Level Of Quality Research Articles

Minat Beli Ditinjau dari Pemasaran Online, Kualitas Pelayanan, dan Tingkat Kepercayaan Kue Lumpur Bakar Shekinah Boyolali

This research aims to determine the influence of marketing online service quality, as well as the level of trust in consumer buying interest. This research method uses a quantitative descriptive approach. The population in this study is consumers of Kabar Shekinah Mud Cake Shop in 2023-2024, the number of which is not known with certainty. The sampling technique in this research uses techniques purposive sampel with a sample of 100 respondents. Data collection using a scale questionnaire linkert to measure respondents' answers. The data analysis technique used is statistical analysis with multiple linear regression, F test, t test, and coefficient of determination. Data analysis was assisted by SPSS version 25 software. The results of this research show that partially online marketing and service quality has a positive and significant effect on purchasing interest at the Bakar Mud Cake Shop Shekinah Boyolali. Meanwhile, the level of trust has an insignificant positive effect on purchasing interest at the Bakar Mud Cake Shop Shekinah Boyolali. Purchase interest can be explained by marketing variables online, service quality, and trust level of 64%

Advancing Measurement of Correctional Officer Health and Wellness: A Pilot Study of Wearable Biometric Sensor Devices

Correctional work is associated with high levels of stress and poor sleep quality. Although previous research has primarily relied on correctional officers’ perceptions of these outcomes, biometric indicators can provide more objective and continuous information. Using daily data points collected from smartwatches worn by 15 prison staff over a six-week period with a single-subject ABA research design involving two control phases and a mindfulness activity phase, this pilot study establishes a proof of concept for using wearable biometric sensor devices to study correctional staff health and well-being. By applying longitudinal mixed effects regression models with a GAMLSS framework, this study finds that biometric measures are sensitive to change, such that stress was reduced and sleep quality improved among participants during the mindfulness activity phase. Participating staff complied with and felt positively about the research protocols. Several important lessons for advancing measurement in future correctional health and wellness research are discussed.

Screen Time dan Kualitas Tidur dengan Kadar Hemoglobin pada Remaja Putri

Iron anemia is the biggest macro nutritional problem in Indonesia, which occurs in toddlers, pregnant women and adolescent girls. Adolescent girls with anemia are at risk of giving birth to LBW babies (<2500 grams), giving birth to premature babies, neonatal infections and death in the baby's mother during delivery. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between screen time and sleep quality with hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls. This research method uses quantitative observational research with a cross-sectional design and a sample size of 76 respondents using a purposive sampling technique. The results of this study show that 55 respondents (72.4%) had normal hemoglobin levels and 21 respondents (27.6%) had poor hemoglobin levels. The bad screen time category was 40 respondents (52.6%) and the good one was 36 respondents (47.4%). And the category of poor sleep quality was 57 respondents (75.0%) and good sleep quality was 19 respondents (25%). The results of this study showed that there was no relationship between screen time and sleep quality and hemoglobin levels in young women at SMA Karya Bakti and SMKN 6 Palu.

Screen Time dan Kualitas Tidur dengan Kadar Hemoglobin pada Remaja Putri

Iron anemia is the biggest macro nutritional problem in Indonesia, which occurs in toddlers, pregnant women and adolescent girls. Adolescent girls with anemia are at risk of giving birth to LBW babies (<2500 grams), giving birth to premature babies, neonatal infections and death in the baby's mother during delivery. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between screen time and sleep quality with hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls. This research method uses quantitative observational research with a cross-sectional design and a sample size of 76 respondents using a purposive sampling technique. The results of this study show that 55 respondents (72.4%) had normal hemoglobin levels and 21 respondents (27.6%) had poor hemoglobin levels. The bad screen time category was 40 respondents (52.6%) and the good one was 36 respondents (47.4%). And the category of poor sleep quality was 57 respondents (75.0%) and good sleep quality was 19 respondents (25%). The results of this study showed that there was no relationship between screen time and sleep quality and hemoglobin levels in young women at SMA Karya Bakti and SMKN 6 Palu.

