Funding Source Research Articles

Forming networks between rural schools and their local areas: shared projects and their impact in the Asturian context

Rural schools play an important role in their local areas, helping stimulate the community and promoting activities with economic, social, and cultural impact on the area. This study aimed to identify the projects undertaken by 44 rural schools in Asturias (Spain) in collaboration with local agents and organizations by consulting the school management teams. It also sought their opinions about the impact of these projects. The study used a mixed methodology: quantitative, analyzing the data collected from a semi-open questionnaire, and qualitative, listing and describing the projects. The questionnaire included questions about the organizations the schools collaborated with, the goals and subjects of the shared projects, and funding sources, and it asked for their opinions about their impact. The results indicate that rural schools in Asturias have undertaken projects covering various subjects in collaboration with local authorities, cultural centers, libraries, public health centers, small businesses, and On-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). The respondents were very satisfied with the activities. They viewed their schools as a stimulus for their areas, stating that the projects encouraged a sense of belonging to the area and helped construct a collective identity. They also felt that they responded to shared needs, offered services to the community, allowed people to settle or remain in the area, and, to a lesser extent, helped local businesses and the local economy. Finally, the study concludes that these schools play an active role in their local areas, and highlights the importance of external support to implement initiatives that benefit the rural population.

Evidence-informed guidelines in oral health: insights from a systematic survey

BackgroundOral diseases are a major global public health problem, impacting the quality of life of those affected. While consensus exists on the importance of high-quality, evidence-informed guidelines to inform practice and public health decisions in medicine, appropriate methodologies and standards are not commonly adhered to among producers of oral health guidelines. This study aimed to systematically identify organizations that develop evidence-informed guidelines in oral health globally and survey the methodological process followed to formulate recommendations.MethodsWe searched numerous electronic databases, guideline repositories, and websites of guideline developers, scientific societies, and international organizations (January 2012–October 2023) to identify organizations that develop guidelines addressing any oral health topic and that explicitly declare the inclusion of research evidence in their development. Pairs of reviewers independently evaluated potentially eligible organizations according to predefined selection criteria and extracted data about the organization’s characteristics, key features of their guidelines, and the process followed when formulating formal recommendations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and summarize data.ResultsWe included 46 organizations that developed evidence-informed guidelines in oral health. The organizations were mainly professional associations and scientific societies (67%), followed by governmental organizations (28%). In total, organizations produced 55 different guideline document types, most of them containing recommendations for clinical practice (77%). Panels were primarily composed of healthcare professionals (87%), followed by research methodologists (40%), policymakers (24%), and patient partners (18%). Most (60%) of the guidelines reported their funding source, but only one out of three (33%) included a conflict of interest (COI) policy management. The methodology used in the 55 guideline document types varied across the organizations, but only 19 (35%) contained formal recommendations. Half (51%) of the guideline documents referred to a methodology handbook, 46% suggested a structured approach or system for rating the certainty of the evidence and the strength of recommendations, and 37% mentioned using a framework to move from evidence to decisions, with the GRADE-EtD being the most widely used (27%).ConclusionOur findings underscore the need for alignment and standardization of both terminology and methodologies used in oral health guidelines with current international standards to formulate trustworthy recommendations.

Implementing the Variance-Covariance Method for Assessing Market Transaction Risks in Raw Material Sector Stocks

The capital market plays a crucial role in supporting a country's economic growth. Besides being a funding source, the capital market also serves as an investment avenue for investors, particularly through stocks. Every investor must be willing to bear risks in line with their targeted returns. Risk is defined as the uncertainty of future outcomes due to market condition changes, and VaR (Value at Risk) is used to determine the tolerated loss at a certain confidence level. This study discusses the application of the Value at Risk (VaR) method using the Variance-Covariance approach to mitigate market risks in the portfolio of raw material sector stocks. The study focuses on two raw material sector stocks in Indonesia, assuming a normal distribution of asset price changes. The measurement results indicate that with an investment of Rp. 100,000,000.00, a 95% confidence level, and a 1-day period, the VaR of the portfolio of these five stocks is Rp. 2,769,750.00. This research provides critical insights to assist investors in understanding and managing portfolio risks, making VaR a key indicator to measure potential future risks and laying the foundation for decision-making in risk management.

Exploring the financing gap for entrepreneurial firms in a developing economy: a case of mismatched expectations?

