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Troubled waters

A study by UCSB researchers reveals that wealthy countries' industrial fishing fleets dominate the global oceans, with China, Taiwan, and Japan leading the list. This dominance has significant implications for food security and access to healthy food sources, particularly in less-wealthy countries.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 1, 2018

Age and education affect job changes, study finds

A study by University of East Anglia and ETH Zurich found that age and education play a significant role in career mobility. Younger employees with higher levels of education are more likely to switch organisations, industries, and occupations. In contrast, openness to new experiences is not a key factor in job changes.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology·DateJul 5, 2018

Breeding better Brazilian rice

Researchers at Embrapa have developed improved rice varieties with increased yields and reduced plant height, allowing for more efficient use of resources. Over a 45-year period, grain yield improved by an average of 0.62-0.73% per year, resulting in thousands of pounds in increased yield for farmers.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateJun 6, 2018

Colorado cannabis workers are happy, but need better safety training

A study by Colorado State University researchers found that cannabis industry workers in Colorado are generally job-secure and valued safety, but lack formal training and face hazards such as ergonomic concerns and slips, trips, and falls. The industry needs to establish best practices and guidelines to improve worker health and safety.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateMar 16, 2018

Empowering workers can cause uncertainty and resentment

Research by the University of Exeter Business School found that empowering workers can have a negative impact on their day-to-day performance, especially for routine and structured tasks. However, it can be effective when used for creative tasks, motivating employees to work harder and be more proactive.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Organizational Behavior·DateNov 29, 2017

Labor market effects of trade liberalization

A new study on Brazil's labor market reveals that workers in industries facing increased competition from imports experience stagnant wages and employment growth for 15 years. The research found that the costs of freer trade are unevenly distributed across regions, with differences growing over time.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateAug 23, 2017

New study shows important economic contributions of H-1B visas

A new study found that H-1B visa holders contribute significantly to the growth of assurance business human capital in the US audit industry, with skilled foreign employees accounting for 28% of this growth. The authors warn of potential negative implications if further restrictions limit hiring of skilled employees from outside the US.

Antiphonal singing in indris

Indris sing in antiphony to synchronize their songs, which produces louder voices for territorial defense. Young indris prefer antiphonal singing to advertise fighting ability and signal individuality.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 14, 2016

Mobility and motivation: Job switching stokes competitive behavior

A study by LMU researchers found that employees who switch jobs to a competitor often intensify their competitive behavior against their former employer. However, this phenomenon may be linked to identity conflict rather than performance concerns. The study suggests that poaching individual talent from competitors can have mixed results.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 7, 2016

Good boss? Bad boss? Study says workers leave both

Research by a University of Illinois business professor reveals that high-quality boss-worker relationships are positively related to higher salaries and greater responsibility in the next job. However, employees still leave their good managers due to limited internal opportunities for growth. Retaining valued employees can lead to inc...

For those over 50, finding a job can get old

A study by Georgia Institute of Technology and University of Minnesota found that older adults receive fewer job offers, search for weeks longer, and are less likely to find re-employment after losing a job. The researchers identified factors such as age-related differences in knowledge, skills, and abilities, social networks, marketpl...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJun 16, 2015

Homeland chemical security

Research highlights the need for collaboration between the chemical industry and DHS to ensure US chemical facilities' safety and security. The team suggests that communities should develop preparedness plans in anticipation of possible chemical disasters.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Critical Infrastructures·DateApr 15, 2015