Additional Survey Research Articles

What about the “soft factors”? Longitudinal effects of leadership behaviors on psychological resources of firefighters

In addition to adequate training and reliable equipment, firefighters need robust psychological resources (e.g., self-efficacy, team cohesion) to sustain readiness for potential deployment in large-scale disasters. However, recurrent exposure to emergency situations in their every-day work poses a threat to psychological resources and jeopardizes readiness. In this study, we examine how leaders in fire services support their subordinates in maintaining high levels of these resources. We hypothesize that person-oriented leadership is particularly effective in this respect. Specifically, we predict that person-oriented leader behaviors increase subordinates' psychological resources and magnify the benefits of their performance behaviors in terms of resource acquisition. In a preregistered longitudinal study (five monthly measurements) with firefighters in Germany (N = 189), we tested our hypotheses using random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling. In line with our expectations, perceived person-oriented leader behaviors predicted subordinates' resources on a month-to-month basis, and also in an additional follow-up survey one year later. However, person-oriented leadership did not increase the return on subordinates' performance behavior in terms of resources. Notably, perceived task-oriented leader behaviors also predicted subordinates’ resources, but only on a month-to-month basis. We discuss possible mechanisms and time frames of the observed effects. Together, our findings indicate that person-oriented leadership can counteract resource depletion due to adverse working conditions and, thus, add to higher levels of readiness. Policymakers and senior executives may foster this effect by integrating person-oriented competencies into leadership norms and training programs.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of a Social Media-Based Peer-Group Mobile Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention Among Chinese Immigrants who Smoke: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Chinese immigrants experience significant disparities in tobacco use. Culturally adapted tobacco treatments targeting this population are sparse and the use is low. The low use of these treatment programs is attributed to their exclusive focus on individuals who are ready to quit and the wide range of barriers that Chinese immigrants face to access these programs. To support Chinese immigrant smokers at all levels of readiness to quit and address their access barriers, we developed the WeChat Quit Coach, a culturally and linguistically appropriate WeChat (Tencent Holdings Limited)-based peer group mobile messaging smoking cessation intervention. This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of WeChat Quit Coach. We enrolled a total of 60 Chinese immigrant smokers in 2022 in New York City for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a single-arm pilot test. The first 40 participants were randomized to either the intervention arm (WeChat Quit Coach) or the control arm (self-help print material) using 1:1 block randomization stratified by sex. WeChat Quit Coach lasted 6 weeks, featuring small peer groups moderated by a coach, daily text messages with text questions, and chat-based instant messaging support from the coach in response to peer questions. The next 20 participants were enrolled in the single-arm pilot test to further assess intervention feasibility and acceptability. All 60 participants were offered a 4-week supply of complimentary nicotine replacement therapy. Surveys were administered at baseline and 6 weeks, with participants in the pilot RCT completing an additional survey at 6 months and biochemical verification of abstinence at both follow-ups. Of 74 individuals screened, 68 (92%) were eligible and 60 (88%) were enrolled. The majority of participants, with a mean age of 42.5 (SD 13.8) years, were male (49/60, 82%) and not ready to quit, with 70% (42/60) in the precontemplation or contemplation stage at the time of enrollment. The pilot RCT had follow-up rates of 98% (39/40) at 6 weeks and 93% (37/40) at 6 months, while the single-arm test achieved 100% follow-up at 6 weeks. On average, participants responded to daily text questions for 25.1 days over the 42-day intervention period and 23% (9/40) used the chat-based instant messaging support. Most participants were satisfied with WeChat Quit Coach (36/39, 92%) and would recommend it to others (32/39, 82%). At 6 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates were 25% (5/20) in the intervention arm and 15% (3/20) in the control arm, with biochemically verified abstinence rates of 25% (5/20) and 5% (1/20), respectively. WeChat Quit Coach was feasible and well-received by Chinese immigrants who smoke and produced promising effects on abstinence. Large trials are warranted to assess its efficacy in promoting abstinence in this underserved population. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05130788; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05130788.

Reaching Structurally Vulnerable Populations Using Low-Barrier COVID-19 Testing Clinics Co-Created with Community-Based Organizations.

