Variation In Consumption Research Articles

The cyclicality of fiscal policy during Covid-19 pandemic in the OIC countries

The purpose of this research is to explore the cyclical behavior of fiscal policy during Covid-19 pandemic in 42 countries under Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Most of the OIC countries experienced doubled fiscal deficit along with slower growth during this unprecedented pandemic, which then led them to deal with an increase in debt burden. We use fixed effect panel estimation procedure to investigate macroeconomic determinants of fiscal deficits. The paper focused on secondary data of the democracy index, population, GDP growth, FDI, inflation, interest rate, current account balance, grant and expenditure variables between 2001 to 2022 period. The study revealed that macroeconomic variables determine the fiscal deficit, while good governance which is represented by the voice accountability and democracy index don’t. Further analysis showed that public participation, government accountability, and the democracy index strengthen the relationship between government spending and FDI in dealing with fiscal deficits. However, if good governance has interacted with the current account balance and grant funds, it turns out to have a significant negative effect. The findings are appropriate for the OIC country’s decision-makers to incorporate the need for recovery funds and fiscal deficit policy.

Exploring risk and protective factors of intimate partner violence in Korean young adults

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is most prevalent in young adults, yet scarce evidence is available regarding South Korean young adults’ experience of IPV and culturally tailored IPV prevention programs. To address this gap, this study aimed to holistically assess IPV victimization and perpetration rates and the related risk and protective factors among Korean young adults. Using online survey data from 600 Korean young adults using simple random sampling, this study found that the lifetime prevalence of both IPV victimization and perpetration was about 30%. Both IPV victimization and perpetration had affected over 20% in the past 12 months. Independent variables in multiple logistic regression models explained 18% and 23% of variances in lifetime IPV victimization and perpetration, respectively. Korean young adults who reported more depressive symptoms were more likely to report IPV victimization. Those who reported more alcohol consumption, traditional attitudes about gender roles, being more tolerant of IPV, and poorer physical health status were also more likely to commit IPV. However, those who had experienced family neglect were less likely to report IPV perpetration. The findings of this study highlighted that childhood adverse experiences minimally explained IPV and that alcohol consumption, mental health, and attitudinal variables should be targets of IPV prevention among Korean young adults.

Experimental assessment of communication delay's impact on connected automated vehicle speed volatility and energy consumption

Communication delays within connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) pose significant risks. It is imperative to address these issues to ensure the safe and effective operation of CAVs. However, the exploration of communication delays on CAV operations and their energy use remains sparse in the literature. To fill the research gap, this study leverages the facilities at America Center of Mobility (ACM) Smart City Test Center to implement and evaluate a CAV merging control algorithm through vehicle-in-the-loop testing. This study aims at achieving three main objectives: (1) develop and implement a CAV merging control strategy in the experimental test bed through vehicle-in-the-loop testing, (2) propose analytical models to quantify the impacts of communication delay on the variability of CAV speed and energy consumption based on field experiment data, and (3) create a predictive model for energy usage considering various CAV attributes and dynamics, e.g., speed, acceleration, yaw rate, and communication delays. To our knowledge, this is one of the first attempts at evaluating the impacts of communication delays on CAV merging operational control with field data, making critical advancement in the field. The results suggest that communication delay has a more substantial effect on energy consumption under high-speed volatility compared to low-speed volatility. Among all factors examined, acceleration is the dominant characteristic that influences energy usage. It also revealed that even minor improvements in communication delay can yield tangible improvements in energy efficiency. The results provide guidance on CAV field experiments and the influence of communication delays on CAV operation and energy consumption.

Analysis of the turbidity process in the pumping station forebay for the water management

Abstract The article’s analysis focuses on the turbidity process in the pumping station’s forebay, which is one of the current issues with water management. The KFK-Sokh pumping station, located in the PK-1995+00 section of the Big Fergana main canal, was selected as a research object. In natural field studies, several characteristic cross-sections along the length of the forebay were selected. To determine the amount of turbidity in the stream, water samples were taken along the size and depth of each section. The amount of turbidity in the obtained samples was determined using the Spectrophotometer UV755 device. Considering the variability of water consumption, the speed distribution along the length and depth of the forebay was studied. The influence of the flow rate change at the entrance to the forebay on fuzzy printing is analyzed. Conclusions and recommendations are given based on the obtained results.

