High Interest Research Articles

Navigating Loan Recovery Process from SMEs: Identifying Critical Challenges for Microfinance Institutions in Tanzania

The purpose of the study is to examine the loan recovery challenges facing Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. The study took place at Nuru Financial and Business Services (NFBS), the Self-Microfinance Fund (SMF), and Ameic Microcredit Limited (AMC). These are among the microfinance institutions found in Dar es Salaam. The researchers employed a descriptive research design and used NFBS, SMF, and AML as study cases. The study involved 50 respondents, including credit officers, obtained through simple random sampling. In the data collection, the study used semi-structured questionnaires to gather primary data. Also, the study used secondary data from documents available at NFBS, SMF, and AML. Data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics with frequency, percentages, and mean. The study found that loan recovery was a challenging task and faced several obstacles, such as insufficiency of capital to cover recovery costs, the presence of weak internal controls on loan recovery, higher interest rates, and facing an extraordinary event during the loan recovery process. Others are getting into bitter relations with customers during loan recovery due to the incompetence of staff to address loan recovery processes. Finally, the study recommends the government provide financial support or subsidies to microfinance institutions to cover recovery costs, such as grants, low-interest loans, or financial assistance programmes. Establish and enforce regulatory standards for internal controls within microfinance institutions. Implementing policies to regulate interest rates charged by microfinance institutions to ensure fairness and transparency. Establish a legal framework to handle extraordinary events during the loan recovery process. Microfinance institutions should explore partnerships with international development organisations, impact investors, or donor agencies to secure additional funding for loan recovery efforts. Loan officers should be trained in cost-effective recovery strategies, and SMEs should engage in responsible borrowing practices to minimise the risk of default.

Evaluation of the challenges facing small and medium-scale building contractors in Nigeria

In this study, the challenges associated with the operations of small and mediumscale building contractors in Nigeria were considered. Globally, the construction industry is faced with several notable challenges in terms of technological advancement, development of operational processes and mechanisms, and keeping up to date with the prevailing business trends. The main objective of this study is to examine the problems that are facing small and medium-scale building contractors in Nigeria. The study employed a questionnaire survey as a data collection instrument. A total of 317 closed-ended questionnaires were administered to small and medium-sized contractors in Akure Nigeria. However, only one hundred and seventy-two (172) returned questionnaires were found valid for analysis. The data was analyzed using the simple descriptive statistical method of percentage and weighted mean score (WMS). Findings revealed that inadequate startup capital for contractors was the major problem facing small and medium-scale building contractors in the study area given its highest mean score of 4.0697. In light of the above, the study recommends that the government being the major player in the building industry should endeavour to initiate, create, and implement policies such as grants and aids for small and medium-sized contractors to enable them to remain in business no matter the state of the economy. It is concluded that the ineffectiveness of the small and medium-sized contractors in the study area is influenced by the un-availability of startup capital, lack of political will in implementing policies that assist small and medium-sized contractors, delayed payment, high-interest rates on loan facilities, and difficulty in getting guarantors for the loan facility.

Same old song: On the macroeconomic and distributional effects of leaving a Low Interest Rate Environment

In this paper, we present a hybrid Agent-Based Stock-Flow-Consistent (AB-SFC) model about the macroeconomic and distributional implications of central bank’s decision to leave a “Low(-for-long) Interest Rate Environment” (LIRE). Our goal is to study the non-linear effects of monetary tightening when implemented under LIRE than in an alternative “Higher Interest Rate” setting (HIRE). This way, we shed light over the interaction between monetary policy, inequality, and macro-financial fragility in a financialized economy characterized by the presence of securitization and the production of complex financial products, i.e., Asset-Backed Securities (ABSs). We obtain three main findings. First, consistent with existing empirical literature, LIRE may be sources of vulnerabilities in the financial industry (i.e., lower banks’ profitability and capital adequacy ratio). However, it may reduce systemic macro-financial risk by stimulating faster growth, lower unemployment and inequality records alongside with lower public and private indebtedness and lower-scale securitization. Second, central bank’s decision to raise interest rates improves financial sector’s performance indicators at the costs of harsh real-side consequences, i.e., permanently higher unemployment and inequality, when implemented under LIRE. Third, financialization structurally changes the functioning of the economy by feeding the creation of a debt-led economy in which monetary policy becomes less effective in its attempt of controlling inflation. Central bank’s reaction in the form of a permanently tighter monetary policy stance eventually prompts a more unequal and unstable rentier-friendly economy.

