16 by 2030 is highly unlikely, so the global community needs to address the current funding and data quality issues as soon as possible, and to ensure greater consistency between approaches in measuring progress towards SDG 16.

EVALUATING THE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF MICRO AND SMALL-SCALE ENTERPRISES OF AHMEDABAD CITY

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are pivotal to economic growth, contributing significantly to employment and industrial development. Despite their importance, these enterprises frequently encounter financial challenges that hinder their growth and stability. This study explores the financial issues faced by MSMEs through a sample of 120 respondents from Ahmedabad city, using a detailed questionnaire to collect data. The research reveals that MSMEs, especially those in urban areas and engaged in manufacturing, face varied financial difficulties influenced by their business nature and ownership structure. Key findings highlight a predominant reliance on personal savings and informal financial sources, indicating gaps in formal financial support. The study's originality lies in its targeted analysis of different enterprise profiles and financial solutions, offering insights into improving financial assistance tailored to MSME needs. The results underscore the need for policy interventions and innovative financial products to better support these vital enterprises.

ANALYSING MARKET DYNAMICS: REVEALING OBSCURED PATTERNS IN LQ45 STOCKS (2021-2023) USING WARD’S HIERARCHICAL CLUSTERING

This study aimed to address the instability of the Indonesian stock market from 2021 to 2023 by analyzing the LQ45 index, a critical indicator of economic robustness and corporate performance. Hierarchical Ward clustering was employed to categorize LQ45 stocks based on fundamental metrics such as Return, Volume, Price, Price-Earnings Ratio (PER), Earnings Per Share (EPS), and Dividends. Data preprocessing involved feature creation, Max-Abs scaling for normalization, and binary encoding of categorical variables. The optimal number of clusters was identified using dendrograms, revealing two primary clusters: one focusing on core materials and the other on financial services, alongside other industry-specific clusters. This method, characterized by its ability to minimize variance within clusters and determine natural groupings without predefined assumptions, provided valuable insights for financial advisors, policymakers, and investors. The findings offer practical guidance for optimizing decision-making, minimizing risks, and leveraging opportunities within the Indonesian stock market during a period of significant economic uncertainty. By employing this strategy, investors and traders can gain a comprehensive understanding of the current condition of the stock market, offering a thorough comprehension of the connections between equities and the operational and financial issues currently under scrutiny.

Sensor importance-based optimal seismic acquisition design for surface waves

Surface wave methods aim to monitor the shallow subsurface non-invasively. Traditional multichannel surface wave acquisitions adopt evenly spaced receivers for convenience and simplicity. However, seismic acquisitions are often performed with coarse sampling due to financial constraints and practical issues with physical access. Compressive sensing (CS) has been extensively studied for industrial-scale seismic explorations, predominantly utilizing random undersampling of tens of thousands of receivers. These undersampling methods do not answer the critical question of optimality when small-scale, shallow seismic surface wave acquisition only allows tens of receivers and a few source locations. We propose an optimal seismic acquisition design (OSAD) framework, where the importance of each receiver is evaluated in a constrained sparse inversion framework for more accurate data reconstruction. Instead of randomized sampling, OSAD exploits the physical information available in previously acquired or simulated synthetic data. The sparsity of the acquisition geometry and of the seismic data in a transform domain is explored by nested convex optimizations for alternating directions by solving each sub-problem to find a solution to an overarching minimization objective function. We apply the OSAD framework to synthetic and field datasets. We focus on deriving optimal receiver geometry for seismic acquisition with a single source. The derived geometry automatically honors wave physics where high- and low-frequency data are prevalent for near- and far-offsets, respectively. We explicitly demonstrate the optimality of the acquisition by comparing the data reconstruction error resulting from OSAD with two existing random undersampling methods adapted to surface wave acquisition.

A Network to Interlink All the Medical Institutions in a Province

Developing a network to integrate all medical institutions within a province represents a critical advancement in healthcare delivery, aiming to enhance patient care and streamline operations across diverse healthcare settings. This initiative focuses on establishing an Electronic Health Record (EHR) interoperability framework, which facilitates the seamless exchange of patient information among providers, ensuring comprehensive access to medical records. By fostering integrated care, the network seeks to address prevalent challenges in public health systems and improve overall health outcomes for the population.[2] One of the key objectives of this integrated network is to promote patient-centered care, placing patients at the core of their healthcare experience. By modernizing service delivery and engaging patients in their health management, the network aims to create a more responsive healthcare environment that respects and prioritizes individual needs.[3][4] Additionally, workforce development and training are essential components of this initiative, addressing the capacity of healthcare systems to meet future demands and challenges effectively. Despite its promising objectives, the integration of medical institutions faces notable challenges, including funding constraints, policy barriers, and issues related to trust and collaboration among stakeholders. Fragmented funding streams and existing reimbursement structures often hinder coordinated efforts necessary for effective integrated care. Moreover, cultural competence and communication gaps can impede the success of collaboration among diverse healthcare teams. Addressing these challenges is paramount for realizing the full potential of an integrated healthcare network and improving patient outcomes across the province. As healthcare continues to evolve, the establishment of such integrated networks represents a pivotal step toward achieving a cohesive and efficient healthcare system. By leveraging technology, enhancing communication, and fostering collaboration among medical institutions, this initiative aims to optimize healthcare delivery and ensure that all patients receive comprehensive, quality care.

Student Parents at Four Year-Colleges/Universities: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Students at 4-year institutions who are also parents are currently an under-studied group. The present study utilized a national, nonrandom sample to look at issues faced by these students. Results indicated that roughly a third to half of these students were at risk from a variety of directions, including financial issues, food security, and school related experiences. Possible ways to alleviate these risks and enhance the campus experience for student parents are discussed.