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Cost to protect globally important forests falls disproportionately on those living closest

A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateAug 17, 2023

Lasting environmental protection through monetary incentives

A recent study by Esther Blanco found that landowners in Colombia continued to protect their ecosystems even after receiving payments for ecosystem services ended. This challenges the concern that monetary incentives can displace original motivations for environmental protection, known as the 'crowding out effect'.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·TypeSurvey·DateAug 9, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Resume padding: Bad for individuals, good for society?

A new study suggests that resume padding, while bad for individuals, can have a positive effect on society. Researchers found that the potential misrepresentation of education levels can reduce investment in education and lead to lower social welfare distortions.

SourceCornell University·JournalMicroeconomics·DateAug 2, 2023

Can using biodegradable fishing gear help reduce the cost of ghost fishing?

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth found that biodegradable fishing gear (BFG) does not significantly reduce the cost of ghost fishing due to decreased fishing efficiency. The study suggests that implementing BFG could still have economic benefits, but only if it can achieve similar fishing efficiency as traditional gear.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 11, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Electricity cheaper than diesel for heavy goods vehicles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology show that electrifying heavy goods vehicles can be profitable, even for long-distance trips. The study compared two battery sizes and fast charging prices, concluding that electricity is a cheaper alternative to diesel in many cases.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalEnergies·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2023

Cut council tax for green gardeners to help cities tackle climate change

The University of Sheffield suggests policymakers offer financial incentives to encourage sustainable gardening practices, promoting greener gardens and boosting community health. Well-planted gardens provide habitats for wildlife, improve air quality, and reduce energy bills.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateApr 19, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

State incentive program improves initiation of medication treatment for opioid use disorder after emergency visit

A statewide incentive program in Pennsylvania is associated with a 50% improvement in initiating medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder among Medicaid-enrolled patients. The study found that the program increased prescription fills for buprenorphine and substance use disorder treatment within a week of emergency departme...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMar 24, 2023

Tax policy may not be enough to combat climate change

A new study finds that tax interventions needed to combat climate change will need to be larger and more effective than previously thought. Improvements in energy efficiency technology are crucial, but technological adjustments take time.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 15, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Nutrition educators support nutrition incentives for food and nutrition security programs to promote increased intake of fruit and vegetables

A study explores how nutrition educators work with incentive programs like GusNIP to promote increased intake of fruits and vegetables. Nutrition educators play a unique role in providing participant-centered education, navigating food environments, and culturally adapting programming to meet diverse audience needs.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2023

Putting a price tag on the amenity value of private forests

A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that private forests in Denmark have a significant impact on property values. Forest owners attribute great value to their trees and landscapes, leading to increased quality of life and financial gains.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalForest Policy and Economics·DateMar 2, 2023

Proximity to electric vehicle charging stations positively impacts home values

A recent study found that homes near electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) in California see a significant increase in value, with those within 0.4-0.5 km of EVCSs valued up to 5.8% higher. The study also showed reduced air pollution and increased traffic, but no effect on property values within closer proximity.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health

The Inflation Reduction Act offers significant benefits for public health through its tax credits and financial incentives. The law aims to reduce the adverse health effects of climate change by targeting greenhouse gases, conventional air pollutants, and carcinogenic chemical contaminants. By providing a more politically feasible appr...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Adding a ‘decoy option’ may give extra boost to crowdfunding

Researchers found that adding a decoy option can increase the likelihood of a crowdfunding project being funded by up to 28%, as it makes more expensive rewards seem more attractive. The study tested this approach in digital markets where billions of people make choices daily.

SourceIowa State University·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The missing link of experience cocreation in shared coupons

Researchers propose experience cocreation to transform shared coupons into a tool for relationship building, suggesting it can boost social goals and alleviate norm conflict. The study recommends three steps for managers to utilize social influence, including sending reminder messages that emphasize economic and social value.

