Add BrightSurf on Google Email

In China, property rights take wrong turn

A new study by Kishore Gawande finds that China's nationwide protection of private property rights in 2007 turbocharged its business climate. However, the country is now reversing course, with potential investors pulling back due to weakening property rights. This could lead to lower economic output and tax revenues for local governments.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Law and Economics·DateJul 18, 2024

New regulations needed to limit impact of favouritism on country credit ratings

Research by economists at University of East Anglia and others found links between finance ministers and executives at biggest credit ratings agencies associated with higher ratings for countries without these connections, highlighting a conflict-of-interest problem in the credit ratings agency business model.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of International Financial Markets Institutions and Money·DateJul 2, 2024

US states shape foreign policy amid national China unease, research shows

A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers finds that US states are shaping US-China relations through subnational diplomacy, ranging from pro-engagement to confrontation. States like California and Indiana engage with China through climate partnerships and educational exchanges, while others adopt more confrontational policies.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPublius The Journal of Federalism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

Exploring the relationship between civilians and military organizations through an experiment in Japan

A Japanese online survey experiment examines how public confidence in the military is affected by civilian control during an armed conflict. Participants showed significant loss of trust in the military when it deviated from civilian control, but not significantly when the legislature was involved.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

Humanitarian organizations showed flexibility and grit during COVID supply chain disruptions: study

During the pandemic, humanitarian organizations showed remarkable flexibility and ingenuity in responding to supply chain disruptions. They sourced supplies from local vendors, secured long-term contracts with reliable suppliers, and leveraged good relationships with governments to continue aid delivery.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia - Sauder School of Business·JournalInternational Journal of Operations & Production Management·TypeSurvey·DateJun 11, 2024

Political connections fuel innovation in emerging markets, but talent makes the difference

A new study from the University of Surrey reveals that political connections can drive innovation in emerging markets, but only with highly skilled employees. The research analyzed over 3,200 Chinese-listed businesses and found that companies with talented teams can better utilize resources and knowledge from political connections, lea...

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Business Review·DateJun 6, 2024

Aiding the displaced with data

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a framework to analyze and visualize population mobility data, which could help in allocating resources and personnel effectively. The study used GPS data from displaced individuals in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, revealing patterns of migration that vary by socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2024

In international relations, it’s the message, not the medium

A study by MIT researchers found that the general public and policymakers take social media posts from world leaders just as seriously as traditional government statements. The research surveyed over 977 people about crisis signals in international relations, including tweets and official press releases. The results suggest that people...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2024

Reducing prejudice in war zones proves challenging

A new Dartmouth study has found that prolonged contact between locals and migrants in Afghanistan did not reduce prejudice against migrants. The researchers tested psychologist Gordon Allport's 'contact theory' through a vocational training program, but found that structural changes are needed to address the issue.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateMay 10, 2024

Philippines' counter-terrorism strategy still stalled after 7 years since the ‘ISIS siege’ on Marawi

A new study by University of Portsmouth experts highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of the Philippines' counter-terrorism strategy. The research found that the focus on combating the Abu Sayyaf Group has overshadowed persistent security threats posed by long-standing insurgent groups.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalJournal of Policing Intelligence and Counter Terrorism·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 25, 2024

Which countries are more at risk in the global supply chain?

Researchers analyzed firm-level data from the global supply network, revealing that wealthy nations are only exposed to supply chain disruptions from other high-income countries. Poor and developing nations are disproportionately affected by economic shocks due to their structural embeddedness in their local or national supply chains.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 19, 2024

According to new research radio made the famous Finnish composer Jean Sibelius an international media figure

Research highlights the significant impact of radio on Finland's famous composer Jean Sibelius, transforming him into a celebrated national hero and international media figure. The study shows how coordinated joint concerts and radio broadcasts helped increase Sibelius' global reach.

SourceUniversity of the Arts Helsinki·JournalLähikuva – audiovisuaalisen kulttuurin tieteellinen julkaisu·TypeNews article·DateApr 5, 2024

Tree of life for modern birds revealed

A team of scientists has reconstructed the bird family tree using genomic data from over 360 species and nearly 200 fossilized birds. The study found that most modern bird groups appeared within a small evolutionary window, supporting the idea that birds thrived after dinosaurs went extinct.

