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Giving websites a human touch: Researcher of Mainz University receives SERVSIG Best Service Article Award of the American Marketing Association

A study by researchers at Mainz University found that digital presence of service employees improves customer loyalty. The study, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, showed that customers perceive websites with images or videos of service employees as more attractive and memorable, leading to increased customer loyalty.

New study on COVID-19 vaccinations in the largest US cities finds stark inequities

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals stark racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in COVID-19 vaccination rates across neighborhoods in the largest US cities. High-vaccination neighborhoods were predominantly white with fewer people of color, higher incomes, and lower poverty rates.

Minimum wage hike boosts customer experience

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that a minimum wage hike improves consumer perceptions of service quality, particularly in independently owned restaurants. The study analyzed online reviews before and after the wage increase and discovered a decrease in negative discussions about worker courtesy and friendliness.

SourceCornell University·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 31, 2021

Want to play college sports? A wealthy family helps

A new study found that U.S. high-school athletes from higher-income families with well-educated parents were more likely to play sports in college. The research contradicts the traditional story of how sports often help underprivileged kids succeed in American society. Athletic merit was still a strong predictor of participating in col...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSociology of Sport Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

New study shows rundown neighborhoods not slated to go into a steep decline

A new study from the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center shows that physical disorder in Detroit doesn't lead to a steep increase in violent crime. The study's findings suggest that community-driven efforts to rebuild and remake rundown neighborhoods can be effective in reducing disorder and fear.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·DateAug 27, 2021

New research in rural Costa Rica suggests community-based monitoring can improve water management

New research published in PNAS suggests that community-based monitoring can improve water management in rural Costa Rica by reducing groundwater extraction and improving water quality. The program, which used a smartphone application and WhatsApp, showed modest but significant effects after one year.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 24, 2021

Study shows privilege, politics influence vaccine’s racial disparity

Researchers found that socioeconomic privilege and political ideology play a significant role in racial disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates. Counties with higher median incomes displayed lower disparities, while county-level educational disparities had a greater impact on unequal vaccination rates.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2021

17-year study of children associates poverty with smaller, slower-growing subcortical regions

A 17-year study found that children who experienced poverty in preschool had smaller volumes of certain subcortical brain regions, including the hippocampus and thalamus. The researchers also found that these children showed slower growth in these regions over time, leading to poorer cognitive and behavioral outcomes in adulthood.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

How society’s inequalities showed up in COVID outcomes

A new study from University of Utah researchers explores how socioeconomic inequalities, particularly in Utah's Salt Lake County, contributed to racial minority groups being unequally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that residents of affluent areas had lower rates of infection compared to those in low-income zip codes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCOVID·TypeObservational study·DateAug 9, 2021

Study links economic mobility to racial mortality gaps

A recent study by the American Cancer Society found a strong association between economic mobility and racial disparities in mortality in the US. The study suggests that structural racism has persisted with similar magnitude across generations, leading to increased death rates among Black individuals compared to their White counterparts.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCancer Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2021

Systematic differences across countries associated with use of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions; lockdowns decrease mobility while school closures have no effect

Researchers analyzed country-level health systems capacity and socioeconomic characteristics to understand delays in implementing COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions. Lockdowns significantly reduced physical mobility, while national school closures had no significant impact.

SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalThe European Journal of Health Economics·DateJul 28, 2021

Views on school assignment, diversity are similar – even in cities with segregated schools

A new study reveals that adults in five Southern cities hold similar views on school assignments and the importance of diversity in K-12 schools, despite varying policies. Participants were concerned about uncertainty and disruption to children's learning and friendships due to school reassignments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021

Allocating COVID vaccines based on health and socioeconomic factors could cut mortality

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 43% of US COVID-19 mortality variability is linked to county-level socioeconomic indicators and health vulnerabilities. Allocating vaccines to these areas could minimize severe outcomes, particularly deaths. The research suggests a correlation between he...

Predicting tooth loss

Researchers developed machine-learning tools to predict tooth loss based on medical characteristics and socioeconomic factors, outperforming traditional clinical indicators. The approach could be used globally to screen people and improve early interventions, potentially delaying or preventing tooth loss.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 23, 2021

Experts propose 'five Cs' to tackle vaccine hesitancy

A five-pronged strategy addressing behavioural and socio-demographic factors is proposed to combat vaccine hesitancy. Confidence in vaccine safety is crucial, while addressing complacency among younger people and those of lower socioeconomic status is essential for increased uptake.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateJun 2, 2021

Socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health in US

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals worsening socioeconomic disparities in respiratory health in the US over the past six decades. The researchers found that individuals from lower-income backgrounds are more likely to experience respiratory problems and have poorer lung function.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2021

Examining variation in SARS-CoV-2 infection risk, socioeconomic disadvantage in Mayan-Latinx population

A study examining SARS-CoV-2 infection risk and socioeconomic disadvantage among a Mayan-Latinx population in California revealed significant variation in infection rates. The researchers identified socioeconomic factors as a key predictor of increased risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address health disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 21, 2021

South Korea data helps create framework to identify COVID-19 vulnerable areas worldwide

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that South Korea's effective public health interventions and prompt measures helped decrease COVID-19 cases, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 7, 2021

Spicy perfection isn't to prevent infection

A new study from Australian National University suggests that spicy foods are more commonly used in hot climates, but finds no clear reason for this trend. The researchers analyzed over 33,000 recipes and found a significant relationship between spice use and life expectancy, as well as other health outcomes.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 4, 2021