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Study: Intuitive introverts lead the most successful teams
An unwritten law of leadership states the loudest voices in the room are not always the wisest. Some of history’s most notable and successful leaders were known introverts who wrangled loads of information for sizable teams: Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates and Oprah Winfrey, to name a few. New research from the University of Delaware found introverted leaders who rely on intuition to handle this large bundle of information lead the most successful teams. The research, co-authored by professor Dustin Sleesman, explored the concept of intuition and when it's helpful for leaders who are in charge of large teams. Sleesman and his co-authors from Michigan State University studied more than 3,000 U.S. Air Force captains at a military base in Alabama. As part of their leadership training, the captains participated in a team-based battlefield simulation, which gave the researchers an opportunity to observe and analyze their behavior. Sleesman and his co-authors accurately predicted that teams performed better when their leaders were armed with high amounts of information. But they made two interesting findings they didn't expect: • Introverted leaders led more successful teams when intuitively handling large amounts of information. • Intuitive leaders, in general, led more successful teams when they had to handle a lot of information. "Introverted people tend to be more reflective, more introspective, they tend to be more observational than extroverted leaders," Sleesman said. "So pairing intuition with introversion tended to be very effective for team performance." Sleesman, an associate professor of management in UD's Lerner College of Business & Economics, studies the psychology of decision-making, negotiation and conflict resolution, as well as team effectiveness. To set up an interview, click on the link below.
National Science Foundation Confirms Record Research Growth at LSU
The National Science Foundation confirmed LSU’s record research expenditures of $488 million in fiscal year 2023. This historic growth of 14% compared to 2022 was previously announced by LSU and represents top performance alongside research university peers such as the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee. The growth reflects increased research activity across the LSU Family—especially on the flagship campus and at LSU Health New Orleans and LSU Health Shreveport. The national ranking of LSU’s five research campuses—the flagship in Baton Rouge, the LSU AgCenter, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, and the two LSU Health campuses—increased from 71 to 69, a rise moderated by the average growth of U.S. research universities around 11%. Compared to its peers, LSU is a leader in win-win partnerships with state and local government, with strong and continued investment in research. LSU research adds an estimated $1.3 billion to the Louisiana economy each year. The numbers that were just confirmed by the National Science Foundation recognize LSU as especially strong in federally grant-funded research in life sciences, geosciences, math and statistics, and computer and information sciences. These strengths align with the data-driven research priorities of the LSU Scholarship First Agenda to create new solutions for agriculture, biomedicine, coast, defense, and energy. “This NSF report confirms our focus on research growth to meet the needs of the state as well as our dedication to LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda,” said Robert Twilley, LSU vice president of research and economic development. “The significant increase in federal grants to LSU and Louisiana represents growing investment in our competitiveness and capacity to solve problems for the state and nation.” Read the full NSF report: https://ncses.nsf.gov/surveys/higher-education-research-development/2023
The new device is designed to reduce the risk of injuries when medicines being delivered into a vein enter the surrounding tissues It detects this problem at the earliest stages, before it is visible to the human eye The project is being supported by SPARK The Midlands at Aston University, a network to support technology development for unmet clinical needs. Clinicians at Birmingham Women’s and Children's NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) have joined with academics at Aston University to create an innovative sensor to reduce the risk of injuries caused when drugs being delivered into a vein enter the surrounding tissue. This complication, called extravasation, can cause harm and, in the most severe cases, life-changing injuries and permanent scarring. It happens most often when infusing medicines into peripheral intravenous (IV) devices, such as a cannula, but can also occur when infusing into a central venous access device. By joining together, BWC and Aston University are combining clinical, academic and engineering expertise to create a sensor that can detect extravasation at its earliest stages. Karl Emms, lead nurse for patient safety at BWC, said: “We've done lots of work across our Trust that has successfully reduced incidents. While we've made fantastic progress, there is only so much we can do as early signs of extravasation can be difficult to detect with the human eye. “The next step is to develop a technology that can do what people can't - detection as it happens. This will make a huge impact on outcomes as the faster we can detect extravasation, the less likely it is that it will cause serious harm.” The focused work to date addressing the issue has recently been recognised by the Nursing Times Awards 2024, winning the Patient Safety Improvement title for this year. This new project is