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

Shopping vouchers help women to stop smoking during pregnancy

A UK trial found that offering up to £400 in shopping vouchers to pregnant women can more than double the proportion who remain smoke-free by late pregnancy. However, most women relapsed after giving birth. The study suggests that financial incentives can be an effective tool to reduce smoking during pregnancy and improve health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2022

Money can increase willingness to help – but only if empathy is low

A new study found that financial incentives enhance prosocial decisions in people with low empathy levels. However, this effect does not change the underlying motivation, which remains egoistic. In high empathic individuals, financial incentives have no impact on decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalSocial Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Virginia Tech researcher finds a new method for recycling polystyrene

A Virginia Tech research team has developed a new method for recycling polystyrene, which is widely used in Styrofoam but rarely recycled. The process involves exposing the material to ultraviolet light and adding a chemical catalyst, creating a valuable product called diphenylmethane (DPM) that can be used in various industries.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2022

Found: The ‘holy grail of catalysis’ — turning methane into methanol under ambient conditions using light

Researchers have developed a novel process converting methane into liquid methanol at ambient temperature and pressure using visible light. The method uses a continuous flow of methane/oxygen-saturated water over a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) catalyst, achieving 100% selectivity with no by-products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Startups near state lines gravitate toward side with lower property tax

Researchers at Iowa State University found that startups near state lines are more likely to set up shop in states with lower property taxes. The study, published in Small Business Economics, showed a significant distortion in tax rates between Iowa and its neighboring states, particularly South Dakota. Property taxes were found to hav...

SourceIowa State University·JournalSmall Business Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 24, 2022

Does the Earned Income Tax Credit encourage college enrollment?

A recent analysis found that the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) does not appear to increase college enrollment rates. The study suggests that complex subsidies like EITC may be ineffective at altering college going. Researchers recommend providing tax credits as grants instead of tax credits to increase college enrollment rates.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateMay 4, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Financial incentives help pregnant women to quit smoking

A French trial found that financial incentives improved pregnancy outcomes for smokers, with a 16% increase in continuous abstinence rate compared to no vouchers. Participants who received progressively higher financial rewards had lower nicotine withdrawal symptoms and fewer relapses.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 1, 2021

Green transition creates new risks and rewards

The green transition is already underway, with countries facing unique risks and opportunities based on their degree of competitiveness in fossil fuel markets. Diversifying economies towards low-carbon exports can mitigate negative impacts, while supporting innovation and job creation are key to maintaining long-term competitiveness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 4, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Poverty in unmarried-parent families: A fresh perspective from Pusan National University

Researchers at Pusan National University and Columbia University reanalyzed poverty estimates in unmarried parent families using the 'Supplemental Poverty Measure' (SPM), accounting for specific criteria. The analysis revealed significant drops in poverty rates over time, particularly for single-mother families.

SourcePusan National University·JournalPopulation Research and Policy Review·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 2, 2021

People may prefer climate change policies that give incentives, find energy alternatives

Participants preferred policies that used incentives to encourage eco-friendly choices, particularly when they targeted businesses. In contrast, policies that focused on energy alternatives and used incentives were also supported. The researchers found that policy support was influenced by the type of change targeted, who was targeted,...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

COVID-19 vaccination incentive program pays off

The study found that the $25 Summer Card Pilot program successfully encouraged more adults to get a COVID-19 vaccine by halving the drop in vaccination rates. The program's design provided guaranteed financial incentives, which were particularly effective among low-income and minority groups.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 2021

Effect of guaranteed financial incentives on COVID-19 vaccination

A pilot program in North Carolina found that offering incentive cash cards to adults who receive or drive someone to receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine significantly increases vaccination rates. The study suggests that guaranteed financial incentives can be an effective strategy to promote COVID-19 vaccination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 25, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Plant-based jet fuel could reduce emissions by 68%

Researchers estimate that carinata-based SAF can reduce life cycle carbon emissions by up to 68%, making it a promising sustainable alternative for the aviation industry. The production cost of SAF from carinata ranges from $0.12 to $1.28 per liter, lower than petroleum-based fuel.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalGCB Bioenergy·DateOct 14, 2021

US health systems must adopt unified vision to succeed according to a new survey

A new survey by University of Colorado Denver researchers found large disparities in virtual care models across US health systems. Smaller and low-burdened health systems adopted analytics and customer-oriented digital technologies, while larger and higher-revenue systems used futuristic and growth-oriented digital technologies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 17, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Medicaid expansion of dental care can increase access

Research by Jason Huh found that Medicaid expansion can increase the number of dentists per capita in low-income counties, with a 13% increase. This growth is driven by private practice dentists responding to financial incentives offered by expanded coverage.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Public Economics·DateAug 9, 2021

The negative effects of powerful political connections

Local governments' ties with powerful congressional members result in a decrease in stewardship over public resources, contradicting prior studies. This finding highlights the negative effects of political connections on governance and public resource management.

