In-person Activities Research Articles

Covid, colleges, and classes

ABSTRACT At the start of the 2020 school year, some colleges chose to reopen in person while others offered primarily online classes. We find that colleges responded to financial and other incentives largely as one might expect. Larger shares of revenue attributed to in-person activities, such as dorms and dining halls, led schools to reopen in person. In general, the share of revenue due to tuition and fees had little association with reopening in-person, which is consistent with the idea that the effect of the mode of reopening on enrolment was ambiguous. However, private schools experiencing financial distress due to tuition and fees were more likely to reopen in-person while public schools were less likely. Public colleges were influenced by political pressures and the fraction of students from out of state, while private schools responded to the severity of COVID in their local community.

The US Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Surveillance Environment: An Ecological Analysis of the Relationship of Testing Adequacy in the Context of Vaccination.

BackgroundCOVID-19 testing is a critical component of public health surveillance and pandemic control, especially among the unvaccinated, as the nation resumes in-person activities.This study examined the relationships between COVID-19 testing rates, testing positivity rates and vaccination coverage across US counties.MethodsData from the Health and Human Services’ Community Profile Report and 2016-2020 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates were used. 3,114 US counties were analyzed from January through September 2021. Associations among the testing metrics and vaccination coverage were estimated using multiple linear regression models with fixed effects for states and adjusted for county demographics. COVID-19 testing rates (PCR testing per 1,000), testing positivity (percentage of all PCR tests that were positive), and vaccination coverage (percentage county population that was fully vaccinated).ResultsNationally, median daily COVID-19 testing rates were highest in January and September (35.5 and 34.6 tests per capita, respectively) and lowest in July (13.2 tests per capita). Monthly testing positivity was between 0.03 and 0.12 percentage points (pp) lower for each pp of vaccination coverage, and monthly testing rates were between 0.08 and 0.22 tests per capita higher for each pp of vaccination coverage.ConclusionsThe quantity of COVID-19 testing was associated with vaccination coverage, implying counties having populations with relatively lower protection against the virus are conducting less testing than counties with relatively more protection. Monitoring testing practices in relation to vaccination coverage may be used to monitor the sufficiency of COVID-19 testing based on population susceptibility to the virus.

Abstract 5967: ROSA: An ambassador program facilitating bidirectional partnerships between communities and basic scientists

Abstract Background: Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) is integral in NCI-designated Cancer Centers. COEs work with community stakeholders identifying community needs, communicating research, and catalyzing significant activities to Cancer Center’s catchment areas. To facilitate this, the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) Office of COE established the Research Outreach for Southern Arizona (ROSA) program, supporting bidirectional partnerships between basic scientists and underrepresented communities in catchment areas. Objective: To describe a community and student ambassador program developed as ROSA, bridging gaps between basic science programs and community needs in UACC catchment areas. Methods: The UACC catchment areas include five southern Arizona counties where 40% of residents are Hispanic, compared to 18.3% in the US. Moreover, ambassadors were bilingual/bicultural Hispanic undergraduate students (n=4) and Hispanic community members (n=4). The ambassador program held weekly cancer educational discussions, research methods, monthly Meet the Scientist events, and presentations on experiences. Evaluations for ROSA were completed by all affiliates. Results: Overall, ROSA ambassadors reported increased knowledge of research and increased confidence sharing cancer information. Facilitators of ROSA community members included a bilingual/bicultural team, outreach collaborations, and participant compensation. Barriers included payments for undocumented members, lack of Spanish-speaking scientists, and reduced in-person activities. As a result of ROSA partnerships, scientists, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders is developing Scientific Cafes where scientists present research proposals for community feedback. The workgroup will select a community-driven project to implement in the future. Discussion: Based on positive ambassador evaluations and working group collaborations, ROSA is successful in growing authentic partnerships between scientists and communities. Recently, a community-based survey was developed by members to examine perceptions of cancer and willingness of clinical research participation. This survey will inform how basic scientists align research within community needs. ROSA will continue to be valuable in providing bidirectional engagement from basic scientists and community members in cancer research. Citation Format: Gabriela Ruiz, MEd., Amanda Lee. ROSA: An ambassador program facilitating bidirectional partnerships between communities and basic scientists [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 5967.