The structural organization of individual resources of the teacher's coping behavior

Introduction. All educators encounter stressful situations and experience negative emotions during their work, which necessitates the use of coping strategies to maintain personal well-being and uphold a high level of teaching quality. The contemporary state of the issue regarding the phenomenology of psychological resources for coping with stress is characterized by the dominance of an analytical research paradigm. This paradigm primarily focuses on individual, personal, and subject-activity characteristics as resources for coping with stress. The aim of this research is to determine the psychological structure of the coping behavior resources of educators. **Methods.** To conduct a comparative analysis of theoretical approaches to defining the resources of coping behavior, we employed conceptual content analysis, which allowed us to determine the frequency of mention of each resource for coping behavior. Subsequently, in accordance with the theoretical model, we selected diagnostic methods for these resources (26 psychodiagnostic techniques). The empirical study was conducted in educational institutions in the Kaluga region, Krasnodar Territory, Ulyanovsk, and Yaroslavl regions (Russian Federation). The study sample consisted of 901 individuals. Using exploratory factor analysis (principal component method, Varimax rotation), we identified the psychological structure of coping behavior resources. **Results.** In alignment with the theoretical model, we selected diagnostic methods for these resources, which allowed us to study both the resources themselves (their integral final values) and the components that make up these resources. The structure of coping behavior resources is formed by 114 variables, which were subsequently factor analyzed. The results of the factor analysis revealed that the psychological structure of coping behavior resources is represented by individual-psychological qualities, forming five blocks (existential, regulatory, emotional, socio-psychological, readiness for activity in uncertain situations). Factor 1 "Existential" (factor load - 24.1), Factor 2 "Readiness for Activity in Uncertain Situations" (14.9), Factor 3 "Regulatory" (13.1), Factor 4 "Socio-Psychological" (9.4), Factor 5 "Emotional" (7.5). **Conclusion.** There is a specific list of coping behavior resources that relevantly characterizes the specifics of a person's coping behavior in stressful situations. Psychological resources for coping behavior do not represent isolated psychological properties and states; instead, they form a holistic unity.

Effects of Baduanjin exercise on cancer-related fatigue in patients with prostate cancer treated with androgen deprivation therapy in Shanghai, China: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

IntroductionCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and painful symptoms in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Moreover, PCa patients who receive the androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) are more...

Assessing a Training Program for Integrative Medicine Practitioners in the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder.

The study examined a training program for integrative medicine (IM) providers, teaching clinical skills for treating acute stress disorder (ASD). A 10-h online training program, designed by IM and mental health professionals, was attended by a group of 32 IM providers working in supportive and palliative oncology care. Pre- and post-course questionnaires assessed self-perceived levels of IM and mental health ASD-related skills (from 1, very low; to 7, very high). Most participants (25; 78%) completed pre- and post-study questionnaires, which showed an increase in post-course scores for the expectation that IM could reduce ASD-related pain (p=0.004). Scores for self-assessed skill levels increased for treating gastro-intestinal symptoms and appetite (p=0.039) and for dyspnea (p=0.048). A borderline increase for arousal was observed (p=0.063), with no increase with other arousal symptom cluster symptoms. The ASD-focused training program for IM practitioners was associated with an increase in self-perceived levels for related clinical skills quality of life-related concerns, primarily pain, appetite and dyspnea. Further research is needed to better understand the implications of the findings, and to explore the implementation of the learned skills in clinical practice.

Using generative neural networks when training digital engineers to improve the quality of their training

The problem and the aim of the study. Modernized higher education provides great prospects for artificial intelligence technologies to be introduced when training engineers for knowledge-intensive and high-tech industries. Applying generative neural networks makes it possible to meet the requirements both for programs to train relevant specialists and for the level of developed skills key to Industry 4.0 and for further Industry 5.0. The purpose of the study is to identify the possibilities of using generative neural networks when training digital engineers to improve the quality of their professional training. Research methods. The authors consider the generative neural network as an open resource with which it is possible to design, individualize and fill educational content in accordance with the professional interests of the participants in the interaction. The choice of service is justified by the type of information being processed and the engineer's work function being implemented. 68 bachelors of Vyatka State University are involved (Russian Federation). Training program: 08.03.01 – Construction. Focus: hydraulic engineering, industrial and civil engineering, Digital technologies for the examination of construction sites and real estate management. The assessment of the quality (level) of training is carried out with the help of materials from the fund of complex qualification tasks. For statistical processing of data, Pearson's chi-squared test is used. Results. The directions of work of students of the experimental group studying the discipline "Information Technology", including interactive communication supported by neural networks: generation of images and 3D-models, search for original titles, selection of a list of references, construction of diagrams and algorithms, etc. Statistically significant differences were revealed in the changes that occurred in the pedagogical system (χ2 = 9.095; p < 0.05). Conclusion. The summary are formulated that neural network services contribute to improving the quality of training due to the following didactic capabilities: presentation of information in various forms, automation of calculations, analysis of large amounts of data, decision support, etc. Difficulties are also highlighted: constantly updated features of services, the English-language interface, compliance with copyright and ethics of interaction on the network

