Current Consumers Research Articles

Oral health and chronic kidney disease: Findings from a descriptive survey in Lagos, Nigeria.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in renal functions, and affecting up to 22.3% of Nigerians. Oral diseases are increasingly recognized to have a bidirectional relationship with CKD, contributing to systemic inflammation, infections, protein-energy wasting, and atherosclerotic complications. Given this interconnectedness, we aimed to explore the relationship between CKD and oral conditions among LASUTH patients to better understand and address these co-occurring health issues. Methods: This descriptive observational study was conducted in the nephrology unit of LASUTH. Patients aged >20 years with a diagnosis of CKD were enlisted and a validated questionnaire with the modified WHO oral health status proforma was utilized to record clinical data: Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (EGFR), End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), Creatinine and Urinalysis from medical records and oral examination findings, Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Gingival Index (GI), Community Periodontal Index of Treatment needs (CPITN), oral malodour, and Oral lesions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted with adjustments for covariates like age, alcohol use, and BMI to determine the association between oral diseases and CKD. The significance level (p) was set at 0.05, with a confidence interval (CI) of 95%. Results: A total of 200 patients at different stages of CKD were included. The age range was 22–83 years. The majority were aged 31-60 years (mean age 55.22 ± 14.35 years); 69% were males; 7% were current smokers while 12% currently drank alcohol; 27% had eGFR< 15 mL/min/1.73m2 (ESRD); 27% had Creatinine values >1.3mg/dl; prevalence of Gingivitis was 72%; periodontitis was 14% (CPI score ≥3: Pocket depth of ≥4 mm); and poor OHI was 22%. The commonest oral lesions were white lesions 2%, candidiasis 4.5%, hyperpigmentation 22%, oral ulcers 5%, hemorrhagic lesions 12.5%, and Oral malodor 74.5%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significantly increased odds of ESRD among uneducated respondents (OR 1.194; CI: 0.832-1.713); those >60years (OR: 1.129; CI:0.436-2.923); current alcohol drinkers (OR:1.125; CI: 0.281-4.409); and smokers (OR:2.328; CI: 0.27-20.289). The odds of low stimulated saliva flow rate (OR: 1.181; CI:0.768-4.512), oral malodor (OR:1.093; CI: 0.763-1.565), and periodontal disease (OR: 1.242; CI: 0.698-2.209) were also significantly higher among those with ESRD. Conclusion: Individuals with CKD and ESRD may have a higher prevalence of oral diseases and conditions. There were significantly increased odds of ESRD among uneducated respondents, those over 60, current alcohol consumers, and smokers. Additionally, the odds of low stimulated saliva flow rate, oral malodor, and periodontal disease was also significantly higher among those with ESRD. This relationship may also be bidirectional, highlighting the need for appropriate oral self-care and regular dental-care utilization in patients with renal disease. The findings underscore the need for integrated healthcare approaches that consider both oral and renal health, providing a foundation for further research and targeted interventions.

Application of machine learning techniques for churn prediction in the telecom business

The telecom business generates a significant amount of data on a daily basis due to its massive client base. Acquiring a fresh client base is more expensive than retaining existing customers, whereas churn refers to customers transitioning from one company to another within a specified timeframe. Telecom managers and analysts investigate why customers cancel their subscriptions and analyze the behavior patterns of customers who have stopped using the services. In this work employs categorization methodologies to determine the instances of leave subscriptions and gathers the rationales behind client leave subscriptions in the telecommunications sector. The primary objective of this work is to examine various machine learning algorithms necessary for creating customer churn prediction (CP) models and identifying the reasons for churn. This work aims to provide retention strategies and plans to address churn. This work utilizes machine learning (ML) technique such as random forests (RF) to collect and classify client data for leave subscriptions. These results compare with other ML algorithm such as support vector machines (SVM), gradient boosting (GB), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and light gradient boosting machines (LGBM), The business model provides a practical analysis of customer churn data, enabling accurate forecasts of customers likely to churn. This allows business management to take timely action to prevent churn and minimize profit loss. In this work obtains an accuracy of 98.1 % by utilizing the random forest classifier for churn prediction. The classifier matrix has obtained a precision of 92.8 % and a recall factor of 92.7 %, resulting in an overall accuracy of 95.6 %. Similarly, our research endeavors enhance churn prediction, encompass additional business domains, and furnish prediction models to retain their current consumers, improve customer service, and efficiently prevent churn.

