Articles tagged with Government
A team of researchers, led by University of Houston associate professor Ryan Kennedy, has received a $750,000 NSF grant to create an algorithm-accountability benchmark. The project aims to establish general ways of analyzing algorithms and studying their impact on public policy decisions.
Research reveals that US government agencies award contracts to companies with ties to the President's party, especially in battleground states. This politicization of procurement can lead to non-competitive bidding and favoritism towards certain companies.
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.
The conference, INGSA2021, aims to strengthen global coordination in science advice and promote open science. Key findings include the importance of digital technologies and AI in reshaping the profession and the need for partnerships to drive economic and social development.
A new study suggests that China's policies in Xinjiang, including enforced birth control and internment camps, could result in a significant loss of life among the Uyghur population. The research estimates that up to 4.5 million lives could be lost by 2040 if current policies continue.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
Researchers found that even a one-vote margin of control changed the policy agenda and outcomes, contrary to conventional wisdom. A 50/50 party balance in today's Senate could have significant implications for policy due to high polarization.
A team of computer scientists has developed an assembly selection process that balances representation and fairness in citizens' assemblies. By using a machine learning-based algorithm, the researchers ensure that all volunteers have an equal chance of being chosen, regardless of demographic quotas or education level.
Researchers estimate that US government subsidies will encourage more oil and gas extraction in the coming decade, particularly at low oil prices. The study's findings suggest that subsidies can flow to excess profits, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and air and water pollution.
The poor are unlikely to obey strict lockdowns due to lack of nutrition, economic opportunities, and infrastructure. African policymakers need to prioritize social and economic measures over stringent lockdowns to slow the spread of COVID-19 and future pandemics.
A group of leading doctors and health experts warn that the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to make England smoke-free by 2030. The smoking rate remains high, with over 200,000 children under 16 starting to smoke in the last two years.
Experts urge UK government to prioritize vaccination over mass infection, citing unacceptable risks to vulnerable populations. The strategy is deemed 'unethical and unscientific' by Dr Deepti Gurdasani and colleagues.
Experts warn that mandatory vaccination for care home workers in England is unnecessary, disproportionate, and misguided. The authors highlight that uptake of the first dose of covid-19 vaccination among care workers is below 80% in only three London areas, but this can be attributed to very low numbers of staff employed by these homes.
A new study published in the American Political Science Review found that public diplomacy accompanying a high-level visit by a national leader increases public approval in the host country. The effect lasts up to two and a half weeks and is especially strong when covered by news media.
Citizens in Northern Europe were more likely to support governments with proactive and decisive approaches to addressing the pandemic. Proactive communications and assertive policies played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the COVID-19 crisis.
The number of NHS doctors taking early retirement has more than tripled over the past 13 years, with 1358 doctors quitting in 2020-21. The British Medical Association blames tax regulation changes and freezing of the lifetime allowance for pensions taxation, citing a potential mass exodus of highly experienced doctors.
A UBC Sauder study reveals that cigarette tax hikes can help bigger brands like Marlboro but harm consumers, whereas smoking restrictions tend to affect smaller players and reduce brand appeal. The researchers also found that anti-tobacco ads have a neutral impact on large brands.
The Yakushima sika deer population has been declining since 2014, with an estimated annual decrease of 15%. The decline is attributed to natural factors, with only 3.5% of the population migrating outside the Hanyama district. Natural regulation may hold the key to managing sika deer populations in Japan.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth highlights the attractive trading advantages offered by freeports but also raises concerns about their potential misuse for money-laundering and tax-evasion purposes. The researchers advocate for stronger regulation to prevent these zones from being exploited.
Researchers analyzed ancient Maya house remains to find a link between autocratic governance and wealth inequality. They found that societies with more collective governance had more similarly sized houses, indicating less wealth disparity.
A study of over 150,000 respondents found that COVID-19 denial depends on people's trust in social institutions, particularly healthcare systems. EU countries demonstrate varying levels of stress and trust in governments, with some showing high levels of stress and others trusting their governments more than other institutions.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from CISA to develop a system for identifying and prioritizing high-value assets in state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. The two-year pilot program aims to enhance the protection of critical infrastructure against cyber threats.