Spatiotemporal assessment of the cumulative exergy demand of agricultural greenhouse production with industrial symbiosis

While agricultural greenhouses facilitate out-of-season production, they face criticism due to their considerable resource consumption and consequential negative environmental repercussions. Resource use varies based on location, meteorological conditions, agricultural practices, and greenhouse technology. This study evaluates resource consumption of greenhouse systems by quantifying the cumulative exergy demand (CExD) of 1 kg of greenhouse tomatoes for every production month, considering geographical locations of projected greenhouses in Switzerland, cultivation practices (staggered and non-staggered), and seasonal weather variations throughout the year. Moreover, the effect of implementing Industrial Symbiosis (IS) opportunities on potential CExD reduction is explored. The findings indicate that in case of a planting and growing period from September to July instead of February to November, the annual average CExD of 1 kg tomato increases by 43 % in the Mittelland region (e.g. Bern). Furthermore, depending on cultivation periods, the CExD for a kilogram of tomatoes harvested in the same area in November could reach 14 times higher than in July, showing the temporal variability of resource consumption in greenhouse agriculture. Utilizing waste heat and CO2 from nearby potential suppliers can reduce the CExD by 60 % compared to conventional greenhouses heated by fossil fuels. Policymakers can use the presented outcomes to assess local policies in relation to resource efficiency, quantified as life cycle exergy in this paper.

Impact of Tourism on Poverty Reduction: Strategies to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals Through Local Community Participation

Objective: This article aims to examine the impact of the existence of tourist destinations on the welfare of households living around tourist locations in an effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals category ‘No Poverty (SDGS 1)’. Method: The data used is the results of the 2021 National Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS). The selected respondents are households in Sumenep Regency, Madura, Indonesia. The data analysis method used is Propensity Score Matching (PSM) to avoid bias. Of the approximately 3,000 selected respondents, 101 were identified as tourist respondents and 310 non-tourist households Results and Discussion: The results of different tests on expenditure variables and income per capita show that households in tourist areas are not more prosperous than other households with similar characteristics. It can be concluded that the existence of tourist destinations has not made a positive contribution to the welfare of the community around tourist destinations. Research Implications: This study has important implications. First, the development of a sustainable tourism sector has an impact on poverty reduction. Second, the significant impact of poverty reduction can improve the welfare of society in general. Originality/Value: The originality of this research is that the use of the propensity score matching method in tourism analysis is still limited. This is an initial research that uses the PSM method to analyze the impact of tourism on poverty.

Balancing the cart: Milk, plant‐based alternatives and nutrient availability in New Zealand households

AbstractMilk is a near‐universal source of essential nutrients and contributes significantly to global nutrient availability. Global demand for milk continues to rise, driven by population growth, rising household incomes and favourable consumption patterns. Plant‐based alternatives (PBAs) to milk seek to cater to the preferences of a share of consumers regarding sustainability, lifestyle or health‐related matters (e.g. allergies and lactose intolerance). Though popular, PBAs do not stand as suitable nutritional substitutes for milk. These considerations emphasise the complex relationships between nutritional content and consumer preferences. This paper estimates a demand system for milk and PBAs in the New Zealand (NZ) market. We explore patterns of complementarity or substitutability between standard milk, reduced‐fat milk and organic milk, and an aggregate group of PBAs. We use these results to calculate nutrient elasticities and assess changes in nutrient availability in response to prices and expenditure variations. We estimate a Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System using purchase records for 2460 NZ households in 2021. We find that demand for standard milk does not show any substitutional relationship with PBAs. On the contrary, increases in the PBAs price lead households to switch towards standard milk, thereby increasing the availability of essential nutrients. That is, in the case of price increases, milk effectively offsets the reduction in essential nutrients as households switch away from PBAs, but PBAs cannot offset any reduction in essential nutrients as households do not find them to be adequate substitutes for milk.

