Financial Assistance Research Articles

Implementasi Kebijakan Kredit Usaha Rakyat Guna Mendorong Peningkatan UMKM di Kantor Cabang Non Metro Bank BRI Jakarta 3

Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) is a government policy in Indonesia initiated in 2007. KUR provides financial assistance to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under specific conditions and terms. The general aim of KUR is to support the Indonesian community in developing their MSMEs to progress continuously. It not only aids the community in business ventures but also contributes to Indonesia's GDP due to the significant potential of MSMEs in boosting the national economy. This study aims to understand how the implementation of the Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) operates in non-metro branch offices of Bank BRI. The research employs a qualitative method involving interviews with employees at the Jakarta 3 regional office of Bank BRI, revealing that the policy's implementation has been effective.

Factors influencing IMF assistance in the Sub-Saharan African region.

This study examines the determinants influencing the likelihood of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF, as a global institution, aims to promote sustainable growth and prosperity among its member countries by supporting economic strategies that foster financial stability and collaboration in monetary affairs. Utilising panel-probit regression, this study analyses data from thirty-nine SSA countries spanning from 2000 to 2022, focusing on twelve factors: Current Account Balance (CAB), inflation, corruption, General Government Net Lending and Borrowing (GGNLB), General Government Gross Debt (GGGD), Gross Domestic Product Growth (GDPG), United Nations Security Council (UNSC) involvement, regime types (Closed Autocracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, Liberal Democracy) and China Loan. The results indicate that corruption and GDP growth rate have the most significant influence on the likelihood of SSA countries seeking IMF assistance. Conversely, factors such as CAB, UNSC involvement, LD and inflation show inconsequential effects. Notable, countries like Sudan, Burundi, and Guinea consistently rank high in seeking IMF assistance over various time frames within the observed period. Sudan emerges with a probability of more than 44% in seeking IMF assistance, holding the highest ranking. Study emphasises the importance of understanding SSA region rankings and the variability of variables for policymakers, investors, and international organisations to effectively address economic challenges and provide financial assistance.

Curriculum Portrait Independent Learning At The Center Of Excellence School (Studi Kasus di SMK Ma'arif NU Tirto Pekalongan)

In education, the curriculum is the main aspect of the learning process. The independent learning curriculum is categorized as a Center of Excellence school for vocational schools and a Driving School for high schools. However, this research focuses on vocational schools categorized as Center of Excellence schools. This study uses a qualitative method approach with field study research at SMK Ma'arif NU Tirto Pekalongan. The purpose of the research is to find out how the learning system in the Center of Excellence schools implements the Independent Learning Curriculum. Vocational Secondary Schools implementing the Merdeka Learning curriculum include the term P5BK (Pancasila Student Profile Strengthening and Work Culture Project) in each subject. Therefore, school principals, teachers, and students must be ready to implement the Independent Learning curriculum. For PK vocational schools in Pekalongan, the level of readiness is mature and according to the criteria of the Ministry of Education. This can be seen from the supporting factors, which include synchronization between teachers and students regarding the concept of the Independent Learning Curriculum, teachers as facilitators of student learning, and the encouragement of counseling guidance teachers for students and many young teachers who can utilize technology. In addition, there are several inhibiting factors, namely the difficulty of teachers in understanding the diversity of students' characters, the inadequate facilities and infrastructure of the automotive department, and the absence of conducive classroom conditions. This makes it difficult for teachers to adjust learning to the diversity of students' characters. However, the existing obstacles do not last long because at SMK Ma'arif NU Tirto Pekalongan, there is a collaboration with industry partners and assistance funds to complete the school's needs.