Expanding vaccine capacity can accelerate completion of widespread immunization and generate substantial global benefits. Investing in additional capacity could save hundreds of dollars per course, dwarfing current prices of $6 to $40.
In rural Mexico, Indigenous people are coping with the pandemic by setting roadblocks to limit outsider access and promoting social distancing and mask use. They are also turning to traditional food sources like wild honey and chapulines, or grasshoppers.
A new study predicts that the UK's coronavirus vaccination program will soon reduce daily deaths significantly, with large reductions seen by March. However, hospital and intensive care unit admissions are likely to take several weeks longer to decrease, according to the model.
A study published in Obesity Reviews found that people are unaware of the calorie content of alcoholic drinks and support labelling. However, most studies were low-quality and did not find a significant impact on consumption levels.
A RAND Corporation study found that most telehealth appointments at clinics serving lower-income Americans were audio-only, with primary care visits at 48.5% telephone-only and behavioral health visits at 63.3% telephone-only. This may pose challenges for the future if payers consider dropping reimbursement for such services.
A new study published in Preventive Medicine found that increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 per hour can reduce infant deaths by up to 1.8% annually in large U.S. cities, saving over 1,400 infant lives annually. States preempting city and county governments from raising the minimum wage contribute to these infant deaths.
A new statistical model suggests that a student infected with COVID-19 returning home from university for Christmas would, on average, infect just less than one other household member. The model predicts an estimated 9,400 new secondary household cases across the UK if just 1% of students are infected.
A new study by Binghamton University researchers shows that domestic politics play a significant role in international conflicts. The 'turnover trap' occurs when a new leader takes office, and foreign rivals test their resolve, increasing the risk of war.
Experts warn that the Innova lateral flow test lacks supporting evidence and may cause serious harm. The government's plan to widen its use risks misleading the public about test accuracy and implications. Experts call for pause in rollout and clearer messaging on risks until better data is available.
A group of over 300 global scientists is urging European governments to adopt a coordinated approach to managing the pandemic by setting clear COVID-19 case number targets. The proposed strategy aims to achieve low case numbers, enhance mitigation measures, and develop long-term common vision to protect people's health, societies, and ...
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an escalation of civil wars in several war-torn countries, including India, Iraq, and Libya. Conflict parties have exploited state weakness and lack of international attention due to the pandemic.
A new study led by Katharine McBride explores the perspectives of 28 Aboriginal women from five different communities across central and southern Australia, identifying 10 attributes that either keep or put their heart at risk. These include identity as an Aboriginal woman, healthy body and life, connectedness within family and communi...
A new modeling study found that limiting gatherings to fewer than 10 people and closing educational institutions significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Closing schools, universities, and nonessential businesses had a considerable impact on transmission rates, while targeted closures of high-risk businesses showed more benefit.
A panel of experts calls for a more dynamic and flexible approach to emergency preparedness, addressing supply chain issues and bureaucratic coordination. The proposed framework emphasizes flexibility, inventory visibility, equity, and a permanent coordinating team.
The grant supports technical assistance for improving resiliency in areas such as eCommerce and Cyber Security. Funding will end in December 2020, providing a year-long period of support for Small Businesses in Prince William County.
A Swiss study reveals that a certain fatalistic attitude can protect individuals from negative feelings during the Covid-19 pandemic. The researchers found that in Switzerland, fatalistic attitudes were associated with less fear and fewer negative emotions compared to Israel.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change estimates that meeting UN climate targets would require up to 90% of US passenger vehicles to be electric by 2050. The researchers found that a fleet of 350 million EVs would increase electricity demand by 41%, posing significant technological and infrastructure challenges.
MPs are urging the Prime Minister to address the health, wellbeing, and employment arrangements for those living with Long Covid. The call comes after receiving first-hand accounts from hundreds of people living with the condition, highlighting the need for formal recognition and support.
