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What Happened to Haiti to Make it a Perpetual Failed State? | Media Advisory
Haiti's prolonged struggle with political instability, economic hardship, and natural disasters raises critical questions about international aid, governance, and the path to sustainable development. This topic is not just newsworthy for its historical complexity but also for its implications on human rights, regional stability, and global efforts to address poverty and inequality. Haiti's story prompts a deeper examination of: The impact of foreign intervention and aid Political corruption and its effects on governance Economic policies and their role in sustainable development Social movements and the fight for democracy Environmental degradation and resilience Connect with an Expert about What Happened to Haiti to Make it a Perpetual Failed State? For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about the ongoing crisis in Haiti, here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts, visit www.expertfile.com Ken Keen Associate Professor in the Practice of Organization & Management; Associate Dean for Leadership; Lieutenant General, USA (Retired) – Emory University, Goizueta Business Robert Fuller, M.D., FACEP UConn Health Chairman of Emergency Medicine – University of Connecticut Benjamin Hebblethwaite Associate Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures – University of Florida Paul Kramer Associate Professor of History – Vanderbilt University Photo credit: Heather Suggitt
Research finds video games improve mobility for children with autism
University of Delaware professor Anjana Bhat has a long history of finding creative ways to keep autistic children engaged with the added benefit of improving their flexibility and gross motor skills. She’s used dance and play in the past but is now testing video games to see if they’re a viable intervention to promote movement in this population. Bhat and her team in the Move to 2 Learn Innovation Lab at UD's STAR Campus have been using Ring Fit on Nintendo Switch to help children with autism get their daily dose of exercise. “Children love video games, and they’re fun,” said Bhat, professor of physical therapy in UD's College of Health Sciences. “But there’s also a lot of evidence that video games with an exercise component have positive effects on cognition, social interactions and general physical activity levels.” She added that children with autism have a predilection for technology with a love of computers and robots, but exergaming hasn’t been studied in this population. “Technologies that have been tested and studied in children with autism mainly target sedentary functions that look at improvement in executive function and decision-making, but not necessarily exergaming,” Bhat said. “Exergaming has been studied in older populations and healthy children, but not so much in children with autism, so this study is unique.” After testing the intervention on a dozen children with autism over eight weeks, the consensus is that it works. “I’ve never seen anything grab their attention so much. Across the board, this tool is far more engaging than any other tool we’ve used before, including music and movement, yoga, general exercise, and outdoor play, which do not always work for every child,” Bhat said. “With exergaming and the variety of content that exists, most children remain engaged, and that’s what’s so unusual about this intervention compared to past interventions.” Games like tennis, volleyball, badminton, golf, sword fighting and bowling focus on the upper extremities, while soccer focuses on the lower extremities. Bhat receives accurate measures of improvement in a child’s ability through accelerometers in the video game controllers. “This is one place where children with autism shine,” Bhat said. “Their visual learning and sensory enhancements help them excel. This gives them a sense of self-efficacy and self-assurance that — they’re good at this,” she said. “It also gives them a sense of connection to the community because they can make friends and feel empowered. Video games are a great equalizer.” Bhat’s innovative pilot study was funded through a $50,000 award from the donor-created Maggie E. Neumann Health Sciences Research Fund, which targets research and innovation that aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Equipped with data from this study, Bhat hopes to expand access to the intervention and test it in the community. It’s already available at D-Fit Plus, an inclusive fitness center in New Castle that aims to help those with special needs explore fitness to build social skills and confidence, grow cognition, and manage stress. “It’s relatively low cost,” Bhat said. “Another advantage of this intervention is that you don’t need a highly skilled person present to work the intervention because the game leads the activity, making it accessible if embedded in the community.” This also provides a social outlet for the child’s parents. “Community settings bring a sense of connection for the child’s parents, who are always looking for community-based activities, and many environments aren’t suitable for children with autism,” Bhat said. “Many environments are too noisy or distracting. Exergaming removes those barriers and allows the child to engage with the game and maybe another partner.” Bhat’s previously published research has shown that 80% of people with autism face motor challenges. Her research is so compelling that she’s made a case to change the definition of autism to include motor impairments so those on the spectrum can get the proper physical therapy or gross motor interventions that could dramatically improve their quality of life.
Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention Breakthroughs | Media Advisory
With two cancer diagnoses in the Royal family - cancer is regrettably a trending topic but also a vitally important one for everyone. In the ongoing battle against cancer, recent advancements in diagnosis and prevention offer promising avenues for both medical practitioners and the general public. With cancer being one of the leading causes of death globally, developments in this field not only hold significant importance for healthcare but also for individuals and families impacted by the disease. Here's why this matters and potential story angles: Why it Matters: Health Impact: Improved diagnostic tools and preventive measures can lead to earlier detection and more effective treatment options, potentially saving lives. Economic Implications: The economic burden of cancer treatment on individuals, families, and healthcare systems underscores the importance of preventative measures and early detection. Public Health: Addressing cancer at the diagnostic and prevention stages contributes to broader public health initiatives, reducing the overall incidence and mortality rates. Story Angles: Breakthrough Technologies: Explore innovative diagnostic technologies such as liquid biopsies or AI-driven imaging systems transforming cancer detection. Lifestyle and Prevention: Investigate lifestyle factors, from diet and exercise to environmental exposures, and their role in cancer prevention. Genetic Research: Cover advancements in genetic testing and personalized medicine, offering insights into individual risk factors and tailored prevention strategies. Access to Care: Examine disparities in access to cancer screening and prevention measures, particularly among underserved communities. Survivor Stories: Highlight stories of individuals who have benefited from early detection or preventive interventions, offering hope and inspiration. Policy and Advocacy: Discuss the role of policy initiatives and advocacy efforts in promoting cancer prevention strategies and ensuring equitable access to screening and diagnostic services. Connect with an Expert about Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention Breakthroughs For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about Cancer Diagnosis and Prevention Breakthroughs here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts, visit www.expertfile.com Anna McDaniel Dean of the College of Nursing – University of Florida Jorge Cortes Director, Georgia Cancer Center – Augusta University Nicholas J. Petrelli Bank of America endowed medical director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute – ChristianaCare Katherine Reeves Professor of Epidemiology and Associate Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, School of Public Health and Health Sciences – University of Massachusetts Amherst Nicole Onetto Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer – Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Photo Credit: National Cancer Institute
How Vulnerable Are America’s Water Systems to Outside Attack? | Media Advisory
The security of America's water systems is an issue of national importance, touching on the well-being and safety of millions. This topic gains urgency as it ties into broader concerns about infrastructure vulnerability, cyber-terrorism, and the readiness of public utilities to handle emerging threats. In light of recent breaches and heightened geopolitical tensions, the resilience of these essential systems is not just a matter of public safety but also of national security. Exploring this issue offers insights into: Cybersecurity measures for water supply systems The impact of climate change on water system resilience Federal and state responses to infrastructure threats Public health implications of water system breaches The role of technology in safeguarding against attacks Connect with an Expert about the Security of America's Water Systems For journalists seeking research or insights for their coverage about the Security of America's Water Systems, here is a select list of experts from our database. To search our full list of experts, visit www.expertfile.com Seth Hamman Director, Center for the Advancement of Cybersecurity and Associate Professor of Cyber Operations and Computer Science - Cedarville University David Bader Distinguished Professor, Data Science · New Jersey Institute of Technology Vladlena Benson Professor of Cybersecurity Management · Aston University William Hatcher Chair of the Department of Social Sciences · Augusta University TJ O’Connor, LTC (Ret.) Assistant Professor, Cybersecurity Program Chair | Computer Engineering and Sciences · Florida Tech Photo by: Adi Goldstein
