Beyond positive affect: enhancing our understanding of diminished positive emotions and experiences in social anxiety

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) has been found to be associated with decreased positive affect (PA) that is not attributable to depression or comorbidity with other disorders (e.g., Kashdan, 2007). Despite this, little is known about the biological, behavioural, cognitive and contextual variables implicated in diminished PA and positive experiences in SAD. The purpose of the current research was to advance our understanding of the psychological and contextual factors that contribute to and detract from the experience of positive emotions in social anxiety. Study one was designed to examine relations between motivational variables (affiliative social goals), cognitive factors (curiosity, authenticity, attentional focus), and positive emotional and interpersonal outcomes among high and low socially anxious participants within a dyadic modelling framework. Participants high and low in social anxiety completed a 45-minute semi-structured conversation with a low anxiety stranger, during which relevant predictor and outcome variables were measured repeatedly across time. Dyadic analyses using structural equation modelling revealed that participants’ affiliative social goals, curiosity, and authenticity, as well as partner social goals significantly contributed to participants’ experiences of positive emotions and interpersonal outcomes. Curiosity and authenticity were found to significantly mediate the relationship between affiliative social goals and interpersonal outcomes, with curiosity emerging as the sole mediator of the relationship between affiliative goals and PA. In addition, results illuminated key factors associated with positive outcomes for conversation partners. In study two, we coded the video recordings of the dyadic interactions in study one to examine the role of observable behavioural variables (empathy, warmth, emotional expressivity, reciprocity, and asking questions) on positive experiences, again within a dyadic framework. Results showed that reciprocity was of key importance in predicting positive experiences for both members of the dyad, emerging as a significant mediator of the relationship between affiliative goals and PA experienced by conversation partners, in addition to interpersonal outcomes for both members of the dyad. In study three, we sought to investigate the conditions under which positive affect deficits might emerge in response to standardized pleasant social and non-social stimuli in a clinical sample of individuals with SAD. Community participants diagnosed with SAD and healthy controls (HC) completed an online study where they were exposed to neutral (music and images) and positive (pleasant music, social imagery, non-social imagery) stimuli. Results demonstrated no differences between individuals with SAD and HCs in state PA, or PA reactivity when PA was measured as a global unitary construct based on the positive affect subscale of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. However, when PA was conceptualized and measured based on discrete subtypes of positive emotionality, global deficits emerged in relaxed and content PA for participants with SAD, suggesting that the operational definition and circumstances of measurement of positive emotions may be of key importance to understanding the nature of positivity deficits in social anxiety. The results of these studies are discussed within the context of theoretical models of positive emotions and social anxiety, with a focus on methodological strengths and limitations, future directions, and implications for enhancing our understanding and treatment of SAD

Revision of the New World species of Stiphrosoma Czerny (Diptera: Anthomyzidae).