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected people from structurally vulnerable communities. There was a need to improve COVID-19 testing in these communities to reduce viral spread and connect to treatment. We created a partnership between an academic medical center and three community-based organizations (CBOs) to offer low-barrier COVID-19 walk-up testing clinics in Portland, Maine. Our objective was to examine whether the co-created testing clinics reached structurally vulnerable populations. The clinics offered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests three times a week outside CBO sites from January 2022 to May 2023. Clinic staff administered a brief survey on reason for testing and then instructed participants on how to self-swab. While staff processed the test, participants were invited to complete an additional survey about their demographics and testing perceptions. Adults seeking COVID-19 testing with specific outreach to people who are unhoused, immigrants, and low-income and/or uninsured. Number of tests conducted and result, reasons for testing, and testing perceptions. Of 246 completed tests, 18 were positive for COVID-19 (7%). Participants sought testing for a variety of reasons, including symptoms (60%), close contact exposure (29%), and/or need for a negative test result to access services or an activity (33%). Overall, people primarily tested due to symptoms with only 7% testing due to close contact exposure alone. The clinics reached vulnerable populations. Among the 130 people completing the participant survey, 39% were unhoused, 22% spoke a language other than English at home, 23% were uninsured, and 46% earned less than $20,000 in 2019. Qualitative field notes captured key elements of clinics that influenced reach, and how this collaboration with CBOs helped build trust with our target populations. Providing low-barrier walk-up clinics partnering with trusted CBOs was observed to be helpful in reaching structurally vulnerable populations for COVID-19 testing.

A Partial Near-infrared Guide Star Catalog for Thirty Meter Telescope Operations

At first light, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) near-infrared (NIR) instruments will be fed by a multiconjugate adaptive optics instrument known as the Narrow Field Infrared Adaptive Optics System (NFIRAOS). NFIRAOS will use six laser guide stars to sense atmospheric turbulence in a volume corresponding to a field of view of 2′, but natural guide stars (NGSs) will be required to sense tip/tilt and focus. To achieve high sky coverage (50% at the north Galactic pole), the NFIRAOS client instruments use NIR on-instrument wave front sensors that take advantage of the sharpening of the stars by NFIRAOS. A catalog of guide stars with NIR magnitudes as faint as 22 mag in the J band (Vega system), covering the TMT-observable sky, will be a critical resource for the efficient operation of NFIRAOS, and no such catalog currently exists. Hence, it is essential to develop such a catalog by computing the expected NIR magnitudes of stellar sources identified in deep optical sky surveys using their optical magnitudes. This paper discusses the generation of a partial NIR Guide Star Catalog (IRGSC), similar to the final IRGSC for TMT operations. The partial catalog is generated by applying stellar atmospheric models to the optical data of stellar sources from the Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) optical data and then computing their expected NIR magnitudes. We validated the computed NIR magnitudes of the sources in some fields by using the available NIR data for those fields. We identified the remaining challenges of this approach. We outlined the path for producing the final IRGSC using the Pan-STARRS data. We have named the Python code to generate the IRGSC as irgsctool, which generates a list of NGS for a field using optical data from the Pan-STARRS 3pi survey and also a list of NGSs having observed NIR data from the UKIRT Infrared Deep Sky Survey if they are available. irgsctool is available in the public domain on this GitHub public repository (https://github.com/sshah1502/irgsc), while the generated and validated IRGSC for the 20 test fields and additional Pan-STARRS Medium Deep Survey fields can be found on Zenodo.

Screening for Incidence and Effect of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction in College-Aged Athletes.

Pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) occurs when muscles of the pelvic floor become weakened, impaired, or experience tension leading to a variety of complications. Due to the reactive nature and high demands of many sports, athletes are at increased susceptibility and of particular interest concerning PFD. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of PFD among college-aged athletes, assess how PFD impacted athletic performance, and identify contributing factors for increased likelihood of PFD in athletes. Cross-Sectional Study. All fully active LVC NCAA Division 3 athletes were recruited for screening for PFD using the Cozean Pelvic Dysfunction Screening Protocol and were surveyed on their self-knowledge of PFD. Athletes who scored ≥ 3 on this tool completed an additional survey, created by the investigators, to identify the impact PFD had on their athletic performance and personal life and were then randomly assigned to one of three investigators to undergo a noninvasive coccygeal assessment to determine underactive, overactive, or normal pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity. Fifty-three Division III male and female athletes between the ages of 18-25 years old participated in the study. Statistically significant differences were found between Cozean scores and demographic factors of age (p \<0.001), gender (p \<0.05), self-knowledge of PFD (p \<0.001), and sport (p \<0.001) among all participants that contributed to the increased likelihood of PFD. Thirteen athletes scored ≥ 3 on the Cozean with the 92.3% experiencing under/over active PFM activity and the majority indicating that PFD significantly impacted their athletic performance and quality of life. The results indicate that older female NCAA Division III college athletes who participate in swimming and who possess self-knowledge of PFD are more likely to experience PFD. Additionally, these athletes are likely to encounter a significant impact on their athletic performance and quality of life. These results provide preliminary evidence on the need of PFD awareness and assessment among college athletes. Level 3b.