Determinants Associated with COVID-19 Vaccination among Korean Adults: Based on Andersen's Model.

COVID-19 vaccination is a critical public health measure to control the pandemic, but disparities in vaccination uptake remain a concern. This study investigates the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination among Korean adults using the Andersen model. Data from 231,784 participants in the community health survey were analyzed using chi-square testing and logistic regression. The risk of non-vaccination was higher among those aged 19-64 (95% CI: 1.52-1.74), males (95% CI: 1.11-1.24), the unemployed (95% CI: 2.21-2.47), unmarried individuals (95% CI: 1.12-1.24), those with unmet healthcare needs (95% CI: 1.41-1.67), recipients of national basic livelihood guarantees (95% CI: 1.45-1.73), those with lower subjective health (95% CI: 1.20-1.30), individuals with depression (95% CI: 1.28-1.44), current smokers (95% CI: 1.13-1.30), and those skipping breakfast (95% CI: 1.04-1.16). Conversely, the risk was lower for those with less than a high school education (95% CI: 0.72-0.81), individuals with psychological concerns about infection (0.87, 95% CI: 0.82-0.92) or public criticism (0.91, 95% CI: 0.86-0.97), individuals with chronic diseases (95% CI: 0.64-0.72), and current alcohol consumers (95% CI: 0.52-0.58). These findings underscore the need for targeted intervention strategies and support systems to promote vaccination in vulnerable populations. Further research should explore the long-term impact of these interventions on vaccination uptake.

Examining consumers' perceptions of relationship value with retailers: a multi-method approach

PurposeThis study employs a multi-method approach to investigate how perceived relationship marketing investment affects perceived relationship value and consumer gratitude, influencing consumer involvement, word-of-mouth intentions, and long-term relationships across three retail consumer types.Design/methodology/approachThe study analyses a model involving 542 consumers, employing structural equation modeling and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to identify distinctive factor configurations across public, semi-public, and private retail organizations.FindingsA retailer’s investment in relationship marketing significantly enhances relationship value and consumer gratitude, leading to increased engagement and word-of-mouth intentions. Perceived benevolence moderates the effect of relationship marketing on gratitude. However, gratitude alone does not ensure long-term relationships. Using fsQCA, we identify four distinct consumer configurations, providing nuanced insights.Research limitations/implicationsRetail organizations broaden relationship marketing strategies to boost perceived value and elicit consumer gratitude, influencing consumer performance outcomes.Practical implicationsRetail organizations should broaden relationship marketing strategies to boost perceived value and elicit consumer gratitude, influencing consumer performance outcomes.Social implicationsManagers should develop strategies that lead to consumer gratitude toward the firm, such as journey mapping can help visualize retail delivery. Grateful consumers may contribute to firms’ profitability by influencing current and potential consumers in their social networks and communicating their expertise through review/feedback for improvement. Therefore, various strategies are needed to stimulate positive comments from grateful consumers about the firm’s excellent performance.Originality/valueThis study builds on Lawler’s affect theory, highlighting how relationship value and consumer gratitude profoundly influence exchange process outcomes. It introduces new psychological mechanisms to explain the impact of perceived relationship marketing investment on performance outcomes. Integrating these elements provides a comprehensive understanding of retailer–consumer dynamics, revealing how emotional and psychological factors shape marketing strategies and business performance. This contribution enriches theoretical frameworks and offers practical insights for enhancing relationship marketing practices.

