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Hiding chocolate stashes or Amazon purchases from a partner? ‘Guilty’ purchases may have benefits

Research finds that feelings of guilt from keeping everyday consumer behaviors a secret can lead to greater relationship investment. Participants reported engaging in mundane secrets like sneaking pizza or watching ahead on a TV show, which drove them to invest more in their relationships.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2022

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Value placed on resources and decisions in farming in Ethiopia differs across genders, study reveals

A new study published in the CABI Agriculture & Bioscience journal found that women place greater importance on autonomous social relations, while men value financial-related decisions. Psychological well-being is an important resource for both genders, and location plays a significant role in shaping empowerment resources.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Splits and mergers: Investigating the role of policy disagreements in party switching using a Japanese example

A Japanese study reveals that policy disagreement and politicization led to the split of Japan's largest opposition party in 2017. The researchers found that traditional DIF analysis failed to capture the complexity of party positions, but a corrected version showed strong discord over defense policy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2022

COVID-19 may have increased UK doctors’ willingness to not resuscitate the very sick/frail

A survey of UK doctors found that the pandemic has led to an increase in willingness to forgo life-saving treatments for very sick patients, while views on euthanasia and assisted dying have remained unchanged. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed end-of-life care, prompting a reevaluation of clinicians' decision-making processes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2022

Gender pay gap linked to unpaid chores in childhood

A new study found that girls who spend more time on household chores in childhood are more likely to have limited future employment opportunities. The research suggests that unequal shares of household care work contribute to the gender pay gap, constraining girls' access to better-paid and higher-quality jobs.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFeminist Economics·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 21, 2022

Economic inequality and instability impacts long-term decision-making around the world: Study

A global study involving 60 countries found that individuals across income groups prefer immediate gains, but those in stable economies with lower inequality are less likely to do so. The study also reveals inconsistent decision-making between immediate and future financial options.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2022

Stanford researchers reveal add-on benefits of natural defenses against sea-level rise

A new study by Stanford researchers shows that nature-based solutions, such as conserving marshlands and restoring beaches, can be as effective as concrete seawalls in protecting against sea-level rise. The research found that these solutions provide extra benefits, including opportunities for recreation, climate change mitigation thro...

SourceStanford University·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateJun 9, 2022

Adding up costs to enroll in stormwater management incentive programs

A University of Maryland study estimates the dollar value of barriers to homeowners participating in cost-sharing programs for stormwater management. The researchers found that features requiring effort from homeowners can significantly reduce the incentive's effectiveness, with some combinations resulting in a mere $1.85/sqft cost sha...

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeSurvey·DateJun 8, 2022

Wine as scapegoat in trade disputes means consumers pay the price

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that wine tariffs imposed during trade disputes have substantial economic costs for producers and consumers. The study estimates that the U.S.-EU dispute cost $190 million in lost trade, while the China-Australia dispute cost $149 million annually.

Rate or tip first? This corporate decision can decrease or boost worker tips

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing finds that requesting customers to rate service professionals first can lead to smaller tips, whereas asking customers to tip first does not influence subsequent rating scores. This research has important implications for firms and managers, suggesting that they should consider asking c...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 26, 2022

Cutting air pollution emissions would save 50,000 US lives, $600 billion each year

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that eliminating air pollution emissions from energy-related activities in the United States would prevent over 50,000 premature deaths each year. The study also found that this action could provide more than $600 billion in benefits annually from avoided illness and d...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeoHealth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2022

Prepare for the next supply chain disruption

Researchers at CSH create the first complete representation of Hungary's economy, mapping production networks and supply relationships. They find that only a few firms pose a substantial risk to the overall economy, with nearly 75% of systemic risk concentrated on just 100 high-risk companies.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

The opportunity cost of conservation

Researchers from Arizona State University developed a study to balance biodiversity goals with limited economic resources in Colombia. The team created a prioritization map that targets conservation actions towards regions where ecological benefits are high and economic impacts are low.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature·TypeCase study·DateApr 14, 2022

