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Jimenez-Gomez C. Research and mentorship in behavior analysis from a lens of cultural responsiveness and antiracism. J Exp Anal Behav 2024; 121:373-388. [PMID: 38587283 DOI: 10.1002/jeab.911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Although scientific endeavors strive to be objective, they are the work of individuals whose unique perspectives and experiences influence their research and interpretations of the world and data. Much has been said and written lately about the need to embed cultural responsiveness in behavior analysis and the need to enhance diversity in the field. In fact, similar conversations are taking place in many areas of science. Despite the current buzz, many behavioral researchers may be left wondering what they can do or whether it is incumbent on them to act. For the field of behavior analysis to move toward adopting the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, members of the scientific community must actively engage in behaviors that foster inclusive and safe learning environments for students, engage in collaborative work, and incorporate culturally responsive research and mentorship practices. This article will describe some current practices, showcase exemplars of culturally responsive research and mentorship, and provide resources for researchers and mentors.
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2
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Hultgren AE, Patras NMF, Hicks J. Blinding reduces institutional prestige bias during initial review of applications for a young investigator award. eLife 2024; 13:e92339. [PMID: 38525941 PMCID: PMC10963027 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Organizations that fund research are keen to ensure that their grant selection processes are fair and equitable for all applicants. In 2020, the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation introduced blinding to the first stage of the process used to review applications for Beckman Young Investigator (BYI) awards: applicants were instructed to blind the technical proposal in their initial Letter of Intent by omitting their name, gender, gender-identifying pronouns, and institutional information. Here we examine the impact of this change by comparing the data on gender and institutional prestige of the applicants in the first four years of the new policy (BYI award years 2021-2024) with data on the last four years of the old policy (2017-2020). We find that under the new policy, the distribution of applicants invited to submit a full application shifted from those affiliated with institutions regarded as more prestigious to those outside of this group, and that this trend continued through to the final program awards. We did not find evidence of a shift in the distribution of applicants with respect to gender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenna Hicks
- Health Research AllianceResearch ParkUnited States
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3
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Song SE, Shin SK, Ju HY, Im SS, Song DK. Role of cytosolic and endoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ in pancreatic beta-cells: pros and cons. Pflugers Arch 2024; 476:151-161. [PMID: 37940681 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02872-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic beta cells utilize Ca2+ to secrete insulin in response to glucose. The glucose-dependent increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]C) activates a series of insulin secretory machinery in pancreatic beta cells. Therefore, the amount of insulin secreted in response to glucose is determined in a [Ca2+]C-dependent manner, at least within a moderate range. However, the demand for insulin secretion may surpass the capability of beta cells. Abnormal elevation of [Ca2+]C levels beyond the beta-cell endurance capacity can damage them by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and cell death programs such as apoptosis. Therefore, while Ca2+ is essential for the insulin secretory functions of beta cells, it could affect their survival at pathologically higher levels. Because an increase in beta-cell [Ca2+]C is inevitable under certain hazardous conditions, understanding the regulatory mechanism for [Ca2+]C is important. Therefore, this review discusses beta-cell function, survival, ER stress, and apoptosis associated with intracellular and ER Ca2+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Eun Song
- Department of Physiology & Obesity-Mediated Disease Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1095 Dalgubeol-Daeroro, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Su-Kyung Shin
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Yeong Ju
- Department of Physiology & Obesity-Mediated Disease Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1095 Dalgubeol-Daeroro, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Seung-Soon Im
- Department of Physiology & Obesity-Mediated Disease Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1095 Dalgubeol-Daeroro, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Dae-Kyu Song
- Department of Physiology & Obesity-Mediated Disease Research Center, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1095 Dalgubeol-Daeroro, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 42601, South Korea.
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4
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Hill LD, Avenevoli S, Gordon JA. The Role of the National Institute of Mental Health in Promoting Diversity in the Psychiatric Research Workforce. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2024; 33:77-86. [PMID: 37981339 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. This mission can only be realized if full participation in the research enterprise is open to all. Nevertheless, systemic racism and other barriers remain significant obstacles to achieving a diverse workforce. To address these barriers, NIMH must ensure a just and equitable funding process, support diversity-focused training opportunities, and encourage research into mental health disparities and other areas of interest to a diverse array of scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D Hill
- Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, MS2116, Bethesda, MD 20892-2116, USA
| | - Shelli Avenevoli
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, MS2116, Bethesda, MD 20892-2116, USA
| | - Joshua A Gordon
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, 31 Center Drive, MS2116, Bethesda, MD 20892-2116, USA.
