Key Partners Research Articles

Challenges Preventing Parents from Effectively Involving Themselves in the Implementation of CBC in Rwanda’s Lower Primary (Grades 1-3)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges that prevent parents from effective involvement in CBC implementation in lower primary grades. This study was founded on J. E. a. Epstein Theory of parental involvement which tackles parental involvement in six facets. This study adopted descriptive research design where qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analysed. We collected data from 3 schools of Karongi District where 45 parents having children in the three schools; 45 lower primary grade learners; 9 lower primary grade teachers; 3 head teachers and 1 district education official were selected as a sample. This sample was calculated from the total population of 1053 Parents, 1065 children, 31 teachers and 3 head teachers using the Systematic Random Sampling technique. To collect the Primary data, the questionnaires were administered to parents and learners while teachers, head teachers and a district education official were interviewed. The secondary data were collected from existing literature in relation to the current study. The collected data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results were organized in an Excel spreadsheet to be analyzed by SPSS package version 28.0. In this context, descriptive statistics have been applied where means, percentages, and frequencies were calculated. Findings revealed that the main factor that prevents parents from effective involvement in CBC implementation is a lack of knowledge of CBC and awareness about where and how to give their hands in supporting their children. This calls for the Ministry of Education not only to train teachers in CBC but also parents as they are key partners in implementing CBC.

The Impact of a Brief Educational Seminar on Pediatric Pain-focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for School Providers.

Pediatric chronic pain is common and can be detrimental to children's social, emotional, and school functioning. Nonpharmacological approaches to chronic pain, like cognitive- behavioral therapy (CBT), can be effective. Schools could provide children with chronic pain access to these interventions. However, school professionals (ie, nurses and mental health providers) are seldom trained in CBT, creating a barrier to accessing such help. A seminar was created to introduce CBT strategies for chronic pediatric pain to school professionals. Feasibility, acceptability, and self-reported knowledge gained from the seminar were examined. Two introductory seminars (~2.5 h each) were held separately for the Michigan Association of School Nurses and the health department of Northwest Michigan (n = 71 total). The seminar provided an understanding of pain and pain-focused CBT strategies (eg, activity pacing, positive self-statements, and psychoeducation). Fifty-two school nurses, 16 mental health professionals, and 3 participants (unidentified title) rated program acceptability and self-reported knowledge of CBT before and after training (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Of the respondents, 89.6% agreed the training was helpful, and 87.5% were interested in additional training. For all questions relating to knowledge of CBT, a mixed-model interaction showed a meaningful, increase of at least 1 point (on a 5-point Likert Scale), F(2, 69.83) = 3.93, P = 0.024. This study underscores the feasibility and acceptability of training school health providers in CBT for pediatric chronic pain. This project also established key partnerships in Michigan to expand future work in this realm with more comprehensive training and assessment of outcomes.

Nigeria-Türkiye Relations: A Multifaceted Partnership in the 21st Century

This analysis examines the partnership between Nigeria and Türkiye, two nations with substantial diplomatic relations since 1960, though their historical ties go back much further. Their relationship appearscrucial in the transformation of both nations.This analysisconsiders the main aspects of their cooperation and the implications of this partnership for the future. Considering the economic cooperation, their joint strategic partnerships have promoted bilateral trade. Türkiye’s increasing economic presence in Nigeria seems linked to its strategic aim to become a key development partner in Africa. Another critical dimension is the defense cooperation, with Türkiye as an important security partner. Military and technological assistance along with training in response to the security challenges Nigeria faces highlights Türkiye’s strategic significance. The humanitarian and socio-cultural aspects facilitate their relationship development further. Turkish education initiatives and humanitarian endeavors strengthen ties and support Türkiye’s foreign policy aimed at ensuring stability and growth in Africa. With some trade imbalances and possible overreliance on Turkish military technologies, the countries have to develop an effective strategy to address the challenges and ensure a viable presence in the current multipolar world.

Radon mitigation in Native communities: A partnership between a tribal health clinic and University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center.

