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Silver lining effect study, 'I have some good news and some bad news,' in INFORMS journal

A study published in Management Science found that presenting small gains alongside large losses can improve decision-making by reducing mental pain. The 'Silver Lining Effect' suggests that people prefer separating positive and negative information to mitigate the impact of loss, with more pronounced effects for larger losses.

Houses of the rising sun

Researchers at the University of Leicester have identified over 90% of Sicilian temples facing east, sparking new insights into Ancient Greek practices. The study suggests an 'astronomical fingerprint' may distinguish between Greek and native settlements.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 25, 2009

When good companies do bad things

A Michigan State University study found that high-performing companies are more likely to engage in illegal behavior, such as fraud and environmental violations, due to unrealistic expectations and external pressures. The researchers argue that regulators should monitor both high- and low-performing firms to detect illicit activity.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateNov 18, 2009

Multivisceral transplant survival rates improve with new treatment, says Pittsburgh study

Researchers at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute found that survival rates for intestinal and multivisceral transplants increased with innovative surgical techniques, novel immunosuppressive protocols, and better post-operative management. The five-year survival rate rose to 68 percent, similar to other abdominal and thora...

GPs' gut feelings defined

Researchers define 'gut feelings' experienced by GPs as two types: sense of alarm and reassurance. The former involves feeling uneasy about possible adverse outcomes, while the latter means feeling secure despite uncertainty. This definition aims to facilitate future research on the effectiveness of 'gut-compass'.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Family Practice·DateSep 16, 2009

Depression care improved

Researchers found a simple intervention involving monthly follow-up phone calls improved depression care in primary practice. The trial evaluated 626 patients with depression, highlighting the potential of practice-based health care assistants to recognize and react to deteriorating symptoms.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateSep 16, 2009

Is Tetris good for the brain?

A three-month practice period of playing Tetris led to greater brain efficiency and a thicker cortex in adolescent girls, with increased gray matter observed in areas associated with critical thinking and reasoning. The study suggests that mental practice may increase cortical thickness and improve cognitive skills.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateSep 1, 2009

Cradle and birthday of dog identified

Researchers at KTH in Stockholm have made new discoveries about the history of the dog, pinpointing its birthplace to Asia south of the Yangtze River in China 16,000 years ago. The findings suggest that the dog descended from a large number of tamed wolves, with several hundred animals involved in its origins.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateSep 1, 2009

Employee's loyalty to workplace damaged by unfair treatment

A recent study published in Journal of Management Studies found that employees who experience perceived injustices at work are more likely to suffer from psychological well-being damage and extreme emotional exhaustion. This can lead to decreased job commitment, increased turnover rates, and a general depletion in employee morale.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateAug 26, 2009

Researchers find saying 'I'm sorry' influences jurors

Researchers found that apologizing or using a first-person justification can result in lower frequencies of negligence verdicts against auditors. Apologies reduce the need for jurors to assign blame, while justifications influence their perception of the auditor's actions as reasonable and in accordance with professional standards.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·DateAug 24, 2009

300 billion weather forecasts used by Americans annually, survey finds

A nationwide survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 adult Americans obtain weather forecasts regularly, with an estimated 300 billion forecasts used each year. The study reveals that most people are satisfied with forecasts and place a high value on them, equivalent to $31.5 billion annually.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 23, 2009

Bad side of eCommerce recommendation systems: Overemphasis on hits and blockbusters

Research in Management Science reveals that recommender systems can create self-reinforcing cycles favoring popular items, reducing diversity and serving consumers and producers poorly. To mitigate this issue, designers must consider modifications to limit popularity effects and promote exploration in their recommender systems.

Better water use could reduce future food crises

Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMay 5, 2009

Research finds perceived warmth, 'babyfaceness' positive characteristics for black CEOs

A study by Kellogg School researchers examines how physical characteristics, particularly 'babyfaced' traits, influence perception and achievement among black CEOs. They found that those with more babyface features were perceived as warmer, more competent, and earned higher salaries and led more prestigious companies.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2009