Consumption Function Research Articles

Association of ultraprocessed foods consumption and cognitive function among children aged 4-7 years: a cross-sectional data analysis.

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption has shown associations with cognitive function in preschool children, but effects of other ultraprocessed foods consumption are rarely discussed in China. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ultraprocessed food consumption and cognitive function among preschool children in China. A total of 325 children aged 4-7 years were included from Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Face-to-face interviews with parents using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was conducted to investigate the status of seven ultraprocessed foods consumption (i.e., chocolate, biscuits, candy, fast-food, ice cream, SSBs, and sweet bakery products). The mandarin-language version of the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI, Fourth Edition) was applied to assess the cognitive function of children. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between ultraprocessed food consumption and the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and different domains and risk of cognitive deficit, respectively. We found that frequent consumption of candy (β = -3.34, 95% CI: -5.62∼-1.06; p = 0.004) and sweet bakery products (β = -2.77, 95% CI: -5.58∼0.04; p = 0.054) were significant associated with decreased FSIQ scores in the linear regression models. However, only frequent consumption of candy was statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive deficit (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.11∼3.79; p = 0.023) in the logistic regression models. For the different domains, we found frequent consumption of candy (β = -3.85, 95% CI: -6.28∼-1.43; p = 0.002) and sweet bakery products (β = -3.48, 95% CI: -6.47∼-0.49; p = 0.023) was also significantly associated with lower Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI). When combining the seven ultraprocessed foods, we found children who frequently consumed more than two kinds of ultraprocessed foods had a significant decrease of VCI scores (β = -2.66; 95% CI: -5.12∼-0.19; p = 0.035) too. Our results suggested that frequent consumption of individual (candy and sweet bakery products) and multiple ultraprocessed foods may decrease VCI scores and thereby impact cognitive function in children aged 4-7 years.

Task offloading to edge cloud balancing utility and cost for energy harvesting Internet of Things

Task offloading from many Internet of Things (IoT) devices to a mobile edge computing (MEC) system, consisting of multiple collaborative edge servers (CES), results in reduced task execution delay as well as energy consumption. However, the exploitation of computation resources of CESs incurs additional costs. Existing works in the literature either focused on minimizing execution latency or energy consumption. In this paper, we have developed a task offloading policy that aims at making a trade-off between device utility and execution cost. The utility is defined as a function of task execution latency and energy consumption of energy-harvesting IoT devices. The task offloading problem is formulated as a subset selection problem that makes the desired trade-off. The offloading problem is proven to be NP-hard and thus we develop a meta-heuristic approach, namely SCOPE, inspired by Social Cognitive Optimization (SCO) to obtain the desired polynomial time execution. The results show its potency compared to the state-of-the-art methods in terms of task execution latency, energy consumption, utility per unit cost, and task drop rate.

Associations between ultra-processed food consumption and kidney function in an older adult population with metabolic syndrome

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption has increased dramatically over the last decades worldwide. Although it has been linked to some cardiometabolic comorbidities, there is limited evidence regarding kidney function. This study aimed to cross-sectionally and longitudinally assess the association between UPF consumption and estimated-glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) based on Cystatin C (CysC). Older adults (mean age 65±5.0 years, 46% women) with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) who had available data of CysC at baseline (n=1909), at one-year and at 3-years of follow-up (n=1700) were analyzed. Food consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and UPF consumption (% of g/d) at baseline and changes after one-year of follow-up were estimated according to NOVA classification system. Multivariable-adjusted linear and logistic regression models were performed to evaluate the cross-sectional associations between UPF consumption with eGFR levels and decreased kidney function (eGFR <60ml/min/1.73m2) at baseline. Multivariable-adjusted mixed-effects linear regression models were fitted to investigate the associations between one-year changes in UPF and eGFR over 3-years of follow-up. Individuals with the highest baseline UPF consumption showed lower eGFR (β:-3.39ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI:-5.59 to-1.20) and higher odds of decreased kidney function (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.21 to 2.22) at baseline, compared to individuals in the lowest tertile. Participants in the highest tertile of one-year changes in UPF consumption presented a significant decrease in eGFR after one-year of follow-up (β:-1.45ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI:-2.90 to-0.01) as well as after 3-years of follow-up (β:-2.18ml/min/1.73m2; 95% CI:-3.71 to-0.65) compared to those in the reference category. In a Mediterranean population of older adults with overweight/obesity and MetS, higher UPF consumption at baseline and one-year changes towards higher consumption of UPF were associated with worse kidney function at baseline and over 3-years of follow-up, respectively. ISRCTN89898870.

