Local Consumption Research Articles

MIZORAM FOREST AFTER INDIAS INDEPENDENCE: BAMBOO, WILD-LIFE AND LAND USE

Mizoram has abundant natural bamboo resources and nearly one third of its geographical area is under bamboo cover. Bamboo is extensively use as material for construction of houses, cutlery, waving, handicrafts, support for climbers, food, etc. Bamboo resource management and utilization has never been given a serious thought. Harvesting bamboo for local consumption had been negligible as compared to the huge stock available in the state. The introduction of Mahal system has generated income for the forest department. Gregarious bamboo flowering historically has significant ecological, socio- economic and political impact. Being an ecological hotspot, Mizoram is home to a great variety of wildlife species. Systematic survey on flora and fauna is yet to be undertaken. Wildlife conservation in is an important mandate of the Forest department. Apart from awareness campaign, protected areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries have been notified. The practice of jhuming has gradually deteriorated tree and bamboo forests. Forest plays an important role in protection and conservation of soil and water which are the two important resources on which growth and productivity depends. It also provides the needs of the local population who are depending on forests for fuel, fodder, building materials, fruits, vegetables,etc. As forest plays vital roles in environmental stability and ecological balance, the socio- economic life of the people of the state revolves around the forest.

Pattern formation in odd viscoelastic fluids

Nonreciprocal interactions fueled by local energy consumption can be found in biological and synthetic active matter at scales where viscoelastic forces are important. Such systems can be described by “odd” viscoelasticity, which assumes fewer material symmetries than traditional theories. Here we study odd viscoelasticity analytically and using lattice Boltzmann simulations. We identify a pattern-forming instability which produces an oscillating array of fluid vortices, and we elucidate which features govern the growth rate, wavelength, and saturation of the vortices. Our observation of pattern formation through odd mechanical response can inform models of biological patterning and guide engineering of odd dynamics in soft active matter systems. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Impacts of empathy, identity, and ethical branding on sustainable local food consumption

AbstractThis study clarifies the pathway to sustainable local food consumption highlighting ethical branding. Literature suggests that ethical brands promote continuous local food consumption, however, the structure of purchasing factors and impact has not been fully elucidated. A model is constructed in which empathy‐based social responsibility and self‐identity drive the purchase of local food, and ethical brand purchasing influences consumers’ perception of retailers’ ethics. The model is tested using a questionnaire survey and three years of actual purchase data on consumer purchases of ethically branded local foods. Results show that purchasing local food products, especially ethically branded ones, is mediated by consumers’ self‐identity toward social responsibility based on empathy, and self‐oriented purchasing enhances consumers’ perception of retailers’ ethics. Theoretical implications of the validated model for the studies on local food and ethical consumption, and the practical implications of ethical branding for organizations striving for sustainable development, are discussed.

Scheduling optimization of shared energy storage and peer-to-peer power trading among industrial buildings

Constructing distributed photovoltaic systems on industrial building rooftops and establishing adaptive microgrid energy flow scheduling models are effective means of achieving full deployment and consumption of photovoltaics. The operational modes and stakeholders involved in shared energy storage and peer-to-peer trading differ significantly, influencing both the energy flow scheduling and on-site consumption rates of microgrids. In this study, a dual-objective function model with multiple constraints was designed, and particle swarm optimization was applied to seek optimal energy storage capacity. Pareto optimal solution sets under dual objectives with conflicting interests were explored, and comparative analyses of energy flow scheduling under shared energy storage and peer-to-peer trading microgrid modes were conducted. Furthermore, the daily cost-effectiveness of these two modes was evaluated. The results indicated that stakeholders with conflicting interests difficult to achieve win–win outcomes in energy scheduling. The integration of peer-to-peer trading not only reduced shared energy storage capacity by 18% but also achieved local consumption rates of 62% and 100% in summer and winter, respectively. Peer-to-peer trading had a minimal impact on user power costs, yet it increases power revenues by 32% and 235% in summer and winter, respectively, thereby reducing the net expenditure of the users. The results of this study provide a reference for microgrid energy flow scheduling models involving entities of uncommon interest in industrial parks.

