Influence of participant and reviewer characteristics in application scores for a hematology research training program

The American Society of Hematology Clinical Research Training Institute (CRTI) is a clinical research training program with a competitive application process. The objectives were to compare application scores based on applicant and reviewer sex and underrepresented minority (URM) status. We included applications to CRTI from 2003 to 2019. The application scores were transformed into a scale from 0 to 100 (100 was the strongest). The factors considered were applicant and reviewer sex and URM status. We evaluated whether there was an interaction between the characteristics and time related to application scores. In total, 713 applicants and 2106 reviews were included. There was no significant difference in scores according to applicant sex. URM applicants had significantly worse scores than non-URM applicants (mean [standard error] 67.9 [1.56] vs 71.4 [0.63]; P = .0355). There were significant interactions between reviewer sex and time (P = .0030) and reviewer URM status and time (P = .0424); thus, results were stratified by time. For the 2 earlier time periods, male reviewers gave significantly worse scores than did female reviewers; this difference did not persist for the most recent time period. The URM reviewers did not give significantly different scores across time periods. URM applicants received significantly lower scores than non-URM applicants. The impact of reviewer sex and URM status changed over time. Although male reviewers gave lower scores in the early periods, this effect did not persist in the late period. Efforts are required to mitigate the impact of applicant URM status on application scores

Neanderthal selective hunting of reindeer? The case study of Abri du Maras (south-eastern France)

Fieldwork was supported by the Regional Office of Archaeology Rhône-Alpes, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication and the Ardèche Department through several scientific programs. M.G.Chacon, F. Rivals and E. Allué research are funded by ‘CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya’. Thanks to Jean-Jacques Hublin, Annabell Reiner and Steven Steinbrenner from the Max Planck Institute (MPI-EVA) for analytical support (isotope analysis). We are grateful to the two anonymous reviewers for their constructive remarks on this manuscript. The English manuscript was edited by L. Byrne, an official translator and native English speaker.Peer reviewedPostprin

Optimization of atmospheric plasma treatment of LDPE films: Influence on adhesive properties and ageing behavior

