Hybrid Programming Research Articles

How does the working environment transition impact perceived work-related quality of life for postsecondary teachers within the United States?

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected societal norms and shifted much of the workforce in the United States to a virtual landscape. Working and learning from home (or "remotely") has become common in nearly every field, including higher level education. Each institution has implemented policies regarding remote work, and with the different policies educators are confronted with different conditions which affect their perceived level of stress and quality of working life. The objective of this study is to examine how the transition to working from home contributes to work-related stress and perceived quality of life among postsecondary educators during the first year of COVID-19 related institutional working policies. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. The survey was distributed online using email and social media to 1,575 postsecondary teachers in all four regions of the United States between February and March 2021. The survey collected demographic and institutional policy information related to remote work, in addition to the Work-Related Quality of Life Survey which gathers data on indicators of general well-being, job satisfaction, perceived control at work, perceived stress at work, working conditions, and work-life balance. Data was analyzed from 222 (14% response rate) respondents; 49% worked remotely full-time, 47% worked on a hybrid schedule (part-time remote, part-time on campus), and 4% were on campus full-time. The findings suggest that postsecondary teachers who worked in a hybrid program throughout 2020 felt they had more control at work and a higher overall quality of working life, while those who worked remote only or on-campus only felt more stress at work. The results also suggest that less time spent working from home contributes to higher stress and the perception of decreased control at work. Based on the survey results, remote working policies in higher education institutions have an impact on work-related quality of life and stress felt by their faculty. These findings can be used to guide the implementation of work-from-home or return-to-campus policies.

Estimation of Genetic Diversity in Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Genotypes Grown in Gujarat

Background: Genetically diverse parents give an increased chance of genetic recombination and superior expression of hybrid vigour. Mahalanobis D2 statistics is an important tool for calculating the amount of genetic diversity in the populations and for assessing the relative contribution of various components to the total genetic divergence. Methods: Thirty genotypes of mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] were grown in a randomized block design with four replications at S.D.A.U., Gujarat during kharif, 2019 to study genetic diversity. By using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics, all possible 435 pairs of thirty genotypes were computed for ten characters. Result: D2 analysis indicated that material was genetically diverse. Twelve clusters were formed by dividing the genotypes. To become highly genetically diverse, the inter-cluster distance should be high (Distance between cluster XI and cluster IX; cluster XI and cluster X), which can be used for hybridization programme. Cluster X followed by cluster I found appropriate for within group hybridization due to the presence of most heterogeneous genotypes indicating high intra-cluster value. Cluster data revealed that genotypes in cluster X, cluster VIII and cluster IV had desirable traits for yield improvement. These clusters could be directly selected for breeding programme. Contribution to total divergence was higher from number of branches per plant, pod length and 100-seed weight.

Integration of morpho-physico-biochemical traits with SSR and SRAP markers for characterization of castor genotypes of Indian origin

Castor (Ricinus communis L.) is an important tropical oilseed crop, whose oil has versatile, practical value, especially in industries. The present study aimed to estimate the nature and magnitude of variability in the castor germplasm concerning yield and its component traits and physico-biochemical characters. Seed yield per plant and oil content ranged from 80.90 ​g (ICS-165) to 248.30 ​g (RG-3216), and 34.7% (ICS-172) to 58.7% (JI-277), respectively. The iodine value of oil ranged from 76.36 (JI-370) to 89.84 (P2-135) with an average value of 83.02. The mean saponification value of oil was 182.24. The genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were high for acid value, capsules on the main raceme, seed yield per plant, and total length of the main raceme. A positive association of porosity, average unit volume, and total length of the main raceme with seed yield per plant showed that these characters might be directly attributed to seed yield improvement. By Manhattan distances, the 30 genotypes were grouped into 3 clusters. Their genetic diversity was elucidated using SSR and SRAP markers. SRAP marker produced higher mean number of total bands (5.71), polymorphic bands (4.57), percentage polymorphism (83.10%), PIC (1.72), RP (5.90), mean RP (1.02), MR (5.71), EMR (4.57) and MI (1.44) values when compared to SSR (2.89, 2.11, 79.63%, 0.61, 1.90, 0.72, 2.89, 2.11 and 0.49, respectively) marker. The highest genetic distance (0.77) was between 48-1 and JI-370, which indicated that these genotypes could be used in biparental mating schemes, QTL map development, and hybridization programmes to increase oil content and quality for industrial purposes.

