Perfil del consumidor y su influencia en la sostenibilidad local de los negocios del Mercado Sauces IX ubicado en Guayaquil

Despite the World Health Organization (WHO) advocating a healthy and balanced diet for consumers for many years, inadequate fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption remains a substantial issue with economic, social, environmental, and nutritional implications. This study aims to identify consumer profiles for sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption in the European Union, considering specific demographic and socio-economic factors. The analysis is based on data from the 2019 European Health Interview Survey (EHIS). This article provides a clear understanding of how gender, age, education level, income, and place of residence relate to sustainable FV consumption through a principal component analysis (PCA). By defining consumer profiles linked to sustainable and healthy FV consumption, the study aids in creating cohesive goals for promoting health within European society. The results of the PCA reveal four distinct consumer profiles and enhance our understanding of the factors influencing these profiles. These findings align with previous research, indicating that consumer profiles remain relatively consistent. According to the PCA classification, sustainable fruit and vegetable consumption is more prevalent among women, educated individuals, higher-income consumers, and those over 55 years old. In contrast, the opposite profile consists of consumers with lower income, younger and middle-aged individuals, men, and those with less than a high school education, highlighting the need for effective strategies to promote a healthier diet in this group. Countries with lower economic development, reflected in consumer incomes, deviate the most from the recommended “at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day” consumption pattern, and do not exhibit a sustainable consumption model. Thus, continued monitoring of consumer profiles is essential, with a focus on both the quantity and frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as strategies aiming to increase their intake.

"Sustainable Business Practices: Integrating Environmental and Social Responsibility into Management Strategies" delves into the imperative shift toward sustainable practices within contemporary business management. The article explores the integration of environmental and social responsibility into organizational strategies, highlighting the evolving role of businesses in addressing environmental challenges and contributing positively to society. The background of the research underscores the growing recognition of the impact of business activities on the environment and society. This awareness has led to an increased emphasis on sustainable business practices as a means to balance economic goals with environmental and social concerns. The research gap lies in the need for a comprehensive understanding of how organizations effectively integrate sustainability into their management strategies. The urgency of this research is grounded in the critical need for businesses to adopt responsible practices that go beyond profit maximization. The article reviews previous studies to identify successful cases of sustainable business models, examining the challenges faced by organizations and the innovative approaches they adopt to embed sustainability into their core operations. The novelty of the article lies in its in-depth analysis of sustainable business practices, exploring the strategies employed by organizations to address environmental concerns, ensure social responsibility, and maintain economic viability. It discusses the role of leadership, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of green technologies in achieving sustainable business outcomes. The objective of the research is to provide valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and academics interested in promoting sustainable practices. The study aims to contribute to the development of practical frameworks for integrating environmental and social responsibility into business strategies, fostering a sustainable and ethical business landscape. Overall, the article seeks to inspire positive change within the business sector and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible global economy.

ABSTRACTBackground: Sexual risk behavior is now the primary vector of HIV transmission among substance users in the United States with gender as a crucial moderator of risk behavior. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in factors (age, race/ethnicity, education) that predict main-partner unprotected sexual occasions (USO) using the unique platform of two parallel NIDA National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network gender-specific safer sex intervention trials. Methods: Baseline assessments of male (N = 430) and female (N = 377) participants included demographic characteristics; past 3-month sexual activity; and a diagnostic assessment for alcohol, cocaine/stimulant, and opioid use disorders. Using mixed effects generalized linear modeling of the main outcome USO, two-way interactions of gender with age, race/ethnicity, and education were evaluated and adjusted by alcohol, cocaine/stimulant, or opioid use disorder. Results: When adjusted for alcohol use disorder, the interaction of education and gender was significant. For men, a high school or greater education was significantly associated with more USO compared to men with less than high school. For women, greater than high school education was significantly associated with less USO compared to women with a high school education. None of the other interactions were significant when adjusted for cocaine/stimulant or opioid use disorder. Conclusions/Importance: This study demonstrates gender differences in the relationship of education, alcohol use disorder, and main-partner USO in individuals in substance abuse treatment. This underscores the importance of considering demographic and substance use factors in HIV sexual risk behavior and in crafting prevention messages for this population.

