Resident Consumption Research Articles

The Impact of Digital Inclusive Finance on Residents’ Cultural Consumption in China: An Urban-Rural Difference Perspective

This paper uses panel data from the 2014–2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to study the impact of digital inclusive finance (DIF) on the cultural consumption of urban and rural residents using two-way fixed effects. The results show that DIF can promote the growth of cultural consumption of urban and rural residents, and the promotion effect is greater for rural residents. Mechanism analysis shows that DIF increases the cultural consumption of urban and rural residents mainly through easing liquidity constraints, reducing precautionary savings, and increasing payment convenience. Moreover, reducing precautionary savings has a greater impact on the cultural consumption of urban residents, while the other two mechanisms have a greater impact on rural residents. In the heterogeneity analysis, credit business and some indicators reflecting the convenience of payment have a greater impact on rural residents. The insurance business has a greater impact on urban residents. This paper provides policy references for the development of DIF and the enhancement of residents’ cultural consumption.

Antibiotic consumption patterns in older adults: a comparative study of people 65 years and older in and outside nursing homes, Belgium, 2016 to 2022.

BackgroundInappropriate antimicrobial consumption (AMC) drives the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Institutionalised, older populations are associated with antimicrobial treatments of longer duration and broader spectrum than recommended, higher rates of multidrug-resistant infections and poorer outcomes for resistant infections. Yet systematic, national monitoring of AMC in nursing home (NH) residents is lacking.AimTo perform a retrospective analysis of antibiotic consumption in Belgian NHs, we compared analogous populations inside and outside NHs. We aimed to provide a blueprint for establishing surveillance of NH AMC, based on national reimbursement data.MethodsThe National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance supplied reimbursement AMC data for outpatients from 2016 to 2022. Data were classified by the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical system, expressed as defined daily doses (DDD) and aggregated by prescription month, patient age, sex and residency inside/outside a NH. The number of ensured beneficiaries, aggregated by the same demographic variables, was collected from the Intermutualistic Agency. We compared the DDDs per 1,000 beneficiaries per day, along with secondary metrics for national and international targets for analogous populations inside and outside NHs.ResultsTotal antibiotic consumption decreased in both populations but remained twofold higher in NH residents. Proxy prescription quality metrics were consistently less favourable within NHs and diverged further during the COVID-19 pandemic. Distinct consumption patterns and greater seasonal fluctuations were observed in NH residents.ConclusionGiven the different infection risks and higher antibiotic consumption of NH residents, AMC surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship efforts targeting this fragile population are needed.

Identification of key paths for embodied carbon emissions in China based on a five-dimensional analysis model

China proposed the "double carbon goals" in 2020. carbon emissions reduction has become a crucial aspect in China's economic development process. Faced with significant differences in regional carbon emissions, and complex inter-industry linkages, it is necessary to break down the carbon emission paths along the supply chain from multiple dimensions. Based on the input-output-structure path analysis model, we constructed a five-dimensional analysis model, aiming to thoroughly clarify China's inter-regional and inter-industry carbon emission relations. The results show that from 1997 to 2017, carbon emissions driven by urban household consumption have increased from 579.48 Mt to 3302.71 Mt. Transportation warehousing and other services have driven upstream to generate lots of carbon emissions. The largest emission path is generated by the electric heat and water supply industry in Shandong, meeting the consumption of urban residents. Carbon emissions generated by electric heat and water supply industry in Shanxi and Shandong should be focused.

Exploring the Mechanism and Path of Financial Literacy's Impact on Consumption of Middle-aged and Elderly Rural Residents: Micro-evidence from CHFS Data

Based on the data from the three rounds of the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) in 2015, 2017, and 2019, this study systematically explores the mechanism and path through which financial literacy influences the consumption patterns of middle-aged and elderly individuals in rural areas. The findings reveal that financial literacy plays a positive role in enhancing the consumption levels of this demographic group, while family satisfaction also significantly promotes their consumption growth. Furthermore, this research uncovers that Internet usage serves as a mediating factor between financial literacy and consumption among middle-aged and elderly rural dwellers, and risk preference significantly moderates the relationship between financial literacy and their consumption. It is noteworthy that the impact of financial literacy on the consumption habits of middle-aged and elderly rural populations varies across different regions. This study contributes novel insights to the theoretical understanding of the relationship between financial literacy and consumption among middle-aged and elderly rural residents, and offers empirical evidence and data-driven recommendations for elevating their consumption levels. It possesses both substantial theoretical value and practical implications for guiding policy and practice.

