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A secret for boosting hotel bookings: analyze online user reviews for your hotel and your competitors

A new study reveals that a hotel's own sentiment score and its competitor's sentiment score have a significant impact on booking performance. Hotels that improve their own sentiment score by 1% can increase bookings by .38%, while those that improve their competitors' sentiment score by 1% can decrease bookings by .25%. The research al...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 6, 2023

Energy production is powered by more than just physics

A study by University of Washington Bothell and Seattle Pacific University researchers examines how teachers applied a holistic approach to analyze the social and cultural impacts of power plants. The authors found that connecting students with realities beyond the classroom prepares them to engage in community decision making.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Physics Teacher·DateSep 6, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

The eyes are a window into the deciding mind

Researchers at Tohoku University found that perceptual decision-making interferes with unrelated eye movements but not hand movements, indicating nerve signals involved in decision-making continuously flow into the oculomotor eye-movement system.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCommunications Biology·DateSep 1, 2023

Acting fast when an epidemic hits

A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo and Dalhousie University have developed a method for forecasting short-term disease progression using limited data. The Sparsity and Delay Embedding-based Forecasting model, or SPADE4, uses machine learning to predict epidemic progressions with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBulletin of Mathematical Biology·DateAug 31, 2023

Why childhood adversity impacts how a person’s behavior is judged

Researchers found that childhood adversity can reshape an individual's moral development, leading to a 'deformative experience' that pulls them away from their true nature. This asymmetric sensitivity to life history information affects judgments of praise and blame.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocial Cognition·DateAug 22, 2023

LRT, REM, mass transit projects and their fuzzy reality

New research from the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management suggests that managing public transit projects requires a comprehensive approach considering rational, psychosocial, and political dimensions. This involves engaging stakeholders, including non-users, to ensure societal impact and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 17, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Uncovering the role of somatostatin signaling in the brain

A Penn State-led research team discovered that somatostatin signaling acts to dampen communication among cell types in the prefrontal cortex, promoting exploratory and risk-taking-like behavior. The findings suggest that somatostatin fine-tunes circuits to promote certain behaviors, including decision making.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

UC Berkeley study reveals goal-oriented rewards as key factors in decision-making

Researchers at UC Berkeley found that people's perception of value is heavily influenced by their personal goals and the context in which a decision is made. The study suggests that achieving a goal is crucial to decision-making, with potential applications in policy changes, financial decisions, education, and therapeutic strategies.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 18, 2023

“Anchoring bias” can delay testing and diagnosis by physicians for deadly conditions like blood clots in the lung

Researchers found that when a patient's congestive heart failure is mentioned during the initial check-in process, emergency room physicians are less likely to test for pulmonary embolism, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis. This anchoring bias can delay crucial testing and diagnosis of deadly medical conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2023

Company culture shapes willingness of workers to act sustainably, research shows

A nationwide study found that social and organizational factors play a critical role in shaping sustainable behaviors among employees. Employees are more likely to act sustainably at work if they feel supported by their company and coworkers. The study also uncovered a link between eco-friendly behaviors and higher job satisfaction, su...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalCurrent Research in Ecological and Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Brands beware! Even loyal customers distance themselves after socially unacceptable mentions of the brand on social media

A new study published in Journal of Marketing finds that consumers become motivated to distance themselves from brands after observing socially unacceptable social media mentions. Consumers with stronger self-brand connections experience vicarious shame, driving their desire to disengage from the brand.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 20, 2023

Women's strategic concealment of LGBTQ+ affinity

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that women are more likely to hide their LGBTQ+ affiliation when they expect discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. This behavior is linked to the experience of gender-based discrimination and the expectation of unequal treatment.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalEuropean Economic Review·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2023

What’s an underrated way to study decisions? Think out loud

A new online protocol is being developed to record people's thoughts while answering trick questions, revealing insights into cognitive quirks and decision-making. The tool aims to decrease the time required for think-out-loud experiments, allowing researchers to reach a broader population and gain greater confidence in their results.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023

Research puts lens on a new vision for land use decision making

Researchers have proposed a four-lens framework for better and more transparent decisions about land use, balancing society's demands with environmental protection. The framework involves gathering evidence from diverse stakeholders and encourages transparency in decision-making processes.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJun 8, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How intermittent feedback drives consumer impatience

Research finds that piecemeal feedback increases consumer impatience when provided at a fixed pace after specific behaviors. This association strengthens the connection between actions and outcomes, motivating consumers to pursue prompt results and leading to increased frustration.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeNews article·DateMay 22, 2023

Study: AI models fail to reproduce human judgements about rule violations

Researchers found that machine-learning models trained with descriptive data label rule violations more harshly than humans, leading to potential serious implications in the real world. This study highlights the need for careful consideration of data labeling and training methods to ensure fairness and accuracy in AI decision-making.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 10, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Mathematical model based on psychology predicts who will buy trendy products