The food security drive and the preference for local rice consumption among households in south-west Nigeria

The food security drive and the preference for local rice consumption among households in south-west Nigeria

Research on Intelligent Scheduling Strategy for Electric Heavy Trucks Considering Photovoltaic Outputs

Due to the extensive use of fossil fuels, energy conservation and sustainable transportation have become hot topics. Electric vehicles (EVs), renowned for their clean and eco-friendly attributes, have garnered considerable global attention and are progressively being embraced worldwide. However, disorganized EV charging not only reduces charging station efficiency but also threatens power grid stability. In this low-carbon era, photovoltaic storage charging stations offer a solution that accommodates future EV growth. However, due to the significant instability in both the charging load and photovoltaic power generation within charging stations, it is critical to maximize local photovoltaic power consumption and minimize the impact of disorganized EV charging on the power grid. This paper formulates an intelligent scheduling strategy for electric heavy trucks within charging stations based on typical photovoltaic output data. The study focuses on a photovoltaic storage charging station in an industrial zone in Xinjiang. While considering the electricity procurement cost of the charging station, the aim is to minimize fluctuations in the electricity procurement load. A simulation analysis was conducted using MATLAB 2021a software, and the results indicated that, compared to an uncoordinated charging strategy for electric heavy trucks, the proposed strategy reduced electricity procurement costs by CNY 1348.25, decreased load fluctuations by 169.45, and improved the utilization efficiency of photovoltaic energy by 30%. A statistical analysis was also used to support the reduction in electricity procurement costs and load variations. Finally, a sensitivity analysis of the weight factors in the objective function was performed, proving that the proposed strategy effectively reduces electricity procurement costs and improves the utilization efficiency of photovoltaic energy.

Enhancing low-carbon building operations leveraging demand response driven by renewable energy consumption contributions

In the pursuit of sustainable low-carbon energy practices, demand response (DR) has emerged as a pivotal strategy, particularly in the management of building energy consumption. However, current demand management methods often lack a thorough evaluation of building carbon reduction benefits and fall short in promoting grid decarbonization. This paper proposes a low-carbon operation optimization method for buildings, with a novel DR strategy aimed at facilitating local renewable energy consumption and system-level renewables integration. Considering local and systemic renewable shares, an evaluation framework is first introduced for quantitative building energy assessment in each period. The building loads with controllable flexibilities are then grouped and aggregated based on their elasticity characteristics and probability distribution. Finally, a low-carbon optimization model is established, leveraging the DR strategy for sustainable building operations through flexible load regulation. Utilizing measured building data in Shanghai, a case study with extensive analysis validates the effectiveness of the methodology. The results suggest that following DR implementation, the similarity between the building load profile and the systemic renewable share improves by 34.48 %. Moreover, carbon emissions decrease by 5.27 % at the same level of building energy consumption. Further analysis highlights that energy storage can enhance load adjustment capabilities and the potential for reducing carbon emissions. Compared to conventional DR programs, the proposed strategy demonstrates significant advantages of abundant flexibility and low-carbon benefits. The widespread implementation of low-carbon operations in large-scale building groups has profound implications for integrating renewable energy and achieving system decarbonization goals.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Food day-trippers’ perceptions of regional food destination attractiveness: an application of distance decay theory

ABSTRACT The shift towards local food consumption is creating new opportunities for regional food destinations. The growing market segment of ‘food day-trippers’ who travel to nearby destinations to experience local cuisine has elevated this trend. In response, destination marketers increasingly use local cuisine to enhance destination attractiveness and to create regional food hubs. Yet, it is unclear what attracts food day-trippers to these destinations. This paper explores destination attributes that represent regional food destination attractiveness and presents personal values that shape those attribute preferences. The Repertory Test and Laddering Analysis explore these connections, providing valuable insights into perceptual orientations influencing travel choices within this context. Supported by distance decay theory, findings show that despite the common proposition prioritising food-related attributes in food destination marketing, proximity and non-food attributes also appear important. Underlined by personal values such as a sense of security, these attribute preferences demonstrate food day-trippers’ tendency to look for novelty in food experiences rather than in the location. Practically, these insights highlight an opportunity to capitalise on repeat visitation and aid destination marketers in revisiting their value propositions to include elements that go beyond food.