Aston University and medicine manufacturer Catalent formed a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to identify more effective formulation additives The new selection matrix makes choosing the right additive quicker and the medicine development process shorter The project has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Innovate UK A partnership between Aston University and contract medicine manufacturer Catalent has led to a faster process to identify the best ingredients for optimal medicine formulations, and has been rated as outstanding by Innovate UK. Catalent is a global leader in enabling pharma, biotechnology and consumer health partners to optimise product development, launch and full life-cycle supply for patients around the world. Its proprietary Zydis orally dissolving tablet (ODT) technology enables the absorption of drugs or active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through the mouth tissues, which is much faster than absorption through the gut. However, many APIs have poor pre-gastric absorption and need to be combined with suitable excipients, or additives, to bind the active ingredients and speed up the process of dissolving and absorbing via the pre-gastric route. Identifying suitable excipients for the formulation is difficult, and so the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) between Aston University and Catalent was set up to develop a faster, more efficient approach. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. The project was led by Aston University’s Afzal Mohammed, professor of pharmaceutics in the School of Pharmacy and associate dean (impact and knowledge exchange) for the College of Health and Life Sciences, who has expertise in the design and optimisation of orally dissolving tablet formulation. He was supported by other colleagues from Aston Pharmacy School including Dr Daniel Kirby, whose main area of research is the formulation of age-appropriate medicines for the extremes of life, Dr Affiong Iyire, who has research expertise in mucosal drug delivery, and Dr Raj Badhan, who is a pharmacokinetics expert with research interests in analytical approaches to predict oral drug absorption. Dr Ruba Bnyan, who has a master’s degree and a PhD in pharmaceutical drug formulation, as well as experience in cell-based models, was the KTP associate for the project. The KTP partners developed a selection matrix, whereby, based on the API properties, Catalent formulation scientists can quickly identify excipients that will improve the absorption of the drug through the mouth. Adopting this novel tool allows for quicker and more efficient drug development and has the potential to increase the number of Zydis ODT candidates in the pipeline for future development. Desmond Wong, product development supervisor at Catalent, said: “This project has exceeded our initial expectations and has the potential to accelerate product development for our clients. Our strong relationship with the Aston University team on this KTP project highlights the transformative potential of collaborative research and its impact on pharmaceutical innovation.” Professor Mohammed said: “This has been a very successful project, which has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Innovate UK. We plan to put it forward for a KTP award and are looking forward to continuing working with Catalent on our next KTP project.” For more information on the KTP visit the webpage.
Tackling Tik Tok - Our expert explains what the problem is and what's next for the Chinese owned app
TikTok is one of the most popular social media sites in the world. In the United States, more than 170 million people and businesses use the app on a regular basis. Now, the federal government has taken the first step in banning the China-based app unless the ownership group, ByteDance, sells TikTok. The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill in support of the ban, and now it awaits Congress to act. President Joe Biden has indicated he would sign the bill banning TikTok unless it’s sold, but whether it reaches his desk remains to be seen. This stems from the fear that China uses user information to their advantage. According to Lance Hunter, PhD, associate professor of political science in Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the concern is well deserved. “Even if it’s a privately-owned enterprise, China can still control it, they can still manipulate it to some degree as if it was a state -owned enterprise,” said Hunter. Hunter’s research focuses on how informational warfare attacks influence politics worldwide. He said the algorithm TikTok uses can play a major role in informational warfare on two fronts. “One, it’s the data gathering, and that can be used for micro targeting because basically what TikTok can do is collect the data and provide information as to what certain individuals respond to an this is exactly how you can persuade them.” “Also, there is empirical evidence that China has used TikTok before to try to influence elections to some degree. One example in the 2022 midterm elections in which some candidates from both parties were targeted by TikTok accounts that were controlled by a propaganda agency operating within the Chinese government.” Hunter added the TikTok algorithm is more advanced than some other social media platforms and more effective in knowing what people like and why they like it. With so many AI-generated posts, it can be difficult for the consumer to decipher what is legitimate, and what isn’t. There are some red flags for people to be on the lookout for. “One thing the average person can do is be very wary of what you’re seeing and ask yourself does this seem legitimate?” he added. “If everyone is saying the exact same thing, that’s a tell sometimes. Also, where does this information originate from, and what are the timestamps on the posts? Something else is to look at the