Increase In Income Level Research Articles

The future of health economics: The potential of behavioral and experimental economics

Health care systems around the globe are facing great challenges. The demand for health care is increasing due to the continuous development of new medical technologies, changing demographics, increasing income levels, and greater expectations from patients. The possibilities and willingness to expand health care resources, however, are limited. Consequently, health care organizations are increasingly required to take economic restrictions into account, and there is an urgent need for improved efficiency. It is reasonable to ask whether the health economics field of today is prepared and equipped to help us meet these challenges. Our aim with this article is twofold: to introduce the fields of behavioral and experimental economics and to then identify and characterize health economics areas where these two fields have a promising potential. We also discuss the advantages of a pluralistic view in health economics research, and we anticipate a dynamic future for health economics.Published: Online May 2015. In print December 2015.

Petroleum Oil Consumption in Major Countries of the World: A Panel Data Analysis

This article examines the impact of various factors, such as gross domestic product, population, and oil prices in a country on demand for oil. The study was conducted by applying a panel data analysis technique on the annual data from 1970 to 2008, of the USA, Japan, China, and India. The results for the panel indicate that oil consumption is price inelastic and highly income elastic. Similarly, an increase in population does not necessarily lead to increased oil consumption. However, when population increase is well supported by corresponding increase in outputs and consumption levels of the nation, it does create additional demand for oil, and not otherwise. Similarly, the rise in prices of petroleum products does not necessarily lead to a decline in oil sales, because the rise in income levels increases the purchasing power of the individuals, thereby negating any negative impact on oil demand. Thus, either directly or indirectly, the only major determining factor in creating higher oil demand is the gross domestic product of a country, rather than anything else. However, this does not hold true in the case of Japan because, despite increasing income levels, there is a decline in demand for oil. Probably the oil deposits in Japan are not sufficient enough to sustain its economic growth. Hence, there is shift away from its dependence on fossil fuel to other alternate sources of energy for meeting the increasing energy demand in the country.

Consumers’ Determination of Red Meat and Meat Products Purchase Behaviour – City of Ankara Sample

Nowadays, meat consuming level is an indicator of development of countries. The reason for this is the importance of animal proteins such as meat, milk and egg in human nutrition. People in Turkey do not get enough animal protein. Increase of meat and meat related product prices is effective on this. The purpose of this study is to bring up the purchase and consume behavior of consumers. Surveys completed in urban areas around city of Ankara are used primarily. Using Main Mass Ratio Based Simple Occurrence Probability Sampling method 338 families were interviewed. Completed surveys were separated into 3 groups; high, middle, low. As a result of the research, expense for food in total income is around %34. This ratio for families with low income is %53, for families with middle income is %35 and for families with high income is %33. It is found that as income levels of consumers raised, food expenses raise as well. But it shows that as income level increases, expense ratio for food decreases. Food reliability is the most effective factor on consumers’ decision of purchase. Studies show doubts of consumers about food reliability. It is understood that legal adjustments are not applied enough. Especially tight food inspections would be positive on consumer behavior.

Potential non-edible oil feedstock for biodiesel production in Africa: A survey

Africa is a continent full of untapped natural resources ranging from biodiversity to vast water bodies but faced with food and energy crises. Prices of fuel are also escalating. With researchers and experts scrambling for the solution, biodiesel from vegetable oil will receive more attention. But the edible feedstock as the obvious cheapest choice will not be sustainable enough for the increasing energy and food demand; hence, there is a need for guaranteed feedstock. This study was therefore undertaken to explore feedstock that would not be suitable for food but useful for biodiesel in Africa. Among the highlight areas of the study include current energy situation in Africa, technologies of biodiesel production, current state of biodiesel in Africa, driving forces for increase in biodiesel production, current existing problems of biodiesel commercialization, potential benefits of biodiesel processes, need for non-edible oil plants, potential non-edible biodiesel feedstock, biology, distribution and chemistry of the selected non-edible oil plants. The study also throws light on the implication of biodiesel on the environment and the outlook. From the study, the use of non-edible oils can be guaranteed as sustainable feedstock for biodiesel since most of the non-edible plants can be grown on wastelands to reclaim them, not compete with food crops for limited lands, are relatively cheap, available and offer similar or even higher yields of biodiesel and fuel properties as the edibles. Developing biodiesel industry in Africa can help curb the high rate of unemployment through job creation as well as increase in income level of the rural populace. Weaning African economies from oil import dependencies could also be an economic achievement. It can be deduced from the study that there are promising non-edible oil resources in the system for biodiesel industrialization in Africa.