P203 IMPACT OF IMPLEMENTING A COMMUNITY CARE STRATEGY TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN SANTANDER, COLOMBIA: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE RE-HOPE STUDY

Background: Hypertension is the main risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), affecting 1.28 billion adults and resulting in 1.16 million deaths. In Colombia, hypertension affected 7.8 million adults in 2019. Different sociocultural and health system-related barriers may interfere with hypertension management. Our aim was to determine the preliminary impact of this community-based strategy on the changes in hypertension control in Colombia. Methods The Re-Hope study is a community-based strategy to reduce CVD risk in 13 municipalities of Santander, Colombia. Nursing assistants referred patients to the cardiovascular risk program (CVRP), facilitated medical appointments, and provided health counseling. A longitudinal analysis was conducted on data from the first three follow-up visits. Included were adults >18 years with hypertension not enrolled in the CVRP. Standardized questionnaires gathered sociodemographic, medication, and lifestyle data. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP >140 mmHg, diastolic BP >90 mmHg, self-reported hypertension, or antihypertensive medication use. Pharmacological adherence was assessed with the Morisky 4-item scale. Tobacco and alcohol use were categorized as never or current consumers. Blood pressure changes were evaluated with a paired t-test, and categorical variable changes with McNemar and Stuart-Maxwell tests. Analysis was done using Stata software. Results A total of 2,585 participants were included. The mean age was 65.1 years (SD 11.9) and 64.3% were women. After 6 months of follow-up, the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduced 17.03 mmHg (SD 17.95) and 7.04 mmHg (SD 11.22), respectively. Hypertension control increased on 11.7%. Antihypertensive combination therapy increased by 4.4% for dual therapy and 4.6% for triple therapy. The low pharmacological adherence was reduced by 3.35%. Conclusions The implementation of a community-based care strategy in Santander at the first three visits achieved a relevant reduction of hypertension values and greater use of combined antihypertensive therapy. Continuation of the study is required to identify the total results.

Alcohol Dependence Among Adult Males in Chengalpattu District, South India: A Mixed Methods Study.

Introduction Post-pandemic alcohol consumption is on the rise due to people starting to adapt themselves to the practice of consuming alcoholic beverages at home. In addition to the direct effects of intoxication and addiction, estimates suggest that alcohol contributes to approximately 20-30% of global cases of oesophagal cancer, liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, homicide, epilepsy, and motor vehicle accidents. In India, one-fifth of alcohol consumers were found to be alcohol dependent. The study was done with the primary objective of finding out the prevalence of alcohol dependence among alcohol users and exploring the reasons for alcohol dependence among alcohol users in an urban area of Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu. Methodology The study design is an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. It was done among 624 adult male alcohol consumers in the Chennai district, selected by the cluster sampling method in a community setting. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to diagnose alcohol dependence. Using the purposive sampling method, in-depth interviews were conducted among 24 alcohol-dependent people to explore and understand their experiences, identify common themes, and provide insights into the problem. Quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY), and qualitative data were analysed using deductive content analysis using Qualcoder software. Results The mean age of the study participants was 38±7 years. Among current alcohol consumers, 16.9% (106/624) were found to be suffering from alcohol dependence. The significant predictors of alcohol dependence were found to be unskilled occupation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.09), having suicidal ideation (AOR = 2.4), alcohol consumption by family members (AOR = 1.90), depression (AOR = 3.98), drinking pattern-affected interpersonal relationships (AOR = 2.29), and not receiving health education about alcohol use in school/college (AOR = 1.74). The major themes and codes identified among alcohol dependents were factors related to mental health, physical health, and social factors. Conclusion This study provides essential points of reference for policymakers and primary care physicians to develop prevention strategies for people to understand and overcome the problem of alcohol addiction, and it also sheds light on the burden of alcohol dependence and their lived experiences.

Exploring the potential of transitioning Malawians from corn to quinoa-based thick porridge (nsima): insights from sensory and emotions profiles.