Knowledge About COVID-19 and Perception of Health Safety Among Mexican Dental Students

This study aimed: 1) to investigate sources of information used by students to learn about COVID-19, 2) to investigate levels of knowledge about COVID-19 and about conditions for the treatment of patients during the COVID-19 lockdown, and 3) to evaluate students’ perceptions of safety regarding their return to in-person activities at the School of Dentistry. Dental students answered a questionnaire (29 items; n=371) that explored the aims of the study, based on a Likert scale (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.778). Data were tested with the Mann-Whitney U test and Kendall’s Tau-c. Dental students received information about COVID-19 from the Mexican Health Ministry as their first source (45.28%). Students had good knowledge about the main characteristics of COVID-19, and 59.3% of students had excellent knowledge about the factors relevant to dental treatment of patients. Half of the students said they felt safe regarding a possible return to in-person activities at the dental school, while the other half did not. Statistically significant differences were noted between the students’ scholar year and their level of knowledge (P<0.001) and between their perception of safety (very unsafe, unsafe, safe, and very safe) and scholar year (P=0.000). Dental students had good knowledge about COVID-19 and about the dental care for patients during the lockdown. Half of the dental students felt unsafe about a possible return to in-person school activities.

P3. Meeting Student Goals in Virtual Sub-Internships: A Multi-Institutional Experience

Background: The Coalition for Physician Accountability recommended halting all in-person away rotations for the 2020-2021 residency application cycle. In response, many institutions developed virtual alternatives to in-person rotations. In this study, we reflect on the experience of three institutions that developed virtual rotations to understand student goals for rotations, assess whether these goals were met in the virtual format, and understand successes and areas of improvement for future virtual sub-internships Methods: Students participating in virtual sub-internships at one of three institutions were administered the same pre- and post- sub-internship surveys via Qualtrics. Curricula at each institution were independently developed and had unique and shared components. Objectives were considered “met” if they ranked 4 or 5 on a Likert scale 1 to 5. Responses were analyzed via Fisher’s exact test and t-testing Results: Fifty-two students (78%) completed both surveys. Prior to the start of a rotation, students’ top three objectives were to interact with residents, evaluate their fit with the program, and gain faculty mentorship. More than 73% of students endorsed having met each of these objectives. Logistic regression revealed that students participating in rotations at Institutions 1 and 3 were significantly more likely to report having met the goal of gaining mentorship with faculty (OR 30,p=0.004;OR 72,p<0.001 respectively). Of note, these institutions offered one-on-one mentoring as part of their curricula while Institution 2 did not. Length of rotation was not a predictor of meeting any of the rotation objectives. While the majority of students (71.2%) perceived the virtual sub-internship as slightly less valuable than in-person sub-internships, all students reported that they would participate in a virtual sub-internship again Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that while students still prefer in-person sub-internships, virtual curricula can be designed to successfully meet student goals and program recruitment efforts. In addition, virtual rotations are less financially burdensome and can enhance access to away rotations for all students, including those who are socieconomically disadvantaged. For these reasons, we would encourage residency training programs to continue offering virtual learning opportunities, even if allowed in-person activities return to a pre-COVID state.

Rapidly adapting the clinical research environment at an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center to the COVID-19 pandemic.

e13534 Background: In March 2020, responding to COVID-19, the Columbia University Institutional Review Board (IRB) mandated all research pause in-person activities except studies “offering the potential for direct benefit” to patients. New enrollment was also paused. Columbia University Irving Medical Center concurrently mandated all non-essential employees work remotely, and all feasible patient visits transition to telehealth. The clinical research infrastructure at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC) was required to adapt its operations in response. Methods: The HICCC convened an executive committee (EC), consisting of multi-disciplinary leadership, canvassed peer institutions, and engaged the IRB Executive Director (ED), Chief of Infectious Disease, a bioethicist, and others ad hoc. Results: The IRB ED agreed with the EC that all approved interventional therapeutic clinical trials for cancer (n = 554) offered the potential for direct benefit to patients. The EC established an “Emergency Preparedness” standard operating procedure (SOP) with input from the IRB and HICCC Protocol Review &amp; Monitoring and Data &amp; Safety Monitoring Committees. This SOP required assessment of each protocol for risks/benefit, transition to remote processes when possible, and referenced the Code of Federal Regulations allowing changes to a research plan without prospective IRB-approval if “necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazard”. For new subjects, the EC created a process for enrollment as exceptions to the research pause requiring written justification by the PI that included risk-mitigation strategies and approval by the EC. 116 patients were accrued under this process. All external monitoring and auditing was transitioned to remote. Finally, 25% of research nurses and 10% of coordinators were redeployed to other short-staffed areas of the medical center. After 3 months, the IRB lifted the research pause in tranches, and the EC charged its Disease Based Teams with prioritizing trials to reopen. Accrual nadired at 30% of pre-pandemic levels in June 2020, which fully recovered by March 2021. Conclusions: A centralized research infrastructure working closely with established institutional committees was critical for the unprecedented yet effective and rapid ramp down/up of clinical trials. After 1-year, accrual recovered to pre-pandemic levels, leveraging new processes such as electronic consent, telehealth, and remote work for staff.

