Author Archives: support

Fuel Your Drive by Valuing Time, Not Money

Have you ever embarked on a new diet, only to find yourself disheartened when the scales refused to budge by your target deadline? Or have you attempted to assemble that sleek new piece of furniture you ordered online, only to be left bewildered by a cryptic instruction manual? And of course, most of us have made enthusiastic New Year’s resolutions that quickly faded into forgotten promises within mere weeks. These shared experiences highlight a broader truth: when our goals are derailed or progress is slow, the temptation to abandon the effort altogether becomes strong. However, new research from the School of Management at Binghamton University, State University of New York, reveals that how we frame our investments—specifically, whether we think in terms of time or money—can make a profound difference in how motivated we remain when things get tough.

The study builds upon foundational psychological research, which suggests that individuals thrive when they feel autonomous, competent, and connected to others. These conditions support what’s known as self-determination, a psychological state essential to motivation and well-being. Conversely, repeated failures often undermine this inner drive. According to the study, when people focus on the time they’ve invested in pursuing a goal, rather than the financial costs incurred, they tend to sustain higher levels of motivation, even in the face of setbacks. This insight is particularly relevant to industries that depend on customer perseverance, such as the booming market for do-it-yourself (DIY) products and personal development tools.

Co-author Subimal Chatterjee, a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor, explained that people often make purchases—coaching sessions, self-help books, instructional videos—with a clear expectation of results. When those results do not materialise quickly, the sense of failure is magnified by the perceived monetary loss, leading to discouragement. By contrast, when people invest less money but more personal time, they are more likely to see the experience as one of growth and self-improvement. This perspective helps cultivate a mindset of persistence. The study supports the notion that the emotional consequences of failure are softened when individuals reflect on their time commitment and internal progress rather than on external, financial expenditure.

To test these ideas, researchers conducted three separate studies: two involving a total of 600 working professionals, and one involving 75 undergraduates from a Taiwanese university. The research examined how focusing on time rather than money influences motivation, particularly after failure. They found that while failing twice in a row significantly reduced people’s willingness to persevere when they viewed their efforts as financially driven, this demotivating effect was much less pronounced when the effort was considered in terms of time spent. The undergraduates, for example, were less likely to feel demoralised after failing a test if they concentrated on how much time they had devoted to studying and what they had learned in the process. Interestingly, the researchers noted that after three or more failures, the protective effects of time framing started to diminish, suggesting there may be a limit to this strategy’s impact.

The underlying reason for this pattern, the study suggests, is that people feel more external pressure and less control when they tie success to monetary investment. Money spent without visible returns can feel wasted, triggering frustration and self-doubt. However, framing a setback as part of a time-based journey allows people to retain a sense of agency. Assistant Professor of Marketing Debjit Gupta, a co-author of the study, offered the example of rehabilitation after injury. While such treatment may incur costs, viewing it through the lens of personal time spent healing and connecting with others can foster a more constructive and enduring mindset. The goal may not be achieved in a week, but the individual remains engaged and motivated to continue the process.

This time-over-money framing has valuable implications for business and marketing strategies as well. The researchers found that employees who feel more in control of their time report higher job satisfaction and are better able to recover from professional setbacks. Companies that cultivate this sense of autonomy and resilience among workers are likely to see improved morale and productivity. For marketers, the takeaway is clear: campaigns that highlight skill-building, personal growth, and perseverance—rather than material expenditure—can better connect with consumers. Subtly incorporating affirming, time-focused messages may encourage customers to stick with products and services, especially when results aren’t immediate. As Chatterjee concluded, when learning and growth are prioritised, time becomes a more meaningful currency, and motivation has a much better chance of enduring.

More information: Subimal Chatterjee et al, Trying but failing: the role of time and money in enhancing self-determination, increasing goal persistence, and reducing unhappiness, Journal of Consumer Marketing. DOI: 10.1108/JCM-05-2023-6026

Journal information: Journal of Consumer Marketing Provided by Binghamton University

If Problem-Solvers Drive Success, Why Do Leaders Empower Yes-Men?

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Two newly published studies reveal a paradox at the heart of many organisations: leaders are significantly less likely to empower employees who raise concerns, even though those same employees often play a crucial role in identifying problems and proposing innovative solutions. Known as individuals who exhibit “challenging voice,” these employees frequently challenge decisions, question the status quo, and call attention to strategic missteps—behaviours that, paradoxically, tend to reduce their influence within the workplace. Despite mounting evidence that such behaviours can benefit team performance and enhance organisational resilience, many leaders seem to marginalise the very people most capable of driving meaningful improvement.

Bradley Kirkman, co-author of the research and General (Ret.) H. Hugh Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership at North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management, underscores the irony. “We know that empowering employees boosts their performance and lowers turnover,” he explains. “And we also know that employees who use challenging voice are often more creative, take greater responsibility, and share knowledge more frequently—all factors that are good for the bottom line.” Yet, the data from both studies show a consistent pattern: such employees are less likely to be granted influence or autonomy by their superiors. The contradiction raises an uncomfortable question: Why do leaders avoid empowering those who are most engaged and proactive?

To explore this, the researchers examined two types of employee voice: challenging and supportive. A demanding voice includes expressions of dissent, concerns about company direction, or resistance to potentially flawed leadership decisions. In contrast, a supportive voice encompasses praise, encouragement, and affirmations of the status quo. Across both studies—one conducted with MBA professionals and their employees in China, and another involving a diverse sample of working adults in the United States—the results were consistent: those who spoke supportively were more likely to be empowered than those who raised concerns. This suggests a systemic bias favouring employees who offer affirmation over those who provide insight, even when the latter is more valuable strategically.