ASSESSING THE PROFITABILITY OF SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED WOOD FURNITURE BUSINESSES IN ETHIOPIA

This study focuses on the issue of profitability within the small and medium wood industries in Ethiopia. Profitability stands as a cornerstone for the advancement of contemporary industries and is a pressing concern for policymakers. The primary aim of this study is to determine the level of profitability and the factors influencing it in small and medium-scale wood enterprises. To conduct the study, four key cities - Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar, Hawassa, and Jima - were purposively selected. Data were gathered from 170 industries across these cities and subjected to analysis, yielding pertinent results. As expected, the wood industries in Ethiopia lacking profitability and among the 170 surveyed, 59.4% industries were not profitable. This is because majority of workers in Ethiopia's wood industry lack formal or on-the-job training both prior to and during employment. Moreover, the machinery and equipment they operate are outdated, and they lack the necessary skills for their proper utilization. Additionally, challenges such as insufficient raw materials, limited capital, and poor market connections were identified as significant obstacles to profitability. To tackle these challenges and bolster profitability, continuous technical and managerial training for workers, financial assistance for acquiring modern machinery, enhancements in production processes, sales strategies, and market linkage facilitation are recommended.

Consider potential implications of Title IX exemption granted to Baylor University

Title IX was originally enacted to protect college students from sex discrimination in educational programs or activities, including athletics. Specifically, Title IX states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Keep this background information in mind as you read the following about a recent development that occurred in the Title IX arena.

Impact of Microfinance in rural upliftment-A study of Ahmedabad district

Microfinance is financial services provided to poor population. Poor population finds it hard to get access to formal financial system. Still, they need financial assistance to meet their needs. Microfinance provides poor population financial services at reasonable rates. By assisting poor with financial services Microfinance increases their income by providing employment opportunities. By economically improving lives of poor, it helps poor to increase their standard of living. Microfinance can be utilized as a tool to improve standard of living in rural level as well. The present study attempts to examine the impact of Microfinance on rural upliftment in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat. The study found that Microfinance has significant impact in the direction of rural upliftment.

Peran Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Desa Balesono Kecamatan Ngunut Kabupaten Tulungagung

The Family Hope Program (PKH) experiences a phenomenon, such as the status of the beneficiary community is more due to the encouragement of consumerism. Thus, the beneficiary community must really utilize the assistance of the Family Hope Program (PKH) as well as possible, to improve their quality of life and welfare so that the beneficiary community does not lose assistance from the Family Hope Program (PKH). Research Location, in Balesono Village, Ngunut District, Tulungagung Regency, East Java. The purpose of this research is to describe and analyze the utilization of PKH funds by PKH participants in improving welfare including the participation of PKH participants in participating in the PKH work program. The research approach used in this research uses descriptive qualitative. Data were collected using in-depth interview techniques, observation and documentation studies. Infromants were selected purposively based on criteria relevant to the research objectives. The results of this study show that PKH has a significant role in improving the welfare of the Balesono Village community, this role includes improving the quality of education, PKH helps beneficiaries to send their children to school with tuition assistance, increased access to health services The Family Hope Program (PKH) helps beneficiaries to get health services by providing health fee assistance, improving the quality of life, the Family Hope Program (PKH) helps improve the quality of life of the community through routine socialization once a month, the community has carried out their rights and obligations as beneficiaries of assistance, and assistants and related parties also provide guidance to beneficiaries to utilize assistance to improve their welfare. It is hoped that related parties for the next year will upgrade data collection so that PKH assistance funds are properly utilized. Researchers also recommend that future researchers need to examine more deeply the increasing synergy between institutions, namely village officials and assistants in the implementation of the Family Hope Program (PKH) in Balesono village.

