Hindering Factors Research Articles

Factors influencing antenatal care attendance in the eight contact era policy: a case of selected maternal health service facilities in Blantyre, Malawi

BackgroundMaternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa and Malawi remains high. Effective antenatal care (ANC) services can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. However, attendance to ANC clinics and the quality of services provided remain a challenge. Malawi adopted the 2016 WHO antenatal care model and there is a need to assess factors that influence antenatal care attendance. The main objective of this study was to assess factors influencing attendance in the era of the eight ANC contact policy in Blantyre.MethodsThis was an exploratory qualitative design in which 28 respondents participated using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for the data collection process. The study sites included two healthcare facilities, namely Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital and Bangwe Health Centre, and a rural community (William Village Bangwe Rural) in Blantyre district. The 28 study participants included 11 ANC attendees, which comprised seven women in their final trimester and four postpartum women who attended ANC during their pregnancy, five midwives running the ANC clinics, and 12 non-users of ANC. The recordings were transcribed verbatim. The data were organized using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft word and analyzed using inductive content analysis.ResultsThe factors promoting ANC attendance in the context of the eight ANC contact policy include; motivation from health workers, family, and spouses and the women’s perceptions of ANC particularly the role it plays in preventing, detecting, and treating illness, but also preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes. On the other hand, the hindering factors to ANC attendance included lack of knowledge of the new ANC visit guidelines, financial constraints, quality of health services provided, attitude of healthcare workers, inadequate availability and training of healthcare workers, perceived poor quality of ANC services and personal beliefs.ConclusionIt is essential to provide comprehensive training to healthcare workers in the antenatal department regarding the new WHO ANC recommendations. This will help improve the quality of services at the antenatal clinics, including ensuring the availability of all necessary resources to encourage attendance. Additionally, promoting comprehensive spousal support, encouraging participation in activities, and adequately planning scheduled visits can help overcome financial barriers and further support antenatal attendance.

Trainee growth vs. fixed mindset in clinical learning environments: enhancing, hindering and goldilocks factors

BackgroundDoctors in training (trainees) have higher rates of burnout, anxiety and depression than other professionals. An important psychological tool to combat this crisis is promotion of a growth mindset, which increases resilience and improves mental health outcomes. How growth mindset might be promoted within the clinical learning environment is underexplored. This study aimed to explore the factors promoting a growth mindset versus fixed mindset in trainees from the perspective of the trainees.MethodsThis constructivist study employed a novel method of encouraging trainees’ reflections on mindset adoption in the clinical learning environment. Trainees played Mindset, a tabletop simulation board game that included challenges encountered within training. This was followed by a facilitated debriefing, focusing on factors that promoted growth or fixed mindset adoption in the clinical learning environment. Debriefing transcripts were analysed using template analysis.ResultsThree groups of oncology trainees and one group of medical education fellows participated (16 participants in total). Factors promoting growth mindset adoption included passion, collaboration, diverse career and role modelling. Factors promoting fixed mindset adoption included burnout and competition. Some factors, such as grit, previous success experience and singular training location promoted a fixed mindset when too much or too little were present, and promoted a growth mindset when they were in balance (the Goldilocks principle).ConclusionsThe importance of balance versus excess of certain factors, and the ubiquitous competitive culture in medicine promoting a fixed mindset, were compelling reflections. This study may aid invested parties to reflect on what factors they can upregulate and down regulate to optimise trainees’ adoption of a growth mindset.

The Participation of Street Food Sellers in Formulating the Policy of Revitalizing the Tegal’s Town Square Area as the Effort to Improve the Opened Green Zone

This research determined the participation of street food sellers in formulating and issuing the policy and determined the hindering factors of revitalization policy in the town square area of Tegal as the effort to improve the opened green zone. This descriptive qualitative research describes a variable in the form of spoken data from the informants and the observed behaviors of the informants. The researchers collected the data by interviewing the civil service police officers, the public work service and spatial planning, the cooperation of SME and trading, the housing and residential department, and the association of street food sellers; documenting; and studying the works of literature. The results found many regional government organizations participated in the formulation of revitalization policy. Then, they took the responsibility directly to the major of Tegal as the policy- maker of revitalizing the town square area of Tegal. The revitalization ran successfully. The government socialized the policy systematically and involved various actors including the street food sellers. However, from the eight socialization stage meetings for the street food sellers, only three socialization stages involved and coordinated with the street food sellers. The three meetings shared the divisions and relocation sites of the sellers, instruction, and empowerment. The revitalization of the green town square area also encountered some hindrances, such as limited socialization, lack of street seller confidence, and less representative relocated sites.