Cash transfer proposal has downsides for child poverty

A Washington State University study suggests that a cash transfer proposal would increase poverty among single-mother families and triple the number of children living in deep poverty. The Family Security Act aims to cut child poverty by providing monthly payments, but its effects on single mothers' labor supply and income are uncertain.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEconomic Modelling·DateApr 12, 2022

Commercial interests hamper climate work in shipping

Research at the University of Gothenburg found that shipping companies prioritize economic interests over energy efficiency when planning routes, which hampers efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The study highlights the importance of collaboration and decision-makers' choices in achieving sustainable shipping.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalTransportation Research Part D Transport and Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Pamplin professor explores psychology of welfare politics

A recent study by Virginia Tech's Shreyans Goenka explores the psychology behind conservative reluctance to accept federal welfare programs. The research shows that conservatives are less likely than liberals to enroll in welfare programs without a work requirement policy, but can be encouraged through targeted marketing messaging.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateMar 17, 2022

AI helped protect businesses from COVID-19 risks

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that AI-powered apps reduced business risks during the pandemic by 3.1%. The use of AI apps was also linked to lower profits (2%) and overall business risk (1.2%). Only 26% of small enterprises are currently using these applications.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInformation Systems Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2022

Predictability and meaningfulness of life help tackle long-term poverty

A Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare study found that people's ability to lead their lives, strive for important things, and make decisions supporting well-being is linked to manageable life circumstances, financial resources, sense of belonging, equal opportunities, and experiencing meaning. Social security provides faith in the...

SourceFinnish Institute for Health and Welfare·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2022

International land use scientists urge policymakers to adopt new approaches to addressing climate change, biodiversity and other global crises

A new report identifies 10 key facts about global land use, highlighting opportunities for a more sustainable and equitable approach. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers to consider trade-offs and marginalized groups' rights in developing effective solutions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2022

Research shows actions to prevent pandemics cost 5% of lives lost every year from emerging infectious diseases

A new study suggests that implementing primary pandemic prevention actions, such as better surveillance and wildlife management, can reduce the economic costs of emerging infectious diseases by up to 10%. These actions have a substantial co-benefit of preventing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving water supplies.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 4, 2022

Precious metal commodities can enhance investment portfolio performance, say Pusan National University researchers

A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Economics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 3, 2022

Mass customization can make fashion more sustainable if customers are willing to wait for it

A new study suggests that mass customization can generate higher profits and reduce environmental waste considerably when overproduction is a problem. Customers willing to wait for bespoke clothing can make the fashion industry more environmentally sustainable.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 1, 2022

How we view the future may hold keys to recovery from alcohol use disorder

Researchers at Virginia Tech found that people with 'slow' life-history strategies, focusing on future rewards, exhibited positive behaviors and were more likely to be in remission. In contrast, those with 'fast' life-history strategies, prioritizing immediate rewards, faced greater challenges during recovery.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAlcoholism Clinical and Experimental Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022

COVID-19 outbreak convergence thru an SIR model

Researchers used an SIR model to show COVID-19 convergence in Japan, with growth rates initially high then decreasing as cumulative infected people increase. The study aims to control infections and mitigate economic impact through risk management.

SourceShinshu University·JournalEconomic Analysis and Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 24, 2021

More women on company boards will lead to lower risk-taking and better outcomes

Research by Åbo Akademi University found that companies with more women on their boards tend to make fewer high-risk corporate acquisitions and are more willing to write down goodwill for unsuccessful deals. This suggests that female representation can lead to a more conservative approach to risk-taking and improved financial governance.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalJournal of Management & Governance·DateDec 8, 2021

Finding the perfect match

A new paper proposes a means of filtering for candidates who identify with organizational goals and are willing to go the extra mile. Researchers found that those who strongly identified with the organizational goal were willing to expend significantly more effort towards finding ways to reduce carbon emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalManagement Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Exploring links between financial knowledge, age and gender in Japan

Research in Japan found a link between financial knowledge, age, and gender, suggesting potential policy targets to improve financial health. While men had higher financial literacy, women reported more sound financial behaviors, indicating that policies may need to focus on supporting women's financial decision-making.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateNov 17, 2021