supported by SPARK The Midlands, a network at Aston University dedicated to providing academic support to advance healthcare research discoveries in the region. SPARK The Midlands is the first UK branch of Stanford University's prestigious global SPARK programme. It comes as a result of Aston University’s active involvement in the delivery of the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator (WMHTIA) – a government-funded project aimed at helping companies drive their innovations towards market success. The SPARK scheme helps to provide mentorship and forge networks between researchers, those with technical and specialist knowledge and potential sources of funding. SPARK members have access to workshops led by industry experts, covering topics such as medical device regulations, establishing good clinical trials, and creating an enticing target product profile to engage future funders. Luke Southan, head of research commercialisation at Aston University and SPARK UK director, said: “I was blown away when Karl first brought this idea to me. I knew we had to do everything we could to make this a reality. This project has the potential to transform the standard of care for a genuine clinical need, which is what SPARK is all about.” Work on another potentially transformative project has also begun as the team are working to develop a medical device that detects the position of a nasogastric feeding tube. There is a risk of serious harm and danger to life if nasogastric tubes move into the lungs, rather than the stomach, and feed is passed through them. Emms explained: “pH test strips can usually detect nasogastric tube misplacement, but some children undergoing treatment can have altered pH levels in the stomach. This means this test sometimes does not work. “A medical device that can detect misplacement can potentially stop harm and fatalities caused by these incidents.” SPARK will bring together engineers, academics and clinicians for both projects to develop the devices for clinical trial, with a goal of the technologies being ready for clinical use in three to five years. Southan said: “BWC is one of our first partners at SPARK and we're really excited to work with them to make a vital impact on paediatric healthcare in the Midlands and beyond." Notes to editors About Aston University For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally. Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world. Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020. Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world. For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk About Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) brings together the very best in paediatric and women’s care in the region and is proud to have many UK and world-leading surgeons, doctors, nurses, midwives and other allied healthcare professionals on its team. Birmingham Children’s Hospital is the UK’s leading specialist paediatric centre, caring for sick children and young people between 0 and 16 years of age. Based in the heart of Birmingham city centre, the hospital is a world leader in some of the most advanced treatments, complex surgical procedures and cutting-edge research and development. It is a nationally designated specialist centre for epilepsy surgery and also boasts a paediatric major trauma centre for the West Midlands, a national liver and small bowel transplant centre and a centre of excellence for complex heart conditions, the treatment of burns, cancer and liver and kidney disease. The hospital is also home to one of the largest Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in the country, comprising of a dedicated inpatient Eating Disorder Unit and Acute Assessment Unit for regional referrals of children and young people with the most serious of problems (Tier 4) and Forward Thinking Birmingham community mental health service for 0- to 25-year-olds. Birmingham Women’s Hospital is a centre of excellence, providing a range of specialist health care services to over 50,000 women and their families every year from Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. As well as delivering more than 8,200 babies a year, it offers a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care, as well as a comprehensive genetics service, which serves men and women. Its Fertility Centre is one of the best in the country, while the fetal medicine centre receives regional and national referrals. The hospital is also an international centre for education, research and development with a research budget of over £3 million per year. It also hosts the national miscarriage research centre – the first of its kind in the UK - in partnership with Tommy’s baby charity. For interview requests please email the Communications Team on bwc.communications@nhs.net
The Great Trillion Dollar Wealth Transfer
Summary: Between now and 2026, over $1 Trillion of wealth will move from Canadian Baby Boomers to younger generations. Dubbed the “Great Wealth Transfer,” this change is underscored by a cultural shift toward “giving while living,” where seniors are motivated to share their wealth during their lifetimes, driven by factors including personal satisfaction, rising costs for younger generations, and tax efficiency. These shifts in wealth highlight the importance of open, informed Intergenerational conversations and the need for trusted financial advice to manage this transfer effectively. However, it risks widening wealth gaps between the haves and have-nots. Better financial literacy, tax planning, and a better understanding of real estate’s role in estate planning and wealth management are essential for ensuring equity and sustainable financial legacies. What it Means • The Largest Transfer of Wealth Is Happening Now: Between now and 2026, over $1 