Retraction Note: Forecasting the annual household electricity consumption of Chinese residents using the DPSO-BP prediction model.

Retraction Note: Forecasting the annual household electricity consumption of Chinese residents using the DPSO-BP prediction model.

The cadmium content in commercially key species of seafood from Shandong, China: Potential human health risk estimation

Seafood serves as a vital protein source for human nutrition, yet it also significantly contributes to the intake of dietary cadmium. In this study, we measured the cadmium content in 274 samples from 20 species, including fish, shrimp, and bivalves collected across five cities in Shandong province and assessed the associated health risks for local residents with varying consumption habits. The findings revealed a distinct increasing trend in cadmium concentrations from pelagic fish to benthic bivalve species; however, no evidence of biomagnification was observed among the studied species. Health risk assessments indicated that while there were no non-carcinogenic health risks posed by seafood consumption for local residents exposed to cadmium, carcinogen risks exceeded acceptable levels for lifetime cancer risk. Furthermore, children exhibited approximately twice as high risk indices compared to adults. Bivalve consumption emerged as the primary contributor to these health risks.

Impact of urban-rural resident basic medical insurance on consumption quality of middle-aged and older adult residents: evidence from rural China.

In the context of the Chinese government's advocacy for "Internal Circulation", ongoing reforms in medical insurance policies raise critical questions about whether the basic medical insurance system can stimulate resident consumption and enhance its quality. Based on five waves of panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), this paper analyzes the impact of medical insurance on the consumption scale and structure of middle-aged and older adult rural residents by using the time-varying difference-in-differences (time-varying DID) method. The findings indicate that the Urban-Rural Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI) effectively stimulates the consumption scale of rural middle-aged and older adult individuals, particularly enhancing non-food consumption, development-oriented spending, and hedonic consumption. This, in turn, optimizes the consumption structure and improves overall consumption quality. Notably, URRBMI significantly enhances the consumption scale and structure among rural middle-aged and older adult women, unmarried individuals, and residents in western China. These results suggest that URRBMI plays a crucial role in alleviating consumption inequality within rural areas and across different regions, providing a theoretical foundation for policy-making.

The Priority of Water Consumption in the Spanish Tourism Industry: A Dilemma for Residents and Researchers

Spain is one of the most water-stressed countries in the world. Regional governments face the challenge of ensuring long-term water security for residents and tourists. In 2024, Catalonia declared a state of emergency to tackle the problem of a lack of water. Catalonia and Andalusia regions imposed water restrictions, prohibiting residents from washing the exterior of their houses and cars or filling their swimming pools to guarantee tourism activities in hotels and other tourism companies. The research objective of the present study is to tackle the priority of water consumption in the Spanish tourism industry so that the availability of water is guaranteed for residents, without constraints on the supply. This research uses qualitative and quantitative methods to obtain a comprehensive view of the water consumption in Spain’s territory and the main zones of water scarcity that are affecting residents and the tourism industry. In addition, this study uses the Web of Science (WoS) database to analyse the bibliometrics on the topic of water consumption in the tourism industry from 2000 to 2023, as well as quantify the number of articles published by researchers. Findings reveal that although the tourism industry is the economic engine of Spain, water consumption by tourists is above the level of consumption of residents, and this asymmetrical situation should be reversed in favour of the welfare of Spanish citizens. It is noteworthy that the water scarcity in Spain and its continuing restrictions in the Andalusian and Catalonian regions have caused huge problems with drinking water supply in the last few years. Indeed, local and regional Spanish governments cannot demand that a resident consume 133 L per day, while a tourist is allowed to consume between 400 and 1000 L per day. For this reason, water availability must be a priority for residents and, especially, for the tourism industry. Economic interests cannot override citizens’ needs and well-being. This research has helped us better understand the complex relationships between the use of water in the tourism industry and by residents in the context of climate change.

