Single Males Research Articles

Additional U.S. collections of the Gulf Coast tick, <em>Amblyomma maculatum</em> (Acari: Ixodidae), from the State of Delaware, the first reported field collections of adult specimens from the State of Maryland, and data regarding this tick from surveillance of migratory songbirds in Maryland

This report describes collections of the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Ixodida: Ixodidae), made during 2013 at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Delaware, and at two sites in Maryland: the Blackwater NWR and the Chester River Field Research Station (CRFRS). Ticks were collected via field drags, dry ice-baited traps, and/or from the human field researchers (collections of ticks crawling on clothing/boots) at Bombay Hook NWR and Blackwater NWR. A total of 21 A. maculatum were successfully collected at Bombay Hook NWR during May 28–30, 2013. Using a genus-specific quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and species-specific qPCR assays, a single male was found to be positive for the presence of Rickettsia parkeri DNA (a spotted fever group rickettsia). The repeated collection of this species in the adult stage at Bombay Hook NWR, the relatively large number collected (n=21), along with its continuity of presence pre- and post-winter, indicate that an established population may now exist at Bombay Hook NWR. A single adult female was collected from a field drag at Blackwater NWR on June 18, 2013; this specimen was negative for the presence of Rickettsia spp. DNA (including R. parkeri DNA). An adult male was collected on a researcher at CRFRS on August 8, 2013; this specimen was found to be positive for R. parkeri DNA. This report also summarizes data from 2008 to 2010 for A. maculatum collected during mist netting surveillance of migratory songbirds by the Foreman’s Branch Bird Observatory, located at CRFRS: a total of 104 immature A. maculatum were collected. The adult specimens of A. maculatum collected at Blackwater NWR and at CRFRS are regarded as representing the first documentation of adult field-collected A. maculatum within the state. Future sampling is needed at each location to determine if A. maculatum is firmly established, the prevalence of R. parkeri infection, and the epidemiological risk to humans.

Stigma of Mental Illness among Patients with Schizophrenia

Objectives: The study aims to explore the stigma of mental illness among schizophrenic patients in governmental psychiatric outpatient in Baghdad and to identify the association between the stigma and some of patients' socio-demographic characteristics. Methodology: A descriptive analytic design was used on purposive (non probability) sample of 100 schizophrenic outpatients throughout the period between March / November, 2013. The schizophrenic patients were enrolled in this study of out patient psychiatric clinic at Ibn-Rushd Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, Al-Rashad Psychiatric Teaching Hospital and Baghdad Teaching Hospital. Self administrative questionnaire was used by the investigators for the present study. The validity and reliability of the instrument was determined by using through the panel of experts, and internal consistency through the computation of Alpha Correlation Coefficient. The data have been collected through the utilization of the self administrated questionnaire as a mean of data collection except the respondents who are unable to read and write via structured interviewing. Data analysis was employed by applying the Statistical Package for Social Science version 17.0 (SPSS). Results: The finding of the study showed that the majority of the sample was unemployed, single males, aged between 33-40 years old and graduated of institute or college. They have more than 11 years duration of illnessand admitted 1-3 time in psychiatric hospitals. The schizophrenic patients experience a moderate level of mentalillness stigma. The correlation analysis indicated that there is significant association between stigma with maritalstatus and with their duration of illness but there is no association with remaining variables. Conclusion: The study concluded that schizophrenic patients have moderate level of mental illness stigma. Mental illness stigma associated significantly with marital status and the duration of illness for schizophrenic patients. Recommendations: The study recommended to increase public awareness about mental illness through the anti-stigma campaign and replication of the study on a large sample with more different variables its important.

The effect of male parallel dispersal on the kin composition of groups in white-faced capuchins

Sex-biased dispersal can reduce kin cooperation and kin competition in the dispersed sex. However, this may not be the case when group-living animals engage in parallel dispersal, which occurs when an individual transfers between groups together with other animals or immigrates alone into a group that contains familiar animals. Despite this potential effect on kin cooperation and competition, few studies have thoroughly investigated how parallel dispersal affects the kin composition of groups. To further our understanding of this topic, we investigated the effect of parallel dispersal on access to coresident kin in male white-faced capuchins, Cebus capucinus. Between 2006 and 2013, we collected demographic and genetic data from two to five groups in Sector Santa Rosa, Costa Rica. We genotyped 41 females and 39 males at 14 short tandem repeat loci, and we calculated their estimated relatedness values. The majority of males dispersed in parallel, and parallel dispersing males were more closely related to one another than were other males. Parallel immigrant males and natal females resided with a similar number of same-sex kin. Single immigrant males in multimale groups rarely resided with male kin, and they resided with fewer same-sex kin than did parallel immigrant males and natal females. Because parallel dispersal offers an opportunity for males to form long-lasting cooperative relationships with familiar kin, this dispersal pattern should be taken into account in future models of the evolution of social structure.