Socio-Economic Effects of Microfinance Services on Women: The Case of Rosewo Microfinance, Nakuru County, Kenya

Microfinance has become an important instrument for poverty alleviation in developing countries through its provision of both the financial services and non financial services to the poor. The key feature of microfinance in targeting the women on the grounds has been noted to have more desirable sustainable development outcomes. This study thus, sought to find out the socio-economic effects associated with the participation of women in the microfinance programs. A survey was conducted in ROSEWO organization, a microfinance institute in Nakuru County. A simple random sample of 370 women participants of at least two years experience and above was drawn from a population of 5000 members of Rosewo microfinance. A structured questionnaire was used as data a collecting tool as data was analyzed quantitavely through the use of descriptive statistics from the SPSS tool and presented in form of frequencies, pie-charts and tables. The research objectives were to assess the socio-economic effects on the accessibility of microcredit, availability of micro-savings, micro-insurance and non-financial services on women. The foundation of this study was based on the following theories and models: the vicious cycle of poverty theory, the imperfect information paradigm, and the Grameen bank model. The results indicated that microfinance services had effects on the socio-economic status of women. The study indicated that that access to microcredit services increased income levels, increased stocks and output of the enterprise as well as increased expenditure on health and education services. On the other hand, the availability of micro-savings services to women increased capital resources to cater for education and health care services, smoothened irregular income levels to manage consumption needs and also increased income to generate wealth. Moreover the results indicated the effects of micro-insurance services enabled women build stronger trust bonds, created more social networks as well as motivate participation in development activities. Lastly, effects of non-financial services from the microfinance stabilized income levels that eased production constraints, improved intrapersonal skills such as communication skills and last but not least this program instilled a good practice on preventive health measures for wellbeing of the people. Some of the recommendation made included; the need to do a further study to distinctively identify the effects of microfinance services independently on the socio-economic status of the users, further understanding the effects of new areas of microfinance such as that of micro-insurance services to help design better products, gain a competitive edge and stimulate the market in the long term for sustainable development, need to compare the effects between different schemes and microfinance programs to guide prudent investment of government and development fund and a careful analysis of effects on different subgroups- for example, economically different, social, gender- to enhance the understanding of equity related effects of the microfinance services (microcredit, micro-savings and micro-insurance) arrangements for efficiency and effectiveness.

Shopping orientations and patronage preferences for internet auctions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of consumers’ shopping orientations and income on online auction patronage intentions. Design/methodology/approach – The study collected data using a national sample of 3,000 online auction consumers over the age of 18, who had purchased from internet auction sites eBay, Yahoo, or Bargain Hunter in the previous six months and used structural equation modelling for data analysis. Findings – The results suggest that consumers’ price consciousness shopping orientation, which increases shopping in online stores, decreases patronage intentions towards the online auction site. In addition, the findings indicate that consumers’ search orientation, convenience orientation and income level increase patronage intentions towards the online auction site. Originality/value – The key theoretical and academic contribution of this study focuses on testing and integrating the shopping orientations literature in the more modern area of online auction retailing. Practitioners also benefit from the findings of the online auction customer motivations captured by this study.

Seviye Belirleme Sınavında Başarının Yordayıcılarının İncelenmesi: Dershaneye Gitme, Mükemmeliyetçilik, Ana-Baba Tutumu ve Sınav Kaygısı

