Local Barriers Research Articles

A QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF PERCEIVED BEREAVEMENT NEEDS OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS

Abstract This paper presentation will discuss the qualitative findings of a city-wide community needs assessment on available grief support with particular emphasis on service needs for older adults. The purposive sampling of this survey targeted local professionals who frequently interact with bereaved individuals in their work, such as mental health providers, funeral directors, faith leaders, and healthcare providers. Survey items asked participants to identify local grief support demand, engagement, barriers, and interests. Of the 141 participants who completed the survey, 80 (57%) provided free response answers eligible for qualitative analysis. Themes were extracted using manifest coding across three raters. Major themes on older adult bereavement include: perceived gaps in available services, service format suggestions (e.g., virtual vs. in-person, faith-based vs. secular), and suggestions for the creation of older adult grief support based on type of loss (e.g., pet loss, kinshiplessness), and perceived educational interest, such as substance use and emotions in grief. In this presentation, qualitative methodology of the study, as well as its resulting themes and subthemes, will be further described to offer insight into participant perspectives on service needs for older adult bereavement.

Education for Healthcare Providers: Impact of Academic Detailing on Reducing Misinformation and Strengthening Influenza Vaccine Recommendations.

Recommendations from a trusted healthcare provider have been shown to be the most effective intervention for encouraging patients to be vaccinated. However, providers have reported feeling less prepared to address vaccination questions and having less time to discuss vaccines with patients than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers may benefit from a brief update about the available influenza vaccines and vaccination guidelines. Academic detailing is an evidence-based approach for preparing healthcare providers to discuss getting vaccinated with patients. An academic detailing presentation was developed using influenza statistics, vaccination recommendations, and recent local and national immunization rate data. Academic detailing was conducted with physicians and community pharmacy personnel in Yakima County, Washington, between November 2023 and January 2024. Yakima County is designated as a medically underserved area due to a lack of providers. A pre-detailing survey was conducted to evaluate participant knowledge of current ACIP recommendations and gather opinions about local resident vaccination barriers. A post-detailing survey was conducted to gather participants' opinions about the value of detailing. Prior to the training, 73% of providers believed it was important to discuss influenza vaccination with patients, but only 52% felt confident in combating misinformation. Healthcare providers believed misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are the most common barriers for Yakima County patients, but recent survey results showed that online scheduling systems, long wait times, and limited appointment hours were the predominant issues reported locally. Two out of 12 community pharmacy personnel and zero resident physicians correctly named all three preferentially recommended influenza vaccines for patients 65 years and older. Overall, 96% of detailing participants reported that the session was valuable, 87% believed it would help them combat vaccine misinformation, and 65% reported planning to have more conversations with patients about influenza vaccination after participating. Physicians and community pharmacy immunizers found the influenza vaccines academic detailing to be valuable. Staying up to date on vaccination guidelines can prepare providers to be confident in having informed conversations with patients about getting vaccinated.

Adoption of Circular Economy in Sustainable Agriculture Practices in Magelang District: Influence on Productivity and Farmer Welfare

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the adoption of circular economy principles in sustainable agriculture practices in Magelang district, focusing on their impact on agricultural productivity and farmer welfare, with the aim of assessing how circular economy practices contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving resource efficiency, enhancing productivity, and promoting farmer welfare in Magelang district. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of this study is grounded in the priciples of the circular economy, which emphasize maximizing resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and fostering environmental regeneration. In agriculture, these principles align with sustainable practices by promoting the reuse of organic materials, efficient resource management, and the reduction of chemical inputs to maintain soil fertility and ecosystem balance. By integrating circular economy principles with sustainable agricultural practices, this framework aims to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve farmers’ welfare while ensuring long-term environmental resilience. Method: Using a quantitative approach that includes surveys of 100 farmers and in-depth interviews, this research evaluates the implementation of CE principles, such as composting organic waste, rainwater harvesting, and crop rotation. Results and Discussion: The findings indicate that approximately 60% of farmers have adopted at least one CE practice, leading to a productivity increase of up to 25% compared to conventional methods. Additionally, CE adoption has proven to improve income stability and farmer welfare. However, barriers such as limited access to technology and funding reduce broader adoption of sustainable practices. Research Implications: This study recommends government and institutional support through training, technology access, and financial incentives to accelerate CE adoption. It provides actionable reccomendations for policymakers and stakeholders to support the broader adoption of circular economy practices in agriculture. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its focus on the adoption of circular economy principles within the specific context of sustainable agriculture in Magelang District, an area with unique agricultural challenges and potential. This research combines empirical data on productivity and welfare impacts with qualitative insights into local adoption barriers and drivers. By integrating these aspects, the study provides a novel perspective on implementing sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the region’s socioeconomic and environmental conditions.

