Consumption Of Products Research Articles

Non-Smoke Tobacco Consumption in India: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

This study evaluates the economic and social impacts of non-smoke tobacco consumption in India and compares them with the tax revenue generated by the government from this industry. Non-smoke tobacco products, such as chewing tobacco and pan masala, are associated with various health and environmental problems, such as oral cancer and littering. The study uses the concept of externalities to analyse the costs and benefits of non-smoke tobacco consumption for the society and the government. Based on available data and assumptions, the study estimates the expenditure on oral cancer treatment and cleanliness, and the revenue from direct and indirect taxes on non-smoke tobacco products. The study finds that the government collects more revenue than it spends on mitigating the negative externalities of non-smoke tobacco consumption, but the social costs are still significant. The study suggests that the government should implement more effective tobacco taxation and control policies to reduce the consumption and harm of non-smoke tobacco products.

Probiotics in Health Care: A Critical Appraisal

Consumption of probiotic products continues to increase, perhaps driven by an interest in gut health. However, the field is filled with controversy, inconsistencies, misuse of terminology, and poor communication. While the probiotic concept is biologically plausible and in some cases mechanistically well established, extrapolation of preclinical results to humans has seldom been proven in well-conducted clinical trials. With noteworthy exceptions, clinical guidance has often been derived not from large, adequately powered clinical trials but rather from comparisons of disparate, small studies with insufficient power to identify the optimal strain. The separation of probiotics from live biotherapeutic products has brought some clarity from a regulatory perspective, but in both cases, consumers should expect scientific rigor and strong supporting evidence for health claims.

Productivity and costs of a tracked excavator-based processor at the cable yarder landing in the North-western Italian Alps

ABSTRACT Excavator-based processors are a valuable machine to process trees at cable yarder landings. This paper contributes to the studies on productivity and time consumption of excavator-based processors at a landing in the North-western Italian Alps. The study analyzed the time consumption and productivity of an excavator-based processor in a spruce forest, focusing on operational factors influencing processing time and employing statistical modeling. Results showed that processing (21%) and stacking (19%) accounted for a significant portion of the total cycle time (254.2 s), with delays (48%) dominating due to waiting times for incoming loads. Regression analysis revealed that tree diameter, height, and number of logs significantly influenced cycle time. Productivity (25.7 m3 PMH−1) increased with tree volume, although larger trees required longer cycle times. Obtaining two logs per tree, when the tree volume increased by 0.1 m3, productivity increased by about 2.5 m3 PMH−1, while when obtaining five logs per tree, the increment in productivity for the same increase in tree volume was about 1.6 m3 PMH−1. Overall, the study demonstrates the feasibility and efficiency of using excavator-based processors in forest operations in the Northwestern Italian Alps. The findings provide valuable insights into operational dynamics and economic considerations, highlighting the potential of this equipment as a cost-effective alternative.

Whether Pension Program Stimulates the Consumption of Addictive Products: Evidence from China’s New Rural Pension Scheme

ABSTRACT Much attention has been paid to evaluating the policy effects of pension programs, but few studies have focused on possible inefficiencies stemming from their implementation. Drawing on a quasi-natural experiment associated with the adoption of China’s New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS), this study explores the impact of the NRPS on food consumption among rural residents. A difference-in-differences (DID) analysis is performed using panel data from the 2009 and 2013 National Rural Fixed Observation survey. Results show that participation in the NRPS improves residents’ dietary quality by increasing the consumption of recommended foods and decreasing the consumption of non-recommended foods. However, the results also show that the NRPS is associated with increased consumption of addictive and unhealthy products, especially in households with lower average levels of education, poorer self-reported health, and older adults over age 60. Findings suggest that when examining the possible health effects of new pension policies, it is essential to account for potential increases in the intake of unhealthy and addictive products, such as cigarettes and alcohol.