Evaluation of a Student Pharmacist-Driven Fall-Prevention Program for Older People.

There is limited research on the impact of fall prevention education for older community-living people led by student pharmacists, which includes a medication review to identify Fall Risk-Increasing Drugs (FRIDs). Study objectives were to first assess the knowledge and behavioral intentions of older people after attending a student pharmacist-led fall-prevention program (FPP) and secondly to quantify the number of FRIDs identified during a medication review. Between October 2022 and April 2023, four independent-living facilities and two senior centers served as programming locations. Events began with a fall prevention-focused presentation provided by student pharmacists. Attendees voluntarily filled out surveys to assess their knowledge and behavioral intentions regarding fall prevention. Optional medication reviews were offered. Additional survey questions were asked of medication review participants. If FRIDs were identified, the individual was provided documentation to share with their prescriber. Fall prevention bingo was offered at select events to review educational content and engage those waiting for a medication review. Eighty-six older people attended the presentations; 45 people completed medication reviews across six sites. Survey information was available for 65 presentation attendees and 29 medication review participants. After programming, 64 out of 65 participants stated they felt comfortable speaking to their pharmacist or provider about falls and their medications. Most survey respondents correctly selected which medications increase fall risk. Twenty-two of 29 medication review participants were taking at least one FRID. The FPP described showed positive results through a post-survey evaluation. Participants demonstrated knowledge of fall hazards including medications and a willingness to discuss falls and FRIDs with health professionals. These factors may lead to concrete interventions to avoid falls and their associated health consequences for older people.

Cheating in the age of generative AI: A high school survey study of cheating behaviors before and after the release of ChatGPT

The public release of ChatGPT and other generative AI chatbot technologies has been accompanied by questions about how academic integrity and student cheating behaviors will be impacted. We analyzed anonymous survey data from three high schools to see if self-reported cheating numbers changed following the introduction of ChatGPT and similar technologies. This survey data set is unique in that data on cheating had been collected with this set of schools both before and after November 2022, when ChatGPT was publicly released and drew attention to these educational concerns. The results suggested that cheating behaviors remained relatively stable after the introduction of this current generation of generative AI chatbot technology. However, some changes in reported behaviors differed depending on the type of cheating (social cheating, AI-related cheating, etc.). Additional survey questions about high school students’ AI chatbot usage and the perceived allowability of such technology revealed mixed opinions on the acceptability of using AI for various academic-related tasks. Most students did not think that using a chatbot to produce an entire paper or complete an entire assignment should be allowable. However, there was support for using AI chatbots to help students to start on assignments and papers and to help explain new concepts to them.

Evolution of germline BRCA1/2 testing practices: A five-year comparative analysis among oncology providers and patients.

