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Concordia University


The liking gap is real for second language English speakers, new Concordia research shows

Researchers found that second language English speakers underestimate how much they are liked by others, with females underestimating their speaking skills even more. This 'liking gap' can limit beneficial interactions and hinder meaningful relationships, potentially affecting students' academic and social integration at universities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalLanguages·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

21st century Total Wars will enlist technologies in ways we don’t yet understand, writes Jordan Richard Schoenherr

The Ukraine War is a turning point in modern warfare, as new technologies like AI, drones, and cyberweapons are being used to devastating effect. Researchers like Jordan Richard Schoenherr warn that our understanding of warfare is outdated, and we need to rethink the role of sociotechnical systems in strategic thinking.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Technology and Society Magazine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 8, 2023

Improved wind speed forecasts can help urban power generation, according to new Concordia research

A new hybrid method developed by Concordia researchers combines data from Weibull probability distribution and numerical weather prediction models to improve wind speed forecasting accuracy. This innovation has the potential to significantly enhance urban power generation, particularly in areas with high variability in wind speeds.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEnergies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Acquiring green firms can be healthy for a firm’s bottom line, says new Concordia research

Researchers found that shareholders generally welcomed news of green acquisitions, especially when buyers have developed marketing expertise. They also discovered that benefits are buffered if buyers belong to industries sensitive to environmental regulations. This suggests investors can tell genuine from fake green efforts.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Disaster-proofing sustainable neighborhoods requires thorough long-term planning, new Concordia study shows

A new study by Caroline Hachem-Vermette and Kuljeet Singh analyzed the design and energy characteristics of various neighborhoods to assess their vulnerabilities to power outages. The researchers found that thoughtful design can reduce a neighborhood's energy vulnerability during disruptions, and they recommend modifications to shelter...

SourceConcordia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 3, 2023

Abundance of urban honeybees adversely impacts wild bee populations, according to new Concordia research

A new Concordia University study found that the rapid growth of urban honeybee-keeping is adversely affecting nearby wild bee populations. The researchers compared bee population data collected from sites around Montreal in 2013 and 2020, finding a decline in wild bee species richness associated with increasing honeybee abundance.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPeerJ·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 26, 2023

The first line of vaccines was highly effective at restricting COVID-19’s damage, according to a new Concordia study

The primary COVID-19 vaccines provided adequate protection against transmission, hospitalization, and death, but their effectiveness waned in the face of the Omicron variant. The study found that vaccines developed prior to Omicron's emergence were 83% effective against infection at baseline, but this decreased to 47% by 40 weeks.

SourceConcordia University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 13, 2023

Preschoolers prefer to learn from a competent robot than an incompetent human, Concordia study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Cognition and Development found that preschoolers aged three and five prefer learning from a competent robot over an incompetent human. The research, conducted by Concordia University researchers, used humanoid robots to teach children about unfamiliar objects. Five-year-olds were more likely to ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

A faster, more accurate 3D modelling tool recreates a landscape’s digital twin down to the pixel level

The new automated method, called HybridFlow, uses large-scale aerial images to produce precise 3D models of cityscapes and landscapes. This technology has potential applications in natural disaster risk assessment and mitigation, enabling informed decision-making and evaluation of risk-mitigating factors.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 7, 2023

Body phenotypes say a lot, but not everything, about a person’s health, according to new Concordia research

Concordia researchers analyzed muscle and fat mass data from a large US sample population to find that high levels of fat mass are linked to poorer overall health. While BMI was surprisingly effective in predicting some cardiometabolic outcomes, the study suggests new body-composition phenotypes may be a better predictor.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

A Concordia urban forest-mapping project wraps up with help from public and private data

The study highlights the importance of a diverse city tree population, with private residences contributing significantly to urban forest diversity and structure. The research found that private trees serve unique functions such as providing fruit, flowers, or aesthetic beauty, while municipal trees tend to be bigger and more resilient.

SourceConcordia University·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2023

Smart inverters’ vulnerability to cyberattacks needs to be identified and countered, according to Concordia researchers

Concordia researchers identify vulnerabilities in smart inverters to cyberattacks, including reconnaissance, replay, DDoS, and Man-in-the-Middle attacks. These attacks can disrupt energy flow and create power oscillations, severely impeding microgrid functionality.

SourceConcordia University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 29, 2022

Container ship accidents are a little understood but emerging threat to marine ecosystems, a new Concordia study shows

A new Concordia study reveals that container ship accidents are a growing concern, with significant shortcomings in maritime cargo safeguards. The researchers found that existing regulations are inadequate, and the lack of data makes it difficult to adopt new regulations.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2022

Plagues of the past have a lot to tell us about current crises, according to a new study

Researchers used event system theory to analyze how past pandemics, including the Black Death, were caused by cumulative events leading up to a transformation. They found similar patterns in human behavior and societal responses, highlighting the importance of understanding historical events to address current crises.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAcademy of Management Review·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 8, 2022

Clinical psychologists and their patients need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, says Concordia researcher

Clinical psychologists need new ways to understand and confront the fear of losing control, which is an understudied construct. Adam Radomsky's research suggests that a deeper understanding of what leads to a client's choices can help therapists make better ones in the future.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 11, 2022

Online fandom communities can facilitate state censorship, according to new Concordia research

Researchers found that online fans in China engage in participatory censorship, self-censoring and policing others to strengthen the authoritarian regime's control over the internet. The study suggests that users create a social imaginary of censorship, speculating about the government's parameters and acting upon it.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Neurogenesis in a species of Central American fish depends on the presence of predation risk, Concordia research finds

A new study by Grant Brown and Braeden Donaldson found that juvenile convict cichlids exposed to high-risk alarm cues have brains 16% larger compared to low-risk groups, with noticeable increases in olfactory and optic bulbs. The brains revert to normal size after removal of the alarm cues.

