Geographic Connections Research Articles

Constructing sympatry networks to assess potential introgression pathways within the major oak sections in the contiguous US states

Societal Impact StatementIncreasing evidence indicates gene flow commonly occurs between closely related species in diverse plant genera and can involve numerous species. Here, we present a simple method to quantify and characterize the potential for gene flow among “sympatric” species (they share some part of their geographic distribution), using oaks as a case study. The resulting sympatry networks provide insight into potential interspecific gene flow, from the perspective of each species and across the entire suite of interfertile species. In a rapidly changing world, interspecific gene flow will play an increasingly important role in the conservation of endangered species, both positive and negative.Summary We provide a simple method, using geographic distribution data, to quantify and characterize sympatry networks among a suite of interfertile species to assess potential routes for introgressive hybridization (IH). Sympatry is a necessary condition for IH and is easily determined from widely available geographic distribution data. Oaks, famous for hybridization, present an excellent case study. We use county‐level data for 94 oak species in the contiguous US states to determine patterns of sympatry of species within the four sections, assumed to be interfertile. The pairwise sympatry relationships can generate species‐centric local networks or a syngameon‐wide network. Two different measures of sympatry are used: proportional and relative. Most oak species are exposed to IH from many species, with red oaks having slightly higher local levels of sympatry (5.7 vs. 3.8 spp per county) than white oaks but lower total numbers of sympatric species (13.7 vs. 14.8). The nature of potential IH generally differs for threatened species, which are often embedded in the much larger distributions of widespread species. Potential IH within oak sections is widespread and disproportionately affects rare species. Given that IH has potentially positive or negative impacts on species cohesion, persistence, and adaptation, the geographic connections among species and the ‘local sympatry effect’ can serve as a springboard for hypothesis generation and genetic investigation of introgression patterns.

India's knowledge system - A needed approach in NEP2020 to regain the deep roots of our nation- India

"Ingrained in India" is a significant idea established in the New Education Policy of 2020 as a critical component of new education in India. To support a comprehensive, inclusive, and culturally rich educational experience, this idea is weaved throughout the NEP. The phrase represents an educational philosophy that is closely linked to India's rich intellectual, historical, cultural, and spiritual legacy. "Ingrained in India" is a cornerstone of NEP 2020 and will have a significant impact on the composition and design of the upcoming educational framework. Groundedness in India is a deep idea that transcends simple political or geographic connections. It encompasses a profound kinship with the intricate web of Indian customs, values, knowledge, and spirituality as well as a feeling of eternal belonging. I shall examine the cultural, historical, philosophical, and spiritual foundations of Ingrained in India in this article as I dig into its many facets as understanding cultural diversity, Historical continuity, Understanding Spirituality and Philosophy of our country, and the importance of Inculcating Ethical and Moral values among our future generation.

Evolución de la biodiversidad amazónica: una revisión

ABSTRACT Amazonia (defined herein as the Amazon basin) is home to the greatest concentration of biodiversity on Earth, providing unique genetic resources and ecological functions that contribute to ecosystem services globally. The lengthy and complex evolutionary history of this region has produced heterogeneous landscapes and riverscapes at multiple scales, altered the geographic and genetic connections among populations, and impacted rates of adaptation, speciation, and extinction. In turn, ecologically diverse Amazonian biotas promoted further diversification, species coexistence, and coevolution, with biodiversity accumulating over tens of millions of years. Important events in Amazonian history included: (i) late Cretaceous and early Paleogene origin of major rainforest plant and animal groups; (ii) Eocene-Oligocene global cooling with rainforests contracting to tropical latitudes separating Atlantic coastal and Amazonian rainforests; (iii) Miocene uplift of central and northern Andes that separated Pacific coastal and Amazonian rainforests, spurred formation of mega-wetlands in the western Amazon, and contributed to the origin of the modern transcontinental Amazon River; (iv) late Neogene formation of the Panamanian Isthmus that facilitated the Great American Biotic Interchange; (v) Pleistocene climate oscillations followed by late Pleistocene-Holocene human colonization and megafaunal extinctions; and (vi) modern era of widespread anthropogenic deforestation, defaunation, and ecological transformations of regional landscapes and global climates. Amazonian conservation requires decade-scale investments into biodiversity documentation and monitoring to leverage existing scientific capacity, and strategic habitat planning to allow continuity of evolutionary and ecological processes now and into the future.