44 Background: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and the Native communities in Wisconsin bear an outsized burden of lung cancer. Radon testing is attainable for these communities, but the cost of one-time mitigation is high and out of reach for many. The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC) partnered with the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican Nation (S-M) Health Center to test homes for radon levels and mitigate (repair) those structures when levels were high to mitigate a structural barrier of health. Prior tests had suggested 10% of homes across Wisconsin test “high” for radon (above 4 pCi/L). The mean radon level among tested homes in Wisconsin is 5.7 pCi/L (American Lung Association, Radon Testing Disparities: Wisconsin, 2022). Methods: The project was co-developed with the UW and S-M. A key partner was the Wisconsin Radon Program, housed at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. We aimed to educate, test for radon, and mitigate all homes that tested high for radon. Education, promotion of the program and testing were done in collaboration between state, university, and tribal officials. The environmental health and community health coordinators at S-M was the key person for distributing and ensuring the return of kits. Mitigation was performed by a private certified contractor over the project. We used descriptive statistics to evaluate the percentage of Wisconsin homes that tested high for radon in our sample. We also surveyed community members about their satisfaction with the mitigation contractor. Results: This project was done from April 2023 to April 2024. Staff reported educational sessions were successful in improving their knowledge of radon and testing and mitigation procedures. The S-M had 1822 enrolled tribal members at the start of the study. A total of 85 kits were distributed, with 64 returned (75.3% return rate). Of those, 42 of 64 tested positive for high radon in the home (65.6%), much higher than the expected 10% positive rate. The mean radon level among all homes was 14.1 pCi/L (0-111.6pCi/L) and 18.7 pCi/L among homes that tested positive. All homes testing high have completed radon mitigation. All reported their homes could not have been mitigated without this collaboration. The community was satisfied with the services of the certified contractor. Conclusions: Radon levels were much higher than anticipated in Native lands in Wisconsin and may explain higher rates of lung cancer. Cancer centers are key partners in addressing high radon levels and mitigating structural determinants of health among Native communities, such as with housing quality.

Enhancer reprogramming underlies therapeutic utility of a SMARCA2 degrader in SMARCA4 mutant cancer.

Genomic studies have identified frequent mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose non-fermenting) chromatin remodeling complex including SMARCA4 and ARID1A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Genetic evidence indicates that the paralog SMARCA2 is synthetic lethal to SMARCA4 suggesting SMARCA2 is a valuable therapeutic target. However, the discovery of selective inhibitors of SMARCA2 has been challenging. Here, we utilized structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to develop YD23, a potent and selective proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) targeting SMARCA2. Mechanistically, we show that SMARCA2 degradation induces reprogramming of the enhancer landscape in SMARCA4-mutant cells with loss of chromatin accessibility at enhancers of genes involved in cell proliferation. Furthermore, we identified YAP/TEADas key partners to SMARCA2 in driving growth of SMARCA4-mutant cells. Finally, we show that YD23 has potent tumor growth inhibitory activity in SMARCA4-mutant xenografts. These findings provide the mechanistic basis for development of SMARCA2 degraders as synthetic lethal therapeutics against SMARCA4-mutant lung cancers.

Stakeholder Analysis of Indonesia's Trade the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Actor Non-ASEAN

This study examines Indonesia’s trade relations with non-ASEAN member countries under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The RCEP, signed in 2020, presents Indonesia with significant opportunities to expand market access, particularly with key partners like China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. However, challenges persist, particularly in terms of trade imbalances and competitive pressures. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from trade flow statistics and tariff reductions with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders. The Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method was applied to assess the effectiveness of RCEP provisions. Results show that while Indonesia benefits from improved market access, significant trade deficits remain, especially with China and Australia. Stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector exporters, play pivotal roles in mitigating these challenges by addressing non-tariff barriers and enhancing trade facilitation. In conclusion, Indonesia must strategically leverage the RCEP framework to address trade imbalances and improve export competitiveness. Policy recommendations include enhancing stakeholder collaboration, improving infrastructure, and increasing awareness among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to fully utilize RCEP benefits. These efforts will ensure Indonesia remains competitive in global trade.

