Household Types Research Articles

Effect of Hydrocolloids on Physical, Textural and Sensory Properties of Gluten-Free Bread Produced Using Home-Type Machine

This study aimed to examine the effect of different hydrocolloid types and combinations on the properties of gluten-free bread made using household type bread machine. In this content, four different hydrocolloids, xanthan gum (XG), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and methylcellulose (MC), were used at concentrations of 3% and 5% to evaluate the moisture, baking loss, specific volume, color, texture, and sensory properties of gluten-free bread. Additionally, the quality attributes of gluten-free bread made with hydrocolloids were compared with the control bread without hydrocolloids and a commercial gluten-free mixture. As a result of the evaluations, it was determined that the control bread had the highest baking loss, and the gluten-free bread containing 5% MC had the lowest specific volume. An increase in the concentration of hydrocolloids led to an increase in specific volume, except for breads containing XG, CMC, and XG+CMC. Regarding hardness values, the control bread had the highest hardness, while gluten-free bread containing 5% HPMC+MC showed the lowest hardness. According to sensory evaluation results, gluten-free breads made with all hydrocolloids at 5% concentration provided the best results in terms of overall acceptability. Considering the results obtained, it was thought that the combination usage of different hydrocolloids was effective in improving the qualities and consumability of gluten-free bread.

Disaggregating major water end-uses with minimal data: a machine learning and domain knowledge approach

ABSTRACT This study proposes a novel approach for water end-use disaggregation using medium-resolution (1-min interval) smart meter data, leveraging unsupervised learning techniques and existing domain literature. The approach operates with zero additional data requirements, utilizing basic data analytics and established knowledge, making it highly adaptable and flexible for different regions and household types. By employing K-Means clustering and probabilistic modelling, the methodology categorizes water consumption events and assigns them to specific devices. While the approach proves practical and reliable for some water uses, such as faucets, toilets, and bathtubs/showers, it struggles with accurately identifying washing machines and dishwashers. Despite this limitation, the methodology may help in the future to offer a practical solution for utilities that lack the infrastructure for high-resolution data collection, enabling detailed consumption analysis. We believe that this approach serves as a promising basis for further refinement and development in the field of water disaggregation.

We are a family! Exploring flexitarian households' meat reduction practices.

We are a family! Exploring flexitarian households' meat reduction practices.

Measurement of absolute poverty in Italy: an empirical analysis

Absolute poverty is a socio-economic measure based on the monetary evaluation of a basket of goods and services, considered essential to avoid serious forms of social exclusion. Absolute poverty has been estimated in Italy since 2005 by the Italian Institute of Statistics, with reference to household consumption, using data from the Household Budget Survey (HBS), comparing the expenditure of Italian households with the absolute poverty thresholds. The reference unit is the household, considered in relation to the characteristics of the individual components, their specific needs (nutritional, for instance) and any scale or forms of savings that can be achieved when the family composition varies. Essential needs have been identified in adequate nutrition, in the availability of a dwelling - equipped with necessary goods and services according to the needs of the household - and in the minimum necessary to dress, communicate, get informed, move in the territory, educate and maintain good health. Consequently, the basket is composed of three macro components - food, housing, residual - whose monetary valuation was not carried out at the absolute minimum price, but at the minimum price accessible to all households taking into account the different distribution channels. The monetary value of the total basket was obtained from direct sum of the various components and corresponds to the household absolute poverty threshold. Monthly expenditure used to purchase goods and services exclusively devoted to meet the households needs (including presents purchased), is compared with the value of the poverty threshold, in order to classify a household as absolutely poor or non-poor. After a methodological revision in 2022, the poverty threshold is now defined by the combination of the household type, the region and the municipality of residence. As a consequence, it is possible to identify as many absolute poverty lines as many combinations exist between the elements mentioned before. The methodology revision has allowed the release of more punctual data, capturing the heterogeneity of the expenditure for the different household types in the different areas/territories of the Country. Then, in this paper we briefly show the main changes in the methodology for the measurement of absolute poverty and we present some descriptive analysis on the poverty thresholds calculated for the period of 2014-2022.