The Outlook of Financial Consumer Protection in China: Learning from the American Approach

In China, the range of financial derivative products has expanded considerably in recent years, with a corresponding increase in the complexity of these instruments. Financial institutions now offer a diverse array of financial products to consumers. There is a considerable disparity between financial consumers and financial institutions in a number of areas, including economic strength, social status, professional composition, negotiation ability and even judicial resources. Consequently, the topic of financial consumer protection is receiving increasing attention, and this issue is also a matter of considerable concern to countries around the world. A unified and effective system for the protection of financial consumers has yet to be established in China. In the event of a dispute regarding the consumption of financial products, it is often challenging for consumers to pursue appropriate redress, resulting in a situation where they have no recourse. The question of whether China should enact a unified Financial Consumer Protection Law, establish an independent financial consumer protection agency, and integrate the measures and regulations for protecting financial consumers in the financial services market in order to provide a convenient and fair mechanism for handling financial consumption disputes is a key area of study.

Physical Activity and Eating Habits of Polish Navy Soldiers and Border Guard Officers—A Comparative Analysis

Background: Physical fitness and a healthy body mass are important predictors of a good performance of military tasks. The purpose of this study was to assess the physical activity level and nutrition, in terms of the frequency of consumption of individual food groups, of Polish Navy soldiers and Maritime Unit of the Border Guard officers. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 131 Polish Navy soldiers aged 33.1 ± 6.3 years old and 132 Maritime Unit of the Border Guard officers aged 38.6 ± 5.5 years old. In order to carry out research on physical activity, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used. Eating habits were assessed based on a Food Frequency Questionnaire for 61 groups of food products. Results: Over 80% of the soldiers and officers studied indicated high levels of physical activity. Only 8.2% of soldiers and 4.3% of officers indicated a low level of physical activity. Of the 61 food product groups analyzed, significant differences were found in the frequency of consumption of 17 products. These differences concerned almost all groups (except dairy products and eggs). Conclusions: To summarize, soldiers and officers presented high and moderate levels of physical activity. Taking into account the demonstrated frequent consumption of high-energy and high-fat products, such as sausages and red meat, as well as margarine, mayonnaise, and sugar, with the low frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption in both studied groups, it is advisable to conduct training among soldiers and officers in the field of health education.

The Impact of Cruise Product Consumption Phases on Cruise Passenger Spending in a Non-Overnight Stay Port: Implications for Destination Managers

The level of expenditure by cruise passengers in the various cities visited during their journey is a crucial variable for the key stakeholders involved in this industry. Promoting higher spending by cruise passengers in non-overnight stay ports is a challenge led by the destination manager. This study aims to shed light on the effect that different phases in the cruise passenger’s travel cycle have on their propensity to spend during their stay. Our case focuses on the city of A Coruña, a non-overnight stay port on Europe’s Atlantic arc routes, where the average spending per cruise passenger during their visit is quite low. The analysis considers the impact of passenger profiles and the cruise product consumption phases on the average spending per passenger. From a methodological perspective, we have applied logistic regression. The results indicate that the profile of the cruise passenger, variables related to the onboard journey, and the experience of the city are the factors with the greatest potential to increase cruise passenger spending during their visit to the city. This has allowed the areas of greatest impact and where actions should be focused to be identified for both the destination manager and key stakeholders.

Dietary Calcium Intake and Association with Serum Calcium in Healthy Urban North Indian Adults: The Calcium-Chandigarh Urban Bone Epidemiological Study

Abstract Introduction: Data on dietary calcium intake (DCI) from healthy North Indian adults are limited. Hence, the present study aims to assess DCI in healthy community-dwelling adults residing in an affluent North Indian city and correlate with serum biochemical parameters. Methods: Healthy men and women were recruited from the community by door-to-door surveys. Serum total calcium, phosphate, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and iPTH were estimated. DCI was assessed by recalling the diet consumed in the previous 7 days. Results: A total of 291 participants were included (mean age = 39.4 ± 12.9 years). The mean (± standard deviation) and median (inter-quartile range) DCI were 392.6 ± 169.1 mg/day and 391 (274-518) mg/day, respectively. DCI was higher in men compared with women. Only 21.3% of participants had DCI more than RDA (600 mg/day). Serum calcium was found to be significantly higher across each quartile of DCI. On multiple linear regression analysis, DCI emerged as an independent positive predictor of serum total calcium. Conclusion: DCI is low in urban Indians. Promotion of consumption of dairy products and fortification of commonly consumed foods with calcium is needed.