Can we assess whether Ukrainians flourish? The Ukrainian translation of the flourishing scale

The aim of this study was to translate the Flourishing Scale, which is a brief 8-item measure, into Ukrainian and examine its construct validity. The Flourishing Scale has been previously validated into various languages, including Russian. While Ukrainian is a distinct language with its unique characteristics, it shares some similarities with Russian due to historical and geographical connections. These similarities encompass words with similar or related meanings, comparable sentence structures, and certain cultural references and idiomatic expressions. Accordingly, the Ukrainian version of the Flourishing Scale was developed based on the Russian version. The translation process involved two proficient researchers fluent in Ukrainian, English, and Russian. Following the committee approach, one researcher conducted the initial translation, while the other ensured the accuracy and linguistic equivalence of the translated items. The eight items were pilot-tested with Ukrainian-speaking adult participants. Results from confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the Ukrainian version of the Flourishing Scale showed evidence of construct validity and reliability, thereby resulting in a tool that can be used with Ukrainian adults to further examine their flourishing.•The Flourishing Scale was translated into Ukrainian and pilot-tested to assess it psychometric properties.•Results indicated good construct validity and reliability of the Ukrainian version of the Flourishing Scale.

Interwoven Concepts of Ascetic, God, and Relic: An Iconographical Innovation During Pre-Modern Period in South India

AbstractThis research brings to light a paradoxical phenomenon of mummification and veneration of “whole-body relic” of the ascetic whose remains are enshrined in a vṛndāvana. The term vṛndāvana is normally attributed to the garden where Krsna and the gopis danced in eternal bliss. However, the relic of the ascetic head of a sectarian monastery is termed as vṛndāvana as well. There are numerous relic memorials in the sectarian Vedānta Vaisnava Dvaita monastery and its branches, where it is worshipped particularly in the state of Karnataka. This paper is an investigation into the rationale for the naming of the whole-body relic memorial as vṛndāvana. Such an attribution in term to a memorial and icon of an ascetic head and a transformation of its meaning is a conundrum. I argue that the rationale for such an adoption lies in the geographical, mythological, metaphysical, and philosophical connections between Krsna’s vṛndāvana and that of the ascetic. The sources that I have used in order to comprehend the traditional concepts and historical context include ancient Pūraṇas, archeological and artistic evidence, bhakti poetry, and discussions with living ascetics. This multidisciplinary exploration reveals the inventive genius of Dvaita monasteries and the sacred interchangeable concept-status and sacredness, dead and living between the ascetic and God.

Dispensaries and Medical Marijuana Certifications and Indications: Unveiling the Geographic Connections in Pennsylvania, USA

Introduction: Pennsylvania opened its first medical marijuana (MMJ) dispensary in 2018. Qualifying conditions include six conditions determined to have no or insufficient evidence to support or refute MMJ effectiveness. We conducted a study to describe MMJ dispensary access in Pennsylvania and to determine whether dispensary proximity was associated with MMJ certifications and community demographics. Methods: Using data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we geocoded MMJ dispensary locations and linked them to US Census Bureau data. We created dispensary access measures from the population-weighted centroid of Zip Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs): distance to nearest dispensary and density of dispensaries within a 15-min drive. We evaluated associations between dispensary access and the proportion of adults who received MMJ certification and the proportion of certifications for low evidence conditions (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, epilepsy, glaucoma, Huntington’s disease, opioid use disorder, and Parkinson’s disease) using negative binomial modeling, adjusting for community features. To evaluate associations racial and ethnic composition of communities and distance to nearest dispensary, we used logistic regression to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for median income. Results: Distance and density of MMJ dispensaries were associated with the proportion of the ZCTA population certified and the proportion of certifications for insufficient evidence conditions. Compared to ZCTAs with no dispensary within 15 min, the proportion of adults certified increased by up to 31% and the proportion of certifications for insufficient evidence decreased by up to 22% for ZCTAs with two dispensaries. From 2018 to 2021, the odds of being within five miles of a dispensary was up to 20 times higher in ZCTAs with the highest proportions of individuals who were not White (2019: OR: 20.14, CI: 10.7–37.8) and more than double in ZCTAs with the highest proportion of Hispanic individuals (2018: OR: 2.81, CI: 1.51–5.24), compared to ZCTAs with the lowest proportions. Conclusions: Greater dispensary access was associated with the proportions of certified residents and certifications for low evidence conditions. Whether these patterns are due to differences in accessibility or demand is unknown. Associations between community demographics and dispensary proximity may indicate MMJ access differences.