Visiting central heating plant and mechanical rooms in buildings: A case study of virtual tours to foster students’ learning in a distance course

Technical visits of installations related to course content can support learning, engagement and motivation of engineering students. However, the COVID-19 lockdown has prevented many in-person activities on campuses. In this work, we propose a framework for developing virtual tours, which we applied to replace in-person visits of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) rooms of buildings located on the campus in an HVAC undergraduate course. The virtual tours rely on many pictures taken in the mechanical rooms, as well as on technical drawings and information integrated in the visits. Students were provided in advance with a series of questions which they had to answer by navigating through the virtual tours. A survey allowed to assess what students appreciated and the difficulties that they encountered during the virtual visits. We found that the virtual visits had several advantages compared to in-person visits, such as allowing students to take the tour at their own pace and extending the learning experience to include other features (e.g. reading technical drawings). Different examples and suggestions of improvement are presented in the paper. The tours had a positive impact on students’ learning and engagement, with overall positive feedbacks from the students. The main hurdle encountered by students was the difficulty to locate themselves in the rooms, which we addressed by adding room layouts in the visits.

Behaviors and attitudes of college students during an academic semester at two Wisconsin universities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective Characterize college student COVID-19 behaviors and attitudes during the early pandemic. Participants: Students on two university campuses in Wisconsin. Methods Surveys administered in September and November 2020. Results Few students (3–19%) participated in most in-person activities during the semester, with eating at restaurants as the exception (72–80%) and attending work (35%) and parties (33%) also reported more frequently. The majority wore masks in public (94–99%), but comparatively fewer (42%) did so at parties. Mask-wearing at parties decreased from September to November (p < 0.05). Students attending parties, or consuming more alcohol, were less concerned and more likely to take COVID-19-associated risks. Conclusions Students were motivated to adhere to COVID-19 prevention measures but gathered socially. Though there was frequent public masking, mask-wearing at parties declined in November and may represent pandemic fatigue. High-yield strategies for decreasing viral spread may include changing masking social norms and engaging with students about creative risk-reduction strategies.

Virtual otolaryngology interest group meetings and didactic sessions in the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed tremendous strain on medical education and prevented multiple in-person activities like specialty interest group meetings. Specialty interest groups are important resources for students interested in competitive fields like otolaryngology where they may find mentoring, research opportunities, and teaching sessions. To allow continued meetings despite COVID-19, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center otolaryngology interest group transitioned to virtual meetings and added student-led didactic sessions. Most students who participated found the virtual didactic sessions helpful and appreciated the opportunity to practice presenting cases. Students were able to network with residents and faculty members, resulting in 60% of participants finding involvement in research projects. Virtual meetings allowed the participation of students from multiple institutions. Participants agreed that the networking, teaching, and research opportunities presented by the virtual sessions made them better applicants for otolaryngology residency. This study provides a framework for transitioning specialty interest group meetings to a virtual platform while adding student-led didactic sessions.