In the first study, researchers surveyed 143 MBA leaders and 266 of their employees across various industries in China, tracking behavioural patterns over a six-week period. The dyads of leaders and followers completed three rounds of surveys, which enabled the researchers to examine how different types of employee input shaped leadership responses. In the second study, conducted in the United States, over 500 adults were asked to take on the role of a leader evaluating a hypothetical employee. Each participant received one of several randomly assigned employee profiles, varying by voice type (challenging or supportive) and by the degree of helpful behaviour (high or low). These manipulations allowed researchers to test how different combinations of behaviour affected leaders’ willingness to grant empowerment.

What emerged was a clear pattern. Leaders consistently perceived a challenging voice as a threat to their authority, interpreting it as a challenge to their leadership rather than a contribution to organisational health. In contrast, employees who used a supportive tone were perceived as being aligned with the leader’s goals and were more likely to be entrusted with greater influence. This finding held across both cultural contexts, suggesting that the issue is not isolated to one management tradition or geographical region, but is instead a deeply ingrained psychological reaction. Managers, it seems, often equate agreement with loyalty and criticism with disloyalty—even when the latter comes from a place of commitment and conscientiousness.

There was, however, one critical exception. In both studies, leaders were more likely to empower employees who used a challenging voice if those employees also exhibited high levels of helpful behaviour. When employees were seen to take initiative, assist their supervisors, or go above and beyond in supporting team goals, their critical input was no longer viewed as threatening. These individuals were considered team players rather than troublemakers. Notably, this moderating effect did not apply to supportive voice. In other words, being helpful did not enhance the impact of a supportive voice because those employees were already viewed favourably; it only helped rehabilitate the reputation of those who spoke up with concerns.

The key takeaway for leaders is to be more self-aware and deliberate in their responses to employee input. A challenging voice is not necessarily a sign of defiance—it can be a marker of engagement, creativity, and strategic thinking. When leaders ignore or sideline such voices, they risk cultivating an echo chamber where conformity is rewarded and meaningful feedback is suppressed. This not only undermines morale but may also allow serious issues to fester unaddressed. A strong, dynamic organisation depends on the presence of employees who are willing to ask hard questions and point out blind spots—especially when they do so constructively.

For employees, the message is more nuanced. Speaking out remains important, but it may be wise to pair criticism with visible acts of support and commitment. Employees who consistently offer assistance, contribute to their team, and support their leaders in tangible ways are better positioned to voice dissent without suffering repercussions. The research suggests that helpfulness acts as a buffer, signalling to leaders that critique is offered in good faith and with the organisation’s best interests at heart. In this way, employees can strike a delicate balance—demonstrating both allegiance and assertiveness—without compromising their influence or professional standing.

More information: Troy Smith et al, Why do bootlickers get empowered more than boat-rockers? The effects of voice and helping on empowering leadership through threat and goal congruence perceptions, Journal of Applied Psychology. DOI: 10.1037/apl0001303

Journal information: Journal of Applied Psychology Provided by North Carolina State University

Navigating the NFT minefield: landmark security review exposes extensive vulnerabilities

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Non-Fungible Tokens, or NFTs, have become a significant part of the digital world, enabling individuals to prove ownership of unique digital assets, such as art, music, and virtual real estate. Thanks to blockchain technology, these digital assets can be bought, sold, and traded securely—or so it was thought. As the NFT market exploded in value, reaching $69 billion, it also attracted hackers and scammers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. A new study has now delivered the first large-scale review of NFT security, documenting 176 real-world incidents and organising them into 12 types of threats. The findings not only highlight serious risks but also suggest ways to make digital ownership safer and more reliable.

NFTs have revolutionised the way we think about owning digital assets online. From buying digital paintings to collecting rare in-game items, NFTs are now a key part of the Web3 economy. However, their rapid rise has created a gap between innovation and security. Many users are unaware of the dangers they face, including fake projects, scam websites, and hidden bugs in smart contracts. As more money flows into NFTs, the cost of being caught in a scam or attack has grown. There’s an urgent need to understand where the risks lie and how to defend against them.

Published on June 25, 2025, in Blockchain: Research and Applications, the new study comes from researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Peking University. It’s the first systematisation of knowledge—or SoK—focusing entirely on NFT security. The researchers examined 248 security reports and 35 academic papers, enabling them to study and classify 176 distinct NFT-related attacks and failures. Their work produced a detailed framework that identifies common weaknesses, explains why they’re hard to detect, and offers guidance for fixing them.

The team built a three-layer model to organise NFT threats: the contract layer (where smart contracts run), the market layer (where buying and selling happen), and the auxiliary service layer (which includes websites and tools that support NFT use). Within these layers, they found 12 major types of threats. Some issues originated from bugs in smart contracts, such as reentrancy flaws or inadequate access controls. Others involved shady marketplace behaviour, such as wash trading or “rug pulls”—where a project vanishes with investors’ money. There were also attacks on the supporting tools, such as phishing websites or fake interfaces meant to trick users.

To help combat these problems, the researchers developed several tools. One helps trace transactions to detect reentrancy attacks, while the other uses symbolic execution to identify logic flaws in minting functions. These tools are already helping to spot vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. However, the study also highlights that some of the most common attacks—such as phishing and fake websites—are still being overlooked by academic researchers. By publishing their dataset and security model openly, the team hopes to encourage further study and improvements in both research and industry practices.

