Comparison Of Barriers Research Articles

Comparison of barriers and facilitators of MIND diet uptake among adults from Northern Ireland and Italy

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to identify and compare components of the COM-B (capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour) model, that influences behaviour to modify dietary patterns in 40–55-year olds living in Northern Ireland (NI) and Italy, in order to reduce the risk of cognitive decline in later life.MethodsThis was a qualitative study examining factors influencing Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet behaviour. This study further elaborated the COM-B components into the 14 domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework to further understand behaviour. Twenty-five Northern Irish and Italian participants were recruited onto the study, to take part in either a focus group or an interview. Participants were both male and female aged between 40 and 55 years.ResultsThematic analysis revealed that the main barriers to the uptake of the MIND diet were; time, work environment (opportunity), taste preference and convenience (motivation). Culture (motivation), seasonal foods and lack of family support (opportunity) to be a barrier to the Italian sample only. The main facilitators reported were; improved health, memory, planning and organisation (motivation) and access to good quality food (opportunity). Cooking skills, knowledge (capability) and heathy work lunch (opportunity) reported as a facilitator to the Italian sample only.ConclusionsCross-cultural differences in relation to psychosocial barriers and facilitators were found in both samples. More barriers than facilitators towards uptake of the MIND diet were found. There is a need for interventions that increase capability, opportunity, and motivation to aid behaviour change. The findings from this study will be used to design a behaviour change intervention using the subsequent steps from the Behaviour Change Wheel.

A synthesis of barriers to and enablers of pro-poor climate change adaptation in four South African municipalities

Qualitative case studies were undertaken to explore the multiple, interacting factors that hinder and/or facilitate planned pro-poor climate change adaptation in four South African municipalities. A comparison of barriers and enablers across the cases revealed several key themes. Municipalities struggle to implement climate change adaptation within contexts of significant social, economic and ecological challenges. These contextual barriers, when combined with certain cognitive barriers, led to reactive responses. Existing municipal systems and structures make it difficult to enable climate change adaptation, which is inherently cross-sectoral and messy. Lack of locally applicable knowledge, funding and human resources were found to be significant resource barriers, and were often underlain by social barriers relating to perceptions, beliefs and governance challenges. Enablers of engaged officials, operating within conducive organizational environments and drawing on partnerships and networks, were able to circumvent these barriers to some extent. When enablers coincided with windows of opportunity that increased prioritization of climate change, projects with ancillary benefits were implemented. The implications of these results are discussed and suggestions made for how pro-poor municipal planned climate change adaptation that responds to the needs of vulnerable communities can be further understood and enabled in the future.

Psychiatric versus physical disabilities: A comparison of barriers and facilitators to employment.

Guided by the social model of disability (Nagi, 1965), this study aims to better identify barriers to and facilitators of employment for individuals with psychiatric disabilities and how these factors may differ for individuals with physical disabilities. Our analysis uses data from the Survey of Disability and Employment on 2,148 individuals with psychiatric disabilities, physical disabilities, or both who in 2014 applied for services from 1 of 3 state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies. We identify type of disability based on respondents' open-ended descriptions of their impairments. We use univariate statistics and multivariate regression estimates to compare employment history, and potential barriers to and facilitators of employment between individuals with psychiatric and physical disabilities. VR applicants with psychiatric disabilities have had longer periods of nonemployment than individuals with physical disabilities alone. They are significantly more likely than individuals with physical disabilities alone to report nonhealth reasons, such as getting fired and lacking skills, as barriers to employment. We found that a number of accommodations, including flexible schedules and modified work duties, are significantly associated with continued employment. VR counselors should be aware that although most applicants with psychiatric disabilities place a great deal of importance on being employed, they face additional barriers to employment. (PsycINFO Database Record

Electronic Structures and Li-Diffusion Properties of Group IV–V Layered Materials: Hexagonal Germanium Phosphide and Germanium Arsenide