The SHIELD Study: A preliminary analysis of nasal and oral antisepsis to prevent COVID-19

Background: Povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine gluconate are commonly used antiseptics that have broad antiviral properties, including against SARS-CoV-2. Nasal and oral antisepsis is a possible option to reduce viral transmission; however, effectiveness data are limited. The acceptability of this method for adjunct infection control is also unknown. We are conducting a clinical randomized controlled trial (NCT04478019) to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of nasal and oral antisepsis to prevent COVID-19. Methods: Healthcare and other essential workers with in-person job duties were recruited into a 10-week clinical trial. Participation did not require in-person activities: all communication was web- or telephone-based, supplies were shipped directly to the participant, and participants self-collected specimens. Participants completed a 3-week intervention and 3-week control phases and were randomized to the timing of these phases (Fig. 1). During the 3-week intervention phase, participants applied povidone-iodine nasal swabs 2 times per day and chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse 4 times per day following the manufacturers’ instructions for use. Participants continued all usual infection control measures (eg, face masks, eye protection, gowns, hand hygiene) as required by their workplace. To measure effectiveness against viral transmission, participants collected midturbinate nasal swabs 3 times per week to measure SARS-CoV-2 viral load. Participants also self-reported COVID-19 tests they received and why (eg, symptoms or exposure). To assess acceptability, participants completed pre- and post-surveys about their perceived and actual experience with the interventions. Participants also self-reported adverse effects due to the intervention. Results: As of December 3, 2021, 221 participants (148 healthcare workers and 73 non–healthcare essential workers) had enrolled. Moreover, 20 adverse effects have been reported, including skin irritation, epistaxis, and mouth discoloration; 9 participants withdrew due to side effects. Laboratory analyses are ongoing to measure effectiveness in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load. We performed an interim analysis of intervention acceptability. Survey responses were given on a Likert scale of 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely). Although 36% of respondents (n = 74) reported on the postsurvey that the intervention was less acceptable than they had expected on the presurvey, the overall acceptability measure was still relatively high (3.76) (Fig. 2). In addition, 76% of respondents reported that they would use the intervention in the future (n = 56). Conclusions: Participant recruitment is ongoing, and data continue to be collected to analyze effectiveness and feasibility. Preliminary data suggest that participants find the nasal and oral antisepsis intervention to be an acceptable option to complement standard infection control methods to prevent COVID-19.Funding: Professional Disposables International, Healthcare Division (PDIHC)Disclosures: None

PDB‐101: Molecular Explorations through Biology and Medicine

PDB‐101 is an online portal for teachers, students, and the general public to promote exploration of the structural biology of proteins and nucleic acids (pdb101.rcsb.org). Learning about the diverse shapes and functions of these biological macromolecules helps to understand all aspects of biomedicine and agriculture, from protein synthesis to health and disease to biological energy.Why PDB‐101? Researchers around the world are studying these molecules at the atomic level. These 3D structures are freely available at the Protein Data Bank (PDB), the central storehouse of biomolecular structures. This website builds introductory materials to help beginners get started in the basics of biomolecular structure and function (“101”, as in an entry level course) as well as resources for extended learning.Since 2011, PDB‐101 has been developed by the RCSB PDB, a global resource for the advancement of research and education in biology and medicine. Along with our Worldwide PDB collaborators, RCSB PDB curates, annotates, and makes publicly available the PDB data deposited by scientists around the globe. The RCSB PDB then provides a window to these data through a rich online resource with powerful searching, reporting, and visualization tools for researchers. This information is then streamlined for students and teachers at PDB‐101.Features include the ongoing Molecule of the Month series, educational materials such as paper models, posters, molecular animations, educational curricula and more. The section “Guide to Understanding PDB Data” is a primer for detailed PDB‐specific information: PDB Data, Visualizing Structures, Reading Coordinate Files, scientific methods for structure determination, and more.PDB‐101 also runs annual Video Challenges for high school students. Participants create short videos that tell molecular stories that connect structural biology and medicine. Previous topics have included HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and antimicrobial resistance. The 2022 challenge will focus on Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer.PDB‐101 activities are evaluated using user surveys, feedback from in‐person activities, and website analytics. In 2020, PDB‐101 hosted &gt;850,000 users and &gt;2.6 million page views.