One of the major disadvantages of low density polyethylene (LDPE) films is their poor adhesive properties. Therefore, LDPE films have been treated with atmospheric pressure air plasma in order to improve their surface properties. So as to simulate the possible conditions in an industrial process, the samples have been treated with two different sample distances (6 and 10 mm), and treatment rates between 100 and 1000 mm s-1. The different sample distances are the distance of the sample from the plasma source. The variation of the surface properties and adhesion characteristics of the films were investigated for different aging times after plasma exposure (up to 21 days) using contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy, weight loss measurements and shear test. Results show that the treatment increases the polar component () and these changes improve adhesive properties of the material. After the twenty-first day, the ageing process causes a decrease of wettability and adhesive properties of the LDPE films (up to 60%).Fombuena Borrás, V.; García Sanoguera, D.; Sánchez Nacher, L.; Balart Gimeno, RA.; Boronat Vitoria, T. (2014). Optimization of atmospheric plasma treatment of LDPE films: Influence on adhesive properties and ageing behavior. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology. 28(1):97-113. doi:10.1080/01694243.2013.847045S97113281Achilias, D. S., Roupakias, C., Megalokonomos, P., Lappas, A. A., & Antonakou, Ε. V. (2007). Chemical recycling of plastic wastes made from polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Journal of Hazardous Materials, 149(3), 536-542. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.06.076Friedman, M., & Walsh, G. (2002). High performance films: Review of new materials and trends. Polymer Engineering & Science, 42(8), 1756-1788. doi:10.1002/pen.11069Wiles, D. M., & Scott, G. (2006). Polyolefins with controlled environmental degradability. 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Study of Surface Properties of Polyolefins Modified by Corona Discharge Plasma. Plasma Processes and Polymers, 3(4-5), 355-364. doi:10.1002/ppap.200500163Arpagaus, C., Rossi, A., & Rudolf von Rohr, P. (2005). Short-time plasma surface modification of HDPE powder in a Plasma Downer Reactor – process, wettability improvement and ageing effects. Applied Surface Science, 252(5), 1581-1595. doi:10.1016/j.apsusc.2005.02.099Morra, M., Occhiello, E., Marola, R., Garbassi, F., Humphrey, P., & Johnson, D. (1990). On the aging of oxygen plasma-treated polydimethylsiloxane surfaces. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 137(1), 11-24. doi:10.1016/0021-9797(90)90038-pKim, K. S., Ryu, C. M., Park, C. S., Sur, G. S., & Park, C. E. (2003). Investigation of crystallinity effects on the surface of oxygen plasma treated low density polyethylene using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Polymer, 44(20), 6287-6295. doi:10.1016/s0032-3861(03)00674-8Kim, S. H., Ha, H. J., Ko, Y. K., Yoon, S. J., Rhee, J. M., Kim, M. S., … Khang, G. (2007). Correlation of proliferation, morphology and biological responses of fibroblasts on LDPE with different surface wettability. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 18(5), 609-622. doi:10.1163/156856207780852514Borcia, G., Anderson, C. A., & Brown, N. M. D. (2004). The surface oxidation of selected polymers using an atmospheric pressure air dielectric barrier discharge. Part I. Applied Surface Science, 221(1-4), 203-214. doi:10.1016/s0169-4332(03)00879-1Pascual, M., Calvo, O., Sanchez-Nácher, L., Bonet, M. A., Garcia-Sanoguera, D., & Balart, R. (2009). Optimization of adhesive joints of low density polyethylene (LDPE) composite laminates with polyolefin foam using corona discharge plasma. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 114(5), 2971-2977. doi:10.1002/app.30906Encinas, N., Díaz-Benito, B., Abenojar, J., & Martínez, M. A. (2010). Extreme durability of wettability changes on polyolefin surfaces by atmospheric pressure plasma torch. Surface and Coatings Technology, 205(2), 396-402. doi:10.1016/j.surfcoat.2010.06.069Takke, V., Behary, N., Perwuelz, A., & Campagne, C. (2009). Studies on the atmospheric air-plasma treatment of PET (polyethylene terephtalate) woven fabrics: Effect of process parameters and of aging. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 114(1), 348-357. doi:10.1002/app.30618Awaja, F., Gilbert, M., Kelly, G., Fox, B., & Pigram, P. J. (2009). Adhesion of polymers. Progress in Polymer Science, 34(9), 948-968. doi:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2009.04.007Garcia, D., Sanchez, L., Fenollar, O., Lopez, R., & Balart, R. (2008). Modification of polypropylene surface by CH4–O2 low-pressure plasma to improve wettability. Journal of Materials Science, 43(10), 3466-3473. doi:10.1007/s10853-007-2322-2Guimond, S., & Wertheimer, M. R. (2004). Surface degradation and hydrophobic recovery of polyolefins treated by air corona and nitrogen atmospheric pressure glow discharge. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 94(3), 1291-1303. doi:10.1002/app.21134Pascual, M., Balart, R., Sánchez, L., Fenollar, O., & Calvo, O. (2008). Study of the aging process of corona discharge plasma effects on low density polyethylene film surface. Journal of Materials Science, 43(14), 4901-4909. doi:10.1007/s10853-008-2712-0Sanchis, R., Fenollar, O., García, D., Sánchez, L., & Balart, R. (2008). Improved adhesion of LDPE films to polyolefin foams for automotive industry using low-pressure plasma. International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives, 28(8), 445-451. doi:10.1016/j.ijadhadh.2008.04.002Fresnais, J., Chapel, J. P., Benyahia, L., & Poncin-Epaillard, F. (2009). Plasma-Treated Superhydrophobic Polyethylene Surfaces: Fabrication, Wetting and Dewetting Properties. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 23(3), 447-467. doi:10.1163/156856108x370127Abenojar, J., Colera, I., Martínez, M. A., & Velasco, F. (2010). Study by XPS of an Atmospheric Plasma-Torch Treated Glass: Influence on Adhesion. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 24(11-12), 1841-1854. doi:10.1163/016942410x507614Lommatzsch, U., Pasedag, D., Baalmann, A., Ellinghorst, G., & Wagner, H.-E. (2007). Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet Treatment of Polyethylene Surfaces for Adhesion Improvement. Plasma Processes and Polymers, 4(S1), S1041-S1045. doi:10.1002/ppap.200732402Balu, B., Berry, A. D., Patel, K. T., Breedveld, V., & Hess, D. W. (2011). Directional Mobility and Adhesion of Water Drops on Patterned Superhydrophobic Surfaces. Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology, 25(6-7), 627-642. doi:10.1163/016942410x525849Bhattacharya, S., Singh, R. K., Mandal, S., Ghosh, A., Bok, S., Korampally, V., … Gangopadhyay, S. (2010). Plasma Modification of Polymer Surfaces and Their Utility in Building Biomedical Microdevices. 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The relationships between self-compassion, attachment and interpersonal problems in clinical patients with mixed anxiety and depression and emotional distress

Self-compassion has been consistently linked to psychological well-being. The ability to be self-compassionate may be shaped by early attachment experiences and associated with interpersonal difficulties. However, evidence has yet to be extended to clinical populations. This study examined the role of self-compassion and its relationship with attachment and interpersonal problems in clinical patients with anxiety and depression. Participants (N = 74; 60% female, mean age 40 years) were recruited from a primary care psychological therapies service in Scotland, UK. Participants completed four self-report questionnaires assessing self-compassion, attachment, interpersonal problems and emotional distress (including depression and anxiety). Low self-compassion, attachment-related avoidance (but not attachment-related anxiety) and high interpersonal problems were all associated with higher levels of emotional distress and anxiety. Low self-compassion and high interpersonal problems were predicted by attachment-related avoidance. Self-compassion mediated the relationship between attachment-related avoidance and emotional distress and anxiety. This was a cross-sectional design and therefore a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn regarding causal relationships between these variables. Self-reported questionnaires were subject to response bias. This study has extended the evidence base regarding the role of self-compassion in patients with clinical levels of depression and anxiety. Notably, our findings indicated that self-compassion may be a particularly important construct, both theoretically and clinically, in understanding psychological distress amongst those with higher levels of attachment avoidance. This study supports the development and practice of psychotherapeutic approaches, such as compassion-focused therapy for which there is a growing evidence base