Considering the nutritional value and adaptability of quinoa, integrating it into African diets could enhance food and nutrition security, contingent on the acceptability of quinoa-based foods. This study therefore determined consumer acceptability of six stiff porridge (nsima) samples, their sensory profiles, and their emotion profiles. The samples comprised controls made from whole corn flour, dehulled corn flour, and soaked, dehulled corn flour and from 1:1 blends of quinoa and each corn flour type. Despite quinoa being unfamiliar, none of the stiff porridge samples prepared using 1:1 blend of quinoa and corn flour was disliked (liking score of ≤4 on a 9-point hedonic scale). Sensory properties and emotions both had significant (P < 0.05) effects on consumer acceptability. When samples were perceived to be bitter, sticky, and thick, there was an overall mean reduction in liking of 2.3, 1.0, and 0.3, respectively. With regard to emotions, the highest positive mean impact of 1.6 was associated with feeling satisfied followed by being happy and nostalgic (1.4). The sensory and emotion profiles of nsima prepared using whole corn flour were like those of quinoa-based nsima samples. However, profiles of nsima samples from dehulled corn, and soaked dehulled corn flour, respectively, were considered ideal. Quinoa-based nsima can be adopted easily by the current consumers of whole corn flour nsima in Malawi and possibly in other African countries with similar dietary inclinations. However, there is a need to find effective and feasible methods of removing saponin from quinoa to maximize acceptability of the resulting quinoa-based nsima. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synchronous or metachronous breast and colorectal cancers in younger-than-average-age patients: a case series.

The incidence of breast and colorectal cancer (CRC) in younger-than-average-age patients is rising and poorly understood. This is the largest study on patients with both cancers who are less than 60 years old and aims to characterize demographic, clinicopathologic, and genetic features and describe therapeutic dilemmas and management strategies. This is a retrospective medical records review of patients at the University of California San Francisco with both primary breast and CRC before age 60. Fifty-one patients were identified; 41 had detailed medical records. Median age of diagnosis with breast cancer was 43 (range 27-59) and CRC was 50 (28-59). Most were Caucasian (38, 74.5%) and never smokers (23, 56.1%); about half were current alcohol consumers (20, 48.8%) and about one-third had sedentary jobs (14, 34.1%). Average BMI was 25.8 (range: 14-49), and 30% were overweight or obese. Breast was the first cancer diagnosed in 36 patients (70.6%) and 44 (86.3%) had a metachronous CRC diagnosis. Breast cancer was early stage (0-2) in 32 (78.0%) patients whereas CRC was split between early stage (1-2) in 14 (34.1%) and later stage (3-4) in 19 (46.2%). Ten patients (24.3%) had a known germline mutation, although 23 (56.1%) had a family history of cancer in a first-degree relative. Younger patients with both breast and CRC are a unique cohort, often without known risk factors. Alcohol consumption and sedentary jobs were the most common risk factors, and about one-quarter had a known genetic predisposition. Comanagement of both cancers requires individualized, multidisciplinary care.

Comparison of associations between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome according to three definitions: The Swedish INTERGENE study

BackgroundWhile prevalence estimates differ by definition of metabolic syndrome (MetS), it is less clear how different definitions affect associations with alcohol consumption. MethodsWe included 3051 adults aged 25–77 from the baseline examination of the Swedish INTERGENE cohort (2001–2004). Using multiple logistic regression, we investigated cross-sectional associations between ethanol intake and MetS defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and the Joint Interim Statement (JIS). Alcohol exposure categories comprised abstinence, and low, medium, and high consumption defined via sex-specific tertiles of ethanol intake among current consumers. Covariates included sociodemographics, health, and lifestyle factors. ResultsMetS prevalence estimates varied between 13.9 % (ATP III) and 25.3 % (JIS), with higher prevalence in men than women. Adjusted for age and sex, medium-high alcohol consumption was associated with lower odds of MetS compared to low consumption, while no difference was observed for abstainers. Only the most specific (and thus severe) definition of MetS (ATP III) showed decreasing odds for ethanol intake when adjusted for all covariates. ConclusionOur study shows that alcohol-related associations differ by definition of MetS. The finding that individuals with the most stringently defined MetS may benefit from alcohol consumption calls for further well-controlled studies.