Valorizing sardine scales: a circular approach to sustainable collagen for cosmetics and nutrition applications

Background and ObjectiveIn recent years, the consumption of fish products has led to a worrying trend where approximately two-thirds of the total amount of fish is discarded as waste. At the same time, scientific interest in exploring natural collagen sources for cosmetics and dietary supplements has increased. This study explores the potential of valorizing sardine scales (Sardina pilchardus), a by-product of the canning industry, through the extraction of collagen for potential use in dermocosmetic formulations and food supplements.MethodsCollagen from sardine scales was obtained though acid and enzymatic extraction. The collagen extracts were characterized by UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, SDS-PAGE, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The collagen was hydrolysed with papain to small peptides. Subsequently, the biological activities of acid-soluble collagen as well as the collagen peptides in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. Furthermore, the capacity of collagen peptides to permeate the intestinal barrier, simulated with caco-2 cells, was evaluated.ResultsPurified collagen extracts were obtained from sardine scales, with enzymatic extraction method having a yield three times higher than the acid method. The SDS-PAGE analysis confirmed the extraction of type I collagen as well as its hydrolysis into small fragments (25–12 kDa). In terms of biological activities, collagen and collagen peptides have not demonstrated antimicrobial activity. However, regarding antioxidant activity, collagen peptides showed three times more capacity compared to non-hydrolyzed collagen. Meanwhile, in 6 h, about 6.37% of collagen peptides could permeate the intestinal barrier.ConclusionThis work represents a continuous effort to advance our understanding and utilization of Portuguese marine waste resources, with focus on the valorization of sardine co-products for the development of food supplement or cosmetic formulations, contributing to the sustainable evolution of the circular blue economy.

Impact of Material Consumption and Circular Economy on National Income in Europe – Chapter 1

Objective: This study investigates resource productivity by exploring the factors that influence it and the strength of their impact using sustainability statistics from Eurostat. Theoretical Framework: The research analyzes the interdependence between national income and material consumption, with a focus on the paradoxical effects of circular material use on these variables. Method: Data from bibliographic sources are analyzed using statistical methods, including regression and path models, to assess the relationships between material consumption, national income, and the use of circular materials. Results and Discussion: The study concludes that national income and material consumption are interdependent, with material consumption directly affecting national income. Notably, the use of circular materials, contrary to expectations, increases material use and decreases national income. The cases of Hungary and the Netherlands are specifically examined to illustrate these findings. Research Implications: The findings suggest that strategies to increase resource productivity and sustainability performance need to consider the complex and sometimes counterintuitive impacts of circular material use on national income and material consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides new insights into the relationship between resource productivity, national income, and material consumption, highlighting the unexpected effects of circular material use. It contributes to the broader understanding of sustainability performance, particularly in the context of Hungary and the Netherlands.

Impact of Material Consumption and Circular Economy on National Income in Europe – Chapter 2

Objective: This study investigates resource productivity by exploring the factors that influence it and the strength of their impact using sustainability statistics from Eurostat. Theoretical Framework: The research analyzes the interdependence between national income and material consumption, with a focus on the paradoxical effects of circular material use on these variables. Method: Data from bibliographic sources are analyzed using statistical methods, including regression and path models, to assess the relationships between material consumption, national income, and the use of circular materials. Results and Discussion: The study concludes that national income and material consumption are interdependent, with material consumption directly affecting national income. Notably, the use of circular materials, contrary to expectations, increases material use and decreases national income. The cases of Hungary and the Netherlands are specifically examined to illustrate these findings. Research Implications: The findings suggest that strategies to increase resource productivity and sustainability performance need to consider the complex and sometimes counterintuitive impacts of circular material use on national income and material consumption. Originality/Value: This study provides new insights into the relationship between resource productivity, national income, and material consumption, highlighting the unexpected effects of circular material use. It contributes to the broader understanding of sustainability performance, particularly in the context of Hungary and the Netherlands.