e13172 Background: The Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) launched a quality improvement initiative in 2018 to address suboptimal germline BRCA1/2 testing rates and identify barriers impeding testing for patients with early-stage or metastatic breast cancer. Between 2018 and 2023, changes in clinical guidelines led to expanded testing criteria and increased referrals for genetic testing. A follow-up survey in 2023 aimed to assess changes in testing practices and challenges faced by cancer care teams, considering the evolving landscape of genetic testing and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In 2018, a survey of 95 oncology providers was conducted to explore provider characteristics, testing characteristics, and challenges/barriers to germline BRCA 1/2 testing. The survey was conducted again in 2023 for comparative analysis with a response of 115 oncology providers. The surveys explored provider characteristics, testing practices, and challenges/barriers to germline BRCA1/2 testing. To comprehensively understand the patient's perspective, an additional survey was conducted in October 2023, involving 61 individuals recently diagnosed with breast cancer to evaluate the patient experience with germline BRCA 1/2 testing and subsequent follow-up. Results: The adoption of expanded testing criteria, which influenced changes in clinical guidelines, has led to a substantial increase in referrals for genetic testing. The utilization of genetic testing by medical oncologists experienced a notable surge with 64% of survey respondents in 2023 reporting that medical oncologists most often initiated tests for germline BRCA1/2 mutations, compared to 29% in 2018. Patients’ awareness and engagement were high, with 82% undergoing germline BRCA1/2 testing, 48% undergoing testing at diagnosis, 33% before treatment, and 13% during treatment. In 2023, 23% of providers reported routinely ordering germline BRCA1/2 testing for patients with early-stage breast cancer, marking a threefold increase from the 2018 survey results. For patients with metastatic breast cancer, 41% of providers routinely ordered BRCA mutation testing, a threefold increase from 14% in 2018. While testing rates improved, challenges and barriers persist such as patient concerns (47%), access to genetic counselors (42%), turnaround time for test results (36%), and reimbursement issues (28%). Conclusions: The comparative analysis revealed a moderate improvement in germline BRCA1/2 testing practices, with increased provider engagement and patient awareness. Despite progress, challenges persist, needing multi-pronged efforts to enhance testing uptake and distribute critical information on testing to patients. The results indicate positive trends but underscore the importance of addressing barriers for comprehensive patient care.

Victory-in-freedom: Ukraine’s democratic resilience in the face of war

The article offers a rare systematic analysis of political attitudes in societies experiencing massive military invasions using statistical analysis of two original surveys conducted by the Ukraine National Academy of Sciences Institute of Sociology — a panel survey tracking the same respondents in three waves (N = 329, November 2021, June-July 2022, and June 2023) and an additional larger survey (N = 869, June 2023). Despite devastating suffering, Ukrainians’ support for democracy as a political system and for freedom of speech have stayed remarkably resilient over this time period. Cross-sectional (multiple ordinary least squares regression) and longitudinal (linear mixed-effects model regression) tests, as well as supplementary focus group conversations in all of Ukraine’s macro-regions, show that this democratic resilience is grounded in the victory-in-freedom synergy — a widespread sense of shared sacrifice that drives determination to win the war and restore Ukraine’s territorial integrity. In particular, we found a clearer understanding of the importance of political freedoms and fighting for victory among individuals who experienced loss and trauma and a strong appreciation across Ukraine’s society that victory is vital to preserve democracy. Survey data also demonstrates that democracy support has become more intrinsic to Ukrainian national identity and that the initial surge of democracy support among Ukrainians in the face of Russia’s invasion has been more than a short-term rallying-round-the-flag. In combination, these factors explain the Ukrainians’ sustained, spirited resilience in the face Russia’s mass savage invasion over more than a two-year period. Moreover, support for democratic ideals doesn’t mean Ukrainians write a blank check of trust to their government. Longitudinal analysis indicates that as the war progressed, and hardship persisted respondents held their democratic institutions accountable. At the same time, the results of our study indicate that sustaining this resilience would require not only battlefield successes, but also accountable governance, countering Russia’s media impacts, and sustaining family incomes. Our findings contribute to the literature on war and democracy by showing the importance of considering both the external context (war duration and impacts and the aggressor state type) and the mobilization of national identity in the face of aggression.

The fifth data release of the Kilo Degree Survey: Multi-epoch optical/NIR imaging covering wide and legacy-calibration fields

We present the final data release of the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS-DR5), a public European Southern Observatory (ESO) wide-field imaging survey optimised for weak gravitational lensing studies. We combined matched-depth multi-wavelength observations from the VLT Survey Telescope and the VISTA Kilo-degree INfrared Galaxy (VIKING) survey to create a nine-band optical-to-near-infrared survey spanning 1347 deg2. The median r-band 5σ limiting magnitude is 24.8 with median seeing 0.7″. The main survey footprint includes 4 deg2 of overlap with existing deep spectroscopic surveys. We complemented these data in DR5 with a targeted campaign to secure an additional 23 deg2 of KiDS- and VIKING-like imaging over a range of additional deep spectroscopic survey fields. From these fields, we extracted a catalogue of 126 085 sources with both spectroscopic and photometric redshift information, which enables the robust calibration of photometric redshifts across the full survey footprint. In comparison to previous releases, DR5 represents a 34% areal extension and includes an i-band re-observation of the full footprint, thereby increasing the effective i-band depth by 0.4 magnitudes and enabling multi-epoch science. Our processed nine-band imaging, single- and multi-band catalogues with masks, and homogenised photometry and photometric redshifts can be accessed through the ESO Archive Science Portal.