Cultivating Leadership and Teamwork in Medical Students Through Rowing: A Phenomenological Study.

This study was conducted to allow us to understand the subjective experiences of medical students participating in rowing exercise classes at a medical school in South Korea and to derive implications for medical education. Accordingly, we analyzed their reflective journals, focusing on leadership and teamwork development. The study involved 40 second-year premedical students, and Colaizzi's analysis was employed to understand and structure their experiences. The comprehensive analysis revealed 149 meaningful statements expressing students' thoughts and experiences regarding the rowing exercise. From these statements, 13 meanings were synthesized, resulting in nine themes and four overarching categories, which provided a multilayered understanding of students' experiences. The factors that enhanced teamwork included communication, trust, respect among team members, and a sense of responsibility. By contrast, the hindering factors were competitiveness, impatience, and avoidance of responsibility. Before the class, a mix of anticipation, excitement, and dissatisfaction regarding the rowing exercise course was observed. However, after the class, students realized that the role of the entire team, rather than individual ability, is crucial, and collaboration with peers is key-the concept of shared leadership. This study is significant in that it demonstrates rowing's potential as a team sport to serve as an effective program for fostering collaboration and leadership within the medical school curriculum.

Developmental profile of Filipino children born during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic: pilot study.

The Philippines experienced one of the longest restriction periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide a developmental profile of 18-25 month-old children and identify factors associated with their development during their early years being born and raised during the pandemic. The study population was recruited through convenience sampling among families living in proximity to the daycare centers in Cainta, Rizal, Philippines. 116 children qualified to participate and underwent developmental screening using the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Checklist and their parents were interviewed related to demographic and social factors. The mean score of the children's Overall Development is 106.47 (SD = 13.43) indicating that children's skills were within the expected range of 80-119. Girls had significantly higher mean scores compared to boys [M Girl = 111.23, SD Girl = 9.95 vs. M Boy = 101.18, SD Boy = 14.83 t(114) = -4.32 p < 0.001]. Mean scores were highest among children whose mothers completed a high school education (M High School = 107.76, SD HighSchool = 12.47) compared to those who have some or have completed an elementary education (M SomeElem = 72.50, SD SomeElem = 6.36 and M Elem = 103.58, SD Elem = 13.86 respectively) [F(2, 113) = 8.18, p < 0.001]. Unadjusted linear regression shows a modest increase in mean scores as the number of household members increased [ꞵ = 0.86, (CI: 0.02, 1.70), t-score (1, 113) = 2.03, p = 0.045]. The developmental skills of 18-25 month-old children born and raised during the COVID-19 pandemic in an urban municipality in the Philippines are within average scores. Both hindering and protective demographic factors were identified as associated with the children's developmental evaluation scores. It is important to acknowledge these factors and continue monitoring the children's development and address needs among children who may need further support.

A qualitative study of factors influencing evidence-based practice of blood collection by clinical nurses via central venous access devices.

Several studies have upheld the advantages of blood collection using via central venous access device (CVAD); the procedure has a high success rate and avoids painful repeated punctures. Some studies have suggested that via central venous access device (CVAD) blood collection is preferable for acute and critical care, oncology, and pediatric patients. However, there is no consensus on or standardization of this approach. To explore the facilitators of and barriers factors of evidence-based decision-making in CVAD blood collection in clinical practice. This was a qualitative study guided by phenomenological research. A purposive sampling method was used to select 13 clinical nurses from two public hospitals in China to conduct semi-structured personal interviews. The interview outline was designed based on a literature review and the i-PARIHS theoretical framework, and information was organized and analyzed using the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method. Two themes and seven sub-themes were derived from the analysis of interview data. Facilitating factors: (1) nurses' trust the evidence-based nursing decisions; (2) low rate of operational complications; (3) high success rate of blood collection; (4) nurses' sense of professional benefit; Hindering factors: (1) preparation of operational materials and time-consuming operation; (2) nursing interruptions; (3) patients' economic factors. The interview data showed that CVAD blood collection is suitable for critically ill patients, children, patients with poor venous conditions and poor cooperation. This study provides guidance for advancing the clinical application of evidence-based CVAD blood collection. Evidence-based nursing culture, operational advantages, and nurses' sense of professional benefit were effective facilitators of the evidence-based practice. Researchers need to optimize the operating materials and methods, and comprehensively consider multiple factors to promote the better application of evidence.