Spatial effect of carbon neutrality target on high-quality economic development-Channel analysis based on total factor productivity.

This study utilizes panel data from 30 provinces in mainland China from 2011 to 2020 to investigate the impact of carbon-neutral development on economic high-quality development by constructing an economic high-quality development index and a carbon-neutral development index. Firstly, the study examines the effects of carbon-neutral development on economic high-quality development using baseline regression and spatial Durbin regression. The results indicate that carbon-neutral development has a positive direct effect on economic high-quality growth, but there are negative spatial spillover effects. Secondly, this study employs total factor productivity (TFP) as an intermediate variable in the mediation model regression. The findings demonstrate that carbon-neutral development significantly improves TFP, and the significant improvement in TFP promotes high-quality economic growth. Lastly, the study conducts regional heterogeneity analysis and finds a significant promoting effect of carbon-neutral development on economic high-quality development in the eastern and central regions of China, while it is not significant in the western region. Therefore, it is recommended that China, in the process of achieving carbon-neutral growth, consider the geographical connections between different regions to prevent negative spillover effects. Additionally, regional heterogeneity should be taken into account when formulating relevant policies to promote economic high-quality development.

Main results of bird ringing (banding) in the Western Tien Shan in the 21st century (2001-2023)

This article presents the results of bird ringing in the Western Tien Shan from 2001 to 2023. Methods for tagging and studying the migration routes, biology and ecology of birds are described, including catching and ringing, studying morphometric parameters, tagging with GPS/GSM transmitters, and visual surveys. Data are presented on the number of marked orders, species and individuals of birds for the specified period. In the period from 2001 to 2023, the most numerous species of birds were identified, as well as rare species that were able to be marked. The timing of autumn and spring migrations has been established, and the peaks and deadlines for bird migration have been identified. Some results of bird tagging with trackers are presented as well. This article also contains information about the meeting of ringed birds and the return of rings from different countries. Ecological and geographical connections of some bird species flying along the foothills of the Western Tien Shan have been established.

Genetic diversity and phylogeography of Phlebotomus argentipes (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae), using COI and ND4 mitochondrial gene sequences.

