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Pusan National University researchers build a numerical algorithm to study continuous ice-breaking

Researchers at Pusan National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict ice resistance and fracture points for ships navigating through the Arctic shipping routes. The model uses an elastic material approach, allowing it to study continuous ice-breaking processes, which is essential for efficient navigation.

SourcePusan National University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 30, 2023

Global population could peak below 9 billion in 2050s

Researchers from the Earth4All initiative project that global population could peak at 8.5 billion people by mid-century with unprecedented investment in poverty alleviation. The team's analysis also suggests that extreme poverty can be eliminated in a generation, leading to a decline in global population trends.

SourceThe Club of Rome·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2023

WVU lab’s game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions

A team led by Xueyan Song at West Virginia University has created an oxide ceramic material that solves a longstanding efficiency problem plaguing thermoelectric generators. The breakthrough achieved record-high performance, opening up new research directions to further increase performance and enabling large-scale waste heat recovery.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 14, 2023

Charity begins at home as far as international aid is concerned

A new study by the University of Portsmouth found that UK development policy has shifted from focusing on poverty and conflict to prioritizing national security interests. This shift has led to reduced aid to Africa and a narrower focus on the national interest.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalCanadian Journal of Development Studies/Revue canadienne d études du développement·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2023

Study of US hydroelectric dams shows benefits to local economies decline with improvements in transmission capabilities

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that large-scale hydroelectric dams constructed in the US before 1950 spurred short- and long-term growth, while those built after 1950 had modest effects on local economies. The decline is attributed to advancements in high-tension transmission lines.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 16, 2023

Colombia, a biodiversity hotspot, holds lessons for other countries trying to balance development with conservation, Stanford-led study shows

A new Stanford-led study highlights the importance of coordinated policies governing biodiversity in Colombia, one of the world's most biodiverse countries. The research found that biodiversity is governed by nearly 200 distinct policies covering various ecosystems and conservation approaches.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2023

Modern arms technologies help autocratic rulers stay in power

A large study reveals that access to modern military technology substantially reduces the probability of democratisation of authoritarian regimes. The spread of ground-breaking 29 military technologies in all independent states from 1820-2010 confirms connections between state's access to specific weapons, economy, and form of government.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

Researchers find that to achieve long-term sustainability, urban systems must tackle social justice and equity

Researchers emphasize the importance of inclusivity and understanding past policies affecting marginalized communities in urban planning, design, and public policy efforts. The study identified three core focus areas: social justice and equity, circularity, and digital twins, to address environmental issues and infrastructure challenges.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2023

Meat import ban in Africa hurts local population

Researchers analyzed Ghana's chicken market, finding that EU imports depress local prices, harming poor and smallholder households. Higher tariffs would increase domestic prices, but benefits few, while cheap imports improve nutrition for low-income groups.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalFood Security·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 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

Cutting costs and emissions in beef production

A research team from the University of Queensland has developed a tool to guide the global beef industry in reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that as much as 85% of emissions could be cut without an overall economic hit, by opting for more efficient feeds and locations.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 11, 2023

Rising housing cost to income ratio strongly linked to poor health, death, suicide

An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022

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

First-of-its-kind database tracks agricultural phosphorus use world-wide

A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022

How cattle ranchers in Brazil cope with weather shocks

A new study from the University of Illinois reveals how cattle ranchers in Brazil cope with weather shocks. The research found that ranchers make decisions based on rainfall patterns and anticipate extreme dry seasons by selling animals for slaughter or to confinement operations, which can decouple food sources from current weather.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2022

Should developing countries invest more in agriculture or education?

A study published in the Review of Development Economics found that investments in high-quality education for rural farm people are crucial to breaking the cycle of low soil health and human capital development. Annual returns to schooling in Malawi were 3-4% after correcting for various factors.

SourceWiley·JournalReview of Development Economics·DateOct 5, 2022

Greener crypto mining possible with industry incentives

A new study by Cornell University researchers suggests that green policy incentives for carbon capture and renewable energy can help reduce the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining. States with lower electricity prices and a higher share of renewable energy in their grids are best suited for this approach.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateSep 19, 2022

New study in Earth Science Frontiers suggests lacustrine shale reserves can bolster China’s energy independence

A new study published in Earth Science Frontiers reveals that lacustrine shale oil reserves in China have significant potential to shape energy security and geopolitics. The research identifies optimal conditions for shale oil accumulation, including high organic content and thermal maturity, as well as characteristics of these deposits.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEarth Science Frontiers·TypeObservational study·DateSep 1, 2022

How can a welfare state boost population health?

Researchers found a negative correlation between age-standardized death rates and levels of decommodification in 21 OECD countries. Decreased labor market polarization and risk were associated with improved population health, particularly in men.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 31, 2022

Digging through patents to make mining greener

Researchers from Kyushu University analyzed global patent applications to identify R&D strategies for sustainable mining technologies. The study found that the Paris Agreement and raw metal price trends influence CCMT development, with varying degrees of impact by country.

SourceKyushu University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 24, 2022

Cash transfers more effective than workforce training in improving lives of Rwandans

A study by University of California San Diego found that cash transfers were more effective than workforce training in improving the lives of Rwandan youths. The research revealed that cash transfers improved ownership of assets and productive hours, while training only enhanced business knowledge.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2022