From Imbalance to Synergy: The Coupling Coordination of Digital Inclusive Finance and Urban Ecological Resilience in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

In the context of rapid urbanization and digitalization, scientifically assessing the spatio-temporal interaction between digital inclusive finance (DIF) and urban ecological resilience (UER) is crucial for promoting the coordinated development of the regional ecology and economy. This study investigates the spatiotemporal evolution of the coupled coordination degree (CCD), the decoupling phenomenon, and its hindering factors in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) by utilizing the kernel density analysis, standard deviation ellipse, decoupling model, and obstacle degree analysis. Through systematic analyses, this paper aims to elucidate the development disparities among regions within the YREB, identify problematic areas, and propose targeted improvement measures. The results show that (1) The CCD between DIF and UER in the YREB has increased annually from 2011 to 2020. However, there are persistent imbalances, with an overall low level of coordination and uneven spatial development, and a trend of “higher coordination in the east and lower coordination in the west”. (2) The overall CCD of the YREB has reached at least the primary coordination level, with the coupling enhancement speed ranked as “downstream &gt; midstream &gt; upstream”, and regional differences decreasing. (3) The decoupling analysis reveals a predominant decoupling trend between DIF and UER, indicating that the digitization of financial services has not concurrently increased ecological pressures. (4) The obstacle degree analysis identifies resilience and digitalization as major barriers hindering CCD. This study provides a scientific basis and analytical framework for understanding the current spatiotemporal interaction between DIF and UER in the YREB, offering an important reference for formulating more effective policies.

Use of the Return-to-Work-Readiness Questionnaire with patients undergoing psychiatric assessment of work ability – a pilot study

Objectives Our aim was to explore the predictive value of Return-to-Work-Readiness Questionnaire (RTW-RQ) among patients with mental disability. Material and Methods The cohort consists of 129 patients undergoing psychiatric assessment for work ability. RTW-RQ was used to assess self-perceived functional capacity concerning return-to-work. The questionnaire comprises an equal appearing interval scale (0–10) and qualitative questions related to facilitating and hindering factors towards return-to-work. Work status was measured at one-year. Results At one-year follow-up, 31 patients (24%) had returned to competitive employment (CE) and 81 (63%) were considered able to work. The mean score for RTW-RQ was 4.8 (SD 3.9) for patients having returned to CE, and 1.9 (2.7) for those having not returned. Medium and high RTW-RQ scores predicted return to CE compared to those with a low score (scores 2–4: OR 3.1, 95% 0.8–12.4; scores 5–10: OR 52.8, 95% 6.0–461.7). Health and work-related facilitating factors were positively associated with RTW-RQ and seemed to predict return to CE (OR 2.4, 95% CI 0.6–9.4, and OR 2.2, 95% CI 0.6–9.0, respectively). On the other hand, health-related hindering factors were negatively associated with RTW-RQ and seemed to predict return to CE (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.1–3.3). Results were similar regarding work ability. Conclusions RTW-RQ seem to predict return to competitive employment and work ability within one year among patients with mental disability. It also seems crucial to recognize facilitating and hindering factors in order to succeed in rehabilitation.

In-service teachers’ gameful practices

PurposeThis study aims to validate a typology of factors previously established by the authors that influence teachers' gameful practices and to investigate these factors further qualitatively.Design/methodology/approachA focus group interview was conducted with four experienced teachers to gather their views on gameful education. The interview also included a metaphor analysis focusing on their beliefs about the compatibility of school learning and gamefulness. The data were coded using a deductive approach, and qualitative thematic analysis was employed.FindingsIndividual factors are more positive influences on gameful practices than institutional or system-level factors. Teachers stated that digital equipment is not essential for gameful practices, but governmental support in reshaping exam-centric education systems might be a key step in promoting their adoption.Practical implicationsIn the 21st century, students' learning needs differ from past generations, creating challenging situations for teachers in exam-centric cultures. Gameful education could help teachers by introducing an engaging and motivating learning environment for students. This paper aims to help teachers implement and decision-makers support innovative practices that target lifelong learning.Originality/valueThe empirical findings validated the previously established typology of factors. This research presents best practices for teachers in implementing gameful methods and highlights hindering factors for school leaders and decision-makers aiming to support gameful practices.