Numerical Investigation of a Hydrogen–Air Flame for NOx Prediction

Abstract Sustainable aviation fuels are a major candidate to reduce pollutant emissions in future aeronautical engines. Recently, the use of hydrogen as a fuel has gained a high interest partly because its combustion is free from carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and produces few pollutants, mainly nitrogen oxides (NOx). Over the last decades, efforts on numerical methods for combustion simulation in aero-engines have largely been focused on kerosene-air combustion. However, the current transition may have a significant impact on the computational methodologies for combustor design. Hydrogen defines novel modeling issues and challenges the current state of art on numerical methodologies. The current study presents a numerical investigation of a hydrogen–air burner using large-eddy simulations (LES) with a focus on NOx prediction. The considered configuration is a two-staged combustor, similar to the well-known RQL (Rich-Quench-Lean) technology, supplied by a single coaxial injector characterized experimentally. Two combustion models are investigated: (i) tabulated chemistry based on premixed flamelets (ii) transported chemistry description by using a 21-species chemical scheme. Numerical results are compared with experimental data (NOx concentrations, temperature distributions, pressure losses). A focus on model predictions is carried out. Results show a good agreement to predict the main flow characteristics and the premixed flame position over different operating points and geometries for both frameworks. In contrast, NOx emissions are more sensitive: while the overall trend is well captured, the quantification is more scattered. Finally, an in-depth analysis is proposed to link NOx production with the nonpremixed flame size.

Navigating the digital frontier: a comparative examination of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and the Quantum Financial System (QFS)

In the global financial landscape, a transformational shift towards digitization is known, and a comparative analysis of two key components is of particular relevance: central bank digital currency (CBDC) and quantum financial system (QFS). This article explores the dynamic relationship between traditional monetary instruments and new digital currencies, considering the transformative impact and regional nuances of CBDC. The article provides a historical overview of the evolution of the development and implementation of CBDC in the world, analyzes the key factors affecting its implementation in different regions, identifies key technological advances that are the disruptive force of QFS, as well as their impact on the transformation of traditional financial transactions. In the context of the development of CBDC and QFS, the legal frameworks that regulate their work, facilitate or hinder their broad integration into existing financial systems, their impact on traditional monetary policy and, accordingly, on economic stability, inflation and interest rates, and the format of the technological infrastructure are determined, which must be ensured for their successful implementation and operation, as well as the main challenges related to this and ways to solve security and privacy problems in their application. The paper combines qualitative and quantitative analysis to provide a comprehensive and validated dataset for a thorough understanding of digital financial paradigms. Qualitative research was conducted based on structured interviews with experts in the development and implementation of CBDC and QFS, as well as reporting and analytical information on central banks, regulators, and other financial institutions. The empirical study is based on the built OLS model, which describes the dependence coefficient using CBDC (the share of the population that uses it) on the traditional interest rate set by the central bank (taking into account the corrections for the possibility of variation of its changes and unobservable factors). The Python programming language with R libraries and the Stata software package are used for modeling. Tests confirmed the model’s statistical significance and high R-squared value (0.756 ) to begin its ability to explain a significant portion of the variability in CBDC adoption rates. The results showed that, on average, per skin unit increase in the traditional interest rate, post-CBDC rate growth is expected to be 1.74%; when the conventional interest rate is zero, the settlement rate after CBDC is 11.14%. The results of this study can be used to predict the dynamics of public perception of digital currencies. In addition, central banks can adjust interest rates to stimulate or moderate the adoption of CBDCs based on broader strategic macroeconomic measures: 1) during economic downturns, higher interest rates can be used to stimulate the adoption of digital currencies as an alternative financial instrument; 2) during periods of economic growth, interest rates may be lowered to mitigate the intended overheating of CBDC adoption.

