Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive January 2002 - Page 5


Page 5 of 7

Ease of return, prompt delivery are key drivers for online shoppers, says O.R. study

A study published in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management found that e-customer loyalty is driven by ease of return, timeliness of delivery, web site navigation, product availability, price, and product information. These factors have a significant impact on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 15, 2002

Differences in nicotine metabolism may explain ethnic variations in lung cancer rates

A study found that Chinese-Americans take in less nicotine per cigarette and metabolize it more slowly than whites and Latinos, possibly explaining lower lung cancer rates. This correlation suggests slow nicotine metabolism may contribute to reduced nicotine intake, a factor linked to lower lung cancer incidence.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 15, 2002

Not enough telling in telemedicine

Patient participation is limited in teleconsultations due to restricted talk time and lack of opportunity for patients to ask questions or assert their opinions. However, incorporating partnership-building methods like asking for patient's opinion can increase patient involvement and improve diagnosis, treatment, and health improvement.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTelemedicine Journal·DateJan 14, 2002

Validity of JCAHO hospital accreditation

A new study by University of Michigan researchers finds that JCAHO hospital accreditation does not correlate with patient outcomes, highlighting the need to review the current system for ensuring quality in US hospitals. The study also suggests that the JCAHO system prioritizes structural measures over newer performance metrics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalQuality Management in Health Care·DateJan 14, 2002

Researchers seek ways to reduce children's injury risk

A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that safety counseling coupled with convenient access to reduced-cost products increased parents' safety practices. The combination of pediatric counseling and visits to a children's safety center was successful in increasing safety practices, while home visiting prog...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002

Health care providers' approach to patient care linked to successful physician-patient relationships, study finds

A strong patient-physician relationship is crucial to obtaining needed health services, the study found. Primary care systems that prioritize accessibility, coordination, and comprehensive care can lead to stronger relationships between patients and physicians, ultimately improving health outcomes.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 14, 2002

Antibiotic prescription patterns violate guidelines, increase costs

A study found that only 24% of antibiotics prescribed for women's urinary tract infections are the recommended drug, down from 48% in 1990. The alternative medications are no more effective and cost 11-40 times as much. This trend appears to result from non-clinical forces such as pharmaceutical promotions and sub-specialty culture.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJan 13, 2002

Astronomers discover gold in ancient star

Scientists have discovered gold in an ancient star located 2,500 light years from Earth, providing significant insights into the formation of elements and the age of the Milky Way galaxy. The discovery was made using the Hubble Space Telescope and Keck Telescope, revealing the presence of other elements including thorium and uranium.

American Thoracic Society Journal news tips for January (First Issue)

A study on preterm birth found that premature infants' lungs develop under different conditions after birth, affecting lung function. Leukotriene antagonists improved treatment for moderate to severe asthma by increasing pulmonary function and reducing symptoms. A personalized oral appliance also showed significant improvement in child...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 10, 2002

Canis Majoris has sand and whiskers in its eyes

Researchers using the European Space Agency's Infrared Space Observatory have found that VY Canis Majoris' smoky shroud consists of tiny particles made up of iron whiskers and amorphous silicates. The study provides new insights into the star's massive outflow, which is driven by intense pressure from its light output.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 10, 2002

Sudan - a war against the people

Child malnutrition rates are 50% in some conflict areas, while vaccine-preventable diseases persist due to the ongoing war. Militia groups regularly direct armed raids against Dinka villages, resulting in deaths and disappearances of family members, particularly children under 5 years old.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2002

Abstaining smokers fare better after surgery

A study found that preoperative smoking intervention significantly reduces postoperative complications in patients undergoing hip and knee replacement. Smoking cessation or reduction leads to fewer wound-related and cardiovascular complications, with a significant decrease in hospital stay duration.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2002