Financial Problems Research Articles

Reinforced Labels: Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning for Point-Feature Label Placement.

Over the recent years, Reinforcement Learning combined with Deep Learning techniques has successfully proven to solve complex problems in various domains, including robotics, self-driving cars, and finance. In this article, we are introducing Reinforcement Learning (RL) to label placement, a complex task in data visualization that seeks optimal positioning for labels to avoid overlap and ensure legibility. Our novel point-feature label placement method utilizes Multi-Agent Deep Reinforcement Learning to learn the label placement strategy, the first machine-learning-driven labeling method, in contrast to the existing hand-crafted algorithms designed by human experts. To facilitate RL learning, we developed an environment where an agent acts as a proxy for a label, a short textual annotation that augments visualization. Our results show that the strategy trained by our method significantly outperforms the random strategy of an untrained agent and the compared methods designed by human experts in terms of completeness (i.e., the number of placed labels). The trade-off is increased computation time, making the proposed method slower than the compared methods. Nevertheless, our method is ideal for scenarios where the labeling can be computed in advance, and completeness is essential, such as cartographic maps, technical drawings, and medical atlases. Additionally, we conducted a user study to assess the perceived performance. The outcomes revealed that the participants considered the proposed method to be significantly better than the other examined methods. This indicates that the improved completeness is not just reflected in the quantitative metrics but also in the subjective evaluation by the participants.

Exploring the Impact of Private Equity Investment on Corporate Performance: A Case Study Pharmablock

Reasonable use of private equity investment not only effectively solves the problem of corporate funds, but also rapidly enhances the expansion of enterprises; Equity participation in enterprise management and decision-making can also make the development of enterprises more scientific and efficient. However, private equity investment also has the attribute of a "double-edged sword", such as excessive participation in internal business operations and the timing of exiting equity, which greatly affect the decision-making direction and debt stability of enterprises. This article takes Nanjing Pharmablock Co., Ltd., hereinafter referred to as "Pharmablock", as an example. By interpreting the process of private equity investment and investment, it studies the changes in the company's financial indicators such as profitability, debt repayment ability, and development ability, interprets the impact of private equity investment on enterprises, and ultimately identifies relevant issues and proposes corresponding suggestions.

The contribution of analytical procedures in supporting corporate governance: A field study in Algeria

Abstract This study aimed to shed light on the contribution of analytical procedures (APs) to supporting corporate governance. This was achieved through a field study in which a questionnaire was created and disseminated to a random sample of external auditors in Algeria. The data collected underwent analysis using the SPSS. The study concluded that APs play a crucial role in bolstering corporate governance by analyzing the company’s continuity capability and identifying financial problems facing the companies. In addition, APs enhance the quality and efficiency of external auditing, especially considering auditing as one of the key mechanisms that support corporate governance.

Major Factors Contributing to the Failure of Digitalization in the Public Sector Organizations: An Analysis of the Federal Government of Pakistan

Pakistan is a developing country with rather traditional and outdated models of governance that does not effectively correspond to the postmodern practices of electronic and digitalized governance. A majority of initiatives aimed towards incorporation of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the public sector are not satisfactorily implemented and do not bear positive impacts for improving public service. The purpose of this paper to analyze and understand the factors the contribute to the failure in implementation of the initiatives and projects aimed to incorporate ICT and digitalization in the public sector of Pakistan. The paper scrutinizes this state of affairs through interviews and survey questionnaires targeted towards high ranking officials of the public sector and associated government departments and authorities. This paper is of quantitative nature and has been facilitated through interviews, surveys and questionnaires. The findings demonstrate that despite considerable continued efforts, prevailing predicaments of inflexible red tape, paucity of financial resources, incompetence of public sector staff and unstable political scenario are factors that hinder the progress of digitalization. This is a major gap identified in this paper. Furthermore, the paper also suggests and recommends practical solutions to cope with these problems, including political solutions and recommendations for financial problems.

Dr Achmet: ‘Quack and Fraud’ or Benefactor of Eighteenth-Century Dublin?

The commercial baths on Bachelor’s Walk in Dublin run by ‘Dr’ Achmet Borumbadad throughout the 1770s, if celebrated, tend to be treated as evidence of Achmet’s chicanery and of his powerful supporters’ gullibility. However, the bath complex can be defended as an innovative project to improve Dubliners’ health. The mysteries around Achmet’s origins (apparently in Ireland) and his showmanship have meant that the enterprise and its director have often been suspected of fraud. Yet the published records of those treated at the baths suggest that they – uniquely – supplied a much-needed want. In addition to the baths, Achmet was involved in another project intended to benefit the laborious of Dublin. Through the British ambassador in Spain, he hoped to develop a trade in Irish poplins. After a promising start, the plan foundered. By the 1780s, Achmet faced mounting financial problems, only resolved when the baths were swept away by the Wide Streets commission. His subsequent career is largely unknown, but intertwined with that of his wife, Catherine. Mrs Achmet had some success as an actor in both Ireland and England while theatricality marked her husband’s methods. The episodes demonstrate opportunism on Achmet’s part, credulity among some of his backers, but also contributed to public health, fashionable conviviality, and prospectively to useful employment in later eighteenth-century Dublin.