A randomized controlled double-blinded split-face prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a novel 3-step routine compared to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Adult acne vulgaris affects up to 43-51% of individuals. While there are numerous treatment options for acne including topical, oral, and energy-based approaches, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is a popular over the counter (OTC) treatment. Although BPO monotherapy has a long history of efficacy and safety, it suffers from several disadvantages, most notably, skin irritation, particularly for treatment naïve patients. In this prospective, randomized, controlled, split-face study, we evaluated the comparative efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a novel 3-step azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and graduated retinol regimen versus a common OTC BPO-based regimen over 12weeks. A total of 37 adult subjects with self-reported mild to moderate acne vulgaris were recruited. A total of 21 subjects underwent a 2-week washout period and completed the full study with 3 dropping out due to product irritation from the BPO routine, and 13 being lost to follow-up. Detailed tolerability surveys were conducted at Week 4. Additional surveys on tolerability and product preferences were collected monthly, at Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12. A blinded board-certified dermatologist objectively scored the presence and type of acne lesions (open or closed comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts) at baseline, Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12. Patients photographed themselves and uploaded the images using personal mobile phones. Detailed Week 4 survey results showed across 25 domains of user-assessed product performance, the novel routine outperformed the BPO routine in 19 (76%) which included domains in preference (e.g. "I would use this in the future)and performance ("my skin improved" and "helped my acne clear up faster"). Users of the novel routine reported less facial redness, itching, and burning, though differences did not reach statistical significance. In terms of efficacy, both products performed similarly, reducing total acne lesions by 36% (novel routine) and 40% (BPO routine) by Week 12. Overall, accounting for user preferences and tolerability the novel routine was more preferred than the BPO routine in 79% of domains (22/28). Differences in objective acne lesion reduction were not statistically significant (p = 0.97). In a randomized split-face study, a 3-step azelaic acid, salicylic acid, and graduated retinol regimen delivered similar acne lesion reduction, fewer user dropouts, greater user tolerability, and higher use preference compared to a 3-step BPO routine based in a cohort of participants with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris.

Changes in endangered hornbill populations over space and time and potential ecological impacts in peninsular Thailand

Hornbills are particularly important seed dispersers in tropical Asian forests, but most of the species in the region are declining. In addition, long-term data on the extent of the declines and how forest degradation impacts hornbills remain mostly unquantified. Here, we used multi-covariate distance sampling to estimate the densities of hornbills in 2021–2022 in Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary and Budo Su-Ngai Padi National Park protected areas in southern Thailand. These two sites are particularly useful for comparison due to differences in protection levels, with Bala being relatively less disturbed than Budo Mountain and because Bala was surveyed 20 years prior (2001–2002). Fig tree watches were also conducted in 2021–2022 to assess the potential impact of forest disturbance on hornbill visitation rates. Results indicated significant differences in hornbill densities between the two sites. The mean density of the Rhinoceros (Buceros rhinoceros) and Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) was 3.2 and 5.1 times higher in Bala than in Budo, while the mean density of the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) was 2.2 times higher in Budo than in Bala. The density of the Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax vigil) was notably lower than other hornbill species. There were also significant changes over the past 20 years in large hornbill densities, with Great Hornbill and Wreathed Hornbill significantly increasing, while the Helmeted Hornbill declined more than 90 %. Also, the probability of hornbills visiting fruiting Ficus trees was higher in the less-disturbed Bala than the Budo Mountain, making hornbills more reliable visitors in the less-disturbed site. We demonstrate the applicability of the multi-covariate distance sampling approach to estimate densities of rare hornbills, the negative impacts of habitat degradation on hornbills and the ecological role they play as seed dispersers. Additional surveys are needed throughout tropical Asia to establish further sites for long-term monitoring, especially in the Sunda region, where the Helmeted Hornbill is under extreme threat.

Effectiveness of a mobile-based return to work program for decent return to work, fatigue, stress, and quality of working life among cancer survivors.