Trillion of wealth will move across multiple generations from Canadian Baby Boomers to their GenX and Millennial heirs. • A Culture Shift is Happening: Older Canadians are now, more than ever, “giving while living.” They actively want to share their wealth with younger family members while still healthy. In many families going forward, you won't hear that familiar phrase, "Hey Gram, Stop Spending My Inheritance!" • We aren't fully prepared for this shift: Families need informed, intergenerational conversations among themselves and with trusted financial advisors. They also need to better understand how some of their more significant assets, such as real estate, can provide tax-efficient ways to unlock and share wealth with younger family members. Boomers are sharing their wealth while they still have their health. Many Canadians have joined the growing trend of “giving while living.” This trend is not only changing societal norms but is also spreading like wildfire. The current economic climate, with out-of-reach housing prices coupled with Boomers wanting to witness the impact of their financial gifts, makes for a perfect storm. This storm, valued at 1 trillion dollars, could rebalance the distribution of wealth for many fortunate beneficiaries. Let’s explore what is motivating the Baby Boom generation in Canada to leave a living inheritance to a younger generation: 1. Psychological Reasons: Many seniors want to help their children or grandchildren with significant expenses such as education or home purchases. This provides a gratifying sense of pride. The logic is that they (children or grandchildren) will eventually get their money, so why not give it to them now when they need it the most? 2. Economic Reasons: Some parents or grandparents feel compelled to step in and help financially as they see their adult children and grandkids struggling. It may be to help fund education or to pay off debt such as a student loan. The burden of debt often delays other decisions, such as having children, traveling, or saving for a down payment on a first home or a bigger home to accommodate a larger family. And the price of homes today is well beyond the means of the younger generation, even without student debt. 3. Personal Reasons: Older Canadians often find joy in seeing their financial contributions positively impact their loved ones during their lifetime. Sometimes, there are some less conspicuous motivators as well. Improving their children’s financial situation may entice them to have precious grandchildren, or providing financial assistance could allow the gift giver to have a say on how the money is spent—something they would have less control over if they were deceased. 4. Tax Savings: Distributing wealth while alive can reduce the size of an estate and minimize probate fees. And with the popularity of RESP's and TFSA's there are options to gift or contribute to these plans that may offer tax advantages. And some seniors aim to avoid conflicts by distributing assets directly, ensuring clarity and fairness. 5. Cultural Reasons: Traditional notions of inheritance and family values are evolving. Many Baby Boomers see their wealth as a tool to uplift and empower their families while they are alive and are able to counsel their families on preserving and spending the money wisely. This is an opportunity for seniors to create a legacy while alive. Sharing wealth can bring a sense of purpose, gratitude, and connection. For many, it’s an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and pass on values like generosity, financial literacy, and responsibility. Impact • A Wider Wealth Gap: This transfer of wealth could have a significant impact by increasing the income disparities between the haves and have-nots. According to figures from the Canadian Professional Accountants Association, at the end of 2022, the wealthiest families in Canada (the top 20 percent) accounted for two-thirds of the country’s net worth, while the bottom 40 percent accounted for just 2.6 percent. In this latest economic cycle of soaring inflation and growing credit card debt, the net worth of Canada’s least wealthy households is suffering. And while we’ve seen recent increases in capital gains taxes, more changes from the federal government will likely be required to bridge this wealth divide. • The Need for Honest Intergenerational Conversations. Let’s face it: having a transparent conversation with family members about death and money is awkward. But post-pandemic, we’re seeing more seniors looking closely at their financial and estate plans to see what they can do to pass on wealth to deserving and often younger family members. Getting to know the impact of one’s gifts has its practical advantages in addition to the karma generated. Whether it’s to help a family member buy their first home, pay down college debt or start a business, these gestures can be transformative for other family members and very satisfying for seniors. As the saying goes, "you can’t take it with you." • The Need for Trusted Advisors. For many of these younger beneficiaries lucky to receive this generational transfer, having a clear financial plan that extends to informed tax strategies will be vital. The entire community, from financial planners to accountants, lawyers and mortgage brokers, have a lot of work ahead of them, according to the research. A recent Ipsos Reid study suggests Canadians are primarily unprepared to manage their inherited money. The Ipsos poll (conducted on behalf of RBC Insurance) reveals that 61 percent of Canadians don’t feel knowledgeable about (or haven’t even heard of) the probate process or the process to establish the validity of a will, and 57 percent don’t know that specific insurance policies can mitigate estate tax burden. • Improved Financial Literary for All