Health Related Quality of Life Among Private School Teachers in Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India-A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Teachers are the foundation of any civilized society, as they preserve information, wisdom, and ideals. The study was conducted to analyze the Health-Related Quality Of Life among private school teachers and associate the findings with various demographic and occupational parameters. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 private school teachers in Chengalpattu district from March-to May 2024.Sample size was determined by multistage random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of background, occupation related details, and SF-36 to assess the HRQOL were used to collect data. Data was entered in excel and analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Out of 300 teachers,233 were female and 152 were above the age of 40. Most affected domains were Bodily Pain and General Health Perception. In both these domains, very low mean levels of quality of life were significantly associated with teachers age more than 40 years old, those who got monthly income of more than 40k, married, teaching experience more than 20 years, those who travelled more than 60 minutes to reach school and those who had comorbidities. Conclusions: At least one variable across all domains analysed was associated with lower quality of life scores. Administrators and policymakers must provide appropriate health education or health promotion programs and comprehensive prevention strategies for improving their HRQOL.

Development of conceptual provisions for implementing innovative technologies to quality standards of public passenger transport

This paper reports a study of the main principles for the formation of public passenger transport service quality standards. The object of the research is public passenger transport services. The task of the study is the development of conceptual foundations for the formation of quality standards using modern innovative technologies. It has been established that the main factor in achieving the quality of public passenger transport services is taking into account innovative technologies and compliance with the criteria and norms of EU standards. Features in the functioning of public passenger transport in the world have been studied, including the use of information platforms for tracking the movement of transport routes, Internet applications, ensuring safety and compliance with environmental requirements. The criteria that serve as indicators of improving the efficiency of the quality of services have been defined, among the main ones are the availability of transportation, comfort, frequency of traffic, and waiting time, quality of service, as well as safety. A system of forming the quality of public passenger transport services has been proposed, which involves determining the needs and requirements of consumers of public passenger transport services, ensures the development of measures to improve the quality of services and their certification. A comprehensive approach to the formation of the quality of public passenger transport services based on the introduction of innovative technologies has been formed, which could make it possible to determine the level of their innovative development, as well as ways to improve it. This approach takes into account the relationship between implemented measures, measuring the level of service quality and the distribution of obligations to ensure the level of services determined by quality criteria. This makes it possible to determine the required level of quality of public passenger transport services and to form a relationship between the level of innovative technologies and the stages of the approach. The practical significance of the results is the design of tools that would ensure the improvement of the quality of public passenger transport services.

Paleo-ecological quality status induced by natural and anthropogenic impacts in the last 2000 years: a multidisciplinary approach in the outer region of Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil)

