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New guidance for cluster randomized trials

The Ottawa Statement on the Ethical Design and Conduct of Cluster Randomized Trials provides detailed guidance on CRTs, addressing issues such as informed consent, risk-benefit assessments, and data management. Researchers can benefit from this new framework to improve the ethical quality of their cluster randomized trials.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 20, 2012

The good, the bad, and the guilty: Anticipating feelings of guilt predicts ethical behavior

Research suggests that people anticipating negative feelings from guilt are more likely to exhibit sympathetic and moral traits. This can lead to better business decisions and less unethical behavior in the workplace. Guilt-proneness is linked to lower counterproductive work behaviors, even after controlling for other factors.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 10, 2012

Higher retail wages correlate with lower levels of employee theft

A study by Clara Xiaoling Chen and Tatiana Sandino found that higher wages are associated with lower levels of employee theft, even after controlling for other factors. The researchers suggest that paying relatively higher wages discourages employee theft as employees wish to retain their job or exhibit positive reciprocity.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateJul 30, 2012

Lessons learned from the 'ethical odyssey' of an HIV trial

The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 052 study faced significant ethical challenges as it investigated the use of antiretroviral treatment to prevent sexual transmission of HIV. The trial's findings provide valuable insights into managing ethical difficulties in research, while also shedding light on the importance of balancing sci...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Trials·DateJun 14, 2012

Canadian Journal of Cardiology publishes new atrial fibrillation guidelines

The Canadian Journal of Cardiology has published new guidelines for atrial fibrillation, which provide updated guidance on stroke prevention and heart rhythm control. The guidelines are based on recent changes in drugs available to treat the condition and will have a significant impact on how doctors worldwide treat atrial fibrillation.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·DateMar 20, 2012

Social responsibility of businesses questioned

The Icelandic banking system's brief expansion raised concerns about the balance between corporate social responsibility and responsible operations. Analysis by David Sigurthorsson suggests that CSR can be divided into positive and negative obligations, with the former often taking precedence.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateFeb 28, 2012

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Jan. 3, 2012

The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, addressing new topics such as health catastrophes and social media professionalism. Researchers also found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and home exercise are more effective than medication for relieving neck pain. In contrast, in-hospital ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 2, 2012

A more ethical way to compare epilepsy treatments

A new research methodology demonstrates that converting patients from one anti-epileptic drug to another is well-tolerated, effective and safe. The study shows that using historical control groups instead of traditional control groups can address ethical concerns in clinical trials.

SourceSpringer·JournalNeurotherapeutics·DateDec 5, 2011

How smart managers make dumb decisions and why shareholders encourage them: Rotman paper

A new study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management finds that smart managers engage in earnings manipulation and insider trading due to limited capacity and ethical weaknesses. The study suggests that choosing less ethical managers may be in the best interests of current shareholders but not future ones.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Accounting and Public Policy·DateNov 14, 2011

Consumers willing to pay more for sustainable apparel if business is transparent, MU study finds

Consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable and ethical products from apparel companies that practice transparency. However, skepticism about corporate claims of sustainability persists due to suspicion of marketing ploys. To build trust, consumers demand standardized authentication from authorities like the government.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalClothing and Textiles Research Journal·DateAug 17, 2011

Standard retreatment regimen for TB is inadequate

A study in Uganda found that the standard TB retreatment regimen has low treatment response rates, particularly among HIV-infected and multi-drug resistant TB patients. Poor adherence, HIV infection, age, and duration of symptoms were associated with unsuccessful outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 15, 2011

IRBs could use pre-clinical data better

Researchers argue that IRBs often neglect reporting and methodological quality in preclinical experiments, leading to inadequate risk-benefit assessments. A proposed solution suggests considering evidence on risks and benefits of agents targeting related biological pathways.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 8, 2011

Lancet supports Academy of Medical Sciences recommendations for massively reducing the bureaucracy and difficulty of UK health research by creating a single health research agency

The Lancet Editorial backs the Academy of Medical Sciences' proposal for a single health research agency to streamline current arrangements and improve oversight. The new agency would house National Research Ethics Service and take responsibility for specialist research ethics approvals.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2011

Trainee publication highlights success of US-China agricultural injury research training project

A new study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reveals that there was no significant difference in injury prevalence between ethnic minority and majority groups of Chinese farmers. The US-China Agricultural Injury Research Training Project successfully trained Chinese scholars, expanding collaborative research act...

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateJul 27, 2010

How do you make the perfect sled dog?

Researchers identified the genetic contributions of various breeds to Alaskan sled dogs' performance. The study found that Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky traits are associated with enhanced endurance, while Pointer and Saluki contribute to speed, and Anatolian Shepherd improves work ethic.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Genetics·DateJul 21, 2010

Brain scans track hoop fans' happy memories

Researchers at Duke University used brain scans to study the emotional impact of sports on memory. The study found that fans remember successful shots by their own team better than misses or opposing team successes. Positive emotion improves memory and activates multiple brain areas, including the amygdala and hippocampus.

Judge not lest ye be judged?

Research from the Kellogg School of Management explores 'moral hypocrisy' in powerful individuals, finding that power makes them stricter in moral judgment of others while being less strict of their own behavior. Power also leads to a disconnect between public judgment and private actions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 29, 2009