THE POLITICS OF FIDESZ-KDNP OF HUNGARY UNDER V. ORBÁN IN WESTERN MEDIA, 2010-2024

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of Western media coverage of the Hungarian government's political course under Viktor Orban and the FIDESZ-KDNP coalition from 2010 to 2024. The study encompasses a wide range of aspects of Hungary's domestic and foreign policy, tracing the evolution of "Orbanism" perception in international media discourse. The author examines in detail the key themes that dominated Western media regarding Hungary, namely: The transformation of the country's democratic system and discussions around the concept of "illiberal democracy". Systematic conflicts between Hungary and the European Union, especially on issues of rule of law and democratic values. Hungary's strict migration policy and its impact on European policy in this area. Economic reforms known as "Orbanomics" and their controversial perception in the international arena. Changes in Hungary's media landscape and discussions about press freedom. Hungary's foreign policy course, including its relations with Russia, China, the USA, and neighboring countries. Special attention is paid to the impact of the Hungarian governance model on regional politics in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as its perception by right-wing and conservative movements in Europe and the USA. The article also examines the dynamics of Hungary's relations with the EU and NATO, particularly in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine and Hungary's position on this conflict. The research is based on a wide range of Western media sources, including leading newspapers, magazines, television channels, and online publications. The author traces changes in the tone and focus of coverage of Hungarian politics during the specified period, identifying key trends and turning points in the international perception of Hungary. The article also examines Western media's reaction to Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union. The author summarizes the main trends in Western media coverage of Hungarian politics and assesses their impact on Hungary's international reputation and its relations with key partners.

Framework for developing entrepreneurial business models: Theory and practical application

A framework for developing entrepreneurial business models is crucial for guiding entrepreneurs from conceptualization to practical application in a dynamic market environment. This review outlines a comprehensive framework that integrates theoretical concepts with practical approaches to help entrepreneurs create robust and adaptable business models. The framework is grounded in a synthesis of contemporary entrepreneurship theories and practical insights drawn from case studies of successful ventures. It begins with a theoretical exploration of foundational business model components, including value proposition, customer segments, revenue streams, and cost structures. By leveraging established models such as the Business Model Canvas and the Lean Startup methodology, the framework provides a structured approach for entrepreneurs to design and validate their business models. A key component of the framework is its emphasis on iterative development and validation. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to employ lean principles, such as rapid prototyping and customer feedback loops, to refine their business models. This iterative process helps in adapting to market changes and customer needs, reducing risk, and improving the likelihood of success. The framework also incorporates strategic analysis tools to evaluate market opportunities, competitive landscape, and potential challenges. Practical application is emphasized through detailed guidelines and tools for each stage of business model development. This includes methodologies for conducting market research, identifying key resources and partnerships, and establishing operational processes. Additionally, the framework addresses the importance of financial planning and risk management, offering practical advice on funding strategies and contingency planning. The paper also highlights the significance of contextual factors, such as industry trends, regulatory environment, and technological advancements, in shaping business models. By incorporating these elements, the framework provides a holistic approach to entrepreneurial business model development. In conclusion, the proposed framework serves as a valuable guide for entrepreneurs seeking to develop and implement effective business models. It combines theoretical insights with practical tools and strategies, enabling entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of the business landscape and achieve sustainable success. This approach not only enhances the strategic planning process but also fosters innovation and adaptability in an ever-evolving market environment.

Analysis of apple chips business development strategies using business model canvas approach and SOAR-AHP method

The study focuses on SMEs X, a producer of various processed fruit products, primarily apple chips. The business experienced a 90% decline in revenue due to an 8-month market closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, with ongoing challenges such as reduced revenue and production capacity post-pandemic. This study aims to identify business models in SMEs using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach, develop alternative business strategies through SOAR analysis of BMC elements, prioritize these strategies using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, and enhance their BMC. Four expert respondents participated in the study. The research results highlight the current business conditions across the 9 BMC elements. The SOAR matrix produced eight alternative strategies, prioritized using the AHP method, including optimal production planning and scheduling (OR2), strengthening apple chips brand awareness (OA2), disseminating freeze-drying production technology innovations (OA1), developing business unit production (SA2), expanding the marketplace (SA1), maximizing the use of social media (OR1), product quality standardization (SR1), and forming partnerships with other fruit chip SMEs to innovate freeze-dried products (SR2). The BMC was further developed by integrating SR2 and OA1 into the key partnerships element, SA2 into the key resources element, OA2, OR1, and OA2 into the key activities element, SR1 into the value proposition element, and SA1 into the channel element.