Research on energy storage capacity optimization of rural household photovoltaic system considering energy storage sharing.

With the promotion of the photovoltaic (PV) industry throughout the county, the scale of rural household PV continues to expand. However, due to the randomness of PV power generation, large-scale household PV grid connection has a serious impact on the safe and stable operation of the distribution network. Based on this background, this paper considers three typical scenarios, including household PV without energy storage, household PV with distributed energy storage, and household PV with centralized energy storage. Then, a calculation model for PV local consumption rate and annual net cost under different scenarios is constructed. Combined with a natural village in Shandong Province, the PV local consumption rate and annual net cost under three scenarios are compared and analyzed, and the potential of energy storage sharing in reducing storage capacity and improving PV local consumption is explored. The results show that configuring energy storage for household PV can significantly improve the power self-balancing capability. When meeting the same PV local consumption, household PV centralized energy storage can achieve smaller energy storage configuration and lower cost compared to household PV distributed energy storage. Finally, suggestions are proposed to further promote the development of household PV energy storage system. The research results can provide reference for improving the local consumption of rural household PV and accelerating the application of household PV energy storage system.

Nutrisi Seimbang dan Pengolahan Pangan Lokal Untuk Anak

Local food is often fresher and has a higher nutritional content. Local foods have usually adapted to local soil and climate conditions, which makes them easier to grow and process by local people. Local food consumption is often in harmony with the culture and traditions of local communities, which usually have recipes and processing methods that support nutritional balance. The purpose of writing the article is to understand the growth and development of babies and toddlers to grow into healthy children by providing a balanced diet. Community service activities are carried out by professional nurse lecturers who teach community and family nursing courses. Community service together with professional nursing students who are practicing community and family nursing. The counseling and simulation will be held on Friday 12 June 2024 at 09.00 – 12.00 WIB in the Madrasah Marga Jaya room RT 02 RW 05 Kertamaya Village, Bogor City. Local plant ingredients are very useful for maintaining nutritional balance in babies and toddlers. Increasing public interest in using local food ingredients as a source of nutrition requires a multifaceted and integrated approach.

Canons of Polish Cinema and the Place of Polish Films in Global Film Canons

The aim of this article is to examine the canons of Polish cinema as created for local consumption and for the promotion of Polish cinema internationally, as well as the place of Polish cinema in supra-national canons. It also presents briefly the history of Polish cinema and its main authors as well as the criteria of canonisation used in this essay. It argues that Polish experts tend to single out films with distinct visual style, while ordinary Polish viewers favour comedies. It also discusses the cases of Andrzej Wajda and Roman Polanski, because the former is a director most canonised by the Polish viewers, the second is the most canonised director globally to originate from the Polish soil, although he is not always treated as a Polish director. It also looks at the case of Wojciech Has, whose film The Saragossa Manuscript tops many polls for the best Polish films, despite his career being largely neglected by Polish film historians.

Local knowledge, utilisation and consumption of seaweed in coastal communities of southwestern Madagascar

This study explored the local knowledge, utilisation and consumption of seaweeds (lomotsy in Malagasy) among coastal communities in southwestern Madagascar. Primary data were collected in eight villages, through a survey questionnaire (with a total of 629 respondents) and daily focus group discussions, conducted between May and December 2022. The findings reveal widespread familiarity with seaweed, used predominantly for farming, cleaning fishing equipment, and shading fish during transport. A smaller proportion of respondents (9%) had experimented with seaweed as a food source, notably incorporating species like Kappaphycus alvarezii and Hydroclathrus clathratus into soups and sauces. Despite the coastal inhabitants’ recognition of seaweed, the potential of the seaweed resource has not been fully developed, with utilisation restricted mainly to limited traditional practices. An interest in incorporating seaweed into a person’s future diet or in seaweed cultivation was expressed by 58% and 45% of the respondents, respectively. This study underscores the importance of enhanced and sustainable use of the seaweed resource in Madagascar’s coastal communities, presenting opportunities for economic development and ecological conservation.