Despite social determinants of health disparities, Indigenous communities in Canada have lower infection and death rates from COVID-19. Indigenous ownership of practices to stem the spread of the virus may be a contributing factor.
Tropical Storm Laura has become better organized than yesterday, with improved structure, but still lacks well-defined banding features. The storm is expected to move west-northwestward over the next couple of days, potentially affecting the northern Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico.
A Dartmouth study found that government sources communicated at an average of three grades higher than the recommended reading level for clear communication. This complexity may worsen the impacts of the pandemic on vulnerable communities with lower health literacy.
A North Carolina State University study found that the number of robocalls isn't increasing, and answering a robocall has no effect on receiving additional calls. The researchers also identified and tracked thousands of robocall campaigns using audio analysis.
A study published in Media International Australia found that COVID-19 misinformation led to a surge in conspiracy theories, particularly around 5G technology. The research highlighted the role of social media and celebrities in spreading false claims, which can have significant real-world impacts, such as attacks on mobile phone towers.
A study by University of Exeter found the UK's 'price of life' to be among the lowest in developed nations, with a value of around $100,000. This is significantly lower than countries that imposed lockdowns earlier, such as Germany and South Korea.
A new study found that access to the food stamp program lowers repeat physician visits by over 14% due to improved immune response. This reduction in healthcare utilization results in significant savings for individuals and the federal government, with estimates suggesting $9 per person in cost savings.
The National Emergency Stockpile System (NESS) in Canada struggles with expired supplies and ineffective inventory management, hindering timely procurement of PPE during the pandemic. Integrating NESS with commercial supply as a prime vendor is proposed as a potential solution to address these challenges.
A recent study from the University of Southampton found that caring responsibilities disproportionately affect older adults' mental and physical health. Nearly a fifth of men and over a quarter of women reported providing care, leading to increased risk of chronic diseases and decreased productivity.
A recent study found that even low-risk drinking within Canada's guidelines can lead to hospitalization and death. Moderate drinkers are not insulated from harm, particularly men who experience harm at all drinking levels. The study suggests that guideline limits should be lowered to match those in the Netherlands.
A new study found that high levels of emotionality and conscientiousness are indicators for stockpiling behavior. The survey of 1,029 adults from 35 countries revealed a strong link between perceived threat posed by the pandemic and toilet paper consumption.
A recent study analyzed 50 COVID-19-related apps and found that most require access to users' personal data, but only a few indicate secure storage. The researchers warn that governments' use of tracking technology could lead to mass surveillance and chilling effects on individual privacy.
The article analyzes digital contact tracing for COVID-19, noting its benefits but also limitations. To leverage the technology's potential, apps must be widely adopted and integrated with traditional contact tracing techniques.
Research finds UK government's reliance on 'lean production' and 'just in time' continuity planning left NHS stockpiles short of vital supplies and capacity for PPE, ventilators, and testing. The paper suggests a new independent body should be set up to take responsibility for future national emergency preparedness.
A new study finds that the UK has the highest overall levels of concern about coronavirus, followed by Spain. Risk perception is influenced by preventative measures and psychological factors such as prosociality and individualistic worldview.
The NHS is under fire for its handling of labor rights violations in the production of masks and gloves, with allegations of human exploitation and child labor emerging. The organization has faced criticism for its response to the issue, with some experts calling for a more proactive approach to addressing modern slavery in supply chains.
Healthcare worker deaths during the pandemic should be independently reviewed by coroners. The BMJ editor advocates for no further delay in providing effective PPE to prevent such deaths.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed an online tool that maps threats to tropical dry forests in Peru and Ecuador, advising local governments on forest restoration and conservation. The tool uses tree species traits to predict resilience and identify most-at-risk areas.
A study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that people aged 60-69 are at a higher risk of complications and death from COVID-19. The authors recommend stringent public health measures for this age group to reduce hospitalizations and deaths.
Italian researchers used a spatial model to analyze the impact of mobility restrictions on COVID-19 transmission. The study found that restrictive measures reduced hospitalizations by 45% and avoided 200,000 cases.