Examining Facilitators and Barriers to Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence in a Low-Resource Setting in Latin America from Multiple Perspectives.

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is under-used, particularly in low-resource settings. There are few studies of barriers and facilitators to CR adherence in these settings, particularly considering multiple perspectives. In this multiple-method study, a cross-sectional survey including the Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (each item scored on a five-point Likert scale) was administered to patients treated between February and July, 2019, in three CR centers in Colombia. A random subsample of 50 participants was invited to a focus group, along with an accompanying relative. Physiotherapists from the programs were invited to an interview, with a similar interview guide. Audio-recordings were transcribed and analyzed using interpretive description. A total of 210 patients completed the survey, and 9 patients, together with 3 of their relatives and 3 physiotherapists, were interviewed. The greatest barriers identified were costs (mean = 2.8 ± 1.6), distance (2.6 ± 1.6) and transportation (2.5 ± 1.6); the logistical subscale was highest. Six themes were identified, pertaining to well-being, life roles, weather, financial factors, healthcare professionals and health system factors. The main facilitators were encouragement from physiotherapists, relatives and other patients. The development of hybrid programs where patients transition from supervised to unsupervised sessions when appropriate should be considered, if health insurers were to reimburse them. Programs should consider the implications regarding policies of family inclusion.

Marine conservation tourism and the Giant Pacific Octopus: A SWOT analysis of two public engagement programs and the viability of a hybrid program at the Seattle Aquarium, Washington, USA

Marine conservation requires financial and human capital to effectively function. Tourism activities can provide both, if done responsibly. Marine conservation tourism (MCT) concerns tourist activities involving the engagement with—and the study, protection, and restoration of—marine wildlife and their ecosystems. There are two models that are commonly used: commercial and non-commercial. However, a combined hybrid MCT model may be more effective. To evaluate this potential, SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was conducted on two representative programs at the Seattle Aquarium dedicated to the conservation of the iconic Giant Pacific Octopus (GPO). Octopus Survey Week is a non-commercial, research-focused program utilizing voluntary assistance of local divers. Octopus Week is a commercial program in which conservation goals are facilitated by visitor fees and donations from aquarium supporters. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach. Data collection (N=86) involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups. SWOT analysis was enhanced with (1) MECE (Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive) framework to identify prominent factors or themes, and (2) TOWS (Threats, Opportunities, Weaknesses, and Strengths) analysis to suggest strategies relevant to the SWOT findings. Results show Octopus Survey Week program is viable but not well known. The Octopus Week program is also viable; there is an opportunity here for improvement. Importantly, interviewees would prefer a hybrid program. However, even a hybrid program would face logistical and temporal issues. To increase public interest and participation, it is recommended that the Seattle Aquarium connect them in a more proactive manner. Looking ahead, we hope the field of marine conservation tourism will expand as researchers develop new methods to improve conservation efforts.

Patient perspectives and numerical evaluation of a COVID secure hybrid rehabilitation programme following knee replacement surgery