Evaluating the effectiveness of urban sustainability and climate objectives: a comparative approach

This study takes a unique approach to analyzing the sustainability and climate planning in major Hungarian cities. It conducts a qualitative analysis, examining the selected cities' sustainability and climate strategy objectives/goals. The aim is to comprehensively assess the extent of harmony between these objectives and identify potential hindering factors. An impact series with six distinct levels (+ + , + , 0, NR, −, –) was established for this analysis, from which positive (+ + , +), neutral (0, NR), and negative (−,–) categories were formulated. The main result of the study presents the efficiency score of the sustainability and climate goals, in which only the ratio of the positive impacts are covered. The findings reveal that the impacts of sustainability objectives show significant differences among the cities, particularly concerning positive and neutral effects. However, climate objectives present a more modest discrepancy regarding positive, neutral, and negative effects observed among the cities. There was no clear regional pattern in terms of sustainability and climate planning efficiency; on the other hand, Budapest, Győr, and Nyíregyháza emerged with outstanding performances.

Constrains for attending District Early Intervention Centre (DEIC) of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal: Perspectives of both service providers and caregivers of the beneficiaries, a Mixed-Method Study.

This study was conducted to assess the clinicosocial profile characteristics of the beneficiaries attending DEIC and to explore the challenges faced by both the caregivers and service providers. A facility-based, mixed-method study with phenomenological approach was conducted in Burdwan Medical College of Purba Bardhaman district, West Bengal, from January 2023 to April 2023. For quantitative part, record analysis was conducted involving all children enrolled at DEIC from January 2022 to December 2022, and for qualitative part, caregivers and service providers were selected purposively and interviewed using the in-depth-interview (IDI) guide. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted simultaneously till data saturation was achieved. The principles of descriptive statistics were applied to organize and present the quantitative data in tables and diagrams. Qualitative data were transcribed into verbatim and analyzed thematically with inductive approach. Out of 3332 children enrolled, 58.4% were males, and 44.2% were aged between 0 and 1 month. 59.3% of them had developmental delays, 7.9% had defects, 42.9% had diseases, and 21.3% had some deficiencies. Major hindering factors in service provision among service providers were resource deficiency, inadequate capacity building, administrative bottlenecks, limited supportive supervision, inadequate advocacy, and awareness deficit. No major constraints were found from caregivers' perspective in accessing healthcare. DEIC is running with shortage of proper infrastructure and adequate supervision. Periodic training, appropriate awareness building, and continuous flow of logistics are needed to ensure a better quality of life among beneficiaries.

Uncovering leveraging and hindering factors in socio-ecological interactions: Agricultural production in the Yellow River Basin as an example

Agricultural production and sustainable human livelihoods in large river basins are threatened by climate change, human activities, and resource constraints. However, due to the complexity of socio-ecological interactions and agricultural sustainability, current studies are still limited by a priori knowledge and systematic analyses, as well as by the lack of quantification and identification of key factors and valuable pathway structures for agricultural production activities. Here, we combined observation-based causal inference and network analysis to quantify and assess the complex interactions in agricultural production in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) based on data from 12 factors relevant to agriculture over 40 years. We quantitatively assessed the leveraging and hindering roles of the factors in the interacting network system and provided managers with optimization priorities and possible causal pathways to achieve sustainable agriculture in the basin. For example, the fruit yield and income of rural households were identified as leveraging factors that positively affect the agricultural economy. Groundwater was seen as a hindering factor in dampening the negative impacts of the system, highlighting the importance of preventing groundwater depletion. Moreover, the findings suggest that spatially diverse causal interaction structures exist in the YRB and have shaped a variety of distinctive agricultural development modes. Our research ideas and results highlight both systemic considerations and the amplifying or dampening role of factors in interaction pathways, providing valuable quantitative insights into the management and intervention of sustainable agriculture in large river basins. Owing to replaceable and extensible network models, the methodology has the potential to be utilized in a variety of study areas and topics with complex socio-ecological interactions.