SourceConcordia University·JournalProceedings of the Zoological Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 27, 2022

Maternal education and household income at birth can increase a child’s chances of overweight and obesity at age 10, according to new research

A new international study found that maternal education levels and household income at birth are significant predictors of childhood overweight and obesity. Social inequalities were evident across seven high-income countries, with lower maternal education associated with higher risk of overweight and obesity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

Erotophilia and sexual sensation–seeking are good predictors of engagement with sex robots, according to new research

A study by Simon Dubé examines the personality traits of people willing to engage with sex robots, revealing that erotophilia, sexual sensation-seeking, and enthusiasm for new experiences are key drivers. The research highlights an opportunity for manufacturers to cater to a female customer base as technology improves and becomes more ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateSep 13, 2022

Neighborhood associations should reflect the communities they belong to, argues a new study

A recent study published in the World Leisure Journal found that neighborhood associations often lack diversity and inclusivity, serving primarily the interests of young, affluent families. Researchers argue that these groups should aim to foster a sense of belonging for all residents, not just a select subgroup.

SourceConcordia University·JournalWorld Leisure Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2022

Concordia researchers present a blueprint for building green

A new paper from Concordia University's Next-Generation Cities Institute outlines the challenges and realities of sustainable real estate development. The study identifies key stakeholders and building life-cycle processes to reduce carbon footprint. Cities can use municipal policies and incentives, such as fast-track zoning and densit...

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainability·TypeCase study·DateAug 25, 2022

The youngest Canadian bilinguals are not a monolithic group, new Concordia research shows

A recent study by Concordia researchers found that 18% of Canadian children under 10 use or are exposed to at least two languages at home, with rates varying across provinces and territories. Bilingual exposure and immigration generation were identified as key predictors of bilingualism in young children.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Public Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 4, 2022

Companies’ use of renewable energy certificates masks inaction on carbon emissions, Concordia research finds

A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that companies purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) are overstating their climate mitigation claims. The researchers found that firms reported a 31% reduction in emissions, but the actual drop was only 10%, three times lower.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2022

Direct sound printing is a potential game-changer in 3D printing, according to Concordia researchers

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a new platform technology called direct sound printing (DSP), which uses soundwaves to produce new objects. The process creates sonochemical reactions in minuscule cavitation regions, generating pre-designed complex geometries that cannot be made with existing techniques.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2022

Women are making strides in artificial intelligence but are still underrepresented, according to new Concordia research

A Concordia study analyzed gender patterns in AI over two decades, finding women are making strides despite underrepresentation. Notably, female-male collaboration has increased, while core positions held by women remain scarce, tied to factors like family obligations and male-dominated environments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Informetrics·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

4D composite printing can improve the wings of drones, according to new Concordia research

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a method to manufacture adaptive compliant trailing edge morphing wings using 4D printing of composites. This technology can make UAV wings cheaper to manufacture and more efficient in flight, supporting good amounts of load for small or medium-sized vehicles.

SourceConcordia University·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 10, 2022

A Concordia-made tool assessing indoor COVID-19 transmission risks expands across North America

CityRPI, a web-based tool developed by Leon Wang, calculates the probability of COVID-19 infection through aerosol transmission in indoor spaces. The tool can be expanded to project this likelihood in cities across North America using customizable assessments based on building type and mitigation measures.

SourceConcordia University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2022

Climate change affects landscape freeze-thaw but not in the same way everywhere, a new Concordia study shows

A new Concordia study reveals that climate change affects the province-wide analysis of landscape freeze-thaw cycles, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions in northern regions and transitional days in southern areas. This can have significant impacts on infrastructure and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 13, 2022

The pleasant smell of wet soil indicates danger to bacteria-eating worms, Concordia researchers find

A study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that geosmin, a common soil contaminant, acts as an aposematic signal to deter bacteria-eating worms like C. elegans from poisonous microbes. The researchers found that geosmin triggers the worm's sense of taste, warning it of potential danger.

SourceConcordia University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2022

Origins of diabetes may be different in men and women, according to new Concordia research

Researchers found that different regions of fat tissue contribute to disease risk differently in men and women, with visceral fat in men and subcutaneous fat in women being linked to diabetes onset. The study suggests that understanding these sex-specific differences can inform better clinical approaches to treating the disease.

SourceConcordia University·JournalObesity Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 23, 2022

Despite workplace successes, female employment is increasingly at risk due to COVID-19, research shows

A study by Concordia researchers found that women are disproportionately affected by job losses and automation due to COVID-19. The authors argue that companies must prioritize inclusivity measures to avoid reversing progress made towards gender equality in the workplace.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEuropean Journal of Business Management and Research·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 8, 2022