A new study developed a mathematical innovation model grounded in psychology to predict adoption trends for new products. The model divides people into four categories: innovator, early adopter, majority, and laggard, and suggests that each group looks for specific properties of adoption trends to inform their purchasing decisions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPhysica A Statistical Mechanics and its Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2023

Study reveals how blame is attributed to male and female leaders

A new study reveals that female leaders are attributed to bad luck when they fail, whereas male leaders' negative outcomes are blamed on their selfish decisions. In a laboratory setting, researchers found biases in the attribution of outcomes that favor women.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2023

AI in the ICU

A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University has developed an AI-based system to help clinicians make decisions quickly and precisely in the ICU. The system, called the AI Clinician Explorer, provides recommendations for treating sepsis based on data from over 18,000 patients.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 27, 2023

Bank of England media coverage is an "effective” additional channel for accountability, study shows

A recent study by University of Exeter researchers found that the Bank of England's media coverage plays a significant role in reinforcing accountability. The study analyzed 13,986 articles from major news outlets and discovered that media coverage levels are strongly linked to parliamentary hearings and speeches by central bankers. Th...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGovernance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2023

‘Antibiotic culture’ permeates US hospital ICUs

A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers found a significant 'antibiotic culture' in US hospital ICUs, with up to 70% of patients receiving unnecessary antibiotics. The preference for antibiotics is driven by urgency, hierarchy, and uncertainty, leading to increased use despite antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

A recent research on why pundits can be unreliable

Researchers found that forecasters have an incentive to misreport when their reputation is at stake, with higher levels of misreporting in less uncertain situations. The study suggests firms should trust expert advice when uncertainty is high and link evaluations to ex-post accuracy to reduce misreporting.

SourceBocconi University·JournalManagement Science·DateApr 18, 2023

A video-based decision support tool may aid decision-making for Black individuals considering ICD implantation

A randomized clinical trial found that a video-based decision support tool increased patient knowledge, but not assent, to ICD implantation among Black patients. The study also highlighted the complexity of aversion to cardiac procedures in Black communities, emphasizing the need for further research on social determinants of health.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2023

Wild animals stop the spread of socially transmitted misinformation

Researchers discovered that even in the absence of predators, escape events occur frequently but rarely spread to many fish. The study suggests that this robustness to false alarms is due to dynamic adjustments in sensitivity to socially acquired information.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2023

Integrating patients’ social determinants of health into the EHR, along with clinic conversations, can help doctors provide more personalized and preventive care

A recent study found that social determinants of health influenced care in 35% of surveyed encounters, with the most common sources being patient conversations and prior knowledge. Integrating this data into EHRs can support personalized care planning.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

March/April 2023 Annals of Family Medicine Tip Sheet

Researchers investigated perspectives of Black patients on shared decision making (SDM) during medical appointments. They identified preferences for humanistic communication, the need for doctors to account for family members' roles in decision-making, and a growing mistrust in doctors. The study's findings offer insights for adapting ...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Where does your brain want to have lunch?

A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators has determined that the pre-supplementary motor area (pre-SMA) plays a primary role in weighing value-based choices, such as choosing which book to read or which slot machine to play. The discovery could help understand neurological disorders like addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 23, 2023

Changing one’s behavior in different social interactions is child's play

Researchers propose a new cognitive framework explaining how infants adapt their behavior to different social contexts. The study suggests that infants integrate perceptual information, memories, and physiological states to determine optimal behavior through value-driven decision-making.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2023

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

How do parents decide if they should vaccinate their kids against SARS-CoV-2?

A new study explores the complexity of parents' decision-making processes regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccination for their children. The research highlights the importance of individualized discussions with healthcare providers to help interpret evidence and provide tailored recommendations.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 21, 2023

Fear of judgment is keeping consumers indebted – study shows peer groups can help turn that around

A study by Ivey Business School found that joining a peer-supported debt counselling group improves financial well-being, particularly for those who fear stigma. Participants repaid more debt and experienced increased motivation when interacting with others who shared similar financial struggles.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario, Ivey Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023

Study finds only about half of AI-generated ads only labeled as such

A University of Kansas study analyzed over 1,000 AI-generated ads and found that they are only labeled as ads about half the time, often appealing to consumers in positive ways. The prevalence of AI in programmatic advertising raises concerns about consumer deception and the need for updated guidelines to require transparency.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Strategic Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

A chat may help convert a peer to a pro-sustainability stance

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that exposure to a pro-sustainability opinion in conversation can persuade people with anti-sustainability views to support environmentally friendly initiatives. In contrast, individuals with a pro-sustainability viewpoint remain unpersuaded by opposing viewpoints.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Political leaning shapes physicians’ and laypeople’s beliefs about COVID-19 treatments

A recent study found that individuals with conservative political leanings tend to favor hydroxychloroquine and view vaccination unfavorably. Physicians also exhibit similar biases, with conservative physicians being more likely to prescribe hydroxychloroquine. The study suggests that education alone may not be enough to combat polariz...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 6, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Using games to promote women's health and wellbeing in India

A new study uses mobile game apps to promote healthy decision-making among adolescent girls in India, presenting them with challenges and conflicts that mirror real-life situations. The game aims to build agency and awareness about health issues such as menstrual hygiene management.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023

Do mood fluctuations impact confidence in decision-making?