Cyanide in cassava: Understanding the drivers, impacts of climate variability, and strategies for food security

AbstractThe consumption of cassava, a vital staple food for more than 1 billion people worldwide, holds particular significance in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Expansion in cassava production in SSA is driven by increasing market demand, local consumption, and adaptability to diverse environments. However, cyanide concentration in cassava tubers and products across SSA ranges from 9 to 1148 ppm – most exceed the World Health Organisation's recommended safe level of 10 ppm. Such variation and high cyanide concentrations in cassava products are expected to be exacerbated by climate‐induced increases in the frequency, intensity and occurrence of drought, heat waves and biotic stresses, further jeopardising regional food security. Thus, it is essential to examine cassava production and cyanide toxicity under climate change and their implications for food security in SSA. In this review, we look at the drivers of cassava production and spatial variation in cyanide concentrations across SSA, impacts of climate variability and biotic stresses on cassava cyanide concentrations in SSA, and crop management practices for reducing cyanogenic glucosides in cassava tubers. We surmise that urgent actions are required to adopt improved cassava varieties and management strategies that reduce cassava cyanide toxicity amid climate‐induced challenges in SSA.

Programmed Intermittent Epidural Boluses of 0.1% Ropivacaine Versus 0.2% Ropivacaine for the Maintenance of Epidural Analgesia in Labor.

Objective The gold standard for pain management during labor is epidural analgesia, which can be administered in two different ways to the parturients, either bybolus doses or continuous infusions of local anesthetic solutions with opioids. Recently, programmed intermittent epidural boluses (PIEBs) via a pump are gaining popularity as a very effective method with minimal side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimum ropivacaine concentration between two different regimens (0.1% or 0.2% both with fentanyl 2 μg/ml) that can provide satisfactory analgesia with the minimum degree of motor blockade, using PIEBs. Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was performed from March 2020 to March 2022. Two different concentrations of ropivacaine 0.1% and 0.2% via PIEBs were equally allocated to two groups of parturients with an additional patient control epidural rescue bolus if needed. Our primary endpoint was motor blockade, as assessed by the modified Bromage scale (MBS). We also recorded visual analog scale (VAS) scores, heart rate, blood pressure, total local anesthetic consumption, labor duration and method of delivery, and APGAR score of the newborns. Results All patients presented Bromage scores equal to 6, and the total consumption of the anesthetic solution was comparable between the two groups. Women in the 0.2% group showed higher pain relief and satisfaction compared to the 0.1% group. Concerning the 0,2% group, diastolic blood pressure and APGAR scores were lower alongside with a lower satisfactory extrusion stage observed bythe obstetrician. Conclusion Both ropivacaine regimens provide satisfactory labor epidural analgesia for the expectant mother without any motor blockade.

Development of Omani-branded food composition database for an electronic dietary assessment tool

Background: The food composition database provides a comprehensive information on the various nutrients present in the foods. At present, Oman lacks a food composition database (FCDB) of locally produced branded foods, which necessitates the development of such a database. Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop an FCDB for Omani-branded foods available for local consumption for an electronic dietary assessment tool. Methods: Back-of-pack (BOP) nutritional information of these branded foods available in our markets was gathered from manufacturer data. Food mapping was used to match the branded foods according to the BOP macronutrient data and food description to the appropriate generic food item from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Canadian FCDBs. Results: The developed database is composed of 571 food items with associated 60 nutrients. The majority of food items (91%) were mapped to a single generic food item. The rest (9%) was mapped to multiple generic food items. Overall, 96% of food items were mapped to a single generic food, which was matched based on BOP macronutrients and item descriptions. However, the minority (4%) were mapped based on item description alone as either the BOP nutrients were implausible. Moreover, 91% of food items were individually mapped to within 10% agreement with the generic food item for energy. The fish and fish group has the largest mean of absolute percentage difference in energy between BOP and generic items (16%). Conclusion: This currently developed database would critically help to accurately assess the dietary intake of the Omani population once incorporated into an electronic dietary assessment tool, and it can be updated in the future on a regular basis.

