In this paper we construct an information-theoretic model of architectural drawings. This model is then used to quantify and measure the complexities and similarities of drawings. The approach is applied within a linear qualitative shape representation but can be generalized to other types of representation. The descriptive and analytic power of the proposed methods are demonstrated by studying...

BACKGROUND Psychosocial factors may influence adherence with exercise training for heart failure (HF) patients. We aimed to describe the association between social support and barriers to participation with exercise adherence and clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS Of patients enrolled in Heart Failure: A Controlled Trial Investigating Outcomes of Exercise Training (HF-ACTION), 2279 (97.8%...

Background: Physical activity level among women is unsatisfactory worldwide due to the increasing use of computer games, internet and some social barriers. This study aimed to investigate the lifestyle, quality of life and physical activity barriers among female students of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: According to Morgan's table, 374 ...

OBJECTIVES To explore children's perceptions of the factors influencing their engagement in physical activity during the "critical" lunchtime period, using a social-ecological framework. DESIGN This study was an in-depth descriptive qualitative design. METHODS Fifty-four South Australian children aged 10-13 years participated in same-gender focus groups. Transcripts, field notes and activit...

One of the challenges facing researchers in the domain of human immunodeficiency virus prevention is the assessment of condom use in an unbiased self-reported manner. The current study presents the development and preliminary validation of an indirect condom use test (I-CUTE), designed to assess condom use tendencies and to overcome self-report biases. Two samples were included using correlatio...

BACKGROUND The perception of personal barriers to physical activity varies according to the sociodemographic characteristics of individuals. OBJECTIVE To determine the predictors of the perception of barriers to physical activity in the adult population. METHOD A cross-sectional study with 1066 adult women and 1036 adult men. The sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, soci...

Uncovering the pathways to disclosures of child sexual abuse (CSA) and the factors influencing the willingness of victims to talk about the abuse is paramount to the development of powerful practice and policy initiatives. Framed as a long interview method utilizing a grounded theory approach to analyze data, the objective of the current study was to provide a preliminary mapping of the barrier...

Background.  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment access among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected people who inject drugs is poor, despite a high burden of disease in this population. Understanding barriers and facilitators to HCV treatment uptake is critical to the implementation of new direct-acting antivirals. Methods.  We conducted in-depth interviews with patients, physicians, ...

BACKGROUND Community Health Centers (CHCs) are important settings for obesity prevention and control. However, few studies have explored the barriers that CHC clinicians perceive their patients face in maintaining a healthy weight. METHODS Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with thirty physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners recruited from four Community Heal...