Ages. Conversations about money also need to extend to better discussions about how significant assets such as real estate holdings contribute to wealth. For instance, given a considerable proportion of many family estates are related to real estate and more seniors are looking to “Age in Place” at home, seniors and their adult children must understand various financial strategies, such as equity lending, that can give seniors the financial freedom to age in place while giving them the cashflow to help younger family members while reducing potential tax burdens. Getting to know the impact of one’s gifts has its practical advantages in addition to the karma generated. Whether it’s to help a family member buy their first home, pay down college debt or start a business, these gestures can be transformative for other family members and very satisfying for seniors. As the saying goes, "you can’t take it with you." The Bottom Line One thing is certain. This is an infrequent event, which, over the next few years, will benefit many. Much is on the line for families, the financial industry, and our government. We should expect to see more discussions on tax reform and addressing wealth disparities to ensure social stability and economic growth. And it will require the financial industry to adapt in a number of ways. For instance, how should we account for these demographic shifts and potentially longer lifespans in our guidelines and how we work with clients? I also hope we see more open and honest discussions about family legacy and financial literacy/education, which play a significant role in preparing the next generation to handle inherited wealth responsibly. As I continue research for my upcoming book, I'm looking closer at demographic trends, gaps in financial literacy, to how our industry needs to work better with Seniors in a way that recognizes these emerging cultural and economic shifts. I'd like to know what you think. Drop me a line in the comments, or reach out to me directly at our new website - www.retirewithequity.ca Don't Retire...Re-Wire! Sue
MEDIA RELEASE: More Ontario drivers admit to getting behind the wheel after consuming cannabis
A recent survey conducted by CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) found that substance use, specifically cannabis, is on the rise for Ontarians. According to the study, over half (53 per cent) of Ontario drivers have ever tried cannabis, a 14 per cent increase from last year. The issue here is that as more Ontarians are using cannabis, the number of impaired motorists is also on the rise. The survey found that 19 per cent of Ontario drivers admit to ever consuming cannabis and driving a vehicle, a five per cent increase from last year. “This data shows us that the popularity of cannabis has subsequently resulted in more impaired driving,” says Michael Stewart, community relations consultant, CAA SCO, “cannabis can be safely consumed recreationally, but never when behind the wheel.” Despite the increase in cannabis-impaired driving, those driving impaired are less confident in their ability to drive than in years prior. The survey found that: 52 per cent of recent cannabis-impaired drivers admitted to driving within three hours of consumption. 31 per cent of drivers reported feeling high while driving. 76 per cent expressed confidence in their ability to drive – ten per cent less compared to last year. In addition, 63 per cent were worried about being caught. When drivers were asked if they agree or disagree – most continue to agree that cannabis-impaired driving is dangerous but not as bad as driving while alcohol-impaired. According to the study, 91 per cent of Ontario drivers agree that driving under the influence of cannabis is a serious risk to road safety. This concern is even higher amongst older drivers. However, despite the research regarding the effects of cannabis on driving, Ontario drivers continue to generally perceive cannabis as less dangerous (90 per cent) than alcohol (95 per cent) or illegal narcotics and opioids (93 per cent) when it comes to impaired driving. “There is often a misconception on the effects cannabis can have on a driver,” says Stewart, “however, it has been proven that driving impaired can greatly impact a driver’s reaction time, coordination and decision-making, just the same as it does when consuming alcohol.” The survey found that Ontarians who decided to drive after consuming cannabis did so because they believed they did not consume a significant amount of cannabis (32 per cent), had no alternative but to drive home (32 per cent), or thought the drive would be short anyway (28 per cent). The normalization of cannabis use, combined with increased access to retail stores, may be influencing the rise in consumption and cannabis-impaired driving cases. The data shows that 74 per cent of Ontario drivers have at least one cannabis store in their neighbourhood – a 14 per cent increase from 2023 – with 35 per cent of Ontarians reporting four or more stores in their neighbourhood, up six per cent from last year. As the holiday season approaches, CAA SCO is asking those who do consume cannabis, alcohol or other drugs to plan ahead by making alternate arrangements, such as a designated driver or a rideshare service, to get home safely. “While we’re all aware that alcohol-impaired driving can be deadly, we should also take the same attitude towards cannabis-impaired driving,” says Stewart, “CAA SCO wants to emphasize the importance of using cannabis responsibly, and that means never using it when driving.” The online survey was conducted by DIG Insights from July 5 to July 18, 2024, with 1,664 Ontario drivers aged 19 and older. Based on the sample size of n=1,664 and with a confidence level of 95%, the margin of error for this research is +/- 2%.)
