News on the tools and policy that run research. Covers AI research workflows, AI-native researcher tools, climate-policy recommendations, and faster data analysis.
Thirty individuals have been recognized for their professional achievements and meritorious service in the field of agronomy. The American Society of Agronomy has chosen these outstanding members as Fellows, based on their contributions to advancing the disciplines and practices of agronomy, crop and soil sciences.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has recognized 2003 Fellow Award winners for their significant contributions to the field of operations research and management science. The recipients include prominent academics, practitioners, and educators in various fields.
A new handbook aims to guide public sector research centers in developing countries on managing intellectual property, providing best practices and supporting materials. The handbook is the result of contributions from authorities in IP management from both developed and developing countries.
Operations researchers at Delta Air Lines used simulations to optimize boarding processes, resulting in a 25% reduction in aircraft turnaround time. The study's findings suggest improved utilization and increased convenience for passengers.
A recent study by UF management professors Timothy Judge and Daniel Cable found that being tall comes with significant financial benefits, including higher pay and increased respect at work. The research analyzed data from thousands of participants and showed that every inch of height can add up to thousands of dollars in annual earnings.
A new model developed by Michael Carter of the University of Toronto has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by $42 billion a year, while providing more services at the same cost. The model uses operations research techniques to optimize hospital operations and improve communication among departments.
The San Clemente loggerhead shrike's federal recovery program has hindered the species' co-existence with island foxes. Researchers propose shifting funds from predator control to habitat restoration to support both species. This approach may enable species co-existence, benefiting conservation efforts.
Researchers evaluated rice varieties for their allelopathic potential, finding that certain parts of the plant can inhibit barnyardgrass growth. This study suggests the possibility of developing rice-based natural herbicides to improve weed control.
A new study by O.R. researchers finds Scandinavian countries exhibit shorter 'time-to-takeoff' for new products, while large European economies lag behind. The authors recommend a 'waterfall strategy' to introduce new products in select countries.
Researchers found that top managers skillfully manipulate director selection to create an image of board independence while retaining a supportive board that seldom challenges their decisions. The study suggests giving stockholders more direct representation on boards to prevent corporate fraud and deception.
The RADAR project aims to develop a system that can save time for its user while improving decision quality. The system will handle routine tasks autonomously, ask for confirmation on others, and produce suggestions that users can modify.
A study by Columbia University and the University of Washington found that pharmaceutical sales reps have modest to very small influence on prescribing behavior. In contrast, distributing drug samples plays a more positive role in contrasting medications and helping manufacturers maintain market share.
New guidelines published in Agronomy Journal provide a standardized approach to soil surveying and mapping, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions. The technology is expected to revolutionize the agricultural industry within the next one to two decades.
Canadian Pacific Railway has developed a fixed-schedule operating plan that optimizes traffic patterns, resulting in reduced costs, improved service reliability, and increased profitability. The approach also enables better service for customers and sets a new standard for the industry.
A study by University of Notre Dame researchers found that increased use of Decision Support Systems (DSS) leads to lower patient death rates and increased hospital profitability, resulting in over $140 per patient in additional revenue.
A study found that organic production practices had a slight impact on corn and soybean yields, with reductions of up to 19% compared to conventional methods. The organic strategy also had lower production costs, but net returns were equivalent to the conventional strategy.
A study found that selective hunting of male saiga antelopes for their horns is driving the species closer to extinction. The sex ratio has become severely imbalanced, with females outnumbering males by a ratio of 100:1, leading to reproductive collapse and population decline.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have made significant contributions to understanding bear behavior, including the impact of radio-collars on survival rates and the role of dispersal distance in helping bears evade hunters. Their findings also led to the development of a morphometric-based dichotomous key for age identification.
Kirk Johnson's latest discovery of the rainforest in Denver provides answers to key questions about ancient landscaping and will aid scientists in predicting groundwater availability. The rainforest, one of the oldest-known on earth, is now on display at the DMNS, accompanied by a Web site and book.
The Arctic Oscillation has strengthened in recent decades, leading to increased warmth over the Northern Hemisphere. Recent computer-model simulations suggest a possible link between the AO and global warming.