This study aimed to develop a smartphone mobile application-based supportive return to work (RTW) program for cancer survivors and evaluate its effects on their RTW, fatigue, stress, and quality of working life. This program was developed through a comprehensive process involving literature review, interviews with cancer survivors, and consultations with experts. A non-equivalent control group pre- and post-test design was used, with 41 participants assigned to the experimental (n = 18) and control (n = 23) groups based on recruitment timing. The experimental group received a 6-week smartphone mobile application-based supportive RTW program comprising "Counseling and Education" and "Self-Management." Participants completed assessments of decent RTW, fatigue, stress, and quality of working life at baseline and 6months later. The experimental group completed an additional post-program completion survey. During the 6-week program, no experimental group participants dropped out. The program's impact on decent RTW remains unclear. Fatigue (F = 2.52, p = 0.095) and quality of working life (F = 0.86, p = 0.434) did not show statistically significant differences. However, there was a significant reduction in stress (F = 4.59, p = 0.017). The smartphone application-based RTW program, focusing on self-management and counseling, effectively reduced participants' stress levels. To further evaluate the effectiveness of the program, a more diverse range of interventions and ongoing programs should be implemented. This study underscores the importance of tailored digital interventions to support the RTW of cancer survivors. The use of mobile smartphone applications allows temporal and spatial flexibility in program participation. Interventions involving various activities should be implemented to ensure ongoing participation.

A Novel Method for Patients With Ear Keloid: Enucleation and Fat Grafting.

Keloid is a dermal fibroproliferative disease unique to humans. Due to the ambiguity in its pathophysiology and the frequent recurrence of keloid, there is no clear consensus on the treatment of keloid and there are many treatment methods defined. In order to benefit from the positive effects of fat grafting on pathological scars, we applied fat grafting to patients who underwent keloid enucleation. Fifteen ear keloid patients included in the study. All patients underwent the same surgical procedure by the same surgeon. Routine follow-ups and examinations were performed to evaluate the results and in addition, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) survey was used. In the study, 15 patients were followed for a median (IQR) period of 21 (13-28) months. No recurrence was observed in any patient during follow-up, which occurred for a median of 21 (13-28) months. In the questionnaire filled out by the patients, the preoperative median value was found to be 48 (IQR: 12), whereas the postoperative median value was found to be 14 (IQR: 8). According to the patients, there was a statistically significant ( P < 0.05) positive improvement after surgery. Historically, surgical procedures were avoided because the surgical recurrence rate was very high, but today, recurrence rates are decreasing with combined treatments. These treatment combinations may require more than one intervention and require frequent clinical follow-ups. With our technique of fat grafting after enucleation, the treatment was completed with a single operation and no additional intervention was required.

Assessing the durability of a cash transfer on physical intimate partner violence and sexual relationships among adolescent girls and young women in rural South Africa

IntroductionCash transfers can reduce adolescent girls and young women's (AGYW) risk of intimate partner violence (IPV). In our own cash transfer intervention (HPTN 068), AGYW who received a cash transfer were less likely to experience IPV than non-recipients, in part because the cash reduced their engagement in sexual partnerships. This mixed-methods study builds on earlier findings to examine whether the protective effects were sustained after the cash ended and when the cash transfer was the most impactful. MethodsHPTN 068 was an experimental HIV prevention intervention trial. AGYW who participated completed 3 annual surveys during the intervention and an additional survey 2.5 years post-intervention. We used log-binomial regression models to assess the durability of the cash transfer on outcomes and included an interaction term in models to examine when effects were largest. We analyzed qualitative interviews conducted after the cash ended to contextualize findings. ResultsPost-intervention, the relative risk of physical IPV was lower among AGYW who received it compared to those who did not, but not statistically significant (RR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.62, 1.10). AGYW who received the cash transfer also had a lower relative risk of ever having had sex and of having any sexual partner in the last 12 months (RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.01; RR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99, respectively). The protective effect of the cash transfer on physical IPV was highest in Years 1 and 2 (RR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.55–0.75 and RR: 0.65; 95% CI: 0.55–0.77, respectively). Qualitative data corroborated the quantitative findings. ConclusionThe cash transfer reduced AGYW's risk of IPV, though effects were attenuated after the cash ended. Provision of cash during adolescence – a period when AGYW are highly susceptible to IPV and HIV – may empower them in their current relationship and yield long term health benefits.