There are few data on prostate cancer incidence and survival in relation to socioeconomic status in the 1990s, after the introduction of prostate specific Antigen (PSA) testing. We studied the relation of education to prostate cancer incidence and survival in the Cancer Prevention Study II (CPS-II) Nutrition Cohort. Participants provided questionnaire data on diet, medical history, education, and PSA testing. We followed 72,449 men from 1992-1999 for cancer incidence (4279 incident cases), and through 2000 for survival (158 prostate cancer deaths among incident cases). Multivariate-adjusted rate ratios (RRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. Self-reported (PSA) tests were more common among the more highly educated. Men with at least a college education had a 15-19% higher prostate cancer incidence than those with a high school education or less, but this association was limited to localized cancers and was attenuated by adjustment for PSA testing. Survival analysis among incident prostate cancer cases adjusted for stage and grade at diagnosis showed much lower prostate cancer mortality for men with at least a high school education compared to those with less than a high school education (RR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32-0.76). This study suggests that higher education is associated with slightly increased incidence of prostate cancer, at least partly due to greater use of PSA screening and a greater detection of localized tumors among more highly educated men. The much lower survival rates from prostate cancer among those with less than a high school education cannot be explained by available data and may reflect disparities in treatment. In 1999, 27% of US males over age 55 and older had less than a high school education.

Purpose Despite the emphasis on integrated sustainability practices, many businesses continue to pursue sustainability strategies focused solely on a bottom line that prioritises monetary profits, often neglecting other crucial aspects of sustainability, including social, environmental and philanthropic considerations. This research aims to investigate the significance of adopting integrated sustainability practices by examining whether these practices contribute to the sustainability of halal businesses from the perspective of halal consumers. Design/methodology/approach In line with the stated aim, a survey questionnaire was developed and used to collect data from 402 consumers with extensive knowledge of corporate sustainability practices in Malaysia. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings The findings indicate that environmental sustainability practices, social sustainability practices, corporate philanthropic activities and economic sustainability practices are positively and significantly associated with the sustainability of halal businesses. Research limitations/implications By focusing solely on respondents from Malaysia, the authors acknowledge that the responses obtained may not fully represent the views of individuals from other countries. This limitation may affect the generalisability of their findings to a broader international context. In terms of implications, the findings suggest that adopting sustainability practices is no longer optional for halal businesses, as these practices attract conscious consumers whose values align with halal principles. This alignment could play a crucial role in generating market demand for the products and services of halal firms. Originality/value This research has provided fresh insights into the influence of integrated sustainability practices on halal business sustainability. It offers an understanding of how incorporating sustainability practices into business operations and strategies can enhance the resilience and long-term viability of halal businesses. The uniqueness of this study lies in its focus on halal businesses, a sector that has not been extensively researched in terms of integrated sustainability practices. By unveiling new insights into the dynamics of sustainable business practices within this niche market, the research makes novel contributions to both practical applications and academic scholarship in sustainable business management.

Halal food, as part of the "Halal Economy", was found to be suitable for all consumers, including non-Muslims. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted consumer food purchasing habits, particularly for Ready-to-Eat (RTE) foods. Young Muslim consumers under 30, who make up 60% of the global Muslim population, are expected to demand Halal food that promotes ethnic cuisine, including prepared and RTE options. This research aimed to determine the factors influencing the purchase intention of RTE Halal food products among young consumers in Pattani Province, Thailand. A cross-sectional design was employed using an online survey distributed to young consumers. Data analysis involved descriptive and bivariate analyses, with a multiple linear regression model used to examine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Results showed that religious beliefs, education level, attitudes toward Halal quality, and perceptions of the Halal logo significantly influenced young consumers' intentions to purchase RTE Halal food products in Pattani Province. Non-Muslim youth generally had lower purchase intentions for these products than their Muslim counterparts. Young consumers with only a high school education or lower tended to be less interested in purchasing RTE Halal food products than those with bachelor's degrees. However, the study has limitations, including a small sample size, the discrepancy between respondents' perceived knowledge of Halal and their actual understanding, and external validity concerns. Recognizing these limitations could help improve interpretation and guide future research directions.