Keywords: Rehabilitation; COVID; Knee Purpose: COVID19 caused significant disruption to healthcare services. However, some elective knee replacement surgery continued. Recent meta-analyses demonstrated the clinical and cost effectiveness of rehabilitation following knee replacement surgery for short term physical function, pain, and range of movement (Fatoye et al., 2021) . This necessitated the development of novel methods for the delivery of COVID compliant rehabilitation. To meet this need we adopted a hybrid model (virtual consultations + pre-recorded rehabilitation content). We report the mixed methods service evaluation. Methods: All patients referred to physiotherapy following knee replacement surgery (total or unilateral) (n = 64) were contacted to establish clinical and technical suitability (adequate English language and absence of red flags). Eligible patients were given the opportunity to enrol in the hybrid programme comprising virtual consultations (attend anywhere) + unrestricted access to pre-recorded video rehabilitation (progressive home exercises, expert patient content, and recovery advice) or continue with COVID modified ‘usual care’ (telephone advice). Those enrolled in the hybrid service (n = 46) were invited to provide data (baseline, 3 months), Oxford knee score (0–48), VAS pain (0–10), sit to stand 30 (repetitions), range of movement (degrees), and self reported maximum walking duration (minutes). Pre and post intervention numerical scores (mean ± SD) are presented and compared with historical data. At 6 weeks patients were invited to provide feedback in response to a pre-planned topic guide. Qualitative data were analysed thematically (Braun and Clarke, 2006). Results: Qualitative analyses generated three themes (sub-themes), 1-Valued content (therapist and information content), 2-Covid context, and 3-Percieved barriers (logistical and clinical uncertainty). Patients valued empathetic communication, condition/person-specific support, motivation, and expert guidance. The pre-recorded programme was considered advantageous in relation to ease of access. Patients expressed contextual understanding for the provision of a remote programme. Perceived barriers included administrative delays and connectivity for virtual consultations. Concerns regarding the virtual assessment of joint swelling, wounds, and gait generated perceptions of clinical uncertainty. Mean change from baseline (±SD) showed improvements across the Oxford knee score −16.3 (6.61), VAS pain −2.48(2.23), sit to stand 5.1 (4.31), range of movement (results) and self reported walking distance 20 (17.34). These results were compared with historical data and did not show any clinically important functional difference (historical mean −14.03 (8.03) v mean hybrid −16.3 (6.61). Conclusion(s): The hybrid approach appeared feasible for delivery in this setting. Patient feedback identified valued programme aspects and areas for potential refinement. This approach preserved COVID security. No adverse events were identified and limited numerical evaluation suggests comparable outcomes with our previous programme. Some patients expressed uncertainty regarding the lack of face-to-face contact but these reports originated from patients who had previously undergone conventional rehabilitation (pre-covid). This clinical uncertainty regarding virtual consultations has been highlighted by others (Greenhalgh et al., 2020). Impact: It is envisaged that this hybrid model be retained for future refinement. Other services may wish to consider this model for future operational pressures or to extend the reach of rehabilitation provision. Funding acknowledgements: This work was not supported by funding.

Using Group Messaging to Facilitate Peer Support Among Early Doctoral Students: A Thematic Analysis of One Cohort’s Text Messages

Students face multiple stressors while earning their doctorates. Since peer support is a common recommendation for easing this stress, we realized graduate students, faculty, and academic program administrators might have interest in how our cohort used group messaging to facilitate peer support early in our studies. We conducted a thematic analysis examining how group messaging helped new doctoral students in a hybrid program maintain ongoing engagement with course content and build interpersonal relationships. McClusky’s Theory of Margin provided a theoretical framework for this project. Results of thematic analysis emphasize that students utilized this communication medium to reach out to peers for support and to form interpersonal relationships with peers at a distance.