Market infrastructure integration and upgrading of resident consumption—Evidence from a panel of Chinese micro households

Using long-term household data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we examine the impact of market infrastructure integration on Chinese residents’ consumption structure improvement. The findings demonstrate that market infrastructure integration not only enhances household consumption but also particularly facilitates this improvement among rural areas and low-income groups. On one hand, market infrastructure integration boosts households’ ability to consume by increasing their income and wage income shares. On the other hand, it stimulates enterprises to invest more in product innovation, thereby enhancing the quality of consumer goods. Additionally, the influence of market infrastructure integration in promoting consumption is bolstered by internet technology and financial inclusion. However, these factors primarily stimulate demand for basic necessities rather than contributing to a shift toward higher-quality products and thus hinder efforts to upgrade the consumption structure.

Impact of population aging and declining birth rates on household consumption structure: Evidence from China

The age structure of a population is a crucial indicator of a country's economic development. This study analyzes the impact of population aging and declining birth rates on the household consumption structure in urban and rural China. China, the largest country by population, is selected owing to its significance in population studies. Using a fixed effects model, our findings reveal that in China, a higher proportion of youth in the population positively affects residents’ spending on survival consumption while negatively affecting developmental consumption. Conversely, a higher proportion of older adults in the population negatively affects survival consumption while positively influencing developmental consumption.Through the research in this article, it is hoped that the results can provide some reference significance for the changes in population age structure and the development of resident consumption.

Changes in food consumption and nutrition intake of rural residents in central China

Food security and diet diversity is essential to sustainable food system all over the world. As the income of rural residents achieves great increase, the structure of food consumption and food diversification face significant change. Rural residents' food consumption and nutrients intake worth more attention. Chinese government has been striving to achieve sustainable development in rural areas. We conducted this study to explore area-level practices aiming at achieving food and nutrition security in rural China. In order to search for the change principle and main influencing factors of residents' food consumption, three rural areas in Henan Province were selected. According to the data obtained from the Henan Province Bureau of Statistics, changes in food consumption from 2012 to 2021 in three rural areas were analyzed in this study. This study led to the following remarkable results: (1) The per capita consumption of poultry, meat, sugar, and eggs of the three rural residents has increased much more than that of other food items. (2) In the three rural areas, the proportions of grains, vegetables, liquor, and edible oils have decreased overall. The proportions of other categories, such as poultry, meat, and fruits, have increased. (3) The rural residents’ per capita nutrition intake has increased remarkably. The results provide some empirical foundation for local government who need suggest that rural residents should control their intake of high-energy food, such as poultry, meat, and sugar. This study has significant policy implication for achieving sustainable goals in rural areas of China.

Assessment of theoretical gluten exposure in the Chinese population

In recent years, the widespread attention to gluten-free foods has led many countries to establish limits for gluten contamination in such foods. However, there is a paucity of research on gluten intake related to the diets of Chinese populations. This study aimed to estimate the level of theoretical dietary exposure to gluten and the potential health risks in the Chinese context. We used a scenario hypothesis methodology that assumed gluten contents of gluten-free alternatives for possible gluten-containing foods of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg and used data from the 2018 Survey on Food Consumption of Chinese Residents. Our results show that gluten levels not exceeding 20 mg/kg would lead to gluten exposure that remains below 50 mg per day for all groups, stratified by sex and age, that we studied. We recommend adopting a gluten content threshold of 20 mg/kg for gluten-free foods in China.