The relationship between doses of mindfulness-based programs and depression, anxiety, stress, and mindfulness: a dose-response meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

Abstract Objectives: Research with mindfulness-based programs (MBPs) has found participating in an MBP to predict beneficial outcomes, however, there is currently mixed research regarding the most helpful dose. This review aimed to determine whether different doses related to MBPs significantly predict outcomes. Methods: Systematic literature searches of electronic databases and trial registration sites for all randomized controlled trials of MBPs identified 203 studies (N=15,971). Depression was the primary outcome at post-program and follow-up, with secondary outcomes being mindfulness, anxiety and stress. Doses examined related to session numbers, duration and length, facilitator contact and practice. Dose-response relationships were analyzed using meta-regression in R with separate analyses for inactive and active controls. Results: Initial meta-analyses found significant between-group differences favoring MBPs for all outcomes. Meta-regression results suggested significant dose-response relationships for the mindfulness outcome for doses relating to face-to-face contact (d=0.211; C.I.[0.064,0.358]), program intensity (d=0.895; C.I.[0.315,1.474]) and actual program use (d=0.013; C.I.[0.001,0.024]). The majority of results for psychological outcomes, including depression, were not significant. Conclusions: This meta-regression examines dose-response relationships for different types and doses relating to MBPs. Considered together, MBPs appeared helpful compared to controls, supporting previous research. Based on meta-regression results, there was no evidence that larger doses are more helpful than smaller doses for predicting psychological outcomes; a finding consistent with some previous research particularly with non-clinical populations. Additionally, greater contact, intensity and actual use of MBPs predicting increased mindfulness corresponds with previous research and theory. Potential limitations and recommendations for future research are explored

Self-Compassion, emotion regulation and stress among australian psychologists: Testing an emotion regulation model of self-compassion using structural equation modeling

Psychologists tend to report high levels of occupational stress, with serious implications for themselves, their clients, and the discipline as a whole. Recent research suggests that selfcompassion is a promising construct for psychologists in terms of its ability to promote psychological wellbeing and resilience to stress; however, the potential benefits of self-compassion are yet to be thoroughly explored amongst this occupational group. Additionally, while a growing body of research supports self-compassion as a key predictor of psychopathology, understanding of the processes by which self-compassion exerts effects on mental health outcomes is limited. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test an emotion regulation model of self-compassion and stress among psychologists, including postgraduate trainees undertaking clinical work (n = 198). Self-compassion significantly negatively predicted emotion regulation difficulties and stress symptoms. Support was also found for our preliminary explanatory model of self-compassion, which demonstrates the mediating role of emotion regulation difficulties in the self-compassion-stress relationship. The final self-compassion model accounted for 26.2% of variance in stress symptoms. Implications of the findings and limitations of the study are discussed

Mindful Living in Older Age: a Pilot Study of a Brief, Community-Based, Positive Aging Intervention

Although mindfulness-based interventions have been successfully used with older adults, there have been few interventions that, (a) are created specifically for older adults, (b) are delivered in the community, and (c) aim to promote ‘successful aging’ (rather than just treating dysfunction/disorder). To this end, the current study piloted a brief ‘positive aging’ intervention, comprising two 150 minute sessions, with six female older adults living in the community. Data were gathered through focus groups that were interwoven throughout the intervention. Using thematic analysis, four main themes were identified: (a) aging as a mixed blessing; (b) understanding mindfulness; (c) the challenges of mindfulness; and (d) the benefits of mindfulness. Overall, the intervention was successful in introducing participants to mindfulness and potentially forming the basis of a longer term practice. However, the study also highlighted important points on the challenges of practising mindfulness, in relation to which the paper makes recommendations pertaining to the teaching of mindfulness with older adults

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on the Well-Being of Healthcare Professionals

Efforts to improve the wellbeing of healthcare professionals include mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). To understand the value of such initiatives, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of empirical studies pertaining to the use of MBIs with healthcare professionals. Databases were reviewed from the start of records to January 2016 (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42016032899). Eligibility criteria included empirical analyses of wellbeing outcomes acquired in relation to MBIs. Forty-two papers met the eligibility criteria, consisting of a total of 2,101 participants. Studies were examined for two broad classes of wellbeing outcomes: (a) “negative” mental health measures such as anxiety, depression, and stress; (b) “positive” indices of wellbeing, such as life satisfaction, together with outcomes associated with wellbeing, such as emotional intelligence. MBIs were generally associated with positive outcomes in relation to most measures, and mindfulness does appear to improve the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. However, the quality of the studies was inconsistent, so further research is needed, particularly high-quality randomised control trials