Die neuweltlichen Arten der Gattung Stiphrosoma Czerny, 1928 werden revidiert. Vierzehn Arten werden festgestellt, darunter der Gattungstypus, S. sabulosum (Haliday, 1837), sowie 13 neue Arten: S. pectinatum sp. n. (Kanada: Ontario, Quebec; USA: District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia), S. lucipetum sp. n. (Bahamas; Belize; Costa Rica; Kuba; USA: Florida), S. pullum sp. n. (Costa Rica), S. setipleurum sp. n. (Kanada: Neubraunschweig, Neuschottland, Ontario, Quebec; USA: Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia), S. balteatum sp. n. (Kanada: Ontario, Quebec; USA: District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin), S. hirtum sp. n. (Kanada: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan; USA: Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Utah), S. artum sp. n. (Kanada: Alberta, Saskatchewan; USA: North Dakota), S. helvum sp. n. (Kanada: Alberta; USA: Montana), S. stylatum sp. n. (Kanada: Manitoba, Ontario; USA: Minnesota, Utah), S. minor sp. n. (USA: Arizona), S. vittatum sp. n. (USA: Kalifornien), S. sororium sp. n. (Mexiko) und S. humerale sp. n. (Kanada: Alberta, Britisch Kolumbien, Manitoba, Neufundland, Neuschottland, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan; USA: Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington; in der Paläarktis: - Lettland; Nord-Korea; Russland: Sibirien). Alle Arten werden beschrieben unter Abbildung der männlichen und weiblichen Genitalien sowie anderer diagnostischer Merkmale, und ihre Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse, Biologie und Verbreitung werden diskutiert. Das Vorkommen von S. sabulosum in der nearktischen Region wird erörtert aber ihre vermutete Einschleppung aus Europa ist unbewiesen. Die holarktische Verbreitung von S. humerale wird als natürlich erachtet; ostpaläarktische Populationen von S. humerale wurden früher irrtümlich für S. laetum (Meigen, 1830) gehalten. Flügelpolymorphismus wird von zwei neuen Arten beschrieben, S. hirtum sp. n. und S. artum sp. n., sowie von S. sabulosum. Eine neue Gattungsdiagnose für Stiphrosoma wird erstellt unter Berücksichtigung aller bekannten Arten, und die Verwandtschaftsverhältnisse der Gattung werden diskutiert. Ein Schlüssel für alle Arten von Stiphrosoma weltweit wird vorgestellt.StichwörterTaxonomy, Stiphrosoma, generic diagnosis, 13 new species, key, relationships, biology, distribution, wing polymorphism, New World.Nomenklatorische Handlungenartum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.balteatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.helvum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.hirtum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.humerale Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.lucipetum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.minor Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.pectinatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.pullum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.setipleurum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.sororium Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.stylatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.vittatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.The species of the genus Stiphrosoma Czerny, 1928 found in the New World are revised. Fourteen species are recognized, including the type species of the genus, S. sabulosum (Haliday, 1837), and 13 new species, viz. S. pectinatum sp. n. (Canada: Ontario, Quebec; USA: District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia), S. lucipetum sp. n. (Bahamas; Belize; Costa Rica; Cuba; USA: Florida), S. pullum sp. n. (Costa Rica), S. setipleurum sp. n. (Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec; USA: Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia), S. balteatum sp. n. (Canada: Ontario, Quebec; USA: District of Columbia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin), S. hirtum sp. n. (Canada: Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan; USA: Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Utah), S. artum sp. n. (Canada: Alberta, Saskatchewan; USA: North Dakota), S. helvum sp. n. (Canada: Alberta; USA: Montana), S. stylatum sp. n. (Canada: Manitoba, Ontario; USA: Minnesota, Utah), S. minor sp. n. (USA: Arizona), S. vittatum sp. n. (USA: California), S. sororium sp. n. (Mexico) and S. humerale sp. n. (Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan; USA: Michigan, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington; in the Palaearctic - Latvia; North Korea; Russia: Siberia). Descriptions of all species are given along with illustrations of male and female terminalia and other diagnostic structures, and their relationships, biology and distribution are discussed. Occurrence of S. sabulosum in the Nearctic Region is discussed but its presupposed introduction from Europe has not been demonstrated. The Holarctic distribution of S. humerale is regarded as natural; the E. Palaearctic populations of S. humerale were formerly erroneously ascribed to S. laetum (Meigen, 1830). Wing polymorphism is described in two new species, viz. S. hirtum sp. n. and S. artum sp. n., as well as in S. sabulosum. The genus Stiphrosoma is newly diagnosed on the basis of all known species and its relationships are discussed. A key to world species of Stiphrosoma is presented.KeywordsTaxonomy, Stiphrosoma, generic diagnosis, 13 new species, key, relationships, biology, distribution, wing polymorphism, New World.Nomenclatural Actsartum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.balteatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.helvum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.hirtum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.humerale Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.lucipetum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.minor Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.pectinatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.pullum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.setipleurum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.sororium Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.stylatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n.vittatum Roháček & Barber, 2005 (Stiphrosoma), spec. n

Identifying green logistics best practices leading to the effective usage of pharmaceuticals: a case study of Thailand’s Public Hospitals