Dr. Haoyu Wang, a senior author of the study, said that even though NFTs have proliferated, most people still don’t fully understand where they’re vulnerable. He views this work as a crucial starting point to bridge that gap. The study offers developers the means to build safer platforms, helps collectors recognise warning signs of scams, and urges cooperation between cybersecurity experts and blockchain builders. As NFTs expand into finance, gaming, and online identity, this research represents a significant step in securing their future and establishing trust in digital ownership.

More information: Kai Ma et al, SoK: On the security of non-fungible tokens, Blockchain: Research and Applications. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcra.2024.100268

Journal information: Blockchain: Research and Applications Provided by Zhejiang University

How Unicorns Win: Embracing Simplicity and Securing Early Private Capital

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A new international study led by researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania has shed light on why some digital mental health start-ups succeed in becoming unicorns—start-ups valued at over $1 billion—while most do not. The research found that many of these successful companies received private funding at an early stage, chose to build essential but not overly complex technologies, and often adopted a subscription-based revenue model. In contrast, companies that relied on state funding were generally less successful, suggesting that government support, while well-intentioned, may hinder growth in this fast-paced sector.

The study focused specifically on digital mental health platforms, which experienced increased demand following the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers examined 125 ventures in this field, including 12 unicorns, to understand what distinguishes the successful ones. They found that a winning formula often included early private investment, simple yet effective technological solutions, and a focus on meeting customer needs rather than pushing the limits of scientific innovation. Professor Asta Pundzienė, who led the study at KTU, emphasised that only a small percentage of digital health start-ups become unicorns. Still, success does not always hinge on developing advanced or “deep” technologies.

One of the more surprising findings was that government funding—typically seen as a positive force in research and innovation—can sometimes hinder a start-up’s ability to grow into a unicorn. This is partly because state agencies often focus on goals such as academic excellence, job creation in research fields, and the development of cutting-edge technologies. While these aims are valuable, they may not align with the fast-paced, customer-focused mindset required for a digital start-up to thrive. Instead of agile growth, state-funded start-ups often face layers of administrative accountability that can hinder their progress and make it more challenging to respond to market demand.

The contrast between American and European approaches to innovation was also a key theme in the study. Most of the unicorns analysed were based in the United States, which the researchers attribute to the country’s robust network of private investors and a commercial environment that encourages market-driven innovation. In the US, businesses focus on what customers need and are willing to pay for. Deep technologies are often introduced later, once the company is already generating revenue. This contrasts with the European model, where innovation is usually expected to be scientifically novel from the start, sometimes at the expense of practical usefulness or speed.

Professor Pundzienė and her team believe this research should inform how investment is approached in Europe. They argue that current funding models may need to be restructured to support better start-ups that address real-world needs rather than simply pushing technological boundaries. For example, digital mental health services that offer teletherapy or online support may not be based on complex algorithms. However, they can still provide critical services and meet a growing demand, making them worthy of early investment and support.

The study also stresses the importance of flexibility in funding decisions. Ventures should be evaluated not only on their scientific or technical merit but also on their ability to meet market needs, scale efficiently, and generate revenue. According to the researchers, early-stage funding should be tied to these practical outcomes rather than abstract innovation criteria. If start-ups are supported in creating valuable, accessible services, they may later be able to develop more complex, high-tech offerings, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers.

In conclusion, the KTU study suggests that becoming a unicorn is rarely a matter of one single decision or factor. Instead, it is the result of a thoughtful combination of early funding, targeted service development, and alignment with market needs. Policymakers and investors, particularly in Europe, are encouraged to reconsider how they evaluate and support digital service start-ups, especially those in the healthcare sector. Rather than insisting on deep tech from the outset, a focus on simplicity, utility, and customer value may be the smarter path to success.

More information: Asta Pundzienė et al, What entrepreneurial decisions enable the breeding of digital platform unicorns? Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal. DOI: 10.1002/sej.1543

Journal information: Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal Provided by Kaunas University of Technology

Scuba Diving Sector Supports Marine Conservation and Local Employment

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A recent study, published on July 25 in Cell Reports Sustainability, a journal from Cell Press, reveals that the global scuba diving tourism industry generates approximately USD 20 billion annually. This robust economic activity not only supports coastal communities by employing residents but also makes a significant contribution to marine conservation. These contributions come in the form of both direct financial support and increased public awareness of the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. The findings position scuba diving not as a niche recreational pursuit but as a powerful economic force with far-reaching environmental implications.

Dr Anna Schuhbauer of the University of British Columbia, lead author of the study, emphasises that scuba diving should be recognised as a major contributor to both economic and ecological sustainability. “Scuba diving is not a fringe hobby,” Schuhbauer states. “It is a multibillion-dollar pillar of the economy that can channel tourists’ dollars straight into coastal communities and ocean protection.” Her comments reflect the growing understanding among conservationists and economists alike that nature-based tourism, when conducted responsibly, can play a dual role in development and preservation. The study aligns with broader trends showing the potential of ecotourism—especially in marine protected areas—to generate revenue without degrading the environment.

Although ecotourism has long been celebrated for its potential to reconcile economic growth with conservation goals, global data quantifying this impact have remained fragmented and incomplete. Schuhbauer and her colleagues sought to address this gap by focusing specifically on scuba diving, one of the most popular forms of marine ecotourism. While previous studies tended to concentrate on specific countries or isolated regions, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive global baseline that could inform future policymaking. As Schuhbauer notes, “Most prior work stopped at local case studies or national snapshots, so its cumulative economic impact—and its potential to contribute to ocean conservation—remained invisible.”

