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Health visitors use of video helps vulnerable families

A new study from Aarhus University found that health visitors using video feedback with the Marte Meo method can improve early mother-child relationships in vulnerable families. The research involved 69 families who received extra visits with video clips, showing a significant improvement compared to a control group.

SourceAarhus University·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJan 26, 2018

The world's first all-Si laser

Researchers have successfully created an all-silicon laser based on silicon nanocrystals, which achieves high optical gains and demonstrates reliable lasing characteristics. The development of this technology paves the way for electrically pumped all-Si lasers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 17, 2018

Metacognition training boosts gen chem exam scores

University of Utah researchers found that metacognition training improved general chemistry exam scores for lower-performing students. On average, these students raised their final exam scores by 4%, with the strongest improvement seen in the bottom quartile, who scored a full letter grade better.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateOct 20, 2017

Driverless platoons

MIT engineers analyzed a simple vehicle-platooning scenario and found that relatively simple scheduling policies can save fuel and minimize delays for autonomous vehicle fleets. The findings may also apply to conventional long-distance trucking and ride-sharing services.

Computer programming made easier

Researchers have developed a technology that provides human operators with automated assistance in creating working code, expanding the number of people engaged in programming. The ExCAPE project aims to simplify program development and has already been tested in classrooms and online learning platforms.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateAug 15, 2016

How incivility spreads in the workplace

A study by Michigan State University found that incivility spreads through condescending comments and put-downs, reducing employees' self-control and leading to uncivil behavior. Workplace incivility has a significant impact on employees and companies, with an estimated $14,000 annual loss per employee.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 10, 2016

Penn study: Friendly competition and a financial incentive increases team exercise

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that comparing performance to peers and offering financial incentives increased physical activity among teams. The results showed that combining social comparison feedback with financial incentives led to the highest rate of achieving exercise goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJul 15, 2016

Providing bite count feedback helps lower calorie intake

A study published in Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that wearing a device that tracks the number of bites during meals led to reduced calorie intake. Researchers suggest setting personalized bite goals based on individual behavior to help people eat more mindfully and reduce their overall energy intake.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 23, 2016

How to boost online ratings

A study by Temple University researchers discovered that people who waited longer or traveled farther before writing a review gave more favorable evaluations. This suggests that businesses can improve online ratings by asking out-of-town customers to review, and companies may want to reconsider their immediate feedback strategies.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMay 11, 2016

Are you Facebook dependent?

A new study by University of Akron researchers found that people who use Facebook to meet new friends are most dependent on the platform. The study also discovered personality traits common among specific types of Facebook users, such as extroverts and those with high self-esteem.

Rice U. study: Customer feedback helps spur employee creativity

A Rice University study found that customer feedback helps spur employee creativity and improves customer satisfaction by enabling employees to think outside the box and solve problems in novel ways. The research suggests that service organizations can benefit from strategically marketing to customers to encourage them to empower their...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 14, 2015