Southeastern Ohio Research Articles

Southeastern Ohio Hemlock Stands Prior to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation: Baseline Conditions from 2 Surveys a Decade Apart

The Hocking Hills of southeastern Ohio are situated at the western range boundary of eastern hemlock, where this foundation species occurs in isolated pockets in ravines and on steep slopes. The goal of this study is to characterize these hemlock stands prior to infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), which recently entered the state and is likely to cause high mortality if untreated. Individuals in 30 plots established from 2008 to 2011 were resurveyed in 2020, allowing determination of growth rates and mortality rates. Each plot was paired with an upslope transect in the resurvey to record non-hemlock species likely to seed in from above. Tree species diversity in the plots is low (Shannon H’ < 1), as eastern hemlock remained the dominant species in all plots; storm damage and competitive thinning appeared to account for most mortality across all species. Hemlock growth rates were comparable to deciduous species. Common co-occurring species are statistically associated with particular topographic and soil properties on the plots. Following future hemlock mortality, tulip-poplar, chestnut oak, white oak, sweet birch, and red maple may be among the first species to dominate the canopy; Japanese stiltgrass currently appears to be the invasive species of greatest concern. An understanding of pre-HWA composition, structure, and forest dynamics can inform restoration efforts, if in the future long-term, sustainable HWA control or host-tree resistance is developed; this understanding can also apprise management and conservation efforts in the unique hemlock stands of southeast Ohio.

Southeastern Ohio Hemlock Stands Prior to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Infestation: Baseline Conditions from 2 Surveys a Decade Apart

The Hocking Hills of southeastern Ohio are situated at the western range boundary of eastern hemlock, where this foundation species occurs in isolated pockets in ravines and on steep slopes. The goal of this study is to characterize these hemlock stands prior to infestation by hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA), which recently entered the state and is likely to cause high mortality if untreated. Individuals in 30 plots established from 2008 to 2011 were resurveyed in 2020, allowing determination of growth rates and mortality rates. Each plot was paired with an upslope transect in the resurvey to record non-hemlock species likely to seed in from above. Tree species diversity in the plots is low (Shannon H’ < 1), as eastern hemlock remained the dominant species in all plots; storm damage and competitive thinning appeared to account for most mortality across all species. Hemlock growth rates were comparable to deciduous species. Common co-occurring species are statistically associated with particular topographic and soil properties on the plots. Following future hemlock mortality, tulip-poplar, chestnut oak, white oak, sweet birch, and red maple may be among the first species to dominate the canopy; Japanese stiltgrass currently appears to be the invasive species of greatest concern. An understanding of pre-HWA composition, structure, and forest dynamics can inform restoration efforts, if in the future long-term, sustainable HWA control or host-tree resistance is developed; this understanding can also apprise management and conservation efforts in the unique hemlock stands of southeast Ohio.

Modeling the importance of physician training in practice location for Ohio otolaryngologists.

Underserved communities in southeastern Ohio and Appalachia face significant healthcare accessibility challenges, with the Midwest offering a lower density of healthcare providers compared to coastal regions. Specifically, underserved communities in southeastern Ohio and Appalachia are disadvantaged in otolaryngology care. This analysis aims to identify factors that lead otolaryngologists to a respective practice location, and if any of that influence comes from where otolaryngologists completed their medical education. The proportion of otolaryngologists who performed medical school, residency, and/or fellowship in Ohio was analyzed utilizing a three-sample test for equality. Multivariate logistic regression and Pearson prediction models were produced to analyze the impact of performing medical training (medical school, residency, and fellowship) in Ohio. Going to medical school in Ohio significantly increases the odds of going to an otolaryngology residency in the state (p<0.001). Moreover, between medical school and residency, medical school was a significantly better predictor of otolaryngologists practicing in Appalachia (Δ Bayesian Information Criterion [BIC]>2) and southeast Ohio (ΔBIC>10). Medical school in state was also a better predictor of percent rural and median household income than residency (ΔBIC>10). The multivariate model of medical school and residency was significantly better than either predictor alone for the population (ΔBIC>2). All models predicting percent rural were significantly improved with the addition of a Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree (ΔBIC>10). Where physicians complete their medical training (medical school, residency, and fellowship) in state has a significant impact on predicting their future place of practice. This study found that the location of such training has a positive predictive nature as to whether that physician will practice in a rural and underserved area in the future. Notably, the addition of being licensed as a DO also increased the probability of that physician practicing in a rural area.