The research involved surveying scuba diving operators worldwide to estimate total revenue, employment figures, and conservation benefits associated with the industry. The team identified roughly 11,590 dive operators across 170 countries, collectively employing about 124,000 individuals, of whom an estimated 80 per cent were local nationals. Annual diver numbers were estimated to be between 8.9 and 13.6 million, generating direct revenues of between $ 0.9 and $ 3.2 billion USD. When broader tourism-related spending is included—such as travel, accommodation, gear rentals, and certifications—the total economic impact ranges between $ 8.5 billion and $ 20.4 billion annually. These figures underline scuba diving’s central role within the global ecotourism landscape.

Notably, the study points out that these estimates are conservative. They do not include additional economic contributions such as the manufacture and sale of diving equipment, nor revenue generated through international dive associations and training bodies. The researchers argue that including these sectors in future assessments would yield an even more comprehensive understanding of the industry’s economic weight. Nevertheless, even with a narrowly defined scope, the findings are persuasive enough to justify more substantial support for community-based marine conservation efforts. The predominance of local employment in the diving sector strengthens the case for integrating tourism into sustainable development strategies, particularly in coastal regions where economic opportunities can be limited.

Looking ahead, the research team plans to establish standardised monitoring systems to track dive tourism metrics with greater accuracy and consistency. This would enable a more refined analysis of trends, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global tourism and altered travel behaviours. Understanding how the scuba industry rebounds—and how it can adapt sustainably—will be vital for both economic planning and environmental management. “These figures are conservative first cuts, providing a global overview and not a detailed country-by-country analysis, so they should guide—not dictate—policy,” Schuhbauer concludes. Her team’s ongoing work promises to offer further clarity on how diving tourism can continue to serve as a bridge between livelihoods and ocean stewardship.

More information: Anna Schuhbauer et al, Global economic impact of scuba dive tourism, Cell Reports Sustainability. DOI: 10.1016/j.crsus.2025.100435

Journal information: Cell Reports Sustainability Provided by Cell Press

Research on the Blue Economy Highlights Links Between Brazil’s Coastal and Interior Regions

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A recent study by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) has shed light on the structure and impact of Brazil’s “blue economy”—the collective term for economic activities that directly depend on the sea and its resources. Using an interregional input-output model, the researchers tracked both the direct and indirect effects, both direct and cascading, of marine-based industries throughout the Brazilian economy. The results underscore not only the significant economic contribution of coastal regions but also their intricate ties to inland areas, revealing a broad and often underappreciated geographical footprint of maritime activities.

The research, led by Professor Eduardo Haddad and postdoctoral researcher Inácio Araújo, both from USP’s School of Economics, Business, Accounting and Actuary (FEA-USP), was published in the journal Ocean Sustainability. According to the authors, one of their key innovations lies in the geographical mapping of the ocean economy’s productive structure. “What we brought as an innovation was the measurement of the so-called ocean economy, with emphasis on the geographical dimension and the interconnection of the productive structure,” explained Haddad. This methodological framework not only provides a more complete picture of the sector’s reach but also offers a tool that can be adapted for other regions and nations seeking to understand their marine economies.

In 2019, the blue economy directly contributed 2.91% to Brazil’s GDP and was responsible for 1.07% of the country’s employment. Within this economic structure, oil and natural gas extraction stood out as the dominant sector, accounting for over 60% of what the researchers term the “Blue GDP.” Other notable contributors included public administration and defence (7.4%) and storage and transport services (7.3%). Haddad notes that while offshore oil forms the financial backbone, the remaining 40% is spread across vital areas, including coastal tourism, fishing, maritime transport, and national defence, reflecting the sector’s diversity and multifaceted value.

The most striking revelation of the study is the extent of interdependence between coastal and inland regions. When indirect effects—such as supply chain connections and consumption spillovers—are considered, the blue economy’s contribution to GDP nearly doubles to 6.39%, with its share in employment rising to 4.45%. “It’s as if I pulled a plant out of the ground and along came the whole root, which had spread very far,” Haddad remarked. Using Minas Gerais—a landlocked state—as an example, he illustrates how inland territories are economically tied to the sea through supply chains in industries such as fishing and transportation. This connectivity paints a more complex picture of the blue economy, one that extends well beyond the coastline.

The study also delves into regional dynamics, revealing that while the Southeast (particularly Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Espírito Santo) dominates blue economic output—contributing 82% of direct production—other regions have developed distinct specialisations. The Northeast, for example, is more focused on coastal tourism and artisanal fishing. These regional differences underscore the importance of developing locally tailored policies to foster sustainable marine development. As Haddad notes, “What we see are various regional nuances in coastal economies and this has important implications for the design of sustainable development policies.” This notion is reflected in the study’s evocative title, Shades of Blue, suggesting a spectrum of regional realities within Brazil’s marine economy.

Despite the sector’s breadth and importance, the study critiques Brazil’s fragmented approach to maritime policy. Although national frameworks, such as the National Policy for Sea Resources and the National Maritime Policy, exist, the authors argue that they fall short of effectively integrating ocean-related decision-making into broader development strategies. The methodology pioneered in this research has already found international applications in Portugal’s island territories and Peru, with promising implications for future policymaking. As Haddad concludes, “We aim to contribute to the formulation of more just, territorially sensitive, and effective environmental and economic decisions.” The study thus represents not only a significant academic contribution but also a potential blueprint for sustainable and inclusive economic planning around marine resources.