Local Energy Minima and Density of Energy Barriers in Dense Clusters of Magnetic Nanoparticles

In this paper, we focus on the properties of local energy minima and energy barriers in immobilized dense clusters of magnetic nanoparticles. Understanding of these features is highly interesting both for the fundamental physics of disordered systems with long-range interparticle interaction and for numerous applications of modern ferrofluids consisting of such clusters. In particular, it is needed to predict the ac-susceptibility of these systems and their magnetization relaxation after a sudden change in the external field, because both processes occur via magnetization jumps over energy barriers that separate the energy minima. Due to the exponential increase in the corresponding jump time with barrier height (tsw∼exp(ΔE/kT)), direct Langevin dynamics simulations of this process are not feasible. For this reason, we have developed efficient numerical methods both for finding as many energy minima as possible and for the reliable evaluation of energy barriers between them. Our results for the distribution of overlaps between the local energy minima imply that there is no spin-glass state in such clusters even when they consist of particles with a small anisotropy. Further, we show that the distributions of energy barrier heights are qualitatively different for clusters of particles with small, intermediate, and large anisotropies, which has important consequences for the magnetization dynamics of these systems.

Effect of a Multicomponent Intervention on Acute Myocardial Infarction Diagnosis and Treatment in Tanzania: The MIMIC Implementation Trial.

Background: In Tanzania, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is under-diagnosed, and uptake of evidence-based care is sub-optimal. Using an implementation science approach, an intervention was developed to address local barriers to care: the Multicomponent Intervention for Improving Myocardial Infarction Care in Tanzania (MIMIC). Methods: This single-arm pre-post trial was conducted in a northern Tanzanian emergency department (ED). During the pre-intervention phase (February-August 2023) and the post-intervention phase (September 2023-August 2024), adults presenting with chest pain and/or dyspnea were prospectively enrolled and their ED care was observed. AMI was defined by Fourth Universal Definition criteria. Telephone follow-ups were conducted to ascertain 30-day mortality. Pearson's chi-squared was used to compare care before and after MIMIC implementation. Results: A total of 275 participants were enrolled in the pre-intervention phase and 577 were enrolled in the post-intervention phase. Following MIMIC implementation, significant increases were observed in ECG testing (89.4% of post-intervention participants vs 55.3% pre-intervention, OR 6.82, 95% CI: 4.79-9.79, p <0.001), troponin testing (78.0% of post-intervention participants vs 41.4% pre-intervention, OR 4.99, 95% CI: 3.67-6.83, p <0.001), and AMI case identification (24.4% of post-intervention participants vs 14.9% pre-intervention, OR 1.84, 95% CI: 1.26-2.73, p =0.002). Among participants with AMI, significant increases were observed in evidence-based treatment, including aspirin (71.6% among post-intervention AMI participants vs 34.4% pre-intervention, OR 4.80, 95% CI: 2.31-10.37, p <0.001), clopidogrel (65.2% among post-intervention AMI participants vs 26.8% pre-intervention, OR 5.03, 95% CI: 2.37-11.39, p <0.001), and heparin (43.2% among post-intervention participants vs 4.9% pre-intervention, OR 13.76, 95% CI: 3.99-93.79, p <0.001). Thirty-day survival among AMI participants did not change following MIMIC implementation (63.8% among post-intervention AMI participants vs 61.0% pre-intervention, OR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.54-2.31, p =0.739). Conclusions: The MIMIC intervention was associated with large increases in uptake of AMI testing, case identification, and evidence-based treatment in a Tanzanian ED. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04563546.

