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New ruling on care of dying will force some to live life “of machine-related suffering”

The revised ruling on advance medical directives in India may force terminally ill patients to endure 'machine-related suffering' without autonomy or dignity. The authors highlight shortcomings, including a cumbersome procedure for withdrawing life support and omission of consideration for healthcare access inequality.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 22, 2023

De facto decriminalization of drug possession reduces the overall arrest toll on the Black community, although racial disparities persist

A new study finds that de facto decriminalization of drug possession in Baltimore led to significant reductions in low-level drug-related arrests, mainly among the Black community. However, racial disparities persisted, with the ratio of street arrests in Black residents increasing after the policy change.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2023

CUFE’s researchers examine financial reporting consequences of rigid accounting regulation

A study by Chinese researchers found that financial reports produced during fiscal years mismatched with annual business activity may be less reliable due to rigid accounting regulations. This can result in higher abnormal accruals, lower analyst forecast accuracy, and longer audit reporting delays for affected companies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

THE LANCET: Minimum unit pricing for alcohol associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland, study suggests

A new study published in The Lancet finds that minimum unit pricing for alcohol is associated with a 13% decrease in deaths from alcohol consumption in Scotland. The policy has also led to significant reductions in alcohol-specific hospitalisations and long-term conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease and alcohol dependence syndrome.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023

Agricultural certification stimulates compliance with environmental legislation by coffee farms in Brazil

A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.

New study finds offering paid sick leave is good for U.S. business

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University researchers found that offering paid sick leave to US workers leads to fewer occupational injuries, less presenteeism and better employee health and safety. The study also shows positive impacts on business outcomes such as improved morale, retention, profitab...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

EU regulation does not adequately consider environmental emissions of pharmaceuticals in global manufacturing supply chains

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland concludes that EU regulation does not adequately consider the environmental emissions of pharmaceuticals in global manufacturing supply chains. The researchers argue that the current GMPs and ERA regulation are limited in scope and weight, and do not prevent the release of pharmaceu...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalReview of European Comparative & International Environmental Law·DateJan 9, 2023

Penalties, corruption and legislation are failing to deter harmful gas flaring in Nigeria, study shows

A new study by Dr. Urenmisan Afinotan from the University of Exeter Law School reveals that weak penalties and loopholes in Nigeria's legislation are failing to deter gas flaring in the Niger Delta, despite efforts since the 1960s. The study highlights the need for stronger regulations to mitigate climate change.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEnvironmental Law Review·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 23, 2022

Even in states with strong stock albuterol laws, school administrators fear liability

Despite Illinois' strong stock inhaler laws, school administrators cite difficulty obtaining prescriptions and liability concerns as barriers to implementation. A study found that 35% of stakeholders cited prescription issues and liability fears, highlighting the need for enhanced education and verbiage to alleviate these concerns.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateNov 10, 2022

US food insufficiency spiked by 25% after monthly Child Tax Credits expired

A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

Study finds law enforcement is hampering harm reduction programs

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that law enforcement is not uniformly recognizing and respecting the legal protections in place to support harm reduction programs. Despite these protections, more than half of survey participants reported negative experiences with law enforcement, including confiscation of suppl...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHarm Reduction Journal·TypeSurvey·DateSep 29, 2022

Massachusetts jails found ‘innovative solutions’ to implement medical treatment for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorder

Researchers found that Massachusetts' state mandate driving staff acceptance and creating an atypical flexibility to seek innovative solutions. The program showed that medication diversion was uncommon, and protocols helped ensure correct use of the medication by detainees.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

New power sources

In the 1990s, Massachusetts activists drafted model legislation for community choice aggregation, which has been adopted by 1,800 communities in six states. The program allows cities and towns to purchase renewable energy, reducing reliance on utility companies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateFeb 23, 2022

Finding friends in the Utah State Legislature

A University of Utah-led study examines cooperation networks in the Utah State Legislature, finding that politicians tend to work with colleagues from their own political and gender groups. The researchers discovered a high rate of reciprocation, with members of the same gender increasing the likelihood of future cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHuman Nature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022

Modern slavery still not a priority for one in five Australian businesses

New research from UniSA finds that confusion, lack of knowledge and disinterest are hindering businesses' progress in addressing modern slavery. The study provides a framework to help companies improve their approaches, but warns that without effective measures, global efforts to stop modern slavery will be unlikely to succeed.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThe British Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 9, 2021

LSU Health New Orleans study finds dramatic drop in opioid rx after state legislation enacted

A LSU Health New Orleans study reports a nearly 70% decrease in morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per discharge opioid prescriptions for patients who underwent common lower extremity surgical procedures. The study also found a significant decline in new opioid prescriptions, from 50% in 2013 to 19.3% in 2018.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2021

Are political parties getting in the way of our health?

Historical state-level analysis finds that increased party competition leads to higher spending on infrastructure, human capital, literacy, earnings, and longevity. States with more party competition tend to have lower infant mortality, higher life expectancy, and greater social well-being.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

Lower sex-selective abortion rates in India districts with Muslim legislators

New research by the universities of Kent, Warwick and Notre Dame has found that sex-selective abortion is lower in India districts with a Muslim state legislator. This is due to stronger stated preferences against abortion among Muslims compared to Hindus, making Muslim legislators more effective at reducing abortion rates.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalJournal of Development Economics·TypeSurvey·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

With proposed reauthorization of federal child abuse legislation, researchers make the case to better help substance-exposed infants

The proposed reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) has the potential to positively impact parents with substance use disorder and infants with substance exposure. The legislation needs improved implementation to achieve a public health approach, providing tailored guidance and support for states.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 25, 2021

Women indirectly hurt more by noncompete pacts

A Cornell University study finds that noncompete agreements disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs, blocking them from starting high-growth companies. The 'fear factor' associated with noncompetes also limits the ability of women to hire experienced employees, making entrepreneurial ventures riskier.

SourceCornell University·JournalOrganization Science·DateOct 12, 2021