More information: Eduardo Haddad et al, Shades of blue: the regional structure of the ocean economy in Brazil, npj Ocean Sustainability. DOI: 10.1038/s44183-025-00112-x

Journal information: npj Ocean Sustainability Provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

Colorado Hotel Revenues Surge to Record Levels Between 2010 and 2019

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A study conducted by Florian Zach, an associate professor in the Howard Feiertag Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at the Pamplin College of Business, has revealed a striking correlation between marijuana legalisation and increased hotel revenue in Colorado. According to the research, average monthly hotel revenue rose by 25 per cent between 2014—the year recreational marijuana was legalised—and 2019, the final year in the study’s data set. This substantial increase in income was primarily attributed to a surge in room bookings and higher daily room rates, both of which were influenced by the influx of marijuana tourism during that period.

Zach, who is also affiliated with the Global Change Center, noted that the revenue growth was not uniform across all properties. Instead, the most significant gains were observed in hotels with specific attributes. These included newer constructions, more upscale classifications, corporate management structures, and advantageous locations such as urban centres, high-demand tourist areas, and especially sites near dispensaries. While there was no indication that hotels or dispensaries deliberately coordinated their locations, the study emphasised that the distance between the two played a meaningful role in revenue outcomes.

Published in Production and Operations Management, the research drew from a comprehensive dataset of nearly 1,300 hotels across Colorado and New Mexico between 2010 and 2019. New Mexico served as a control group, as it had not legalised marijuana during this timeframe. The study also incorporated qualitative data from interviews with hotel managers in three Colorado cities. One particularly notable trend was the response of hotels to increased revenue: many began upgrading their properties from three-star to four-star status, investing in improved amenities and enhanced guest experiences that could justify a higher price point.

The data further indicated that hotels in resort destinations, bustling urban environments, and near airports reaped the most benefit from the rise in marijuana tourism, mainly due to the higher population density and visitor traffic in these areas. Zach suggested that high-end, corporately managed hotels could maximise their advantage by leveraging their brand strength and marketing resources to attract cannabis-friendly guests. Some hoteliers were already taking active steps in this direction—for example, one property included a list of local dispensaries in its in-room guest guide. Conversely, older hotels or those located far from urban centres might need to consider renovation or strategic rebranding to stay competitive in this evolving market.

Yet despite the promising financial implications, not all hotel operators expressed enthusiasm about marijuana legalisation. During interviews, some managers voiced reservations, especially those catering to clientele less likely to appreciate a cannabis-oriented atmosphere, such as airline crews or families. Zach cautioned against uncritical celebration of the revenue surge, stating, “It would be naive to think marijuana is the greatest thing available,” echoing the concerns raised by several general managers. These perspectives highlight the nuanced realities that hotel operators face as they balance revenue opportunities with the diverse needs and expectations of various guest segments.

As marijuana legalisation continues to spread across the United States, the findings from this study offer valuable insights for a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and city planners, the results may inform zoning decisions—strategically situating dispensaries near tourist-heavy areas could amplify economic gains. Investors and developers might also find the data helpful when evaluating the potential returns of upgrading hotels in high-demand locations. Ultimately, the research suggests new avenues for collaboration between the hospitality and cannabis industries, ranging from co-branded experiences to customised guest services. In sum, the legalisation of recreational marijuana is not just a cultural shift—it is actively transforming how hotels operate, compete, and engage with guests in a rapidly changing landscape.

More information: Florian Zach et al, Impact of Recreational Marijuana Legalization on Hotel Performance and Operations: A Bayesian Causal Inference Approach, Production and Operations Management. DOI: 10.1177/10591478251345522

Journal information: Production and Operations Management Provided by Virginia Tech

Self-Checkout Preferred for Purchases Subject to Social Stigma, Study Shows

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Self-checkout registers have become a widespread feature in grocery stores, offering convenience and perceived efficiency to consumers. Beyond simply speeding up the process, these stations provide shoppers with a greater degree of privacy, as there is no cashier directly observing their purchases. This element of anonymity has raised questions about whether customers alter their buying behaviours in response to reduced social scrutiny. A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explores precisely this question: do individuals prefer self-checkout when purchasing items that may be associated with social stigma?

Led by Becca Taylor, assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE) at Illinois, the study sought to understand whether the absence of human interaction influences purchasing decisions, particularly in the case of products that might provoke embarrassment. “When you’re at a cashier register, the cashier sees everything you purchase. When you’re at self-checkout, you can control what others see, so you might be more likely to buy embarrassing items,” Taylor explained. The researchers were especially interested in how automation technologies might affect what consumers are willing to buy when that decision involves potentially stigmatised products — such as condoms, pregnancy tests, period supplies, haemorrhoid creams, and diarrhoea relief medications.

To investigate this, Taylor and her team analysed scanner data from a major grocery store chain operating in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Their data spanned from 2008 to 2011, a critical time frame that captured the initial introduction of self-checkout registers across many of the chain’s locations. This rollout offered a natural experiment for assessing changes in consumer behaviour, allowing the researchers to compare purchase patterns before and after self-checkout became available. “This was the first time that self-checkout was available to shoppers, and we could see how they responded to it,” Taylor noted.

The study was structured around two key questions. First, did shoppers under-purchase stigmatised items when self-checkout was not an option? And second, once self-checkout was available, were they more likely to use it for these purchases? Using a random sample of transactions from 30 stores, the researchers observed that sales of some items, such as condoms, bowel treatments, and yeast infection medications, increased following the introduction of self-checkout. However, other products — including period supplies — did not show a similar increase, possibly because they are often purchased out of necessity rather than discretion. The findings suggest a distinction between items that can be postponed or avoided and those that are non-negotiable.