Optimal Pricing and Advertisement Policy for an Advance Order Booking Inventory System with Order Cancellation under Inflationary Condition

The e-commerce business has grown significantly over the past few years, mainly due to providing a better customer experience through advance booking and order cancellation options with a full refund. In this paper, the inventory control problem of a firm that offers advance booking for the product and cancellation (with a full refund) before the due delivery date is addressed. A profit maximization model is formulated to find the optimum inventory cycle length, the selling price of the product, and advertisement expenditure. The discounted cash flow approach is used to take into account cash flows at different time points. Advance booking is made at the beginning of the inventory cycle at a discounted price until the time of stock arrival, followed by usual spot sales. The number of order cancellations during the advance booking period is dependent on the waiting time for receiving the order. The impact of revenue collected through advance sales is considered by including interest earned. Product demand is assumed to be the function of advertisement expenditure and the selling price of the product. A solution procedure is suggested, and the model is illustrated through numerical analysis, thereby providing valuable managerial insights based on the results obtained.

Consumption, Housing Market and Demand for Mortgage Finance: Some Crucial Theoretical Discussions towards an Appropriate Model for an Emerging Economy

This paper focus on the consumption function theoretical perspective and how this can used to derive suitable models for the demand for mortgage finance. This study will critically examine the various consumption functions in economic science which have been developed over the last century. The review of the various models will focus on the structure, characteristics, variables, data sets and sources that were used and the critical findings of the models. This paper examined existing literature on the consumption functions discussions, identified the critical characteristics from the model and identified the differences among the various consumption model. Furthermore, the consumption functions were linked to the various demand for mortgage financing models in this work. This study spanned the years 1923 through 2023 where these important tools can be vital to the understanding of the various economic cycle and significant instruments for effective decisions regarding investment, monetary and fiscal policy. The periods experienced critical economic shocks such as credit boom, a financial recession, a rebound, and strong economic expansion. In this study piece, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed, and the research revealed crucial consumption functions analysis to enable this paper identify suitable demand for Mortgage finance model for an emerging economy. A SLR was performed using a sample of 100 research articles chosen from a pool of 400 papers obtained from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ABS journal and, among other sources. As a result of the review, the paper recommended a hybrid model that blended the theoretical perspective of consumption functions and relevant characteristics that is suitable for an emerging economy. This model will be useful for mortgage analysts, Credit Managers, Governments and Bankers to implement and enhance the movements in the mortgage market. This will also enhance and assist in facilitating the effective implementation of the Nigerian mortgage finance policy.

Time-dependent variation in oral irritation subqualities of capsaicin solution: Using Time-Intensity-Rate-All-That-Apply (TI-RATA) and temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) methods

Most of the previous studies characterizing the time-dependent perception of capsaicin have used the Time-Intensity (TI) analysis to highlight temporal variation in perception of overall oral irritation or its specific subquality, especially “warm/hot” or “burning.” Little attention has been paid to how multiple subqualities of oral irritation for capsaicin-containing samples can be perceived over an evaluation period. This study aimed at determining the time-dependent characteristics of capsaicin-induced oral irritation subqualities and their variations as a function of habitual spicy food consumption. In Study 1, 50 participants first rated oral irritation intensities of capsaicin solutions using the TI analysis over 600 s, then assessed the presence and intensities of seven subqualities – “burning”, “itching”, “numbness”, “stinging/pricking”, “tickle”, “tingling”, and “warm/hot”, using a Rate-All-That-Apply (RATA) analysis. The results of TI-RATA analysis revealed four dominant subqualities – “burning”, “stinging/pricking”, “tingling”, and “warm/hot”, in terms of selection proportions and perceived intensities by participants. In Study 2, using the Temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) analysis, the same participants traced the presence (or absence) of the four dominant subqualities (determined from Study 1) of capsaicin solutions over a period of 600 s. The results of TCATA analysis revealed that participants’ initial perception of the more algogenic sensations (i.e., “burning” and “stinging/pricking”) were slower in occurring and lasted for a shorter period, while the milder sensations (i.e., “tingling” and “warm/hot”) lasted longer than “burning” and “stinging/pricking”. There were no or little effects of habitual spicy food consumption on the time-dependent perceptions of oral irritation and its subqualities, respectively, in Studies 1 and 2. In conclusion, our results support and extend the notion that overall oral irritation and its subquality perception vary over time. This study also shows that the TI analysis can be supplemented with the TCATA analysis for greater understanding of the temporal dynamics of oral irritation perception of capsaicin solutions.