Phlebotomus argentipes complex is the primary vector for cutaneous leishmaniasis, a burgeoning health concern in contemporary Sri Lanka, where effective vector control is important for proper disease management. Understanding the genetic diversity of the P. argentipes population in Sri Lanka is vital before implementing a successful vector control program. Various studies have indicated that genetic divergence, caused by genetic drift or selection, can significantly influence the vector capacity of arthropod species. To devise innovative control strategies for P. argentipes, exploring genetic diversity and phylogeography can offer valuable insights into vector competence, key genetic trait transfer, and impact on disease epidemiology. The primary objective is to analyze the genetic diversity and phylogeography of the P. argentipes complex in Sri Lanka, based on two mitochondrial genomic regions in modern representatives of P. argentipes populations. A total of 159 P. argentipes specimens were collected from five endemic areas of cutaneous leishmaniasis and identified morphologically. Two mitochondrial regions (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) were amplified using the total DNA and subsequently sequenced. Partial sequences of those mitochondrial genes were utilized to analyze genetic diversity indices and to explore phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships. Among five sampling locations, the highest genetic diversity for COI and ND4 was observed in Hambantota (Hd-0.749, π-0.00417) and Medirigiriya (Hd-0.977, π-0.01055), respectively. Phylogeographic analyses conducted using COI sequences and GenBank retrieved sequences demonstrated a significant divergence of P. argentipes haplotypes found in Sri Lanka. Results revealed that they have evolved from the Indian ancestral haplotype due to historical- geographical connections of the Indian subcontinent with Sri Lanka. Utilizing high-mutation-rate mitochondrial genes, such as ND4, can enhance the accuracy of genetic variability analysis in P. argentipes populations in Sri Lanka. The phylogeographical analysis of COI gene markers in this study provides insights into the historical geographical relationship between India and P. argentipes in Sri Lanka. Both COI and ND4 genes exhibited consistent genetic homogeneity in P. argentipes in Sri Lanka, suggesting minimal impact on gene flow. This homogeneity also implies the potential for horizontal gene transfer across populations, facilitating the transmission of genes associated with traits like insecticide resistance. This dynamic undermines disease control efforts reliant on vector control strategies.

Understanding the Match: The Effect of Signaling, Demographics, and Applicant Characteristics on Match Success in the Orthopaedic Residency Application Process.

As of the 2022 to 2023 match cycle, orthopaedic residency programs began offering applicants 30 signals as part of a preference signaling program. Many have assumed that signals would become powerful tools in the match process, yet no objective data currently exist analyzing their effect. This study aims to provide such analysis while also offering comparisons with other factors affecting match success. Self-reported survey data on applicants and applications from 2017 to 2023 from the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency database were queried. Variables associated with receiving interviews and match success were analyzed using two-sided Student t -tests, chi-squared tests, variance ratio testing, and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Compared with 2017 to 2022, 2023 applicants submitted fewer applications (61.8 versus 78; P < 0.001), received fewer interview offers (11.6 versus 13.8; P < 0.001), and interview offers were spread more evenly among applicants (SD, 6.82 versus 9.10; P < 0.001). For 2023 applications, odds of securing an interview were increased most by away rotations (odds ratios [OR] 61.8; P < 0.001), use of a signal (OR, 9.61; P < 0.001), and geographic connection (OR, 4.70; P < 0.001). Female applicants received more interview offers from signaled programs than their male counterparts (11.2 versus 8.94; P = 0.003). Applicant variables most predictive of match success in 2023 were interview offers (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.802), step 2 CK score (AUC = 0.673), and step 1 score (AUC = 0.648). The preference signaling program seems to be accomplishing its goals of reducing applications and more evenly distributing interviews. Away rotations, signals, and geographic connections represent the strongest predictors of applications resulting in a successful match. Applicants must use their signals carefully to maximize their chance of success. Level III.

USING GEO-SPATIAL DATA AND DATASET FOR CROPLAND MONITORING IN DARKHAN-UUL AND SELENGE PROVINCES, MONGOLIA

Abstract. The central agricultural region is relatively pleasant in terms of nature and climate of our country, and due to the use of land for multiple purposes, the ecological status of the land has been greatly changed. It is necessary to use many types of layered data and use many types of thematic image results in agricultural monitoring and research, which is a necessary land use. These data will be carried out by various branches of research, and the modelling of each data into a unified database with geographical connections will allow for integrated evaluation and thematic drawing, and the use of geo-spatial analysis decision-making system is required. The purpose of this work is to carry out agricultural land monitoring research using remote sensing methods and advanced technology, to develop a unified methodology, to enrich the data of the points of the monitoring network database, to create an interdisciplinary geo-database, and to develop recommendations for further measures to be taken. It will cover 304,000 hectares of 17 soums of Selenge province and 36,000 agricultural lands of 3 soums of Darkhan-Uul province. A geodatabase was created for the monitoring survey of agricultural land, and a map and route for the field survey was prepared before starting the field survey. The database includes 21 sub-district boundaries, team boundaries and agricultural monitoring points, cadastral data of cultivated and agricultural land, agricultural soil data, satellite data and topography data.