Understanding the charactersitics and types of single-person households based on food purchase frequencies in Korea: a cross-sectional study using the 2023 Consumer Behavior Survey for Foods

Objectives: This study investigated the differences in food purchase frequency among single-person households by gender and age group and explored the characteristics of single-person household groups according to their food purchase patterns. Methods: Utilizing data from the 2023 Consumer Behavior Survey for Foods conducted by the Korea Rural Economic Institute, this study examined food purchase frequencies among 966 single-person households. Data were analyzed using Rao-Scott chi-square tests, ANCOVA, ANOVA, and K-modes hierarchical cluster analysis.Results: Significant differences were observed in the food purchase frequencies of single-person households for fresh and convenient food. Women displayed higher purchase frequencies for fish, vegetables, and fruits, whereas men showed higher purchase frequencies for convenient foods (P < 0.005). Single-person households aged 39 years and younger exhibited lower purchase frequencies for vegetables (P < 0.005) and fish (P < 0.001) and substantially higher frequencies of convenient food purchases (P < 0.001). Additionally, this study identified three distinct single-person household groups based on food purchase pattern: the “nutrition-conscious” group, which exhibited high purchase frequency for fresh foods; the “convenience-seeking” group, which showed high purchase frequency for all types of convenient foods; and the “passive food consumer” group, which displayed relatively low purchase frequency for both fresh foods and convenient foods. The socio-demographic characteristics of single-person households differed significantly across these three groups, with the “passive food consumer” group and “convenience-seeking” group exhibiting lower healthy eating competency (MN(nutrition-conscious group) = 3.68, MP(passive-food-consumer group) = 3.40, MC(convenience-seeking group) = 3.52, P < 0.001), safe eating competency (MN = 3.87, MP = 3.57, MC = 3.77, P < 0.001), and satisfaction (MN = 3.36, MP = 3.23, MC = 3.25, P = 0.04) than the “nutrition-conscious” group.Conclusion: This study underscores the need for targeted nutrition programs to address the unique needs of single-person households depending on their characteristics. Specifically, this study highlights the importance of targeted interventions for “convenience-seeking” and “passive food consumer” to promote dietary competency and encourage healthy dietary behavior.

The share of expenditure on food and energy in total spending of Polish households in 2021 taking into account energy poverty

The article concerns the share of expenditure on food and energy in the total spending of Polish households in 2021. The main objective of the study is to find out which socio-economic characteristics of Polish households determine how big the share of expenditure on food and energy in households’ total spending is, as well as to examine how energy poverty affects this expenditure. Tobit models estimated using the maximum likelihood method were used in the empirical study. The estimation results indicate that the household size and type, disposable income, extent of energy poverty, and being a retiree, a pensioner or a farmer is correlated with how big the share of expenditure on food and energy in a household’s total expenditure is.

The Effect of Social Networks and Community Environment on the Prevalence of Depression Symptoms : Focusing on a Comparison of Household Type

The Effect of Social Networks and Community Environment on the Prevalence of Depression Symptoms : Focusing on a Comparison of Household Type

Impact of Dietary Habits, Physical Activity, and Perceived Health Status on Health-Related Quality of Life by Household Characteristics of Patients With Chronic Diseases: The Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS).

Modern societies are seeing a steady rise in individuals living alone. This study examines the impact of dietary habits, physical activity, and perceived health status on the health-related quality of life (QoL) of adults aged 40 and older with chronic diseases, comparing living-alone households to multi-person households. Data from the 2022 Korean Community Health Survey, including 65,861 respondents, were analyzed. The analysis utilized the Rao-Scott χ2 test, independent t-test, and multiple logistic regression with a complex sample design to assess differences in variables affecting QoL by household type. Individuals living alone were more likely to be female, older, less educated, economically inactive, divorced or separated, and have lower household incomes compared to those in multi-person households. Physical activity, perceived health status, and QoL were higher in multi-person households. Although all variables influenced QoL in multi-person households, nutritional labeling awareness and frequency of physical activity showed no significant association with QoL in living-alone households. Living-alone households with chronic diseases face notable demographic disparities. Additional research is needed to understand why nutritional labeling awareness and physical activity frequency do not significantly affect QoL in this group. The influence of mental health warrants further investigation to guide targeted interventions.