Screening, Deconvolution and Parallel Synthesis of Trisubstituted Piperazine and Trisubstituted 2,3-diketopierazine Libraries for the Rapid Identification of Antagonists of the Nuclear Retinoic Acid Receptor-related Orphan Receptor Gamma (RORγ)

Background: Genetic studies support a key role for RORγ and RORα in the differentiation of proinflammatory Th17 cells, and a growing body of evidence suggests a pathogenic role for Th17 in several autoimmune diseases, including MS, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, type I diabetes, and psoriasis. RORγ antagonists have been shown to suppress Th17 differentiation and delay the onset of disease in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of MS. Objective: Given the high therapeutic interest of RORγ antagonists and the promising activity of currently known ligands, small molecules with higher potency and receptor selectivity (in particular within the ROR family) are highly desirable. We used our small molecule compound library to discover, characterize, and optimize novel RORγ antagonists for the treatment of autoimmune diseases from Mixture-based Combinatorial Chemical Libraries. Methods: We screened the FIU collection of small molecule libraries (>30 million compounds) composed of 75 molecular scaffolds systematically arranged in positional scanning and scaffold ranking formats. We identified scaffolds that selectively inhibit the binding of RORγ, RORγ, and RORβ but not RORα, and others that function as antagonists of all three receptors. Results: The deconvolution of selected PS-SCL mixtures led to the identification of novel chemical entities, trisubstituted piperazine and diketopiperazine that function as RORγ antagonists. Conclusion: The screening of a large complex library led to the rapid identification of novel trisubstituted piperazine and diketopiperazine antagonists of the nuclear retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ).

Curious minds to aspiring pharmacists: Impact of high school outreach on pharmacy knowledge and interest

ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of a pharmacy student delivered presentation on prospective rural high school students' interest toward the pharmacy profession and knowledge regarding a career in pharmacy. MethodsPresentations about applying to pharmacy school, the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, and pharmacist careers were given at ten high schools across North Dakota and Minnesota by third year pharmacy students attending North Dakota State University. Each pharmacy student presenter received training to ensure that all high school students received clear and consistent information. A pre-post survey was used to understand the impact of the presentation on high school student interest and knowledge regarding a career in pharmacy. Data was analyzed using a chi-square test and McNemar's test. ResultsFive hundred and eight students consented to the study and completed the pre-post surveys. Of these students, the largest group was high school juniors (number (n) = 239, 47%), followed by sophomores (n = 161, 32%), seniors (n = 104, 20%) and freshmen (n = 3, 1%). The majority of students attended school in North Dakota (n = 469, 92%). Similarly, most students planned to attend a four-year college (n = 451, 89%) and were interested in a medical/healthcare related career (n = 310, 61%). All interest and knowledge questions showed a statistically significant increase in score pre-post. ConclusionPresentations delivered by pharmacy students to prospective rural high school students improved overall interest and knowledge regarding pharmacy school and the profession. Presentations are a useful tool for pharmacy programs to help promote their school and the profession of pharmacy.

THE INFLUENCE OF PERCEPTION, UNDERSTANDING OF INVESTMENT, AND TRAINING ON INTEREST IN INVESTING IN THE CAPITAL MARKET

Investment is an important factor that influences a country's growth and economic development. We as the young generation have an important role to play in increasing the growth and economic development of our country in a better direction, one of which is by participating in the success of government programs in terms of increasing the number of new investors among the younger generation, especially students. This study aims to analyze the effect of Perception, understanding of investment, and training on student investment interest in Ponorogo. The population in this study were active students at universities in Ponorogo, considering their status as active students for the 2020/2021 academic year at universities in Ponorogo, where the college has an Investment Gallery of the Indonesia Stock Exchange, totaling 4814 students. The sampling technique was determined using the Slovin formula. From the calculation, results obtained a sample of 98 student samples. The method of data collection is in the form of a questionnaire with a Likert measurement scale. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression analysis. The results showed that Perception has a significant positive effect on investment interest, meaning that the better one's Perception of investment, the higher interest in investing in the capital market. Understanding of investment has a significant positive effect on investment interest, it means that the better one's understanding of investment, the higher interest in investing in the capital market training has a significant positive effect on investment interest, meaning that the better the training, the more interest in investing. Perception, understanding of investment, and training have a simultaneous (simultaneous) effect on investment interest. This means that better Perception, understanding of investment, and training, will increase one's interest in investing.”
 Keywords: Capital Market, Investment Interest, Perception, Investment Understanding, Capital Market Training.