Unfulfilled water impact forecasts, plans and projects

The article presents a retrospective review of some forecasts, plans and projects of anthropogenic impact on water resources that did not materialize, were not implemented by the planned date or were incomplete. Values of full (water intake) and irrevocable water consumption for 2000, predicted in the 1960s and 1970s by well-known domestic and foreign researchers, are compared with the actual water consumption in 2000 in the world, the USA, and our country. It is shown that most of water consumption forecast parameters turned out to be significantly higher than the actual one, which gives reason to consider these forecasts were not borne out. In the Water Strategy of the Russian Federation, developed in 2009 for the period up to 2020, these values were also significantly overestimated (by tens of percent). Incomplete implementation of various programs did not lead to the expected significant improvement in the water quality of rivers, including the Volga, and reservoirs in Russia. Such failed projects as NAWAPA in the USA and Canada, projects of interzonal redistribution of water resources in the USSR, projects of Nizhneobskaya and Turukhanskaya (Evenkijskaya) hydroelectric power plants, partially implemented projects of Cheboksary and Nizhnekamsk hydroelectric power plants, as well as a number of others are considered. Among the main reasons for unsuccessful forecasts, unfulfilled plans and projects are the lack of reliable data, incomplete knowledge about laws of nature and society development, financial problems, environmental demands, and the dramatically changed economic and political situation.

ANALYSIS OF RESEARCH TRENDS IN THE FIELD OF DIGITAL FINANCE BASED ON BIBLIOMETRIC DATA

The spread of digitalisation has led to the global penetration of digital finance in all sectors of the economy. The high relevance of the problem of digital finance necessitates deepening research in this area, in particular by carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the accumulated knowledge in it. The aim of the present research is to reveal the main trends and determinants of the evolution of scientific investigations in the field of digital finance by means of a bibliometric analysis of publications in the journals indexed by the Scopus scientometric database. This study was carried out in accordance with the traditional approach to bibliometric analysis and is aimed at the following objectives: determining the features of the scientific landscape in the field of digital finance by carrying out an evolutionary analysis of publication activity; identification of the main determinants for the development of research by mapping and clustering the existing array of publications using VOSviewer software. The time frame of the study was set as 2008 – 1st quarter of 2024. The results showed that the term «digital finance» is of an interdisciplinary nature. It is found that China is leading in the number of publications in this area, followed by the United States, Great Britain, and India by a notable margin. 8 clusters have been selected that characterise the key research areas. The results of the bibliometric analysis showed that the most significant development of research in the field of digital finance was in 2021-2023, with an emphasis on the development of fintech, banking services and cryptocurrencies. In 2023, it was found that the number of studies on the following issues increased: the Green Deal, COVID-19, ecosystem formation, and green energy. They are considered to be research areas that require further development in the near future.

The Job Loss Insurance Program as a Government Policy Response to Address the Impact of National Economic Fluctuations and Layoffs

Fluctuations in the national economy caused by several things, such as a decline in economic growth, the global economic crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic, often lead to layoffs (PHK). Layoffs have various negative impacts on life, such as depression, mental health, financial problems, social relationships, decreased physical health, and impacts on careers. The JKP program is one of the policies to overcome these negative impacts. The JKP program is designed to provide financial support, job training, and access to labor market information for laid-off workers, with the aim of reducing the social and economic impact of layoffs and helping workers return to the labor market with better skills. The aim of this research is to explain the JKP program as a response to government policy in overcoming the negative impacts of layoffs. This research uses a qualitative and quantitative descriptive approach. The implementation of the JKP program has shown positive results, such as increasing people's purchasing power and contributing to economic recovery. However, there are several challenges in its implementation, including infrastructure, technical problems and uneven socialization. Periodic program evaluation is needed to address this problem and ensure the long-term effectiveness of the JKP program. This article also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government and industry in improving the relevance and quality of vocational training. It is hoped that the JKP program can continue to adapt and improve protection for workers in Indonesia, thereby providing better economic and social stability