Vulnerability and Impact Mechanisms of Social-Ecological Systems in Karst Desertification Control: An Analysis Based on Farm Household Survey Data

Vulnerability and its assessment framework provide a new perspective for the study of social-ecological systems in Karst regions. Drawing on theories related to social-ecological systems and vulnerability, this paper explores the measurement and interpretation of human-land relationships in Karst mountainous areas under the context of rocky desertification governance. From the perspective of sensitivity and adaptive capacity, an evaluation index system is constructed. Through participatory household surveys and field research, the vulnerability of local social-ecological systems based on households is measured, and the vulnerability of different types of households and regions is analyzed. Taking regional sensitivity and household adaptability as entry points, practical countermeasures and suggestions are proposed to provide a basis for decision-making by relevant departments. The study shows that: (1) There is a severe lack of natural capital, and the social and financial capital of pure agricultural and agriculture-dominant households urgently need improvement. (2) The lack of natural capital and the differentiation of adaptive capacity are key factors affecting vulnerability. The construction of cognitive and social capital can enhance system adaptability and reduce system vulnerability. (3) The lack of natural capital and the differentiation of adaptive capacity increase system vulnerability, while household cognition and social capital construction help improve the system's ability to cope with risks, mitigating or reducing system vulnerability.

Endowment insurance and family consumption behavior in China: A comparison based on the participation and payment stages

This paper examines the relationship between endowment insurance and household consumption in China, a key issue in understanding the role of social security policies in shaping household financial behavior. Using data from the China Family Panel Studies spanning 2012 – 2018, we employed a two-way fixed effects model and fuzzy breakpoint regression to analyze how participation in endowment insurance influences both consumption levels and structures. We focus on heterogeneity in consumption behavior across household registration types, geographic regions, and demographic characteristics such as age and income. The findings reveal that participating in endowment insurance generally enhances household consumption across various family types, with particularly strong effects for rural households, those in central regions, and families with members aged 60 and above. In addition, while participation in endowment insurance is associated with consumption upgrading, the receipt of pension benefits alone does not appear to influence consumption levels in the same way. A key result is the identification of a breakpoint in consumption behavior at pension age, after which household consumption tends to decline, especially in households with lower pension benefits. These results suggest that enhancing endowment insurance coverage and security could significantly boost household consumption and optimize spending patterns, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged regions. Moreover, the findings have important policy implications for addressing income inequality and improving the economic welfare of vulnerable populations.

The Impact of Employment Status and Children in Households on Food Security Among Syrian Refugees Residing in Florida.

This study aims to measure food security and the levels of food insecurity among Syrian refugee households. It also aimed to determine the association between food security status and types of households including the number of employed members of the households and children in households. Semi-structured interview questionnaires were administered to 80 households of Syrian refugees residing in Florida. Participants were Syrian refugees who have resettled in Florida since 2011 and were interviewed in one-on-one 45-minute sessions. Included cities were Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and Tampa. The main outcomes were food security, levels of food insecurity, the number of employed individuals in households, and the structure of households with and without children. The mean food security score was 4.7± 2.6 among participating households when a score of 3-7indicates food insecurity without hunger. There were significant differences (p = 0.02) between the levels of food insecurity in rural and urban areas. Households in rural areas experienced higher levels of food insecurity compared to households in urban areas. We found a significant relationship (p = 0.04) between food security and the number of employed individuals in households in rural areas. The logistic regression model comparing food security status in rural and urban areas showed that households in rural areas had 80.2 % less odds of being food secure than those in urban areas with the adjustment of the variable of number of employed individuals(odds ratio = 0.198; 95% CI: 0.055-0.712; p = 0.01). Another logistic regression model showed that Miami was four times and West Palm Beach was 11.8 times more likely to be food secure than Tampa when the number of employees was adjusted. Among allthe households, there were significant differences (p = 0.01) in the levels of food insecurity between households with and without children. When the typeof residence was introduced into the corresponding model, households in rural areas were 79.3% less likely to be food secure than households in urban areas(odds ratio: 0.207; CI: 0.06-0.70; p = 0.01). Another logistic regression showed that West Palm Beach had a significant positive effect (p = 0.005) on food security. Households in this city had 9.95 greater odds of being food secure than households in Tampa. The effect in Miami was marginally positive (p = 0.07) in this model. Households in Miami might have had 3.8 greater probabilities of being food secure than the households in Tampa when the variable of households with and without children was adjusted. Food insecurity was frequent among n = 64 (80.0%) of Syrian refugee households residing in Florida. Households with at least two employed individuals were more likely to experience food security than households with only one member employed. The number of employees in households may have a greater impact on food security in urban areas than in rural areas. Food insecurity was more frequent in households with children than in households without children. Adults in food-insecure households with children might have experienced greater levels of food insecurity compared to their food-insecure children.