Virtual Radiation Oncology Peer Review is Associated With Decreased Engagement and Limited Case Discussion: Analysis of a Prospective Database Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Radiotherapy (RT) plan peer review (PR) is critical to maintain safety and quality of care in radiation oncology. During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in-person activities have been limited to minimize the risk of exposure in the workplace. We aimed to determine whether the transition from an in-person to virtual format impacts the efficacy and engagement of PR conference. We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of RT plans reviewed in routine PR between 2019-2021. Plans were categorized as in-person or virtual based on our department's transition to virtual meetings in March 2020. The rate of identified deviations and the rate and type of discussion topics per case were compared between groups. A total of 3,372 RT plans were analyzed, 1,120 in-person and 2,252 virtually. Deviations were identified in 4.1% of the cohort, significantly less for the virtual group (2.5%) compared with the in-person group (7.3%, p<0.001). PR discussion was reduced in the virtual group: 90.3% of cases had no discussion versus 72.8% in the in-person group (p<0.001). Significant decreases discussion rates for multiple topics were observed after the transition from in-person conferences to virtual PR meetings: treatment intent (2.1% to 0.7%), RT dose/prescription/technique (14.0% to 4.0%), documentation/nomenclature (4.1% to 1.3%), and target/organ at risk considerations (12.9% to 5.0%). There were no observed differences in the rates of deviations identified among cases that were discussed (26.7% in-person v. 23.9% virtual). Virtual radiation oncology peer review is associated with a significant decline in identified deviations and a decrease in the frequency and breadth of discussion. Similar rates of deviations among discussed patients in either group suggest the observed change in deviation rate is potentially related to reduced physician engagement. Further evaluation of the promises and pitfalls of virtual RT plan PR is imperative.

How Communication Affects the Adoption of Digital Technologies in Soybean Production: A Survey in Brazil

Technology adoption has contributed to developing efficient food production throughout the history of modern agriculture. In the last decades, several technologies have positively affected yields globally, and, more recently, digital solutions are leading the way. This article presents the results of a survey carried out with 461 Brazilian soybean farmers about the use of technologies and the level of influence of mass media, social media, and interpersonal meetings on the decision to adopt new technologies. We surveyed farmers in Brazil’s top five soybean-producing states, which represent 75% of production in the world’s largest soybean producer. Spearman’s rank correlations showed an association between communication and the use of precision and digital technologies. LinkedIn had the highest positive correlation between precision and digital tools. Conferences, forums, and seminars had the highest positive correlation with the perceived benefits of using technologies on-farm. The results suggest that in-person activities still have relevance, but social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, have grown increasingly important to farmers. In addition, the correlations indicate that adopters of established technologies tend to prioritize in-person connections as a reference for their decision making. The results reinforce that superior knowledge and information are decisive in the process of adopting technologies in agriculture.

Imaging Technologies Build Capacity and Accessibility in Phytoplankton Species Identification Expertise for Research and Monitoring: Lessons Learned During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

As primary producers, phytoplankton play an integral role in global biogeochemical cycles through their production of oxygen and fixation of carbon. They also provide significant ecosystem services, by supporting secondary production and fisheries. Phytoplankton biomass and diversity have been identified by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) as Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), properties that need to be monitored to better understand and predict the ocean system. Phytoplankton identification and enumeration relies on the skills and expertise of highly trained taxonomic analysts. The training of new taxonomic analysts is intensive and requires months to years of supervised training before an analyst is able to independently and consistently apply identification skills to a sample. During the COVID-19 pandemic, access to laboratories was greatly restricted and social distancing requirements prevented supervised training. However, access to phytoplankton imaging technologies such as the Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB), FlowCam, and PlanktoScope, combined with open online taxonomic identification platforms such as EcoTaxa, provided a means to continue monitoring, research, and training activities remotely when in-person activities were restricted. Although such technologies can not entirely replace microscopy, they have a great potential for supporting an expansion in taxonomic training, monitoring, surveillance, and research capacity. In this paper we highlight a set of imaging and collaboration tools and describe how they were leveraged during laboratory lockdowns to advance research and monitoring goals. Anecdotally, we found that the use of imaging tools accelerated the training of new taxonomic analysts in our phytoplankton analysis laboratory. Based on these experiences, we outline how these technologies can be used to increase capacity in taxonomic training and expertise, as well as how they can be used more broadly to expand research opportunities and capacity.