Abstract Purpose Some marine organisms can be used as Biological Quality Elements to estimate the degree of environmental impact and to monitor the health of benthic habitats. Organisms with mineralized protections, such as benthic foraminifera, can provide helpful information on the evolution of the coastal system over a long period and determine the Paleo-Ecological Quality Status (Paleo-EcoQS). This work aims at reconstructing the Paleo-EcoQS in the heavily anthropized Sepetiba Bay (SB; Rio de Janeiro State, SE Brazil). Materials and methods This work is based on a multiproxy approach, including textural, geochemical, and foraminiferal data along the core SP11 retrieved near the Pico da Marambaia (a mountain on the tip of the Marambaia Barrier Island). Geochemical analyses encompassing total organic carbon (TOC), total sulfur (S), total nitrogen (N), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), stable isotopes in organic matter (OMδ13C, and OMδ15N) and elemental concentrations as well as 201Pb, 137Cs, and radiocarbon dating were performed to characterize the Paleo-EcoQS in the bay. Results The values of the Paleo-EcoQS.st (standardized Paleo-EcoQS) index in core SP11 indicate that the paleoenvironmental quality varied from moderate to good between ≈50 AD and ≈1500 AD and from good to high between the ~ 1920s and ~ 1990s. Since the 1990s, the Paleo-EcoQS.st has deteriorated considerably, probably due to the deposition of contaminated dredging material in nearby areas. Ballast water discharge may have introduced alien species, such as Ammonia buzasi, into the SB. Conclusions The results obtained in core SP11, compared to those of another core (i.e., SP8) from a nearby area, suggest that the reference level of maximum environmental quality is not always reached in a period before industrialization in coastal ecosystems with significant interaction with the ocean; natural factors, related, for example, to sedimentary dynamic processes or geomorphological changes, can lead to unexpected results.

The Association Between Physical Activity Levels and Health-related Quality of Life in Korean Elderly: The Eighth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

OBJECTIVES This study identified the association between physical activity levels and health-related quality of life in Korean elderly.METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The data for the analysis included socioeconomic variables, adherence to WHO-recommended levels of aerobic physical activity and resistance exercise, subjective perceived health and health-related quality of life as measured by the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D). Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated for the association using the complex samples logistic regression analysis.RESULTS There were significant differences in subjective perceived health and health-related quality of life based on the levels of aerobic physical activity and resistance exercise. Elderly individuals who engaged in aerobic physical activity and resistance exercise at levels recommended by the WHO had higher perceived health and better health-related quality of life. And it was confirmed that the level of physical activity and health-related quality of life had a significant association even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicate that performing aerobic activity and resistance exercise at levels recommended by the WHO significantly improved health-related quality of life in Korean elderly.

Predictors of dropping out from a home tele-exercise programme: A cohort study derived from a randomised controlled trial

Background: Online home exercises represent opportunities to increase physical activity levels. However, high dropout rates are commonly reported in such programmes. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of dropping out from an online home exercise programme. Methods: A total of 760 individuals from nine countries participated in this 8-week prospective cohort study derived from a randomised controlled trial. The participants were randomised into "4-week live-streamed exercise –>4-week recorded exercise" or "4-week no intervention –>4-week recorded exercise" group. Repeated measurements using weekly questionnaires were performed. Pain intensity, disability, mental well-being score, exercise motivation, sleep quality, impulsiveness/anxiety, and physical activity level were analysed. Results: A total of 53.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50.3%–57.3%) participants dropped out from the programme. The identified predictors of dropping out from the programme were: well-being (odds ratio [OR] 0.94, 95% CI 0.91–0.97) and disability (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.002–1.04) at baseline considering the first 4 weeks; age (0.98; 95% CI 0.96–1.00) and baseline well-being (0.93; 95% CI 0.89–0.97) considering the entire follow-up (8 weeks); exercise motivation (0.92; 95% CI 0.87 to 0.97) and general impulsiveness/anxiety (1.04; 95% CI 1.01–1.07) repeated measured over time. Conclusion: About half of the participants dropped out from the online home exercise programme. Higher baseline scores in mental well-being and age predicted a reduction in dropping out. Higher baseline disability predicted an increase in dropping out. During the follow-up, higher exercise motivation was associated with a reduction in dropping out, and higher impulsiveness and anxiety were associated with an increase in dropping out.

The Effect of Sleep Quality on Stress Levels in Night Shift and Non-night Shift Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

The sleep–wake cycle, which is regulated by the endogenous circadian rhythm, is disrupted by night-shift work. Altered sleep patterns owing to shift work have been associated with irritability, depressed mood, anxiety, and nervousness. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of sleep quality on stress in night shift workers and non-night shift workers. A cross – sectional study was conducted in 30night shift and 30 non-night shift workers of Railway Mail Service and Postal Department, Thrissur, Kerala. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and stress was assessed using Perceived Stress Scale. The findings revealed that a majority of night shift workers reported poor sleep quality, with a significant correlation observed between sleep quality and shift work. Furthermore, stress levels were markedly higher among night workers with poor sleep quality. Regression analysis indicated a positive association between impaired sleep quality and elevated stress levels.