Exploring seafood choices at the point of purchase among a sample of Swedish consumers

PurposeSeafood consumption in Sweden is below the national recommendations and limited to very few species. This study aims to explore the factors shaping seafood choices at the point of purchase among a sample of current consumers in Sweden, and examines their attitudes regarding seafood consumption more broadly.Design/methodology/approachConvenience sampling was used to recruit consumers planning to purchase seafood at a supermarket in Sweden. Participants’ shopping trip was recorded using wearable eye tracking glasses and, upon completion, semi-structured interviews were conducted using a cued retrospective think aloud method. This exploratory study integrates qualitative data (N = 39) with eye tracking data (N = 34), to explore how seafood choices unfold when consumers purchase at the point of purchase.FindingsPurchases were mostly restricted to familiar seafood species. Four interlinked main themes were identified from thematic analysis of the interview data: Ambivalence, Nice and Necessary, Proficiency with Seafood and External Influences. Sustainability information (e.g. certifications) faced strong competition from other visual elements at the point of purchase, receiving less attention than product imagery and pricing information.Originality/valueThis study is the first to explore the factors shaping seafood choices of current consumers at the point of purchase. The unique approach, combining explicit and implicit measures, enriches understanding of the factors influencing seafood choices and how these may interrelate. The results are valuable for the industry and contribute to the literature by identifying possible routes to improve seafood sustainability communication.

USA millennial and non-millennial beef consumers perception of beef, pork, and chicken

Millennials have been shown to have distinctly different behaviors; however, factors affecting their liking of beef, pork and chicken has not been fully elucidated. As millennials are current and future animal protein consumers, the question of if they have different drivers of liking for beef, pork, and chicken has not been answered. Top loin steaks cooked to 58.3 or 80 °C; and pork loin chops and chicken breasts cooked to 62.7 or 80 °C were cooked on a flat grill. Beef bottom round roasts cooked to 58.3 or 80°; and pork inside ham roasts and chicken thighs were cooked to 62.7 or 80 °C in a Crock-pot®. A descriptive flavor and texture attribute panel and a consumer central location test in four cities were used to evaluated flavor and texture attributes. Consumers were either millennials or non-millennials, and light or heavy beef-eaters. Meat descriptive flavor and texture attributes differed by cooking method, cut, and internal temperature (P < 0.05). Consumers preferred grilled meat more than meat cooked in the Crock-pot® (P > 0.05). Consumers rated grill flavor, juiciness, and tenderness (P ≥ 0.05) higher in grilled meat. Light beef-eaters, those who ate beef 2 to 4 times per month, rated overall, flavor, and species flavor lower (P < 0.05) than heavy beef-eaters, but consumers liked beef regardless of generational segment or their consumption of beef; however, millennials rated overall, overall flavor, and tenderness liking slightly lower than non-millennials. These results indicate that millennials have similar drivers of liking as non-millennials across beef, pork, and chicken protein sources.

Telco Customer Churn Prediction

In recognizing the significance of retaining current consumers to thrive in this competitive landscape, this paper aims to predict customers' churn probability based on the background and behaviors of previous customers. The paper utilizes churn probability as a proactive means to identify customers at a high risk of leaving, serving as a reference for Telco to make informed decisions and take actions aimed at enhancing customer loyalty. This paper pre-target customers who have a high risk of leaving based on our churn probability with at least over 80% accuracy rate. And then use the churn probability as the reference to help Telco make better decisions and take actions to retain customers, such as providing a private discount or coupon. This paper limits the choice of customers in the services provided by telecom companies. However, customer attrition decisions may also be related to the quality of the service and the level of price, which the study was unable to quantify. The study addresses two primary challenges: determining models that accurately predict customer churn and identifying the characteristics of customers more prone to churn.

How do strategic attributes of electronic commerce impel the perceived value and electronic loyalty of online food delivery applications (OFDAs)