Dimensional Distribution of Anxiety and Depression in College Students in a Rural Setting: Relationship with Stress, Well-being, and Quality of Life

Background: Information about the anxiety and depression of students in rural areas of India is scant. We evaluated stress, coping strategies, quality of life (QOL), and well-being of students along with the dimensional and categorical distribution of anxiety and depression in a cross-sectional study in a rural college. Materials and Methods: It was an online questionnaire-based survey using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression, general anxiety disorder-7 for anxiety, and the WHO-5 Well-Being scale for well-being. Stress in the previous month, nature of stress, coping strategies, and QOL on a scale of 1 (worst) to 10 (best) were also assessed. Results: The dimensional distribution of anxiety and depression suggested the pervasiveness of these problems among students. Categorically, a considerable proportion of students had clinical levels of anxiety (32.2%), depression (40.3%); and 24.8% of students had both of them. Stress in the past month was reported by 34.2% of students, which was linked significantly with the severity of anxiety and depression. Common stressor were financial problems, family-, career-, and job-related issues. Stress, anxiety, and depression were negatively correlated with well-being and QOL. Many coping strategies were reported; more than half of the students found helping others, creative hobbies, hoping for the best, music, talking to others, yoga and exercises, prayer, and religious activities helpful. Conclusions: The results highlight the pervasive presence of anxiety and depression in college students, which are linked to stress, and have an impact on their well-being and QOL. These require specific attention for management.

The Mediating Role of Problematic Alcohol Consumption on the Association Between Pandemic-Related Strains and Domestic Violence Across Six Countries.

Research has documented that domestic violence increased worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies have also suggested that alcohol use, which also increased during COVID-19, is a risk factor for domestic violence victimization. However, research has yet to examine whether alcohol consumption mediated the relationship between pandemic-related stressful events and domestic violence. Using structural equation modeling, the current study examines the impact of three types of pandemic-related strains (financial problems, familial problems, and work problems) on individual assessments about whether their drinking became problematic during the pandemic and then whether problematic alcohol use increases the risk of psychological and physical domestic violence. This model was analyzed across six countries: Ukraine, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Denmark, Guatemala, and the United States. Results indicate that the associations between pandemic-related strains and self-assessed problematic drinking varied by country. However, across all countries, problematic alcohol consumption was associated with increased physical and psychological domestic violence victimization. Overall, the findings of the current study support the use of programs that aim to reduce problematic consumption of alcohol with the hopes that they may, in turn, reduce psychological and physical domestic violence victimization.

Awareness and Underlying Factors for Total Knee Arthroplasty Reluctance in Saudi Arabia.

Background Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful surgical intervention for advanced knee arthritis. The efficacy of TKA in reducing pain and restoring joint function has been well documented. Despite the rewarding outcomes of TKA for knee osteoarthritis patients, their willingness to consider the procedure is limited. Aim This study aimed to assess patients' awareness and knowledge of total knee arthroplasty benefits and complications. Further, the reasons and factors contributing to reluctance among orthopedic patients in Saudi Arabia should be determined. Methods An online, structured, and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from adult orthopedic patients of both genders who were reluctant to undergo total knee arthroplasty despite surgeons' recommendations. The online questionnaire link was shared across multiple platforms, orthopedic forums, and healthcare social media channels. Qualitative data were presented as frequencies and percentages, while continuous data were reported as the mean (standard deviation [SD]). The statistical package for the social sciences software program was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 629 participants were involved. The awareness of the expected benefits score, on a scale from 7 to 35, showed a mean (SD) of 20.9 (5.6). The score of the attitude towards expected complications, on a scale from 5 to 25, had a mean (SD) of 15.2 (3.6). The attitude towards the expected complications showed a significantly higher mean (SD) score in the older group aged >60 years than the younger one aged <40 years (15.7 (4.1) vs. 14.9 (3.5), respectively). Likewise, overweight and obese participants showed a significantly higher mean (SD) expected complications score compared to the healthy and underweight ones (15.4 (3.7) vs. 14.8 (3.5), respectively). The recorded reasons for refusal to undergo TKA were fear of anesthesia complications (317, 50.4%), followed by financial limitations (245, 39.0%), the unavailability of experienced surgeons (232, 36.9%), and fear of unfavorable outcomes (189, 30.0%). Conclusion There was a gap in knowledge and awareness of total knee arthroplasty among orthopedic patients in Saudi Arabia. Perceptions of benefits were inadequate, and there were misconceptions about the expected complications. The level of expected complications was higher among elderly and obese patients. Furthermore, fear of anesthesia complications and unfavorable outcomes, in addition to economic and financial problems, constituted major barriers to undergoing the procedure.