Interspecific, conspecific, and ontogenetic responses of tree rings to climate: A case study utilizing Carya glabra, Carya ovata, Carya tomentosa, and Quercus montana from an Oak-Hickory Forest in Southeastern Ohio

Climate change in eastern North America is likely to impact the abundance and distribution of the region’s tree species. However, determining the degree to which species will be impacted by altered climates is challenging. Dendrochronology research aimed at understanding relationships between climate and annual ring-width is one way of understanding how climate change may impact forest communities. Oak (Quercus spp.) and hickory (Carya spp.) are two foundational groups of trees likely to undergo changes in abundance and distribution due to climate change. The goal of this study was to compare the radial growth climate sensitivity of three common and co-occurring hickory species (Carya glabra, Carya ovata, and Carya tomentosa) to ecologically similar Quercus montana in southeast Ohio. Also, this study compared conspecific radial-growth climate responses between canopy and subcanopy trees to assess the impacts of climate and drought on subcanopy forest layers. All four species in the forest canopy demonstrated significant positive relationships to growing season precipitation, significant negative relationships with growing season temperature, and significant positive relationships with growing season site water balance. Subcanopy chronologies for all four species demonstrated weaker growth responses to climate, with only Carya glabra demonstrating significant growth relationships with May precipitation and site water balance. Additionally, the increased drought resistance of subcanopy trees provided some evidence of the forest overstory buffering the impacts of climate variability on understory trees. Overall, ontogenetic differences in tree sensitivity to climate variability and drought show that climate change likely has the potential to influence the forest understory, but the degree to which systems are impacted may be highly species-specific.

Assessment of Deer–Vehicle Crash Mitigation Structures on the US 33 Nelsonville, Ohio, Bypass

The US 33 Nelsonville Bypass project involved construction of a new four-lane divided highway through the Wayne National Forest in southeastern Ohio, an area high in species diversity and home to several threatened and endangered species. The project included three wildlife underpass structures to promote habitat connectivity, 16 jump out structures to allow wildlife to exit the highway right-of-way (ROW), and 2.44-m (8-feet) tall exclusion fencing along the ROW boundary to discourage entry. This paper reports the results of a comprehensive research study undertaken to determine if these features were effective at reducing collisions between vehicles and wildlife (specifically, white-tailed deer). A multi-season camera-based monitoring plan was deployed to track the movement of animals within and around the highway ROW. The results of the analysis showed that the crossing structures were heavily used and that the tall fencing was effective at excluding deer from the highway area. Approximately 43% of deer that approached the jump out structures used them to successfully exit the ROW. Analysis of traffic crash data from six years after the opening of the highway suggests that the prevalence of deer crashes on the highway is lower than other highways in the region, indicating that the mitigation features appear to be successful at reducing such collisions. Considering the additional costs of constructing the mitigation features and the economic benefits of the associated deer crash reductions, the incremental cost-benefit ratio of the complete installation is estimated to be 1.65, indicating a net positive benefit realized by the mitigation plan. The results of this study suggest that wildlife mitigation structures can be effective in supporting highway development in wildlife-sensitive areas, particularly if the placement of the structures relates to existing wildlife patterns and the features are maintained post-construction.