The study found a 92% decline in risk of future Exxon Valdez-like spills after implementing risk management measures. The Prince William Sound team estimated the probability of accidents involving oil tankers and identified key risks, such as tanker collisions with fishing vessels.
A new risk assessment method for the space shuttle program has been developed, with findings showing that 15% of tiles contributed to 85% of identified risks. This study emphasizes the importance of considering tile failure in the overall risk management strategy.
The study found that physician groups use only 32% of recommended care management processes, leaving many patients without optimal care. External incentives from health plans and large purchasers can encourage the adoption of these processes.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a new missile called the Affordable Weapon, designed to carry a significant payload to a target several hundred miles away. Equipped with GPS navigation and line-of-sight data links, the Affordable Weapon can fly directly to its target or loiter until directed by a forward observer.
A two-year study found that hospitalists reduced average patient stays by half a day, resulting in $782 per-patient cost savings. Hospitalists also achieved lower short-term mortality rates, specifically a 37% reduction in 30-day mortality.
A study by Dr. David Cumming found significant variation in dilation and curretage (D&C) procedures across Alberta, with some regions experiencing a fivefold increase in rates. Less invasive therapies can accomplish the same goals as D&C, making it an unnecessary procedure for many women, according to the study's findings.
Dr. Arnold Barnett argues that large US airlines prioritize security measures over terrorist threats, despite evidence of two major aviation-related terror attempts in the year following 9/11. New low-fare airlines, such as jetBlue and Spirit, are willing to implement voluntary security measures.
Researchers found that hospitals with more critical care specialists had significantly lower ICU and hospital death rates and lengths of stay. The study estimates that this increased mortality rate reduction could save up to 162,000 potential lives annually.
A study by Dr. Scott Tomar found that men using snuff were more than twice as likely to switch to cigarettes than vice versa, with 40% of former snuff users continuing or starting smoking. The study also linked snuff use to increased cancer risk and other health problems.
A study by the University of Michigan found that migraine headaches affect 18% of women and 6% of men, resulting in significant lost productivity costs for employers. Employers can reduce these costs by providing education, preventive services, and direct treatment within the workplace.
Researchers found that repeated exposure to online banner ads can lead to future sales, even if no clicks occur immediately. The study suggests that advertisers use banner ads strategically to smooth out sales and increase basket expenditures.
A study by Prof. Praveen Kumar and colleagues found that a CEO's equity compensation is negatively related to the fraction of the firm held by the largest external shareholder who poses a takeover threat to managerial control. Mid-sized boards with majority stake challenge CEOs for greater equity, limiting raises.
A new formula of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) has been developed through USAID-supported research, reducing the need for intravenous fluids by 33%. This improvement is expected to lower hospitalization rates, secondary infections, and healthcare costs, ultimately saving millions of lives.
Kurt W. Swogger, Dow vice president of research and development, received the American Chemical Society's Earle B. Barnes Award for Leadership in Chemical Research Management. The award recognizes his innovative approach to developing customer-specific plastics using molecular architecture, which has led to increased efficiency and suc...
Researchers found that managed care is associated with improved integration of inpatient and outpatient care, leading to lower hospitalization rates for chronic conditions. The study analyzed California trends and found a strong association between patient access ratings and reduced hospital admissions.
Huang will teach an MBA course and conduct research to assess the impact of information technology on supply-chain management in Portuguese companies. His previous research explored aggregate production planning models that reflect business practices and culture.
An ice-free Arctic would pose enormous implications for naval operations, requiring increased cooperation between nations, particularly the US, Canada, and Russia. The region's shorter routes from Europe to Asia could lead to increased transnational activity, international crime, and environmental challenges.
A new set of operations research models helps retailers identify strong and weak selling products, making targeted substitutions to increase profits. The study shows that reconfiguring a category's assortment can lead to significant improvements in profit without requiring major changes.
Reverse computation could help network managers identify trouble spots before congestion occurs, decreasing processing time by a factor of 10 or more. The technique aims to aid in rapid design of future network systems and improve the efficiency of current techniques.
A study of 26,359 managers found that female managers' voluntary turnover rates were slightly lower than those of male managers. Recently promoted women were also less likely to resign than recently promoted men. Managers with graduate degrees who took family leaves were no more likely to resign than non-leave-taking managers.