Quality of Life in Schizophrenic Patients: The Relationship with Personal Characteristics

Objectives: The study aims to identify the quality of life level in schizophrenic patients and to find out therelationships between the quality of life and some of personal characteristics for those patients withschizophrenia.Methodology: A descriptive correlation analytic design was used by using the assessment technique on sampleof 100 schizophrenic outpatients, who were selected purposively (non-probability sample) during the period10/ 3/2013 - 1/ 12 /2013. The study was conducted on the schizophrenic patients in an out patient psychiatricclinics at Ibn-Rushd; and Al-Rashad Psychiatric Teaching Hospital; Baghdad Teaching Hospital, and Al-KadhimyaTeaching Hospital. Self administrative questionnaire was used which includes of two parts: the first includes thecovering letter and personal characteristics; the second include the quality of life scale (World HealthOrganization QoL-BREF). The validity of the instrument was determined by using of face validity through thepanel of experts, and the reliability of the instrument was determined by internal consistency through thecomputation of Alpha Correlation Coefficient (Cronbach's Alpha). The data were collected through theutilization of the self administrated questionnaire as a mean of data collection via structured interviewing. Dataanalysis was employed by applying the Statistical Package for Social Science version 17.0 (SPSS).Results: The results indicated that the majority of sample were single males aged from 30-44 years old whowere unemployed graduated from institute or college education. The higher percentage of them had 11 yearsand above duration of illness with 1-3 admission and complaining positive symptom. The majority ofschizophrenic patients have moderate quality of life level. There is a significant positive relationship betweenquality of life and marital status and there is no relationship with other characteristics.Recommendations: The study recommended of providing vocational and rehabilitative programs for theschizophrenic patients to improve their quality of life, and also the replication of the study with a large sampleis important.

De Prunner’s Ringlet Erebia triaria (de Prunner, 1798) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) – a new species for the Republic of Macedonia

A single male of de Prunner’s Ringlet Erebia triaria (de Prunner, 1798) was discovered in the lower part of the Jadovska River Valley, near the Selce village in NW part of Macedonia. This is the first record for Macedonia and only the fourth in the Balkan Peninsula, where it is extremely local. This moves the southeasternmost distribution border of the species for about 120 km. This discovery brings the number of butterfly species for Macedonia to 206

Description of Medwayella independencia (Siphonaptera, Stivaliidae), a new species of flea from Mindanao Island, the Philippines and their phoretic mites, and miscellaneous flea records from the Malay Archipelago.

Medwayella independencia, a new species of flea, is described from the tupaiid host Urogale everetti (Thomas) from Mindanao Island, Philippines. Several other species of fleas are also recorded from the Philippines including a single male of Lentistivalius philippinensis Hastriter and Bush, 2013 (previously known only from two males), the bat fleas Thaumapsylla breviceps orientalis Smit and Thaumapsylla longiforceps Traub, a single unidentified female species of Macrostylophora Ewing collected from the murid Bullimus bagobos Mearns, and a pair of Medwayella robinsoni ssp. from Sundasciurus hoogstraali (Sanborn) from Busuanga Island, Philippines. Representatives of Medwayella Traub, 1972 and Macrostylophora have not previously been recorded from the Philippines. A key to the male sex of Medwayella is provided. Phoretic mites of the genus Psylloglyphus (family Winterschmidtiidae) were present under the abdominal sclerites of several male and female specimens of M. independencia. This is the second report of a phoretic mite on a species of Medwayella Traub. The co-evolutionary implications between phoretic mites and fleas are discussed.

Why do women interact with their parents more often than men? The demonstration effect vs. the biological effect

Neuroscientists have shown that females are biologically more caring than males. In this paper, two empirical strategies are applied to examine the validity of using gender difference as the evidence for the argument. The first approach is to compare visits to parents between single females and single males. The second approach is to investigate whether females evaluate children as old-age security to render them more important in their lives. The conclusions of these two approaches do not support the position.