Based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations that include an empirical van der Waals interaction, we propose a layered hexagonal phase of bulk GeP and GeAs that is marginally less stable than the monoclinic phase experimentally observed. Both types of monolayers are dynamically stable semiconductors. Application of 2% isotropic stretching along two in-plane directions practically transforms the GeAs monolayer into a direct-gap (= 1.60 eV) material, rendering it useful in optoelectronics. In addition, comparison of effective masses shows that the GeAs monolayer can function better as n-type materials, especially when it is subject to the in-plane strain. Furthermore, a detailed comparison of the activation barriers for the rate-determining steps along the different paths on the GeP surface indicates that the Li atom can diffuse on the surface ∼1000 times faster than on graphene. Another comparison of the barriers allows us to identify a preferred diffusion path in the interlayer region of bulk hex...

Perceived Barriers to and Facilitators of Physical Activity in Recipients of Solid Organ Transplantation, a Qualitative Study.

BackgroundSufficient physical activity is important for solid organ transplant recipients (heart, lung, liver, kidney). However, recipients do not meet the recommended amount or required type of physical activity. The perceived barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in this population are largely unknown.MethodsSemi-structured in depth interviews were conducted with solid organ transplant recipients in order to explore experienced barriers and facilitators. Qualitative methodology with thematic line-by-line analysis was used for analysis, and derived themes were classified into personal and environmental factors.ResultsThe most important indicated barriers were physical limitations, insufficient energy level, fear, and comorbidities. The most frequently mentioned facilitators included motivation, coping, consequences of (in)activity, routine/habit, goals/goal priority, and responsibility for the transplanted organ. Neutral factors acting as a barrier or facilitator were self-efficacy and expertise of personnel. A comparison of barriers and facilitators between transplant recipient groups yielded no overt differences.ConclusionSeveral personal and environmental factors were indicated that should be considered in intervention development to increase physical activity behavior in solid organ transplant recipients.

Systematic comparison of barriers for heavy-ion fusion calculated on the basis of the double-folding model by employing two versions of nucleon–nucleon interaction

A systematic calculation of barriers for heavy-ion fusion was performed on the basis of the double-folding model by employing two versions of an effective nucleon–nucleon interaction: M3Y interaction and Migdal interaction. The results of calculations by the Hartree–Fockmethod with the SKX coefficients were taken for nuclear densities. The calculations reveal that the fusion barrier is higher in the case of employing theMigdal interaction than in the case of employing the М3Y interaction. In view of this, the use of the Migdal interaction in describing heavy-ion fusion is questionable.

Comparison of barriers against mammography screening in socioeconomically two contrarious populations.

e13036Background: Despite of increase in incidence and mortality, breast cancer (BC) awareness remains low and heterogenous in low-middle income countries. The aim of this study is to compare barri...

Rural and urban supported employment programs in the Veterans Health Administration: Comparison of barriers and facilitators to vocational achievement for veterans experiencing mental illnesses.

The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to compare urban and rural supported employment programs on barriers and facilitators with employment for veterans experiencing mental illnesses. A national sample of 114 supported employment staff, supervisors, and upper level managers employed by the Veteran's Health Administration were recruited. Participants completed an online survey of work barriers and facilitators, including open-ended questions regarding additional factors that impact the work success of veterans. Survey responses were compared between participants from rural (n = 28) and urban (n = 86) programs using independent groups t tests. Open-ended questions were analyzed using content analysis. Supported employment personnel from rural programs perceived significantly more barriers to work success compared with urban personnel, particularly in the areas of access to services and a range of job-related factors, including job match and interpersonal relationships at the work site. In contrast, participants from urban programs reported greater facilitators in the domain of mental health services. Qualitative findings add depth to the quantitative findings and highlight challenges in rural supported employment programs impacting job development and job fit. Both urban and rural programs experienced unique barriers related to geography and transportation. Findings from this nationwide mixed-methods survey provide a comprehensive picture of the obstacles to employment success for veterans living with mental illnesses and receiving supported employment services in rural areas. Suggestions for changes in policy related to services and resource allocation are presented to address these unique barriers, particularly in rural areas. (PsycINFO Database Record

