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Splits and mergers: Investigating the role of policy disagreements in party switching using a Japanese example

A Japanese study reveals that policy disagreement and politicization led to the split of Japan's largest opposition party in 2017. The researchers found that traditional DIF analysis failed to capture the complexity of party positions, but a corrected version showed strong discord over defense policy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2022

High incarceration rates may not help US citizens feel safer

A new study by Penn State researchers found no significant difference in fear of crime between people living in areas with high and low incarceration rates. Despite the US having the world's highest incarceration rate, the study suggests that mass incarceration policies may not have the desired effect on reducing crime fear.

SourcePenn State·JournalJustice Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2022

Anti-Asian hate tweets during COVID-19

A University of Utah-led study found a surge in anti-Asian hate language on Twitter between January and March 2020, with clusters of hateful tweets spreading across the US. The researchers identified 15 geographic regions where anti-Asian hate was statistically higher than expected.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

Medical debt during pandemic

Researchers found no net association between the COVID-19 pandemic and medical debt across different income levels and pandemic severity. Decreases in elective medical procedures and government healthcare-related policies may have offset any increase in medical debt.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 20, 2022

COVID-19 and hospital financial viability

Despite significant operating margin reductions in 2020, hospitals' overall profit margins remained similar to prior years, thanks to the COVID-19 relief fund. Government and rural hospitals saw higher profit margins during this time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateMay 13, 2022

Women in England had predominantly negative experiences of childbirth during pandemic in 2020, survey finds

A national survey found that 47% of parents experienced negative birth experiences, with uncertainties about restrictions causing increased anxiety. Good communication from healthcare providers was key to a positive experience, with families reporting reduced levels of anxiety and stress when provided with support.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·TypeSurvey·DateApr 12, 2022

Study finds men, women in Army view mentorship differently, as way to advance or survive

A new study from the University of Kansas found that men and women in the Army's special operations view mentorship positively, but with differing goals. Men see mentoring as a means to advance their careers, while women view it as a way to survive and navigate a male-dominated organization. The study highlights the need for more robus...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalReview of Public Personnel Administration·TypeSurvey·DateMar 14, 2022

Defense treaties affect support of military action

A new study from the University of Georgia found that Americans are more supportive of military action in foreign countries when the US has existing defense treaties with those nations. The research suggests that public opinion can be shaped by how leaders frame international commitments, particularly in relation to NATO alliances.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalContemporary Security Policy·DateFeb 15, 2022

Trust in the UK government, social norms, and privacy concern associated with uptake of NHS Covid-19 app, study shows

A study shows that UK government trust, social norms, and privacy concerns play a significant role in the adoption of the NHS Covid-19 app. Initial enthusiasm to adopt the app was higher in urban locations, while people's concern about third-party data access fuelled reluctance to use it.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMJ Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2022

Preventing extreme polarization of political attitudes

A new study suggests that strictly limiting exposure to dissimilar views could be an effective mechanism for avoiding rapid polarization. Another interesting finding is that a small amount of self-interest can dramatically reduce polarization.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 8, 2021

Recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, UK government urged

The UK government is being called on to recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, rather than an illness, and award statutory bereavement leave. This would provide parents with up to 1 week of paid leave after a miscarriage, regardless of gestation, and address the current arbitrary cliff edge at 24 weeks.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 15, 2021

Rural Bangladeshis turn to faith, family for fact-checking

A Cornell University study finds that rural Bangladeshi villagers rely on local experts, spiritual views and social justice to evaluate new coronavirus information. They use a five-part system called 'situated fact-checking' to assess claims, considering factors like the source's reputation and the community's sense of morality.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 11, 2021

Women politicians drive spending on education and healthcare -- to a point

Research by University of Colorado Boulder found that women's representation in national legislatures drives spending on education and healthcare. Spending increases sharply when women occupy 15-35% of seats, but levels off beyond 40%. The study suggests critical mass theory is not dead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2021

State-driven emissions controls only slightly more expensive

Researchers found that state-driven emissions controls are only slightly more expensive than federally mandated ones, with nationwide costs being one-tenth higher. This approach relies on technologies like low-carbon electricity and advanced biofuels, which can be traded between states to even out costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Climate Change·DateSep 14, 2021