Abstract PO2-03-01: Personalized 3D tumor models drive shared decision-making in early breast cancer

Abstract Background: Decision-making for early (Stages 1-3) breast cancer (eBC) care is complex and highly personal, requiring discussions between patients and multiple physicians. Shared decision-making (SDM) is an accepted process that combines input from both patients and physicians, although its overall use is low due to a lack of time and incentives, complicated application techniques, and few communication tools. Reviews show that SDM results in “improved affective-cognitive outcomes” but evidence linking to patient outcomes is sparse. Consequently, patients often receive mixed messages and feel anxious when making treatment decisions. SimBioSys (SBS) developed the TumorSight(TM) platform for individualized treatment planning, coordinated care, and SDM. The first application on this platform, TumorSight Viz, rapidly builds 3D computational models from standard breast MRI data, and further integrates deep learning, genomic/genetic testing, metabolomics, and clinical and demographic data to tailor these models for each individual diagnosed with eBC. The platform can also transform acquired data (e.g., prone) to surgical position (e.g., supine) to create realistic images for precision surgical planning and tools for better SDM with eBC patients. We are assessing how surgeons and patient advocates (PA) perceive TumorSight, and how it may support better SDM and treatment implementation. Methods: SBS conducted an exploratory survey with 31 eBC surgeons to assess the utility of TumorSight Viz visualizations across a range of didactic and planning applications and to query preferences for future components like predicted response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Questions were developed with input from breast surgeon advisors. More exploration on TumorSight Viz utility is planned with semi-structured qualitative interviews to assess patient advocates’ perceptions of 3D visualizations, surgical planning, and ability to support decision making. PAs will represent geographic, experience, and race/ethnicity diversity. Questions to elicit patient needs, perception of SBS tools, and quality-of-life are being finalized with academic advisors. These will also be used to develop a future eBC patient survey. Results: The SBS surgeon survey revealed that 96% of breast surgeons find visualization important to surgical planning, and these depictions were considered to be critical by a third of breast surgeons surveyed. 96% also listed the conversion of prone to supine visualizations as important (45% critical, 35% valuable, 16% nice to have, 0% not important) for surgical planning value. Surgeons also assigned strong utility for: Graphical 3D rotation to determine tumor shape, size, location, positioning, and landmarks relative to other breast structures – 100% Ability to instantly provide tumor-to-breast volume determination with high accuracy – 96% Ability to instantly provide anticipated tumor extirpation volume to breast volume with high accuracy – 96% Automatic tumor-to-landmark structures measurements (nipple, chest, skin) – 96% Visualization of tumor in the context of other anatomical structures (e.g., skin, blood vessels, chest, heart) – 87% Initial PA discussions (n=3) listed the importance of individualized treatment based on evidence instead of hunches; reasons to avoid prophylactic mastectomies; and ways to lower patient anxiety. Conclusions: Survey-based feedback shows value to eBC surgeons and patients to coordinate care and personalize approaches for optimal outcomes. Computational tools can facilitate patient understanding and patient-tailored treatment. Additional surveys are planned with patients and eBC patient advocacy groups to assess the utility and potential expansion of patient-specific 3D tumor visualizations, both of which will be further discussed. Citation Format: Deborah Collyar, Matthew Biancalana, Anuja Antony, Nicole Liadis, Jyoti Palaniappan, Rebecca Seago-Coyle. Personalized 3D tumor models drive shared decision-making in early breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-03-01.

Establishment potential across South Korea for two gecko species, Gekko japonicus and G. swinhonis, adapted to different climates

The introduction of exotic species and the associated impacts are increasing worldwide due to the development and increase in transportation and international trade. As new populations of the non-native Gekko japonicus and G. swinhonis have recently been discovered in South Korea, this study was conducted to investigate the distribution of these species, evaluate the establishment potential of non-native populations and infer their routes of introduction. The study comprised targeted field surveys around the major international ports, generation of ecological niche models (ENMs), based on the known distributions and comparison of the ecological niches of the two species. The results suggest that G. japonicus and G. swinhonis are primarily distributed in the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and the monsoon-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate (Dwa), respectively. According to the ENMs predicted across South Korea, suitable habitats for G. japonicus were located along the western and southern coasts of the country, whereas those for G. swinhonis were predicted along the western coastal regions and several major cities inland. These distributional patterns may be attributed to adaptations of the two gecko congeners to distinct climatic conditions leading to divergent ecological niches. Considering the known distributions of the two species in South Korea, the most likely routes of introduction are accidental translocations through international trade and the inland populations most likely originated from human-mediated dispersals along the major rivers. This study highlights the need to implement quarantine procedures for international cargo arriving in South Korea. Additional field surveys are further recommended to focus on urban areas adjacent to international ports and major rivers to curtail further introductions of non-native geckos.