Remembering Herbert Gutman's Work, Culture, and Society Fifty Years On

Remembering Herbert Gutman's <i>Work, Culture, and Society</i> Fifty Years On

Mammals, Late November

Research Article| May 01 2023 Mammals, Late November John Hazard John Hazard John Hazard grew up in the southeastern Ohio village of Caldwell and now lives in Birmingham, Michigan. He has taught at the University of Memphis and, more recently, at the Cranbrook Schools and Oakland University in suburban Detroit. His poetry has been nominated for a Pushcart and Best of the Net and has appeared widely in magazines, including Ploughshares, Poetry, Shenandoah, Slate, the Gettysburg Review, Arts and Letters, Ascent, Atticus Review, Carolina Quarterly, DIAGRAM, Gulf Stream, New Ohio Review, Harpur Palate, Terrain.org, and Valparaiso Poetry Review. His 2015 book of poetry is Naming a Stranger, and his new collection, Interrupt the Sky, will appear in 2023. Search for other works by this author on: This Site Google the minnesota review (2023) 2023 (100): 46. https://doi.org/10.1215/00265667-10320884 Cite Icon Cite Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Permissions Search Site Citation John Hazard; Mammals, Late November. the minnesota review 1 May 2023; 2023 (100): 46. doi: https://doi.org/10.1215/00265667-10320884 Download citation file: Zotero Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search Books & JournalsAll Journalsthe minnesota review Search Advanced Search The text of this article is only available as a PDF. © 2023 John Hazard2023 Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

Leveraging Every Door Direct Mail for remote recruitment of a rural Appalachian study Sample: Response rate and representativeness

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a service of the United States Postal Service (USPS) that delivers non-addressed mail to all postal customers on designated mailing routes. Primarily used for marketing, we describe EDDM’s efficacy as a research tool for remotely recruiting a representative convenience sample of rural Appalachian households for a longitudinal survey-based health study. In June 2020, recruitment postcards were sent via EDDM to all residential addresses (n = 31,201) within an 18 ZIP code region of Southeastern Ohio. Adults were invited to complete a survey online via QR code or to call for a mailed survey. Respondent demographic characteristics were generated using SPSS and compared with the region’s 2019 U.S. Census Bureau statistics. A total of 841 households responded to the invitation, reflecting a response rate higher than marketing estimates (2.7 % vs 2 %). Compared to Census data, a greater proportion of respondents were female (74 % vs 51 %), and highly educated (64 % vs 36 % college graduates); a comparable proportion were non-Hispanic (99 % vs 98 %), white (90 % vs 91 %), and had ≥ 1 adult in the household (1.7 ± 0.9); and a lower proportion had a household income < $50 k (47 % vs 54 %). The median age was higher (56 vs 30 years), and 29 % were retirees. EDDM was a viable method for remote recruitment of a rural geographically-based sample. Further work is needed to explore its efficacy in recruiting representative samples in other contexts and to inform best practices for its use.

Social Determinants and Health Disparities Pertaining to Diabetes in Appalachia.

Diabetes poses a significant threat to public health in the United States, with an estimated total prevalence of 37.3 million individuals in 2019, of which 28.7 million were diagnosed and 8.5 million remained undiagnosed. The high prevalence of diabetes imposes a considerable economic burden on the U.S. healthcare system. Appalachian Ohio is disproportionately impacted with southeastern Ohio exhibiting a diabetes prevalence that exceeds the national average by more than twofold and a critical shortage of healthcare providers. To quantify the associations between diabetes prevalence and incidence in Ohio counties, considering various factors that impact health and quality-of-life outcomes. The data used in this study were obtained from the United States Diabetes Surveillance System (USDSS) on the 88 counties in Ohio. Pearson correlation tests were employed to investigate the relationship between diabetes (prevalence and incidence) and social determinants of health. A t-test and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test were performed to analyze the disparities in diabetes and social determinants between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties. The results of this study demonstrate notable disparities in diabetes prevalence between Appalachian and non-Appalachian counties (P < .001, α = .05). Furthermore, the MANOVA test revealed significant differences between these 2 groups regarding social determinants of health (P < .05). These findings suggest that Appalachian counties may face a disproportionate impact from health-related factors and experience limited access to healthcare services. The data highlight the need for focused efforts to address the specific challenges faced by Appalachian counties. Improving access to healthcare services in the Appalachian region is paramount to ensure equitable healthcare and enhance the overall health outcomes of affected communities.