Insights into the Fabrication and Electrochemical Aspects of Paper Microfluidics-Based Biosensor Module.

Over the past ten years, microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (micro-PADs) have attracted a lot of attention as a viable analytical platform. It is expanding as a result of advances in manufacturing processes and device integration. Conventional microfluidics approaches have some drawbacks, including high costs, lengthy evaluation times, complicated fabrication, and the necessity of experienced employees. Hence, it is extremely important to construct a detection system that is quick, affordable, portable, and efficient. Nowadays, micro-PADs are frequently employed, particularly in electrochemical analyses, to replicate the classic standard laboratory experiments on a miniature paper chip. It has benefits like rapid assessment, small sample consumption, quick reaction, accuracy, and multiplex function. The goal of this review is to examine modern paper microfluidics-based electrochemical sensing devices for the detection of macromolecules, small molecules, and cells in a variety of real samples. The design and fabrication of micro-PADs using conventional and the latest techniques have also been discussed in detail. Lastly, the limitations and potential of these analytical platforms are examined in order to shed light on future research.

Load distribution of base stations in user-centric heterogeneous UDN

In ultra-dense networks (UDN), multiple association can be regarded as a user-centric pattern in which a user can be served by multiple base stations (BSs). The data rate and quality of service can be improved. However, BSs in user-centric paradigm are required to serve more users due to this multiple association scheme. The improvement of system performance may be limited by the improving load of BSs. In this letter, we develope an analytical framework for the load distribution of BSs in heterogeneous user-centric UDN. Based on open loop power control (OLPC), a user-centric scheme is considered in which the clustered serving BSs can provide given signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) for any typical user. As for any BS in different tiers, by leveraging stochastic geometry, we derive the Probability Mass Function (PMF) of the number of the served users, the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) of total power consumption, and the CDF bounds of downlink sum data rate. The accuracy of the theoretical analysis is validated by numerical simulations, and the effect the system parameters on the load of BSs is also presented.

Оптимизации режимов работы судовой холодильной установки с аккумулятором искусственного холода

The ways of optimizing the operation of a refrigeration unit for fishing and refrigerated vessels with the additional inclusion of artificial cold storage devices are investigated. For this purpose, a new technology of cold storage has been developed on the basis of a refrigerating machine with direct contact between media and ice production. The refrigerant RC318 was taken as freon which does not form crystalline hydrates. Based on this, the optimization of the operation of a single-stage refrigeration machine was carried out using the Lagrange multiplier method for the target function of energy consumption, calculated by reducing the exergy flow in the system. The data obtained show the relevance and prospects of using cold accumulation on ships to reduce energy costs for the operation of refrigeration equipment and increase the autonomy of fishing vessels. Optimization according to the given method leads to two modes of operation of the refrigerating machine, as the most optimally beneficial in terms of operating conditions during the generation of cold. Optimization was carried out for two schemes for including a cold accumulator in the cold supply system. The proposed optimization methods make it possible to reduce the energy consumption of refrigeration units to the level of design loads, and to compensate for peak loads with the help of cold from batteries. Further research in this matter is aimed at reducing the size of the battery, increasing its energy efficiency and developing recommendations for inclusion in the general schemes of ship refrigeration plants based on mathematical optimization models and field experiments. It also plans to further improve the methods of cold accumulation based on ice generation with direct contact of media inside refrigeration units.