Regulation and function of a polarly localized lignin barrier in the exodermis

AbstractMulticellular organisms control environmental interactions through specialized barriers in specific cell types. A conserved barrier in plant roots is the endodermal Casparian strip (CS), a ring-like structure made of polymerized lignin that seals the endodermal apoplastic space. Most angiosperms have another root cell type, the exodermis, that is reported to form a barrier. Our understanding of exodermal developmental and molecular regulation and function is limited as this cell type is absent from Arabidopsis thaliana. We demonstrate that in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), the exodermis does not form a CS. Instead, it forms a polar lignin cap (PLC) with equivalent barrier function to the endodermal CS but distinct genetic control. Repression of the exodermal PLC in inner cortical layers is conferred by the SlSCZ and SlEXO1 transcription factors, and these two factors genetically interact to control its polar deposition. Several target genes that act downstream of SlSCZ and SlEXO1 in the exodermis are identified. Although the exodermis and endodermis produce barriers that restrict mineral ion uptake, the exodermal PLC is unable to fully compensate for the lack of a CS. The presence of distinct lignin structures acting as apoplastic barriers has exciting implications for a root’s response to abiotic and biotic stimuli.

Achieving an excellent combination of strength and ductility in metastable β titanium alloys via coupling isothermal ω phase and TRIP/TWIP effects

TRIP/TWIP metastable β titanium alloys demonstrate high strain hardening rates and excellent tensile ductility. However, the precipitation of nanometer-sized ω phase through microstructural control significantly improves strength but often results in a significant decrease in ductility. This research proposes a novel strategy by precipitating isothermal ω phase (ωiso) and integrating mechanical twinning/martensitic transformation to address these challenges. The single-phase β coarse-grained (CG) specimens of metastable Ti25Nb (at.%) alloy were subjected to solution treatment in the β phase region, followed by aging at 300 °C for 60 min to obtain CG60. The ωiso-reinforced CG60 specimen exhibited a 12 % uniform elongation (1 % higher than CG specimen) and a yield strength of 857 MPa (approximately 67 % higher than CG specimens). In the CG60 specimen, deformation mechanisms were mainly attributed to the TRIP, TWIP and dislocation slip, with TWIP being predominant. As aging time increased, ω phase (localized barriers) and improved β matrix stability progressively suppressed TRIP and TWIP effects, with TWIP being completely inhibited first. Transmission electron microscopy and computational findings suggest that a denser distribution of ωiso contributes more significantly to the strengthening of the alloy.

Context matters: Diagnosing and targeting local barriers to success at school

We trialed a novel method aimed at reducing educational inequalities in any given school by tailoring an intervention to address the specific local social, cultural, and psychological barriers that contribute to those inequalities. In Study 1 (N = 2070), we validated measures in a student survey of barriers experienced by students ages 11–16 years in two schools in England. We used a pilot version of these measures to identify two barriers that appeared to be contributing in both schools to poorer attendance and behavioral records of Black versus Asian students and of lower socioeconomic status (SES) students versus higher SES students. These barriers consisted of perceptions that (a) the schools were biased against certain groups of students and that there were negative stereotypes about certain groups of students, and (b) teachers and students did not come from similar backgrounds. In Study 2, which was pre-registered, we administered a brief tailored intervention to target these barriers in students ages 11–14 years in the same two schools the following year (N = 1070). The intervention, which aimed to induce values affirmation and reveal hidden teacher-student similarities, improved the attendance of low-SES students by 0.20 SD (p = .009) and reduced the gap with their peers by 60%. Exploratory analyses indicated that the improvement in attendance was larger for students who reported perceiving greater levels of bias and poorer teacher-student relationships at baseline. The impact of the intervention on the behavioral records of Black students (p = .089) and low-SES students (p = .293) was not significant. These qualified but encouraging findings provide a basis for developing practical ways for individual schools to improve outcomes for their historically disadvantaged students.

Mn-Rich Induced Alteration on Band Gap and Cycling Stability Properties of LiMnxFe1-xPO4 Cathode Materials.