Preface

Abstract The twenty-ninth annual International Laser Physics Workshop (LPHYS’21) was held in an exclusively virtual format on Zoom from July 19 to July 23, 2021 In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic that paralyzed the entire world, the twenty-ninth Annual International Laser Physics Workshop could not be held in person in Lyon, France, and had to be postponed until 2021. This year the Workshop was carried out in an exclusively virtual format on Zoom. The LPHYS’21 Steering and Advisory&amp;Program committees and the LPHYS’21 Management Team have worked hard to make this event possible. We kept the conference virtual Zoom format as closely as possible to the standard in-person format of the previous years, albeit without popular extravagant welcome parties, sumptuous gala dinners, and many other in-person activities and friendly gatherings. However, the cordial atmosphere that had always ruled at our annual meetings was kept on. List of The following is the list of the Proceedings Editors, Sponsors are available in this pdf.

Gender Difference in Psychological, Cognitive, and Behavioral Patterns Among University Students During COVID-19: A Machine Learning Approach.

The COVID-19 pandemic affects all population segments and is especially detrimental to university students because social interaction is critical for a rewarding campus life and valuable learning experiences. In particular, with the suspension of in-person activities and the adoption of virtual teaching modalities, university students face drastic changes in their physical activities, academic careers, and mental health. Our study applies a machine learning approach to explore the gender differences among U.S. university students in response to the global pandemic. Leveraging a proprietary survey dataset collected from 322 U.S. university students, we employ association rule mining (ARM) techniques to identify and compare psychological, cognitive, and behavioral patterns among male and female participants. To formulate our task under the conventional ARM framework, we model each unique question-answer pair of the survey questionnaire as a market basket item. Consequently, each participant's survey report is analogous to a customer's transaction on a collection of items. Our findings suggest that significant differences exist between the two gender groups in psychological distress and coping strategies. In addition, the two groups exhibit minor differences in cognitive patterns and consistent preventive behaviors. The identified gender differences could help professional institutions to facilitate customized advising or counseling for males and females in periods of unprecedented challenges.

IDF21-0521 Peer Support for Diabetes Management in the Shanghai Integration Model Developed Community Capacity to Combat COVID-19

Background: The Shanghai Integration Model linking primary, specialty, and hospital care includes peer support to help individuals carry out daily management of their diabetes. Initial results from 9 Community Health Centers (CHCs) in Shanghai documented improvements in glycated hemoglobin and other clinical and quality-of-life measures. Expansion to 12 additional communities enlisted neighborhood committees and Community Self Management Groups as well as CHCs to host and promote PS activities. Planned implementation from May 2019 to May 2020 was, however, interrupted by COVID. During the pandemic, peer support for diabetes management was reduced but maintained through WeChat groups and individual contacts while peer leaders also emerged as dependable community partners in responding to COVID-19. Aim: Characterize how the pandemic revealed a broader benefit of the Shanghai Integration Model and peer support in the capacity they provided CHCs and communities to respond to COVID-19. Method: Descriptive and qualitative study of program developments and observed benefits based on structured interviews with key informants among CHC staff, and community and district-level public health officers. Routine documentation of program activities. Results: As part of the proactive, highly coordinated responses of the Chinese government and citizens and the people’s shared sense of duty, peer supporters took an important role in their communities in Shanghai. In initial months of strict lockdowns, peer support pivoted from in-person activities to digital and telephone support. In 9 of 12 communities, peer leaders formed online WeChat groups that became valuable sources both for sustaining diabetes management and responding to COVID. These WeChat groups facilitated clinic-to-patient communication, community peer support, healthy lifestyles, and disseminated credible information about COVID as well as about obtaining medications and clinical services for diabetes. Respondents to structured interviews indicated that peer leaders assisted in their communities in various ways, such as distributing publicity materials, bringing groceries and supplies to older adults who could not leave their buildings, and distributing face masks. Illustrative comments included “Our diabetes team members are not just an audience during the entire epidemic prevention process…they actually give full play to their power as volunteers” and, “The cohesion, the coordination, the willingness to help, and the activity are important factors of a group leader. Those group leaders have put incredible efforts into the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic.” A district level public health officer added, “These group leaders also help in society…they were basically active in all types of social welfare activities.” In addition to serving others, the collaborative relationships cultivated with other organizations created a basis for supporting each other when “everyone was under great pressure. Both leaders and colleagues cared for and encouraged each other, which was consistent with the emotional support content in the peer support program.” Discussion: Beyond direct benefits with diabetes, integration of care such as through the Shanghai Integration Model, peer support, and collaboration with community groups as well as CHCs enhance community capacity to address other health challenges, including even the unprecedented threats provided by COVID-19 in China and worldwide.