individual who made the post. Who are these people and who’s following them? You may be able to see if they are legitimate accounts.” While China, and Russia for that matter, are trying to influence people in several ways, Hunter said they are also trying to cause division among the American people. “They do want to influence elections at times, absolutely. But one of their other goals, and sometimes even more predominant goals for them, is to increase division, increase polarization, and that’s a great way to do that,” Hunter said. “Even if you have a temporary reaction, you’ve increased that division which could have longer term effects.” Are you covering this important and ongoing story? Then let us help with your stories and questions. Lance Hunter is an assistant professor of political science with a background in international relations. His research focuses on how terrorist attacks influence politics in democratic countries and how political decisions within countries affect conflicts worldwide. He is available to speak with media about this important topic - simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
#Expert Q&A: NJIT’s Donghee Yvette Wohn Weighs the Pros and Cons of Kids Playing Esports
Donghee Yvette Wohn, an associate professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology and director of its Social Interaction Lab, focuses on human computer interaction, where she studies the characteristics and consequences of social interactions in online environments such as social media, live streaming, virtual worlds (metaverse) and esports. Here she explains the appeal of esports among children in particular and how their parents can assess what’s appropriate for them. How would you describe the current landscape of esports? Esports is an umbrella term that is used for competitive computer gaming that usually, but not always, happens in teams. However, similar to books or movies, the content of the games vastly differs. Some games are very violent, some are not. Some have very realistic graphics, some are very fantasy-like and playful. It is thus hard, especially as a parent, to make blanket decisions when it comes to esports, you may have to take things case by case. So, then how can parents assess what’s appropriate for their children? A quick online search into the nature of the game to see its description or even watching ten minutes of what the gameplay looks like on YouTube or Twitch — where many people upload videos of gameplay — will give parents a better idea of what the game is like without having to play it themselves. What about in terms of the other players? It may be useful to use physical sports or any other extracurricular activity as a mental reference when thinking of how to deal with certain issues. For example, soccer is a sport that is great for socializing and team building, but if one is placing a 10-year-old in a game with other adults, there would be a lot of extra things one would want to consider. Like any social activity, one would want to be mindful of who the child is playing with, how much they are playing and how they are playing. For example, are they being respectful? And what kind of language is being used during the game? What skills could esports and similar gaming help children develop? Based on research, the collaboration and communication skills required to play successfully are extremely high. Even though people do not associate computer games as being a physical skill, the dexterity and hand-eye coordination required to play well require a very high level of intellect and physical ability. Of course, not everyone plays that well, but it does indicate that esports is a little different than some games that are more “mindless” or “relaxing” in nature. What about social skills? It strengthens existing friendships and can also open up one’s world by conversing with strangers. My colleagues and I did a research study where we found a student living in a rural area where most people did not go to college who wanted to go college because he was inspired by the older college students he was playing with. Playing the game in supportive environments can be mentally and socially beneficial. What are the downsides? Like any social situation, there is always the possibility of people misbehaving. The types of harassment documented in gaming environments is so horrible, but the reality is that children are exposed to all types of horrible situations — both online and offline — and helping them navigate difficult situations can help build resilience for the future. What’s a common misconception among parents? The most important thing is to understand that whatever happens in esports is not to be dismissed as something that is “only online” or “not real.” The emotions that children experience in the virtual world are very much real. How much parental supervision is needed? Younger children’s brains have not yet developed self-constraint, so the parent should decide how much time should be spent playing games, what games are played and who they are played with. Older children — once they start understanding logic — should be encouraged to plan these things for themselves. Looking to know more? We can help. Yvette Wohn is available to discuss esports and kids with media. Simply click on her icon to arrange an interview.