Molecular and Environmental Determinants of Addictive Substances

Knowledge about determinants of addiction in people taking addictive substances is poor and needs to be supplemented. The novelty of this paper consists in the analysis of innovative aspects of current research about relationships between determinants of addiction in Polish patients taking addictive substances and rare available data regarding the relationships between these factors from studies from recent years from other environments, mainly in Europe, and on the development of genetic determinants of physiological responses. We try to explain the role of the microelements Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, Zn, Cr, Ni, Tl, Se, Al, B, Mo, V, Sn, Sb, Ag, Sr, and Ba, the toxic metals Cd, Hg, As, and Pb, and the rare earth elements Sc, La, Ce, Pr, Eu, Gd, and Nd as factors that may shape the development of addiction to addictive substances or drugs. The interactions between factors (gene polymorphism, especially ANKK1 (TaqI A), ANKK1 (Taq1 A-CT), DRD2 (TaqI B, DRD2 Taq1 B-GA, DRD2 Taq1 B-AA, DRD2-141C Ins/Del), and OPRM1 (A118G)) in patients addicted to addictive substances and consumption of vegetables, consumption of dairy products, exposure to harmful factors, and their relationships with physiological responses, which confirm the importance of internal factors as determinants of addiction, are analyzed, taking into account gender and region. The innovation of this review is to show that the homozygous TT mutant of the ANKK1 TaqI A polymorphism rs 1800497 may be a factor in increased risk of opioid dependence. We identify a variation in the functioning of the immune system in addicted patients from different environments as a result of the interaction of polymorphisms.

Who buys fakes in Russia and why?

The recent departure of international brands from the Russian markets is unprecedentedly; its consequences require thoroughly study, especially in the context of consumer behavior towards non-original goods. This paper analyzes the dynamics of counterfeit purchases in Russia in 2021—2023 and socio-economic factors that explain the purchase of fakes, given that the latter differ from standard economic goods with high symbolic value. Quantitative data representing the Russian Internet audience aged 18 years and older is used. Three waves of the online survey were conducted: in 2021 (N = 4978 people), 2022 (N = 6000 people) and 2023 (N = 6000 people). According to the results, the purchase of counterfeits is a widespread phenomenon in Russia. Russians purchase non-original goods mostly unintentionally, although in the last two years of the survey there have been structural shifts towards their knowingly buying. With the help of multinomial regression, factors for purchasing counterfeits were revealed. The availability of counterfeits on the Internet and the financial limitations of Russian households contribute to expanding the audience of consumers of non-original goods, whereas a focus on high quality when choosing goods reduces the number of buyers of counterfeits. The role of well-known brands in the consumption of counterfeit products remains ambivalent

Exploring the role of nanoparticle additives in reducing emissions in compression ignition engine

The paper discusses the growing environmental issues caused by vehicle emissions, leading many countries to tighten their emission standards to reduce the harmful gases released by motor vehicles. This is especially important as urbanization has increased, leading to more consumption of petroleum products. As a result, there is a growing need for cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternatives. Biodiesel has been recognized as a potential solution since it is renewable, non-toxic, and less environmentally harmful than traditional diesel. The study in question explores how adding biodiesel and nanoparticles affects diesel engine performance, particularly in terms of noise and particulate matter emissions (small particles of pollution). The research was carried out using a compression ignition engine (like those found in diesel vehicles) under constant RPM (revolutions per minute) and variable loads (changes in engine stress or power requirements). The results showed that when biodiesel was blended with nanoparticles and used as fuel, there was a noticeable reduction in noise levels, carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter emissions compared to regular diesel. This suggests that biodiesel, especially when enhanced with nanoparticles, can effectively lower the harmful effects of diesel engines on the environment, offering a greener and quieter alternative.