Exploring the nexus of food citizenship and local food consumption in America's rural-urban blend: Insights from Will County (Illinois)

This paper uses Will County in Illinois as a case study to examine the relationship between food citizenship and local food consumption in what we term to be the rural-urban blend of America. Food citizenship is participating in food-related actions promoting democratic, socially and economically equitable, and environmentally sustainable food systems. On the other hand, local food consumption is choosing and preferring to buy and eat local food over other conventional forms of food. The study used data analysis from a survey of 342 residents in Will County, Illinois, to test a conceptual model that considers various socio-psychological traits that food citizens might have, which could explain their preferences for local food, including local patriotism, perceived similarity with local farmers, social concern for the community's well-being, and environmental concerns. The findings reveal the intertwined nature of local patriotism and place identity, shedding light on their direct influence on food citizens' preferences. The perceived similarity with farmers and active engagement with local food producers deepen food citizens' understanding and connection, ultimately influencing their preferences for locally sourced food. The study also highlights the distinct roles of men and women in local food preferences, with local patriotism being more significant for men aged 40 and above. Finally, the results underscore the Midwest's unique socio-political landscape and the complex interplay of factors shaping local food preferences within rural-urban blends like Will County.

SONA SUPER BASMATI: A NEW EXTRA-LONG GRAIN HIGH YIELDING RICE VARIETY WITH EXCELLENT COOKING QUALITY

Abstract Rice crop feeds about half of the world’s population which is getting larger and hungrier with every tick of the clock. Basmati rice being a geographical speciality of Pakistan is widely proclaimed as one of the finest rice available throughout the world due to its unique aroma, taste, and texture. Changing consumer behavior and preferences for basmati rice i.e., extra-long grain length along with excellent cooking quality, reiterates the revitalization of rice breeding objectives to develop suitable basmati rice varieties. In this context, plant breeders at Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku identified a suitable transgressive segregant from F2 segregating population of a cross (PK 10436) between the famous basmati rice variety “Basmati 515” (female parent) and 99417 (male parent). The initial cross of PK 10436-4-2 was accomplished during Kharif, 2010 followed by its rigorous selection and purification in succeeding generations through the pedigree method till F4 generation in Kharif, 2014. After its development, PK 10436-4-2 was evaluated in Station Yield Trials (Kharif, 2016 - 2019) for various yields and its attributing traits in which it gave a cumulative 31.37 % yield advantage over the check variety (Super Basmati). Meanwhile, multi-locational yield evaluation was accomplished in Micro-plot Yield Trials and National Uniform Yield Trials for two consecutive years (Kharif, 2020 - 2021) at various locations across Pakistan; in which, PK 10436-4-2 out-yielded the check variety by 17.50 % and 19.75 % respectively. In addition to superior yield indices, PK 10436-4-2 showed excellent cooking quality i.e., extra-long grain length (AGL = 9.5 mm; CGL = 17.5 mm), with strong aroma. The aforementioned superior credentials of this candidate line led to its approval for general cultivation as “Sona Super Basmati” in the 56th meeting of the Punjab Seed Council, Punjab, Pakistan. In the future, prospects of cultivating Sona Super Basmati could create new vistas not only in local rice consumption but also in the basmati rice export of Pakistan.