Supporting Online Paramedic Education within a Covid-19 Era

Covid-19 has impacted many areas of New Zealand’s higher education system, with most universities forced to transfer activities away from the traditional campus-based learning toward online platforms. This has resulted in a transformation from face-to-face teacher centred (objectivist) methods to online digital hybrid programs that aim to enhance the constructivist, learner-centred pedagogy.
 Prior to Covid-19 a change of approach within higher education would usually take several years to develop but was now required within a limited number of days (Strielkowski, 2020). This had the potential to impact the educational experience and motivation by providing content without flexibility or an understanding of different learning styles. The absence of a thoughtful design and development process has therefore resulted in some recent online education being seen as ‘crisis education’ (Bozkurt & Sharma, 2020; Hodges et al., 2020; Vlachopoulos, 2020).
 Whilst it was impossible to anticipate the shift to online learning, the instructional achievement of online education is often questioned due to a lack of face-to-face student community (Joshi et al., 2020). An additional challenge is that online education is not suited to all aspects of clinical learning. The reason for this is that online learning is not compatible with the kinaesthetic (hands-on) activities that are required for clinical practice (Leszczynski et al., 2018).
 Effective higher education must have a comprehensive understanding of the limitations and benefits of both asynchronous and synchronous online learning (Omotayo & Haliru, 2020). To address the complexity of online learning and digital competency in this evolving environment it is important that students feel relevancy and motivation (Omotayo & Haliru, 2020). The current situation has led to investigation and implementation of content to support the online clinical student to promote engagement and offer a flexible learning experience. In addition, it was important that the system was designed to support different student learning styles and provide a community of learning.
 The content was developed using Spark Adobe software to provide a range of asynchronous visual content with a flipped classroom approach. The content also had a strong lean toward the auditory learner by offering the material in a podcast listening form. In conjunction with this, each weekly topic was later ‘flipped’ as a synchronous case study group discussion forum.
 Universities and their social role within the pandemic are recognised as important support mechanisms for the online student (Wang & Zha, 2018). The findings for our work were that students felt engaged with the content and the subsequent group forum provided a sense of inclusion and community. In addition, and similar to other authors, positive factors such as flexibility (Smedley, 2010), interactivity (Leszczynski et al., 2018), and self-pacing (Amer, 2007) were found.
 Whilst it is likely that online learning will be sustained and education will become more hybrid, it is also important to develop an understanding of the complexity of online learning within paramedic clinical education. The implementation of both synchronous and asynchronous online content offers a flexible, supportive learning environment despite the challenges faced within the Covid-19 era.

Reprint: Investigation of Genetic Divergence in Local Sunflower Hybrids and Inbred Lines by Applying Morphological Markers

Knowledge of genetic diversity is the basic requisite for any plant breeding program. Seventeen sunflower hybrids and fifteen inbred lines including ten Cytoplasm male sterile lines and five restorer lines were evaluated at the experimental area of National Agriculture Research centre, Islamabad, Pakistan during autumn-2011. The objective of study was to investigate the genetic diversity, categorize the proficient cross combiners and approximate characters association among sunflower hybrids and inbred lines. Data was estimated on i.e. flower initiation days, full flowering days, full developmental days, height of plant, disk diameter, stem thickness, leaves per plant, hundred achenes weight, achenes yield and oil content percentage. The maximum achenes yield was contributed by Hysun-33 2119 kg ha-1. Followed by SMH-0924 and SMH-0925, SMH-1028 and SMH-0926 were suggested as potential significant hybrids for future breeding plans to incorporate maximum achenes yield and oil content percentage. The CMS-11, CMS-25 and CMS-10 were long statured with vigorous stem and all the restorers were early maturing recommended for including in hybridization program to generate high heterotic factions. Cluster diagram based on Euclidean dissimilarity matrix grouped hybrids as well as inbred lines in four groups. The group I and IV consist of four whereas group II and group III have three and five hybrids respectively. All the restores were clustered in III and IV and CMS in I and II groups respectively. According to principle component analysis the first two components contribute 64% and 89% in total variation in hybrids as well as in inbred lines respectively.

Quantification of genetic variability and stable genotype selection over the years in the germplasm of critically endangered Prishanparni (Uraria picta Desv.).

Prishanparni (Uraria picta Desv.), a critically endangered annual shrub belonging to the family 'Papillionaceae'. It is widely distributed throughout India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tropical Africa, Malay Islands, and the Philippines. The consistent performances of U. picta accessions based on ten economic traits studied were identified as P-12, P-16, P-21, P-22, P-31, P-47, and P-48. These accessions could be used for commercial cultivation in northern Indian plains. Among the total twenty-three studied accessions P-50, P-21, P-48, and P-47 were found superior for rhoifolin content in their aerial as well as root part, which may have various therapeutic potentials used in traditional and modern systems of medicines. These accessions can be exploited for commercial cultivation or in a hybridization program for further crop improvement. Wide range cultivation of the selected accessions in the Indo-Gangetic plains will fit in the existing cropping systems of this region, resulting in comparatively better supplementation of herb to the pharmaceutical and herbal drug industries and reducing the pressure on the wild populations.