Applying to Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency: A Survey-Based Cost Analysis

BackgroundApplication costs are known for other competitive surgical subspecialties but not for integrated thoracic surgery residency (I6). We sought to quantify I6 application costs, assess the value of away rotations and geographic connections, and identify characteristics of matched applicants. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency survey-based database for I6 applicants (2019-2022). Away rotation analyses excluded the 2021 application cycle (n = 30) because of limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. ResultsEighty I6 applicant responses were included with a response rate of 8.8% (80/909); 47 (58%) matched into an I6 program. Average total application costs ranged from $1554 to $9173, with interviews as the largest contributor in 2019 and 2020. Away rotations were the second largest contributor in 2019 and 2020 and the largest contributor in 2022. Of those who matched, 7 (24%) had completed an away rotation at their matched program and 9 (19%) had a geographic connection to their matched program. Thirty-three (33/50 [66%]) applicants completed an away rotation, and 83% of rotations resulted in an interview. Similar proportions of matched and unmatched applicants completed away rotations (P = .933), with no difference in the mean number of away rotations completed per applicant (P = .435). Matched applicants had a higher mean number of published abstracts and presentations (7.61 ± 3.58 vs 5.64 ± 3.70; P = .020), more frequently completed a research year (23.4% [n = 11] vs 6.1% [n = 2]; P = .038), and more frequently scored >250 on USMLE Step 2 (85.1% [n = 40] vs 60.6% [n = 20]; P = .012). ConclusionsI6 match rates are low (31.7%), and away rotations account for the greatest cost to applicants. Matched applicants excel in research and on standardized examinations.

Impact of Applicants' Characteristics and Geographic Connections to Residency Programs on Preference Signaling Outcomes in the Match.

To assess the impact of applicant and residency program characteristics on preference signaling outcomes in the Match during the first 2 years of implementation across 6 specialties. Data were obtained from the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency survey for applicants applying into otolaryngology during the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 application cycles and into dermatology, internal medicine (categorical and preliminary year), general surgery, and urology during the 2021-2022 application cycle. The primary outcome was signal yield, defined as the number of interviews at signaled programs divided by the total number of signals sent. Associations with applicant-reported characteristics and geographic connections to residency programs were assessed using Wilcoxon-Rank Sum Testing, Spearman's rank correlation testing, and ordinary least squares regression. A total of 1,749 applicants with preference signaling data were included from internal medicine (n = 884), general surgery (n = 291), otolaryngology (n = 217), dermatology (n = 147), urology (n = 124), and internal medicine preliminary year (n = 86). On average 60.9% (standard deviation 32.3%) of signals resulted in an interview (signal yield). There was a stepwise increase in signal yield with the percentage of signals sent to programs with a geographic connection (57.3% for no signals vs. 68.9% for 5 signals, P < .01). Signal yield was positively associated with applicant characteristics, such as United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 1 and 2 scores, honors society membership, and number of publications (P < .01). Applicants reporting a lower class rank quartile were significantly more likely to have a higher percentage of their interviews come from signaled programs (P < .01). Signal yield is significantly associated with geographic connections to residency programs and applicant competitiveness based on traditional metrics. These findings can inform applicants, programs, and specialties as preference signaling grows.

Ringing, tracking and counting data reveal five wintering patterns in European Common Shelducks