The purpose of the current study is to determine to what extent the following four variables explain K-8 students’ SBS success levels; these variables being attendance to private SBS preperation courses, multidimensional perfectionism, parental attitude types, and test anxiety. SBS is a nationwide, high stake, high school placement test taken by middle school students in the Turkish education system since the 2007-2008 school year. The sample of this study consists of 460 cluster sampled 8th grade students, of which 257 are girls and 203 are boys all from the city center of the province of Tokat, Turkey. The Multi-dimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), Parental Attitude Type Scale, Westside Test Anxiety Scale, and a personal information sheet were used to collect data which was then analyzed using hierarchical linear regression, independent group t tests and chi square tests. According to the findings, the most effective variable in determining a student’s level of success is attendance to private preperation courses. Other significant predictors of success on the SBS are the espousal of a perfectionist attitude by parents and a student’s level of test anxiety. Moreover, the most effective factor influencing SBS scores of students who do not attend preperation courses is his parents’ adoption of an authoritarian attitude. While the “Order” dimension of the MPS and “test anxiety” were negative predictors of students’ success on the SBS, “responsibility-centered parents’ attitude” was positively related to the students’ scores. “Doubt from behaviors” was the most effective negative predictor explaining the SBS scores of students who did not attend private SBS preperation courses. The findings of the study suggest that as one’s income level increases, so does the duration of time spent attending SBS prep courses, and this increased level of success can also be attributed to effective parent involvement in students’ lives. However, family’s income stands as a definite medium, explaining students’ SBS success. As a result of the current study, SBS preperation courses has been found to be the most defining factor in students’ SBS scores. According to the findings, student’s success on large scale tests are mainly affected by extracurricular activities, such as courses or private lessons.

Selecting a cruise port of call location using the fuzzy-AHP method: A case study in East Asia

Increasing income levels and greater leisure time give people the opportunity to pursue new types of tourism ventures. As one of the fastest growing areas in the leisure travel industry, the cruise industry is increasing rapidly. Due to the benefits that cruise tourism brings to each port of call and the hinterland, it is necessary to be able to analyze the factors that affect cruise lines' port selections. The main objective of this paper is to identify the main factors motivating cruise lines to select specific ports of call and to provide information to port operators that will enable them both to improve their management strategies and to attract more cruise ships, thereby contributing to the revenues of the port and regional economy.

The Magnitude of Household Consumption Expenditure

The present study analyzed to investigate the change in the pattern of consumption expenditure across both in rural and urban areas Further the study estimated the linear regression to identify the causality between per capita income and consumption expenditure. The analysis of the study used the NSS data from 1993/94-2011-12. The results of the study revealed that the monthly per capita consumption expenditure has increased tremendously over the period of time. The variation in consumption expenditure among household types has narrowed down, agriculture labour in the rural areas and casual labour in the urban areas registered a remarkable growth particularly during the period 2004/05–2009/10. The analysis of data showed a further shift away from food to non-food items in all expenditure categories in both rural and urban areas. But in the case of agriculture labour In rural areas and casual labour in urban areas, the preference of food items in total consumption remains the same. This study also evidenced that the non-farm employment has played a greater role on increasing income levels in both rural and urban areas. The correlation coefficient results showed there was positive relation between household income and consumption expenditure in both rural and urban areas. It also observed from the results the raise in income could lead to change the dietary patterns.

Welfare Gains from Application of First Generation Biotechnology in Indian Agriculture: The Case of Bt Cotton

The study has quantified the welfare gains from adoption of Bt cotton in India. The adoption of Bt cotton has increased income levels and generated substantial gains due to higher yields and lower cost of production through lower cost on plant protection. During the period 2002–15, the total benefit has been estimated to be of ` 220 billion with 85 per cent share accruing to the producers and 15 per cent to the private seed companies/marketing firms. The welfare gains have been found to vary across states, depending upon the extent of penetration of Bt technology and agronomic performance of the crop. In India, Bt gene is embedded in hybrids as a value-capturing mechanism, necessitating seed purchase by farmers every season afresh. One policy option to improve the producer surplus could be development of the open pollinated Bt varieties in the country that may provide higher benefits to the adopters in resourcepoor regions, which are generally more suited for varieties than hybrids. The study has also highlighted some indirect gains in terms of soil health, green house emission, human health, to cite a few.