Nature-Based Solutions for Landscape Performance Evaluation—Handan Garden Expo Park’s “Clear as a Drain” Artificial Wetland as an Example

As a technology for water landscape performance that considers landscape, ecological, and social effects, nature-based solutions play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of integrated ecosystem services on the micro-scale. This study conducted a systematic investigation into the landscape performance of the “Clear as a Drain” composite sponge facility at Handan Garden Expo Park. The following conclusions were drawn: (1) In terms of ecological restoration support services, the “Clear as a Drain” artificial wetland exhibited diverse habitat types, a rich variety of plant species specific to the site’s region, and high plant diversity indices for shrubs (1.776) and herbaceous aquatic plants (3.352). Reclaimed water reused in the artificial terraced wetland promoted plant growth and diversity while contributing to site self-rehabilitation; plants also significantly contributed to carbon fixation, oxygen release, and carbon emission reduction. (2) Regarding ecological restoration regulation services, the artificial wetland effectively purified reclaimed water with substantial improvements observed in incoming water quality during spring, summer, and autumn—particularly notable purification effects were observed during the summer months. Pollutant reduction rates for COD, BOD5 ammonia nitrogen, TP, and TN reached 75.8%, 72.1%, 93.8%, 96.7%, and 90.3%, respectively; different independent subsystems within the wetland demonstrated distinct advantages in pollutant removal; park plants displayed strong air purification capabilities; annual energy savings from park plants could fully cover daily energy consumption for nearby residents. This case could serve as guidance for scientific management and design parameter optimization of other composite sponge facilities.

Research on the Impact of Digital Financial Inclusion on the Consumption of Rural Residents

Research on the Impact of Digital Financial Inclusion on the Consumption of Rural Residents

Efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry: based on improved three stage SBM-DEA model in China

PurposeReducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry is crucial for the “dual carbon” goal. Evaluating the efficiency of reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry at the regional level is an important evaluation basis for the sustainable development of the construction industry. It provides a basis for formulating construction waste and carbon reduction policies tailored to local conditions and comprehensively promote the sustainable development of the construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA three stage SBM-DEA model based on non-expected outputs is proposed by combining the SBM-DEA model with the SFA method. The proposed model is used to evaluate the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry in 30 regions of China from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the study explores the impact of environmental variables such as urbanization level, proportion of construction industry employees, resident consumption level, and technological progress.FindingsFrom 2010 to 2020, the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in China’s construction industry has been increasing year by year. Provinces with higher efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry are mainly concentrated in the eastern coastal areas, showing an overall pattern of “East>West>Northeast>Middle”. There is a clear correlation between the level of urbanization, the proportion of construction industry employees, residents’ consumption level, technological progress, labor input, machinery input, and capital investment. The construction waste and carbon emission efficiency of the construction industry in various provinces is greatly influenced by environmental factors.Practical implicationsThe research results provide policy makers and business managers with effective policies for reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry, especially circular economy policies. To provide empirical support for further understanding the connotation of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, to create innovative models for construction waste and carbon reduction, and to promote the multiple benefits of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, and to provide empirical support for countries and enterprises with similar development backgrounds in China to formulate relevant policies and decision-making.Originality/valueThe construction industry is a high investment, high energy consumption, and high pollution industry. This study uses the three stage SBM-DEA model to explore the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, providing a new perspective for the evaluation of sustainable development in the construction industry, enriching and improving the theory of sustainable development.

The Impact of Logistics Industry Development on Resident Consumption: An Empirical Analysis Based on Chinese Macro Data

Logistics has become an integral part of the market economy, influencing the development of various industries and serving as an essential component of peoples lives. Against the backdrop of global economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the effects of Chinas logistics industry development on resident consumption becomes crucial. This paper employs a simple linear regression model and utilizes provincial panel data from 2005 to 2022 to explore the impact of logistics industry development on resident consumption in China. Furthermore, it employs heterogeneity analysis methods to study this relationship from different regional, temporal, and consumption perspectives. The findings of this study reveal that (1) there is a positive relationship between logistics industry development and resident consumption, (2) the effect of logistics industry development on increasing resident consumption levels is most significant in the eastern region of China, (3) the positive impact of Chinas logistics industry development on resident consumption increased after the introduction of free shipping by Taobao in 2008, and (4) the positive impact of Chinas logistics industry development on rural consumption is greater than that on urban consumption.