#Expert Q&A: NJIT’s David Bader on AI, Data Science, Quantum Computing
Artificial intelligence, data science and the emerging field of quantum computing are among the hottest research topics in computing today. David Bader, a distinguished professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology’s Ying Wu College of Computing and the director of the university’s Institute for Data Science, offers his take on each. The Computer History Museum has recognized you for developing a Linux supercomputer using commodity hardware. Was that a life-shaping lesson? It was a venture into the unknown, leveraging the emerging potential of Linux and commodity hardware to build something that was both accessible and powerful. This experience taught me the importance of embracing risk and the value of resilience. There were technical hurdles, skepticism from peers and the daunting task of venturing beyond established norms. Also, the Linux supercomputer project was not just about the technology. It was about building a community around an idea. How do user-friendly AI systems like ChatGPT impact your work? It enriches the palette of methodologies and technologies at our disposal, enabling us to tackle more ambitious projects with greater efficiency and creativity. By integrating these AI systems into our research and educational programs, we're not just enhancing our ability to process and analyze data. We're also empowering students and researchers with the means to innovate and explore new horizons in data science without being hindered by the technical complexities that once acted as barriers. Some information workers fear that AI will make their careers obsolete. But tech progress can’t be stopped, so how should people adapt? By embracing these technologies, learning to work alongside them and leveraging their capabilities to enhance our own skill sets and productivity. Also, it's important to focus on the uniquely human skills that AI cannot replicate, such as creativity, emotional intelligence and critical thinking. By honing these abilities, workers can ensure they remain irreplaceable components of the workforce, capable of tasks that require a human touch — from complex decision-making to empathetic interactions with customers or clients. What should non-programmers learn about AI? It’s important to be aware of how AI decisions are made, the potential biases in AI systems and the ethical considerations of AI use. Additionally, developing data literacy is crucial, as it enables individuals to evaluate AI outputs and understand the importance of data quality and biases. A basic grasp of AI and machine learning concepts — even without programming skills — can demystify AI technologies and reveal their potential applications. Staying informed about AI advancements across various sectors can also inspire innovative ideas and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. There’s a sci-fi plot where computers get so smart that people lose control. The new class of user-friendly AI is making people excited but also nervous. Should we be afraid? While it’s natural to harbor concerns about the rapid progression of AI, allowing fear to dominate the discourse would be a disservice to the potential benefits these technologies can offer. Instead, this moment calls for proactive engagement with AI and an investment in understanding its inner workings, limitations and the ethical dilemmas it presents. By advocating for responsible AI development, emphasizing education and promoting transparency, we can foster an environment where AI serves as a tool for societal advancement. This approach ensures that we remain at the helm of AI's trajectory, steering it toward outcomes that uplift humanity rather than scenarios that fuel dystopian fears. What other emerging technologies excite you in their potential to transform computing? Quantum computing. This technology, with its potential to solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers, could revolutionize fields ranging from cryptography to drug discovery, climate modeling and beyond. Quantum computing's promise to tackle challenges currently beyond our reach, due to its fundamentally different approach to processing information, represents a leap forward in our computational capabilities. Its convergence with AI could lead to unprecedented advancements, making this era an incredibly thrilling time to be at the forefront of computing and data science. Looking to know more? We can help. David Bader is available to discuss AI, quantum computing and data science with media. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.