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5
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Qussini S, MacDonald RS, Shahbal S, Dierickx K. Blinding Models for Scientific Peer-Review of Biomedical Research Proposals: A Systematic Review. J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics 2023; 18:250-262. [PMID: 37526052 DOI: 10.1177/15562646231191424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to estimate: (i) the overall effect of blinding models on bias; (ii) the effect of each blinding model; and (iii) the effect of un-blinding on reviewer's accountability in biomedical research proposals. Methods: Systematic review of prospective or retrospective comparative studies that evaluated two or more peer review blinding models for biomedical research proposals/funding applications and reported outcomes related to peer review efficiency. Results: Three studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review and assessed using the QualSyst tool by two authors. Conclusion: Our systematic review is the first to assess peer review blinding models in the context of funding. While only three studies were included, this highlighted the dire need for further RCTs that generate validated evidence. We also discussed multiple aspects of peer review, such as peer review in manuscripts vs proposals and peer review in other fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seba Qussini
- Medical Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ross S MacDonald
- Distributed eLibrary, Weill Cornell Medicine - Qatar, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad Shahbal
- Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kris Dierickx
- Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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6
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Altman M, Cohen PN. Evaluating peer review at NIH. Science 2023; 380:1022. [PMID: 37289880 DOI: 10.1126/science.adi1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Micah Altman
- Center for Research on Equitable and Open Scholarship, MIT Libraries, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Philip N Cohen
- Department of Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, USA
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7
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Fox CW, Meyer J, Aimé E. Double‐blind peer review affects reviewer ratings and editor decisions at an ecology journal. Funct Ecol 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Fox
- Department of Entomology University of Kentucky Lexington Kentucky USA
| | | | - Emilie Aimé
- British Ecological Society London UK
- Royal Entomological Society St Albans UK
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8
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Baptista D, Okeke IN, Kalinga C. How can research funders advance racial equity? Lancet 2022; 400:2026-2028. [PMID: 36502832 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02425-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Baptista
- Research and Funding Equity, Wellcome Trust, London NW1 2BE, UK.
| | - Iruka N Okeke
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chisomo Kalinga
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Hill LD, Avenevoli S, Gordon JA. The Role of the National Institute of Mental Health in Promoting Diversity in the Psychiatric Research Workforce. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2022; 45:303-312. [PMID: 35680246 PMCID: PMC9262310 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The mission of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses through basic and clinical research, paving the way for prevention, recovery, and cure. This mission can only be realized if full participation in the research enterprise is open to all. Nevertheless, systemic racism and other barriers remain significant obstacles to achieving a diverse workforce. To address these barriers, NIMH must ensure a just and equitable funding process, support diversity-focused training opportunities, and encourage research into mental health disparities and other areas of interest to a diverse array of scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joshua A. Gordon
- Corresponding Author: Office of the Director, NIMH, MSC2116, 31 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD. 20892-2116,
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Clase CM, Dicks E, Holden R, Sood MM, Levin A, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Moore LW, Bartlett SJ, Bello AK, Bohm C, Bridgewater D, Bouchard J, Burger D, Carrero JJ, Donald M, Elliott M, Goldenberg MJ, Jardine M, Lam NN, Maddigan WJ, Madore F, Mavrakanas TA, Molnar AO, Prasad GVR, Rigatto C, Tennankore KK, Torban E, Trainor L, White CA, Hartwig S. Can Peer Review Be Kinder? Supportive Peer Review: A Re-Commitment to Kindness and a Call to Action. Can J Kidney Health Dis 2022; 9:20543581221080327. [PMID: 35514878 PMCID: PMC9067031 DOI: 10.1177/20543581221080327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Peer review aims to select articles for publication and to improve articles before publication. We believe that this process can be infused by kindness without losing rigor. In 2014, the founding editorial team of the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease (CJKHD) made an explicit commitment to treat authors as we would wish to be treated ourselves. This broader group of authors reaffirms this principle, for which we suggest the terminology “supportive review.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Clase
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Rachel Holden
- Department of Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Manish M. Sood
- Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, The Ottawa Hospital, ON, Canada
| | - Adeera Levin
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Linda W Moore
- Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Surgery, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Aminu K. Bello
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Clara Bohm
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chronic Disease Innovation Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Darren Bridgewater