A network data envelopment analysis based paradigm to benchmark fiscal performance – an analysis of fiscal outlay efficiency among Indian states

PurposeThe fiscal outlay efficiency matters when the performance-based allocation of funds is made to state governments by the central government in a federal structure of an economy like India. Also the efficiency cannon of public expenditure is a key aspect in the field of public economics. Thus, a study to evaluate the efficiency in fiscal outlay of Indian states has been conducted.Design/methodology/approachThe paper offers a three divisions–based paradigm under Network Data Envelopment Analysis framework to compare the performance of fiscal entities (say Indian state governments) in converting available fiscal resources into desired short-run and long-run growth and development objectives. The network efficiency score has been taken as a measure of the quality of fiscal outlay management that is trifurcated into divisional efficiencies representing budgeting process, fiscal outlay efficiency process and fiscal outlay effectiveness process.FindingsIt has been noticed that the states are under performing in achieving short-run growth targets and so the efficiency process division has been identified a major source of fiscal under performance. Suboptimum allocation of fiscal expenditure under various heads within the fiscal resources, as explained under budgeting process, is another major cause of fiscal under performance.Practical implicationsThe study purposes a three divisions–based paradigm that takes into account efficiency of a state in (1) planning budget, (2) achieving short-run growth targets and (3) achieving long-run development targets. These three stages are named as budgeting process efficiency, fiscal outlay efficiency and fiscal outlay effectiveness, respectively. Therefore, a new paradigm called BEE paradigm is proposed to evaluate performance of fiscal entities in terms of fiscal outlay efficiency.Originality/valueIn existing literature on measuring efficiency of public expenditure, the public sector outputs have been made as function of fiscal expenditure as input treating the said outlay as an exogenous variable. In present context, the fiscal expenditure has been treated endogenous to the budgeting process. A high inefficiency on account of budgeting process supports this treatment too.

Multi-UAV Cooperative Trajectory Planning Based on the Modified Cheetah Optimization Algorithm.

The capacity for autonomous functionality serves as the fundamental ability and driving force for the cross-generational upgrading of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With the disruptive transformation of artificial intelligence technology, autonomous trajectory planning based on intelligent algorithms has emerged as a key technique for enhancing UAVs' capacity for autonomous behavior, thus holding significant research value. To address the challenges of UAV trajectory planning in complex 3D environments, this paper proposes a multi-UAV cooperative trajectory-planning method based on a Modified Cheetah Optimization (MCO) algorithm. Firstly, a spatiotemporal cooperative trajectory planning model is established, incorporating UAV-cooperative constraints and performance constraints. Evaluation criteria, including fuel consumption, altitude, and threat distribution field cost functions, are introduced. Then, based on its parent Cheetah Optimization (CO) algorithm, the MCO algorithm incorporates a logistic chaotic mapping strategy and an adaptive search agent strategy, thereby improving the home-returning mechanism. Finally, extensive simulation experiments are conducted using a considerably large test dataset containing functions with the following four characteristics: unimodal, multimodal, separable, and inseparable. Meanwhile, a strategy for dimensionality reduction searching is employed to solve the problem of autonomous trajectory planning in real-world scenarios. The results of a conducted simulation demonstrate that the MCO algorithm outperforms several other related algorithms, showcasing smaller trajectory costs, a faster convergence speed, and stabler performance. The proposed algorithm exhibits a certain degree of correctness, effectiveness, and advancement in solving the problem of multi-UAV cooperative trajectory planning.

Optimal scheduling of vessels passing a waterway bottleneck

We develop a novel schedule optimization model for vessels passing a waterway bottleneck. From the system-optimal perspective, the model aims to minimize the total vessel bunker cost and delay penalties at destinations by incorporating the nonlinear relationship between bunker consumption and sailing speed into its calculations. The nonlinear model is linearized via two commonly used approximation techniques. The first one linearizes the bunker consumption function using a piecewise linear lower bound, while the second does so by discretizing the time. Numerical case studies are conducted for a real-world waterway bottleneck, the Three Gorges Dam Lock. Results reveal how the optimal cost components, vessel schedules, and delays are affected by key operating parameters, including the fuel prices, delay penalty rates, and the tightness of sailing time windows. Comparison against two simpler benchmark scheduling strategies (one with no vessel coordination and the other adopting a naïve coordination) manifests the sizeable benefit of optimal vessel scheduling.This paper presents the first investigation into the system-optimal scheduling strategy for vessels navigating a shared bottleneck, considering bunker costs, schedule delay penalties, and varying sailing speeds. The results highlight the significant potential of system-optimal scheduling and potential coordination strategies that enable approximation of the system-optimal solution. Additionally, our numerical experiments uncover the limitations of the outer-approximation method, while demonstrating that the discrete-time approach surpasses it in terms of both solution quality and computational efficiency.