In a second phase of the analysis, the researchers examined purchasing behaviour in more detail, drawing on every transaction that occurred during afternoon hours at 51 stores over three years. They found that, overall, 19% of items were bought via self-checkout. However, when it came to stigmatised products, that number rose sharply. For instance, 42% of condom purchases and 43% of pregnancy test sales occurred at self-checkout stations. Importantly, this preference held even when other complicating factors were present. Customers who purchased produce — which must be weighed and coded — or who were buying large baskets of groceries, still opted for self-checkout when their basket included socially sensitive items. The desire for discretion appeared to outweigh the inconvenience of scanning and bagging a full shop.

Interestingly, this preference comes with a measurable tradeoff. While customers might feel that self-checkout is faster due to the sense of being in control, data shows that transactions at staffed registers are, on average, 100 seconds shorter. Nevertheless, many are willing to accept the extra effort and time for the sake of privacy. These insights arrive at a time when some retailers are reconsidering the widespread use of self-checkout, citing customer feedback in favour of human interaction. Taylor concludes that while there are indeed circumstances in which shoppers prefer engaging with a cashier — for instance, when purchasing flowers, produce, or bulky items like dog food — the availability of both self-checkout and staffed lanes is essential. Allowing consumers to choose based on their immediate needs and comfort levels ultimately enhances their overall shopping experience.

More information: Becca Taylor et al, Does automation reduce stigma? The effect of self-checkout register adoption on purchasing decisions, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2025.107126

Journal information: Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization Provided by University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

Projected Out-of-Pocket Expenses for Privately Insured Patients with Common Cancer Types

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The rising cost of cancer care in the United States—particularly the direct financial burden experienced by patients through out-of-pocket costs (OOPCs)—has been thoroughly documented in recent literature. This issue is especially acute among Medicare beneficiaries. Individuals with Medicare coverage who receive a new cancer diagnosis frequently incur thousands of dollars in annual medical expenses. Among those without supplemental Medicare insurance, OOPCs may account for more than half of their yearly household income. Although the Affordable Care Act has provided some financial relief—particularly through modifications to Medicare Part D—substantial out-of-pocket expenditures persist, particularly for inpatient hospital admissions and prescription drug costs. These financial burdens, often referred to as “financial toxicity,” have been consistently linked to reduced medication adherence. Given that the majority of cancer patients are aged 65 or older and therefore Medicare-eligible, research has primarily focused on this group. However, with the increasing incidence of cancer among younger adults under the age of 65—those not yet eligible for Medicare—there is a growing need to investigate OOPCs within privately insured populations better to understand the financial implications for this emerging demographic.

Estimating OOPCs associated with specific cancer types in privately insured adults has proven challenging for several reasons. Traditional survey-based datasets that examine healthcare expenditures—such as the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)—lack sufficient sample sizes to permit stratification by both cancer site and stage. Furthermore, these surveys are prone to systematically underestimating actual healthcare costs. In contrast, administrative claims databases, such as MarketScan and the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, offer larger sample sizes and more reliable cost data. However, these datasets often fall short in terms of clinical detail. Staging information, when present, is inconsistently reported and lacks the methodological rigour found in population-based cancer registries, such as the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) programme, which relies on validated medical record reviews. Therefore, to effectively identify patient subgroups at elevated risk for high OOPCs, a comprehensive linkage between detailed clinical cancer data and insurance claims is essential.

While linkages between Medicare claims and SEER data have already facilitated such analyses within publicly insured populations, similar integrated datasets for privately insured individuals have remained elusive. This absence of high-quality linked data has hindered efforts to examine the financial burden of cancer in younger, working-age adults who are enrolled in private insurance plans.

To address this critical gap, a recent study leveraged a novel dataset combining SEER registry data with claims from the OptumLabs Data Warehouse, representing the largest private health insurer in the United States. This integrated data resource enables accurate identification of key cancer characteristics, including the anatomical site and stage at diagnosis, alongside granular cost data specific to each patient’s insurance policy. Importantly, this linkage permits the isolation of costs directly attributable to the cancer diagnosis from a patient’s baseline healthcare utilisation and spending.

Using this rich dataset, researchers employed a difference-in-differences (DiD) analytical design to compare changes in OOPCs for individuals diagnosed with cancer before and after their diagnosis, relative to a matched cohort of individuals without cancer. This methodological approach helps mitigate potential confounding by accounting for time-related changes in healthcare spending unrelated to cancer status. The use of DiD enables a more robust estimation of the financial impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment within a privately insured, working-age population—a segment of the public whose insurance coverage is often more fragmented and whose financial vulnerability may differ significantly from older, Medicare-covered individuals.

The study contributes novel evidence to the growing literature on cancer-related financial toxicity by providing precise, empirically grounded estimates of OOPCs among privately insured adults. These findings have significant implications for healthcare providers, insurers, and policymakers seeking to alleviate the financial burden of cancer care and enhance patient outcomes. Moreover, the study underscores the broader importance of integrated health data infrastructures that bridge clinical and administrative domains, thereby enabling more nuanced and equitable health policy planning across all segments of the insured population—not just those served by public insurance programmes.

More information: Liam Rose et al, Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs for Patients With Common Cancers and Private Insurance, JAMA Network Open. DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21575

Journal information: JAMA Network Open Provided by JAMA Network

The Power of Popularity: Study Uncovers How Labels Shape News Engagement

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New research from the University of Georgia has revealed a fascinating dimension of how we engage with news online: it’s not always the subject of the article that compels us to click, but rather the digital footprints of those who came before us. This behavioural tendency — where we rely on cues from our fellow readers to decide what’s worth our attention — becomes particularly salient in the context of popularity labels, such as “most read” and “most shared,” prominently displayed by many news outlets. These labels, far from being mere add-ons, wield a subtle but powerful influence over our choices — and, by extension, over news consumption patterns, advertising revenue, and public discourse itself.

