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Poverty plays complex role in entrepreneurship for Indian women

A study of over 150 poor women in southern India found that chronic constraints can spur entrepreneurial activity as long as periodic constraints are kept low. However, a barrage of periodic constraints can hinder entrepreneurial intention. Education can increase entrepreneurial self-efficacy and enable women to overcome temporary setb...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJul 7, 2015

Global health studies in June Health Affairs

A study published in the June issue of Health Affairs found that PEPFAR funding was associated with a 13% increase in male employment in ten sub-Saharan African countries. The authors suggest that these findings could inform future aid allocation decisions, potentially generating significant economic benefits.

SourceThe Reis Group·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 8, 2015

Credit cards a valuable option for farmers' markets

A study by Washington State University found that farmers' market customers prefer having local vendors and high-quality produce over electronic payment options. The survey showed that running out of cash limits purchases, but offering alternative payment methods can benefit both vendors and customers.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review·DateMay 19, 2015

Neighborhood stigma affects online transactions, NYU researchers find

A study by NYU researchers found that neighborhood stigma significantly impacts economic transactions, with buyers perceiving sellers from disadvantaged neighborhoods as less trustworthy and responsive. The study, which analyzed responses to online ads in 12 cities, revealed a 16% lower response rate for disadvantaged neighborhoods com...

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

1 in 5 suicides is associated with unemployment

A new study by the University of Zurich found that nearly one in five suicides globally is associated with unemployment. The research analyzed data from 63 countries between 2000 and 2011, revealing a strong correlation between job loss and increased suicide rates across four regions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateFeb 10, 2015

Western retailers in China boost Chinese manufacturing supremacy

A new study by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business finds that Western retailers like Walmart enhance Chinese suppliers' export capabilities through improved productivity, efficiency, and quality. The study reveals a significant boost in exports from Chinese cities when foreign retail outlets increase.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateNov 3, 2014

Study identifies upside to financial innovations

A new study by USC Marshall professor Gerard J. Tellis and colleagues reveals that financial innovations can deliver significant positive returns, particularly in the United States. The research found that radical innovations, such as home mortgages and auto loans, generate higher cumulative abnormal returns due to their ability to cha...

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalJournal of Product Innovation Management·DateAug 26, 2014

Farmers markets inspire WIC moms, but grocery-store produce costs less!

A University of Illinois study found that WIC moms who received farmers market vouchers consumed a greater variety of vegetables and fruits, despite lower prices at grocery stores. The study suggests that while vouchers can increase access to fresh produce, they may not significantly impact overall consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateJun 3, 2014

Vocal fry hurts women in the labor market

A study by University of Miami researcher Casey Klofstad found that vocal fry is perceived negatively, particularly in labor market contexts, affecting women's hiring prospects. Women who use vocal fry are seen as less attractive, competent, educated, trustworthy, and ultimately less hirable than those with normal speech.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

NAI Fellows paper on patents and commercialization for tenure, career advancement in PNAS

The paper argues that universities should value faculty patents and commercialization activities equally in decisions related to tenure and academic advancement. The authors suggest that encouraging innovation and supporting bright young faculty can lead to a culture change that recognizes the value of these activities.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2014

Optimizing sweet potato production

A study by researchers from Mississippi State and Louisiana State Universities reveals that early planting and delaying harvest can increase yield and economic benefits for sweetpotato producers. The results showed that marketable yield of the sweetpotato cultivars was consistently greater in early plantings than late plantings.

Microbes buy low and sell high

A team of researchers found that microbes engage in market-like behaviors, including comparing bids for commodities, hoarding resources, and eliminating competitors. This discovery has implications for understanding microbial interactions and could lead to new approaches in social microbiology.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 2014

Rethinking investment risk

A paper by MIT economist Alp Simsek suggests that financial innovation does not reduce portfolio risk, but instead raises it by spreading risk through new financial instruments and creating situations where parties hold opposing views. This can lead to increased average portfolio risks as speculative variance becomes dominant.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateAug 26, 2013

Immigrants: Highly educated, underpaid

Recent immigrants to Canada often over-qualified for their jobs due to language barriers and lack of work experience. However, increased proficiency in English or French, combined with post-immigration education and training, can significantly improve job matching.

SourceConcordia University·JournalISRN Economics·DateJan 23, 2013

Increasing concerns surrounding surrogacy

The UK's rapid increase in surrogate births over the past six years poses a risk of exploitation, particularly in informal arrangements lacking professional back-up. Overseas surrogacy arrangements are also a concern due to potential financial, physical and emotional risks to adults and children involved.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateJan 18, 2013

Payoff lacking for casino comps

A study by Temple University researchers found that free room giveaways are less profitable than alternative comps such as free travel and parking. In fact, casinos could see an $8.45 return on every dollar spent on their own travel and parking promotions compared to only a $2.51 return on room, food, or beverage giveaways.

SourceTemple University·JournalJournal of Hospitality & Tourism Research·DateOct 2, 2012