Assessing the influence of foreign direct investment on renewable energy consumption in Somalia: an ARDL model analysis

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on renewable energy consumption in Somalia from 1990 to 2019 using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The findings reveal a positive, statistically significant relationship between FDI, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), trade openness, and renewable energy consumption in the long run. Specifically, a 1% increase in FDI leads to a 0.0000115% increase in renewable energy consumption. Similarly, a 1% increase in GDP leads to a 0.026041% increase in renewable energy consumption. Meanwhile, a 1% rise in trade openness enhances renewable energy consumption by 0.0000280%. Increased foreign investments and economic growth promote the adoption of renewable energy, aligning with sustainable development principles. Conversely, environmental degradation negatively impacts renewable energy consumption. Specifically, a 1% increase in environmental degradation leads to a 0.570376% decrease in renewable energy consumption. Policymakers should incentivize FDI in the renewable energy industry through tax incentives, streamlined regulations, and public-private partnerships. Strategies promoting economic growth and integrating renewable energy objectives are essential, with trade openness facilitating the importation of renewable energy technologies. A limitation of this study is the reliance on yearly data, which may not capture recent developments or short-term fluctuations. Future research should use more granular, up-to-date data to understand the dynamics in Somalia better.

Occurrence and exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in traditional dry-cured or smoked meat products from Brazil

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are classified as environmental and food contaminants, with several adverse health effects, especially genotoxic and carcinogenic actions. In processed meats, they are the major contaminants, especially those subjected to smoking processes. Considering that the population is exposed to PAHs through several routes, and that the ingestion of contaminated food is considered the main one, evaluating the concentrations of these contaminants in food becomes essential, as well as the exposure and risk to the population at different ages through ingestion of the evaluated products. In the current study, the levels of nine PAHs (PAH9) were measured in 205 processed meat products commercially available and with high consumption in Brazil. The methodology involved saponification, extraction with n-hexane, purification with solid-phase extraction (SPE) silica cartridges, and quantification by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. In general, 83% of all samples were contaminated with at least one of the studied PAHs, and the measured PAH9 levels ranged between < LOQ-108.24 µg/kg. The highest mean of total PAHs was found in smoked sausage (108.24 μg/kg), while the lowest content was found in ham (1.83 μg/kg). Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and PAH4 (benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and BaP) exceeded the maximum permissible limits of the European Union (EU) in three (1.5%) and 18 samples (8.7%), respectively. The results of margin of exposure results (MOE ≥ 10,000) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values (10 − 6 < ILCR < 10 − 4) in all ten types of meat indicated there were low significant potential health problems related to meat products consumption for the Brazilian population.Graphical

АНАЛІЗ ЦІНОВИХ СТРАТЕГІЙ ТА СПОЖИВЧА ПОВЕДІНКА В КОНТЕКСТІ МАРКЕТИНГОВИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ

Abstract introduction. The article examines the views of scientists regarding the formation of price strategies. The main approaches to pricing are considered, with the help of which companies set optimal prices for their services and goods. Factors affecting the company's choice of pricing strategy and affecting consumer behavior are considered. It is conducted research in relation to behavior of consumers and built model of satisfaction of consumer necessities. The purpose of the article. Consideration of pricing strategies of companies and their impact on consumer behavior. Researching consumer behavior and building a model for satisfying consumer needs in goods or services. Methods. Carrying out research the methods of abstraction, analysis, logical, theoretical and historical generalization and comparison are used. For basis of research a dialectical method is taken. Results. The article examines the main approaches to pricing, with the help of which companies set optimal prices for their services and goods. The factors affecting the company's choice of price strategy are considered, and the factors influencing consumer behavior are highlighted. Conducted research on consumer behavior. The proposed model of meeting the needs of consumers in goods or services, which contains 8 sections: the consumer's awareness of the need for the need for a product or service; collection of information; selection of goods or services; decision-making; purchase (payment) of goods or services; evaluation of the choice made and enrichment of experience; the degree of satisfaction of the need for a product or service and consumption of the results. Conclusiоns. After researching and analyzing the available types of marketing price strategies, business entities choose their own price strategy, taking into account certain existing tools, taking into account: characteristics of the service or product, market segment, market competition, competitor analysis, level of market demand, marketing strategies, etc. .. The use of the correct price strategy and the concept of pricing contributes to the achievement of goals: ensuring the stable financial condition of the business entity, meeting the needs of consumers. The offered model in relation to satisfaction of necessities of consumers in commodities or services gives understanding to the process of making decision by consumers in relation to a purchase that is the basic factor of success of company in a competition environment. Companies, that is able to adapt oneself to the necessities of consumers and, to their requirements, that understand the customers, have more chances to retain and attract clients, promote a competitiveness and score a success at the market. The question of the method of determining prices for certain types of services and the behavioral reaction of consumers requires further research.