Outdoor recreation – A necessity or a luxury? Estimation of Engel curves for Sweden

Income constitutes one important constraint for the degree of participation in outdoor recreation. The effect of this constraint can be measured by the income elasticity of outdoor recreation demand, which is of policy interest when the distribution of recreation opportunities across socioeconomic groups is a concern. This study investigated income elasticity of expenditures for three types of outdoor recreation in Sweden, at the individual level: outdoor recreation as an aggregated composite good, outdoor recreation close to home (less than 100km away from the permanent residence), and hunting. The findings indicated that outdoor recreation as a composite is a luxury good with elasticity in excess of unity (i.e. a relative increase in income will lead to a greater relative increase in demand). The elasticities of the specific activities were found to be lower. Outdoor recreation close to home was characterized as a necessity with elasticity less than unity (i.e. a relative increase in income will lead to a smaller relative increase in demand). The results further suggested that an increase in income could lead to either a decrease or an increase in the demand for hunting, indicating that hunting might be an inferior good or possibly a necessity. Management implicationsBased on data from national surveys in Sweden, this paper explores the relationship between income and demand for different types of outdoor recreation activities. The analysis reveals that:•The total demand for outdoor recreation opportunities can be expected to increase with increasing income levels in society. An increase in total demand does, however, not imply that demand for all types of outdoor recreation will increase simultaneously.•The relationship between income and outdoor recreation demand differs among various types of recreation activities. Outdoor recreation close to home and hunting provided two examples of such diverging patterns in this paper. This, in turn, leads to different policy implications.•Policy measures should, therefore, be adapted to the specific type of outdoor recreation under consideration.•Managers need to be aware of the underlying factors affecting demand, such as socioeconomic characteristics, substitutability, motivations and different types of constraints.•Future analysis should consider also the following factors potentially affecting outdoor recreation demand:- The distinction between recreation enjoyed during overnight trips (i.e. tourism related), as opposed to day based recreation activities where income may be less important.- The time available for outdoor recreation and the family situation.- Recreational activities must be regarded within the regulatory national framework. For example hunting in Sweden is guided by bag limits, reduced mobility because of limited access to specific hunting grounds, and specific national management of hunting opportunities.

Tobacco use in older adults in Ghana: sociodemographic characteristics, health risks and subjective wellbeing

BackgroundTobacco use over the life-course threatens to increase disease burden in older adulthood, including lower income countries like Ghana. This paper describes demographic, socioeconomic, health risks and life satisfaction indices related to tobacco use among older adults in Ghana.MethodsThis work was based on the World Health Organization’s multi-country Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), conducted in six countries including Ghana. Wave one of SAGE in Ghana was conducted in 2007-2008 as collaboration between WHO and the University of Ghana Medical School through the Department of Community Health. A nationally representative sample of 4305 older adults aged 50 years and above were interviewed. Associations between tobacco consumption and sociodemographic, socioeconomic, health risk and life satisfaction were evaluated using chi-square and odds ratio (OR). Logistic regression analyses, adjusted for age, sex and other variables, were conducted to determine predictors of tobacco consumption in older persons.ResultsOverall prevalence of current daily smokers among older adults in Ghana was 7.6%. Tobacco use (i.e. ever used tobacco) was associated with older males, (AOR = 1.10, CI 1.05-1.15), older adults residing in rural locations (AOR = 1.37, CI 1.083-1.724), and older adults who used alcohol (AOR = 1.13, CI 0.230-2.418). Tobacco use was also associated (although not statistically significant per p-values) with increased self-reporting of angina, arthritis, asthma, chronic lung disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Older adults who used tobacco and with increased health risks, tended to be without health insurance (AOR = 1.41, CI 1.111-1.787). Satisfaction with life and daily living was much lower for those who use tobacco. Regional differences existed in tobacco use; the three northern regions (Upper East, Northern and Upper West) had higher proportions of tobacco use among older adults in the country. Quitting tobacco use was higher in the 70+ years age group, in women, among urban residents and in those with at least secondary education. Quitting tobacco use also increased with increasing income levels.ConclusionsTobacco use among older adults in Ghana was associated with older men living in rural locations, chronic ill-health and reduced life satisfaction. A high proportion of older adults have stopped using tobacco, demonstrating the possibilities for effective public health interventions. Health risk reduction strategies through targeted anti-smoking health campaigns, improvement in access to health and social protection (such as health insurance) will reduce health risks among older persons who use tobacco.