SourceAustralian Museum·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries linked with IMF lending policies

A recent study suggests that IMF lending policies, especially structural loans, lead to significant increases in greenhouse gas emissions in Global South countries. This effect is most pronounced with second or subsequent loans, which can result in immediate spikes in emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalSocio-Economic Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

UCF Rosen College study reveals economic impact of Florida’s red tide on tourism

A new UCF study found that the 2018 Florida red tide bloom caused $2.7 billion in losses to tourism-related businesses, with low concentrations having a significant economic impact. The research highlights the importance of risk management tools for individuals and businesses affected by harmful algae blooms.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2024

Deaths from heart valve infections drop across U.S. overall, but surged among young adults

A new study found that deaths from infective endocarditis decreased overall in the US, but rose sharply among people ages 25-44, likely linked to the opioid crisis. Researchers call for more investigation into the trends and recommend comprehensive care plans including substance use disorder screening and treatment.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateDec 13, 2023

Human rights are a low priority for many national climate change adaptation policies, new Concordia research finds

A Concordia-led study found that human rights are frequently absent from national climate change adaptation policies. The researchers assessed 147 countries and discovered that vulnerable groups, including poor people, elderly individuals, and Indigenous communities, are often excluded from planning and decision-making processes. This ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalClimate Policy·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 28, 2023

AI reads “pandemic” as “healthy living” and “endemic” as “travel”

A recent study found that during stringent COVID-19 periods, online searches surged in the health and daily life category. As government policies relaxed, searches shifted towards duty-free and travel-related products. The research team applied PCA to Big Data of internet search activity volume data from NAVER DataLab platform.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateNov 20, 2023

Study finds global climate change adaptation actions are too uncoordinated

A new study reveals that climate adaptation efforts are lacking in global coordination, with individuals and households shouldering the majority of the burden. Comprehensive collaboration between actor groups is necessary for effective adaptation, especially in rural areas where state actors play a more significant role in urban areas.

Attitudes toward minorities with dual social identities appear to be driven more by the positive influence of the shared identity than the potential negative influence of the unshared foreign identity

A new study found that exposure to groups with dual social identities improves intergroup attitudes, especially when individuals identify strongly with both parts of their identity. This suggests that embracing both identities can be beneficial for minorities in terms of intergroup relations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2023

Rio Pará contributes high trace metal concentrations to the Amazon estuary

New research reveals that the Amazon estuary receives significant dissolved neodymium and hafnium from the Rio Pará River, contrary to previous assumptions about suspended solid sources. The findings indicate a revised estimate of global riverine neodymium flux, with concentrations up to three times higher than previously thought.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2023

Focus on state as ‘problem parent’ rather than care-experienced mothers – new research

Mothers with a criminal record and care experience face negative judgements and excessive scrutiny due to their 'known' status. The study emphasizes the need for supportive dialogue across disciplinary boundaries to break cycles of stigma and social care involvement, focusing on safe spaces and trust-building for care-experienced mothers.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe British Journal of Criminology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023

Meet a team of scientists working to prevent interplanetary pollution that could pose a threat to life on Earth and other planets

An international group of experts has developed a planetary protection policy to safeguard Earth from potential threats and avoid compromising the search for lifeforms on other celestial bodies. The policy aims to prevent biological and organic contamination of space missions, ensuring the safety of our planet.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 4, 2023

One in 15 in changed reported sexual identity over a six-year period, new UK survey study finds

A new UK survey study led by Lancaster University found that 6.6% of the population aged 16 and over changed their reported sexual identity over a six-year period. The research challenges the assumption that sexual identity mobility declines with age, revealing that it is as prevalent among over-65s as young people.

SourceLancaster University·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Sanctions on Russia’s businesses haven’t worked

New research on Russia's sanctions reveals that targeted firms temporarily suffered modest losses but eventually adapted by reorganizing subsidiaries, altering supply chains, or seeking government support. This suggests that economic sanctions are unlikely to deter or reverse aggressive actions by other countries.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Management Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Historical memories have long reach in consumer preferences, study finds

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that historical memories have a lasting impact on consumer behavior, particularly in the automotive industry. The research analyzed vehicle registration data and archival records to show how past conflicts can affect car sales, with Japanese cars experiencing significant drops in sales...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalMarketing Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2023

Could changes in Fed’s interest rates affect pollution and the environment?

A new study by Florida Atlantic University suggests that monetary policy can impact pollution, with domestic effects being more significant than international spillovers. The research found that changes in the US Fed's interest rates can reduce CO2 emissions in the short run, but not necessarily in the long run.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2023

New study reveals potential link between two of astronomy’s most mysterious phenomena

Researchers have discovered a possible correlation between gravitational waves from neutron star mergers and fast radio bursts, two phenomena long shrouded in mystery. The study found that an observed FRB occurred just 2 ½ hours after a neutron star merger event, suggesting a potential link between the two events.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

Targeting wealth managers would cripple Russia's oligarchs

A new study by Dartmouth College researchers finds that sanctions on wealth managers would be more effective than asset seizure in crippling Russia's oligarchs. The research uses network science to map the connections between wealthy individuals and their financial experts, revealing a vulnerable network that can be disrupted with targ...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023