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Study: Models that forecast impact of government spending are easily manipulated

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Indiana University found that widely used government spending models can be rigged using assumptions to control forecasts. They developed an impartial version of the model, which suggests every dollar of increased government spending results in more than a dollar's worth of GDP growth.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateMay 4, 2017

Research review shows that safety is valued too low

A new research review suggests that the UK's nuclear safety benchmark undervalues human life, with a current figure of £1.83 million per prevented fatality potentially too low. A revised estimate, considering a more robust methodology, places the value at between £16 million and £22 million per life saved.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNuclear Future·DateFeb 2, 2017

Politics affect views on healthcare quality -- but not on personal experience with care

A recent study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality found that Democrats and Republicans have different views on the quality of healthcare, but those with recent illnesses had similar experiences. The research suggests that political differences in opinions about government regulation may contribute to these disparities.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateSep 1, 2016

Household fuels exceed power plants and cars as source of smog in Beijing

New research reveals that households in Beijing contribute significantly to outdoor pollution, producing 50% of black carbon emissions and 69% of organic carbon emissions. The use of solid fuels for heating and cooking in homes is a major source of ill health in China, with air pollution ranking as a leading cause of premature death.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 27, 2016

Identifying problems with national identifiers

Researchers from Harvard University found that Resident Registration Numbers in South Korea can be easily decrypted using computation and logical reasoning. The study reveals vulnerabilities in the encoding system, compromising individual privacy and urging a more robust redesign.

SourceHarvard University·JournalTechnology Sciences·DateSep 28, 2015

The true cost of fueling conflict

A recent study by Concordia University researchers found that the US Department of Defense overspends on fuel costs by $1-9 billion annually, with a volatile crude oil market exacerbating the issue. Improving planning and budgeting practices could help mitigate these risks, according to the study.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPublic Budgeting &amp Finance·DateJun 23, 2015

When rulers can't understand the ruled

A recent study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that unelected officials in Washington have limited understanding of the American public. The survey revealed significant differences between federal workers and the general population, including demographic disparities, education levels, and political affiliations.

PeerJ PrePrints now free for all authors

PeerJ has introduced a new policy allowing all authors to publish unlimited preprints on their platform without needing a paid publication plan. This move reflects the growing demand for preprint services among researchers and aims to increase accessibility to scientific publishing.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 11, 2013

Harper Government and Genome Canada launch new program

The Canadian government has launched a new program, Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP), to move genomics-based solutions from laboratories to the marketplace. The program aims to stimulate investment in projects addressing real-world challenges and opportunities in genomics, with a total investment of $90 million.