PurposeThis paper investigates the financing preferences and practices of Senegalese entrepreneurial firms, with a particular focus on understanding the gaps between the two and how they may contribute to financing constraints in developing economies. By juxtaposing the preferences of different financing options against their degree of usage, this study attempts to reveal the mismatch in demand and supply of entrepreneurial firms financing in Senegal.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to survey 524 entrepreneurial firms, and data was analyzed using various statistical methods.FindingsThe results indicate that the most preferred sources of financing for Senegalese entrepreneurial firms are self-financing and short-term bank loans. Short-term funding horizons are also much more preferred than their long-term counterparts. However, there is a mismatch between financing preferences and practices, particularly with regards to equity sources, which were found to be more preferred than used. The study argues that a combination of preferences, firm, and owner characteristics can explain the choice and frequency of usage of financing sources.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by contrasting preferences and practices, revealing gaps between theory and practice, and providing better insight into the real financing needs of entrepreneurial firms in developing economies. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the financing preferences of Senegalese entrepreneurial firms, making it an important contribution to the literature on entrepreneurial firms financing in developing economies.

Pengaruh Profitabilitas, Leverage, dan Likuiditas terhadap Nilai Perusahaan dengan Struktur Modal sebagai Variabel Intervening pada Perusahaan Manufaktur yang terdaftar di BEI

The main goal of the company is to maximize the value of the company. Increasing the value of the company can also increase investment opportunities by investors, so the company can get a source of funds. This study aims to see and examine the effect of profitability, leverage, and liquidity on firm value with capital structure as an intervening variable. The research method used in this research is quantitative research method. The results of this study are (1) Profitability has a positive and significant effect on firm value. (2) Leverage and Liquidity have no significant effect on firm value. (3) Profitability and Leverage on firm value through capital structure have no significant effect. (4) Liquidity on firm value through capital structure has a significant influence.

Debt Puzzle: A Comparative Analysis of Public Debt’s Impact on Production Efficiency across OECD Countries

Debt is a fundamental component of modern economic systems. It serves as a source of financing for government, business, and individual projects. Many earlier studies concentrated on the direct relationship between debt and economic performance using different econometric methodologies. This work investigates the effect of debt on production efficiency, extracted from the estimated production function. Unlike previous econometric approaches, we employ a production stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) on data for 18 OECD countries spanning from Quarter 1, 2015, to Quarter 3, 2021, to capture the short-run effect of debt on the production efficiency and, thus, output growth. The results show that, in the short run, as debt increases by $1 billion, efficiency increases by 0.04%. Additionally, we found that the most indebted countries are the most efficient countries. In our sample, those were the UK and France. Furthermore, the average efficiency for the 18 OECD countries was 70.07.

Challenges of the new Fiocruz Biodiversity and Health Biobank for preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), a Brazilian federal research institution supported by the Brazilian Health Ministry, established a biobank. This biobank began by preserving the SARS-CoV-2 virus and human biological material related to COVID-19. This innovative initiative combined human and biodiversity materials within a single infrastructure. Designed for supporting research, development, and innovation in healthcare and preparedness and response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, the biobank’s focus has since expanded to include various biological materials, leading to its renaming as the Biodiversity and Health Biobank - Fiocruz-BBS (Portuguese: Biobanco da Biodiversidade e Saúde da Fiocruz – BBS-Fiocruz). This paper outlines the challenges of creating and maintaining an adequate infrastructure in a developing country for promoting and supporting scientific research and biotechnological innovation activities in health through processes of depositing, characterizing, preserving, and supplying human and biodiversity biological materials, alongside associated data, while complying with prevailing legal and ethical rules. These processes adhere to stringent quality, biosafety, and biosecurity standards set forth in ISO 20387:2018. Additionally, the challenges of ensuring the Biobank’s long-term sustainability is discussed. This involves a) establishing benchmarks and best practices, b) developing a comprehensive business plan, c) forging partnerships, d) diversifying funding sources, e) ensuring ethical and legal compliance, f) implementing rigorous quality control procedures, and g) investing in human resources and infrastructure. The insights shared in this paper will benefit other biobanks engaged in services related to tropical infectious diseases.

Valuating the efficiency of social security and healthcare in OECD countries from a sustainable development

Under the goal of sustainable development, coping with the increase in social security and healthcare expenses caused by population aging is becoming increasingly important, but it is rare in the literature to evaluate the impact of social security efficiency on healthcare efficiency. This research uses the dynamic SBM two-stage model to observe the efficiencies of social security and healthcare in OECD countries. There are two findings as follows. First, the higher social security efficiency is, the better is the healthcare efficiency of countries with lower per capita GDP. Second, higher social security efficiency of National Health Service (NHS) countries denote better healthcare efficiency. When the financial source of the social security system is taxation, then it is more likely to bring higher efficiency to healthcare.