Higher Education Enters the Ring
Why it matters Yesterday’s announcement that Linda McMahon is President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Education ushers in a new era for universities and colleges. This signals a sharp pivot toward decentralization and pro-business policies, and it's expected that McMahon’s leadership will focus on dismantling traditional federal education structures, expanding school choice, and aligning education priorities with a business-first agenda. Higher education faces funding uncertainties, new accountability pressures, and the need to demonstrate its relevance in supporting economic growth. The Big Picture McMahon’s appointment reflects Trump’s broader strategy to reframe education policy in a way that prioritizes state control, entrepreneurship, and conservative cultural values. This will likely have significant consequences for higher education, including: Decentralization: Shifting control of education policy and funding to the states. School Choice Expansion: Redirecting public funds to private, religious, and homeschooling options. Economic Alignment: Pressuring institutions to support industry, small business, and workforce development through research, partnerships, and entrepreneurship/startup programs. Cultural Shifts: Rolling back policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion while emphasizing “patriotic” education. What’s at Stake Federal Funding Cuts: Threat: Research funding, Pell Grants, and other federal supports may face cuts. Reality Check: Congressional approval is required to eliminate funding streams like Title I, making complete federal withdrawal unlikely but changes and funding disruptions possible. Policy Shifts: Threat: Federal oversight will likely weaken, and policies favoring vocational and workforce-aligned education will likely put increased pressure on programs such as liberal arts. Universities will also likely face increasing pressure to align with ideological goals, such as restricting DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives. The new administration could wield considerable control over the school accreditation process, which has been seen by some to force ideological changes on campuses. There has been a movement to decentralize accreditation authority, reduce federal oversight, and align educational standards with conservative values. According to the Council for Higher Education, many of the ideas put forward focus on empowering states to authorize accrediting agencies and even serve as accreditors themselves, shifting control from federal to state governments. Action: Institutions must better identify their options amidst a rapidly evolving agenda at both the state and federal levels, develop strategies and secure the resources necessary. For instance, there are calls to prohibit accreditors from requiring institutions to implement Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Institutions also need to understand what the implications of a more diverse accreditation landscape could be, with standards varying significantly across states, potentially affecting the uniformity and transferability of academic credentials nationwide. Reputational Risks: Concern: Growing public skepticism toward higher education undermines enrolment and support. Impact: Conservative narratives favoring alternatives like apprenticeships and other programs that support the economy and job growth will likely gain traction. Preserving Institutional Independence: Pressure: Universities face increased scrutiny of their course curriculum and research priorities that may be deemed ideologically contentious. Opportunity: Institutions must tangibly demonstrate their value to society. The more they can do to break down barriers between “town and gown” and counter the narrative that paints them as too expensive, elitist, and out of touch. Demonstrating Economic Impact: Need: Universities must showcase their role in driving economic growth through research, commercialization, and support for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Opportunity: Institutions should communicate their relevance in relatable ways that engage with businesses, emphasizing tangible contributions to research innovation and job creation as a positive return on investment that can be messaged to taxpayers. Key Questions for Higher Ed Leaders Funding: How can we diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on federal support? Advocacy: How should universities engage state and federal leaders to protect their interests? Reputation: How can higher education rebuild public trust and counter skepticism? Relevance: How do we better communicate the value of university research and its role in supporting a pro-business agenda? Adaptation: Can institutions innovate by expanding industry partnerships, online education, and workforce-aligned programs? Implications of Project 2025 Project 2025 is a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, aiming to reshape the U.S. federal government through a conservative lens. Launched in April 2023, it serves as a strategic blueprint for a potential conservative administration, detailing policy proposals, personnel strategies, training programs, and a 180-day action plan. Analysis from the Brookings Institution states that "many proposals in Project 2025 would require an unlikely degree of cooperation from Congress, though others could be enacted unilaterally by a second Trump administration.” While we don’t know the full extent to which Project 2025 will be implemented, its agenda seeks to reshape federal agencies, including the Department of Education, with a significant impact on the sector. Key areas of focus include: Title I and Student Aid Proposals to give parents more control over federal funds could deprioritize public education. Tax Credits for School Choice Incentives to support private school tuition may shift K-12 pipelines, impacting university enrolment. Economic Realignment Universities