Oral and maxillofacial trauma caused by road traffic accident in two university hospitals in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundMaxillofacial injuries are one of the most common injuries among the road traffic accident (RTA) cases in Malaysia. The aim of this present study was to compare the pattern of maxillofacial injuries, severity and risk factors in two university hospitals in Peninsular Malaysia. The predictors of maxillofacial fractures were also quantified. Study designThis is a prospective cross-sectional study conducted in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) and Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) from July 2010 to June 2011. Information related to demographics, socioeconomics, injury site and severity together with hospitalisation details were collected for analysis. ResultsA total of 278 maxillofacial patients were included in this study. Majority of the patients were single young Malay males with low socioeconomic status. Mid-facial fractures were more common than mandibular fractures in both hospitals. Among the concomitant injuries, orthopaedic injuries were shown to be the commonest in both hospitals. Most of these patients had mild Injury Severity Score (ISS).The final predictors for facial fractures in UKMMC were gender and the ISS while age group, gender, type of combined injuries and the ISS were shown for HUSM. ConclusionsMidfacial fractures were the most common maxillofacial fractures in both hospitals. HUSM patients showed more severe injury patterns compared to UKMMC patients. Significant predictors for facial fractures were the Injury Severity Score for UKMMC while age, gender and type of combined injuries were shown for HUSM.

Contrasting Parental Tasks Influence Parental Roles for Paired and Single Biparental Cichlid Fish

Biparental care of young occurs when both parents provide some sort of care for offspring and can include a wide variety of behaviors, yet often studies focus on single aspects of parental care when trying to determine how each parent contributes. Here, we presented the biparental convict cichlid fish (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) with two conflicting parental behaviors: retrieval of non-swimming offspring that have been displaced from the nest and defense against a conspecific intruder, a potential brood predator. We examined single males, single females, and pairs of parents to determine how males and females each contributed to overall parental care. Traditionally in this species, parents exhibit a division of labor (in which each parent contributes to all parental activities), but also exhibit a division of roles (in which males tend to favor the role of defense and females tend to favor more direct care, spending more time with offspring). We hypothesized that single parents would compensate for their absent mate, but that males and females would still favor preferred roles. Additionally, we hypothesized that there would be an asymmetrical expansion of roles, with females being more flexible. Our results show that the preferred roles of both parents were evident even when parents were without their mates and that males and females differed in their compensatory levels, at least when compared to the behaviors of the intact pair. Contrary to our prediction, females seem unable to fully compensate for the defensive behaviors usually exhibited by males, while males shifted completely to retrieve displaced offspring.

A note on the effect of number (single or twin) and sex of contemporary siblings on male-like play behavior of lambs (Ovis aries)

This study evaluates the effect of the number and sex of contemporary siblings on male-like play behavior of Suffolk lambs (Ovis aries). Fourteen males and 14 females, all single born, plus 26 ram lambs born co-twin to another male (n = 14) or female (n = 12) as well as 26 ewe lambs born co-twin to another male (n = 12) or female (n = 14) were observed daily for 7 weeks from 1 week of age. Two observers sitting outside a sand-bedded pen (10 × 5 m) recorded received and performed behavior (butts, nudging, attempts to mount, and mounts) by the lambs in the pen from 08:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 17:00 hours. Animals were in the pen only during the observation periods; the rest of the day they remained with their mothers in individual pens. Male-like play behavior patterns were displayed by both male and female lambs. Males were more active (P < 0.05) than females. Butting was the most frequent activity and performed mostly by ram lambs, recipients were generally males, and most resulted in reciprocal simultaneous encounters (sparring). Single males performed most of the nudging activity, which was the least frequent of the observed behaviors. Males with twin brothers mounted significantly (P < 0.05) more than males with twin sisters, and females with twin sisters performed the lowest amount of gutting and nudging. Lower (P < 0.05) levels of activity were found during the first 2 weeks. Overall, it was concluded that male lambs performed and received more male-like play behaviors than female lambs and the influence of sex of contemporary sibling was restricted to some behaviors: butting and nudging in females and mounting in males.