Olivine-type LiMnxFe1-xPO4 (LMFP) has inherited the excellent heat-stable structure of LiFePO4 (LFP) and the high-voltage property of LiMnPO4 (LMP), which shows great promise as a high-safety, high-energy-density cathode material. In order to combine the high energy density and excellent electrochemical performance, it is essential to consider the Mn/Fe ratio. This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the lattice structure parameters, embedded lithium voltage, local electron density, migration barrier, and lithium ion delithiation and lithiation mechanism of different LiMnxFe1-xPO4 (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) compounds. In situ-coated LiMnxFe1-xPO4 (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) composite cathode materials with a size of 100-200 nm were prepared by a hydrothermal method to verify the theoretical study. LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C exhibited a specific capacity of 140.2 and 97.58 mA h·g-1 at 1 and 5C, respectively, and a remarkable capacity retention rate of 88.5% after 200 cycles at 1C. When LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C was assembled into a flexible pouch battery and subjected to long cycle tests at different rates and squeeze and extrusion tests, it demonstrated a capacity retention rate of 99.35% for 100 cycles at 0.2C and 93.2% for 200 cycles at 0.5C. Moreover, the structural evolution of LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4/C were analyzed in situ XRD, indicating a high stability and the resulted as obtine electrochemical performance, paving the way for optimization of high-energy-density LMFP cathode materials.

Cohesin distribution alone predicts chromatin organization in yeast via conserved-current loop extrusion

BackgroundInhomogeneous patterns of chromatin-chromatin contacts within 10–100-kb-sized regions of the genome are a generic feature of chromatin spatial organization. These features, termed topologically associating domains (TADs), have led to the loop extrusion factor (LEF) model. Currently, our ability to model TADs relies on the observation that in vertebrates TAD boundaries are correlated with DNA sequences that bind CTCF, which therefore is inferred to block loop extrusion. However, although TADs feature prominently in their Hi-C maps, non-vertebrate eukaryotes either do not express CTCF or show few TAD boundaries that correlate with CTCF sites. In all of these organisms, the counterparts of CTCF remain unknown, frustrating comparisons between Hi-C data and simulations.ResultsTo extend the LEF model across the tree of life, here, we propose the conserved-current loop extrusion (CCLE) model that interprets loop-extruding cohesin as a nearly conserved probability current. From cohesin ChIP-seq data alone, we derive a position-dependent loop extrusion rate, allowing for a modified paradigm for loop extrusion, that goes beyond solely localized barriers to also include loop extrusion rates that vary continuously. We show that CCLE accurately predicts the TAD-scale Hi-C maps of interphase Schizosaccharomyces pombe, as well as those of meiotic and mitotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae, demonstrating its utility in organisms lacking CTCF.ConclusionsThe success of CCLE in yeasts suggests that loop extrusion by cohesin is indeed the primary mechanism underlying TADs in these systems. CCLE allows us to obtain loop extrusion parameters such as the LEF density and processivity, which compare well to independent estimates.

Domestic Barriers for Exporting Handicrafts from Bangladesh: An Investigation

Purpose: The goal of the study is to investigate and demonstrate the major domestic barriers that are adversely affecting our handicraft products to compete in the international market. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire has been prepared to collect data from eight organizations who directly involved with exporting handicrafts from Bangladesh. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been used to identify the major domestic barriers. Also, face-to-face interview with the secretary of Banglacraft have been performed to gain detailed idea. Findings: The study has found three main domestic barriers which includes lack of skill, absence of creativity and lack of dedication. They have significant influence on the exporting process of handicraft items of Bangladesh. Practical Implications: Recently, handicraft articles have growing demand because of their environment-friendly type. Even in the covid-19 pandemic, customers use these green products in their daily doings. Thus, this study might help the authority to realize the situation and take necessary actions to expand the market. Originality/Value: Previously, a number of studies have been conducted on the overall obstacles of manufacturing, selling and exporting handicrafts. This study has specified a profound understanding on the local barriers for exporting handicrafts from Bangladesh. Limitations: Some limitations of the study are shortage of budget, time constrain and perceptional differences of the respondents. Also, use of mean value, small sample size might have an impact on the output of the analysis.