Context matters: Successes and challenges of intrapartum care scale-up in four districts of Afghanistan

ABSTRACTReducing preventable maternal mortality and achieving Sustainable Development Goal targets for 2030 will require increased investment in improving access to quality health services in fragile and conflict-affected states. This study explores the conditions that affect availability and utilisation of intrapartum care services in four districts of Afghanistan where mortality studies were conducted in 2002 and 2011. Information on changes in each district was collected through interviews with community members; service providers; and district, provincial and national officials. This information was then triangulated with programme and policy documentation to identify factors that affect the coverage of safe delivery and emergency obstetric care services. Comparison of barriers to maternal health service coverage across the four districts highlights the complexities of national health policy planning and resource allocation in Afghanistan, and provides examples of the types of challenges that must be addressed to extend the reach of life-saving maternal health interventions to women in fragile and conflict-affected states. Findings suggest that improvements in service coverage must be measured at a sub-national level, and context-specific service delivery models may be needed to effectively scale up intrapartum care services in extremely remote or insecure settings.

Comparison of barriers to cessation among Arab American smokers of cigarettes and waterpipe.

This cross-sectional study examined the differences in barriers to cessation and reasons for quitting smoking among dual smokers of cigarettes and waterpipe tobacco, exclusive cigarette smokers and exclusive waterpipe smokers. Participants were Arab American adults residing in Richmond, Virginia, who were recruited from Middle Eastern grocery stores, restaurants/lounges and faith and charity organizations. The study yielded several key findings: (1) Exclusive cigarette and waterpipe smokers had similar mean barriers to quitting and were more concerned about their health than dual smokers. (F(2, 150) = 5.594, p = 0.0045). This implies that barriers to smoking and health concerns could be a function of the individual who smokes rather than the modality of smoking itself. (2) Exclusive cigarette or waterpipe smokers and dual smokers may have different reasons for quitting, since they have different reasons for smoking. The proportion of smokers who endorsed smoking as a messy habit as the reason among exclusive cigarette smokers was 0.37, whereas the proportion among exclusive waterpipe smokers was 0.04 and among dual smokers 0.39. The difference in proportions is significant, χ2 (df = 2, N = 154) = 13.17, p = 0.0014. In summary, this study supports the need to further investigate dual cigarette and waterpipe smokers, as the study results indicate greater barriers to smoking cessation in this group. Recognition and understanding of these barriers among dual tobacco users would be important for any future tobacco intervention among waterpipe smokers.

Comparisons of barriers and enablers of leisure-time physical activity between farm and town residents in a rural Australian region

Aim: To compare adult farm and town residents on barriers and enablers of leisure-time physical activity in the Riverland region of South Australia. Methods: A questionnaire assessing hypothesised predictors of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), based on Social Ecological Theory, was telephoneadministered in 2010 to 290 randomly selected 18—65 year olds (170 women) in the South Australian Riverland. The response rate was 42% and participation rate was 62%. Responses from farm residents (n = 50) and town residents (n = 240) were compared using Chi Square analysis. Results: For psychological variables, farm women reported lower enjoyment of LTPA than their counterparts in towns (p = 0.02), while farm men were more likely than town men to report laziness as a barrier to LTPA (p = 0.01). For social variables, there were no differences between town and farm residents in family encouragement or availability of other people with whom to be active. Of environmental variables, town women were more likely to report insufficient time than farm women (p = 0.01), while farm men were more likely than town men to report community commitments as a barrier (p = 0.005). There were no differences in relation to attractiveness and safety of the neighbourhood, costs, travel time or availability of facilities as barriers to LTPA. Conclusions: In this sample of adults in one rural region, reported barriers and enablers of LTPA were largely similar among residents of towns and farms. However, physical activity promotion efforts in rural settings should take into account differences in physical activity attitudes and time ‘budgets’ between town and rural residents. Conflict of interest: None.