The Effects of Prospective Mate Quality on Investments in Healthy Body Weight Among Single Women

This paper examines how a single female's investment in healthy body weight is affected by the quality of single males in her marriage market. A principle concern in estimation is the presence of market-level unobserved heterogeneity that may be correlated with changes in single male quality. To address this concern, we employ a differencing strategy that normalizes the exercise behaviors of single women to those of their married counterparts. Our main results suggest that when potential mate quality in a marriage market decreases, single black women invest less in healthy body weight. For example, we find that a ten percentage point increase in the proportion of low quality single black males leads to a 5% to 10% decrease in vigorous exercise taken by single black females. No significant response is found for single white women. These results highlight the relationship between male and female human capital acquisition that is driven by participation in the marriage market. Our results suggest that programs designed to improve the economic prospects of single males may yield positive externalities in the form of improved health behaviors, such as more exercise, particularly for single black females.

四川梅花鹿的繁殖行为

2006年4-12月和2007年3-11月在四川省铁布自然保护区观察和统计了野生梅花鹿的繁殖行为,包括发情交配、产仔、发情吼叫、爬跨及其昼夜节律行为等.结果表明,四川梅花鹿为季节性发情动物,发情交配行为发生在9月上旬至12月中旬,集中在10-11月(占(86.99±3.24)%).四川梅花鹿发情交配日期最早见于9月8日,最晚为12月16日,跨度约90-100 d(±6 d,<em>n</em>=90).雌鹿交配日期与其繁殖经历具有低度正相关性(Kendall's tau-b和Spearman's rho,0.3 < <em>r</em> < 0.5,<em>P</em> < 0.05),成体雌鹿交配日期稍微早于初次配种雌鹿.雄鹿发情吼叫和爬跨行为具有明显的昼夜节律性,各有2个高峰期(05:00-08:00和18:00-21:00),夜间有小节律的发情吼叫和爬跨时期.U-test检验表明发情吼叫频次和爬跨频率在昼夜间有极显著差异(<em>P</em> < 0.01).雄鹿吼叫行为与其交配行为具有高度正相关性(Kendall's tau-b和Spearman's rho,0.8<<em>r</em> < 1.0,<em>P</em> < 0.05),主雄、次雄和群外单身雄鹿的昼夜吼叫次数有极显著差异(<em>P</em> < 0.01).雌鹿产仔期从4月下旬开始到7月下旬结束,集中在5-6月(占(91.51±4.96)%),产仔日期最早见于4月29日,最晚为7月28日,跨度约80-90 d(±5 d,<em>n</em>=130).梅花鹿产仔日期与其分娩经历具有低度正相关性(Kendall's tau-b和Spearman's rho,0.3 < <em>r</em> < 0.5,<em>P</em> < 0.05),成体雌鹿产仔日期早于初次繁殖雌鹿.雌鹿每胎产1-2个幼仔,单双胎率分别为98.86%(± 6.96%,<em>n</em>=129)和1.01%(± 0.07%,<em>n</em>=1).妊娠期和哺乳期梅花鹿采食行为分配占较大比率,其次是卧息和移动,哺乳期采食行为分配低于妊娠期,这与妊娠期正逢冬季,食物资源相对匮乏有关,而哺乳期恰逢夏季,植物生长旺盛,食物资源相对丰富.;Sika deer (<em>Cervus nippon</em>) is an endangered species, which has been listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the Appendices of the CITES. In addition, Sika deer is also classified as a Category I key species under the Wild Animal Protection Law in China. Reproductive behaviors of Sichuan sika deer (<em>C.n.sichuanicus</em>), including rutting and copulating, fawning season, circadian rhythms of estrous roar and mounting behavior, etc., were observed and recorded from April to December 2006 and from March to November 2007 in Tiebu Natural Reserve, Zoige County, Sichuan Province, China. The results indicated that Sichuan sika deer was seasonal estrus animal. The behaviors of estrus and copulation were observed from early September to the middle of December, with a higher frequency ((86.99±3.24)%) occurring between October and November. The earliest rutting and mating behaviors occurred at 8 September and the latest in 16 December, covering a period of 90 -100 d (± 6 d, <em>n</em>=90). There was a low positive correlation between the mating date of female deer and their mating experience (Kendall's tau-b and Spearman's rho, 0.3 < <em>r</em> < 0.5, <em>P</em> < 0.05), and the mating date for the adult females were slightly earlier than that for the first breeding ones. The behaviors of estrous roar and mounting in males have noticeable circadian rhythms, in which each have two peak periods (05:00-08:00, 18:00 -21:00) and several low rhythm at night. U-test showed that the roar frequency and mounting rate were significantly different between daytime and night (<em>P</em> < 0.01). The roar behaviors in males were high positive related to their mating behaviors (Kendall's tau-b and Spearman's rho, 0.8 < <em>r</em> < 1.0, <em>P</em> < 0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in the frequency of circadian roar among dominant males, subordinate males and single males (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Hinds fawning took place from the end of April to the end of July, and most frequently ((91.51± 4.96)%) between May and June (<em>P</em> < 0.01). The earliest calving happened on 29 April and the latest on 28 July, covering a period of 80 -90 days d (± 5 d, <em>n</em>=130). There was a low positive correlation between the fawning date of females and their parturition experience (Kendall's tau-b and Spearman's rho, 0.3 < <em>r</em> < 0.5, <em>P</em> < 0.05), and the fawning date in adult females was slightly earlier than the first breeding females. Its litter sizes ranged from one to two fawns once, and single and twinning rate were 98.86% (± 6.96%, <em>n</em>=129) and 1.01% (± 0.07%, <em>n</em>=1), respectively. Among all behaviors, feeding behavior has a largest proportion, followed by the resting and moving behaviors during pregnancy and lactation. The proportion of feeding behavior during lactation lower than it would be during pregnancy, which is related to the different situation of food resources in the two periods. Food resources were relatively scarce in winter (pregnancy period), and rich in summer (suckling period).