Morphogenetic varieties of iron oxyhydroxides in shimmering smokers-diffusers of the Rainbow hydrothermal field (36°13′ N, 33°54′ W, Mid-Atlantic Ridge): LA-ICP-MS data for the development of halmyrolysis theory

Research subject. Iron oxyhydroxides covering and replacing the chimneys of shimmering water smokers-diffusers of the Rainbow hydrothermal field (MAR). Aim. To identify features of the concentration and associations of chemical elements in varieties of iron oxyhydroxides to recognize patterns of geochemical differentiation under conditions of halmyrolysis of sulfide chimneys-diffusers. Materials and methods. Samples were collected during a dive to a depth of 2300 m using the manual manipulator of the Mir-2 manned vehicle (travel No. 50, research vessel Akademik Mstislav Keldysh, 2005). Varieties of iron ohyhydroxides were identified using electron microscopes (REMMA-202М with LZ-5 Link system, Tescan Vega 3 sbu with an Oxford Instruments X-act energy-dispersive analyzer, and Jeol Superprobe 733 with an EDA Oxford Instruments INCAx-sight) and a powder X-ray diffractometer (SHIMADZU XRD-6000, CuK-α radiation with monochromator). Further, a mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma and laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) analysis was conducted at the South Urals Federal Scientific Center of Mineralogy and Geoecology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Results. Microlayered goethite aggregates containing admixtures of barite, calcite, aragonite, native sulfur, covellite, sphalerite, and an X-ray amophoric oxyhydroxide phase of iron cover the shimmering diffusers. Towards the inner parts of the chimney walls, they are replaced by pseudomorphs of lepidocrocite after pyrite and pyrrhotite, and then by radial and bacteriomorphic crustifications of lepidocrocite. The use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) showed that goethite varieties have the increased contents of Zn and Co associated with other elements of medium-temperature hydrothermal fluids (Cd, Mn, Ni, Ga, Sn, Pb and Sb) in the absence of significant concentrations of a high-temperature hydrothermal association (Se, Bi, Te). The role of elements of seawater association (Mg, Na, K, Sr, U, V, As, Mo, Ni, P, B, W, Cs, REE) decreases from the surface layered goethite aggregates to crustification varieties of lepidocrocite. Different scenarios of accumulation under conditions of sulfide halmyrolysis and precipitation on local reduction barriers are proposed for elements with different valences (U, V, Mo, As, Cr, Eu). It is assumed that some of the microelements (Sr, V, As, P, REE) found in goethite are products of sorption on iron hydroxides or are part of invisible Fe-Ca hydroxyphosphates. Conclusion. The influence of sulfide halmyrolysis on the differentiation of chemical elements has been revealed.

Strain Fluctuations Unlock Ferroelectricity in Wurtzites

AbstractFerroelectrics are of practical interest for non‐volatile data storage due to their reorientable, crystallographically defined polarization. Yet efforts to integrate conventional ferroelectrics into ultrathin memories have been frustrated by film‐thickness limitations, which impede polarization reversal under low applied voltage. Wurtzite materials, including magnesium‐substituted zinc oxide (Zn,Mg)O, have been shown to exhibit scalable ferroelectricity as thin films. In this work, the origins of ferroelectricity in (Zn,Mg)O are explained, showing that large strain fluctuations emerge locally in (Zn,Mg)O and can reduce local barriers to ferroelectric switching by more than 40%. Concurrent experimental and computational evidence of these effects are provided by demonstrating polarization switching in ZnO/(Zn,Mg)O/ZnO heterostructures featuring built‐in interfacial strain gradients. These results open up an avenue to develop scalable ferroelectrics by controlling strain fluctuations atomistically.