Political-Economic Comparison of The World Bank and The New Development Bank

Although stated as one of the influential actors in international relations and discussed in many previous studies, MDB had yet to be comprehensively depicted. Through this research, the author intended to fill this gap by comparing the World Bank as a traditional MDB and the New Development Bank as a Neo MDB within the international economic order. By comparing the political and economic anatomy such as ownership structure, distribution of voting power in decision-making, establishment objectives, types of financing services, operational coverage, sources of funding, private sector options, and service customization and examining them using an organizational political-economy approach, the author found both MDBs had significant differences in carrying out their functions as cross-border financial institutions.

MANAJEMEN PROGRAM PENDIDIKAN KESETARAAN PAKET C DI HOMESCHOOLING PUTRAGAMA SEMARANG

The purpose of this study determines and describes (1) the management of package C equivalency education program which includes planning, organizing, implementing, and supervising, and (2) the supporting and inhibiting factors in the management of package C equivalency education program at Homeschooling Putragama Semarang. The research method is descriptive qualitative with data collection by observation, interview, and documentation. Data validity test with triangulation of sources and techniques. The results showed (1) management includes (a) planning; setting goals; program objectives; teaching materials, methods and media; tutor qualification standards; time and place of implementation; and funding sources, (b) organizing, including division of tasks and responsibilities; preparation of organizational structures; and preparation of facilities, (c) implementation, including providing motivation; teaching materials; methods; media; materials and learning schedules, and (d) supervision, internal and external. (2) Supporting factors of the program are the managers, staff, and tutors who can work well together, are cooperative, solid, and competent in carrying out their duties, in addition to the presence of psychological services and parents who are also cooperative. Meanwhile, the inhibiting factors are students who lack discipline in participating in learning activities.

The cultural potential of the modern Russian region: infrastructure and consumption of services by the population (on the example of the Vologda region

The object of analysis in the article is the Russian region cultural potential in the context of infrastructure development and consumption of cultural and leisure services by the population. The purpose of the study is to identify quantitative and qualitative characteristics of various components of the cultural sphere of the region. The empirical basis is statistical data, reports from authorities, government programs and projects, as well as monitoring public opinion materials of Vologda region population in 2022 (n=1500). The methodology is based on a resource approach to studying the cultural potential of the region. Statistical data analysis shows negative trends in terms of a reduction in the number of cultural and leisure institutions in the region, a decrease in the consumption of certain types of services for 2000–2022, and the lag of municipal districts and rural areas in the development of cultural and leisure infrastructure compared to large cities. Positive changes are associated with the implementation of a comprehensive state cultural policy both on the part of the federal center and on the part of regional authorities: increasing in overall budget expenditures on culture was revealed with an insufficient share of extra-budgetary sources of funding. As an effective resource for leveling out problems with the involvement of extra-budgetary sources, examples of the participation of private investors within the framework of public-private and public-municipal partnerships are given. The results of the sociological survey recorded positive changes in the population’s assessment of the general situation in the cultural and leisure sphere of the region, identified the range of popular cultural, leisure and sports services, and a high level of satisfaction with their quality, which exceeds the Russian average. It has been established that the older generation; categories of residents with a low level of education and low-income residents are less active in consuming cultural and leisure services. As age increases, attendance at all of the institutions offered for choice decreases. The set of analysis results substantiates the need to use a more differentiated approach to the development of national and regional cultural policies, focusing on socio-demographic categories of the population, taking into account their needs.

Promotion of Intellectual Activity Results of Scientific Organizations. An Assessment of Potential Demand