Several states have implemented Healthy Behavior Incentive Programs (HBIPs) in Medicaid through Section 1115 demonstration waivers. These programs use financial incentives to encourage positive behavior changes, such as greater use of preventive services, smoking cessation, and weight loss. To test for an association between the introduction of HBIPs and the rates of smoking cessation, weight loss, and annual preventive health visits in states that have adopted behavior-specific programs compared with states that have not. A cohort study using a difference-in-differences analysis of the 2011-2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey Interview Results data, adjusting for demographic conditions, state unemployment rates, state Medicaid expansion, national secular trends, and time invariant state-specific factors, was conducted. Two sets of participants were considered: adults aged 18 to 64 years who had a reported annual household income of less than $25 000 (n = 442 089) or adults aged 18 to 64 years who had completed high school education or less (n = 676 883). Changes in health behavior outcomes in 4 states (Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan) that implemented behavior-specific HBIPs targeting smoking, obesity, and annual health checkups through a Section 1115 waiver, against changes in control states, including Washington, DC, that did not introduce an HBIP (n = 44). Rate of smoking, obesity, and attendance at annual preventive health visits. Of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Service respondents used for the less than $25 000 annual household income cohort (n = 442 089), the mean (SD) age was 43.1 (0.8) years, and the mean (SD) percentage of women was 58.4% (2.5%). For the cohort of high school education or less (n = 676 883) population, the mean (SD) age was 41.6 (1.1) years, and the mean (SD) percentage of women was 46.6% (0.9%). During a 2-year period after implementation, there were no improvements in smoking and obesity in individuals with a household income of less than $25 000 (2.49 percentage points, 95% CI, 1.75-3.23 percentage points; P < .001 and -1.94 percentage points, 95% CI, -4.42 to 0.55 percentage points; P = .12, respectively) as well as in the population holding a high school education or less (1.74 percentage points, 95% CI, 0.64-2.85 percentage points; P = .003 and -0.73 percentage points, 95% CI, -1.84 to 0.38 percentage points; P = .19). An association was noted between an increase in preventive health visit rates among states adopting behavior-specific HBIPs relative to control states in the less than $25 000 household income population (3.89 percentage points, 95% CI, 2.64-5.14 percentage points; P < .001). However, these associations were substantively small and not robust across the high school education or less population (1.8 percentage points, 95% CI, -0.12 to 3.71 percentage points; P = .07). Early postimplementation assessment may indicate that HBIPs were not associated with substantive improvements in incentivized healthy behaviors among populations likely to be Medicaid beneficiaries. The value, format, and timing of the incentive, complexity in delivery, and lack of awareness of incentives among target beneficiaries and clinicians may limit the usefulness of programs even over a longer follow-up period.

The agri-food system needs to transition into a more balanced system that takes into account economic, social, and environmental factors. Young people are a key demographic group to consider as they are open to new trends of consumption, including sustainable buying practices. Public universities can play a significant role in promoting sustainable and healthy eating habits among students. In this paper, we focus on the perceptions of young people regarding sustainable food in the Madrid Region. We conducted a survey using a questionnaire-based approach among 1940 students in 2022. The results highlight that young consumers are highly concerned about food sustainability. They perceive sustainability as local and non-processed foods. However, this perception varies among young consumers, and we identified five different consumer profiles. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis provide insights into potential actions that universities can take to promote sustainable and healthy eating habits among students.

Socioeconomic status is likely an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease but little research has been done in the United States to study this association in a nationally representative sample. We sought to determine the association between lifetime education and the prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI) among adults over the age of 39 in the US. A cross sectional study was conducted using the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). A multivariable logistic regression was performed. The analysis was conducted in 2008. Among respondents aged 40 years and older to the 2006 BRFSS survey those with less than a high school education had 3.09 (95% CI: 2.79-3.43) times the odds of having had an MI compared to college graduates. After adjusting for confounders, respondents with less than a high school education had 1.61 (95% CI: 1.41-1.83) times the odds of having had an MI compared to college graduates. Both those with a high school education and those who completed some college or technical school had 1.22 times the odds of having had an MI compared to college graduates after adjusting for confounders. This study suggests that education is a risk factor for MI. More national prospective studies are needed in the US to better understand the link between socioeconomic status and coronary heart disease.

Mediation as a response to domestic abuse would seem a promising direction in curbing domestic battering among offenders with a low stake in conformity. This study compares the effects of mediation verses arrest on two general types of domestic abusers; one category with a high school education or above and is presently employed, while the other category comprising individuals with less than a high school education and are currently unemployed. Pooled data from three of the original group of six Minneapolis Domestic Violence Project cities are used in this study. The findings show unemployed Blacks with less than a high school education who were mediated were significantly less likely to have re-offended within six months than unemployed non-Blacks similarly mediated with less than a high school education. Also, unemployed Blacks with less than a high school education not mediated were significantly more likely to re-offend than unemployed non-Blacks with less than a high school education and not mediated. Finally, among those in the sample unemployed with less than a high school education and mediated were significantly less likely to re-offend compared to those not mediated. The findings are consistent with seeing mediation as a viable police strategy in curbing domestic abuse among jobless and undereducated offenders.

High school art education is not only the core carrier of aesthetic education, but also an important part of quality education. At present, although China's high school art education has achieved a 96.8% national class opening rate (data source: the Ministry of Education's 2023 national report on the development of school art education), it still faces prominent problems such as uneven resource distribution, unbalanced teacher allocation, and rigid teaching models. As a key force in coordinating education reform, educational leadership has a direct impact on the quality of art education in terms of policy implementation, curriculum construction, resource integration and other aspects. Based on the public statistics of the Ministry of Education and the practice cases of art education in many high schools, this paper analyzes the current difficulties in the development of art education in high schools from the perspective of educational leadership, and proposes multiple paths of curriculum innovation, teacher empowerment, resource integration, evaluation reform, and digital-intelligence integration, so as to provide practical solutions for promoting the high-quality development of art education in high schools and help achieve the core goal of "educating people with aesthetics and culture".