Study of diversity in thermo-tolerant advanced lines of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) for Morpho-physiological, Yield and its Contributing Traits

The present study was carried out to examine the genetic diversity among 151 thermo-tolerant advanced breeding lines of wheat for two experimental years during Rabi 2017-18 and Rabi 2018-19 in randomized block design in an area of 312 m2 at Field Experimentation Center, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, SHUATS, Allahabad. The data were recorded in both the seasons for total 23 traits i.e. 18 quantitative characters to study variability, heritability, genetic advance and genetic divergence and 5 morphological characters. ANOVA showed significant differences for all the characters except flag leaf width, in both experimental seasons and for gluten content in season Rabi 2018-19 indicating the presence of a substantial amount of genetic variability which thus revealed different genetic backgrounds of genotypes. High estimates of both GCV and PCV were observed for biological yield in both experimental years. High heritability with high genetic advance was recorded for all quantitative characters except flag leaf width and gluten content indicating the predominance of additive gene effects and hence the possibilities of effective selection for the improvement of these traits. D2 analysis grouped these lines into 10 clusters in which cluster VII was biggest cluster with 26 lines. Further diversity analysis revealed that cluster IV and VII followed by Cluster VI and Cluster VII were most divergent from each other, and the genotypes present in them may be used as parents for further hybridization program to develop desirable heat type in wheat. Analysis of 5 Morphological characters i.e. leaf type, rachis colour, leaf shape, waxiness and stay green habit, depicted that HUW-213 x NW-1076 followed by HALNA x RAJ-4037 were found above average yielders and terminal heat tolerant primarily due to their semi-erect leaf type, green rachis color, broad leaf shape, stay green habit and less days to maturity as compared to checks.

Favorable Outcomes: Moving Nursing Orientation to a Hybrid Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This article describes how a traditional in-person general nursing orientation was converted to a hybrid program, incorporating online and modified in-person components during the COVID-19 pandemic. From April to September 2020, our hybrid program successfully onboarded 125 new nurses while maintaining all COVID-19 safety precautions. As the global pandemic persists, nursing professional development teams will continue to require innovative ways to onboard nurses while meeting all orientation requirements, such as our hybrid program.

Genetic diversity analysis of Pearl Millet germplasm by cluster analysis

There are 40 genotypes of pearl millet that were gathered from ICRISAT in Hyderabad for the study. The experiment was performed in triplicate using Randomized Block Design. With an average D2 value of 398.08, the experimental material was divided into seven clusters, indicating the presence of diversity across the lines for the attributes being studied. Among different clusters the maximum cluster lines i.e., ten lines were observed in cluster V followed by cluster IV, cluster III, cluster I, cluster II, cluster VII, and cluster VI. Cluster V has the greatest intra cluster distance, followed by Cluster II, Cluster IV, and Cluster I. As a result, within these clusters, selection might be based on the greatest mean for desirable characteristics. The relative divergence shows the degree to which each cluster differs. The highest order of divergence was observed in cluster VIII and cluster X, followed by cluster V and cluster VIII. The results revealed that the parents are genetically heterogeneous in these clusters. The high heterotic response may have been achieved when used in a hybridization programme. Cluster VI and Cluster VII had the shortest inter-cluster distance, indicating low genetic diversity. Plant height had the highest cluster value in cluster VIII and the lowest in cluster X, whereas phenological parameters like days to flowering and days to maturity had the highest cluster value in cluster II. Days to flowering were the most important factor in genetic divergence, followed by the number of panicle length, fodder yield per plot, and productive tillers per plant.

STUDY ON COMBINING ABILITY FOR YIELD AND YIELD CONTRIBUTING TRAITS IN WATER STRESS TOLERANT GENOTYPES OF TOMATO (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L.)