Researchers found no correlation between daily mood and confidence markers, but mood-related states and confidence level fluctuated at different time scales. Mood changes occurred faster than confidence level changes.

SourceBIAL Foundation·JournalCognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Examining moral courage in the operating room

AORN Journal researcher Danielle Quintana defines surgical conscience as the moral obligation to perform duties regardless of cost or consequence. Her conceptual model illustrates the importance of consistent, accurate, and safe practice in the perioperative environment.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAORN Journal·DateDec 13, 2022
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Study shows how to boost early intervention for climate-related health risks

A new analysis by researchers at Duke University proposes a four-step science-based framework to overcome barriers and enhance the success of early warning systems. The framework involves understanding potential barriers, engaging key stakeholders, identifying promising strategies to overcome barriers, and measuring outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeCase study·DateNov 16, 2022

Beneficial and beautiful: Biodiversity of meadows and pastures can be an asset for nature, agriculture, and tourism

A large-scale study found that high plant diversity in meadows and pastures supports numerous ecosystem services, including pollination, soil quality and cultural experiences. Various stakeholder groups, from local residents to the tourism industry, can benefit from increased biodiversity.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateNov 15, 2022

Is choice freedom always a good thing for us and others?

A study explores the relationship between consumer choice freedom and well-being, finding that autonomy and personal control are crucial factors. The research also highlights the limitations of choice freedom for vulnerable groups and suggests a more nuanced approach to understanding freedom.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeNews article·DateOct 31, 2022
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Reward for cooperative behavior

A study by Max-Planck Researchers found that individuals learn to use rewards specifically to promote good behavior when others also learn about them. The researchers used game theory to explain how reputation affects cooperation and rewarding policies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2022

One of the crowd or one of a kind? New artificial intelligence research indicates we're a bit of both

A new study published in iScience found that humans tend to follow a two-step process when in a crowd, with an initial reflexive imitation followed by a more deliberate strategic decision. The research suggests this influence affects not only social norms but also immediate actions and underlies behaviors such as rioting and mass panic.

SourceAston University·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

NIH grant supports developing ethics framework for AI's use in imaging

A new project will develop a technique to quantify uncertainty in AI-based tools used for image analysis and create a questionnaire to assess patients' risk tolerance when using these tools. The goal is to ensure that AI-assisted clinical decisions are informed by the inherent uncertainty of imaging technologies.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateOct 13, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Why do some kids take bigger risks than others?

A new study from Boston University's Social Development and Learning Lab reveals that children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds take bigger risks in certain situations due to their environment. The research, led by Professor Peter Blake, suggests that children are rationally choosing risk when it makes sense in their circumstances.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2022

Do humans think computers make fair decisions?

A study published in Cell Press found that when humans are involved, computer decisions are perceived as fairer. Participants deemed decisions related to positive outcomes fairer than negative ones and had concerns over fairness in systems with higher stakes. The results suggest that automated decision-making systems need careful desig...

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Purpose beyond profit: how brands can benefit consumer well-being

Researchers explore the relationship between brand purpose and consumer eudaimonic well-being, finding that brands addressing key factors such as authenticity and commitment to purpose can secure positive outcomes. By incorporating purpose into their strategy, brands can foster a sense of fulfillment among consumers.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeNews article·DateSep 8, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Ant colonies behave like neural networks when making decisions

A new study suggests that ant colonies behave similarly to networks of neurons in the brain, combining sensory information with group parameters to arrive at a collective response. The findings indicate that ants adjust their decision-making based on the magnitude of heat increase and group size.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2022

Improving serious illness communication for patients with advanced cancer

A quality improvement project at Dartmouth Cancer Center increased serious illness conversations between patients and providers from 0% to 70%, reflecting the importance of early discussions on prognosis and treatment options. The project's success was attributed to standardized work, an engaged interdisciplinary team, and system-level...

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJCO Oncology Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2022

Facial similarity influences perceptions of trustworthiness for same-sex interactions

Researchers from Osaka University found that facial similarity plays a crucial role in ratings of trustworthiness for observers of the same sex, but not for observers of opposite sex. The study suggests that facial similarity is an important factor affecting social judgments for same-sex interactions.

SourceOsaka University·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Big numbers blur policy ambitions

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University suggests that presenting government programs with a cost-per-person price tag can increase public understanding and participation in policy debates. By scaling large numbers into smaller units, people can better comprehend funding choices, potentially leading to more informed citizenship.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2022

Substantial discrepancies found between estimated and measured GFR

A cross-sectional study found significant differences between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and directly measured GFR (mGFR), highlighting the importance of considering uncertainty in eGFR calculations. Researchers suggest renaming eGFR as a population average GFR to improve accuracy.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2022