Slow Scholarship: Medieval Research and the Neoliberal University

Slow Scholarship: Medieval Research and the Neoliberal University

Abundance and Habitat Associations of Winter and Spring Birds on a Reclaimed Surface Mine (The Wilds) in Ohio, USA

Several studies have examined how grassland birds use reclaimed surface mines during the breeding season, but few studies have documented how these birds use these areas during the winter and early spring months. Using point counts, birds occupying a reclaimed surface-mine site in southeastern Ohio were surveyed from late December 2020 to April 2021. The primary objective was to document bird abundance and species richness across a temporal gradient spanning from late December 2020 through April 2021. Additionally, bird species composition was examined in habitat patches dominated by cool-season plants and in a single warm-season plot dominated by switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). A total of 1,452 bird sightings were made consisting of 40 species in 7 orders. Songbirds (order Passeriformes) comprised 60% of all sightings, and most of these (53%) were Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Thirty-nine species were observed on cool-season sites versus 13 species in the switchgrass plot. Species including returning Eastern Meadowlarks, Henslow's Sparrows (Centronyx henslowii), and Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla) were common on the cool-season plots, but uncommon or absent in the switchgrass plot. Conversely, the switchgrass plot had more wintering American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea) and returning Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana). Return rates of long-distance migratory species fell within the time frames for these species as obtained from previous studies in this region. The diverse habitat structure of the cool-season portions of this study site attracted some winter species, including birds of prey, as well as several returning migratory species.

Examination of Health Care Providers' Use of Language in Diabetes Care: A Secondary Qualitative Data Analysis.

The purpose of this secondary qualitative data analysis was to assess the frequency and context of stigmatizing language used by health care providers (HCPs). The authors conducted content and thematic analysis of in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews with HCPs in southeastern Ohio. Participants frequently used labeling language, such as "diabetic" and "noncompliant," as well as language with negative connotations, such as "control," "testing," and "regimen." These findings offer a real-world glimpse of how HCPs communicate about people with diabetes in this region of the country.

Habitat connectivity and resource selection in an expanding bobcat (Lynx rufus) population.

Terrestrial carnivores are among the most imperiled species worldwide, yet some species are resilient and are recovering in human-dominated landscapes after decades or centuries of absence. Bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations were extirpated from much of Midwestern US in the mid-1800’s, and are currently expanding and recolonizing their former range. In this study, we investigated multi-scale habitat selection for Ohio’s expanding bobcat population, and examined habitat connectivity in order to evaluate the conduits for dispersal statewide. We used citizen observations collected between 1978 and 2019 and logistic regression to evaluate population-level habitat selection, and GPS telemetry data for 20 individuals collected between 2012 and 2014 and a distribution-weighted exponential Resource Selection Function to evaluate individual-level habitat selection within home ranges. At the population level, bobcats selected for higher amounts of forest and pasture (at a 50 km2 scale) and herbaceous vegetation (at 15–50 50 km2 scales), thus overall heterogeneous forested habitat. At individual (home range) level, bobcats selected for forested habitats with low road density and farther away from high traffic roads; they also showed weak selection for open habitat at the home range level. Male home ranges were significantly greater than female home ranges. Lastly, we used the population-level spatial outputs (i.e. habitat suitability map) to parameterize habitat connectivity models using circuit theory in the program Circuitscape. We tested three relationships between habitat suitability and resistance to movement and used a subset of data on potential dispersing individuals to evaluate which relationship performed best. All three relationships performed almost equally well, and we calculated a weighted averaged connectivity map as our final map. Habitat was highly permeable to movements between core areas of two genetically distinct subpopulations located in southeastern Ohio. We also identified potential dispersal corridors from the core areas to other regions of Ohio dominated by agriculture and suburban development via forested riparian corridors. Overall, our analysis offers new information on habitat selection and connectivity in a rebounding felid population and offers important ecological information for wildlife management strategies. We recommend that the suitability and connectivity models should be periodically updated until the population reaches an equilibrium, and be integrated with data from neighboring states for a comprehensive assessment of a conservation success story.