How to Deal with Resource Productivity

SummaryResource productivity enhancement stands at the center of tackling issues on environmental pollution and resource scarcity. Identifying influential socioeconomic factors should be the first step in establishing and improving resource management policy. This study compares and analyzes data from multiple countries to construct a resource productivity simulation model. The socioeconomic factors and their characteristic patterns are discussed in detail. The results demonstrate that the major factors influencing resource productivity include income level, population density, economic structure, energy structure, and raw material trade. Among these factors, the three most important are income level, population density, and economic structure. The influencing patterns can be summarized as follows: (1) Resource productivity increases with increasing income levels. (2) Countries with high population density are inclined to demonstrate high resource productivity. (3) The economic structure shows a biphase influence on resource productivity, that is, during industrialization, decreased agricultural activity and increased industrial activity lead to higher resource productivity. On the other hand, after industrialization, decreasing industrial activity and an expanding service sector become the major impetus of resource productivity enhancement. (4) Raw material export demonstrates a negative effect on resource productivity. Countries that depend heavily on raw material export show a unique resource productivity evolution pattern. For these countries, relatively high resource productivity in low income phases and relatively low resource productivity in high income phases show only small increases in resource efficiency and economic growth. Finally, insights from the study are transformed into suggestions for sustainable resource management and resource productivity enhancement.

The Relationship between Demographic Variables and Diabetes Self-Management in Diabetic Patients in Amman City/Jordan

Background:Diabetes is a chronic disease that requires routine and complicated self care. Although self care can be managed by most diabetes patients, there are many variables that may make diabetes self-management difficult.Aim:The study examined the relationship between clients’ demographic variables and diabetes self-management in diabetic clients in Amman city/Jordan.Method:The data were collected through a self-completed questionnaire developed by the researchers and combined with the perceived diabetes self-management scale (PDSMS). The sampling of the investigation comprised 178 diabetes clients from Amman city/Jordan.Findings:There was proportional little relationship between income level and diabetes self management, and reversely proportional low relationship between duration of diabetes and diabetes self management. Other variables had no relationship with diabetes self management.Conclusion:The demographic variables related to diabetes self-management in this study are income level and duration of diabetes. As income level increases, diabetes self-management become better, and the longer the duration of diabetes, the worse is diabetes self-management.

TINGKAT PENDAPATAN PETERNAK TERHADAP KOMODITAS UNGGULAN PETERNAKAN AYAM RAS PEDAGING DI KABUPATEN TABANAN

Agribusiness is one unit of activities that deals with a sequence chains of production, yield processing, and marketing that correlated with agriculture in a wide sense. Thepoultry business is one kind of agribusiness which are commercially profitable. Thisresearch goal is to know the contribution of income rates and work to economic levelof chicken breeder in Tabanan regency. Research result shows chicken livestock inTabanan regency have a significant contribution to the income of chicken breeder.Majority of chicken breeder make a chicken livestock as a main job, this is shown by35 respondents from 50 respondents or 70% are make a chicken livestock as a mainjob, and 15 respondents or 30% make a chicken livestock only as a secondary jobnot as a main job.From 50 respondents, the average amount of chickens from one livestock are3,170 chickens for one respondents. The average income of chicken breeder is Rp327.524.375, maintenance cost Rp 273.482.130 with the profit Rp 54.042.245 peryear. Therefore one way to increase income level for the breeder is help and lend themmoney for initial capital with low rate and uncomplicated birocration. This πcan bedone by Bank Pembangunan Daerah (BPD) and Koperasi Unit Desa (KUD).

Sources of information and perception of rural consumer

Marketing plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of a country.It significantly contributes to income generation and employment. Efficient marketingstrategy enables the marketer to provide right product, to right person and at the right time.Indian rural market is much larger than that of the urban market in terms of population,number of households and by way of geographic dispersal. Increased income level among rural households, improved infrastructure and favorable government policies offer a huge potential for rural marketing. As a result, manufacturers from India as well as abroad have diversified their attention towards rural segment to tap the hitherto untapped potential. Four billion people worldwide live in rural areas while in India 74 per cent of the populationreside in rural areas, spreading over 3.2 million sq. km. in about 6,38,365 villages. Rural India is characterized by half a dozen religions, 33 languages, 1,650 dialects, and diversity in castes, sub-castes, tribes, culture, and subculture.