will need to align with business priorities, emphasizing innovation, commercialization, and job creation. Diversity Equity & Inclusion Project 2025 explicitly calls for reducing federal spending on what it deems unnecessary or politicized initiatives, and DEI programs are likely to fall under this categorization. This could have wide-ranging impacts, including changes to school ranking systems that have a DEI component. Ranking bodies such as US News & World Report may need to adjust their methodologies to account for changes in diversity initiatives and data availability. With potential reductions in diversity-related data, rankings might place greater emphasis on other factors such as academic performance, faculty qualifications, and post-graduate outcomes. This also could extend to endowments, which direct funding toward diversity programs through scholarships and fellowships. For institutions that rely heavily on DEI as a cornerstone of their fundraising and donor relations strategies, they may experience reduced donor enthusiasm, particularly from philanthropic organizations or alumni committed to these causes. Regulatory Rollbacks There is the potential for significant changes to Title IX protections and federal loan forgiveness programs, creating legal and financial uncertainty. What Universities Can Do Now: Secure Funding Build relationships with private donors, businesses, and industry partners. Strengthen advocacy efforts at the state level to safeguard funding & other resources. Adopt proactive strategies to mitigate potential policy impacts, such as diversifying revenue sources, engaging donors with aligned government priorities, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Reinforce Public Trust Explain complex topics in accessible ways to help the public and policymakers make informed decisions. Help promote and support faculty who can serve as credible sources for the media, countering misinformation and fostering informed dialogue. Strengthen community connections with your experts through public speaking engagements, workshops, and local events. Position the university as a hub for knowledge and innovation that benefits the community. Capitalize on the reach and influence of alumni. Highlight their successes to show how they benefitted from educational programs and research. Position them as important role models and advocates in the community who are contributing to economic growth. Demonstrate Relevance Showcase faculty and their research breakthroughs. Demonstrate how their work benefits industries, supports entrepreneurship and addresses societal challenges. Speak to real-world outcomes in health, technology, the environment, and more. Use accessible language to connect with policymakers, business leaders and taxpayers. Strengthen Advocacy: Partner with peer institutions to shape policy discussions. Position universities and colleges as vital contributors to a pro-business agenda. Innovate: Expand stackable credentials and micro-credential programs that are aligned with private and public sector requirements and emerging skills-based models. Look at new online education options. Embrace partnerships that connect academic research to real-world economic impact. Universities must deliver a more compelling, data-driven, yet humanized story about their institution’s contributions, fostering stronger relationships with government, the private sector, and taxpayers. What's Next This new era will most certainly challenge higher education to rethink its approach to funding, policy, and public engagement. For all institutions, both public and private, there is no place to hide. As they step into the ring, Higher Education leaders will need lots of support as they look to forge new paths for research, teaching, and community service while engaging their stakeholders in ways that more powerfully communicate their vital contributions to society. The bell has rung—are you ready?
Holiday shopping season set to begin with questions about Black Friday, consumer behavior
Is Black Friday still a thing? Online sales have been outpacing brick-and-mortar sales for years, resulting in shorter lines and less of a frenzy at stores on the day after Thanksgiving. Many stores have also gone online with deals to compliment in-person shopping. University of Delaware experts can comment on this and other topics related to the holiday shopping season and gift-buying behavior. Andong Cheng: Can provide tips on what to prepare for during this unique holiday shopping season. Her research focuses on defining and identifying the picky consumer segment, and explores how pickiness impacts other judgments and decisions. She advises consumers to consider the phenomenon of double mental discounting, where shoppers experience a “mental accounting phenomenon” when offered promotional credit. Jackie Silverman: Research examines several facets of judgment and decision making and consumer psychology. According to Silverman, there are many potential benefits of online shopping for consumers, including some unconventional approaches to gift giving this season. Philip Gable: Can talk about the science behind the art of gift-giving that goes beyond the material exchange — emotional nuances that also can be applied to charitable work and philanthropy. He says that significance contributes to the happiness we experience in gift-giving. Matthew McGranaghan: Studies the economics of consumer attention and the indirect effects of marketing interventions. He explains that there is a difference in how businesses are innovating and utilizing online retail methods to connect with consumers this holiday season. Bintong Chen: Can discuss the systematic nature of supply chain issues. He recommends shoppers use major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, whose companies use their own shipping fleets to minimize disruptions. Caroline Swift: Examines supply chain transparency and the interactions between regulation and business performance.