Spring phenological variability promoted by topography and vegetation assembly processes in a temperate forest landscape

Plant phenological processes significantly impact ecosystem function and services across multiple ecological scales and are widely viewed to be among the most sensitive indicators of global environmental change. Remote sensing has crucially expanded our understanding of phenological variability. Yet, we continue to lack a complete mechanistic understanding of phenology and its variability and drivers, which is important to the development of predictive models, especially under continued environmental change. We combined field inventories and Land Surface Phenology (LSP) approaches, using 36 years of Landsat phenological observations, to characterize the degree to which long-term spring greenup patterns are shaped by topography, vegetation, and topographically structured vegetation assembly processes within a dissected forest landscape in southeastern Ohio. We found temporal and spatial variability among the field samples where greenup patterns displayed rapid change (18 total days) over relatively short distances (<1 km). Slope position explained the most variation (35%), where the bases of hills displayed the latest timing in spring greenup. However, we found that differences in terrain aspect and slope influenced canopy diversity, height, and composition of forest stands, influencing plant community processes that support heterogeneity in spring leaf-out timing. Understanding how forest phenology is shaped by direct and often complex interacting processes that influence the distribution of species assemblages supports new insight into phenological variability and, importantly, the management of forest ecosystems facing continued environmental change.

Landscape and Microsite Characteristics of American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) Nest-Box Sites along Highway Corridors in Southeast Ohio

Falco sparverius (American Kestrel), an obligate cavity-nesting bird species, has experienced declines in much of its range for decades. Among possible causes for the decline are loss of suitable habitat and availability of nesting cavities. The species seems to benefit from nest boxes installed at locations assumed to meet all other habitat requirements. Nest boxes mounted on billboard posts and the backs of road signs—especially along 4-lane highways—are becoming more commonplace because of the perceived cover associated with these landscapes. Based on monitoring American Kestrel occupancy of nest boxes (n = 37) from 2015 to 2017 in southeastern Ohio, we were able to create a database of occupied versus unoccupied sites, as well as documenting the presence/absence of Sturnus vulgaris (European Starling), an apparent competitor for nesting cavities. Using this database, we conducted a GIS-based analysis of land cover across multiple scales for each site, with the objective of identifying a suite of landscape-cover features that might enable deployment of nest boxes in the region with greater usage by American Kestrels. Using principal components analysis coupled with k-means clustering, we identified 2 landscape niche clusters, which differed significantly along the PC1 axis (P < 0.001). One cluster was occupied by American Kestrels and European Starlings, the other was occupied by European Starlings only. The American Kestrel-occupied cluster had 10–40% herbaceous and <15% cropland across all spatial scales, with a higher median percentage of forest being prevalent at the 3000-m scale. The European Starling-only cluster had more cropland and less forest cover. At the micro-scale, American Kestrels appeared to favor nest boxes located closer (median distance = 11.5 m) to the road surface than those placed further (median distance = 24.5 m) away. Future efforts should take these trends into account to effectively deploy nest boxes intended for American Kestrels and minimize availability to and possible occupancy by European Starlings.

To Establish a Healthy Forest: Restoration of the Forest Herb Layer on a Reclaimed Mine Site