Perancangan Model Bisnis Kaki Bukit Coffee Menggunakan Metode Business Model Canvas

Kaki Bukit Coffee is a coffee shop located in West Bandung Regency, precisely on Jl. Maribaya No.16, Kayuambon, Lembang District, which was founded on December 16 2018. This coffee shop offers various types of drinks, both hot and cold, such as Basic Coffee, Flavored Coffee, Freshener, and Tea. However, Kaki Bukit Coffee faces several challenges, including not achieving its revenue target. This challenge is caused by several factors such as lack of employee capability, limited space capacity, lack of product innovation, many competitors, the influence of rainy weather, less than optimal promotional strategies, and limited use of promotional media only via Instagram. This research aims to identify and overcome the problems faced by Kaki Bukit Coffee through evaluating and designing a new business model using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) method. The improvement process begins with collecting data regarding the current condition of the business model, including customer profiles obtained through questionnaires and analysis of the business environment through literature studies. Next, a SWOT analysis is carried out to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats from internal and external aspects, as well as identifying the value proposition canvas to formulate the right strategy. Several proposals were put forward to solve problems such as in the Value Proposition block, proposals included increasing product variations, offering variations in glass sizes and toppings, as well as providing bundling packages. In the Customer Segments block, the focus is on increasing the number of Lembang customers. For Channels, proposals include increasing the use of online food delivery applications such as GoFood, increasing promotions via social media such as Instagram, adding the ShopeeFood and TikTok platforms, as well as displaying menu lists and linktr.ee on Instagram profiles. In the Customer Relationship block, proposals include offering discounts and promos, providing special promotions for local residents, as well as providing WiFi connections. In the Key Activities block, increasing sales and marketing activities, adding training and HR development programs, as well as improving indoor and outdoor facilities are priorities. In the Key Partners block, namely increasing cooperation with raw material suppliers. Meanwhile, in the Cost Structure block, the proposal includes additional costs for improving indoor and outdoor facilities, training and human resource development costs, as well as costs for WiFi connections. Lastly, in the Revenue Streams block, the focus is on increasing product sales offline and online.

An assessment of Ghana’s pilot of the RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme; 2019–2021: a retrospective study

BackgroundIn May 2019, Ghana piloted the introduction of RTS,S malaria vaccine into routine immunization in 42 districts of seven of the 16 regions. The RTS,S malaria vaccine implementation programme (MVIP) post-introduction evaluation (PIE) conducted in Ghana, assessed the immunization system as well as healthcare worker and caregiver experiences during the phase-one rollout but was less expressive on quantitative grading of the respective thematic areas of the vaccine introduction plan. Given the utility of summary statistics in programme evaluation and communication, this follow-up study aimed to provide an overall rating of the country's performance regarding the MVIP .MethodsA retrospective study was conducted from 10th January to 5th February 2024. It involved review of records to assess key thematic areas of the national MVIP plan, using a study tool adapted from the WHO New Vaccine Introduction (NVI) checklist. A composite score ranging from zero to 100 per cent was generated to assess the country's overall performance regarding introduction of the malaria vaccine, rated on a Likert scale as comprehensive, good, fair, and poor.ResultsThe overall performance in the MVIP was rated 78.9% (30/38) corresponding to a grading of “good” on the Likert scale. Performance indicators under thematic areas including policy, national coordination mechanisms, waste management, health worker training, and pharmacovigilance were completely achieved. However, some weaknesses were exhibited in areas such as financial consideration, cold chain, logistics, and vaccine management, and monitoring and evaluation.ConclusionGhana’s MVIP demonstrated remarkable strengths worth leveraging to improve the national immunization programme. The weaknesses observed in some of the thematic areas present opportunities to engage key immunization partners and stakeholders towards aligning efforts to ensure a more robust expansion phase. The lessons from the MVIP may be relevant to areas introducing malaria vaccine irrespective of the product type—RTS,S or R21.