The article examines the markets of intellectual activity results (IAR) in Russia. We have conducted an analysis of the costs of innovation activities in terms of the purchase of IAR and R&D in the economy as a whole and in the industrial production sector as the largest one in the context of acquiring IAR. It is shown that the scale of costs for IAR is about 1% of the total expenditures on innovation and has tended to increase in recent years. The costs of purchasing IAR by industry are analyzed; it is shown that the largest amount of expenditures falls on the sphere of industrial production. In this area, the share of IAR acquisition costs is higher than in the economy as a whole and averages 1.5%. We consider the share of IAR purchases from external suppliers. In general, 54.6% of IAR are purchased from third-party organizations, and 59.3% are acquired in industrial production. The costs of purchasing IAR at the expense of own and external sources of financing are analyzed; it is noted that the largest amount of own funds (64.0% against 55.1% in the economy as a whole) is spent in the field of industrial production. Having regard to the scale of the markets, we analyze the best options for IAR protection in cases of various types of organizations. Examples of IAR protection options for large organizations with a substantial volume of output and for small innovative enterprises with a relatively low output rate are considered. The conclusion is made about the expediency of using protection for small companies through the introduction of a trade secret regime. We also carry out an analysis of the costs of research and development purchased from third-party organizations by industry. It is shown that the R&D markets significantly exceed the IAR markets. This also makes the sale of IAR through R&D more attractive than through the sale of licenses. In general, the thesis put forward in the previous article is confirmed. It says that a low activity of working with IAR is determined by economic factors.

CONSTRAINTS FACED BY SARPANCHES: INSIGHTS, SUGGESTIONS AND EXTENSION STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

This study investigates the challenges encountered by Sarpanches in local governance and proposes extension strategies to address them. Conducted in seven districts of South Gujarat, the research utilized a random sampling technique to select 210 Sarpanches. The relationship between Sarpanches profiles and their knowledge levels was analyzed, highlighting key determinants such as education, management efficiency, and group cohesiveness. Constraints were identified, quantified, and ranked based on frequency and percentage, revealing political interference as the primary challenge, followed by financial constraints and delays in technical approvals. Sarpanches suggested measures to overcome these constraints, including reducing political interference and enhancing funding sources. Tailored extension strategies were formulated through a participatory approach, emphasizing transparent decision-making and sustainable revenue generation. These findings underscore the importance of empowering Sarpanches to foster effective local governance and sustainable rural development. Policymakers should consider implementing these strategies to address the identified challenges comprehensively.

Analysis of funding landscape for health policy and systems research in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A scoping review of the literature over the past decade

BackgroundHealth policy and systems research (HPSR) can strengthen health systems and improve population health outcomes. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), there is limited recognition of the importance of HPSR and funding remains the main challenge. This study seeks to: (1) assess the reporting of funding in HPSR papers published between 2010 and 2022 in the EMR, (2) examine the source of funding in the published HPSR papers in the EMR and (3) explore variables influencing funding sources, including any difference in funding sources for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related articles.MethodsWe conducted a rapid scoping review of HPSR papers published between 2010 and 2022 (inclusively) in the EMR, addressing the following areas: reporting of funding in HPSR papers, source of funding in the published HPSR papers, authors’ affiliations and country of focus. We followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for conducting scoping reviews.We also conducted univariate and bivariate analyses for all variables at 0.05 significance level.ResultsOf 10,797 articles screened, 3408 were included (of which 9.3% were COVID-19-related). More than half of the included articles originated from three EMR countries: Iran (n = 1018, 29.9%), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n = 595, 17.5%) and Pakistan (n = 360, 10.6%). Approximately 30% of the included articles did not report any details on study funding. Among articles that reported funding (n = 1346, 39.5%), analysis of funding sources across all country income groups revealed that the most prominent source was national (55.4%), followed by international (41.7%) and lastly regional sources (3%). Among the national funding sources, universities accounted for 76.8%, while governments accounted for 14.9%. Further analysis of funding sources by country income group showed that, in low-income and lower-middle-income countries, all or the majority of funding came from international sources, while in high-income and upper-middle-income countries, national funding sources, mainly universities, were the primary sources of funding. The majority of funded articles’ first authors were affiliated with academia/university, while a minority were affiliated with government, healthcare organizations or intergovernmental organizations. We identified the following characteristics to be significantly associated with the funding source: country income level, the focus of HPSR articles (within the EMR only, or extending beyond the EMR as part of international research consortia), and the first author’s affiliation. Similar funding patterns were observed for COVID-19-related HPSR articles, with national funding sources (78.95%), mainly universities, comprising the main source of funding. In contrast, international funding sources decreased to 15.8%.ConclusionThis is the first study to address the reporting of funding and funding sources in published HPSR articles in the EMR. Approximately 30% of HPSR articles did not report on the funding source. Study findings revealed heavy reliance on universities and international funding sources with minimal role of national governments and regional entities in funding HPSR articles in the EMR. We provide implications for policy and practice to enhance the profile of HPSR in the region.

