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SUTD researchers demystify centralization in cryptocurrency mining

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design uncovered a negative feedback loop in terms of decentralization in public blockchain philosophy. The findings indicate that incentives for miners to merge and act as single entities contribute to centralization, revealing a need for further research.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·DateMay 14, 2019

How common are advanced care planning conversations with hospitalized, older patients?

Advance care planning conversations with hospitalized, older patients are infrequent due to emotional challenges and physician reluctance. Despite training and financial incentives, only a quarter of physicians regularly document ACP conversations, leaving many patients without input on end-of-life care.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateApr 1, 2019
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.

Sacrificing the climate for reelections

A new study suggests that incumbent politicians often negotiate weak treaties to improve their reelection chances, rather than prioritizing effective climate change mitigation. This analysis from the Journal of Political Economy explores how domestic policymakers' incentives and election fears drive treaty outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 4, 2019

UBC economist proposes solution to Vancouver's affordability crisis

A new model for calculating property tax could help combat Vancouver's housing affordability problem by transferring tax burden from owners to renters. The proposal aims to raise property taxes and lower income and sales taxes, stimulating the economy and making it easier for workers to afford housing.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Tax Journal/Revue fiscale canadienne·DateDec 5, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New research provides guidance on how to successfully motivate California's Medicaid population to quit smoking

Researchers found that supplementing telephone counseling with access to nicotine-replacement patches and moderate financial incentives significantly improves smoking cessation outcomes in the Medi-Cal population. The study also suggests that modest financial incentives can be an effective intervention for low-income populations.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 16, 2018

Financial incentives for cholesterol control may be cost-effective

A study found that a shared financial incentive program provided reasonable value for the health gains it produced compared with other programs. The program offered $1,024 per year, split between patient and doctor, and showed lower LDL cholesterol levels. Further evaluation is warranted to test this strategy in real-world settings.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 2018

Politicization and prioritization in the judiciary

A study by Adam Bonica and Maya Sen reveals that American courts become politicized due to strategic judicial selection. The researchers found that higher courts are more conservative and polarized, deviating from the broader legal profession's liberal ideology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Journal of Law and Economics·DateAug 1, 2018

Bad habits that lead to cancer, chronic disease corrected by simple lifestyle intervention

A Northwestern University study found that a lifestyle intervention using a smartphone app, activity tracker, and small financial incentive can fully normalize unhealthy behaviors such as low fruit and vegetable intake and high screen time. Participants made significant improvements in their eating and exercise habits over a nine-month...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 19, 2018
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.

Getting heart disease patients to exercise: Study says wearables could help but only if money is on the line

A clinical trial by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine shows that combining wearable devices with financial incentives and personalized goal-setting increases physical activity levels in heart disease patients. The study found a significant increase in step counts, totaling about 100 miles more than the average patient in co...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 13, 2018

Cash and goal-setting help motivate heart patients to take healthy steps

A new clinical trial found that combining wearable devices with financial incentives and personalized goal-setting significantly increased physical activity levels among ischemic heart disease patients. After financial incentives were stopped, the incentive group continued to increase their physical activity.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateJun 13, 2018

In helping smokers quit, cash is king, e-cigarettes strike out

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that financial incentives significantly improve smoking cessation rates, with free e-cigarettes and cessation aids offering no additional benefit. The study enrolled over 6,000 participants and found that those receiving financial rewards remained smoke-free for at leas...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 23, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study explores how Scotland and Northern Ireland can fulfil aspirations post-Brexit

A new study by Dr Nikos Skoutaris suggests that the EU has mechanisms to accommodate Scotland and Northern Ireland's differing aspirations. Two options are explored: achieving Scottish independence through democratic referendums or remaining in the EU and/or single market without leaving the UK.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCambridge yearbook of European legal studies·DateNov 13, 2017
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.

Four reasons that could explain ACOs' sluggish savings

The study highlights four reasons for the failure of ACOs to achieve savings: economic barriers such as weak incentives and lack of patients, and organizational challenges like knowledge development needs and complexity. The authors recommend a flexible approach to motivating providers.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Helping smokers quit: Payments, personalized support can work

A new study found that smokers who received financial incentives, in addition to personalized support, were nearly 10 times more likely to quit smoking after six months compared to those in the control group. The intervention also showed significant reductions in smoking rates among older participants, women, and non-white smokers.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 2017

Are teens more likely to take charge of their health when money is on the line?