The experiment was conducted to develop tomato hybrids by identifying parental lines with estimation of good combining ability effects and their variances through line x tester analysis of 44 genotypes including 32 F1 cross combinations using 12 parents after selfing (8 lines and 4 testers). The genotypes were evaluated for the yield and contributing traits. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant difference for all the characters suggesting the presence of genetic variability among the studied materials. The variance values of general combining ability (GCA) were lower than the specific combining ability (SCA) for all the traits except plant height. This indicates that these traits were under the control of non-additive (non-fixable) gene effects and could be exploited by heterosis breeding. The lines L1, L2, L3, L5, and testers T2, and T4 showed a desirable significant negative GCA effect for days to first flowering and days to maturity. The line L5 showed a positive significant GCA effect for most of the traits except fruit per cluster and L4 for plant height, cluster per plant, fruit per cluster, fruit per plant, fruit diameter, and yield per plant. Based on GCA effects across ten traits L4 and L5 were identified as the most promising parental lines for inclusion in hybridization programs. Outstanding crosses based on SCA effects across ten traits were L6XT1, L2XT3, L7XT2, and L4XT4. These crosses could be considered the most promising specific combiner for most traits which can be used to develop elite tomato varieties.

Association analysis and evaluation of sources for resistance to phyllody and foliar diseases in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

In the present investigation, a set of advanced mutant and breeding lines (133) including checks from different geographical regions were evaluated against phyllody and Alternaria leaf spot during kharif, 2017 and against powdery mildew during summer, 2018 under natural epiphytotic field conditions. Among the entries, two genotypes (LW-2 and SDSN-15-98) were found to be promising for phyllody during kharif, 2017 whereas, the genotype LW-2 was also found to be moderately resistant against powdery mildew during summer, 2018. None of the genotypes were promising against Alternaria leaf spot. The association of agronomic traits namely plant height, thousand seed weight, number of branches/plant, number of capsules/ plant was correlated negatively significant with diseases. The genotype LW-2 identified promising against phyllody and powdery mildew will be useful in hybridization programme as donor parent for development of multiple disease resistant sesame varieties.

Group Action Planning to Promote Well-Being of Non-Traditional Students in a Hybrid Program

Group Action Planning to Promote Well-Being of Non-Traditional Students in a Hybrid Program

Accreditation of Hybrid Community Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Practice in the United States

Introduction: Accreditation in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) Surgery has been a topic of much discussion and controversy globally. HPB procedures performed in healthcare systems require the most complex and intricate coordination between ancillary and surgical services. We present two distinct accreditation models available in the Unites States. Methods: We present our experience regarding two distinct accreditation models applicable to a hybrid community practice in the Unites States. Results: Accreditation of most health organization in the U.S. goes through the Joint Commission (JCAHO). In recent years, a new accreditation process for HPB surgery was established. Then proposed guidelines focused on four quality improvement projects including nutritional evaluation, analgesic management, time to treatment initiation within 3 weeks of diagnosis, and quality of life milestones. This pathway was validated and approved by JCAHO. The other accreditation process involves the American College of Surgeons (ACS) pilot program for high risk gastrointestinal (HRGI) surgery. This pilot program requires a site visit that was carried out at the same community practice. It focuses on the components of care that would support a multidisciplinary program. This hybrid program was able to achieve compliance in all domains. Conclusion: Accreditation to perform HPB procedures is available in the U.S. and will help streamline care for the complex HPB surgical patients. Hybrid community practices can also be candidates for accreditation, along with traditional academic programs, as we have shown.

Genetic diversity in gladiolus (Gladiolus hybridus) by cluster and principal component analysis

The present investigation was carried out on 57 genotypes of gladiolus to assess the divergence pattern based on quantitative and qualitative traits during two consecutive seasons. The genotypes were divided into five broad groups or clusters, among which cluster V was of largest size with 20 (35.08%) genotypes followed by cluster I having 19 (33.33%) genotypes. The highest intra-cluster distance (49.62) was observed within cluster IV and lowest (35.52) within cluster II. The highest inter-cluster distance (102.12) was observed between I and IV and lowest (52.57) between I and III. On the basis of cluster mean values, cluster I exhibited desirable values for floret size and plant height and cluster II for number of corms/plant. Cluster III was observed to be important for chlorophyll content, flower duration, spike length, rachis length, spike diameter, number of florets/spike, weight/corm, corm size, number and weight of cormels/plant. On the basis of cluster distances and desirability of each cluster for various traits, parents from cluster I, II and III can be chosen as one of the parents for crossing with genotypes of other distant clusters (IV and V) in hybridization programme. Based on the principal component analysis, first three principal components accounted for 71.60% of total variance present within the germplasm and greater part of which was contributed from characters like rachis length, spike length, weight/corm, corm size and chlorophyll content. Hunting Song, White Prosperity, Pusa Kiran, Punjab Glad 1 and PG-6-16 were found to be distinct genotypes in the available germplasm