Capturing the spatiotemporal inequality in electricity consumption at the subnational level of Bangladesh using nighttime lights

This paper examines the spatiotemporal inequality in electricity consumption at the subnational level of Bangladesh using nighttime light (NTL) data. The NTL data, sourced from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) day/night band (DNB) for the period from 2013 to 2020, reveals persistent variability in electricity consumption among the districts. Notably, the gap between urban and non-urban areas has widened. While within district inequality (measured by NTL Gini) has declined over time, it remains high in several districts. Convergence analysis confirms that while lagging districts are showing a catching up effect, the sub-districts are diverging among themselves (in terms of mean NTL per capita). Interestingly, the rural sub-districts are converging among themselves despite urban sub-district divergence. The study also identifies regions with significant imbalance between NTL, population, and built-up area density values. These findings have implications for policymakers aiming to ensure electricity for all and reduce inequality.

Total Debt Service and Economic Growth in Nigeria: The Empirical Nexus

This study examines the relationship between debt service and economic growth in Nigeria in the period 1990-2022, utilizing time series data from the World Development Indicator and CBN Statistical Bulletin. The issue of debt servicing has become difficult for developing countries like Nigeria, and has not only stifle economic growth, but also increased the rate of poverty and unemployment in these countries. The study explores the empirical nexus between total debt service and economic growth in Nigeria, employing GDP growth rate as the dependent variable, while the explanatory variables involved; are total debt serving, inflation rate and capital expenditure. The variables were estimated with autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method, among other, after the stationarity tests conducted on them Indicate that the variables were of mixed integration. Evidence suggesting a long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables was also established given the cointegration result. The ARDL results reveal that the inflation rate has an inverse and significant impact on GDP growth. Total Debt services variable also exhibited a similar impact on GDP growth. However, the results indicated that capital expenditure variable has a direct and significant impact on GDP growth. Based on the findings, this study recommends that the Nigerian government should implement robust monetary policies aimed at controlling inflation and revisit its debt management strategy to ensure sustainability. It is also recommended that the government should not only increase capital expenditure but also ensure that these investments are directed towards sectors with the highest economic growth potentials. Keywords: Debt service, economic growth, inflation, capital expenditure and GDP growth

Total Debt Service and Economic Growth in Nigeria: The Empirical Nexus

This study examines the relationship between debt service and economic growth in Nigeria in the period 1990-2022, utilizing time series data from the World Development Indicator and CBN Statistical Bulletin. The issue of debt servicing has become difficult for developing countries like Nigeria, and has not only stifle economic growth, but also increased the rate of poverty and unemployment in these countries. The study explores the empirical nexus between total debt service and economic growth in Nigeria, employing GDP growth rate as the dependent variable, while the explanatory variables involved; are total debt serving, inflation rate and capital expenditure. The variables were estimated with autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method, among other, after the stationarity tests conducted on them Indicate that the variables were of mixed integration. Evidence suggesting a long-term equilibrium relationship among the variables was also established given the cointegration result. The ARDL results reveal that the inflation rate has an inverse and significant impact on GDP growth. Total Debt services variable also exhibited a similar impact on GDP growth. However, the results indicated that capital expenditure variable has a direct and significant impact on GDP growth. Based on the findings, this study recommends that the Nigerian government should implement robust monetary policies aimed at controlling inflation and revisit its debt management strategy to ensure sustainability. It is also recommended that the government should not only increase capital expenditure but also ensure that these investments are directed towards sectors with the highest economic growth potentials. Keywords: Debt service, economic growth, inflation, capital expenditure and GDP growth

COURSE OF MEASURED ENERGY EXPENDITURE OVER THE FIRST 10 DAYS OF CRITICAL ILLNESS: A NESTED PROSPECTIVE STUDY IN AN ADULT SURGICAL ICU