Demand for Institutional Delivery in Bangladesh: An Application of Household Production Function

Maternal and child health issues continue to be at the forefront of national and global health policies. Notwithstanding the national and global policy initiatives, maternal mortality continues to be on the ascendancy in developing countries. This paper investigates the determinants of institutional delivery among a cross section of Bangladeshi women. For appropriate policy targeting, it is imperative to investigate the factors that promote institutional delivery and those that retard it. Using discrete choice model, and controlling for other covariates, we found that, women from the richest income quintile, and those that have access to health information via television delivered at appropriate health institutions. Besides, place of residence, mother’s education, wanted pregnancy, utilization of antenatal care services and number of health worker’s visiting time inter alia were found to be significant predictors of the demand for institutional and supervised delivery. The policy implication of this finding is that health education via television is more effective than print media. Secondly, government policies meant to create jobs and increase income levels are envisaged as proper policy instrument to induce the utilization of appropriate health services including institutional delivery. Thirdly, information, education and communication (IEC) programs are urgently needed to inform women about the cause and potential risk of maternal health complications as well as the significance of institutional delivery. Finally, the use of health inputs such as antenatal care during pregnancy should be encouraged.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujs.v60i1.10337 Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 60(1): 53-59 2012 (January)

A Study on the Health and Nutritional Characteristics according to Household Income and Obesity in Korean Adults Aged over 50 -Based on 2005 KNHANES-

This study investigated the health and nutritional characteristics according to household income level and obesity in Koreans aged over 50 years based on the 2005 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Subjects were classified into 3 groups by average household income with reference to the minimum monthly living expenses (MLE): low (n = 319, < 100% MLE), middle (n = 222, < 200% MLE), high (n = 411, ≥ 200% MLE) and each group was compared by BMI index. With increasing income level, the prevalence of systolic hypertension and hyperlipidemia was increased. In the low income group, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were higher in the obese compared with the normal. In the middle and high income groups, the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and diastolic hypertension were higher in the obese. Subjects had nutritional imbalance, such as inadequate intake of calcium and potassium. With increasing income level, the percentages of protein and fat to total calorie were increased in addition to the intakes and density of nutrients. The obese in the low income group had higher intakes of energy, protein, phosphorus and higher consumption frequency of cereals and potatoes compared with the normal. It was shown that the obese of the middle and high income groups tended to have lower consumption frequency of Korean cabbage and higher frequency of fruits. The obese of high income group also had binge drinking habit. Therefore, this study suggests that specific approaches based on economic status should be considered in developing nutrition education program for the elderly. (Korean J Community Nutr 17(4) : 463~478, 2012)

Using Home Meal Replacements (HMRs) in Diabetes Care

Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem in Korea. Although diet is an essential part of diabetes care, many diabetic patients have considerable difficulties with dietary therapy. Preparing meals is burdensome and is one of the main barriers to diet control, especially for those patients who have busy schedules or who have physical difficulties. People with diabetes should consider using HMR (Home Meal Replacement) products to address difficulties in preparing meals. HMRs are purchased meals eaten at home as is or after a brief cooking process. Korean HMR products are categorized as 'ready to eat', 'ready to heat', and 'ready to end-cook' according to the degree of cooking required. The consumption of HMR products is increasing due to the increase in single people living alone, the increasing number of women working outside the home, the aging of the population, and increasing income levels. HMR products could help diabetic patients eat regular meals and minimize barriers to meal preparation. When using HMR products, people with diabetes can have problems with imbalanced nutrition, inconsistent carbohydrate intake, and excess salt intake. When introducing HMR products to people with diabetes, dietitians should provide guidelines for eating a balanced diet and teach patients how to read nutrition facts label and reduce salt intake. (J Korean Diabetes 2012;13:152-156)

The Role of Employment in the Sustainable Development Paradigm—The Local Tourism Labor Market in Small Island Developing States

Due to the numerous developmental constraints faced by many Small Island Developing States, these governments have promoted tourism in policy agendas on the grounds that it will enhance the lives of local people through the creation of employment and subsequent increase in income level. Using the case of the Maldives, this research explored the extent to which local employment is integrated in the sustainable development paradigm. The research indicates that the Maldivian tourism industry will be impacted upon by a myriad of social, human resource, economic, institutional and religious factors which affect the attraction and retention of local people in tourism employment.