Simulation Training in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery: A Nationwide Survey Among Surgeon Educators and Trainees in France

Vascular surgical training is evolving towards simulation-based methods to enhance skill development, ensure patient safety, and adapt to changing regulations. This study aims to investigate the utilization of simulation training among vascular surgeons in France, amidst ongoing shifts in teaching approaches and educational reforms. A national survey assessed the experiences and perceptions of vascular surgery professionals regarding simulation training. Participation was open to self-reported health professionals specialized (or specializing) in vascular surgery, including interns or fellows. Participants were recruited through various channels, and data were collected via a questionnaire covering participant characteristics, simulation experiences, and perceptions. Seventy-six participants, predominantly male (74%) took part in the survey. While 58% reported access to simulation laboratories, only 17% had organized simulation sessions 1-3 times a year, and 5% had sessions more than 10 times annually. High fidelity simulators were available in 57% of institutions, while low fidelity simulators were available in 50%. Regarding funding, 20% received financial assistance for training, predominantly from industry (18%). One-third of the participants experienced 9 or more sessions (34%), lasting between 1 and 2hours (34%), 30% expressed satisfaction with access to simulation, while 33% were dissatisfied with communication of simulation training opportunities. Despite recognizing the benefits of simulation training, its integration into vascular surgery education in France remains incomplete. Challenges such as limited access and communication barriers hinder widespread adoption. Collaborative efforts are needed to ensure uniformity and enhance the effectiveness of simulation training in vascular surgery education.

All as σκύβαλα beside the μέγιστον τῶν ἀγαθῶν: Philippians 3:7–11 in Dialogue with Epictetus

In Philippians 3:8, Paul holds all things to be loss (ζημία) and even dung (σκύβαλον) in comparison with Christ. Similarly, beside a precise conception of the good (ἀγαθὸν), Epictetus considers earthly achievements and physical benefits as “indifferents” (ἀδιάφορα), which he defines as things that are neither good nor evil. This paper employs a comparative analysis of Paul and Epictetus to examine the tension inherent in both authors as they seek to explain the sufferings and enjoyments of human existence in light of humankind’s ultimate end. Despite Paul’s strong language, he still recognizes the value of temporal goods, including release from prison, recovery from illness, and financial assistance. Thus, a person can value these benefits when they are joined to the greatest good, as illustrated by Augustine’s conception of ordered loves. Like Paul, Epictetus affirms the lesser value of indifferents, particularly when they enable participation in the good. This paper argues that both Paul and Epictetus acknowledge a secondary value in things that are joined to the supreme good, but that Paul differs from Epictetus in classifying them as goods that can be rightly desired and in acknowledging temporary sufferings to be an evil even as they can bring about good.

Strength in silence: the journey of mothers raising children with hydrocephalus.

Raising a child with hydrocephalus can be very challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Pakistan, mothers being the primary caregivers for their hydrocephalic children are under tremendous stress. This study explores the challenges faced by Pakistani mothers raising children with hydrocephalus, employing a qualitative methodology through focus group discussions comprising ten mothers of hydrocephalic babies at Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan. The findings highlight three main themes: emotional toll, social isolation, and financial strain. Mothers experience significant emotional stress due to societal stigma and a lack of support, particularly from their husbands and family. Social isolation is prevalent, as mothers fear sharing their burdens and face physical confinement due to their children's needs. Financial strain is another major issue, with high medical costs adding to their economic difficulties. The study emphasizes improved access to specialized care, awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, financial assistance, and stronger community support networks to support these mothers better. Addressing these unmet needs is crucial for empowering Pakistani mothers in their caregiving roles and improving the quality of life for their children with hydrocephalus.

Authoritarian responsiveness online: social media strategy of Russian regional governance centers

ABSTRACT This article is dedicated to authoritarian responsiveness and feedback mechanisms that autocratic regimes exploit to keep citizens loyal, using the example of Russia. The study aims to describe how the Russian government uses online feedback mechanisms in political communication. I focus on the activities of the Regional Governance Centers, i.e. project management offices designed to establish communication between authorities and citizens. This communication system represents a proactive approach where authorities initiate engagement with citizens rather than passively receiving complaints. I analyze the content of VK communities operated by these project management offices, where they report how the authorities solve citizens’ problems initially indicated by citizens on social media. The explorative text analysis shows that Regional Governance Centers mostly report on how authorities process citizens’ complaints and solve problems indicated by them. They also promote live Q&A sessions with regional and local authorities and advertise financial support that different groups of citizens can get from the government. Posts containing information about how to communicate directly with officials, warnings about bad weather conditions, information about financial assistance from the government, and self-promotion of these Regional Governance Centers are the most popular in getting user reactions.