Epithelial neutrophil localization and tight junction Claudin-2 expression are innovative outcome predictors in inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in clinical and endoscopic remission may still experience disease relapse. Therefore, there is a need to identify outcome predictors. Recently, the role of neutrophils in predicting outcomes in ulcerative colitis (UC) has been highlighted. Furthermore, the impairment of intestinal barrier plays a key role in forecasting disease outcomes in IBD. This observational study aimed to assess the predictive role of neutrophils according to tissue localization and intestinal barrier protein expression in IBD. IBD patients in clinical remission who underwent colonoscopy between January 2020 and June 2022 at two tertiary referral centres were enrolled. Patients with Mayo Endoscopic Score ≤1 (UC) and Simple Endoscopic Score ≤6 (Crohn's disease) were included. Histological activity was assessed using validated scores. Experienced pathologists evaluated neutrophil localization in the epithelium and lamina propria and immunohistochemical expression of Claudin-2 and junctional adhesion molecule A (JAM-A). Of 60 UC and 76 CD patients, 59.7% had histological activity. 25.8% of patients developed an adverse outcome within 12months. Neutrophils in the epithelium predicted adverse outcomes for UC (hazard ratio [HR] 5.198, p=0.01) and CD (HR 4.377, p=0.03) patients in endoscopic remission. Claudin-2 expression correlated with endoscopic and histological activity and predicted outcomes in UC. Similar results were found for JAM-A in CD despite this protein showing less specificity as a barrier predictor of outcome. This study highlights the potential role of epithelial neutrophil localization and Claudin-2 'leaky gut' expression as tools for predicting IBD outcomes and guiding further patient-tailored therapy.

Revealing the Interplay of Local Environments and Ionic Transport in Perovskite Solid Electrolytes.

Solid-state ionic conduction is significantly influenced by bottleneck sizes, which impede ion diffusion within solid lattices. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and multislice electron ptychography, we directly observed that increased La occupancy in the perovskite solid electrolyte Li0.5La0.5TiO3 correlates with reduced bottleneck sizes formed by four oxygen atoms connecting neighboring A-site cages. This correlation was also confirmed in local aperiodic regions, where smaller bottleneck sizes due to increased La occupancies affect the directionality and dimensionality of the Li+ ion conductivity. Furthermore, while prior studies have focused on averaged Li+ ion diffusion across different bottleneck areas or chemical environments, by devising a molecular dynamics (MD)-based methodology, we quantify the diffusivity of Li+ ions through specific bottleneck regions. Atomistic simulations, including nudged elastic band calculations and this MD-based methodology, revealed that larger bottleneck sizes correlate with smaller local migration barriers and higher local diffusivity. This study elucidates the relationship among local chemistry, lattice structure, and Li+ ion transport, providing insights for the design of advanced oxide solid electrolytes.

Parental-effect gene-drive elements under partial selfing, or why do Caenorhabditis genomes have hyperdivergent regions?

Self-fertile Caenorhabditis nematodes carry a surprising number of Medea elements, alleles that act in heterozygous mothers and cause death or developmental delay in offspring that don't inherit them. At some loci, both alleles in a cross operate as independent Medeas, affecting all the homozygous progeny of a selfing heterozygote. The genomic coincidence of Medea elements and ancient, deeply coalescing haplotypes, which pepper the otherwise homogeneous genomes of these animals, raises questions about how these apparent gene-drive elements persist for long periods of time. Here I investigate how mating system affects the evolution of Medeas, and their paternal-effect counterparts, peels. Despite an intuition that antagonistic alleles should induce balancing selection by killing homozygotes, models show that, under partial selfing, antagonistic elements experience positive frequency dependence: the common allele drives the rare one extinct, even if the rare one is more penetrant. Analytical results for the threshold frequency required for one allele to invade a population show that a very weakly penetrant allele, one whose effects would escape laboratory detection, could nevertheless prevent a much more penetrant allele from invading under high rates of selfing. Ubiquitous weak antagonistic Medeas and peels could then act as localized barriers to gene flow between populations, generating genomic islands of deep coalescence. Analysis of gene expression data, however, suggest that this cannot be the whole story. A complementary explanation is that ordinary ecological balancing selection generates ancient haplotypes on which Medeas can evolve, while high homozygosity in these selfers minimizes the role of gene drive in their evolution.

Integrating existing and novel methods to understand organizational context: A case study of an academic-public health department partnership

PurposeIn this manuscript we illustrate how implementation science (IS) researchers and practitioners can deploy and integrate existing and novel methods to develop a more comprehensive understanding of organizational context, particularly organizational routines and processes, to inform adaptation and implementation of evidence-based interventions. MethodsThe work reported here was part of a broader investigation of how to adapt and implement a three-component combination intervention in a county health department in Mobile, Alabama. Based on pre-implementation efforts to assess local context and barriers to implementation, we first describe three approaches that can be effectively used to elucidate organizational routines and processes, followed by a description of how these approaches were applied in our study. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and recommendations for how these approaches can be applied and improved upon by other IS researchers. Results/ConclusionsMultiple methods used iteratively and collaboratively with implementation partners can enhance our understanding of nuanced organizational routines and better inform efforts to adapt and implement evidence-based interventions in complex organizational settings.