According to the study, led by Assistant Professor of Marketing Tari Dagogo-Jack at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, these labels tap into a psychological phenomenon known as social proof. When people are unsure of what to choose, they often look to others for guidance. In the world of online journalism, this translates into following cues that suggest what other readers are doing, especially when articles are marked as popular. Dagogo-Jack argues that such popularity indicators are unlikely to disappear, as they satisfy a deeply ingrained human desire to conform, to be part of a group, and to feel validated in our choices.

However, not all popularity labels carry the same meaning or effect. Through nine separate surveys and experiments involving hundreds of participants, the research team uncovered a nuanced distinction in how readers interpret the terms “most read” and “most shared.” While both labels imply a high level of engagement, they send different signals about the content’s perceived quality and purpose. Articles labelled “most read” are generally interpreted as being more informative and serious. In contrast, those marked “most shared” tend to be associated with entertainment or superficial content — the digital equivalent of a funny cat video going viral. This suggests that the same article might attract very different levels of attention depending on how it is framed.

Dagogo-Jack explains that the fundamental motivation for reading news is informational: readers want to learn, understand, and stay informed. Consequently, the label “most read” functions as a stronger indicator of information value and thus earns more clicks. On the other hand, “most shared” might arouse suspicion that the content is trivial or sensationalistic. This distinction has profound implications for news organisations, particularly those seeking to optimise reader engagement. Editors who want to boost visibility for substantial, thoughtful journalism might be better served by adopting the “most read” label. Meanwhile, lighter fare — celebrity gossip, sports banter, or quirky lifestyle features — might thrive under a “most shared” banner.

The study’s implications stretch beyond editorial choice and into the realm of social media strategy. In experiments using mock news posts, educational content labelled as “most shared” consistently underperformed when compared to the duplicate content labelled “most read.” In more entertainment-focused categories, however, the “most shared” label was just as effective. This underscores a broader lesson in media strategy: audience context and content tone must be considered together when deciding how to package and promote news. For marketers, headline writers, and platform designers, it is no longer sufficient to make content accessible simply; it must also be framed in a way that aligns with the reader’s psychological expectations.

In practical terms, journalists and web developers should think carefully about how they label and categorise their content. Generic phrases such as “trending” or “most popular” may be too ambiguous to be useful. Such labels might confuse readers rather than guide them, because they do not indicate what type of popularity is being signalled — is it the volume of clicks, the number of shares, the length of time spent reading, or something else entirely? The risk is that these vague markers could backfire, contributing to information overload or decision fatigue. As Dagogo-Jack puts it, these labels are meant to serve as a helpful crutch, but if misapplied, they might lead readers to abandon their search for meaningful content in favour of following the herd.

Ultimately, the findings prompt a deeper reflection on how we consume news and the unseen forces that shape our choices. In an era where digital platforms increasingly mediate what we read and how we think, small design elements like a label can wield disproportionate power. The study raises a critical question: Are we reading specific articles because they genuinely interest us or because others have done so before us? Dagogo-Jack suggests that we need to be more conscious of the mechanisms nudging our behaviour, and to interrogate our motives as consumers of information. At a time when trust in journalism and democratic discourse is more fragile than ever, understanding the psychology behind a simple click may be more important than it first appears.

More information: Tari Dagago-Jack et al, Most Read Versus Most Shared: How Less (vs. More) Social Popularity Labels Influence News Media Consumption, Journal of Consumer Research. DOI: 10.1093/jcr/ucaf017

Journal information: Journal of Consumer Research Provided by University of Georgia

Researchers at Pusan National University uncover critical obstacles to implementing data-driven smart manufacturing

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Modern manufacturing is increasingly entrenched in complex and volatile environments, where traditional management methodologies have become insufficient. The challenges faced today demand far more agile, adaptive, and intelligent strategies that can respond in real-time to changing variables. As a result, manufacturers are turning their attention to digital solutions such as Manufacturing Data Analytics (MDA), which is rapidly gaining recognition as a transformative enabler of smart manufacturing. By harnessing the power of data, MDA enables companies to identify subtle patterns and trends within their internal operations and across external market landscapes. These insights help firms anticipate and address supply chain disruptions, geopolitical risks, and evolving consumer expectations with greater precision and speed.

Despite its potential, the uptake of MDA in manufacturing remains surprisingly low. Fewer than 20% of MDA-related projects ever reach full implementation. This slow rate of adoption is not due to a lack of interest, but rather the presence of multiple implementation challenges that arise at various stages of the MDA process. Implementing MDA involves a sequence of five interrelated stages: preparing data, analysing it, evaluating the outcomes, interpreting results, and incorporating these insights into production systems. Each stage presents its own set of technical difficulties, compounded by organisational inertia and environmental constraints. Although previous research has explored many of these obstacles, most studies are limited in scope, often focusing on just one or two phases and rarely integrating the broader technological, organisational, and environmental (TOE) dimensions that are essential to understanding MDA’s real-world challenges.

To fill this knowledge gap, a team of researchers from the Department of Industrial Engineering at Pusan National University in South Korea has developed a new framework designed to systematically capture the full spectrum of challenges that hinder MDA implementation. Led by Assistant Professor Ki-Hun Kim, with contributions from Mr. Sa-Eun Park and Mr. Sang-Jae Lee, the team introduced the Comprehensive Issue Set for MDA Implementation (CISM). “To speed up the adoption of MDA, manufacturers need to be able to proactively recognise and resolve the various technical, organisational, and environmental barriers,” explains Dr Kim. “CISM provides the structured lens through which these challenges can be understood, prioritised, and ultimately addressed.” Their research was published in Volume 82 of the Journal of Manufacturing Systems in October 2025, following its online release on 9 June 2025.