Modeling Reaction Pathways of Low Energy Particle Deposition on Polymer Surfaces via First Principle Calculations

The chemical processes that lead to polystyrene surface modification via low energy deposition of C(2)H(+), C(2)F(+), CH(2), CH(2)(+), and H(+) radicals and ions are examined using first principles calculations. Specifically, the reaction mechanisms responsible for products identified in classical molecular dynamics with reactive empirical bond-order potentials are examined using density functional theory. In addition, these calculations consider how the presence of charges on the incident particles changes the result for the CH(2) system through the comparison of barriers, transition states, and final products for CH(2) and CH(2)(+). The structures of the reaction species and energy barriers are determined using the B3LYP hybrid functional. Finally, CCSD/6-31G(d,p) single point energy calculations are carried out to obtain optimized energy barriers. The results indicate that the large variety of reactions occurring on the polystyrene surface are a consequence of complex interactions between the substrate and the deposited particles, which can easily be identified and characterized using advanced computational methodologies, such as first principle calculations.

Comparison of Barriers and Facilitators in Developing NORC Programs: A Tale of Two Communities

Naturally occurring retirement communities (NORCs) are neighborhoods or buildings in which a significant portion of the population is composed of older persons. Unlike traditional retirement communities, NORCs were not designed specifically for the needs of older persons; they simply evolved, often as a result of older people aging in places where they have lived for many years. Many self-identified or designated NORCs are high-rise apartment buildings (vertical NORCs) or small neighborhoods that are defined geographically (horizontal NORCs). To maintain individuals as they age in place in NORCs, formal programs that provide supportive services are often developed. The Los Angeles metropolitan area presents a unique situation—two NORCs exist within 1 mile of each other but their contexts, population, and needs are very different. One is a vertical, closed NORC, whereas the other is a horizontal, open NORC. A qualitative case study comparing these horizontal and vertical NORCs examines the implementation of a supportive service program, highlighting its challenges and facilitators in the two different types of communities. The findings of this case study show that the challenges and facilitators were largely dependent on and exclusive to the type of community.

An international comparison of barriers in opening oncology clinical trials

6580 Background: Well designed clinical trials are critical to improve the outcomes of patients with cancer. There are significant barriers to accrue patients to clinical trials beginning with processes required to “open” a trial. This study aims to compare the procedures and time required to open thoracic oncology trials at a United States academic center to a similar center in Europe. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all thoracic oncology therapeutic trials submitted for regulatory review between 2001–2008 at Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) and the University of Torino, Italy (UT). A process map was drafted by both institutions to establish the order of required events. The timing data for each step was collected and analyzed for comparison. Results: A total of 137 therapeutic thoracic oncology trials were reviewed, 83 from WUSM and 54 from UT. Five major regulatory steps are required to open a trial in WUSM compared to three at UT. The median times to open a trial are 163 days (with inter-quartile range of 91 to 257 days) for WUSM and 122 days for UT (with inter-quartile range of 96 to 159 days) (p = 0.048). The median times for regulatory approval are 75 days (inter-quartile range, 26 to 131 days) for WUSC and 31 days (inter-quartile range, 10 to 67 days) for UT (p<0.0001), attributed to the additional requirement of Scientific Review Committee approval at WUSM prior to consideration by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), while regulatory approval is a single process at UT. However, the median time for contact approval process identified as the limiting step requiring a median of 115.1 (WUSM, inter-quartile range of 78 to 187) or 84 (UT, inter-quartile range of 44 to 124) days (p = 0.011). Conclusions: It takes additional steps and significantly longer time to open a therapeutic thoracic clinical trial at a representative U.S. site (WUSM) compared with a site in Europe (UT). As global trial collaboration increases, uniform strategies must be developed to shorten the administrative process, encouraging the creation of streamlined systems that enable centers to increase the number of agents under investigation. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Activation barriers to meso-aryl group rotation in titanyl tetraaryltetrapyrroles. An investigation of the out-of-plane flexibility of hydroporphyrins.