Communicative Competence in English Among Junior High School Students

Developing communicative competence is one of the expected outcomes of the Language Arts and Multiliteracies Curriculum (LAMC). This study evaluates the communicative competence among Junior High School students at Vinapor National High School. Employing descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods, it examines the grammatical, sociolinguistic, and discourse competence and identifies factors that either facilitate or hinder these competencies. A combination of grammatical, speaking, and writing tests was used to assess student’s performance, which revealed that the majority did not meet expectations across the evaluated competencies. Semi-structured interviews further provided insights into both facilitating and hindering factors from the perspectives of 21 students and four teachers. Facilitating factors included teaching methods, peer interaction, extracurricular activities, access to resources, and teacher support, whereas hindering factors encompassed challenges and barriers such as lack of interest, lack of comprehension, lack of confidence, fear of committing mistakes, negative perception, curriculum and resource limitations, and distractions. The study proposed an intervention program to guide teachers in helping students achieved communicative competence.

Evaluation of Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Analysis of Motivating and Hindering Factors

Background and Aims: Influenza, caused by subtypes A and B of the influenza virus, can lead to mild or severe illness and cause secondary infections. High-risk groups include pregnant women, the elderly, and young children. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method. This research aims to evaluate influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze factors influencing vaccination rates. Methods: In this study, a random sample of 440 healthcare providers was selected. Data collection involved a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-designed questionnaire focusing on influenza knowledge, reasons for not getting vaccinated, and motivations for vaccine uptake. The questionnaire included 21 items on hindering factors and 6 on motivating factors. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the reliability of the measurement tool was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Results: In this study, 42% of healthcare providers received the influenza vaccine during the COVID-19 pandemic, while 58% did not. Prior to the pandemic, only 30.9% had received the vaccine, compared to 69.1% who had not. Among those not vaccinated during COVID-19, the mean score for inhibitory factors was significantly higher at 46.9, versus 41.47 for those who were vaccinated. Vaccination rates varied significantly with age: 41.3% of those under 30 were vaccinated, 34.9% of those aged 30-40, and 54.5% of those over 40. Additionally, 78.9% of the participants were infected with COVID-19 during the study period. Conclusion: The research findings indicate low influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare providers and the need for further education to increase staff awareness about the importance of vaccination, change individuals' perceptions of their susceptibility to influenza, and emphasize the effectiveness of the vaccine in preventing the disease.

Healthcare professionals as change agents: Factors influencing bottom-up, personal initiatives on appropriate care, a qualitative study in the Netherlands

IntroductionHealthcare organisations face multiple challenges, often conceptualised as appropriate care. It requires change on different levels: healthcare systems (macro), healthcare organisations (meso), and healthcare professionals (micro). This study focuses on bottom-up changes initiated by healthcare professionals. The aim is to investigate hindering and stimulating factors healthcare professionals experience. Materials and methodsThe study used a qualitative design with purposive sampling of eight Dutch healthcare professionals who initiated changes. We conducted online interviews and used Atlas TI with a combination of open, axial, and selective coding for data analysis. ResultsThe results indicate that professionals are often mission-driven when they initiate change, support from clients and peers may help them overcome barriers. Conversely, peers who feel threatened in their autonomy hinder initiatives of professionals, especially when their changes have financial consequences for their organization. ConclusionAligning and integrating macro- and micro-level initiatives is crucial to advancing the movement towards appropriate care and stimulating bottom-up initiatives of healthcare professionals. More research remained needed, in particular studies on the hindering or stimulating role of employers and healthcare professionals' representatives, and the adoption of the concept of appropriate care by patients.

Implementasi Program Market Day untuk Menumbuhkan Karakter Kewirausahaan Santri Kuttab

The purpose of this research is to analyze the implementation of the market day program in fostering entrepreneurial character among the students of Kuttab Al Faruq Sukoharjo, as well as the factors that support and hinder its implementation. The research method employed is qualitative case study. The research informants include teachers, students, and guardians of the Kuttab students. Data collection was conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis technique utilized qualitative data analysis with an interactive model. The findings of the research indicate that the market day program at Kuttab Al Faruq can foster entrepreneurial character among the students, from the planning stage to implementation and evaluation. The entrepreneurial character traits developed among the students include self-confidence, independence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. The supporting factors for the implementation of market day include educator involvement, active participation from guardians, enthusiasm from students, and the availability of school facilities. The hindering factors for the implementation of market day include lack of trading experience and difficulty in devising marketing strategies.