Abstract PO-108: Predictors of retention rates in the Active Living After Cancer program at MD Anderson Cancer Center: A comparison of classes during and before COVID-19

Background: As an overlooked aspect of cancer, survivorship often begs the question of “what's next?” once treatment is complete. Physical activity following treatment has been shown to improve quality of life and decrease rates of recurrence. The MD Anderson Active Living After Cancer Program (ALAC) has recruited over 900 cancer survivors and caregivers since its establishment in 2013. This study seeks to examine how retention rates have changed since the transition to virtual classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether variables associated with retention differ between in person and virtual classes. Methods: A retrospective study of baseline surveys completed by participants (N=860) through Redcap was conducted, excluding those currently enrolled in ongoing ALAC classes. A chi-square test was performed to determine whether completion rates were significantly different between in person and virtual classes. A bivariate regression model was used to determine whether participant demographics varied between virtual and in person classes, based on insurance status and education level. A logistic regression was performed to investigate whether these factors were predictors of retention in either class. Results: Retention rates significantly differed between virtual (87.91%) and in person classes (77.20%); participants of virtual classes were two times as likely to complete the program compared to their in-person counterparts (P=0.00). Compared to in person classes, uninsured participants comprised a larger proportion of virtual classes, while privately and publicly insured participants comprised a smaller proportion (P=0.014). In both classes, participants who never received a high school diploma or GED constituted the most common education level. Having insurance and completion of some higher education were only weakly associated with retention. Conclusion: Given the success of ALAC since its creation, we are interested in expanding enrollment beyond MD Anderson Cancer Center. This study provides understanding of the benefits and limitations of virtual classes since the rise of COVID-19. Overall, greater retention rates demonstrate the utility of virtual classes. Maintaining a virtual aspect of future ALAC classes, such as a hybrid program, may help improve survivor outreach by identifying potentially overlooked groups. Citation Format: Kendahl Servino, Stacy Mitchell, Che Young Lee, Yue Liao, Karen Basen-Engquist. Predictors of retention rates in the Active Living After Cancer program at MD Anderson Cancer Center: A comparison of classes during and before COVID-19 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-108.

Developing a well-received pre-matriculation program: the evolution of MedFIT

BackgroundThe transition to medical school marks a very stressful time for matriculating students. Despite this challenging transition period, intellectually rigorous pre-matriculation programs are not a common component of the curriculum at many medical schools across the country. Students are often not given the opportunity to learn about the high expectations of medical school before being thrown into classes. Thus, more time and attention should be devoted to curricular interventions that target this critical window in medical education.MethodsMedFIT is a robust, 1.5-week orientation program that introduces matriculating students to the rigors of medical school in a low-stakes environment. This program provides students with a preview of the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) curriculum through hands-on learning sessions in addition to exposing them to extracurricular opportunities and research initiatives. Furthermore, MedFIT connects incoming students with second-year mentors, laying the foundation for longitudinal peer mentorship.FindingsQualitative survey feedback from each subsequent class has been increasingly positive, demonstrating MedFIT’s effectiveness in improving students’ academic and interprofessional transitions into medical school. Despite the program's hybrid format in 2020 due to COVID-19, overall ratings were as positive as the previous year. Additionally, students had decreased rates of remediation, repeated years, and withdrawal, and had better Match outcomes when compared to students who participated in UNR Med’s previous orientation program.Discussion and conclusionsMedFIT remains a well-received, adaptable entity that is continuously modified every year to best supplement student needs and mirror the pre-clinical curricular landscape present at that time.