Catalyzing Remote Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Early Career Oceanographers Adopt Hybrid Open Science Framework

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced many challenges for research scientists: reduction of lab and field observation collection and in-person meetings. These new constraints forced researchers to remote work and virtual networking, dramatically influencing scientific inquiry. Such challenges are compounded for those in early stages of their career, where data collection and networking are vital to be seen as productive. However, during this trying time of remote work, we, as a collective of early-career oceanographers, were actively developing and improving on an already-existent hybrid community of practice. Through our experiences, we believe this type of framework can enhance virtual collaboration to the point that it outlasts the pandemic and helps create new synergies that will diversify and enhance scientific inquiry within the ocean science community. We describe a hybrid community of practice and an example workflow that models effective collaboration. We have found that three components to this model are necessary for effective collaboration, inspiration, and communication: 1) openly accessible data, 2) software, computational, and professional-development resources, and 3) a team science approach. In our experience, both the in-person and remote aspects of the model are important. In person collaboration is key to expanding the community of practice and invigorating those already within the community. Remote collaboration has been critical for effective collaborations between in-person activities and has proven to maximize outputs during in-person collaborations. While the three components of this model are not new to the scientific community, we believe that utilizing them strategically post-pandemic will diversify and expand scientific collaboration in oceanography.

Pediatric Burn Care: How Burn Camps Survived and Thrived During the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Burn camps play a vital role in the recovery of burn survivors by allowing them to develop the confidence and skill sets needed to reintegrate back into society. During the COVID-19 pandemic, burn camps across the United States and Canada could not hold any in-person activities. They had to either pause burn camps or quickly adapt to a virtual online platform. A 37-item electronic survey was developed and emailed to burn camp directors in the United States and Canada to determine what adaptations were necessary during the pandemic. This survey allowed directors to provide details on many facets such as camp format, successes observed, and challenges encountered. Twenty-one of 34 (62%) burn camp organizations completed the survey. 13 of the 21 (62%) respondents held virtual burn camps in 2020 while everyone else canceled their camps in 2020. The mean number of camps offered per organization decreased from 6.3 in 2019 to 4.7 in 2020. The average number of burn survivors and family members participating also dropped in that same period (2019 aggregate mean = 229.2 vs. 2020 aggregate mean = 151.4). Components of virtual camp included video conferencing platforms, “camp in a box” activities, and some prerecorded sessions. Most camp directors believed that their campers were satisfied with the virtual format. Factors allowing for a successful virtual camp included an effective online platform, scheduling adequate duration of programs, and appropriate staffing levels. Most common barriers to an effective virtual camp were participant engagement, special needs/accessibility concerns, and staff effectiveness in this format. While challenging, burn camps can be held in a virtual format successfully with proper planning, staff training, and support of campers and their families.

Effectiveness of a large-scale implementation of hybrid labs for experiential learning at Imperial College London

Experiential learning is an integral component of engineering education. The Chemeng Remote Experience Augmented through TEchnology (CREATE) labs concept was implemented in the academic year 2020–21 in response to COVID19 for first-, second-, and third-year chemical engineering undergraduate students studying at Imperial College London. Using a range of technologies including pan-tilt-zoom cameras and Microsoft HoloLens 2 to provide real-time views of the lab environment from anywhere in the world. Students could control the experiments remotely while graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) operated the equipment based on the students’ instructions. This study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of this implementation with a focus on student communication and confidence. Students and GTAs were surveyed at the end of labs, and a year-dependent response was observed. The majority of students (>70%) reported experiencing effective communication with team members and GTAs and there was a strong positive correlation between communication and confidence in applying engineering concepts in the labs (χ2 = 79.96; p = 1.69 ×10−10). 5–10% of students from all year groups reported that they disliked the lack of in-person activities. The majority (>90%) of GTAs assisting with experiments stated that they associated their role in the CREATE labs with that of a facilitator. The overall delivery of CREATE labs during academic year 2020–21 was positively received by both students and GTAs with recommendations for in-person activities for first- and second-year students. With minor modifications, CREATE labs has the potential to prepare students for effective remote communication and gain experience in using smart technologies which are key components of Industry 4.0.