Information on migratory connections provides a basis for effective conservation efforts. The spatial connections between breeding and wintering areas are poorly known for many species. The connections become complicated in species that carry out additional migrations between their breeding and wintering areas. Common Shelducks Tadorna tadorna (hereafter Shelducks) in western Europe perform an extensive moult migration after the breeding season. In this study, we examined the geographical connections between the breeding and wintering areas to identify ecological patterns, and estimate the influence of moult migration. Possible patterns would be to winter: (I) in distant and separate areas; (II) in a moulting area; (III) in the vicinity of a moulting area; (IV) near the individual breeding area. Further, there might be individuals (V) that breed, moult and winter in the same area (sedentary). We analysed recoveries of ringed Shelducks from the EURING databank and count data from the International Waterbird Census, and tracked 11 individuals from a German breeding population using GPS transmitters. We found evidence of all possible wintering patterns in Shelducks breeding in regions of Europe with long‐term mean January temperatures at least slightly above 0 °C. Shelducks from cold parts of Europe always migrated to separate and warmer wintering areas. Shelducks from warmer regions used diverse patterns even within the same breeding populations. Some individuals used wintering areas near or in a moulting area, even if that area was sometimes colder than their breeding area. Our results support the idea that the location of the moulting area influenced the geographical position of the wintering area. Furthermore, the observed low migratory connectivity and high diversity in wintering patterns support the idea that Common Shelducks are able to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

Place attachment, audit pricing and audit quality

Place attachment is an affective bond whereby people interact with and describe themselves as belonging to specific places. This study investigates the presence of place attachment in the auditing process. Using a large sample of listed clients in China, the findings reveal that auditors are likely to charge higher fees if their colleges are located in the same cities or provinces as their clients, supporting the familiarity bias hypothesis. This effect is more concentrated among smaller auditors, non-state-owned clients, and clients who switch auditors between years. In addition, a negative relationship is found between audit quality and geographical connections between auditors and clients. Overall, the results indicate the existence of place attachment in the auditing process.

Decolonization the what, whyand how: A treatieson Indigenous nursing knowledge.

Decolonization the what, whyand how: A treatieson Indigenous nursing knowledge.

Abstract P5-08-16: "It’s like Coming Home": A Qualitative Evaluation of Project Life a Virtual Wellness Community for People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer

Abstract Background: Project Life is a virtual wellness house led by people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) for people with MBC. Through the organization’s targeted programming and curated content, Project Life promotes key dimensions of wellness: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and financial. Project Life was created to fill the gaps in survivorship care for people with MBC specifically. The objective of this study was to qualitatively evaluate members’ experiences with Project Life, understanding the impact of the organization and potential areas for future growth. Methods: From March 2022 to May 2022, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews virtually with members of the Project Life wellness community. The study design and primary objectives were designed in direct collaboration with Project Life leadership. A study flyer was distributed by e-mail and social media to the Project Life community. Participants were eligible if they self-identified as having MBC, were a member of the Project Life community and could complete the interview in English. Participants were asked a series of questions about how they heard about the organization, the types of programming they have participated in, the greatest benefits of Project Life, and areas for future growth and improvement. Interview transcripts were transcribed verbatim and analyzed. We then analyzed transcripts with phronetic iterative analysis, to uncover contextually grounded, emergent themes through synthetic coding. Results: We interviewed 36 women with MBC who were members of the Project Life Wellness Community in Spring 2022. Overall, 22% of participants identified as people of color, including Black, Latina and Asian women. In terms of age, 8 participants were 30-45, 15 were 46-59, and 13 were 60+. The overwhelming majority heard about Project Life through social media, with only one participant indicating they learned about the organization from their cancer center. Many participants stated that they wished cancer centers connected patients to external MBC support organizations like Project Life. The most commonly utilized Project Life programs included healing circles, legal clinics, cooking classes, and therapeutic art. Many participants endorsed having improvements in quality of life from being engaged with Project Life through MBC-specific curated content and the strong sense of community. Several participants indicated the appeal of participating in an organization that was developed by people with MBC for people with MBC. Additional suggestions for content included finding information about clinical trials and increasing caregiver programming. Suggested opportunities for growth included programming across time zones, facilitating geographic connections, and partnering with other MBC advocacy organizations. Conclusions: Patient-led and curated virtual communities are filling substantial gaps in survivorship care for individuals with metastatic breast cancer. Through its virtual format, the Project Life wellness community has a widespread reach and offers a promising model for intentionally curated metastatic survivorship care. The unique virtual format of Project Life should spark creativity in how quality survivorship care for people with MBC can be delivered. Healthcare settings including cancer centers can play a larger role in connecting people with MBC to external support organizations to better ensure survivorship needs are being holistically met. Citation Format: Mya Roberson, Joshua Woods, Lesley Glenn, Deltra James, Julia Maues. "It’s like Coming Home": A Qualitative Evaluation of Project Life a Virtual Wellness Community for People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2022 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2022 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(5 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-08-16.