Amber provenance as a Chrono-Cultural Proxy: Insights from FTIR analysis in the Iberian Peninsula

In recent years, significant advancements have occurred in our comprehension of amber consumption patterns in the Iberian Peninsula. This progress stems from the increasing volume of FTIR data related to both archaeological and geological amber. Consequently, a chronological model has been established, delineating amber consumption in the Iberian Peninsula from the Late Paleolithic to the Iron Age. Broadly, local amber consumption has been minimal since the Paleolithic period. Sicilian amber makes its appearance in Iberia around the 5th millennium BCE and fades away in the 2nd millennium BCE, giving way to Baltic amber, which has remained the sole source since then.The well-defined chronological model, the abundance of FTIR provenance data, and the infrequent association of amber with absolute or relative dates prompt us to explore whether provenance can serve as a chrono-cultural proxy for amber beads.This study introduces new amber finds, presents fresh FTIR data on archaeological amber ornaments, and incorporates minor updates and bug fixes to the general catalog. It is the outcome of a thorough bibliographic review and on-site analysis and examination of the beads.The results obtained in this study enable the reconstruction of amber consumption throughout Iberian prehistory, drawing on 29 newly FTIR-analyzed ambers from 9 sites. Our findings expand the empirical foundation, facilitating the confirmation of diachronic changes in amber consumption. Importantly, they affirm that amber provenance can indeed be employed as a viable chrono-cultural proxy.

Energy rights trading policy, spatial spillovers, and energy utilization performance: Evidence from Chinese cities

China initiated its first energy rights trading (ERT) pilot in 2016 and had plans to assess the policy's replicability in 2020. However, there is limited literature available that examines its influence on energy utilization performance (EUP). To complement this knowledge gap, the study investigates the impacts and mechanisms of ERT on EUP employing a spatial difference-in-difference (SDID) model. The findings reveal that: (1) ERT reduces local energy consumption significantly, increases green total factor energy efficiency, and enhances the EUP of neighboring cities within an 1100 km radius. (2) ERT indirectly enhances the EUP of local and neighboring cities through green innovation, transformation towards cleaner energy structures, and energy allocation. Notably, ERT boosts the local EUP via industrial structure upgrading but reduces the positive spillover effects on nearby cities due to the siphoning effect. (3) ERT exhibits more pronounced impacts and spillover effects on cities that are not resource-dependent and have higher levels of marketization. Interestingly, the central and western regions benefit more from the spillover effects of ERT. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for advancing the implementation of ERT and offer critical insights for decision-makers focused on sustainable urban development.

Distributed Cooperative Optimal Operation of Multiple Virtual Power Plants Based on Multi-Stage Robust Optimization

This paper develops a distributed cooperative optimization model for multiple virtual power plant (VPP) operations based on multi-stage robust optimization and proposes a distributed solution methodology based on the combination of the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMMs) and column-and-constraint generation (CCG) algorithm to solve the corresponding optimization problem. Firstly, considering the peer-to-peer (P2P) electricity transactions among multiple VPPs, a deterministic cooperative optimal operation model of multiple VPPs based on Nash bargaining is constructed. Secondly, considering the uncertainties of photovoltaic generation and load demand, as well as the non-anticipativity of real-time scheduling of VPPs in engineering, a cooperative optimal operation model of multiple VPPs based on multi-stage robust optimization is then constructed. Thirdly, the constructed model is solved using a distributed solution methodology based on the combination of the ADMM and CCG algorithms. Finally, a case study is solved. The case study results show that the proposed method can realize the optimal scheduling of renewable energy in a more extensive range, which contributes to the promotion of the local consumption of renewable energy and the improvement of the renewable energy utilization efficiency of VPPs. Compared with the traditional deterministic cooperative optimal operation method of multiple VPPs, the proposed method is more resistant to the risk of the uncertainties of renewable energy and load demand and conforms to the non-anticipativity of real-time scheduling of VPPs in engineering. In summary, the presented works strike a balance between the operational robustness and operational economy of VPPs. In addition, under the presented works, there is no need for each VPP to divulge personal private data such as photovoltaic generation and load demand to other VPPs, so the security privacy protection of each VPP can be achieved.