Purpose This study aims to investigate the different attributes of electronic commerce (e-commerce) that determine perceived value and electronic loyalty (e-loyalty) among consumers of online food delivery applications (OFDAs). In this globalized world and competitive environment, e-commerce demands have increased and organizations are giving special attention to web development, website design and functions to hold the current consumers with sustainable performance in the globalized and competitive environment. Almost every industry has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and changed the way of operational work in many industries. Similarly, the food industry is facing serious challenges and now restaurants started heavily depending on OFDAs.Design/methodology/approach The study was quantitative and data were collected from 509 consumers of the district of Rawalpindi, Punjab Pakistan by using a convenience sampling technique who was the users of OFDAs to evaluate the proposed research model. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to evaluate the validity of the constructs, and structural equation modeling was employed to test the model through Smart-PLS.Findings Our findings revealed that perceived value has a substantial positive impact on electronic loyalty (e-loyalty). Moreover, results confirmed that perceived value mediates the relationship of electronic privacy (e-privacy), electronic security (e-security), electronic payment (e-payment), usability and electronic innovativeness (e-innovativeness) with e-loyalty.Research limitations/implications This study added to the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) by exploring consumers’ intentions for using OFDAs in the framework of e-commerce attributes, perceived value and e-loyalty. Similarly, the study enabled the author to learn more about how people would use the information system after successfully applying the UTAUT.Practical implications This study has significant implications for web developers, application designers, food delivery companies, restaurants and other businesses. Subsequently, it indicates the importance of the incredible attractiveness of OFDAs in boosting users’ intentions to keep using the application.Originality/value This research contributes substantially to OFDAs efforts to continuously increase its meal service platform and improve client satisfaction which resulted in repurchase intent. In addition, the research facilitates OFDA firms to enhance the features of their applications according to clients.

THE NATURE OF ELECTRICITY

Definition: Electricity is one of the seven aggregate states of space, its elementary quanta, which exist in the form of two separate components – electrical and magnetic. In electric current generators, the quanta of space are split into electrical and magnetic parts with energy absorption. In current consumers, quanta of electricity combine with quanta of magnetism into elementary quanta of space with the release of energy.

フィンテックとインシュアテックが金融ビジネス領域に与えた影響と変化

Purpose: Previous studies of FinTech and InsureTech focused on how the introduction of new technologies and systems would affect the existing financial industry. Nevertheless, there were no studies approached from a comprehensive perspective on the relationship with InsurTech, a concept derived from FinTech, and its impact on the financial and insurance industries in the future. This study aims to contribute to related industries and academic fields by predicting the impact, differences, and future prospects of the concept and introduction of FinTech and insurtech on the financial industry.&#x0D; Research design, data, and methodology: Discuss the concept and status of FinTech and insurance technology through qualitative methods such as existing prior research and academic thesis books, and understand what influence it has on the current financial industry, insurance industry, and consumers.&#x0D; Results: Through the impact of each area of FinTech and InsureTech on the financial business area of this study, FinTech and InsureTech were similar concepts but differences could be identified. FinTech and InsureTech are still positively affecting the financial industry and consumers, but they are expected to become innovators that can lead the financial industry in the future.&#x0D; Implications: This study explained the concept of FinTech and InsureTech, and examined the impact of newly introduced high-tech technologies on the financial industry. Through this, it was possible to see the positive impact of FinTech and insurtech on the business sector and the general public. This author hopes that FinTech and InsureTech will be the driving force for new creation through improvement and innovation in each field.

The Potential of Edible Insects as a Safe, Palatable, and Sustainable Food Source in the European Union

Entomophagy describes the practice of eating insects. Insects are considered extremely nutritious in many countries worldwide. However, there is a lethargic uptake of this practice in Europe where consuming insects and insect-based foodstuffs is often regarded with disgust. Such perceptions and concerns are often due to a lack of exposure to and availability of food-grade insects as a food source and are often driven by neophobia and cultural norms. In recent years, due to accelerating climate change, an urgency to develop alternate safe and sustainable food-sources has emerged. There are currently over 2000 species of insects approved by the World Health Organization as safe to eat and suitable for human consumption. This review article provides an updated overview of the potential of edible insects as a safe, palatable, and sustainable food source. Furthermore, legislation, food safety issues, and the nutritional composition of invertebrates including, but not limited, to crickets (Orthoptera) and mealworms (Coleoptera) are also explored within this review. This article also discusses insect farming methods and the potential upscaling of the industry with regard to future prospects for insects as a sustainable food source. Finally, the topics addressed in this article are areas of potential concern to current and future consumers of edible insects.