Restoration efforts, such as invasive species removal and establishment of native flora, can be resource intensive. Therefore, understanding the effectiveness of restoration efforts can provide land managers with the confidence to pursue restoration. This study evaluated the effects of invasive species removal and compared active revegetation to passive revegetation in enhancing forest integrity on reclaimed surface coal mine land in southeastern Ohio. Surface coal mining occurred in the area from the 1940s to the 1980s, leaving a near continuous disturbance footprint of 3704.5 ha. This study occurred within 3.6 ha of the larger disturbance footprint where mining activity ceased and reclamation with tree planting occurred in the 1960s. Due to the disturbance, the site was prone to invasive species until their removal began in 2017. In spring 2019, 2 y following invasive species removal and 1 y following seeding and planting, we completed vegetation and bloom surveys across three treatments: managed forest with invasive species removed and subsequent native plantings (planted), managed forest with invasive species removed only (unplanted), and unmanaged forest (control). Our study found vegetative species diversity, vegetative species richness, and floral species richness and bloom time were enhanced for treatments in which invasive species were removed. The planted and unplanted treatments also supported understories comprising a different community composition when compared to control plots. However, no difference was found in community composition between planted and unplanted treatments despite application of active revegetation to support understory regeneration. Overall, results after 2 y support invasive species removal to improve the herbaceous layer of an understory, with more time likely needed for planted material to establish in order to distinguish between revegetation methods.

Clinically significant depressive symptoms and high diabetes distress in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Appalachian Ohio.

In rural southeastern Ohio, the prevalence of diabetes is 19.9%, nearly double the national average of 10.5%. Despite the high rate of diabetes, its impact on the region is understudied; one such understudied topic is psychosocial difficulties. People with diabetes experience disproportionately higher rates of major depressive disorder (MDD), clinically significant depressive symptoms, and diabetes distress. Diabetes distress refers to the negative emotional experience of living with diabetes. It reflects an individual's worries, concerns, and fears about living a chronic and progressive disease. To assess the prevalence of diabetes distress as well as comorbid, clinically significant depressive symptoms and diabetes distress among patients in southeastern Ohio; and to assess impact of depressive symptoms and diabetes distress on A1C levels, diabetes self care behaviors, and diabetes quality of life (DQOL). In this cross sectional survey study, individuals aged 18years and older, diagnosed with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 (T2D) diabetes, who were able to read and speak English, and living in southeastern Ohio were invited to participate. Participants completed the Diabetes Distress Scale for T2D or T1D, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Self Care Inventory-Revised, and the DQOL Scale as part of the study survey. Participants completed the survey via an online questionnaire service or mailed packets. Chi square tests determined the comorbidity of clinically significant depressive symptoms and high diabetes distress levels by type of diabetes. Multiple regression models examined the relationships among clinically significant depressive symptoms, diabetes distress scores, A1C levels, self care behaviors, and DQOL scores. Statistical significance was defined as a p<0.05. A total of 325 adults participated (mean±standard deviation [SD] age, 41.6±19.2years; 131 (40.7%) with T1D; 194 (59.7%) with T2D; mean±SD A1C, 7.5±1.6%; mean±SD duration, 12.4±9.6years). Of the 325 participants, 70 (21.5%) indicated clinically significant depressive symptoms, with 29 (22.3%) T1D participants and 41 (21.0%) T2D participants reporting clinically significant depressive symptoms. A total of 92 (28.3%) participants reported high diabetes distress (39 (30.5%) T1D participants and 53 (27.5%) T2D participants). Forty-eight participants (15.0%) screened positive for both clinically significant depressive symptoms and high diabetes distress. Regression models showed that higher diabetes distress scores were associated with fewer self care behaviors (T1D, b=-0.268, p=0.030; T2D, b=-0.312, p<0.001) and lower DQOL (T1D, b=0.726, p<0.001; T2D, b=0.501, p<0.001). Further, more depressive symptoms were associated with lower DQOL in participants with T2D (b=0.363, p<0.001). Higher diabetes distress scores were not associated with higher A1C levels in participants with T1D or T2D; however, increased depressive symptoms were associated with higher A1C levels in participants with T2D (b=0.390, p<0.001). Findings showed that adults in southeastern Ohio experienced high levels of diabetes distress and co-occurring clinically significant depressive symptoms that were within range of data from previous studies. These findings highlight the importance of routine screening for both clinically significant depressive symptoms and diabetes distress. Future longitudinal research is needed to confirm these findings and examine the evolution of these relationships over time.