Assessment of sustainability consciousness among pre-service teachers in China under the “Double Carbon” goal

Purpose This study aims to identify the level of sustainability consciousness among preservice teachers in China under the “Double Carbon” goal. Design/methodology/approach A sustainability consciousness questionnaire was distributed to 2,795 preservice teachers aged 17–26 years old from first-year undergraduate to third-year postgraduate students through an online questionnaire tool. The mean, standard deviation and correlation of their sustainability knowingness, attitude and behavior were analyzed using SPSS software. Findings First, preservice teachers scored high in sustainability knowingness, attitude and behavior. Second, across different household types, disciplines and university levels (double first-class and nondouble first-class), preservice teachers’ sustainability consciousness scores were comparable to each other. Finally, a negative correlation was found between sustainability knowingness and attitude as well as knowingness and behavior. However, the authors observed a positive correlation between sustainability attitude and behavior. Overall, the level of sustainability consciousness among Chinese preservice teachers is high and no significant differences exist between the sustainability consciousness of preservice teachers with different household types, in different disciplines and at different levels of universities. Influenced by the contextual differences of the relevant concepts in the questionnaire, there is a certain degree of structural differences in the preservice teachers’ level of sustainability consciousness across the dimensions. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by investigating the current status of sustainability consciousness level among preservice teachers in China under the “Double Carbon” goal. The findings of this study provide universities and relevant departments with recommendations for education for sustainable development policies.

(Trying to) catch up with the higher-skilled Joneses: student loans in a segmented educational market from a post-Keynesian perspective

This paper analyzes the economic effects of student loans in a segmented educational market. The motivation here draws upon some studies that verify differences in labor income returns and repayment difficulties depending on the characteristics of the institution attended by the student. I put forward a neo-Kaleckian model that considers three types of households: rentiers (RHs), lower-skilled workers (LSWs), and higher-skilled workers (HSWs). Moreover, a cost-minimizing representative firm combines physical capital and labor in effective units in the production process, which also features some labor skill substitution, thus generating a bargaining process between the different worker groups over the wage gap. The main result is that, for a debt-financed human capital investment, the conditions that drive long-term economic growth do not necessarily align with those that reduce the wage gap and household debt. In fact, in some cases, widening the wage gap may be a necessary condition for boosting economic activity and human capital accumulation. However, this investment might not drive down wage inequality and could raise concerns about household debt.

Pandemic rural residential mobilities? Towards an understanding of who moved house and why in rural Ireland

A growing body of research has emerged in recent years examining the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the future of cities, regions and rural places. This includes examining the potential for decentralised housing demand – an urban exodus – as households adapted to a post-pandemic society. This article examines ‘pandemic mobilities’ in the context of rural housing demand in Ireland. Based on survey data across three case study areas, the article compares pre- and post-pandemic ‘movers’ to examine any differences in types of households moving or changes in the motivations of relocating households. Rather than an urban exodus, our research indicates that rural residential mobility is diverse and is often driven by return migration or local mobility, influenced by pre-existing family networks. The pandemic did not appear to be a driver of rural residential change but emerged as an enabling factor (e.g. working remotely) or as an accelerator for planned relocation decisions.

LAMP, informality and monetary growth rules in an emerging economy

LAMP, informality and monetary growth rules in an emerging economy

코로나19 전후 중장년의 우울 변화 궤적 분석: 근로 여부와 가족 형태에 따른 차이를 중심으로

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in changes by examining the trajectory of depression level changes in middle-aged before and after COVID-19 and to explore variables that can explain this difference. Methods In this study, a total of 4,368 people aged 40 to 69 years old were analyzed as potential growth models using data from five time points of the Korean Welfare Panel Survey 13th (2018) to 17th (2022). In addition, gen der, work status, education level, marital status, and household type were examined as variables that can explain the trajectory of depression change. Results First, from 2018 to 2022, the level of depression in the middle-aged decreased before COVID-19 but in creased after COVID-19. Second, as a result of analyzing the factors affecting the level of depression in the mid dle-aged in 2018, which is the initial stage of depression, showed that women were higher than men, people with low educational standards were lower than those with high levels, and people with spouses were higher than those without spouses. Conclusions As a result of analyzing the rate of change in depression among middle-aged, marital status and household type, which were variables that did not affect changes in depression among middle-aged before COVID-19, were confirmed to be significant variables explaining changes in depression among middle-aged and older adults after COVID-19.

