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eLife ends accept/reject decisions following peer review

eLife is ending its practice of making accept/reject decisions following peer review, instead publishing every paper it reviews as a Reviewed Preprint. This new model restores control to authors, promoting the assessment of scientists based on their research output rather than publication venue.

SourceeLife·DateOct 20, 2022

Current FDA oversight of vaping industry likely to have minimal impact

The FDA's warning letters issued in 2020 and 2021 revealed that the regulator is failing to target leading tobacco companies and products most popular among young people. Over 90% of warnings were sent to small online retailers, while flavoured refillable e-cigarette liquids accounted for over 90% of the products cited.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

The Lancet Global Health: Industry arguments against alcohol labelling influencing policy discussions at World Trade Organisation, study suggests

A qualitative study found that industry arguments against alcohol health warning labels were cited by World Trade Organization representatives, despite not being explicitly stated as industry demands. This highlights the need for greater transparency and curbing the alcohol industry's influence on global policy implementation.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 1, 2022

World-leading pharma collaborates call for plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical journal articles

Pharmaceutical companies in the Open Pharma collaboration recommend developing plain language summaries of peer-reviewed medical research articles. The summaries should be understandable, unbiased, non-promotional, and easily accessible. This move aims to make medical publishing more open and inclusive for all audiences.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Medical Research and Opinion·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 12, 2021

Can encroachment benefit hotel franchisees?

Researchers found that adding a new outlet can modestly benefit existing locations in markets with few same-brand outlets, leading to increased revenues and profits. The study's findings suggest prioritizing markets with few same-brand outlets, newer brands, cross-brands, and online travel agency sales channels for expansion.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 15, 2021

Drug trial protocol redactions by industry sponsors exposed

Researchers found widespread redactions in commercially sponsored trial protocols, making them useless for assessing ethical justification and identifying discrepancies with publications. The study highlights the mistrust in industry-sponsored drug trials and calls for unconditional access to trial protocols and data.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJan 26, 2018

Prions made in SISSA

Scientists at SISSA create synthetic prion series for the first time, allowing precise control over their pathogenic behavior. The study verifies that these synthetic prions cause illness comparable to natural ones, paving the way for potential treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology names Industrial Biotechnology its official journal

The BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology has selected Industrial Biotechnology as its official journal, providing readers with more in-depth coverage of the industry's science, technology, markets, and policy efforts. The partnership aims to tell compelling stories of industrial biotech development and innovation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalIndustrial Biotechnology·DateMay 7, 2015

Independent safety investigation needed in the NHS

A new agency would investigate major failures and provide public explanation, improving system-wide learning. The NHS lacks a consistent approach to investigating safety issues, relying on costly one-off inquiries.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateOct 30, 2014

Slavery in Yorkshire

This new book examines Richard Oastler's fight to limit working hours and prevent child labour in Yorkshire's industrial towns during the early 19th century. The book features contributions from six historians exploring Oastler's impact on British society.

Farm injury risks increase with age

A study by the University of Alberta found that older farmers (45-64 years) spend more time operating tractors and combines, increasing their risk of serious injury. The study also highlighted the importance of newer machinery with better safety features to reduce injury risks.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateNov 13, 2012

WTC attacks increase subsequent firefighter retirements

A new study by the FDNY reveals that WTC attacks led to more post-9/11 retirements due to respiratory-related illnesses. The increased disability retirements have placed a significant financial burden on the pension system, affecting approximately 10% of the workforce.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateAug 12, 2011

Better transparency needed on medical journals' competing interests

A study found that medical journals with higher levels of industry support had lower impact factors. The researchers suggest that journals should apply the same level of transparency to themselves as they do to authors. By disclosing sources and amounts of income, journals can improve trust and maintain their reputation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 26, 2010

The future of private equity

Steve Kaplan predicts lower default rates and higher recoveries in private equity deals due to increased efficiency and operating value. The industry can prevent overpriced deals by promoting larger equity commitments from financial sponsors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Applied Corporate Finance·DateNov 16, 2009

Director experience with acquisitions improves firm performance

A new study in Strategic Management Journal examines how outside directors' prior experience influences a firm's acquisitions. The study finds that firms with experienced directors make better acquisition decisions, especially when the acquired products are similar to those being pursued by the firm.

SourceWiley·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJan 7, 2009

Employee engagement dependent upon conditions created by employer

The study examines the meaning of employee engagement, which involves positive feelings about the job and motivation. The authors conclude that employers must create conditions that respect employees' energy and facilitate engagement through fair treatment, creating a feeling of trust and safety.

SourceWiley·JournalIndustrial and Organizational Psychology·DateNov 20, 2008

US executive branch drives foreign policy

A new study finds that the US executive branch is the primary force driving foreign policy towards Israel, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. The policies engaged by the US tend to be reciprocal, rewarding favorable behaviors and punishing unfavorable ones.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Studies Perspectives·DateNov 6, 2008

Households significantly reduce electricity use when prices rise

A study found that households in California reduced their electricity use by 13% when prices rose, but returned to previous levels once prices fell. Public informational campaigns also played a significant role in conserving energy, with households reducing their use by an additional 7%.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateOct 29, 2008

Fixed costs determine structure of the supermarket industry

A study published in the RAND Journal of Economics reveals that escalating investments in distribution systems drive a natural oligopoly in the supermarket industry. A small number of firms capture majority sales, regardless of market size, resulting in concentrated industry with better products.

SourceWiley·JournalThe RAND Journal of Economics·DateSep 17, 2008

Yale journal examines the global impact of cities

A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology explores the global impact of cities, showcasing their role in driving environmental changes. The study reveals that cities produce greenhouse gases with worldwide effects and stimulate resource extraction beyond city borders.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateJun 14, 2007

Unionized male visible minorities earn less: Study

A recent study analyzed hourly wages by gender and union affiliation among Canadians. Male visible minorities in unions earned 12% less than European background males, while unions improved women's wages on average. The findings suggest that unions must develop specific goals to target wage disparities faced by ethnic minorities.

Surviving In Fast-Changing Industries: Learn Lessons From Disk Drive Industry, Say Researchers From Harvard & MIT

Researchers from Harvard & MIT found that adopting emerging dominant design and targeting new markets with architectural innovation are key to survival. The study draws on the volatile disk drive industry, where firms that incorporated dominant product design had a higher chance of survival than those that ignored its emergence.

Pacific Northwest's High-Tech Industry Faces Uncertain Future Under Proposed Cuts To Federal R&D Programs

The Pacific Northwest's high-tech industry may be hindered by proposed federal funding cuts for research and development. The region's universities, which receive significant funding from the federal government, are particularly vulnerable to these reductions, as they rely heavily on this support to fuel their research and innovation.