Researchers studying eBay data identified four trends that explain price fluctuations in online auctions: the weekend effect, picture effect, reputation score effect, and auction length effect. These factors impact final prices of rare coin transactions on eBay.
Researchers propose innovative forecasting techniques using futures markets and alternative polling approaches to predict presidential election outcomes. The methods aim to improve accuracy and stability in predicting the popular vote and electoral college votes.
A new study by the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences found that consumers are more likely to maintain their vehicles properly if they have high-quality auto ratings. The study reveals three key lessons for manufacturers, dealers, and distributors: pricing power, customer loyalty, and leasing operations.
A new study by O.R. researchers found that the value of the dollar significantly impacts a company's decision on whether to export or invest in foreign production facilities. In depreciated currencies, strong exports favor the choice of ownership structure, while appreciated currencies favor investments in overseas production.
Researchers found that individuals who separate their identity from negatively perceived organizations are more likely to maintain a positive distinctiveness and distance themselves from those stereotypes. This phenomenon, called disidentification, often leads to action against the organization.
A recent study suggests that surgical teams with better teamwork learn new procedures significantly faster than those without. The research found that hospitals with more cumulative experience and better team communication had faster learning curves, while those with less experienced teams took longer to master new procedures.
Researchers developed an equation using probit analysis that accurately predicted up to 97% of at-large selections from 1994-2001. The model used objective team data and RPI ratings, and was applied retroactively to predict actual tournament picks.
A recent study suggests that math constants like pi and log(2) could be normal, meaning their digits are random in a statistical sense. The research, led by David H. Bailey, finds that certain sequences in chaotic dynamics may underlie the normality of these constants.
A new study suggests that setting aggressive deadlines can eliminate shortcut-taking and improve product quality. By separating estimates of task duration from deadlines, developers are motivated to stay focused and accurate in their work.
A long-term study by Lehigh University researchers finds a strong link between severe physical discipline in preschool and later aggression. Children from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to develop aggressive behavior due to inadequate nurturing and stressful environments.
Research highlights ethnoracial differences in nicotine dependence among adolescent African Americans, suggesting culturally-relevant cessation treatment. Tobacco use disproportionately affects African Americans, increasing risk of smoking-related health issues.
Researchers found that TV PSAs targeting teens with high sensation-seeking traits reduced their marijuana use by at least 26.7%. The campaigns also reversed the trend of more teens using marijuana as they get older.
A study of over 4,500 teens found that affiliation with substance-using peers can significantly increase the likelihood of smoking and drinking. Parents also play a role in influencing teen behavior, particularly those who demonstrate high levels of regard and responsiveness to their children.
NASA has launched a new Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle program office at the Marshall Space Flight Center, aiming to develop a safer and less expensive launch system. The program seeks proposals from industry and academia to reduce business and technical risk.
A new study assesses the effects of therapeutic doses of oral Ritalin on dopamine levels in healthy, adult male subjects, revealing increased dopamine levels and potential improvement in attention and focus for ADHD symptoms.
Researchers have discovered a gene that makes mousepox virus deadly to lab mice, raising concerns about its potential misuse in biowarfare. The technique could be used to strengthen biological weapons based on viruses affecting humans.
Researchers in New Zealand tracked the health of 1,000 children from birth to age 26, revealing that attachment loss, pockets, and bleeding gums are common signs of periodontal disease. The study emphasizes the need for regular dental screenings and proper oral hygiene practices to prevent chronic periodontal disease.
Researchers have discovered a chemical in sea urchins that appears to attract and repel starfish, which are devasting coral reefs at an alarming rate. The finding could provide a new method for controlling the starfish population and saving these valuable ecosystems.
Researchers found that four-fifths of fall chinook salmon females in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River carried a genetic marker linked to males. The study suggests environmental contaminants or water temperature changes may be responsible for this sex reversal, which could contribute to the decline of Northwest salmon runs.
A new study found that enrolling patients with chest pain in clinical trials takes an average of 8+ minutes longer than treating them directly. Despite this delay, researchers believe the potential benefits of participation outweigh the time difference, and doctors should enroll more patients in trials.