Taking into account environmental constraints on emissions in economic models long-term forecasting of energy consumption (review of publications)

An overview of existing methodological approaches for long-term forecasting of energy consumption at various hierarchical levels of economic structure (in individual sections, sections, groups, classes, and industries or services) is provided for the development of mathematical dependencies for accounting for restrictions on emissions of greenhouse gas and air pollutants in further work. These approaches will complement the system of mathematical models for long-term forecasting of energy consumption in the country's economy, which were previously used at General Energy Institute of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. It is proposed to use mutually agreed mathematical models of three types to study the long-term development and functioning of energy consumption: models of the life cycle of the main technological facilities at the enterprise level, simulation models of the formation of transit flows of energy resources through the territory of Ukraine and optimization models for predicting the development of a certain section (industry) of the economy, which are generally applied in the energy supply system in the country. Also, for energy-intensive sections of the economy as electricity consumers, it is necessary to take into account: the manufacturer of products that has a reference indicator of emissions, with or without interchangeability of electricity and fuel, calculates direct emissions from production plus indirect emissions from consumed electricity. In other cases, they are calculated on the basis of a reference indicator of emissions for fuel or technological processes, and (or) adjusted for the ratio of direct emissions to the sum of direct and indirect emissions. Keywords: fuel and energy resources, modeling, forecasting, electricity consumption, greenhouse gases.

A sustainable production inventory model with green technology investment for perishable products

This study presents a production inventory model where demand is considered a function of the average consumption of perishable products by the diabetic population. Food products are generally subject to spoilage over time, and various preservation technologies are used to keep them in good condition longer. It is also important to consider carbon emissions through the transportation, production, and storage of food products subject to spoilage. Various green strategies can keep carbon emissions under control in the food industry. This study proposes an optimal production inventory model considering the production and inventory factors for products subject to deterioration. A comparison between different cases is shown to decide the minimum total cost. Numerical examples validating the models and sensitivity analysis are also provided.

Association between milk and dairy consumption and executive functioning: A cross-sectional survey based on rural Chinese adolescents

BackgroundMilk and dairy product consumption continue to increase in developing countries, with positive effects on adolescent physical and mental health. However, the effect of milk and dairy product consumption on executive function of adolescents has been less reported. This study aimed to analyze the status of milk and dairy product consumption and its association with executive function among adolescents in rural areas of China. The study aims to contribute to the healthy development of adolescents in rural areas of China. MethodsA three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method was used to investigate the milk and dairy product consumption status and executive function of 1360 adolescents in rural areas of China. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test was used to compare the milk and dairy product consumption of different categories of adolescents. Linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association between milk and dairy product consumption and executive function. ResultsThe proportions of adolescents in rural China with milk and dairy product consumption ≤1 t/w, 2–4 t/w, and ≥5 t/w were 39.26%, 45.07%, and 15.66%, respectively. After adjusting for relevant confounding variables, logistic regression analysis showed that compared to adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≥5 t/w, milk and dairy product consumption 2–4 t/w (OR = 2.115,95% CI: 1.265, 3.533) and ≤1 t/w (OR = 5.929,95% CI: 3.552,9.895) had a higher risk of inhibit control dysfunction (p < 0.05). Compared to adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≥5 t/w, adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≤1 t/w (OR = 2.141,95% CI: 1.110,4.129) had a higher risk of conversion the risk of flexibility dysfunction was also higher in adolescents with milk and dairy product consumption ≤1 t/w (OR = 2.141,95% CI: 1.110,4.129). ConclusionMilk and dairy product consumption among adolescents in rural areas of China is inadequate and has a positive association with executive function. In the future, we should increase milk and dairy product consumption and improve executive function of adolescents in rural areas of China in order to promote healthy physical and mental development.