Spatial Sign Rhetoric in Gulf Poetry at the Turn of the Third Millennium

The presence of spatial signs in the Arabic poem is not limited to being a ‘subject’ that the poet writes about, but goes beyond that to being a ‘technique’ with which the poet writes, and between writing ‘about’ and writing ‘with’ the poem moves and the Arab poet is creative in forming his poetic world, and the aesthetic world of the poem, the poet does not write a newspaper reportage about the place, but he employs a spatial sign, and the sign in turn works to broadcast its intellectual and aesthetic energy, the sign with its linguistic status is a linguistic element that is included in the fabric of the poem and not just an element external to it, which makes it an essential partner in the formation of the poetic text. This makes it a key partner in the formation of the poetic text. Throughout its history, the Arabic poem has presented thousands of spatial signs that participated in the formation of its entity, and necessarily participated in the formation of its aesthetics, but scholars have viewed them as mere subjects or mere elements that form the space of the poem without trying to discover the aesthetics of their presence. The study attempts to adopt a poetic model that has its own artistic nature and its own temporal and spatial boundaries (the Arabic poem in the Arabian Gulf region at the beginning of the third millennium), with the aim of achieving three objectives that discuss its questions and fulfil its hypotheses: To identify the most important spatial signs in the poem, explore the ways in which they appear and recognise the patterns of their presence, and then explore the rhetoric and aesthetics they achieve in the context of the poem. The study seeks to answer two main questions: How was the presence of the sign in the poem? What did the presence of the sign add to the poem? Its material was formed through three main axes that represent spatial circles that expand from the nearest to the farthest geographically: The local place (the poet's country and its spatial spaces), the regional circle (the large Arab world), and the global circle (the places outside the Arab world that the poem under study approached). The study achieved its results by analysing the poetic energy of the studied texts in a primarily aesthetic manner, looking at their deeper levels and the relationships between the spatial signs on the one hand, and the relationship between the spatial sign and other textual elements.

Protocol for a mixed-methods exploratory investigation into the role of health information technology for the provision of cancer care in Indonesia

Background Cancer and its management can incur high costs, high risks and high demand. In Indonesia, there remains gap in the availability of national cancer data despite the establishment of a National Committee for Cancer Control. Multiple pilot projects have been developed by the Ministry of Health to improve the delivery of care, including interventions utilising digital health approaches and integrated referral information systems. However, it is not yet clear to what extent these approaches influence patient management or the experience of cancer patients themselves. This research aims to explore the current role of health information technology (HIT) in the provision of services and treatments for patients with cancer from primary to tertiary healthcare centres in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Methods The study will adopt an observational mixed-methods single case study design of health facilities involved in the delivery of cancer services in a sub-national health system. We will collect data through face-to-face interviews with a range of health professionals involved in the delivery of cancer care. Patients will be interviewed to share their views and experiences of the existing cancer referral system and communication with health facilities. Alongside interviews, we will undertake an analysis of routine data from participating health facilities to assess gaps in existing information systems. Data analysis will include framework analysis for qualitative data alongside descriptive analyses of quantitative data. Findings will be used to inform conceptual maps to be presented as part of Theory of Change workshops focused on understanding how the existing cancer referral system works, why and for whom, with a focus on future refinement and intervention development. Conclusion Our findings will inform critical thinking around the design, implementation, adaptation, and evaluation of existing systems. Through early engagement and participation of key stakeholders and project partners, we intend that findings will have immediate utility.

Developing Evidence to Support Policy: Protocol for the StrAtegic PoLicy EvIdence-Based Evaluation CeNTer (SALIENT).