PurposeThis paper sets out to investigate the factors affecting product class involvement for food. Factors affecting specific aspects of involvement are also to be explored. The aim is to determine the factors that affect involvement with food and sketch the profile of consumers more likely to be involved or not involved with food. This paper also seeks to assess the factors affecting the importance attached to different aspects of food such as taste, price, nutrition, ease of preparation, and brand name.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on the literature a conceptual model is developed and empirically tested using survey data collected from supermarkets in Athens. Data were analyzed using probit and ordered probit analysis and marginal effects were calculated which show how much the level of involvement or importance is affected when a variable is changed.FindingsThis study finds that younger consumers, those with higher education and income who engage in nutritional label use behavior and do not prepare food for their household are more likely to have low involvement with food. Less distinctive characteristics are apparent for the highly involved consumers. Different consumer profiles are also associated with different aspects of food involvement based on importance attached to price, ease of preparation, nutrition, taste, and brand name.Research limitations/implicationsA caveat has to do with the localized nature of this study and therefore the limitations in generalizing results. Future research could use larger samples and other measures of product class involvement to test the robustness of these results.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that overall involvement with food, based on attribute importance, is affected by several socioeconomic and attitudinal variables. The findings also suggest that different profiles of consumers can be associated with different aspects or attributes of food such as taste, price, nutrition, ease of preparation, and brand name. The analysis can be used as a segmentation tool that can assist marketing management with marketing mix decisions, and in particular with promotional strategy in order to increase marketing efficiency.Originality/valueThe paper gives new insights on consumer segmentation. It provides the profile of consumers more likely to be involved or not involved with food based on specific aspects such as price, nutrition, taste, ease of preparation and brand name.

Objectives: Herein, we aimed to determine the comprehensibility levels of written informed consent forms in a state hospital internal medicine clinic. Methods: Twenty-eight informed consent forms for diagnostic interventions, treatment applications, and hospitalization processes in a state hospital internal medicine clinic were evaluated with the comprehensibility indexes developed by Ateşman and Bezirci-Yılmaz. We evaluated comprehensibility in four main groups: primary (1st-8th grade), high school (9th-12th grade), undergraduate (13th-16th grade), and graduate education (over 16th grade). Results: According to both comprehensibility indexes, all forms required at least a high school education. According to Ateşman, median comprehensibility was at the 13th-14th grade; according to Bezirci-Yılmaz, a median of 14.6 years of education was required for comprehensibility. Conclusion: For comprehensibility of the informed consent forms used in the internal medicine clinic, at least high school and median university-level education were required. Considering the rate of population with a high school or higher education degree in Turkey was 43% in 2020, it is predicted that the patients’ comprehensibility of the written informed consent would be seriously low. Immediate regulations are required ethically and legally to increase the comprehensibility of existing written informed consent forms throughout society.

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a critical concern for businesses globally, with Africa facing unique challenges and opportunities in this domain. This paper explores various business models for sustainability in Africa, emphasizing their significance in addressing socio-economic issues and environmental challenges. The continent is rich in natural resources and has a burgeoning population, which presents both opportunities for sustainable development and challenges such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Key challenges include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, and regulatory hurdles that hinder the implementation of sustainable business practices. Furthermore, many African businesses lack the necessary knowledge and resources to adopt sustainable practices, leading to a reliance on traditional models that often prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This paper discusses innovative business models that can drive sustainable practices, such as circular economy initiatives, social entrepreneurship, and inclusive business strategies that prioritize community engagement and local capacity building. Opportunities for sustainability in Africa are also significant. The growing awareness of environmental issues, coupled with increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, presents a fertile ground for businesses to innovate. Leveraging technology, such as mobile applications and renewable energy solutions, can enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, public-private partnerships can facilitate knowledge transfer and resource mobilization to support sustainable business initiatives. This paper concludes that while challenges persist, Africa has the potential to lead in sustainable business practices by harnessing local resources, fostering innovation, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders. By embracing sustainable business models, African countries can not only address pressing challenges but also create economic opportunities that contribute to the continent's growth and resilience. Ultimately, this research highlights the need for a collective effort among businesses, governments, and civil society to promote sustainable practices that benefit both the economy and the environment.

ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to identify distinct frailty trajectories (clusters of individuals following a similar progression of frailty over time) in an ageing population and to determine social...