Comparative Analysis of Environmental Protection Provisions in Construction Procurement: A Case Study of Nepal's Projects Funded by National and International Agencies

This study investigates the environmental protection provisions embedded in procurement processes of construction projects in Nepal, funded by various national and international agencies. The research aims to compare and analyze the environmental safeguarding measures outlined in bidding documents from different funding sources, along with examining relevant legal frameworks and policies governing environmental protection in construction projects. Through a qualitative approach and content analysis methodology, the study delves into the scope, limitations, and significance of environmental considerations in construction procurement. Findings reveal diverse approaches across funding agencies, highlighting the emphasis on contractor responsibilities, safety measures, and project management. While Nepal's standard bidding documents establish foundational environmental provisions, projects funded by international agencies demonstrate a higher commitment to environmental sustainability. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive environmental measures in construction projects to mitigate ecological impact and promote long-term environmental conservation.

Is the public lighting contribution being used to pay for lighting services? Exploratory study in municipalities in the state of Cearáará.

The State demands resources to guarantee the fulfillment of its final functions, achieved through the creation of public goods and services that allow collective needs to be met. In this context, the revenue from the Public Lighting Contribution (CIP) gains prominence and, therefore, it is relevant to identify whether the use of this tax is capable of guaranteeing its usefulness as a public policy based on the normative provisions created and structured for its control. Therefore, the objective of the article will be to evaluate the control and management of resources linked to CIP revenue with constitutional and infra-constitutional provisions. The methodology used consisted of a bibliographic and documentary review. In effect, the study is classified as descriptive, explanatory and exploratory, with qualitative analysis and multiple case study. The results showed flaws in the planning of public policy related to public lighting, transparency, management and application of resources linked to the CIP. The data from this study allows us to visualize the relevance of this Contribution and its materiality as a source of financing for public policies. In relation to the municipalities studied, there is a clear need to improve the Public Lighting policy. Regarding management implications, improvements are needed in the resource planning process and accounting records of these expenses. Finally, the implications for society, the control and management of CIP resources will favor transparency and the exercise of social control.

Do firms gamble for resurrection from COVID-19?

This study investigates how firms cope with downside risk induced by COVID-19. Employing an entropy-balancing-matching and difference-in-differences analysis based on the COVID-19 outbreak in China, we find a significant increase in leverage and risk-taking for firms strongly impacted by the pandemic. The effect is concentrated on moderately financially constrained and less politically connected firms. These findings suggest that firms with fewer funding sources gamble for resurrection and shift risk to debtholders when struck by COVID-19.

The Role Of Internal Financing Sources To Reduce Liquidity Risks

This study aims to analyze the impact of internal financing sources on liquidity risks in Jordanian Islamic banks during the period from 2008 to 2022, using regression analysis. The results show that increasing paid-in capital, reserves, and retained earnings reduces liquidity risk and enhances financial stability. It has been shown that Islamic banks are able to manage these resources effectively. The study recommends strengthening these sources and applying advanced risk management procedures that are compatible with Sharia controls.

Cash Waqf: Ethical & sustainable Qard Hasan Microfinancing in Malaysia for B40 & M40 inclusion

This study explores the integration of Qard Hasan with Cash Waqf (QHCW) as a funding source to support microfinancing for the B40 and M40 income groups in Malaysia. The research attempts a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to gather comprehensive data from Islamic bank customers and practitioners. Findings suggest that a well-structured QHCW model focusing on the net proceeds can enhance financial inclusion and economic resilience, particularly in the post-COVID-19 recovery phase.

Live from Here: Comparing the Programming of Rural and Urban Public Radio Stations

ABSTRACT This paper is an examination of the vitality of U.S. public radio stations in rural areas. Previous empirical research suggests that the increased presence of commercial underwriting and listener donations (collectively referred to as “listener sensitive income”) has influenced National Public Radio and its local affiliate stations to behave in a way that more closely resembles commercial radio. This shift may have come at the expense of the initial intent and mission of public broadcasting which is to add diversity to the marketplace of ideas, serve underserved audiences, and most relevant to this study, provide a service that is reflective of local communities. This study analyzes data from a nationally representative sample (N = 178) of the 408 unique local NPR stations to determine if greater reliance on market-based funding sources is associated with a shift away from the mission of public radio in terms of its programming. The analysis suggested that rural public stations offer more overall diversity of programming, and specifically are more likely to offer minority-oriented programming, thus suggesting that rural stations have not become as commercialized as their urban counterparts.