Impact of applicant and program factors on preference signaling outcomes in otolaryngology.

To assess the impact of applicant and program characteristics on preference signaling outcomes during the 2021 and 2022 application cycles in otolaryngology. The Texas Seeking Transparency in Applications to Residency survey was used for otolaryngology applicants during the 2021 and 2022 match years. The primary outcome of interest was signal yield, defined as the number of interviews at signaled programs divided by the total number of signals sent. Associations with applicant-reported characteristics, geographic connections to programs, and program reputation were assessed. On average 59.5% of signals resulted in an interview (signal yield). There was a positive correlation between the number of signals sent to a program with a reported geographic connection and signal yield, with each additional signal resulting in a 3.4% increase in signal yield (p=.03). Signal yield was positively associated with number of publications (p < .001); number of abstracts, posters, and presentations (p=.04); and whether the applicant took a research year (p=.003). Applicants with higher USMLE Step 1 (p=.01) and Step 2 (p=.003) scores, publications (p=.03), volunteer (p=.008) and leadership (p=.001) experiences received a lower percentage of their total interviews from signaled programs whereas applicants from the 3rd (p < .001) and 4th (p=.03) cumulative class ranked quartiles received a higher percentage of their total interviews from signaled programs. Signal yield appears to have a significant association with geographic connections to programs and applicant competitiveness. This study may help applicants, advisors, and programs maximize the benefit of the preference signaling system.Levels of evidence: Level 4.

The indelible marks on dermatology: Impacts of COVID-19 on dermatology residency Match using the Texas STAR database.

With changes to interview format and away rotations, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the residency application process. In this retrospective cohort study of data from the nationwide Texas Seeking Transparency in Applications to Residency (STAR) survey, we sought to understand how the pandemic has affected applicants in the 2021 dermatology Match. We compared applicants in the post-COVID-19 Match year (2021) with those in pre-COVID-19 Match years (2018-2020) regarding match rates, interview costs, residency geographic connections, and number of interviews attended. A total of 439 dermatology applicants who completed the Texas STAR survey were included. There was no difference in percentage of applicants with a geographic connection to their matched program (43.88% vs 47.20%). Compared with prior cycles, applicants in the 2021 Match had a higher percentage of interview offers (96% vs 90%, P < .0001), and more applicants attended 16 or more interviews (P=.0489). Applicants in the 2021 Match reported an average savings of $5,000 compared with prior cycles. Virtual interviews offer savings for applicants but may encourage interview hoarding. Though applicants did not perform away rotations, there was no increase in geographic connection for matched applicants. Stakeholders should consider these data when evaluating the pros and cons of virtual interviewing postpandemic.

COVID-19 modeling based on real geographic and population data.

: Intercity travel is one of the most important parameters for combating a pandemic. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in different computational studies involving intercity connections. In this study, the effects of intercity connections during an epidemic such as COVID-19 are evaluated using a new network model. This model considers the actual geographic neighborhood and population density data. This new model is applied to actual Turkish data by means of provincial connections and populations. A Monte Carlo algorithm with a hybrid lattice model is applied to a lattice with 8802 data points. Around Monte Carlo step 70, the number of active cases in Türkiye reaches up to 8.0% of the total population, which is followed by a second wave at around Monte Carlo step 100. The number of active cases vanishes around Monte Carlo step 160. Starting with İstanbul, the epidemic quickly expands between steps 60 and 100. Simulation results fit the actual mortality data in Türkiye. This model is quantitatively very efficient in modeling real-world COVID-19 epidemic data based on populations and geographical intercity connections, by means of estimating the number of deaths, disease spread, and epidemic termination.