All federal agencies are required to support appropriation requests with evidence and evaluation (US Public Law 115-435; the Evidence Act). The StrAtegic PoLicy EvIdence-Based Evaluation CeNTer (SALIENT) is 1 of 6 centers that help the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) meet this requirement. Working with the existing VA evaluation structure, SALIENT evaluations will contribute to (1) optimize policies and programs for veteran populations; (2) improve outcomes regarding health, equity, cost, and provider well-being; (3) advance the science of dissemination and knowledge translation; and (4) expand the implementation and dissemination science workforce. We leverage the Lean Sprint methodology (iterative, incremental, rule-governed approach to clearly defined, and time-boxed work) and 3 cores to develop our evaluation plans collaboratively with operational partners and key stakeholders including veterans, policy experts, and clinicians. The Operations Core will work with evaluation teams to develop timelines, facilitate work, monitor progress, and guide quality improvement within SALIENT. The Methods Core will work with evaluation teams to identify the most appropriate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches to address each evaluation, ensure that the analyses are conducted appropriately, and troubleshoot when problems with data acquisition and analysis arise. The Knowledge Translation (KT) Core will target key partners and decision makers using a needs-based market segmentation approach to ensure that needs are incorporated in the dissemination of knowledge. The KT Core will create communications briefs, playbooks, and other materials targeted at these market segments to facilitate implementation of evidence-based practices and maximize the impact of evaluation results. The SALIENT team has developed a center infrastructure to support high-priority evaluations, often to be responsive to shifting operational needs and priorities. Our team has engaged in our core missions and operations to rapidly evaluate a high-priority areas, develop a comprehensive Lean Sprint systems redesign approach to training, and accelerate rapid knowledge translation. With an array of interdisciplinary expertise, operational partnerships, and integrated resources, SALIENT has an established and evolving infrastructure to rapidly develop and implement high-impact evaluations. Projects are developed with sustained efficiency approaches that can pivot to new priorities as needed and effectively translate knowledge for key stakeholders and policy makers, while creating a learning health system infrastructure to foster the next generation of evaluation and implementation scientists. PRR1-10.2196/59830.

Transnational maritime environmental crime and the BBNJ Agreement

Marine areas beyond national jurisdiction are a prime target for transnational maritime environmental crime due to a fragmented international legal framework and a lack of coordination and cooperation between governance and institutional structures. On 19 June 2023, member States of the United Nations adopted the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). As the third Implementing Agreement to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC), the BBNJ Agreement seeks to secure the long term protection and integrated management of marine biodiversity through the effective implementation of relevant provisions of the LOSC and by strengthening and promoting cooperation and coordination between and among relevant legal instruments, frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies. This article examines the relationship between the BBNJ Agreement and transnational maritime environmental crime and considers ways the instrument could assist in efforts to combat such crime. As part of this analysis, this article explores how the BBNJ Agreement could provide an important platform for the formation of key partnerships and alliances by means of regional and bilateral dialogues, outreach and coalition-building to address transnational maritime environmental crime and mobilize and sustain the momentum for global action on this issue.

The Influence of Business Model Canvas on Financial Performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

This research aimed to analyze the influence of the nine components of Business Model Canvas (BMC) on financial performance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kudus Regency. BMC components included Customer Segments, Value Propositions, Channels, Customer Relationships, Revenue Streams, Key Resources, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, and Cost Structure. In addition, the data was collected from 393 MSMEs selected through purposive sampling using a quantitative method. The analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and SmartPLS 3 software. The results showed that Cost Structure had a positive and significant impact on financial performance of MSMEs out of the nine BMC components. In this context, the efficiency in cost management significantly contributed to the improvement of financial performance. Other components such as Channels, Customer Relationships, Customer Segments, Key Activities, Key Partnerships, Key Resources, Revenue Streams, and Value Propositions did not have a significant impact on financial performance. Therefore, MSMEs in Kudus Regency were expected to optimize the implementation of the components to have a greater impact on financial performance. The practical implications were that MSMEs should focus more on efficient Cost Structure management as a primary strategy to enhance financial performance.

G-quadruplexes in an SVA retrotransposon cause aberrant TAF1 gene expression in X-linked dystonia parkinsonism.

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical nucleic acid structures that form in guanine (G)-rich genomic regions. X-linked dystonia parkinsonism (XDP) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease in which a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposon, characterised by amplification of a G-rich repeat, is inserted into the coding sequence of TAF1, a key partner of RNA polymerase II. XDP SVA alters TAF1 expression, but the cause of this outcome in XDP remains unknown. To assess whether G4s form in XDP SVA and affect TAF1 expression, we first characterised bioinformatically predicted XDP SVA G4s in vitro. We next showed that highly stable G4s can form and stop polymerase amplification at the SVA region from patient-derived fibroblasts and neural progenitor cells. Using chromatin immunoprecipitazion (ChIP)with an anti-G4 antibody coupled tosequencing orquantitativePCR, we showed that XDP SVA G4s are folded even when embedded in a chromatin context in patient-derived cells. Using the G4 ligands BRACO-19 and quarfloxin and total RNA-sequencinganalysis, we showed that stabilisation of the XDP SVA G4s reduces TAF1 transcripts downstream and around the SVA, and increases upstream transcripts, while destabilisation using the G4 unfolderPhpCincreases TAF1 transcripts. Our data indicate that G4 formation in the XDP SVA is a major cause of aberrant TAF1 expression, opening the way for the development of strategies to unfold G4s and potentially target the disease.