Algunos factores explicativos de la debilidad del consumo de los hogares después de la pandemia

Rationale Household consumption in Spain has shown considerable weakness following the pandemic and its recovery has been less marked than would have been expected based on income developments. This article characterises the types of households and the items in the consumption basket that have contributed most to this slackness. Takeaways •By consumption basket component, in 2023 average spending on durable goods (particularly cars) and semi-durable goods (in particular, clothing and footwear) posted the largest fall in real terms compared with 2019. Meanwhile, consumption linked to leisure and culture stood close to its pre-pandemic levels. •By household type, the largest gaps in average household consumption compared to pre-pandemic levels are observed in high-income households and households where the reference person is between 35 and 54 or is a foreign national. •Differences in consumption developments by type of household are related to heterogeneity across households in terms of both income developments and the composition of the consumption basket – specifically, the difference in the share of essential expenditure (food, rent, water and energy).

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Household Food Demand in Estuaire Gabon: A Near-Ideal Quadratic Demand System Approach

Gabon depends heavily on food imports to safeguard its food security; yet household food consumption patterns remain underexplored. This study investigates the structure of food demand in the Estuaire region, incorporating demographic determinants such as the age of the household head, household size, youth proportion, and residential distance from shopping centers. Using primary data collected from a randomized survey of 410 households, the analysis employs the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model to estimate expenditure and price elasticities. The results indicate that expenditure elasticities are universally positive, with luxury items, including meat, eggs, and fish, exhibiting greater sensitivity compared to staple foods such as poultry, oil, rice, cassava, and bananas, which display inelastic demand. Price elasticities for meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and rice are negative, adhering to the law of demand. Demographic factors, including education, age, and residential location, significantly influence the consumption of meat, cassava, bananas, and oil. Household size, employment type, and youth composition also emerge as critical determinants of increased demand for poultry, fish, and rice. These findings offer policy-relevant insights to strengthen food security and address socioeconomic disparities.

Livelihood Responsibility Shifting to Migrant Worker Wives; A Reading of Qur’an and Hadith in Muslim Community

This article aims to explore the shifting of livelihood (nafqa) responsibilities from husbands to wives in the contemporary context while looking at Muslim community’s reading on relevant Qur’an verses and hadith. Wives who work as migrant workers tend to serve as the main breadwinner in providing income in a household, including those from Kediri and Tulungagung, East Java. Livelihood itself is a common topic in the Islamic law discussion, mainly about who provide for whom and its quantity criteria. Based on this problem, we portray the phenomenon and then present a reading of relevant Qur’anic verses and hadith within the community. The qualitative method was used by conducting interviews with husbands situated in that specific type of household. Data collection was also carried out by a review of relevant verses and hadith on family life followed by analytical approach using content analysis to identify how they are perceived by Muslim community. This study offers insights into Islamic family law in contemporary society, linking religious teachings to modern realities and providing a deeper understanding of this complex issue. The result shows that despite the phenomenon, the husbands still play their role as breadwinners, namely the secondary one. This stems from how they understand the rule of each family party, implying how religious teachings interplay with modern realities.

Socio-economic and demographic determinants of undernutrition among 6–59 months old children living in Malawian stunting hotspots: a cross-sectional community study

BackgroundMalnutrition is a global burden, with 171 million under-five children stunted and 45% of child deaths linked to it. Despite high undernutrition such as stunting in Mchinji, Mangochi, and Mzimba, no study has focused on all three hot spots. This study examined socio-economic and demographic determinants of undernutrition among children aged 6–59 months, offering insights to guide targeted interventions in these areas.MethodsThis cross-sectional study of 1,275 caregiver-child pairs from Mzimba, Mchinji, and Mangochi used multi-stage sampling. Data were analyzed with Stata 17.0, employing descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression to explore associations and identify determinants of malnutrition in children aged 6–59 months based on WHO Z-scores.ResultsThe study identified socio-demographic factors influencing wasting, underweight, and stunting among children aged 6–59 months. Wasting was linked to occupation, marital status, household size, religious affiliation, and vaccination, with protective factors including farming (AOR = 0.023), business (AOR = 0.001), being single (AOR = 0.034), and full vaccination (AOR = 0.146), while Muslim affiliation increased odds (AOR = 71.284). Underweight was associated with occupation and household type, with higher risks in business (AOR = 9.408) and single-parent households (AOR = 20.929) but protection in smaller households (AOR = 0.596). Stunting was related to unemployment (AOR = 2.339) and full vaccination (AOR = 1.472). Education and income showed no significant association with stunting.ConclusionSocio-demographic factors significantly influenced wasting, underweight, and stunting in children, highlighting the need for targeted interventions on livelihoods, vaccination, and household conditions to reduce undernutrition and inform policy and program development.