Agreement between vestibular elective physical therapy students and experienced physical therapists in identifying nystagmus during positional testing and diagnosing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a vestibular elective in preparing students to perform nystagmus identification and diagnosing benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) through an investigation of agreement between student performances and experienced physical therapists. Methods: Seven students watched eye movement videos during positioning testing of 14 patients. Students recorded the nystagmus characteristics for each position and made diagnoses. The students completed additional surveys. Pairwise percent agreement and kappa statistics (κ) were used to compare agreement between each students’ conclusions to those of an experienced physical therapist obtained from a previous study. Krippendorff’s alpha (α) was used to analyze the overall reliability of student ability for these skills. Results: Interrater agreement between students and the expert was fair to almost perfect (κ = 0.22 to 1) in identifying nystagmus, and slight to almost perfect (κ = −0.02 to 1) in diagnosing BPPV. There was moderate agreement between students to identify nystagmus (α = 0.58–0.65, average agreement = 80–83%) during positional testing, and fair to moderate agreement to diagnose BPPV (α = 0.38 to 0.53, average agreement = 64–74%). Agreement was higher in cases of typical BPPV presentations. Students reported the task as difficult, had the necessary knowledge, and wanted more practice. Correlations (r = 0.76 to 0.82) were seen between clinical experience with BPPV and lower perceived difficulty. Conclusion: Students are capable of identifying nystagmus and diagnosing typical BPPV; however, students may require more practice, clinical experience, and mentorship to improve reliability. The results may help determine educational needs to prepare clinicians to manage individuals with BPPV.

Palmer Amaranth in the Pacific Northwest

AbstractPalmer amaranth is one of the most troublesome pigweeds in crop production systems in the United States. It only recently started to appear in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). A coordinated extension and outreach effort among land grant universities (University of Idaho, Oregon State University, and Washington State University), Amalgamated Sugar, other commodity commissions, and industry was launched to track Palmer amaranth in the PNW. In 2023, tissue samples were collected from pigweeds suspected to be Palmer amaranth with tests providing confirmation. Palmer amaranth was detected in several crops as well as right‐of‐way and private property. Most of the Palmer amaranth populations were confirmed to be resistant to glyphosate. Additional surveys and resistance screening efforts are underway to map the distribution of Palmer amaranth and assess the level of herbicide resistance across the region. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Integrated Pest Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

Gestational diabetes mellitus care re‐imagined: women's experiences of a major model of care change at a large metropolitan hospital

Abstract Background: A gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) pregnancy has significant psychological, time and resource impacts. In 2020–21, a digitally‐supported radical GDM service redesign was undertaken at a Brisbane tertiary centre, producing substantial cost savings without compromising clinical outcomes.Aims: To describe women's experiences within this new model of care (MOC), specifically the app user experience (MOC) (post), compared with a traditional MOC (pre).Methods: The new MOC was evaluated using a pre–post study design. This MOC included a smartphone app‐to‐clinician blood glucose communication platform. A convenience sample of women were surveyed about care experiences and app use pre‐ and post‐implementation. An additional survey queried user app experience at four weeks’ postpartum.Results: Within the service, 34% (n=24) and 22% (n=48) of women were surveyed pre and post MOC introduction, respectively. Pre‐implementation, 50% (n=12) of women missed work to attend appointments and 75% spent 30–120 minutes at the hospital. Questions regarding understanding GDM, initial dietary changes and glucometer use received similar or slightly lower ratings, pre‐ to post‐implementation. Nearly a quarter of women in the app‐experiences survey (24.2%; n=177) showed high levels of satisfaction with care received (91.5%) and with the app for managing GDM (87.1%). Two experience themes that emerged were Enhanced GDM management and Usability issues.Conclusions: The new MOC reduced time impositions associated with attending appointments. Despite the removal of face‐to‐face visits in the new MOC, women still established a connection with their treating team and maintained their understanding of their GDM management. Copyright © 2024 John Wiley &amp; Sons.