Background & aimsVarious factors may cause significant daily variations in energy expenditure in and between critically patients. This nested, prospective study (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04099108) in a predominantly trauma surgical ICU, aimed to determine the course of measured energy expenditure over the first 10 days of critical illness, and to identify factors contributing to energy expenditure. MethodsIndirect calorimetry was performed on alternate days from ICU Day 3±1 until Day 10±1. The mean daily measured energy expenditure, respiratory quotient and total energy delivery as a percentage of measured energy expenditure were modelled using linear mixed regression with two fractional polynomial terms to accommodate non-linear responses over time. ResultsFifty ICU patients (mean age 36.9+-11.8 years, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) 13.5±6.6, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) 4.5±3.2) were included. Mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.8±4.00 kg/m2 and mean ventilation duration 7.7±2.7 days. Mean daily measured energy expenditure showed a significant non-linear response (p=0.006) increasing over the first 4 days peaking on day 5 and then plateauing. Mean daily respiratory quotient increased over the first 7 days, thereafter plateauing with a slight downward trend from day 8 despite a progressive increase in total energy delivery as a percentage of measured energy expenditure. Mean daily measured energy expenditure was significantly lower in the early than in the late acute phases (p=0.024), whereas the late- and post-acute phases were similar. Age, sex and BMI significantly influenced measured energy expenditure. ConclusionMeasured energy expenditure showed a significant non-linear response over the first 10 days in ICU, increasing over the first 4 days peaking on day 5 then plateauing. The observed variability highlights the complexity of managing critically ill patients and the importance of personalised nutrition therapy. Additionally, the observed trend with a peak in measured energy expenditure around day five could inform timing and strategies for nutritional intervention in this patient cohort.

The influential factor of the rice import problem in Indonesia

Abstract Indonesia’s rice imports demonstrate variability, peaking in 2023 at 3 million tons. This import volume is the second-highest documented from 1993 to 2023. This study seeks to evaluate the influence of harvest area, rice production, rice consumption, Indonesian GDP, exchange rate, and local rice price on the volume of rice imports. This study employs annual time series data from 1993 to 2023. This study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology. The study indicates that the ARDL model is defined by the variables of harvest area (LP), rice production (PB), rice consumption (KB), Indonesian GDP (GDP), exchange rate (NT), and local rice pricing (HB). All parameters, including variable t, the lag optimum of harvest area, rice production, rice consumption, Indonesian GDP, exchange rate, and local rice price, exert a considerable impact on the rice import variable (I) at a rate of 92%. Partially, I (-3), LP, LP (-1), PB (-1), and PDB (-1) significantly impact rice imports (I). Over the long run, LP, PB, KB, GDP, NT, and HB have no significant impact on the volume of rice imports. In the short term, I (-1), I (-2), LP, PDB (-1), HB, and HB (-1) significantly impact rice imports.

Dietary supplement consumption and associated factors among Algerian population residing in Tebessa: Cross-sectional survey

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among Algerians in Tebessa. Materials and methodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out over two months. The study included 216 Algerian men and women selected via simple random sampling. Approximately half of the participants were under 27 years old, with a mean age of 30 years. Variables assessed included the use of dietary supplements, reasons for consumption, frequency of use, types of supplements used, sources of purchase, and sources of advice regarding consumption. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi2 test, respectively. Logistic regression was employed to examine associations between dietary supplement consumption and explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors. ResultsThe prevalence of dietary supplement use was 88.4%. The most common reasons cited for consumption were muscle mass enhancement and fatigue reduction. Vitamins were the most frequently used supplements, followed by trace elements. Consumption patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic factors. ConclusionsA large part of the population has consumed food supplements for different reasons. This consumption could be beneficial for their health. Therefore, information-based on scientific evidence is important to prevent inappropriate use of dietary supplements by consumers. This study could serve as the foundation for a nationwide multicenter study to gain a better understanding of dietary supplement use among Algerians.