yesPurpose Pharmaceuticals are a key input into healthcare operations and so their effective management is vital. This issue is of key importance in Thailand and is aligned with the Thailand’s 2nd National Logistics and Supply Chain Research Strategies (2012-2016) focusing on healthcare green logistics. Pharmaceuticals in hospitals account for more than 50% of the total hospital purchasing budget. Moreover, the overuse of medicine was generally found to be prevalent in Thai hospitals despite serious financial concerns. The aim of this study was twofold: Phase (i) to investigate the movement and lifecycle of pharmaceuticals within Thai hospital sites and Phase (ii) identify the GL practices that effectively control/minimize the use of pharmaceuticals. Research Approach Using a case research method six hospitals were examined, to give coverage of the different types/sizes, locations and a range of environmental performance issues. Hospital visits were undertaken during January to July 2014, to obtain data by using a multi-method approach: interviews, documentation reviews and in situ observation. Purposive respondent sampling was undertaken to ensure that data was collected from staff with experience of pharmaceutical management and a bespoke form of content analysis used for the data review before further cross-case analysis. Findings and Originality The result of Phase (i) revealed that pharmaceutical flows appeared to be sophisticated and problematic, caused by issues such as limited budget allocation, ineffective governmental processes, and the over-prescribing of medicine for chronic patients. The findings also identified effective GL practices such as: (i) prescribing medicines for only 1-2 months for some patient conditions/drug types and increasing the frequency of follow-up reviews, (ii) conducting a medicines return programme and (iii) having a clearly defined system of pharmaceutical product review. The outcomes of the study proposed key practices to support a Sustainable Health System at both policy and hospital levels. Within this were: (i) a representation of stakeholder views, (ii) the provision of healthcare education and communication, (iii) addressing self-health management issues and (iv) planned system review and improvement. The design and execution of such a system should be grounded in Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) concept. Research Impacts In the GL research paradigm public healthcare, developing nations, human elements and life-cycle products have received limited attention; this study therefore contributes to the reduction of these gaps. The SEP concept was highly recommended by the United Nations, instead of Sustainable Development, in addressing GL practices in Thai culture to promote sustainable health standards and this underpins the focus and the originality/impact of this study. Practical Impacts This study recommends that staff in Thai hospitals focus on effective pharmaceutical management to contribute to the sustainability of good GL practices (as identified) and to the design and delivery of a Sustainable Health System in Thailand. The study presents guidance and support to do this

Identifying green logistics best practices leading to the effective usage of pharmaceuticals: a case study of Thailand’s Public Hospitals

yesPurpose Pharmaceuticals are a key input into healthcare operations and so their effective management is vital. This issue is of key importance in Thailand and is aligned with the Thailand’s 2nd National Logistics and Supply Chain Research Strategies (2012-2016) focusing on healthcare green logistics. Pharmaceuticals in hospitals account for more than 50% of the total hospital purchasing budget. Moreover, the overuse of medicine was generally found to be prevalent in Thai hospitals despite serious financial concerns. The aim of this study was twofold: Phase (i) to investigate the movement and lifecycle of pharmaceuticals within Thai hospital sites and Phase (ii) identify the GL practices that effectively control/minimize the use of pharmaceuticals. Research Approach Using a case research method six hospitals were examined, to give coverage of the different types/sizes, locations and a range of environmental performance issues. Hospital visits were undertaken during January to July 2014, to obtain data by using a multi-method approach: interviews, documentation reviews and in situ observation. Purposive respondent sampling was undertaken to ensure that data was collected from staff with experience of pharmaceutical management and a bespoke form of content analysis used for the data review before further cross-case analysis. Findings and Originality The result of Phase (i) revealed that pharmaceutical flows appeared to be sophisticated and problematic, caused by issues such as limited budget allocation, ineffective governmental processes, and the over-prescribing of medicine for chronic patients. The findings also identified effective GL practices such as: (i) prescribing medicines for only 1-2 months for some patient conditions/drug types and increasing the frequency of follow-up reviews, (ii) conducting a medicines return programme and (iii) having a clearly defined system of pharmaceutical product review. The outcomes of the study proposed key practices to support a Sustainable Health System at both policy and hospital levels. Within this were: (i) a representation of stakeholder views, (ii) the provision of healthcare education and communication, (iii) addressing self-health management issues and (iv) planned system review and improvement. The design and execution of such a system should be grounded in Thailand’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) concept. Research Impacts In the GL research paradigm public healthcare, developing nations, human elements and life-cycle products have received limited attention; this study therefore contributes to the reduction of these gaps. The SEP concept was highly recommended by the United Nations, instead of Sustainable Development, in addressing GL practices in Thai culture to promote sustainable health standards and this underpins the focus and the originality/impact of this study. Practical Impacts This study recommends that staff in Thai hospitals focus on effective pharmaceutical management to contribute to the sustainability of good GL practices (as identified) and to the design and delivery of a Sustainable Health System in Thailand. The study presents guidance and support to do this

Size Controlled Reverse Micelle Synthesis of Metallic Cobalt Nanoparticles

This study examined the effects and interactions of cobalt ion concentration, reducing agent to cobalt ion ratio, and water to surfactant ratio on the particle size and polydispersity of cobalt nanoparticles of 1-5 nm diameter synthesized via reverse micelle method. Characterization methods include tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) and dynamic light scattering. The effects and interactions were determined from a statistical treatment of the statistically designed 3-factor 2-level full factorial experiment. The main effects were determined for particle diameter and polydispersity. Additionally, one set of significant two-factor interactions were determined for the diameter and three sets of significant two-factor interactions for the peak width.School of Chemical Engineerin