How does digital literacy impact household carbon emissions? Evidence from household survey in China

In the background of rapid development of digital technology, exploring the relationship between residents' digital literacy (DL) and household carbon emissions (HCEs) is of great practical significance for China to achieve the carbon peak carbon neutral goal. Based on the three-period panel data of the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) 2016-2020, we categorized digital literacy into digital learning, digital socialization, and digital consumption, and explored the impact of digital literacy on HCEs and its mechanisms. We find that digital literacy significantly and positively affects HCEs, while household life cycle, government governance, and ecological risk perception have a negative moderating effect on digital literacy affecting HCEs respectively. We also find that DL has the largest impact coefficient on HCEs from developmental consumption compared to survival and enjoyment consumption, and that DL has a more significant impact on HCEs from the consumption of young and middle-aged residents compared to older residents. These findings suggest that the dissemination of information and knowledge about carbon emissions through digital technologies, such as Internet platforms, can strengthen residents' awareness of environmental protection and thus promote their low-carbon consumption behavior.

Mangrove mud clam as an effective sentinel species for monitoring changes in coastal microplastic pollution

The worldwide mangrove shorelines are experiencing considerable contamination from microplastics (MPs). Finding an effective sentinel species in the mangrove ecosystem is crucial for early warning of ecological and human health risks posed by coastal microplastic pollution. This study collected 186 specimens of the widely distributed mangrove clam (Geloina expansa, Solander, 1786) from 18 stations along the Leizhou Peninsula, the largest mangrove coast in Southern China. This study discovered that mangrove mud clams accumulated a relatively high abundance of MPs (2.96 [1.61 – 6.03] items·g-1) in their soft tissue, wet weight, as compared to previously reported levels in bivalves. MPs abundance is significantly (p < 0.05 or 0.0001) influenced by coastal urban development, aquaculture, and shell size. Furthermore, the aggregated MPs exhibit a significantly high polymer risk index (Level III, H = 353.83). The estimated annual intake risk (EAI) from resident consumption, as calculated via a specific questionnaire survey, was at a moderate level (990 – 2475, items·g -1·Capita -1). However, the EAI based on suggested nutritional standards is very high, reaching 113,990 (79,298 − 148,681), items·g -1·Capita -1. We recommend utilizing the mangrove mud clam as sentinel species for the monitoring of MPs pollution changing across global coastlines.

The impact of digital inclusive finance on high-quality consumption: evidence from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai of China

Purpose Digital inclusive finance has a positive promotion effect on the development of the national economy, but little research exists on how digital inclusive finance affects high-quality consumption in economically developed regions. Therefore, to fill the gap, this paper aims to study the impact of digital inclusive finance on high-quality consumption development using the economically developed regions of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai as examples. Design/methodology/approach Firstly, the entropy method is used to construct the index of high-quality consumption among residents. Then, the municipal-level data of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai from 2011 to 2020 are used to test the impact. Subsequently, the mechanism of action test and heterogeneity analysis are conducted. Findings The results show that digital inclusive finance has a positive role in promoting the high-quality consumption of residents in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. At the same time, digital inclusive finance can promote high-quality consumption through its own digital payment and internet insurance channels. There is regional heterogeneity in the impact. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine whether and how digital inclusive finance affects high-quality consumption. The authors consider multiple dimensions, such as consumption level, consumption structure, consumption ability, consumption environment and consumption mode, to measure high-quality consumption. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, investors and regulators in planning regulations.

Digital financial inclusion, resident consumption, and urban carbon emissions in China: A transaction cost perspective

Using data from 283 Chinese cities from 2011 to 2018, this study empirically investigates the impact of digital financial inclusion on urban carbon emissions. We conclude that digital financial inclusion significantly promotes urban carbon emissions. Moreover, as urban carbon emissions increase, the marginal effect first grows and then dwindles. A further investigation shows that digital financial inclusion significantly promotes urban carbon emissions by increasing resident consumption. Finally, we find that the impact of digital financial inclusion on urban carbon emissions is heterogeneous in terms of city size, city rank, and the commercial credit environment. In addition, digital financial inclusion has spillover effects on urban carbon emissions. It delivers positive effects on the local city while imposing significant suppressing effects on carbon emissions in neighbouring cities. The reason possibly is that digital financial inclusion in China is still in its early stage and it delivers ‘polarization effects’.