Factors Influencing the Engagement with Electronic Mental Health Technologies: A Systematic Review of Reviews.

Mental disorders impact approximately one-third of the global population, affecting adults, children, and youth worldwide. Recently, electronic mental health (e-mental health) technologies have been proposed to facilitate the provision of mental health care by professionals and other stakeholders, aiming to address the challenges associated with delivering mental health services. The objective of this study was to investigate the existing factors influencing engagement with e-mental health technologies. This study was a systematic review of existing reviews conducted in 2024. PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane databases were searched. The authors assessed the quality of the studies using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) Checklist. Subsequently, they extracted and analyzed the data, utilizing the Boyatzis thematic analysis approach. The systematic review resulted in 15 papers, all of which exhibited an acceptable level of quality and risk of bias. The thematic analysis classified the data into five main themes: 'Technical', 'Ethical and Legal', 'Clinical', 'Organizational', and 'Social'. The study underscored the significance of ensuring accessibility, affordability, and reimbursement to effectively engage patients with e-mental health services. Additionally, transparency-facilitated by self-certification and user involvement-alongside critical factors like informed consent and privacy safeguards, was presented as playing a pivotal role in the process. Moreover, facilitators, including tailored interventions that consider the specific needs of particular groups and temporary project teams composed of individuals working together on specific initiatives, were identified as essential contributors. Overall, the factors influencing engagement with e-mental health technologies and potential solutions for enhancing such engagement appear to be interconnected.

Analysis of lncRNAs and Their Regulatory Network in Skeletal Muscle Development of the Yangtze River Delta White Goat.

lncRNA (long non-coding RNA) has been confirmed to be associated with growth, development, cell proliferation, and other biological processes. This study explored the potential role and dynamic change process of lncRNAs and related ceRNA (competitive endogenous RNA) networks in skeletal muscle development of the Yangtze River Delta White (YDW) goat, and to analyze the differences in muscle fiber characteristics and meat quality levels of goats at different growth stages. In this study, we compared the expression profiles of lncRNAs in the M. Longissimus dorsi of the YDW goats at different stages of growth and development by RNA sequencing. The results revealed that, in terms of muscle fiber characteristics, muscle fiber diameter and muscle fiber area were significantly larger in 6-month-old and 10-month-old goats than those in 2-month-old goats (p < 0.01). In terms of muscle quality, a* and b* values of 6-month-old goats were significantly higher than those of 2-month-old goats (p < 0.01). Additionally, the a*, b*, and L* values of 6-month-old goats were significantly higher than those of 10-month-old goats (p < 0.01). The pH at 45 min post-mortem (pH45min) in 10-month-old goats was significantly higher than that in 2-month-old goats (p = 0.006). However, the pH at 24 h post-mortem (pH24h) in 10-month-old goats was significantly lower than that in both 2-month-old and 6-month-old goats (p < 0.01). Shear force increased gradually with age (p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in drip loss among the different age groups (p > 0.05). Among the identified lncRNA expression profiles, a total of 3073 lncRNAs were found, including 2676 known lncRNAs and 397 novel lncRNAs. Of these, 110, 93, and 99 lncRNAs were specifically expressed in 2-month-old, 6-month-old, and 10-month-old goats, respectively. The lncRNA target gene enrichment analysis showed that they were mainly involved in actin binding, the actin cytoskeleton, the myocardin complex, as well as the AMPK, FoxO, and GnRH signaling pathways. When constructing the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network, it was found that the ceRNA networks centered on chi-miR-758 and chi-miR-127-5p were involved in muscle development across all three periods, suggesting that they may play an important role in goat muscle growth and development.