A Case Study on Hotels as Noncongregate Emergency Living Accommodations for Returning Citizens

Background:The Transitional Hotel Project (THP) is a noncongregate emergency hotel initiative with comprehensive wraparound services implemented at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was designed to address the emergency housing needs of adults transitioning from incarceration (returning citizens) to community reintegration.Objective:The study aims to explore the external and internal recovery needs of returning citizens participating in the THP, with a focus on their housing stability, mental and behavioral health, employment, and the development of prosocial relationships.Methods:This mixed-methods case study used de-identified case management data, focus groups, and interviews with 24 participants, including employees, key partners, and returning citizens. A thematic analysis was conducted to identify key themes related to the recovery process of returning citizens.Findings:A thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: (a) safety, including both physical and psychological aspects; (b) mutual empathy; and (c) person-centered decision-making. Two subthemes emerged under the safety theme: (a) physical safety and (b) psychological safety. Mutual empathy between participants and peer mentor staff played a critical role in fostering the recovery of returning citizens.Conclusions:The findings suggest that the physical and psychological safety provided within the hotel setting, along with the empathy and support from peer mentor staff, were significant factors contributing to positive changes in returning citizens. These elements of the THP appear to have facilitated improvements in both external recovery needs (e.g., housing stability and employment) and internal recovery processes (e.g., restructured self-identity, human agency, and perceptions of hope).

Parents of Children with Disabilities: Strengths and Frailty of Human Faith Journeys

Although studies have been conducted regarding the faith journeys of people with disabilities, little is known of those nurturing and accompanying them, their parents. The faith journeys of parents of children with disabilities are a critical yet underattended source of theological insight. In this qualitative research study, we interview and study the perspective of seven married parents of children with disabilities who actively participate in ministry at their local faith communities or a national arena. While these criteria limit the number of parents caring for children with disability, they gave us greater insight into the challenges and graces received throughout their faith journeys, the role of their immediate family, their faith communities, and the universal Church. Five emerging themes were identified reflecting the rich yet complex strengths and frailty of their faith journeys. This study intends to amplify the stories of parents of children with disabilities becoming key conversation partners. Their hope-in-tension narratives inform and challenge the understanding of Christian anthropology, the centrality of faith, and the vocation of marriage, and in turn lead to concrete pastoral recommendations in three critical dimensions: ecclesiological, catechetical, and ministerial.

Communication processes in an advance care planning initiative: A socio-ecological perspective for service evaluation.

Advance care planning initiatives are becoming more widespread, increasing expectations for providers to engage in goals of care conversations. However, less is known about how providers communicate advance care planning within and throughout a health care system. To explore perspectives of communication processes in the rollout of an advance care planning initiative. Theoretically informed secondary analysis of 31 semi-structured interviews. Key partners in a Veterans Health Administration goals of care initiative. Using the constant comparative approach followed by qualitative mapping of themes to the layers of the Socio-Ecological Model, four themes and corresponding Socio-Ecological layers were identified: Goals of Care Communication Training (Policy, Community, and Institutional) requires more resources across sites and better messaging to reduce provider misconceptions and promote an institutional culture invested in advance care planning; Interprofessional Communication (Interpersonal) suggests care team coordination is needed to facilitate continuity in goals of care messaging; Communication in Documentation (Institutional, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal) highlights the need for capturing the context for goals of care preferences; and Patient/Family Communication (Interpersonal and Intrapersonal) encourages offering materials and informational resources early to facilitate rapport building and readiness to determine goals of care. Findings support the need for initiatives to incorporate an evaluation of how goals of care are discussed beyond the interpersonal exchange between patient and provider and signal opportunities for applying the Socio-Ecological Model to better understand goals of care communication processes, including opportunities to improve initiation and documentation of goals of care.