Amid "Likes" and "Shares," Facebook Jeopardizes Children's Health and Safety
On February 4, 2004, a 19-year-old Mark Zuckerberg launched “TheFacebook.” Developed in his Harvard University residence hall, it began as a networking service for his roughly 7,000 classmates. Today, it is the most popular social media platform in existence, boasting over three billion monthly active users worldwide. Through two decades of “likes” and “shares,” Facebook has transformed how people connect, interact and think. Driving everything from dinner parties and concert outings to political campaigns and protest movements, it has frequently been celebrated for its ability to convey information, mobilize groups and galvanize change. However, it has also been criticized for its questionable content management choices, its suspect data collection practices and, perhaps most notably, its role in feeding an ever-growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents—a charge Zuckerberg refutes. Elizabeth Burgess Dowdell, PhD, RN, FAAN, is a professor in Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing and an expert on the health and safety risks posed by social media. From her perspective, Facebook and platforms like it have undoubtedly played a part in heightening levels of emotional distress and physical harm among youths. “Statistically, it’s well-established in the literature that mental health issues and concerning behaviors among children have escalated tremendously,” said Dr. Dowdell. “They’re becoming sadder, more depressed and lonelier, even though they’re very connected.” To Dr. Dowdell’s point, mental health disorders began rising precipitously among young people in the years following Facebook’s launch. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of children aged 6 to 17 years “ever having been diagnosed with either anxiety or depression” increased from 5.4% in 2003 to 8% in 2007 and 8.4% in 2011-2012. And just last year, in the era of Instagram and TikTok, Mental Health America found that 11.5% of children in the United States were struggling with severe depression, with 16% of youths aged 12 to 17 years having experienced a major depressive episode in the past 12 months. A contributing factor, according to Dr. Dowdell, is the way social media construes reality. Flooded with images, posts and videos that show hyper-idealized, rose-colored representations of life, impressionable young users can be made to feel isolated, inept or dissatisfied with their appearance. “I think adults understand that a ‘perfect’ picture is often preceded by a dozen other photos,” she said. “Kids don’t always see it like that. They focus on what makes them happy and what makes them sad—and what makes them feel sad about themselves.” Tragically, throughout the social media age, this sadness has been tied to increasing rates of suicide, self-harm and risky behavior among youths. A 2023 CDC study found that the suicide rate for children aged 10 to 14 years tripled from 2007 to 2018 (from 0.9 deaths per 100,000 to 2.9), and in 2021-2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children noted a 35% year-over-year increase in reports of suspected child sexual exploitation. Amid these frightening statistics, Dr. Dowdell emphasizes the importance of caring, compassionate adults’ involvement in young people’s lives. She notes these individuals’ presence can not only shield youths from potentially hazardous situations but give them the tools to cope with traumatic episodes and feelings of despair. “The critical factor that helps children become resilient is having a support system—having family members, parents or trusted adults with whom they can talk,” Dr. Dowdell shared. “They might go down the rabbit hole, but they have someone to pull them out, someone to help them.” For adults concerned about their loved ones’ social media use, Dr. Dowdell stresses that empathy and understanding are key. In turn, she advocates for an approach that reflects the supposed purpose of Facebook and platforms like it: active conversation. “It all comes back to communication,” she said. “Parents and guardians need to role-model responsible behaviors. They need to talk about these things: ‘What did you look at today?’ ‘What was good?’ ‘What was bad?’ ‘What did you think?’ ‘How did you feel about that?’ “It’s much like, when children are little, reading them books. When we read to children, we engage them… Why not read the social media feeds, look at the Facebook posts or go through Instagram? These forms of engagement, the conversations we have, let them know they can come and talk.”
The U.S. House today passed a federal bill to ban TikTok and it now moves to the Senate. President Biden said he would sign a potential bill that bans the social media platform. Goizueta Business School Professor David Schweidel has done extensive research on the impact of social media. He says: The security and privacy issues around TikTok are only one part of the equation. User safety is another concern that all social media companies are now facing. He notes that the algorithms prioritize engagement, which could be showing people content that is harmful to them (mentally and/or physically). Background: TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a private Chinese company that claims all information gathered through the app is secure. Lawmakers do not agree and have plans to remove TikTok from the U.S. by September 30th unless ByteDance sells TikTok. The proposed bill would also put into place allowance for the executive branch to prohibit access to an app owned by a foreign adversary that could impact national security. Expert Source: David A. Schweidel, Professor of Marketing, Goizueta Business School at Emory University Bio - https://goizueta.emory.edu/faculty/profiles/david-schweidel To connect with David to arrange an interview - simply click his icon now.