The free-base and titanyl (Ti(IV)O) complexes of meso-tetratolyl- and meso-tetra(3,5-xylyl)hydroporphyrins were synthesized and characterized. Metalation of the hydroporphyrins with titanium was achieved by reaction of the lithium salts of the hydroporphyrin with TiCl(4). Other methods used to metalate porphyrins with titanium required harsher reaction conditions and led to substantial oxidative dehydrogenation of the macrocycle when applied to hydroporphyrins. The titanyl group differentiates the two faces of the macrocycle and consequently the two sides of the meso-aryl groups, which are tilted nearly perpendicular to the macrocycle plane. The (1)H NMR signals for the nonequivalent ortho protons and nonequivalent meta protons averaged on the NMR time scale at elevated temperatures due to aryl group rotation. Activation barriers for aryl group rotation in the para-substituted and meta-disubstituted titanyl hydroporphyrin complexes and in related titanyl porphyrin complexes were determined from variable-temperature NMR spectra and ranged from 15.6 to 18.4 kcal/mol. In chlorin compounds, barriers for rotation of aryl groups located between a pyrrole and a pyrroline (reduced) ring are greater than those of aryl groups located between two pyrrole rings. Comparisons of barriers in complexes with different macrocycle saturation levels show that the increased barriers for aryl groups adjacent to pyrroline rings cannot be attributed solely to the increased steric bulk of the pyrroline beta-CH(2) group relative to the pyrrole beta-CH group. Variations in flexibility and electronic environments at meso carbons in the hydroporphyrins may also contribute. Rotation barriers for meta-disubstituted aryl groups, which are higher than those for para-substituted aryl groups, increase with the size and mass of the substituent.

Perceived barriers to rural nurse practitioner practice.

Studies of barriers to nurse practitioner (NP) practice show similar results for more than 20 years. Comparisons of barriers to rural NP practice have not been performed. Descriptive data about perceived barriers to practice were collected from 292 NPs in one midwestern state (urban, 229; rural, 63; response rate, 60%). A primary barrier was a lack of understanding by the general public about the NP role, which respondents found was detrimental to practice success. Physicians also lacked knowledge about the NP role. Rural practice barriers also included lack of peer support, suggesting that isolation from other NPs detracted from practice success. Educating the public and health professionals about NP education, scope of practice, and roles continues to be necessary. Media campaigns can increase understanding of NP practice. Rural NPs can use electronic means to communicate with each other to decrease practice isolation. Removing barriers to practice remains an ongoing task to enhance rural nursing practice.

Transport Properties of Inhomogeneous Schottky Contacts

We review an analytical model for the interpretation of transport measurements on spatially inhomogeneous Schottky contacts. The comparison of barriers from current/voltage- as well as from capacitance/voltage-curves permits a quantitative analysis of spatially distributed Schottky barriers. We reveal that the ideality coefficient n of abrupt Schottky contacts reflects the deformation of the barrier distribution under applied bias; a general temperature dependence for the ideality n is predicted and observed. An extension of our model includes the so-called flat band barrier of current/voltage curves. Here we demonstrate the interdependence of flat band Schottky barrier, ideality n and the homogenization of the barrier distribution under the application of a bias voltage. Effective photoresponse barriers and electrical noise at inhomogeneous Schottky diodes are also discussed.

Electron-beam-induced current measurements: Comparison of barrier:beam parallel and perpendicular geometries

Minority-carrier diffusion lengths have been measured in electron-beam-induced current experiments with the electron beam of the scanning electron microscope both parallel and perpendicular to a Schottky barrier on single-crystal silicon. Results from the two geometries are compared. The usefulness of the top surface geometry (beam perpendicular to the barrier) has been extended by measuring both the short-circuit current and its derivative as a function of position, allowing the diffusion length to be calculated without knowing the exact position of the Schottky-barrier edge. This is particularly useful when the barrier edge is indistinct, as often occurs for evaporated or sputtered barrier layers. Measurement of the derivative signal has been accomplished by position modulation of the scanning electron beam combined with a lock-in amplifier for signal detection.