Dangers of the Metaverse and VR for U.S. Youth Revealed in New Study
The metaverse, a space where the lines between physical and digital realities blur, is rising among younger populations. As of March, 33% of teens own a virtual reality (VR) device and 13% use it weekly. With the metaverse offering richer emotional experiences, youth may be particularly vulnerable to significant harm in these immersive spaces, underscoring the need to explore potential risks. Unfortunately, research of online victimization in the metaverse is sorely lacking. A new study by Florida Atlantic University , in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, is one of the first to examine the experiences of harm in the metaverse among youth in the United States. Using a nationally-representative sample of 5,005 13 to 17 year olds in the U.S., researchers focused on their experiences with VR devices, including 12 specific types of harm experienced, protective strategies employed, and differences in experiences between boys and girls. Results of the study, published in the journal New Media & Society, found a significant percentage of youth reported experiencing various forms of harm in these spaces, including hate speech, bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, grooming behaviors (predators building trust with minors), and unwanted exposure to violent or sexual content. The study also revealed notable gender differences in experiences. Among the study findings: 32.6% of youth own a VR headset (41% of boys vs. 25.1% of girls) More than 44% received hate speech/slurs (8.9% many times); 37.6% experienced bullying; and 35% faced harassment Almost 19% experienced sexual harassment; 43.3% dealt with trolling; 31.6% were maliciously obstructed; and 29.5% experienced threats More than 18% were doxed (publicly revealing someone’s personal information without their consent); and 22.8% were catfished (creating a false identity online to deceive someone, typically for romantic purposes) Nearly 21% faced unwanted violent or sexual content; 18.1% experienced grooming or predatory behavior; and 30% were targeted for factors like weight, sexual preference, sexual orientation or political affiliation Boys and girls experienced similar patterns of mistreatment, but girls experienced sexual harassment and grooming/ predatory behavior more frequently than boys. Boys and girls were equally as likely to be targeted because of their voice, avatar, race, religion or disability. “Certain populations of youth are disproportionately susceptible to harm such grooming, especially those who suffer from emotional distress or mental health problems, low self-esteem, poor parental relationships and weak family cohesion,” said Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., first author, a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice within FAU’s College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center, and a faculty associate at the Berkman Klein Center at Harvard University. “Due to the unique characteristics of metaverse environments, young people may need extra attention and support. The immersive nature of these spaces can amplify experiences and emotions, highlighting the importance of tailored resources to ensure their safety and well-being.” Findings also reveal that girls employed in-platform safety measures significantly more so than boys such as “Space Bubble,” “Personal Boundary” and “Safe Zone.” “We found that girls are more likely to select avatars designed to reduce the risk of harassment and to use in-platform tools to maintain a safe distance from others. Additionally, both boys and girls feel comfortable leaving metaverse rooms or channels like switching servers in response to potential or actual victimization, although overall, youth tend to use these safety features infrequently,” said Hinduja. Among the recommendations offered to youth by the researchers include: Using platform-provided safety features to restrict unwanted interactions and infringements upon their personal space. It is also essential that youth understand and take advantage of the safety features available within metaverse experiences, including blocking, muting, and reporting functionalities. Continued research and development in these areas to determine how to meet the needs of users in potential or actual victimization contexts Streamlining platform reporting mechanisms to ensure swift action is taken against perpetrators Age-gating mechanisms for metaverse environments where mature content and interactions proliferate Encouraging parents and guardians to take the time to familiarize themselves with available parental control features on VR devices and metaverse platforms to set boundaries, monitor activities, and restrict certain features as needed. An active mediation approach is ideal, where they engage in open and supportive dialogue with children about their metaverse experiences. The integration of updated, relevant, and accessible digital citizenship and media literacy modules into school curricula to provide youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate VR and other emerging technologies safely and responsibly Consideration by content creators of the ethical implications of their metaverse creations, ensuring that they promote inclusivity, respect, and discourage any form of harassment. They should strive to make their virtual experiences accessible to users from diverse backgrounds, languages, cultures and abilities. “VR concerns of parents and guardians generally reflect and align with their historical anxieties about video games, excessive device use, its sedentary nature, cognitive development, and stranger danger,” said Hinduja. “There remains so much promise with these new technologies, but vigilance is required when it comes to the unique challenges they present as well as the unique vulnerabilities that certain youth users may have. As such, it’s ‘all hands on deck’ to build a safer and more inclusive metaverse as it continues to evolve.” If you're looking to know more - let us help. Sameer Hinduja, Ph.D., is a professor in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center. He is recognized internationally for his groundbreaking work on the subjects of cyberbullying and safe social media use, concerns that have paralleled the exponential growth in online communication by young people. He has written seven books, and his interdisciplinary research is widely published and has been cited more than 18,000 times. Simply click on Sameer's icon now to set up an interview today.