SourceSingapore Management University·JournalJournal of Accounting Research·DateMar 4, 2021
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Incentivizing vaccine adherence: could it be the key to achieving herd immunity?

A new Commentary in Preventive Medicine suggests financial incentives could promote high levels of COVID-19 vaccine adherence, crucial for achieving herd immunity. Strong evidence from controlled trials supports the efficacy of incentivizing vaccine adherence, including a 7-fold increase in adherence with modest financial incentives.

SourceLarner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJan 20, 2021

A biased evaluation of employees' performance can be useful for employers

A new model suggests that biased evaluations can be useful for motivating employees, particularly those with high career concerns. The ideal evaluator should be stricter on capable employees but more lenient on less capable ones. This approach can be applied to various scenarios, such as organizing internships.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateDec 10, 2020

How to accelerate solar adoption for the underserved

Researchers discovered that targeted financial incentives, leasing models, and property-assessed clean energy financing increase solar adoption equity in low- and middle-income households. This expansion can lead to a spillover effect, making surrounding neighborhoods more likely to adopt solar as well.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 9, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Energy transition away from coal in China will yield benefits

A study by Stony Brook University proposes strategies for China's transition away from coal, emphasizing employment and social justice impacts. The authors estimate a rapid transition could reduce premature deaths by 224,000 and water consumption by 4.3 billion m3 in 2050.

SourceStony Brook University·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 21, 2020

Economic Development Quarterly announces a special issue on business incentives

A recent special issue of Economic Development Quarterly examines the impact of local and state financial incentives on business location decisions. Research suggests that simply expanding incentives may not be effective in creating jobs, while some types of incentives work better for specific industries in certain local economies.

SourceSAGE·JournalEconomic Development Quarterly·DateJun 2, 2020

Talent is key to school turnarounds

Research by University of Delaware reveals that hiring and retaining effective principals and teachers leads to significant gains in student achievement. Effective teacher retention strategies, such as financial incentives, were found to be persistently effective in reform efforts.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateMay 8, 2020

HRM practices a predictor for business resilience after layoffs

A new study from University of South Australia and others found that businesses with strategic HRM systems focused on participation and collaborative communication practices are stronger in times of adversity. These systems developed a culture of trust, encouraging employees to share responsibility and step up to help management move t...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalHuman Resource Management·DateApr 30, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

The GDP fudge: China edition

A study found that Chinese firms in provinces with lower GDP growth are more likely to engage in earnings management to prop up provincial GDP figures. This leads to a range of negative consequences for the firms, including high bad debt expenses, inventory write-offs, and asset impairment losses.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMar 2, 2020

Study: Corporate tax incentives do more harm than good to states

A North Carolina State University study of 32 US states from 1990-2015 found that corporate tax incentives typically leave states worse off. The exceptions were job creation tax credits and job training grants, which generated significant tax revenue.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateFeb 27, 2020

Financial incentives plus information decrease patient preference for diagnostic testing

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that providing financial incentives to forego testing significantly decreases patient preference for testing, even when accounting for test benefit and risk. Financial incentives also decreased patient preference for low-value diagnostic testing, such as CT imaging of the head.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateOct 28, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Discharge incentives in emergency rooms could lead to higher patient readmission rates

A new study from UBC Sauder School of Business shows that pay-for-performance incentive programs in emergency departments can increase return visits and readmissions. The research focused on patients discharged within 20 minutes of the deadline for incentives and found a significant discontinuity around the four-hour mark.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 20, 2019

Teacher incentive programs can improve student achievement

A hybrid teacher incentive program that combines mentorship, coaching, and performance-based compensation improved student test scores in math and social studies, but not in English and science. The program's benefits exceeded its costs, with estimated potential earnings of $945,000 per school year for math

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Policy Analysis and Management·DateJul 22, 2019

Geisel study finds downside risk contracts still less common for ACOs

A new study found that while the number and variety of ACO contracts have increased, downside risk contracts remain relatively rare. Researchers analyzed data from 2012 to 2018 and found that only a third of ACOs chose contracts with downside risk in 2018.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 1, 2019

Financial vulnerability may discourage positive negotiation strategies

Research suggests that people who feel financially vulnerable are more likely to approach economic exchanges with a zero-sum mindset, overlooking cooperative and mutually beneficial options. This can perpetuate their financial disadvantage. Negotiation training programs may help them recognize potential for cooperative exchanges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 13, 2019