Influence of Socioeconomic Status of Parents on the Scholastic Achievement of Mathematics Students in Selected Secondary Schools within Ado LGA of Ekiti State

The investigation explored the influence of socioeconomic status of parents regarding the academic successes of math students in chosen secondary schools located in the Ado LGAof Ekiti State. The study encompassed both public and private educational institutions, employing a straightforward random sampling technique to select five secondary schools and sixty students. Information was gathered via a self-designed questionnaire with distinct sections A and B, concentrating on demographic details and parental elements such as education level, family background, income, and occupational status in relation to students' performance in Mathematics. The instrument underwent face and content validity procedures, and the results were assessed using Pearson correlation coefficient, yielding a value of 0.85. Hypotheses were evaluated through Chi-square analysis, and data were presented using pie charts and tables. The outcomes unveiled a significant influence of parent’ educational background, family background, occupation, and income level on the academic success of mathematics students. The researcher recommends the implementation of financial assistance programs for families with lower incomes to ensure equitable access to quality mathematics resources. Moreover, schools are encouraged to establish initiatives and parental engagement programs, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment. The study advocates for policy changes to promote fairness in mathematics education for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Driving A-loan: Automobile debt, neighborhood race, and the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 altered travel patterns in the U.S. Studies have analyzed the effect of the pandemic on travel mode, including working from home, but few have focused on automobile ownership—a relationship with potentially long-term consequences for accessibility, household budgets and debt, and policy efforts to meet climate goals.To understand the association between the pandemic and automobile ownership, we rely on a unique credit panel dataset from Experian and examine three different automobile loan-related outcome measures: annualized growth rate of new automobile loan balances, average new loan size, and the number of new loans. We focus specifically on changes across loans in neighborhoods by race/ethnicity, hypothesizing larger increases in automobile debt in Black and Latino/a neighborhoods, where workers are less likely to be able to telework. The annualized growth rate of new automobile loans increased during the pandemic across all neighborhoods by race/ethnicity, increasing most rapidly in Latino/a neighborhoods. Controlling for other factors, loan size increased similarly across neighborhoods by race/ethnicity. The increase in automobile lending in Latino/a neighborhoods, therefore, likely was explained by a significant uptick in the number of new loans.The growth in automobile lending during the pandemic was potentially prompted by pandemic-induced changes in the need for automobiles and facilitated by an expanded social safety net. As the pandemic and its various forms of public financial assistance recede, the findings underscore the importance of ongoing assistance in enabling automobile ownership or shared access among households with limited means whose livelihoods depend on the access that vehicles provide.

The Management of Education Operational Grant and Its Effects on School Development

This study aims to describe how BOS funds can improve educational quality in Indonesia, with a particular focus on developing facilities and infrastructure in schools to enhance student learning. To achieve these objectives, a literature review research method was employed, namely the study of the concepts and theories used based on the available literature. The results of the literature review demonstrate that the optimal implementation of the eight education standards through BOS funding is conducive to realizing the advancement and enhancement of educational quality in academic institutions. The improvement of educational quality in schools must include the development of the eight standards, and the operationalization of these standards is contingent upon financial resources. This study also examined how schools utilize government assistance funds, including their allocation for the fulfillment of these needs. Thus, BOS funds have a pivotal, strategic, and contributory role in the seamless and efficacious implementation and enhancement of educational quality.

The Effect of Financial Support, Creativity, and Regulatory Environment on the Growth of MSMEs in Depok and Bogor Cities, West Java

This study looks at the financial assistance, innovation, and regulatory environment as key determinants of the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the West Javan cities of Depok and Bogor. A structured questionnaire survey was used to gather data from MSME owners and operators using a quantitative research approach. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The findings show a strong correlation between financial assistance, innovation, the business climate, and MSME expansion. Increased MSME growth is linked to better financial support, innovative ideas, and a supportive regulatory framework. These results highlight the significance of addressing a variety of issues in order to promote the expansion of MSMEs and offer insightful information to stakeholders, policymakers, and company owners who wish to assist in the growth of the MSME sector in the area.