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine conducted a randomized control trial showing that providing small financial incentives can motivate young people to engage in daily glucose monitoring. Participants who received $60 monthly credits were nearly three times more likely to achieve daily goals, but overall gl...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Financial incentives for physicians did not increase follow-up of patients after discharge

A study published in CMAJ found that financial incentives for physicians to see patients sooner after discharge did not influence their behavior, with no significant improvement in follow-up rates. The incentive program, introduced in Ontario in 2006, aimed to reduce costly readmissions by encouraging early physician follow-up.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 2, 2017

80 percent of activity tracker users stick with the devices for at least 6 months

A new study found that 80% of activity tracker users stuck with the device for at least six months. The populations that could benefit most may not be using these technologies. Gamification and financial incentives were key to sustained use, but more effort is needed to engage low-income individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 25, 2017

Study shows electronic health information exchanges could cut billions in Medicare spending

A new study from the University of Notre Dame suggests that health information exchanges (HIEs) can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, with an average annual reduction of $139 per Medicare beneficiary. The research found that HIEs are more effective in markets where providers have financial incentives to use them, and that...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateSep 13, 2017
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.

The way of change is important!

A case study in Guangdong province finds green building development contributes to local economy but is limited by regional conditions. The research uses system dynamic theory to analyze the relationship between green building and regional economy.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Civil Engineering Journal·DateJul 21, 2017

Synthetic horns may save rhinos if they are not like the real thing

Research suggests that inferior synthetic horns can drive out wild horn suppliers through adverse selection, reducing poaching and driving down prices. Nonprofits could play a key role in producing these synthetic horns, promoting competition and increasing market supply.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalEcological Economics·DateJul 5, 2017

Financial incentives enhance viral suppression among HIV-positive persons in the US

A recent study by Columbia University found that financial incentives significantly increased viral suppression and clinic attendance among HIV-positive patients. The study showed a four-percent higher percentage of patients with suppressed virus at sites offering gift cards compared to those without.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017

Financial incentives improve viral suppression among people living with HIV

The HPTN 065 study found that financial incentives can motivate some people living with HIV to take their medication regularly and maintain viral load suppression. This increase in viral suppression was observed at care sites offering financial incentives, with an overall increase of 5% at the peak of the intervention.

SourceFHI360·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electric car subsidies may do more harm than good

A new study by Concordia economics professor Ian Irvine reveals that electric vehicle (EV) subsidies could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The subsidies encourage the production of more EVs but undermine efficiency requirements for conventional vehicles, resulting in a zero or negative near-term GHG benefit.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Public Policy·DateJun 7, 2017

Eco-label in exchange for less chemicals on rice fields

Rice farmers in Taiwan value eco-labels more than financial incentives, according to a study by the Technical University of Munich. The study found that offering an eco-label can encourage farmers to reduce chemical fertilizers and adopt sustainable cultivation methods.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalLand Use Policy·DateJun 2, 2017

Welfare reform that really works

Researchers found that introducing dynamic tax/sanctions and work subsidies can help people commit to long-run goals, leading to increased employment and welfare participation rates. In contrast, focusing on short-term payoffs results in reduced earnings and government expenditure.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateMar 30, 2017
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.

Older adults walk more for money and opportunity to donate to charity

A Penn Medicine study found that older adults walked 2,348 steps and 2,562 steps per day with financial incentives and charity donations, respectively. The study suggests that goal-based interventions can motivate older adults to exercise more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 13, 2017

Penn study: Friendly competition and a financial incentive increases team exercise

A study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that comparing performance to peers and offering financial incentives increased physical activity among teams. The results showed that combining social comparison feedback with financial incentives led to the highest rate of achieving exercise goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·DateJul 15, 2016
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.

Insurance causes costs of services to rise

Researchers found that customers with insurance are less critical of costs, leading to overcharging and higher prices. The study showed a significant difference in repair prices, with customers with insurance paying up to €128.68 compared to €70.17 without insurance.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2016

New Medicare primary care improvement results: U-M expert available to comment

The Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative has shown modest improvements in patient experience, with costs and quality measures remaining largely unchanged. To truly improve care, efforts must extend beyond primary care and integrate it with specialty care and hospital care.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 13, 2016

Financial incentives are highly effective in helping pregnant women quit smoking

Financial incentives have been shown to be highly effective in aiding smoking cessation among pregnant and post-partum women, especially those economically disadvantaged. According to Stephen T. Higgins, Ph.D., financial incentives in the form of vouchers for retail goods are a cost-effective alternative.

