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Cash or card? Consumers pay strategically to forget guilty purchases, study shows

A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that consumers tend to use cash for purchases they consider guilty or difficult to justify, while using cards for easier-to-justify transactions. This strategy helps consumers forget about undesirable purchases and track their spending more easily.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Tetris reveals how people respond to unfair AI

A Cornell University-led study using the Tetris game found that players who receive fewer turns perceive their partner as less likable, regardless of whether a human or AI allocates the turns. The researchers also discovered that machine allocation behavior can lead to worse performance and gameplay when fairness is not guaranteed.

SourceCornell University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMay 15, 2023

Simple management steps for a high fertility cycle in your dairy herd

Achieving a high fertility cycle in dairy herds involves implementing reproductive management programs, maintaining optimal body condition scores (BCS), and ensuring timely pregnancies. By calving cows at lower BCS between 2.75 and 3.0, dairy farms can reduce health issues and increase fertility rates.

SourceElsevier·JournalJDS Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 10, 2023

Scientists create high-resolution poverty maps using big data

A team of researchers from the Complexity Science Hub and Central European University created more-detailed poverty maps for Sierra Leone and Uganda, identifying poor areas with greater accuracy. The maps use a combination of survey information, satellite imagery, and social media data to provide a more accurate picture of wealth distr...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2023

Bank of England media coverage is an "effective” additional channel for accountability, study shows

A recent study by University of Exeter researchers found that the Bank of England's media coverage plays a significant role in reinforcing accountability. The study analyzed 13,986 articles from major news outlets and discovered that media coverage levels are strongly linked to parliamentary hearings and speeches by central bankers. Th...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGovernance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

A recent research on why pundits can be unreliable

Researchers found that forecasters have an incentive to misreport when their reputation is at stake, with higher levels of misreporting in less uncertain situations. The study suggests firms should trust expert advice when uncertainty is high and link evaluations to ex-post accuracy to reduce misreporting.

SourceBocconi University·JournalManagement Science·DateApr 18, 2023

Costs of natural disasters set to spiral with continued rise in CO2 and global temperature, study shows

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that climate change-related natural disasters have increased since 1980 and cost the US over $2 trillion in recovery costs. The analysis suggests that rising CO2 levels and temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe disasters, with exponentially increasing costs.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Climate Change·DateApr 6, 2023

How countries can benefit from linking data

A recent study analyzed data from 41,516 refugees and 207,729 Swedish-born individuals to investigate the impact of mental and somatic illnesses on labor market integration. The study found that multimorbidity poses a significant risk for unemployment among young refugees, highlighting the need for targeted public health actions.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2023

Profiling abortions in low- and middle-income countries

A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that factors such as marriage status, age, and education are associated with pregnancy termination in 36 low- and middle-income countries. The study used data from over 1.2 million women aged 15-49 and found that married women, those over 30, and those with higher education were ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2023

The unnecessary burden of war

A study finds that governments could help millions of people and save a lot of money with targeted energy subsidies. The research quantifies the impacts of the energy crisis on households worldwide, revealing that indirect energy costs impose the biggest burden on both high- and low-income countries.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Energy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2023

New economic model finds Fracture Liaison Services are highly effective

A new economic model estimates the health benefits and budget impact of Fracture Liaison Services, showing significant reductions in fragility fractures, hospital bed days, and social care costs. The model suggests that FLS implementation would lead to improved patient outcomes and cost-effectiveness.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 8, 2023

Communities that suffered rapid manufacturing job losses fare worse on sustainability

A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 1, 2023

Predicting a recession

Researchers developed a new model to predict U.S. recessions and economic slowdowns based on financial statement manipulation. The study found that high levels of potential manipulation in financial statements can improve recession prediction 5 to 8 quarters away.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Cost concerns keep older adults from seeking emergency care

A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeSurvey·DateDec 16, 2022

Cessation of Medicaid funding for neonatal circumcision examined in new study

A new study examined the impact of Medicaid funding cessation on neonatal circumcision rates in California. The research found a significant decrease in circumcision rates, particularly among low-income families, which can exacerbate existing health disparities such as lower rates of sexually transmitted infections. The findings highli...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2022

Masks can put cognitive performance in check

A University of Queensland study analyzing almost three million chess moves found that wearing a mask reduces the average quality of player decisions due to annoyance caused by the masks. The effect subsides after four to six hours of playing, suggesting mask-wearing impact depends on task type and duration.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2022

Conflicting motives govern sense of fairness

A study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that people are reluctant to harm others and upend existing social hierarchies when considering distributive justice. The participants were more willing to reduce inequality but maintained the existing hierarchy, suggesting a complex interplay between conflicting motives.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2022

New research can help older adults plan for changes in driving and firearm use

A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...

Should maize farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa store or sell their grain?

A new University of Illinois study reveals that maize prices do not always rise after harvest in Sub-Saharan African markets, with prices falling 16.3% of the time. This uncertainty leads farmers to make decisions based on guesswork, considering storage expenses and risks of spoilage and loss.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 7, 2022

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

Trade agreements can ease the pain of a possible global recession

A new study by the University of California School of Global Policy and Strategy found that credible trade agreements help U.S. firms invest in new export markets during economic downturns. The research suggests that trade agreements can mitigate the impact of a global recession, particularly for industries dependent on exports.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of International Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 2, 2022

Study finds school choice not offered equitably to low-income, less-educated families, who are forced to compromise more

A new study from the University of Kansas finds that parents from marginalized backgrounds and lower educational attainment make more compromises on school features, resulting in lower satisfaction. The research suggests that these parents are not lacking in understanding what would be best for their children, but rather face constrain...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·TypeSurvey·DateOct 20, 2022

Every neuron counts!

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have found that individual neurons in the neural circuit that processes reward information fire in accordance with prospect theory. The study used rhesus monkeys to perform lottery tasks and recorded neural activity while they completed the tasks, finding that single-neuron activity conformed ...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 17, 2022

Do humans think computers make fair decisions?

A study published in Cell Press found that when humans are involved, computer decisions are perceived as fairer. Participants deemed decisions related to positive outcomes fairer than negative ones and had concerns over fairness in systems with higher stakes. The results suggest that automated decision-making systems need careful desig...

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Strategic brand factors that moderate the impact of business cycles on brand equity

A new study examines the role of six brand factors, including price positioning, advertising spending, and distribution breadth, in moderating the impact of business cycles on brand equity. The research finds that premium pricing, market leadership, and extensive distribution contribute to brand equity during economic expansions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 14, 2022

TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients

A budget impact analysis found that catheter-based TAVR is an affordable and effective strategy for treating aortic stenosis patients, with lower total costs compared to surgical SAVR. The study showed that the upfront cost of TAVR is partially offset by reduced healthcare resources, making it a more efficient option.

SourceElsevier·JournalCanadian Journal of Cardiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2022

Behavioral research: Study reveals that students aren’t ideal test subjects

A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that using only students in experiments can lead to biased results, as their decisions differ from those of other population groups. The study compared agricultural science students to farmers and found differences in risk-taking, patience, trust, and generosity.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAustralian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022

How more female executives in the C-suite can spur improved customer orientation and financial performance

A new study by St. Edward’s University, University of Mississippi, and University of Texas at Austin finds that female executives focus on customer relationships to a greater degree than their male counterparts, leading to more customer-oriented discussions in the C-suite. The researchers examine 389 Fortune 500 firms over six years an...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 9, 2022

How minor changes in choice architecture can improve health insurance product choices and costs

Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 24, 2022