Researchers race to detect Alzheimer's sooner using $3.9M grant
Too often, people learn they have Alzheimer’s disease when it’s too late. The changes in the brain that lead to the disease manifesting with symptoms have already been occurring for decades. Researchers at the University of Delaware will attempt to detect the disease sooner through a new study that examines changes in the arteries and brain tissue in midlife adults in their 50s and 60s. The findings of this work, funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), could identify the earliest mechanisms linking vascular aging to the loss of brain tissue integrity, leading to new targets for interventions aimed at preventing age-related cognitive impairment. “People who develop high blood pressure or stiffening of the aorta and carotid arteries in midlife are at a much higher risk for developing cognitive impairment or dementia in late life,” said Christopher Martens, the principal investigator of the study. Martens, an associate professor of kinesiology and applied physiology in UD's College of Health Sciences and director of the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging (DECCAR), is working closely with Curtis Johnson, an associate professor of biomedical engineering in the College of Engineering and leader of the neuroimaging biomarker core within DECCAR, on research funded by a nearly $4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). “A lot happens as we age, so we’re aiming to pinpoint the timing and exact mechanisms that cause these changes in midlife adults,” Martens said. This latest grant extends DECCAR’s ongoing Delaware Longitudinal Study for Alzheimer’s Prevention (DeLSAP), which seeks to study how risk and protective factors for dementia are related and change over time. Those eligible for DeLSAP could also meet the criteria for participating in the new study. In his Neurovascular Aging Laboratory, Martens studies mechanisms leading to the stiffening of arteries, while Johnson is specifically interested in measuring the stiffness of the brain. “As a person ages, the brain gets softer and breaks down, and we’re looking to see whether changes in arterial stiffness and patterns of blood flow in the brain cause this decline,” Johnson said. Changes in blood flow to the brain come from controllable factors. Smoking, cardiovascular health, diet and exercise all impact blood flow positively and negatively. “A lot of aging research is done at the end of life,” Johnson said. “We want to look at midlife and try to predict what happens later in life so we can prevent it.” While the brain gets softer with age, arteries get stiffer. “We hypothesize that midlife increases in stiffness in blood vessels cause damaging pulsatile pressure to enter the brain,” Martens said. “We believe this is one of the reasons we start to develop cognitive issues at an older age because the brain is exposed to increased pressure; that pressure is likely inflicting damage on surrounding brain tissue.” In Johnson’s Mechanical Neuroimaging Lab, researchers will use high-resolution magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to determine where brain damage occurs and what specific brain structures may be affected. “From an MRI perspective, most researchers look at AD and other neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis with an emphasis on detection in a hospital setting,” Johnson said. “Using highly specialized techniques we’ve developed, we focus on the earlier side and how these changes progress into disease from the neuroscience side, emphasizing prevention.” Together, they’ll seek to learn whether arterial stiffness causes the kind of cognitive impairment seen in AD or whether the decline is associated with a loss in the integrity of brain tissue. “If we can prove arterial stiffness is playing a causal role in cognitive aging, that would provide further support for focusing on blood vessel health as an intervention for delaying AD or other forms of dementia versus solely focusing on the brain,” Martens said.
The election is over, and Republicans have swept the White House and Congress
The race for the White House is over, and the Republicans have been swept into power with historic gains in Congress and control of the executive branch. What will their policy priorities be and how will the new political landscape mold the direction of the new Trump administration? What will the Democrats, now a minority opposition party, do? Can they adapt to a winning strategy in time for the midterms in two years? If you are covering American politics, how do you make sense of all the changes? How do you know what issues are going to drive decisions in Washington, D.C.? What can polling tell us about what happened? Where did the polls fall short? What will pollsters be looking at moving forward? We have an expert who can help. Kevin Wagner, Ph.D., is Florida Atlantic University’s renowned political science expert and co- executive director of Florida Atlantic University Political Communication and Public Opinion Research Lab (PolCom Lab) —the university’s extensive and nationally covered polling operation. View profile View some of Kevin Wagner's recent media here: ABC News Florida Atlantic University professor of political science Kevin Wagner says Florida’s shift started several years ago and it’s due to a variety of factors. "Certainly, there was some pretty good evidence that we had people moving from states like California and New York looking for a more conservative environment, and they brought their politics with them when they came to Florida," Wagner said. "That influx of more conservative voters certainly mattered. It's not the only thing that mattered." WINK Some voters believe the 60% mark is too high to make constitutional changes. For the threshold to change, it has to be put on the ballot for voters to decide and would need at least 60% of the vote. “Getting 60% of the voters to agree on anything is really hard and when it’s something that’s highly contested. It makes it even harder,” Florida Atlantic University Political Science Professor Kevin Wagner said. THE PINNACLE GAZETTE Political analysts point to various factors contributing to Florida’s Republican shift. Kathryn DePalo-Gould, a political scientist from Florida International University, aptly stated, “It’s now so solidly Republican it is crimson.” This sentiment was echoed by Kevin Wagner from Florida Atlantic University, highlighting how previously competitive races have now become predictable Republican wins. Indeed, Trump’s haul of 61 out of 67 counties stands as a testifier to this changing political tide. Looking to connect? He is here to answer all your questions and is available for interviews. Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