Unveiling Regional Dynamics and Factors Influencing Fish Purchase and Consumption in Odisha, India

Despite India being a major global fish producer, per capita fish consumption remains notably low in several regions, raising concerns regarding the nutritional adequacy of diets. This study explores the factors influencing fish purchase and consumption patterns in the Cuttack and Khordha districts of Odisha, India. A comprehensive survey (n=400)was conducted, and a trans-regression analysis was applied to identify key factors. The results reveal that fish quality, with an emphasis on freshness, taste, and texture, is the most crucial factor influencing consumer preferences in both districts. Affordability, represented by fish prices, ranked second, while dressing facilities unexpectedly held significant importance, reflecting consumer preference for convenience in fish preparation. Sociocultural factors, including local traditions and dietary customs, also played a role but were less significant compared to other factors. The study highlights apromising trend of fish consumption exceeding recommended levels, contributing positively to nutritional goals. A comparative analysis betweenregions showed variability in meat consumption, with fish standing out as a primary dietary staple. These findings underscore the need for region-specific strategies to promote sustainable fish consumption, considering both economic and socio-cultural influences. The study contributes to the understanding of regional variations in fish consumption patterns and provides a foundation for targeted interventions to address nutritional challenges and promote sustainable dietary practices.

Expenditure Rules: Limiting the Level or the Variation of Public Expenditure?

The main goal of the first-generation expenditure rules was to ensure fiscal discipline: preserving a sound fiscal framework and public debt sustainability. Regarding this goal, analytically as well as empirically, limiting the share of public expenditure in GDP would be more appropriate in case of weak potential economic growth or if the public expenditure-to-GDP ratio is high. On the contrary, limiting the variation of public expenditure would be more appropriate for countries with high potential economic growth or with a weak public expenditure-to-GDP ratio. The second goal of expenditure rules is to contribute to sustaining economic activity. Regarding this goal, limiting the level of public expenditure appears as more favorable than limiting the variation of public expenditure. Indeed, a rule in terms of variation could hamper economic growth, especially for countries with a high public expenditure-to-GDP ratio.

Alcohol Misuse and Correlates with Mental Health Indicators among Firefighters

Background: Stress and repetitive exposures to potentially traumatizing events are inherent to first-responder professions. Firefighters and other crisis responders are often exposed to incidents in their work environments and are at risk of developing acute or posttraumatic symptomatology, depression, and anxiety, as well as harmful patterns of alcohol consumption. Most prior research and theory suggests that many firefighters use alcohol to cope with past and current stressors, and that increased drinking accompanies ongoing exposures to stressful occupational hazards. Objectives: The primary aim of this research was to examine alcohol consumption and mental health variables associated in the literature with alcohol misuse. Participants included 546 predominantly male career firefighters in the U.S. Using a cross-sectional design, we examined alcohol misuse in the context of self-reported depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal ideation using previously validated measures. Results: Based on the AUDIT’s recommended cut score of 8, 38.8% of our sample reported drinking at hazardous levels. Hazardous alcohol use was also significantly associated with several mental health indicators with correlations ranging from .28 to .34. Regression analyses revealed that over 14% of the variance in AUDIT scores could be explained by psychological symptom measures, and 29% of the variance in suicide risk was explained by a model using both alcohol and mental health measures. Conclusions: Findings suggest that psychological distress is associated with hazardous drinking, and that more consistent screening and referral for these issues, as well as multi-level interventions, are needed to effectively address these behavioral health concerns among firefighters.

Analysis of The Influence of State Income and State Expenditure on Tax Revenue in Indonesia 2001-2023 From the Perspective of Islamic Economics

Taxes are one of the sources of state revenue for financing state expenditure. When tax revenue decline, governments often face an urgent need to maintain social and economic stability. In Indonesia in 2020 the ratio of state revenue from taxes fell by 1.5% from the previous year. So if fluctuations in tax revenue and an increase in state spending lead to a high budget deficit, and the government needs to find others sources of financing, such as loans to cover the financing shortfall. The type of research used is quantitative. The method used in this study is the Error Correction Model (ECM). The data used is secondary data published by the Ministry of Finance with the type of time series data in the year of observation, namely 2001-2023 in the State of Indonesia. Testing was carried out with the help of the Eviews 10 software application. The results of this study shows that only the state revenue variable has a significant effect on tax revenue in the long term and short term, while the state expenditure variable does not have a significant effect on tax revenue in the long term and in the short term.