Academic support through tutoring, guided learning, and learning diaries in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: an experimental model for master’s students

IntroductionEngaging students in co-planning their learning paths, peer cooperation, tutoring, and network building in an inclusive and project-based environment has been associated with higher academic and professional success. However, university teachers face challenges in offering guidance and academic supervision to optimize student learning, particularly in the context of online learning. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of adapting collaborative learning environments, peer tutoring, and academic supervision in the online learning space.MethodsAn experimental design methodology was employed to investigate the impact of collaborative learning environments, peer tutoring, and academic supervision on student engagement, interest, and dedication to learning.ResultsThe findings showed direct positive effects on the level of engagement (VI; M = 23.18, SD = 5), higher interest and dedication to the learning process (DE: M = 26.93, SD = 3.21), and better concentration and enthusiasm while studying (AB, M = 24.83, SD = 8.52).DiscussionThe results suggest that adapting to online learning by providing collaborative learning environments, peer tutoring, and academic supervision can enhance student engagement and motivation. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects and scalability of these interventions in diverse educational contexts.

Playing Hide and Seek: How Lenders Respond to Borrower Protection

Abstract This paper uses the universe of mortgage contracts to estimate the response of high-interest lenders to borrower protection regulations aimed at simplifying and making loan terms more transparent. Using a quasi-experimental design, I find that lenders substantially reduce interest rates—by an average of 10%—in order to avoid being subject to borrower protection, without reducing amounts loaned or the number of loans approved. This finding is consistent with high-interest lenders preferring to issue obfuscatory mortgage contracts with lower interest rates rather than more transparent and regulated mortgages with higher interest rates.

Use of sawdust for production of ligninolytic enzymes by white-rot fungi and pharmaceutical removal.

Use of white-rot fungi for enzyme-based bioremediation of wastewater is of high interest. These fungi produce considerable amounts of extracellular ligninolytic enzymes during solid-state fermentation on lignocellulosic materials such as straw and sawdust. We used pure sawdust colonized by Pleurotus ostreatus, Trametes versicolor, and Ganoderma lucidum for extraction of ligninolytic enzymes in aqueous suspension. Crude enzyme suspensions of the three fungi, with laccase activity range 12-43 U/L and manganese peroxidase activity range 5-55 U/L, were evaluated for degradation of 11 selected pharmaceuticals spiked at environmentally relevant concentrations. Sulfamethoxazole was removed significantly in all treatments. The crude enzyme suspension from P. ostreatus achieved degradation of wider range of pharmaceuticals when the enzyme activity was increased. Brief homogenization of the colonized sawdust was also observed to be favorable, resulting in significant reductions after a short exposure of 5 min. The highest reduction was observed for sulfamethoxazole which was reduced by 84% compared to an autoclaved control without enzyme activity and for trimethoprim which was reduced by 60%. The compounds metoprolol, lidocaine, and venlafaxine were reduced by approximately 30% compared to the control. Overall, this study confirmed the potential of low-cost lignocellulosic material as a substrate for production of enzymes from white-rot fungi. However, monitoring over time in bioreactors revealed a rapid decrease in enzymatic ligninolytic activity.

Weather or not-Global climate databases: Reliable on tropical mountains?

Global, spatially interpolated climate datasets such as WorldClim and CHELSA, widely used in research, are based on station data, which are rare in tropical mountains. However, such biodiversity hotspots are of high ecological interest and require accurate data. Therefore, the quality of such gridded datasets needs to be assessed. This poses a kind of dilemma, as proving the reliability of these potentially weakly modelled data is usually not possible due to the lack of stations. Using a unique climate dataset with 170 stations, mainly from the montane and alpine zones of sixteen mountains in Tanzania including Kilimanjaro, we show that the accuracy of such datasets is very poor. Not only is the maximum amount of mean annual precipitation drastically underestimated (partly more than 50%), but also the elevation of the precipitation maximum deviates up to 850m. Our results show that, at least in tropical regions, they should be used with greater caution than before.

Analysis of climate change impacts on the biogeographical patterns of species-specific productivity of socioeconomically important edible fungi in Mediterranean forest ecosystems

In Mediterranean forests, many species of fungi produce fruiting bodies every autumn, some of which are of great social and economic interest as NTFPs. In addition, these fungi are an essential part of the biodiversity network that ensures the proper functioning of natural ecosystems and that is currently in check due to global change. Therefore, understanding the biogeographic patterns of species-specific fungal productivity is fundamental to anticipate possible changes in the socioeconomic value of our forests and to understand the role they play in the functioning of ecosystems in terms of mitigation and adaptation to climate change. In this study we estimate the future impact of climate change (in Catalonia region, between 2023 and 2100) on five fungal species with high socioeconomic interest in a broad bioclimatic gradient representative of the Mediterranean basin using high resolution at the landscape scale. To achieve this, we use predictive models based on machine learning algorithms and a fungal database resulting from the sampling of more than 100 permanent sampling plots over 20 years. We estimate that current and future productivity patterns differ among species, under different climate change scenarios and bioclimatic regions. Our results suggest that optimal productivity areas may be shifted to higher elevations, making those species with higher productivity at higher elevations the most affected by climate change. This would mean that some species with high socioeconomic value, such as Lactarius deliciosus and Boletus edulis, could be negatively affected in their total productivity in the study area. This study highlights the need to anticipate the potential effects of climate change on fungal productivity and in particular on high socioeconomic value species and to develop management policies oriented to maintain the important role of fungi in natural ecosystems.