469-P: Health Care Providers’ Experiences with a Virtual Reality Program Focused on Diabetes, Social Determinants of Health, and Appalachian Culture

The prevalence of diabetes in southeastern Appalachian Ohio is 19.9%, nearly double the national average of 10.5%. Here, people are more likely to be diagnosed late, have limited access to healthcare, and lower health literacy. Moreover, people in southeastern Ohio are more likely to be unemployed, food insecure, have lower educational achievement, and limited access to transportation. These social determinants of health (SDoH) contribute to the diabetes disparities observed in the region. One approach to address these disparities is to develop tailored continuing education for healthcare providers. We developed a 3-hour cinematic virtual reality (cine-VR) program to educate providers about diabetes, SDoH, and Appalachian culture. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews with providers (age=43.8±11.8 years; 90.0% female; 95.0% white, 20.0% nurses) to explore their experiences with the cine-VR program. Three researchers independently coded the interviews, resolved discrepancies, and agreed on themes. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: 1) Feeling Like You Are in the Room: Providers commented on the realism of cine-VR. They had access to the whole environment via a 360-degree headset and felt fully immersed in the simulations as if they were in the room with the patient. 2) Empathizing with People’s Stories: Providers identified with the content in the cine-VR, specifically the clothing, cars, houses, and the notion of “taking care of everyone else but yourself.” They understood the patient’s frustrations, disappointments, and competing priorities. 3) Highlighting the Strengths of Appalachia: Providers noted the program’s emphasis on family, caregiving, loyalty, and generosity, and how these cultural values can be utilized in diabetes care. These qualitative findings demonstrate the value of culturally tailored digital storytelling as engaging content for providers to learn about diabetes, SDoH, and Appalachian culture. Disclosure E. A. Beverly: None. C. Love: None. M. Love: None.

Snakes on a lane: Road type and edge habitat predict hotspots of snake road mortality

Roads constitute just 1% of the total land in the US, but their impacts on wildlife are significant and far-reaching. Snakes are particularly susceptible to road mortality because many species do not avoid crossing roads, may use the road’s surface to thermoregulate, or freeze when approached by a vehicle. We conducted opportunistic surveys to collect road mortality points for snakes in southeastern Ohio over 15 years (2003–2018). We used logistic regression to predict roadkill hotspots and evaluate variables that influence road mortality. The species most frequently found dead on roads were Black Ratsnakes (Pantherophis spiloides), Northern Black Racers (Coluber constrictor), Eastern Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), and Rough Greensnakes (Opheodrys aestivus). Across the 14 snake species we recorded dead on roads, percent pasture within a 100 m buffer of the roadkill point, township route, county route, and state route were all negative predictors of road mortality. All surveys started in Athens, Ohio, and distance to roadkill locations was a positive predictor for road mortality. These results indicate that high-traffic roads pose a risk to snake populations, but that mortality also occurs on low-traffic roads as well. Our top model showed that low levels of pasture embedded in other land cover types was an important predictor of roadkill, suggesting that edge habitat contributes to snake road mortality. Because road mortality does not seem to be localized, road mortality mitigation structures such as underpasses and fences may have limited benefits for snake populations in our study area. The creation of edge habitat away from roads could provide snakes with necessary habitat without increasing their risk of mortality.

Food Rescue Networks and the Food System

Before the COVID-19 pandemic it was widely reported that, in the United States, over 40 percent of food produced was wasted During the pandemic, news reports have described unprecedented household food waste, up by 30 percent according to Republic Services, one of the largest waste management services in the US (Helmer 2020) But upstream, food waste was, and continues to be, equally problematic When institutions such as schools and universities, large businesses, restaurants, and other venues must shut down, so too must the food supply chain for those locations Farmers who produce food for large-scale public use have been unable to redirect their products for grocery markets, and so in many cases their harvests and dairy cannot be used Elsewhere along the chain, farm and other food laborers (e g , meat-packing workers, delivery workers) without access to protection and health care cannot continue to pack and deliver food at "normal" levels, and so potential food has been left in fields and warehouses (Evich 2020)