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF SLEEP QUALITY AND FUNCTIONALITY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY STUDENTS

Objective: To evaluate the level of sleep quality and functionality in physical therapy students from the perspective of the International Classification of Functioning. Methods: Descriptive, quantitative study approved by CEP/UESPI. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used to outline the sociodemographic profile, as well as the validated questionnaire “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” to evaluate the sleep quality of physical therapy students. Regarding the statistical analysis, a 95% confidence interval and a significance value of p&lt;0.05 were considered. Results: 55.89% of the students presented poor sleep quality, 23.53% had sleep disorders and 20.58% had good sleep quality. Analyzing the sleep data, the median was: bedtime at 11:00 p.m., latency of 20 minutes to reach sleep, waking up at 6:00 a.m. and sleeping 6 hours per night. A predominance of females was identified with 69.12% and 30.88% for males. The age range varied between 18 and 32 years with a mean age of 21.64 (SD + - 2.29) years. Regarding functionality, the components of body functions, environmental factors and activity and participation are altered, among them b1341 (sleep functions), b1343 (sleep quality), e2250 (temperature), d230 (performing the daily routine). Conclusion: Physical therapy students presented poor sleep quality and alterations in sleep functionality within the domains of body functions, environmental factors and activity and participation.

Review of QoS-aware resource allocation schemes for 5g networks

Resource management in wireless networks refers to the processes and techniques used to allocate, control, and optimize the various resources in a wireless communication system to ensure efficient and reliable operation. These resources typically include spectrum (frequency bands), power, time slots, and network infrastructure (e.g., base stations, access points). Effective resource management is crucial for maximizing network performance, ensuring Quality of Service (QoS), and providing a good user experience, especially in environments with limited resources and high demand. Quality of Service (QoS) refers to the ability of the network to provide different levels of service quality to various types of traffic, applications, and users. QoS in 5G is essential due to the diverse range of services the network is designed to support, each with its own specific requirements for performance metrics such as latency, reliability, bandwidth, and availability. In this paper, we study how the QoS-aware resource allocation procedure is handled in wireless networks. Different resource management techniques were studied and also the paper looked at some of the existing QoS-aware resources allocation schemes by highlighting the operation, strength and weakness and the QoS parameters considered by each of the schemes.

Expectation, perception, and satisfaction of antenatal care services among pregnant women attending health facilities of Lumbini province, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of pregnant women by providing regular checkups to identify potential complications and deliver important guidance on pregnancy and childbirth. While the expectations surrounding ANC services are shaped by user's individual needs and preferences, the quality of care experienced is largely determined by the service providers. The level of service quality significantly influences the utilization of ANC service, as women are more likely to use services that satisfied their expectations. This study aimed to assess the expectations, perceptions, and satisfaction levels of pregnant women concerning the ANC services offered by health institutions in Lumbini Province. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional analytical study was carried out involving 2,986 pregnant women, selected through multistage cluster sampling. Quantitative analysis was carried out to calculate the perception, expectation, and satisfaction score. The SERVQUAL tool was utilized to measure expectation, perception and service quality gap. Results: The study involved 2,986 pregnant women, the majority of whom (76.7%) were aged 20-30 years, 38.5% were Janajati, most of them (32.5%) had a secondary level of education, and 78.8% were housewives. The expectation score was higher than the perception. Overall, only 67% of pregnant women were satisfied with the services. Conclusions: Significant disparities exist between the expectations and actual perceptions of ANC users, indicating a lower level of satisfaction among mothers with the ANC services. The study concluded that decreased satisfaction with the service is likely to reduce the trend of service utilization.

Sustainability of Local Public Finances from the Perspective of Territorial Disparities in the Rural Areas of Romania

The sustainability of local public finances is of general interest in the context of the socio-economic transformations of recent decades. In former communist countries such as Romania, where there has been no real reform of local government, this interest is heightened by the strong disparities between administrative units that have adapted to the new context and those that, for various reasons, have become dependent on government subsidies to be able to function. Using information derived from the budget execution for 2019–2023 at the level of the administrative units in rural areas, this study analyzes the structure of income and expenditure budgets. The territorial disparities are demonstrated by typological analyses showing strong regionalization, with a well-defined income or expenditure structure profile. In the same sense, multivariate analysis which uses a series of illustrative demographic and socio-economic profiles as explanatory variables shows significant correlations with the structure of local budgets. It is thus possible to distinguish certain regional patterns, depending on the level of development, geographical position, or quality of infrastructure. The study results demonstrate the need for genuine administrative reform to reduce the dependence of local budgets on subsidies and increase their self-sustainability, especially in rural areas.