Low-temperature treatments as an alternative to conventional pest control in dried figs and their effect on overall fruit quality

One of the main problems for the dried fig industry is pest control during storage and subsequent marketability. For this reason, the dried fig industry has traditionally applied pest control treatments with chemical-based insecticides, usually phosphine. However, current consumers want healthier products and a reduction in chemical use to reduce the environmental impact, so the dried fig industry is seeking alternatives to chemical treatments. Low temperatures have been shown to be an effective alternative for controlling dried fig pests. Treatments of 1 day at −18 °C, 2 days at −10 °C, and 7 days at −5 °C reduced pest incidence, with up to 100% efficiency, during the subsequent storage of dried figs. Moreover, these low-temperature treatments provided better quality dried figs, both from a sensory point of view, as was the case of dried figs subjected to 7 days at −5 °C, and from a bioactive compound point of view. Dried figs exposed for 2 days at −10 °C maintained a higher concentration of phenolic compounds. We conclude that low temperatures would be an appropriate alternative to phosphine treatments for pest control in dried figs.

Depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and associated factors among adults, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia

BackgroundDepressive disorder is one of the severe and common mental illnesses in the general population. Bipolar disorder is a severe, persistent mental illness associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of depressive disorder, and bipolar disorder in our study area.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among adults in Kersa, Haramaya, and Harar Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in Eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,416 participants. A multi-stage sampling was employed to select the participants. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was used to assess depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Data was collected using a standard questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Both binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done. Those with a p-value < 0.05 in the final model were considered statistically significant.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depressive and bipolar disorders among our study participants was 6.7% (95% CI: 5.40, 8.20) and 2.1% (95% CI: (1.40, 3.00), respectively. The independent predictors of depressive disorder included a family history of mental illness, chronic medical illnesses, unemployment, low educational status, divorced or widowed, poor social support, and current alcohol use or khat chewing. Single, males, divorced or widowed, and current consumers of alcohol were independent predictors for bipolar disorder.Conclusions and recommendationThe results of our investigation showed that bipolar illness and depression were significant public health issues. It was shown that although bipolar disorder is highly prevalent in the society, depression is a widespread concern. As a result, it is imperative that the relevant body grow and enhance the provision of mental health services. Furthermore, research on the effects and burdens of bipolar disorder in the community is required.

Prevalence of Current Areca Nut Use and Its Associated Factors among Bhutanese Aged 15-69 Years: Analysis of the Nationally Representative STEPS Survey 2019.

Areca nut (AN) use receives less global attention than tobacco use. Studies have linked AN consumption to a range of adverse health effects, including oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers, periodontal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and addiction. The masticatory use of AN is rampant in Bhutan. There is a paucity of local evidence and limited empirical studies to understand the factors associated with current AN use in Bhutan. This analysis uses secondary data from the Bhutan STEPS Survey 2019 that included 5575 participants aged 15-69 years, selected using multistage stratified cluster sampling. The outcome variable of interest was current AN use. Weighted analysis was done to calculate the prevalence of AN use. Factors associated with AN use were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. The prevalence of current AN use was 56.82% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 54.27-59.33). A significantly higher prevalence of 63.58% (95% CI: 60.58-66.48) was found in the age group of 25-39 years. Tobacco users were 17% more likely to use AN as compared to those who do not consume tobacco (adjusted odds ratio: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08-1.26). Current alcohol consumers were 45% more likely to consume AN as compared to lifetime alcohol abstainers. Age, alcohol use, and tobacco use were associated with current AN use in Bhutan. There is a need to regulate access to AN while targeting young and middle-aged individuals with public health and behavioral interventions.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS – HOW CUSTOMERS FROM GENERATION Z IN V4 COUNTRIES ASSESS THIS APPROACH

Funding information: International Visegrad Fund Grant Number IVF 22230264. This article presents the results of a survey conducted in the first half of 2023. A total of 812 questionnaires were obtained from current and potential consumers (individual and B2B) in the Visegrad countries. The survey’s goal was to find out how consumers perceive and evaluate the quality and pro-ecological factors/challenges of the products of the electrical machinery industry, in the context of their declared personal purchases. Among other things, it sought to establish the actions consumers expect from manufacturers if they want to increase the market share of good-quality and environmentally friendly products. Improvements to the quality of products, with reductions in their negative environmental impact throughout their life cycle, were noticed most in Hungary and Poland. In all countries surveyed, consumers agreed most strongly with the statement that to increase the market share of good quality and environmentally friendly products, producers should enable recycling, disposal, and so on, and improve the availability of information.