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Access to media amplifies negative effects of terrorism on school enrolment in Kenya

New research by Lancaster University and Bocconi University finds that Kenyan parents with access to mass media believe the risk of dying in a terrorist attack is 12 times larger than actual rates. This leads to children being kept out of schools, affecting their education and future earnings.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

Illinois Tech researchers extract personal information from anonymous cell phone data using machine learning, raising data security and privacy concerns

A team of Illinois Tech researchers used machine learning to estimate the age and gender of individual users with high accuracy, raising questions about data security and privacy. The study highlights the need for better regulations and best practices to protect personal information from being misused.

Opioid addiction treatment disparities could worsen if phone telehealth option ends, study suggests

A new study suggests that phone calls and video chats can help patients access care, especially for those with barriers to traditional in-person visits. The study found that veterans who received virtual visits were more likely to stay on buprenorphine treatment, but there were disparities by race, housing status, and age.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

Does reducing screen time increase productivity? Not necessarily

A new study from San Diego State University's Fowler College of Business found that monitoring cellphone screen time with specific goals in mind can lead to higher perceived productivity and user satisfaction. However, excessive self-monitoring can induce fatigue and weaken the effect on productivity.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalAIS Transactions on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

NTU Singapore scientists develop inexpensive device that can harvest energy from a light breeze and store it as electricity

The NTU-developed wind harvester generates a voltage of three volts at wind speeds as low as two meters per second, powering commercial sensor devices. The device can also store excess charge for extended periods in the absence of wind, serving as an alternative to smaller lithium-ion batteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 5, 2022

Effect of text messaging on COVID-19 vaccination uptake

A randomized clinical trial involving 16,000 participants found that receiving text messages had no significant impact on COVID-19 vaccination rates compared to telephone calls. The study suggests that alternative communication methods may be more effective in promoting vaccine uptake.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 13, 2022

Researchers now able to predict battery lifetimes with machine learning

Scientists have developed a machine learning algorithm that can accurately predict the lifetimes of different battery chemistries using as little as a single cycle of experimental data. The technique could reduce costs and accelerate the development of new battery materials, enabling researchers to quickly evaluate and test multiple ma...

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMay 5, 2022

Online program improves well-being of stroke survivors

A randomized controlled trial found that an online program improved health-related quality of life among adult stroke survivors by promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors and reducing disability. The study showed significant benefits in personal care and daily activities for those who received access to the online program.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 19, 2022

How picking up your smartphone could reveal your identity

Researchers found that smartphone app usage patterns can be used to identify individuals with over 30% accuracy. The study analyzed data from 780 people and showed consistent patterns in application usage behaviors on a day-to-day basis. This highlights the potential risks to privacy when using apps automatically collected by smartphones.

SourceLancaster University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022

Exposure of pre-adolescent children to electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile devices is not associated with sleep disturbances

A new study by ISGlobal found no association between overall mobile device exposure and sleep disturbances in pre-adolescents, but suggested an effect on sleep when exposure occurs in the evening. The study of over 1,500 children aged 9-12 years old found that those making phone calls in the evening had reduced sleep time.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2021

Similar follow-up after telehealth and office visits

The study of 2.2 million primary care visits found similar rates of follow-up care for all three visit types, including emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Virtual visits were shown to be a convenient and safe way to address some primary care needs without generating many follow-up office visits.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 16, 2021

Cognitive behavior therapy conducted by telephone may ease arthritis-related insomnia

A new study found that telephone cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve sleeplessness and pain in older adults with osteoarthritis-related insomnia, reducing clinical and financial burdens. The study showed that telephone CBT reduced healthcare costs without increasing them.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 20, 2021

Mapping urban greenspace use with cellphone GPS data

A study published in PLOS ONE found that urban greenspace use is correlated with demographics, with women, older adults, and ethnic minority groups spending more time outdoors. The authors used GPS data from cell phone apps to track users' visits to local green spaces, revealing significant effects on trip duration and distance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2021

Cell Phone Use While Driving May Be Tied to Other Risky Road Behaviors in Young Adults

A study found that frequent cell phone use while driving is associated with other risky driving practices in young adults, including impulsivity and sensation seeking. The study suggests that targeting all risky behaviors rather than just cell phone use may be more effective in preventing crashes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 10, 2021

Data from 45 million mobile users further shows poorer people less able to stay at home COVID rules

A study of 45 million mobile users in the US found that poorer communities spent less time indoors during lockdowns, with lower earners often unable to afford stay-at-home orders or working from home. This disparity worsens social inequality and puts vulnerable groups at greater risk from COVID-19.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateMay 28, 2021

Tokyo's voluntary standstill may have stopped COVID-19 in its tracks

A comparative analysis of Tokyo residents' mobility data revealed a significant slowdown, leading to reduced social contacts and lower disease transmission. The study found that people with higher income were more capable of limiting their movement and contact, validating the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical interventions.