Development e-Module (E-Lapen) based Augmented Reality to Increase Students' Interest in Learning

This research aims to give test the effectiveness of interactive media in development E-LAPEN based Augmented Reality in increasing students' interest in learning. This research uses Research and Development (Rnd) with the ADDIE development model. The instruments used in this research were interest in learning questionnaires andpre-test as well as post-test. The results of the validation carried out by material and media experts respectively show that the criteria are very feasible, with respective scores of 95% for material and 90% for media. After implementing the media, a questionnaire regarding interest in learning was given before and after using the mediapre-test andpost-test. The results of this study show that there is an improvement before and after useE-module This is a percentage that previously had 57% of all questions showing high and quite high interest and interest in learning, but after using the module, this percentage increased to 98% and was supported by an increase in scores.pre-test andpost-test amounting to 20.98%. So, it can be concluded that the useE-Module basedAugmented Reality effective for increasing students' interest in learning.
 Keywords: Augmented Reality, Development e-Module, E-Lapen

Implementasi Model Pembelajaran Contextual Teaching and Learning dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab di Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri

This research highlights the challenges in Arabic language learning at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 3 Palu City, especially the lack of learner involvement and their difficulty in linking learning materials with daily life. To overcome these problems, the implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning model is expected to build learners' engagement, to connect learning materials with real contexts, and to motivate learners in developing Arabic language skills. This research uses a qualitative method which aims to find out how the implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning learning model in Arabic language learning and what are the inhibiting and supporting factors for the implementation of Contextual Teaching and Learning learning model in Arabic language learning which focuses on class VIII A at Madrasah Tsanawiyah Negeri 3 Palu City. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results showed that the implementation of the learning model had a positive impact with several supporting factors such as good relationships between teachers and students, high teacher interest in interactive learning, and active participation of students. However, constraints such as the lack of facilities and technology, as well as the disparity of learners' Arabic language ability, also affect the learning process.

Basic and translational evidence supporting the role of TM6SF2 in VLDL metabolism.

Transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 ( TM6SF2 ) gene was identified through exome-wide studies in 2014. A genetic variant from glutamic acid to lysine substitution at amino acid position 167 (NM_001001524.3:c.499G> A) (p.Gln167Lys/p.E167K, rs58542926) was discovered (p.E167K) to be highly associated with increased hepatic fat content and reduced levels of plasma triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. In this review, we focus on the discovery of TM6SF2 and its role in VLDL secretion pathways. Human data suggest TM6SF2 is linked to hepatic steatosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), hence understanding its metabolic pathways is of high scientific interest. Since its discovery, completed research studies in cell, rodent and human models have defined the role of TM6SF2 and its links to human disease. TM6SF2 resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-Golgi interface and helps with the lipidation of nascent VLDL, the main carrier of triglycerides from the liver to the periphery. Consistent results from cells and rodents indicated that the secretion of triglycerides is reduced in carriers of the p.E167K variant or when hepatic TM6SF2 is deleted. However, data for secretion of APOB, the main protein of VLDL particles responsible for triglycerides transport, are inconsistent. The identification of genetic variants that are highly associated with human disease presentation should be followed by the validation and investigation into the pathways that regulate disease mechanisms. In this review, we highlight the role of TM6SF2 and its role in processing of liver triglycerides.