Investment Value Analysis of Enterprise: Taking ZARA as an Example

This paper mainly expounds some financial problems encountered in the analysis of corporate investment value by taking the Spanish clothing and accessories brand ZARA as an example. As a leading brand in the field of fast fashion, ZARA will inevitably be affected by social and economic factors such as funds, distribution and development background during its development. This paper uses the very common SWOT analysis method to carry out a very detailed analysis of ZARA company, and at the same time uses the relevant financial indicators and market value analysis method to analyze the internal and external value development process of the company. Finally, as the first generation of fast fashion brand, ZARA's development in the market is not very stable. Although this paper has carried out a more detailed analysis, it contains a lot of theoretical elaboration, so it does not rule out the possibility of other influencing factors.

Regarding the finance-investment nexus in sub-Saharan Africa: an issue of too little or too much finance?

PurposeThis study investigates the finance-investment nexus in sub-Saharan Africa using data from 41 countries spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. The central question addressed is whether there is a “too little” or “too much” finance problem in the region.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a system-generalised method of moments (GMM) approach to analyse the association between finance and private investment. Additionally, a dynamic threshold regression model is used to uncover potential nonlinearities in this relationship.FindingsInitially, the study identifies a negative correlation between increased finance and private investment. However, further analysis using the dynamic threshold regression model reveals a critical threshold level of finance. Specifically, the threshold is found to be 6.52% of domestic credit to the private sector and 23.18% using the financial development index. Below this threshold, finance negatively impacts private investment, while surpassing this threshold leads to positive growth in private investment. These findings indicate an issue of “too little” finance in the finance and private investment nexus in sub-Saharan Africa. The results are robust across different model specifications.Research limitations/implicationsThe implications of this study highlight the importance of identifying critical thresholds for financing to enhance investment expenditures in the region.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by uncovering nonlinearities in the finance-investment nexus in sub-Saharan Africa. The identification of critical thresholds provides valuable insights for policymakers, emphasising the need to strengthen the financial sector in countries operating below these thresholds to promote private investment and economic growth.

Research on the Coordinated Development of Inclusive Finance and Financing for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

As an important force in promoting economic and social development, small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in enhancing China’s economic strength, creating employment opportunities, and promoting industrial structural transformation. However, due to their inherent weaknesses, small and medium-sized enterprises often face difficulties in financing within the traditional financial service system. This makes it difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to inject vitality into the development of the market economy by expanding their financing scale. Since 2013, China has vigorously developed inclusive finance and extended the services of traditional financial institutions to small and medium-sized enterprises, providing policy guidance, resource support, and technical support to alleviate the financing difficulties of small and medium-sized enterprises. Based on this, this article focuses on the current financing problems faced by small and medium-sized enterprises and specifically elaborates on how to lower the financing threshold for small and medium-sized enterprises and broaden their financing channels through inclusive finance, in order to promote the development of inclusive finance and a virtuous cycle of financing for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Implementation of Rescheduling as an Effort to Rescue Non Performing Financing in Rahn Tasjily Contracts at BMT Al Hikmah

Distribution of financing to members even though it has passed the 5 C analysis (Character, Capacity, Collateral, Capital, Condition) does not eliminate the possibility of problematic financing. BMT Al Hikmah's efforts to rescue problematic financing through non-litigation and litigation channels. This research examines financing settlement using a non-litigation process, namely, the mechanism for rescheduling problematic financing with the rahn tasjily agreement at BMT Al Hikmah as well as examples of cases of implementing rescheduling. The type of research used is by conducting research directly in the field (field research). Data collection techniques include interviews, collecting documents needed to dig up information, and direct observation. The data analysis technique is descriptive qualitative. The analysis results show that rescheduling provides relief to members by extending the payment period, with the aim that members can still pay their financial obligations without excessive pressure by considering members' income and abilities. The rescheduling process involves two mechanisms, namely by members who have good faith by visiting BMT Al Hikmah to carry out rescheduling and the second method is by the Account Officer (AO) when members do not have good faith, by visiting members directly to offer financing settlement options by rescheduling . This research also explains a concrete example that provides an overview of how rescheduling is implemented in practice.

When crowdfunding meets bank financing: Substitute or supplement?