WASH recommendations for improving disaster preparedness and recovery in schools in Indonesia

Access to functional and clean toilets which maintain privacy and dignity and support girls’ Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) plays a crucial role to getting girls back to school post-disaster. This could also help in managing feelings of shame and disgust experienced when using toilets in schools in post disaster settings. In this paper, we report on our assessment of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools three-years post the 2018 multi-hazard event in Indonesia. We used a mixed-methods approach using visual observations, interviews with school principals, surveys with schoolgirls and focus group discussions with schoolgirls and teachers to understand the lived experiences of students using toilets at school. Our results highlight that across schools descriptive and injunctive social norms were supportive of littering, inadequate toilet facilities for girls to manage their menstruation and bullying and antisocial behaviour by opening toilet doors while the facilities were occupied. Based on these results, we developed two types of interventions, physical and behavioural, piloted in three schools to increase WASH and MHM awareness and the safety of sanitation facilities. Our interventions showed that approaches for WASH interventions in schools can only be designed if we understand the local barriers to carrying out interventions that integrate maintenance plans. We provide recommendations to support practitioners in mitigating risk and improving circumstances for girls in schools in Indonesia, which have the potential to address SDG 4 on inclusive and equitable education and SDG 5 on gender equality and girls’ empowerment.

Thermal gradient-induced critical current degradation in mesoscopic superconducting thin film

Abstract Superconducting materials inevitably suffer from the sudden change of temperature in localized areas in practical applications, and the concomitant thermal gradient may be detrimental to their performance. Critical current density is a key factor affecting the performance of superconductors. However, the effect of thermal gradient on the critical current density has not been identified. Here, by combining the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau equations and the heat transfer equation, the thermal gradient and magnetic field dependence of the critical current density are systematically investigated and rationalized by exploring the behavior of vortex and magnetization. For lower magnetic fields, it is found that the thermal gradients strongly reduce the local surface barriers, which inhibits vortex entry and movement, leading to a rapid deterioration of the current-carrying capability. Under moderate magnetic fields, the critical current density corresponding to higher thermal gradients decreases more slowly with increasing magnetic field, which results from the thermal gradient-induced entry and moving of vortices along the current direction. As the magnetic field continues to increase, the variation of the critical current density transitions into a platform period and even slightly rises. The enhanced critical current is primarily attributed to the excess entry of vortices, which increases the surface barrier of the sample. With the further increase in the magnetic field, the critical current density continues to decrease due to increased magnetic field penetration. These results unveil the fundamental interplay between thermal gradients, external magnetic field, vortex, magnetization and critical current density, and provide a theoretical basis for understanding the heat-induced quenching of mesoscopic superconducting thin films in practical applications.

Domestic Barriers for Exporting Handicrafts from Bangladesh: An Investigation

Purpose: The goal of the study is to investigate and demonstrate the major domestic barriers that are adversely affecting our handicraft products to compete in the international market. Methodology: A self-administered questionnaire has been prepared to collect data from eight organizations who directly involved with exporting handicrafts from Bangladesh. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) has been used to identify the major domestic barriers. Also, face-to-face interview with the secretary of Banglacraft have been performed to gain detailed idea. Findings: The study has found three main domestic barriers which includes lack of skill, absence of creativity and lack of dedication. They have significant influence on the exporting process of handicraft items of Bangladesh. Practical Implications: Recently, handicraft articles have growing demand because of their environment-friendly type. Even in the covid-19 pandemic, customers use these green products in their daily doings. Thus, this study might help the authority to realize the situation and take necessary actions to expand the market. Originality/Value: Previously, a number of studies have been conducted on the overall obstacles of manufacturing, selling and exporting handicrafts. This study has specified a profound understanding on the local barriers for exporting handicrafts from Bangladesh. Research Limitations: Some limitations of the study are shortage of budget, time constrain and perceptional differences of the respondents. Also, use of mean value, small sample size might have an impact on the output of the analysis.