PERFORMANCE OF UCB AND CUSTOMERS SATISFACTION TOWARDS TUCBL

UCB (Urban Cooperative Banks) as part of cooperative banking are deemed as the integral part of Indian economic growth. UCB channelise the deposits and saving accumulated into productive loans extended to small and medium scale business ventures. UCBs offers prime banking service to the urban poor i.e., both banking and financial assistance. This research article assessed performance of UCBs and various categories of customers satisfaction towards UCBs is assessed. The study considered 410 TUCBLs (Tirchur Urban Cooperative Limited) customers as sample. The article findings confirmed that 81.80 per cent are pleased with the TUBL staff behaviour towards their customers, they also appreciated the account opening procedure followed by TUBCL (80.40 per cent) and account closing procedures (78.20 per cent). The article also found that there exists association between nature of deposits owned, loan borrowed and services availed by TUCBL customers and their satisfaction towards overall services cum performance of TUCBL. The article concluded with the note that definitely, with able governance and controlling mechanism adoption the UCBs can perform well and support of the apex financial regulation agencies and RBI. In addition, customers play a greater role in sustainability of the UCBs, with their patronage UCBs functioning in Kerala can achieve new highest and new mile-stones. KEY WORDS: Cooperative Bank, Urban Cooperative Bank, Customers Satisfaction.

Understanding Barriers to Guideline-Concordant Treatment in Foregut Cancer: From Data to Solutions

BackgroundA large proportion of patients with foregut cancers do not receive guideline-concordant treatment (GCT). This study sought to understand underlying barriers to GCT through a root cause analysis approach.MethodsA single-institution retrospective review of 498 patients with foregut (gastric, pancreatic, and hepatobiliary) adenocarcinoma from 2018 to 2022 was performed. Guideline-concordant treatment was defined based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. The Ishikawa cause and effect model was used to establish main contributing factors to non-GCT.ResultsOverall, 34% did not receive GCT. Root causes of non-GCT included Patient, Physician, Institutional Environment and Broader System-related factors. In decreasing order of frequency, the following contributed to non-GCT: receipt of incomplete therapy (N = 28, 16.5%), deconditioning on chemotherapy (N = 26, 15.3%), delays in care because of patient resource constraints followed by loss to follow-up (N = 19, 11.2%), physician factors (N = 19, 11.2%), no documentation of treatment plan after referral to oncologic expertise (N = 19, 11.2%), loss to follow-up before oncology referral (N = 17, 10%), nonreferral to medical oncologic expertise (N = 16, 9.4%), nonreferral to surgical oncology in patients with resectable disease (N = 15, 8.8%), and complications preventing completion of treatment (N = 11, 6.5%). Non-GCT often was a function of multiple intersecting patient, physician, and institutional factors.ConclusionsA substantial percentage of patients with foregut cancer do not receive GCT. Solutions that may improve receipt of GCT include development of automated systems to improve patient follow-up; institutional prioritization of resources to enhance staffing; financial counseling and assistance programs; and development and integration of structured prehabilitation programs into cancer treatment pathways.