SourceUniversity of Vermont College of Medicine·JournalCurrent Addiction Research·DateApr 5, 2016

Heirloom dry beans suitable for small-scale organic production

A study by Hannah Swegarden and colleagues identifies four heirloom dry bean cultivars with high yield stability as ideal for local organic production in Minnesota. Heirloom varieties like 'Lina Sisco's Bird Egg' and 'Peregion' showed relatively high yields, making them a viable marketing option for small-scale producers.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortScience·DateMar 28, 2016
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

To increase group exercise, Penn study suggests rewarding the individual and the team

A new Penn study found that team-based incentives, combining individual and team performance rewards, nearly doubled the success rate of achieving exercise goals. Participants in this combined incentive group achieved their goal 35% of the time, compared to 17-18% for control and team incentive groups.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 15, 2016

Paying employees to exercise doesn't work, but the reverse might

A randomized controlled trial found that threatening to lose a reward is more effective than earning one in increasing physical activity among overweight and obese adults. The study also suggests that the way financial incentives are framed is important to their effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2016

To encourage exercise, losing a financial reward is more effective than gaining one

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that financial incentives framing were crucial to motivating participants. The loss incentive group, which risked losing $42 per month for not achieving their daily goal, saw a 45% increase in success rate compared to the control group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2016
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.

The art of maintaining productive sales channel partnerships

A study found that firms expecting increased productivity through partner programs may fail due to feelings of indebtedness, causing suppliers to avoid the supplier. To enhance performance, suppliers should aim to prevent channel partners from feeling indebted and provide benefits creating feelings of gratitude.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateOct 26, 2015
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.

How can we address the gap between climate science and policy?

Targeted green industry policies offer concrete benefits to firms and households, spurring decarbonization trends. Effective sequence of policy implementation is key, with broad carbon taxes following initial targeted measures.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2015

Big data analysis of state of the union remarks changes view of American History

A new study at Columbia University finds that World War I marks a significant shift in modern political thought, with keywords like 'democracy' and 'unity' emerging after 1917. The researchers analyzed nearly 1.8 million words from State of the Union addresses to chart the evolution of social and political discourses over time.

SourceColumbia University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2015

Machines on the rise: A special issue on artificial intelligence

Recent progress in AI has driven significant advancements in machine learning, language processing, and human-like computer programs. Researchers discuss potential implications for humankind, including challenges to privacy, equality, and the public good.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2015

Men more likely to achieve targets if they are set goals

Men outperform women in goal-orientated tasks, with goal-setting inducing higher effort and better focus. The study found that having a goal leads to increased speed and accuracy, regardless of the specific goal value.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalEconomics Letters·DateJul 8, 2015
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

How limiting CEO pay can be more effective, less costly

Research by UC Berkeley economists finds that limiting CEO stock-based compensation benefits shareholders, while executives may be incentivized through trust-based contracts. The study suggests that government regulation can make executive pay less costly and more effective.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalReview of Financial Studies·DateApr 15, 2015

What is more rewarding: A soccer goal or prize money?

A study by researchers at the University of Bonn found that brain activity in soccer players is similar when scoring a goal or winning money. Players with more egotistical personalities showed increased activity in learning and reflection regions when goals were scored after passing, not after taking the shot.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 15, 2015

Observation articles in Annals of Internal Medicine, March 3, 2015

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that female medical students are as accurate as their male counterparts but report less confidence in their abilities. This confidence gap could be addressed through improved medical training, helping to enhance physician competency and reduce defensive medicine practices.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 2, 2015
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Protections, not money, can boost internal corporate whistleblowing

New research from North Carolina State University and Bucknell University finds that strong anti-retaliation policies encourage employees to report wrongdoing internally. Protection from retaliation is key, contingent on employee trust in the company. Monetary incentives do not necessarily influence whistleblowing behavior, but can fra...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateMar 2, 2015

Shopping vouchers could help 1 in 5 pregnant women quit smoking

A recent study found that financial incentives can encourage one in five pregnant women to quit smoking, with a significant number stopping at least for the duration of their pregnancy. The scheme, which provided vouchers worth up to £752, was successful in motivating many women to quit, with only a small number 'gaming' the system.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAddiction·DateFeb 25, 2015