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Josee Bouchard
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Dylan Burger
- Kidney Research Centre, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Juan Jesús Carrero
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maoliosa Donald
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Meghan Elliott
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Meg Jardine
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ngan N. Lam
- Division of Nephrology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - W. Joy Maddigan
- Faculty of Nursing, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada
| | | | | | - Amber O. Molnar
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - G. V. Ramesh Prasad
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claudio Rigatto
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Karthik K. Tennankore
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Canada
| | - Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laurel Trainor
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sunny Hartwig
- University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
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12
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Vallée-Tourangeau G, Wheelock A, Vandrevala T, Harries P. Peer reviewers' dilemmas: a qualitative exploration of decisional conflict in the evaluation of grant applications in the medical humanities and social sciences. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 9:s41599-022-01050-6. [PMID: 36530545 PMCID: PMC7613955 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-022-01050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Independent evaluations of grant applications by subject experts are an important part of the peer-review system. However, little is known about the real-time experiences of peer reviewers or experts who perform reviews of a grant application independently. This study sought to gain insight into this stage of the grant evaluation process by observing how experts conduct an independent review in near real time. Using the think aloud approach and Critical Decision Method of interviewing, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 peer reviewers from a range of roles and disciplines within the medical humanities and social sciences. Participants were asked to think aloud while reviewing applications to different grant schemes from a single prestigious funder. The analysis shows reviewers encountered five dilemmas during the evaluation process. These dilemmas were related to whether or not one should (1) accept an invitation to review, (2) rely exclusively on the information presented in the application, (3) pay attention to institutional prestige, (4) offer comments about aspects that are not directly related to academics' area of expertise, and (5) to take risks and overlook shortcomings rather than err on the side of caution. In order to decide on the appropriate course of action, reviewers often engaged in a series of deliberations and trade-offs-varying in length and complexity. However, their interpretation of what was 'right' was influenced by their values, preferences and experiences, but also by relevant norms and their understanding of the funder's guidelines and priorities. As a result, the way reviewers approached the identified dilemmas was idiosyncratic and sometimes diametrically opposed to other reviewers' views, which could lead to variation in peer-review outcomes. The dilemmas we have uncovered suggest that peer reviewers engage in thoughtful considerations during the peer-review process. We should, therefore, be wary of reducing the absence of consensus as resulting from biased, instinctive thinking. Rather, these findings highlight the diversity of values, priorities and habits and ways of working each reviewer brings to the fore when reviewing the applicants and their project proposals and call for further reflection on, and study of, this "invisible work" to better understand and continue to improve the peer-reviewing process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Wheelock
- Kingston Business School, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Tushna Vandrevala
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University and St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Priscilla Harries
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Kingston University and St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
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Ginther DK. Reflections on race, ethnicity, and NIH research awards. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ae1. [PMID: 34941380 PMCID: PMC8886812 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-08-0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been a decade since "Race, Ethnicity, and NIH Research Awards" was published. Receiving the American Society for Cell Biology Public Service Award allows me to reflect on this research and its impact. In this essay, I share the story of how my research interests and professional networks provided the opportunity to do this important work. I also make the case for improved data and mentoring to address race and ethnic disparities in NIH funding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna K. Ginther
- Department of Economics, Institute for Policy & Social Research, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS 66045
- National Bureau of Economic Research, Cambridge, MA 02138
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14
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Taffe MA. Blinding peer review. eLife 2021; 10:e74744. [PMID: 34816796 PMCID: PMC8612730 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Concealing the identity of the principal investigator only partially closes the success gap between white and African American or Black researchers in NIH grant applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Taffe
- Department of Psychiatry and the Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of California, San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
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