To create this framework, the researchers performed a systematic review of existing academic literature. Using the SCOPUS database, they identified 35 studies that discussed barriers to the implementation of MDA. Through detailed analysis and synthesis, they were able to identify 29 distinct issues and categorise them into nine thematic clusters, each corresponding to a specific TOE domain and stage in the MDA process. Among these, 26 issues were aligned with the technological context, 11 with organisational structures and practices, and 4 with environmental factors such as regulatory or market dynamics. The nine categories capture a wide range of concerns—from data accessibility and compatibility, to the communication gap between data scientists and domain experts, and the difficulty of adapting analytics models to reflect the realities of manufacturing operations.

To assess the framework’s applicability in real-world settings, the research team conducted three case studies within the rubber manufacturing sector. These studies focused on optimising complex production steps, including the formulation of rubber recipes and the consistency of the mixing process. By applying CISM to these scenarios, the researchers confirmed its practical value: the framework was able to capture and explain all the significant challenges that emerged during the projects. This not only validated the comprehensiveness of CISM but also demonstrated how it could serve as a diagnostic tool to guide manufacturers through the process of adopting MDA in a structured and informed manner.

The authors also suggest several avenues for future research, including ranking the importance of each identified issue and investigating their relevance across different manufacturing contexts, such as discrete manufacturing, continuous processing, or hybrid systems. Furthermore, the development of customised mitigation strategies tailored to specific industries or enterprise sizes could significantly enhance the effectiveness of CISM. Educational and training initiatives based on this framework could also play a crucial role in preparing the workforce to engage with MDA more effectively, thereby reducing the human and organisational resistance that often accompanies digital transformation efforts.

In sum, CISM represents a meaningful advancement in the pursuit of data-driven smart manufacturing. By providing a comprehensive, structured understanding of the challenges associated with MDA implementation, it equips both researchers and practitioners with the knowledge needed to overcome existing barriers. As industries worldwide grapple with the imperative to innovate and adapt in the face of rapid technological and geopolitical change, tools like CISM will be vital. Not only do they help ensure that MDA projects succeed, but they also lay the groundwork for a more responsive, resilient, and intelligent manufacturing ecosystem—one that is better equipped to serve both industry needs and consumer expectations in the digital age.

More information: Sa-Eun Park et al, Comprehensive issue identification for manufacturing data analytics implementation: Systematic literature review and case studies, Journal of Manufacturing Systems. DOI: 10.1016/j.jmsy.2025.05.006

Journal information: Journal of Manufacturing Systems Provided by Pusan National University

Innovative Tool Empowers Users to Train Robots with Ease

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Teaching robots new skills once required specialist programming knowledge, but that barrier may soon become obsolete. A new generation of robots is emerging—ones that can learn by observing and imitating human actions. Engineers are now developing robotic systems capable of “learning from demonstration,” which allows users to guide robots through tasks in a more intuitive manner. These training methods include remote control using a joystick, physically guiding the robot’s movements, or performing the task while the robot watches and mimics the behaviour. Each of these approaches supports a more accessible and adaptable path to robot training.

Typically, robots are designed to be trained through just one of these demonstration styles. However, engineers at MIT have developed a breakthrough interface that unifies all three methods into a single training system. This new interface, referred to as a “versatile demonstration interface” (VDI), is a compact, sensor-equipped tool that attaches to the arm of a standard collaborative robot. With this device, users can choose to train the robot through remote operation, physical manipulation, or live demonstration, depending on the task at hand or their personal preference. The goal is to make robot training more natural and less reliant on technical skills.

To assess its effectiveness, the MIT team tested the VDI on a commercial robotic arm at an innovation centre where manufacturing professionals explore technologies designed to improve industrial processes. Volunteers with factory experience were asked to train the robot to perform two common tasks: press-fitting, where pegs are inserted into holes, and molding, which involves rolling a dough-like material around a rod. Each volunteer used all three training approaches in sequence, giving researchers insight into usability and preference.

Participants generally favoured the natural teaching method, where they performed the task themselves while the robot observed. However, each method had its strengths. Remote operation was noted as particularly useful in scenarios involving hazardous materials, while kinesthetic training was found to be effective when handling tasks that required physically demanding or large objects. The study highlighted how different training styles could complement each other in various industrial contexts, making the case for a versatile interface that accommodates all three.

The VDI is equipped with a camera and sensors that record motion and applied force during training. When attached to the robot, it enables teleoperation or guided manipulation. When detached, it can be used directly by a person to perform the task, recording all necessary data for the robot to learn by imitation. This flexibility not only simplifies robot programming but also expands the pool of individuals who can teach a robot, opening the door to workers without coding expertise to contribute to robotic systems on the fly.

MIT’s researchers see broader potential beyond factory floors. The interface could be used in homes, hospitals, and caregiving settings, allowing robots to assist with a range of tasks by learning from the people they support. As postdoctoral researcher Mike Hagenow notes, “We are trying to create knowledgeable and skilled teammates that can effectively work with humans to get complex work done.” With continued development and user feedback, the team hopes that this adaptable approach to robot training will promote the broader adoption of collaborative robots across diverse industries.

More information: Michael Hagenow et al, Versatile Demonstration Interface: Toward More Flexible Robot Demonstration Collection. DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2410.19141