Patterns of tobacco consumption in food facilities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

AIM:This study aimed at assessing prevailing patterns and risk factors of tobacco consumption among clients, food handlers and employers of food facilities, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.METHODS:A cross-sectional approach to a representative sample of food facilities in Riyadh was used. A sample of 3000 participants included clients (75%); food handlers/hospitality workers (20 %) and employers (5 %). Participants were reached at restaurants, food courts or cafes. A modified version of the WHO-CDC-Global Youth Tobacco Survey questionnaire was used for data collection.RESULTS:The prevalence of tobacco use at food facilities was found to be 40.3 %, of which 74% were customers, 18.8% were food handlers and 7.2% were managers. The consumption of tobacco was higher at restaurants (39.9%), but lowest at food courts of shopping malls. Water pipe (55.3%) was the main consumption type, followed by cigarettes (42.6%) and chewing tobacco (2.1%). Multivariate analysis showed that gender (male), marital status (single), and type of food facility (Estaraha and café/coffee shop) were independent risk factors associated with tobacco use at food facilities.CONCLUSION:Tobacco use is very common in food facilities in Riyadh as reflected by results of our study, especially among single males Saudis. We should build on success encountered in banning smoking in airports, airplanes, shopping malls, market places, educational institutions and healthcare facilities, extending the ban to include food facilities as well. This is important for the health of non-smokers as well as smokers themselves.

Detection probability of the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis during quick, multiple surveys: a case study in an isolated population in northern Poland

We investigated factors affecting the detection probability of the Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis, a secretive forest passerine, whose range is confined to central and eastern Europe. With a robust design sampling protocol, 78 sites were surveyed four times in spring 2012 for the presence of singing males in the Las Warmiński nature reserve (northern Poland). Multi-season occupancy models fitted to the data showed that detection probability varied considerably as a function of habitat quality. Probabilities of detection of at least one singing male during a single survey were very similar under various models: 0.383-0.419 at sites with single males, 0.815-0.837 at sites with two males, 0.970-0.974 and 0.999 at sites with three and four males. Detection probability did not depend on time of day, indicating no decline in singing activity as the day progresses. The local extinction probability was zero, suggesting that sites occupied early in the season are unlikely to be deserted - males were actively singing several days after arrival. Since mated males reduce their singing activity very much, these results may suggest low mating success. If this holds true, the colonization probability invariably estimated at 1.0 is best explained by the late arrival of some males rather, than by within-season movements of males already present. This study emphasizes that occupancy models are useful for the simultaneous investigation of the effects of multiple covariates not only on detection but also on other, biologically important parameters.

Object-horning in goitered gazelle: Agonistic or marking behaviour?

