Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Dick Jones Communications


Opening leadership's 'black box'

A Wake Forest University researcher and four colleagues found that measurements of brain activity in the prefrontal cortex can help assess a person's potential for leadership. Leaders with higher levels of neurological self-complexity demonstrate greater adaptability when facing novel situations.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateMay 1, 2013

Osmosis is not driven by water dilution

A thermodynamic theory of osmosis was published in 1897, but its explanation has not been fully adopted by chemistry and biology. Key findings include the misconception that osmosis only applies to liquids, and the need for an attractive force to drive the process.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateApr 4, 2013

Survey finds errors in Wikipedia articles

A survey of public relations professionals found that 60 percent of articles on their company's clients contained factual errors. The research highlights the need for clear guidelines and consistent rules from Wikipedia regarding factual corrections, as many respondents struggled with engaging editors and securing responses.

Study: Avoidance, poor coping challenge prisoners returning to society

A study of 20 individuals returning to society after prison found that avoidance and problem-focused coping strategies were frequently used but often ineffective in managing barriers. Healthy coping mechanisms, such as emotion-focused strategies, were infrequently employed, contributing to recidivism.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalInternational Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology·DateNov 29, 2010

CSR origins earlier than supposed

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be traced to The World's Work magazine from November 1900. Arthur W. Page, editor of the magazine, advocated for sustainability, labor rights, and consumer education in his editorials. His actions as a vice president at AT&T further solidified CSR principles.

The sound of seduction

A study by Susan Hughes found that both sexes use lower-pitched voices when speaking to more attractive partners, indicating a potential means of demonstrating attraction. The researchers suggest that altering one's voice may be a learned behavior based on cultural stereotypes rather than actual vocal characteristics.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateMay 20, 2010

PR pros are good ethical thinkers, study finds

A new study finds that public relations practitioners are good ethical thinkers, scoring better than orthopedic surgeons and business professionals on an ethical reasoning test. The research, conducted by two Johnson Legacy Scholars, measured the moral development of working PR professionals.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Public Relations Research·DateAug 12, 2009

Shrimp trawling may boost mercury in red snapper, study suggests

A new study from Texas Christian and Louisiana State universities finds that shrimp trawling operations in the Gulf of Mexico are linked to higher levels of toxic mercury in juvenile red snappers. The research demonstrates a clear relationship between mercury concentrations and coastal areas where commercial shrimp trawling occurs.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalTransactions of the American Fisheries Society·DateNov 26, 2008