Reading Attitude and Learning Motivation as Predictors of Reading Comprehension

This study is aimed at investigating the significant relationship between reading attitude, motivation, and reading comprehension in Bunawan District, Davao City public elementary school learners. It employed descriptive-correlational research design which describes the relationship between two or more variables. Primary information was obtained by using adapted survey questionnaires among 250 Grade 6 learners enrolled in S.Y. 2023-2024. Three research instruments were used: the Adults Survey Reading Attitudes Questionnaire (ASRA) adapted by Anugrah, Gardner’s Attitude / Motivation Test Battery (AMI), and the Reading comprehension questionnaire adapted from the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-Iri). This study utilized Mean, Standard Deviation, and correlation analysis through Pearson product-moment correlation. Results revealed that there is a high level of reading attitude (x=4.08, SD=.612) and motivation (x=4.06, SD=.451) but there is a very low reading comprehension (x=3.11, SD=1.006) among the respondents. Furthermore, the findings revealed no significant relationship between reading attitude and reading comprehension (r=0.032, p=0.620) and only learning motivation is a predictor of reading comprehension (r=0.200, p=0.002). This implies that the respondents have a positive attitude toward reading but it does not affect their reading comprehension. This further implies that students who are motivated to read can improve their reading comprehension. Hence, the respondents with high interest in their reading activity comprehend more than those without interest.

Uncovering Engagement Profiles of Young Learners in K–8 Education through Learning Analytics

E-learning platforms have become increasingly popular in K–8 education to promote student learning and enhance classroom teaching. Student interactions with these platforms produce trace data, which are digital records of learning processes. Although trace data have been effective in identifying learners’ engagement profiles in higher education and lifelong learning (e.g., MOOCs), similar research on young learners has been very scarce. This study makes a timely and novel contribution to the field by identifying emerging profiles of young students from Grades 1 to 8 based on their engagement in an e-learning platform. The k-means cluster analysis yielded seven distinct profiles in total. While the dominance of profiles differed across grade levels, some profiles were not even present at specific grades, indicating the changing engagement behaviours of young learners in different years. In addition, all emerging profiles suggest students tended to focus on specific components of the platform, thus lacking balanced engagement with all resources. In particular, while primary school students showed relatively higher interest in game-based learning, middle school students focused more on exams than their counterparts. The findings yielded seven specific considerations for the design of effective e-learning platforms.

Measurement and Simulation of Mechanical Strength of Back-End-Of-Line Layer in Advanced CMOS Dies

The back-end-of-line (BEOL) layers of ICs are subjected to considerably high mechanical forces during processing and when operating in harsh conditions. Without proper design and flip chip process control, the forces induced from flip chip bumps may exceed the ultimate strength of the BEOL resulting in critical failures. It is therefore of high interest to have a measurement method to quantify the strength of the BEOL structure of a functional IC. Ultimate fracture stress values are extracted from these measurements which can be used in thermo-mechanical simulations of flip chip assemblies for survivability evaluations.

The Relationship of Functional Roles and their Psychological Predictors in Solving Motor Tasks in Joint Mental Activity

Introduction. Modern society demands from young professionals non-standard ways of solving various tasks in a team. Despite the high interest in the problem of joint thinking, there is an insufficient number of comprehensive studies of psychological predictors involved in the formation of functional roles of participants in joint mental activity. Purpose. Analysis of the relationship between functional roles and their psychological predictors in solving motor tasks in joint mental activity.Materials and methods. The study involved 208 people: they are students of humanities and technical specialties of the Southern Federal University aged 17 to 21 years. The task groups consisted of four subjects. For the solution, a motor task was used under the conditional name “Blocks”. To collect the data, the following methods were used: Kettell’s 16-factor personality questionnaire; a method for determining coping behavior in stressful situations; the “Personality orientation” method; Ehlers’ motivation for avoiding failures; Ehlers’ motivation for success; SELF-assessment; diagnosis of verbal creativity; heuristic competence test; a questionnaire for determining action control; the questionnaire “Methodology of assessment by participants of subgroups of partners from the point of view of their performance of functions of selforganization of joint mental activity”. The Pearson correlation coefficient is applied.Results. The generation function is the least pronounced, which indicates a weak activity of carriers of this functional role in solving a motor-type problem. The function of semantic transmission is most pronounced, which indicates a focus on coordinating the goals of participants in mental activity to achieve a common result in solving a motor task, rather than on putting forward new hypotheses.Discussion. Analyzing the distribution of roles, their functional content, it becomes possible to directly see the implementation of the features of mental activity carried out jointly, to assess the structure of intellectual activity of cognitive interaction of group members, to better understand the procedural features of joint mental activity. The interrelation of the personal characteristics of the participants in solving problems with the functional role distribution in joint thinking is emphasized, as well as the need for a comprehensive study of the acceptance and embodiment of roles by group members.