Food Sovereignty in Nepal : A Current Appraisal

Food sovereignty issue is integrated with agro ecology, climate and environmental justice, right of food workers, agrarian reform and justice to women and peasants. Despite of the promises of food security by the use of new practices and technologies global hunger has significantly increased. Industrial food production and indiscriminant use of chemical fertilizers pesticides have caused air, water and soil pollution and consequently environment and human health has been seriously impaired. Nepal being a developing economy could hardly endow all her possible resources just to address food security issue, hence the food sovereignty issue remained veiled till 2075B.S. Present study aims to enquire the working status of food sovereignty principal on real grounds in the country. The study is based on secondary data and is quantitative in nature. As pre design it is descriptive and prescriptive both. The study examines efficacy of food sovereignty principal on six pillar of it which are: focus on food for people; Value food providers; localize food system; puts control locally; builds knowledge and skills and work with nature. Examining through facts and figures, it is found that there is food crisis in the country with its quantity and nutritive value. The extended net works of cooperative throughout the country may play significant role in activating food sovereignty principals. Existences of middle man, poorer financial assistance, poorer insurance coverage, limitation of minimum price support policy to fewer crops are some of the major problems. In addition land fragmentation, diminishing wet and dry land area are additional bottlenecks. Indiscriminant use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides pose a crucial problem to practice organic farming. Activities as river bed farming, tharu alu cultivation, Jhol mal preparation, kitchen gardening, community seed bank and use of local biochar are working well with positive outcomes to support food sovereignty efforts.

Characteristics of foreign-born abortion patients in the United States, 2021–2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the characteristics of foreign-born abortion patients compared to those born in the Unites States and to explore whether barriers for foreign-born patients varied by state Medicaid coverage of abortion care. Study designWe used data from the Guttmacher Institute’s 2021–2022 Abortion Patient Survey, a national sample of patients obtaining clinic-based abortion care in the United States. We compared sociodemographic characteristics of foreign- and US born respondents, as well as barriers to care. Among foreign-born patients, we compared those in Medicaid coverage states vs states that restrict Medicaid coverage. ResultsSome 12% of the 6429 respondents were born outside the United States. Compared to US born patients, they were less likely to have Medicaid coverage and more likely to be Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander or Hispanic, to have no health insurance, and to have completed the survey in Spanish. In addition, foreign-born patients were more likely to report delays because they did not know where to get an abortion (18.3% vs. 12.6% for US born). Compared to foreign-born patients living in Medicaid coverage states, those in non-Medicaid states reported multiple barriers, particularly related to cost: respondents in non-Medicaid states were three times as likely to pay out of pocket for abortion (75.8% vs 27.4%) and five times more likely to rely on financial assistance (24.1% vs 4.8%). ConclusionsForeign-born abortion patients face knowledge and financial barriers to accessing abortion care compared to those who are US born, and these financial burdens are amplified for those living in non-Medicaid coverage states. ImplicationsAbortion patients born outside the United States may have overcome many obstacles to obtain care. Expanding state Medicaid coverage of abortion could reduce cost burdens for foreign-born populations.

ASSESSMENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL WELLBEING STATUS OF COCOA FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the psychological and social wellbeing status of cocoa farming households in Southsouth zone of Nigeria. A multi-staged sampling technique was used in selecting 240 Cocoa Farming Households (CFH) that were selected for this study. Data were collected from primary source using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and mean ratings were employed to analyze the data collected. Major findings revealed a grand mean of 2.85 indicating that social wellbeing status of the rural households is moderate with the mean of social integration ranking highest (x=3.14), followed by social contribution (x = 2.81), Social coherence (x = 2.78) and social acceptance (x = 2.77) that ranked 2nd and 3rd respectively. The grand mean of psychological wellbeing of rural households was 2.90, indicating a moderate psychological wellbeing status with the mean of variables under "Purpose i n life" having the highest mean of 3.18, this was followed by those under “Self-Acceptance” (x= 3.00) and "Personal growth" (x= 2.87) that came 2nd and 3rd respectively. The correlation result (r = 0.527) indicated a significant relationship existing between the cocoa farming households' psychological wellbeing and their social wellbeing status in South-South zone, Nigeria. The study concluded that both the psychological and social wellbeing status of the households are moderate, not high and therefore recommends that Extension agencies and Government need to reorientate cocoa farming households to keep them in the right frame of mind and attitude as they carry out their farming activities as well as give them financial assistance that will boost their level of production with increased income and in turn lift their social status and general wellbeing.