Technology Acceptance When Teaching Climate Change

AbstractClimate change is a pressing global challenge for humanity, which should be adequately represented in the educational system. However, teachers face a significant challenge due to the vast amount of data and information about climate change available in the media. We aimed to identify aspects that affect teachers’ acceptance of technology in general and how technology may help/hinder their teaching of climate change, in particular. Thirty-five chemistry teachers and chemistry educators were exposed to a novel curriculum about climate change that was developed on a digital platform. This paper described the promoting and inhibiting factors regarding adopting technological tools to teach about electric cars within this curriculum. We applied the lenses of the technology acceptance model (TAM) framework to analyze teachers’ responses. Most of the hindering factors concerned the general disadvantages of integrating technology into teaching (e.g., technical malfunctions); therefore, these aspects should be primary addressed to encourage adopting and applying educational technology. However, factors that are specific to teaching climate change in relation to TAM emerged as well. These factors included the critical consumption of digital data, the need to constantly change one’s teaching practices based on the changing data, as well as the social impact of such a tool on the students’ environment. We wish to stress that the TAM can be applied as a framework to identify teachers’ filters and amplifiers that might promote or inhibit transforming theoretical knowledge into practice.

Формирование арктического этнохозяйственного кластера как условие устойчивого (эколого- и этносохраняющего) развития региона (на примере арктических территорий Красноярского края)

The paper considers the issues of ethno-demographic development and settlement of small-numbered indigenous peoples of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation in the period between the 2002 and 2020 population censuses. The article analyzes the current state and development of the ethno-economic areas of the Arctic zone of the Krasnoyarsk Krai, assesses the potential for the development of traditional economic activity of indigenous peoples and identifies hindering factors. It is shown that the key mechanism for achieving the goals of sustainable development of traditional economic activities in the Arctic region is an active balanced cluster approach adapted to the specifics of ethno-economic habitats of indigenous minorities of the Arctic. The prerequisites and prospects for creating an ethno-economic cluster in the Arctic zone of Krasnoyarsk Krai are assessed. Promising areas of investment development of socio-economic potential and cooperative relations of traditional economic activities of indigenous minorities are identified. The results of the cluster formation will be increase in the degree of processing and in the output of traditional economic activities, increase in employment and improvement of the standard of living of indigenous small-numbered peoples, transformation of traditional economic activity into a full-fledged sector of the economy of the Arctic zone of the Krasnoyarsk Krai.

Management of Climate Changes in Turkana County, Kenya

This study dealt with management of climate changes in Turkana County, Kenya. The study used the descriptive design. The target population was 200 household-heads identified from Loima and Turkwel Wards. A sample of 60 household-heads was randomly drawn to participate in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data while an interview collect the quantitative data. The study concluded that pastoralist communities relied on traditional interventions to cope with effects of climate change. Practiced traditional interventions include migration of people and livestock to other areas presumed to be having more supply of pasture and water and livelihood diversification. Inter-community conflicts over grazing right is the key factor that hindered the implementation of climate change interventions. Other hindering factors include migration of people and livestock, politicians’ exploitation of the pastoralist communities and food insecurity. Experienced challenges include cultural values, illiteracy, lack of trust between facilitators and the community, wrong approach and interventions being done by strangers. The study recommends that development agencies need to work in collaboration with communities to develop and implement interventions against climate change. Pastoral communities need to access relevant information on climate change through attending seminars, workshops and public meetings. Relevant stakeholders should help the pastoralist communities to overcome their unique challenges through community-based seminars and workshops. Finally, the government and other development agencies should focus on the development of pastoralist communities in the country by investing in adult education to reduce illiteracy.

Evolution of State Scientific and Technical Policy in USSR in Late 1960s

This study conducts a comparative analysis of the state of the scientific and technical complex of the USSR and leading Western countries in the 1960s based on declassified archival materials. It identifies the main trends in science and technology during this period and the factors that led to the lagging behind of the USSR. Previously unpublished archival documents are introduced into scholarly discourse. It is demonstrated that the data sent to the country’s leadership by leading specialists and scientists of the Academy of Sciences indicated the USSR’s lag in several crucial directions determining the pace of scientific and technical progress. Key hindering factors cited by experts included insufficient funding, lack of coordination among various agencies, absence of interaction between the defense and civilian sectors of science, and planning miscalculations. The conclusion is drawn that this list can be supplemented with reasons such as inadequate competence of some top-level government officials, departmental approach, shortage of specialists in key areas, and disregard for recommendations from leading scientists. Meanwhile, trends in the development of the scientific and technical sphere in the USA and other leading countries indicated the establishment of national innovation systems as highly effective mechanisms for accelerating scientific and technical progress.