Crowdfunding is a new financing method that is widely utilized by startup firms to substitute or complement bank loans. We consider the optimal financing problem for a profit-maximizing startup firm, given that both the crowdfunding demand and retail market demand are uncertain and correlated. We find four types of financing strategies: single-source (crowdfunding only) and dual-source (crowdfunding and bank loan) financing, with prudent or aggressive goal-setting in crowdfunding. The four strategies each can be optimal for a specific parameter range with respect to the uncertainty ratio of crowdfunding and retail markets and the cost of crowdfunding. Upon deriving optimal strategies, we analyze comparative statics for the strategies and optimal profits. We show that, among other interesting results, market expansion (through either crowdfunding or the retail market) always calls for a higher crowdfunding goal but may raise or reduce the optimal bank loan depending on which market expands, and market expansion generally increases optimal profit except when the crowdfunding market grows too large which intensifies the overfinancing risk. Moreover, a high correlation between crowdfunding and the retail market does not necessarily favor the use of crowdfunding capital, nor does it always increase profits, and the impacts must be co-examined with the underfinancing and overfinancing risks.

Beholding the Faces of Happiness: Soliciting the Views of the Chinese Art Students Toward an Enriched Well-Being Program

The basic purpose of this study was to investigate the happiness levels of students in Chinese art colleges, with the aim of addressing pressing issues of student well-being and identifying the factors that influence happiness levels in this academic context. This study adopts qualitative interview research method. We conducted in-depth interviews with representative students from art schools in different regions of China to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and perceptions. Analysis of the survey data revealed several key findings. Overall, most students at Chinese art colleges say their happiness ranges from medium to high. Factors that promote their well-being include a supportive social environment, opportunities for artistic expression, and a sense of belonging to the university community. However, there is a significant correlation between happiness levels and factors such as work intensity, stress levels and financial problems. Qualitative analysis of the interview data further shed light on the students' nuanced experiences, underscoring the importance of overall well-being to academic success. The survey results show that the happiness of Chinese art college students is obviously affected by internal and external factors. To improve overall well-being, it is recommended that the Institute implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing academic stress, fostering a culture of support and inclusion, and providing resources for mental health and financial assistance. In addition, promoting a balance between academic rigor and extracurricular activities can lead to a more fulfilling student experience. Future research efforts should continue to monitor and assess student well-being levels, with a focus on longitudinal studies and comparative analyses across different academic institutions.

Modeling the time to dropout under phase-wise variable stress fixed cohort setup

The event of a student dropping out from an academic program depends on several factors namely course content, change in interest, financial problems among many others. These factors vary interdependently with different phases of the academic program. We assume that the factors put different amount of academic stresses on a student in different phases of the program. We formulate and analyze such an accumulated-stress model under the assumption that the attrition time at each phase follows the Kumaraswamy distribution. A hazard-rate based approach is used to model the accumulated stress through different phases. At each phase the stress levels vary. Accordingly, we estimate the model parameters based on the frequentist approach. Extensive simulation experiments indicate satisfactory performance of the estimators. A synthetic dataset related to students' dropout has been analyzed for illustrative purpose.

Prioritizing Islamic Financial Literacy for MSMEs in Indonesia

Islamic financial literacy in Indonesia is still quite low, when compared to financial literacy in general. This study aims to determine the priority of Islamic financial literacy in MSMEs in Indonesia. The method used in this research is Delphi, with research data coming from interviews with academics, practitioners and regulators of finance and Islamic economics in general, totaling 11 respondents. The results of the analysis found that there are 14 variables of Islamic financial literacy problems of MSMEs in Indonesia, and all variables have been agreed upon by economic experts. From the results of the calculation using the Delphi method, there are 3 main priorities for Islamic financial literacy of MSMEs in Indonesia, namely increasing the involvement of MSMEs as agents of Shariah financial literacy, expanding MSME access to the Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) sector, and encouraging IFI to develop simple and affordable products.

Effect of Financial Factors on Saving Decision of Z Generation

Aims: This study aims to analyze the influence of financial literacy, materialism, financial behavior, and financial attitude on saving decisions in Generation Z. Study Design: This study uses a quantitative approach and purposive sampling technique. The sample used was 105 respondents who met the requirements. Place and Duration of Study: This study uses a sample, namely in generation Z in Banyumas Regency and the research was conducted within the time frame of January 2024 to June 2024. Methodology: This research method uses the SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) analysis method with the Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. Each hypothesis is tested to understand the relationship between the variables. To test the validity and reliability of the research using the outer model. Hypothesis testing uses the inner model. Results and Conclusion: The results of this study show that financial literacy does not affect saving decisions, materialism has a positive and significant effect on saving decisions, financial behavior has a positive and significant effect on saving decisions, and financial attitude has a positive and significant effect on saving decisions. Practical Implications: This study contributes to Generation Z in considering the factors that determine the decision to save to face financial problems in the future. The managerial and practical implications of this study provide information to stakeholders (financial institutions and government) the importance of paying attention to financial behavior and financial attitudes to improve saving behavior in Generation Z.