Factors Affecting Household Health Expenditures: Evidence from Iran

Abstract Background Productivity plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, and its primary determinant is human capital. Human capital, in turn, is influenced by health and education investments, leading both households and governments to allocate substantial resources toward these sectors. Understanding the factors influencing health expenses is vital for designing effective policies. Methods This study investigates the factors affecting health costs by analyzing data from various provinces in the Islamic Republic of Iran, spanning from 2006 to 2019. The data, sourced from the Statistics Center of Iran, was analyzed using the panel data approach to uncover the relationships between health expenditure and several key variables. Results The analysis revealed significant disparities in health expenditure among provinces. Sistan & Baluchestan had the lowest health expenditure per household, while Tehran reported the highest. Inflation emerged as a significant factor, having a negative impact on health expenses due to its influence on purchasing power. Conversely, the education and salary of household heads had a positive impact on health expenditure. Notably, economic growth did not exhibit a significant relationship with health expenses. Conclusions The study highlights the importance of education and income levels in shaping health expenditures, while inflation can curtail spending on health due to reduced purchasing power. Policymakers should consider these factors to ensure equitable and effective allocation of health resources. Key messages • Improving health and well-being, essential for comprehensive progress and human development, relies significantly on household health expenditure. • The efforts to enhance human capital should focus on reducing inflation.

Tobacco smoking during COVID-19 pandemic among social media users in Russia

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has forced countries to take various restrictive measures, including “lockdowns”, which may have affected tobacco smoking. The study explored associations between an increase in smoking, sociodemographic, and related to pandemic factors during pandemic among social media users in Russia. Methods Between June-September 2020, 1518 users of the most popular in Russia social media networks participated in online survey investigating changes in alcohol, tobacco, and substance use during pandemic. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with an increase in tobacco smoking. The analysis was adjusted for sex, level of education, perception of the severity of public life restrictions, negative work/financial consequences of the pandemic, stress, changes in the frequency of drinking, heavy episodic drinking (6 or more standard drinks at a time), and the volume of alcohol consumed on a typical occasion. Results 46.8% of the surveyed population were current smokers. 17.0% of them reduced, 37.9% increased, and 45.1% didn’t change their smoking during the pandemic. Relative to those whose smoking reduced or didn’t change, those who increased their smoking were more likely to be: 18-29 years old (OR = 1.906; 95% CI = 1.109-3.277), residents of medium to big cities (up to 1 mln inhabitants) (1.519; 1.017-2.270), had their income reduced (1.508; 1.024-2.222), faced severe restrictions in everyday life as a result of measures taken to contain SARS-CoV-2 (2.398; 1.440-3.758). After introducing alcohol consumption variables to the model, only two factors were associated with an increase in smoking: severe restrictions in everyday life (2.147; 1.227-3.993) and increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking during pandemic (2.338; 1.167-4.685). Conclusions Increase in tobacco smoking during pandemic was associated with severe restrictions in everyday life and increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking among social media users in Russia. Key messages • More than a third of social media users increased tobacco smoking during pandemic, which was associated with severe restrictions in everyday life and increased frequency of heavy episodic drinking. • During pandemics and similar public health crises, it is advisable to expand remote counseling services for alcohol and tobacco cessation, which can be delivered through social media.

Determinants of Healthcare Expenditure: A Cross-Sectional Analysis at the Country Level

This study examines the determinants of healthcare expenditure through a cross-sectional analysis of 153 countries using 2018 data. The research employs a classical linear regression model to identify key socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing healthcare spending per capita, expressed in PPP (Purchasing Power Parity). The results show that GDP per capita, public health expenditure as a percentage of GDP, physician availability, and out-of-pocket healthcare costs are statistically significant determinants of healthcare spending. Specifically, the analysis highlights the non-linear relationship between GDP and healthcare expenditure, where wealthier nations tend to spend disproportionately more on healthcare. Public investment in healthcare and the availability of medical professionals also play crucial roles in shaping national healthcare expenditures. Out-of-pocket expenses by households further increase overall healthcare costs, especially in countries with lower public funding. The proposed model explains 96.5% of the variation in healthcare expenditure, suggesting that the selected variables are strong predictors of healthcare spending. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, particularly in the context of balancing public healthcare financing and improving access to medical services while managing overall costs.