Novel environmental and explosives detection applications for molybdenum oxides

Scope and Method of Study:This study developed synthetic methods and novel applications for molybdenum oxides and oxide bronzes.Finding and Conclusions:Novel low temperature solution phase methods were developed for the synthesis of the hydrogen molybdenum bronzes and sodium hydrogen molybdenum bronzes resulting in yields of 95.6 % and 78.0%, respectively. It was discovered, based on analysis of reducing equivalents, that the sodium bronze was in fact a hydrogen bronze with sodium molybdenum oxide centers and has the general formula of NaxH0.5-xMoO3·2xH2O, where x= ~ 0.25. This sodium hydrogen bronze disproportionates in aqueous media to a more sodium-rich, proton-poor species, with x =~ 0.40 and a correspondingly reduced reduction capacity of 0.10 mEq/mole. The aqueous sodium species was used as a colorimetric reagent for the detection of aqueous chlorine, a test strip for detection of peroxide explosives, and a discriminating reagent for differentiation of peroxide and chlorate explosives. The bulk sodium species was used in an electronic device for detection of peroxide vapor. The bulk hydrogen bronze was used as a reagent for the reduction of chromate in groundwater and wastewater. It was immune to chromium hydroxide fouling experienced by a nanometric iron reagent at high pH. A sulfur dioxide-free solution phase method was developed for processing copper sulfide ore using alkali metal molybdates, resulting in a copper recovery of 97.4 %. Additionally, a new catalytic method was discovered and developed for the disproportionation of sulfite to elemental sulfur and sulfate using catalysts derived from the hydrogen bronzes and from iron molybdates

Measuring, Understanding, and Evoking Fear of Positive Evaluation in Social Anxiety

We present a series of three studies designed to investigate fear of positive evaluation in social anxiety. In study 1, we developed the Positive Evaluation Beliefs Scale (PEBS) and administered it to a large undergraduate sample (N= 258) to assess two competing explanations for fear of positive evaluation: fear of social reprisal, and fear of inadequacy. In study 2, we recruited a second sample of undergraduate participants (N = 101), to confirm that the beliefs measured by the PEBS were distinct from fear of negative evaluation, and had unique utility in predicting social anxiety symptoms. In study 3, high socially anxious (n = 36) and low socially anxious (n = 32) undergraduates took part in a laboratory-based “getting acquainted” task where they provided ratings of affect, anxiety, and fears of positive and negative evaluation in anticipation of receiving public feedback on a filmed introduction of themselves that they had made for an unknown social partner whom they expected they would later meet. Results from studies 1 and 2 revealed that both types of beliefs assessed by the PEBS are associated with fear of positive evaluation, suggesting that fear of positive evaluation is a multifaceted construct comprised of a variety of overlapping beliefs. In study 3, all participants rated the prospect of positive evaluation as anxiety reducing, a finding which raises important questions about the ecological validity of the construct of fear of positive evaluation. The research and treatment implications of these findings will be discussed within the context of contemporary cognitive-behavioral and evolutionary models of social anxiety

Coro música viva: recuento histórico y estrategias de organización para la música coral panameña

La música coral es algo que trasciende mucho más que el solo cantar reunidos con una determinada cantidad de personas. Es un medio artístico que no solo nos permite expresar mediante el canto colectivo, sino también conectar mediante una sola voz con las diversas personas que nos acompañan en esta actividad, para así expresar, sentimientos, mensajes e ideas a los oyentes. Este trabajo proporciona datos que permiten conocer más sobre la evolución y desarrollo de la agrupación coral “Música Viva” desde sus inicios en 1976 hasta el año 2020. Partimos de un breve relato sobre la evolución histórica del canto coral, para luego adentrarnos a los detalles fundamentales sobre lo que se debe saber respecto al canto coral, ya sea: ● La voz, siendo este el instrumento que utilizamos. ● El cómo funciona, sus características sonoras, efectos especiales, etc. ● Los diversos tipos de agrupaciones corales. ● La función de un director coral. ● Entre otros aspectos relacionados al canto coral. Actualmente se ha visto un incremento en lo que respecta al apoyo y la formación de agrupaciones corales en Panamá, así que este trabajo toma eso en cuenta y busca el recopilar más datos sobre una de las agrupaciones corales veteranas del país, El Coro Música Viva, con una larga trayectoria y con destacables logros a nivel nacional e internacional, buscando encontrar de esta manera materiales que puedan servir para el desarrollo de la música coral. Hablaremos también sobre las experiencias y aportaciones a la música del director fundador de este coro, Maestro Jorge Ledezma Bradley, músico, director y compositor panameñ