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UCLA researchers describe new form of irritable bowel syndrome

Researchers at UCLA have identified a new form of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that occurs after an acute bout of diverticulitis. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that patients who developed IBS-like symptoms after diverticulitis may also experience mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateSep 5, 2013

Managing waters shared across national boundaries: Treasury of papers helps capture 20 years of lessons

A special edition of Environmental Development journal captures decades of trans-boundary water management lessons, highlighting the need for science-based governance and innovative approaches to address pressing issues like climate change, water scarcity, and ecosystem degradation. The volume includes articles on Nile River Basin mana...

SourceTerry Collins Assoc·JournalEnvironmental Development·DateJul 25, 2013

It's all in the genes -- including the tracking device

Researchers have successfully implemented a genetic-based fish tagging method, called parentage-based tagging (PBT), in the Snake River Basin. This non-invasive approach allows for the collection of detailed information about hatchery-reared fish, enabling more effective fisheries management and conservation efforts.

SourceCanadian Science Publishing·JournalCanadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences·DateJun 24, 2013

When perks don't work

A study by University of British Columbia researchers found that consumers experience social awkwardness when given free upgrades in front of others, leading to a decline in satisfaction and shorter browsing times. The study suggests that retailers should offer perks privately to avoid embarrassment.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 27, 2013

Practice makes perfect? Not so much

A study by Michigan State University's Zach Hambrick found that practice accounts for only about one-third of the differences in skill in chess and music. Natural talent and factors such as intelligence and age of start may contribute to the remaining two-thirds.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIntelligence·DateMay 20, 2013

IT industry ignores silver surfers at its peril

Research suggests that manufacturers are foolish to ignore the needs of senior citizens, who face physical and cognitive disabilities that benefit from accessible hardware and software. The study highlights the importance of addressing the needs of all society, not just younger generations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Intercultural Information Management·DateMay 14, 2013

Shedding light on the long shadow of childhood adversity

Early child adversity can lead to chronic physical and mental disability, as well as increase the risk of smoking, substance abuse, obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression, and attempted suicide. Effective interventions, such as maternal depression treatment and economic support, can reverse or attenuate these effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 30, 2013

Single best practice to prevent DVT reduces hospital costs by more than $1.5 million annually

Researchers at Medstar Health and Georgetown University School of Medicine found that implementing a value-based analysis approach to preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in surgical patients resulted in significant cost savings, with an estimated overall system-wide savings opportunity of $4 million. The study identified limiting the...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 10, 2013

Healthy doctors make healthy patients, study finds

Researchers at UBC and Israel discovered that compliant physicians lead to more patient adherence to screening and vaccination practices. The study found significant differences in patients of doctors who received flu shots and those who did not, highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals' health habits on their patients.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

Personal preventive health practices of physicians can benefit patients

A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that physicians who followed recommended screening and vaccination practices had more likely patients to also follow these practices. The research involved 1488 physicians and their adult patients in Israel's largest health maintenance organization, Clalit Health Services.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 8, 2013

Aerospace industry adapts to global marketplace

A Concordia University study found that Canadian aerospace companies can adapt to the global pace by adopting a smaller-is-better approach and focusing on integrated low-cost differentiation strategies. The research suggests that companies should develop marketing plans to convince large global companies of the benefits of working with...

SourceConcordia University·JournalOperations Management Research·DateMar 20, 2013

AGU Journal Highlights -- Feb. 11, 2013

Recent AGU journal publications explore the global climatology of explosive cyclones and their impact on U.S. biomes under climate change. A study found that extreme precipitation patterns decrease vegetative productivity by 20% in some regions, while others show neutral or negative effects.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 11, 2013

Power's punishing impact

Research by USC Marshall School of Business professor Scott Wiltermuth found that giving individuals a sense of power leads to a clear sense of right and wrong, causing them to punish transgressions more severely. This moral clarity can lead to organizational problems in the private and public sector.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJan 17, 2013

Rewriting personal history by inventing racist roads not taken

A study by Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management found that people distort their memories and convince themselves they passed up opportunities for racism, even if none existed. This mental trick increases willingness to express less racially sensitive views and feel licensed to behave in questionable ways.

SourceNorthwestern University - Kellogg School of Management·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 4, 2012

Marketing analytics ups Fortune 1000 return on assets 8 percent, says operations research study

A recent study finds that Fortune 1000 companies using marketing analytics see an average 8% increase in return on assets, with potential gains of $70-180 million in net income. The research highlights the key role of management support and analytics skills in successful marketing analytics deployments.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateNov 29, 2012

Flu outbreaks predicted with weather forecast techniques

Researchers have adapted weather forecasting techniques to predict local flu outbreaks, providing weeks of warning before the peak. The system uses data assimilation and Google Flu Trends to estimate flu-related sickness in regions, allowing health officials to better prepare and make informed decisions.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 27, 2012

New test to help heavy drinkers reduce alcohol intake

Researchers at the University of Liverpool developed a computer-based test to help heavy drinkers reduce their alcohol consumption by practicing restraint in response to images of alcoholic drinks. The study found that participants who learned to exercise self-control subsequently drank less beer than control groups.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateNov 27, 2012

US Coast Guard, USC win INFORMS Wagner Prize for protecting american ports from terrorists

The US Coast Guard and USC's Viterbi School of Engineering developed the PROTECT system, which uses quantal response theory to model unpredictable adversary behavior. The system has been successfully deployed in Boston and is undergoing testing at New York, showing improved results over human-generated patrolling strategies.

Study: Job autonomy, trust in leadership keys to improvement initiatives

Researchers from the University of Illinois found that frontline employees are more likely to commit to continuous improvement initiatives if they perceive high job autonomy and trust their leaders. Employees need a sense of control over their work environment to be motivated to improve, and leadership must provide support for this mot...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOperations Management Research·DateNov 14, 2012

Exercise and complete decongestive therapy best ways to manage lymphedema, MU expert says

A University of Missouri lymphedema expert found that full-body exercise and complete decongestive therapy are effective in managing lymphedema symptoms. The therapy approach incorporates skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and bandaging, and can be done by patients to minimize their symptoms and maintain quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNursing Research·DateOct 22, 2012