Involving energy security and a Water–Energy-Environment nexus framework in the optimal integration of rural water–energy supply systems

This paper addresses the problem of evaluating the Water–Energy-Environment nexus and energy security in the design of water and energy supply systems in isolated off-grid rural communities. Since the evaluation of the nexus requires addressing multiple design objectives, a strategy, based on normalization and sub-setting of objective functions, is proposed to visualize conflicts in problems with many objective functions. To test this idea, the optimal design of a water and energy supply system in a rural indigenous community with traditional household buildings in central Mexico is presented. The Water–Energy-Environment nexus is dealt with using the objective functions of water consumption from local sources, energy efficiency of the system, land use and local CO2 balance. The focus of the analysis is the performance of the nexus components contrasted with the economic performance and energy security of the system. The energy security is evaluated using the Shannon–Wiener index. The results indicate that diversification of primary supply sources increases the impacts and accentuates conflicts in both the nexus and economic performance. For the case study presented, maximizing the Shannon–Wiener Index increases the participation of photovoltaic and wind power, but the total annual cost of the system increases up to 63%. On the other hand, there are considerable impacts on land use and CO2 emissions associated with wood combustion. The proposed strategy for visualizing conflicts in problems with multiple objective functions has the potential to be used as a complement to traditional tools such as the Pareto front.

A method to assess the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of complexes I and II from frozen tissue using the Oroboros O2k-FluoRespirometer.

High-resolution respirometry methods allow for the assessment of oxygen consumption by the electron transfer systems within cells, tissue samples, and isolated mitochondrial preparations. As mitochondrial integrity is compromised by the process of cryopreservation, these methods have been limited to fresh samples. Here we present a simple method to assess the activity of mitochondria respiratory complexes I and II in previously cryopreserved murine skeletal muscle tissue homogenates, as well as previously frozen D. melanogaster, as a function of oxygen consumption.

Economic Productivity through Net National Disposable Income

According to the Keynesian consumption function, Consumption expenditure plays a crucial role in determining the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as evident in the Absolute Income Hypothesis. This concept has subsequently been used in developing the permanent income hypothesis and the life cycle hypothesis. However, when considering the net national disposable income after accounting for factors like net factor income from abroad, taxes, and subsidies, it becomes clear that final consumption expenditure holds a more dominant position. A gap in the existing literature arises from the historical unavailability of data, leading to the use of GDP as a proxy variable instead of net national disposable income when determining the consumption function for India. This research paper aims to address this gap by employing the net national disposable income of the Indian economy to estimate the consumption function for the period between 1994 and 2018. Additionally, it empirically tests the long-term effects of current income and current wealth (defined as past year income minus past year consumption) on consumption within the context of the Indian economy. The empirical findings provide support for a significant positive relationship between consumption and income and wealth. This is further substantiated by the significant values of the marginal propensity to consume (MPC) derived from income and wealth during the given time period. The estimated equation aligns with the life cycle hypothesis for the Indian economy, indicating that long-term, steadfast planning is crucial for improving the productive capacity of the economy, reducing poverty, and enhancing employment levels more effectively.

The structure of representative preference

In an environment of Samuelsonian aggregation, we characterize those social welfare functions which (i) map concave utility profiles to concave representative utility functions and (ii) map quasiconcave utility profiles to quasiconcave representative utility functions. Case (i) holds for any concave social welfare function, while case (ii) holds only for generalized maxmin social welfare functions. Lastly, we establish a simple duality result for computing the representative utility under a maxmin social welfare function: the representative expenditure function is the sum of the individual expenditure functions, which we use to study the aggregation of generalized Leontief utilities.

Inverse Association between Cheese Consumption and Lower Cognitive Function in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults Based on a Cross-Sectional Study.

Diet modification may contribute to the prevention of age-related cognitive decline. The association between dairy product consumption and cognitive function in older people remains unknown. We investigated whether cheese intake is associated with lower cognitive function (LCF) in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study included 1503 adults aged over 65 years. The analyzed data were obtained through face-to-face interviews and functional ability measurement. Cognitive function was assessed using the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), and a score ≤23 was defined as LCF. The prevalence of LCF was 4.6%, and this group had smaller calf circumference, slower usual walking speed, and a more frequent history of anemia than subjects with MMSE scores >23. After adjusting for confounding factors, logistic regression analysis revealed cheese intake (odds ratio (OR) = 0.404, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.198-0.824), age (OR = 1.170, 95% CI = 1.089-1.256), usual walking speed (OR = 0.171, 95% CI = 0.062-0.472) and calf circumference (OR = 0.823, 95% CI = 0.747-0.908) to be significant factors associated with LCF. Although the present study was an analysis of cross-sectional data of Japanese community-dwelling older adults, the results suggest that cheese intake is inversely associated with LCF.