A new portable negative pressure wound therapy device: a prospective study investigating clinical outcomes.

Closed surgical incision sites at high risk of complications, and with exudate or leakage, are increasingly being managed with closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) to reduce tissue stress and increase the force necessary to disrupt the incision. This study was undertaken to investigate the performance and safety of a canister-based, single-use NPWT (suNPWT) system when used on closed surgical incision sites. The investigation was designed as a prospective, open, non-comparative, multicentre study aimed at confirming the safety and performance attributes of the suNPWT system when applied to low-to-moderately exuding closed surgical incisions. The primary performance measure was the wound remaining closed from baseline to the last follow-up visit on day 14. Secondary performance measures included: wound and periwound condition; wear time of the system; product consumption; adherence to therapy; and patients' pain progress. Details of adverse events were also collected. Some 35 patients were recruited. The closed surgical incisions responded well to treatment with the tested suNPWT system. All wounds remained closed throughout the investigation. Consistent with other studies of ciNPWT reporting low infection rates, the current study observed either no or low exudation in 90.4% of wounds at the final visit, together with absence of surgical site infection. Pain severity levels were low, both at dressing change and during delivery of negative pressure. No serious adverse device events were reported. In this study, the suNPWT system supported the healing of closed surgical incisions with no safety concerns relating to its use.

Examining the effectiveness of dissuasive taxes as a policy tool for reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption in Cameroon: A welfare and microsimulation analysis

Deterrent taxes are a crucial policy tool for reducing the consumption of harmful products like tobacco and alcohol. However, assessing dissuasive taxes impact different income groups is important to ensure that their burden is not disproportionately borne by low-income households. This study examines the effectiveness of deterrent taxes as an economic policy tool for reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption in Cameroon. We analyse the impact on household welfare and distributional effects using microsimulation analysis. The data come from the Cameroon Household Living Conditions Survey and the 2022 tax records. Our methodology is based on a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model enriched with an addiction model. The results indicate that deterrent taxes can significantly reduce the consumption of these harmful products but also have regressive effects on low-income households. In response, we recommend the adoption of a progressive tax structure and the establishment of targeted support programmes to mitigate the negative impact on vulnerable populations.

Consumption of Milk a Probable Risk Factor of Hypertension in India: A Study Based on National Family Health Survey-5

Introduction: Chronic high blood pressure, often known as hypertension, can cause a number of cardiovascular issues due to its higher blood pressure levels. A growing body of research points to a possible link between the use of dairy products and a higher risk of hypertension. Objectives: The present study aims to provide information regarding a probable association between dairy consumption and hypertension among the population of India. Methodology: The current study uses data from the fifth series of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 2019–21 in order to examine this association. The sample size is 724115 in total. This study included eight factors in total: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, age, religion, ethnicity, education, wealth index, and frequency of milk/curd consumption. IMB-SPSS version 26.0 was used for all data analysis. Results: It was found that those consuming milk products daily and weekly have very strong chances of having stage 1(95.3% and 93.2%, respectively in 95% CI) and stage 2 hypertension (92.4% and 90.4%, respectively in 95% CI). daily consumption of milk products also significantly increases 80.3% the chance of having stage 3 hypertension as well (95% CI). Conclusion: It is abundantly obvious from the current study that consuming milk and curd on a daily and weekly basis considerably raises your risk of developing stage 1, stage 2, and stage 3 hypertension. Given that India consumes the most milk globally and that the bulk of it is unpasteurized, it is crucial to consider the connection between milk consumption and hypertension discovered in the current study.