We studied object-horning behaviour in goitered gazelles in the natural, arid environment of Kazakhstan over a 6-year period. We found that object-horning was used by adult males mostly as a threat display during territorial conflicts. Therefore object-horning was observed most frequently in territorial single males during the rut in November–December. Object-horning, though, also had a marking effect, with the males’ use of this behaviour leaving visible traces that advertized the location of preorbital and urination–defecation scent marks. Therefore, this pattern also was observed linked with preorbital marking and urination–defecation marking behaviours, especially during the rut. Goitered gazelle males chose the most abundant and eatable shrubs for object horning. In contrast to other gazelle species, object-horning in goitered gazelle was observed much more frequently and at the same rate as preorbital and urination–defecation scent markings. This, then, proved a more vigorous and aggressive level of rutting behaviour of the goitered gazelle compared to tropical gazelles, and most likely connected to the short rutting period in the studied species. We concluded, therefore, that object-horning was a manifold phenomenon that played a very important role in goitered gazelle agonistic displays, but without loosing the marking intention of this behaviour.

A study on the correlation between the response characteristics of mother and child drawings by individuals in employment and their interpersonal relationship problems -with its focus on single males and females-

A study on the correlation between the response characteristics of mother and child drawings by individuals in employment and their interpersonal relationship problems -with its focus on single males and females-

Can Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Programs Increase Coverage and Reduce Medicaid Costs?

Although long-term care is a substantial financial risk for retired households, only about 10 percent purchase insurance, with many of the remainder relying on Medicaid. Faced with rising Medicaid expenditures on long-term care, states have attempted to encourage the purchase of private long-term care insurance through partnership programs that exempt purchasers of qualifying policies from the Medicaid asset test. Using numerical optimization techniques, and assuming plausible preference parameters, we show that the programs will only increase insurance coverage among single males by 5 percent and single females by 4 percent. Most of the program benefits will go to those who would have purchased non-partnership long-term care insurance anyway. Thus, the cost of the subsidy will exceed the savings in Medicaid costs.

Social recognition is context dependent in single male prairie voles

Single males might benefit from knowing the identity of neighbouring males when establishing and defending boundaries. Similarly, males should discriminate between individual females if this leads to more reproductive opportunities. Contextual social cues may alter the value of learning identity. Knowing the identity of competitors that intrude into an animal's territory may be more salient than knowing the identity of individuals on whose territory an animal is trespassing. Hence, social and environmental context could affect social recognition in many ways. Here we test social recognition of socially monogamous single male prairie voles, Microtus ochrogaster. In experiment 1 we tested recognition of male or female conspecifics and found that males discriminated between different males but not between different females. In experiment 2 we asked whether recognition of males is influenced when males are tested in their own cage (familiar), in a clean cage (neutral) or in the home cage of another male (unfamiliar). Although focal males discriminated between male conspecifics in all three contexts, individual variation in recognition was lower when males were tested in their home cage (in the presence of familiar social cues) compared to when the context lacked social cues (neutral). Experiment 1 indicates that selective pressures may have operated to enhance male territorial behaviour and indiscriminate mate selection. Experiment 2 suggests that the presence of a conspecific cue heightens social recognition and that home-field advantages might extend to social cognition. Taken together, our results indicate social recognition depends on the social and possibly territorial context.

Labor supply and household meal production among working adults in the Health and Retirement Survey

In this paper, I consider how working adults near retirement age in the United States allocate time and monetary resources to meal production. Using the Consumption and Activities Mail Survey supplement to the Health and Retirement Survey, I use a fixed-effects tobit specification to estimate the effect of hours worked, labor income, non-labor income and assets on meal production decisions for respondents between 45 and 75 years of age who either live alone or with their spouse/partner. These relationships are estimated separately by gender and household structure (single-headed and dual-headed households). Among single males, increasing labor supply by 10 h per week was associated with 33.8 fewer minutes per week allocated to at-home meal preparation, 39.5 fewer minutes per month eating at restaurants, and $6.73 more per week spent on groceries. In contrast, the time and expenditure allocations of single females did not respond to changes in hours worked. Within dual-member households, increasing own-labor supply by 10 h per week was associated with a decrease in time allocated to preparing meals for both the male (30.4 min per week) and female member (30.5 min per week) with only weak evidence that the spouse/partner compensated by increasing their allocation of time.

Should Households Base Asset Decumulation Strategies on Required Minimum Distribution Tables?

Retired households must trade off the risk of outliving their wealth against the cost of unnecessarily restricting their consumption. Using numerical optimisation techniques, we compare two innovative rules of thumb: (1) consuming the age-related percentage of remaining wealth specified in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) tables, and (2) consuming the age-related percentage of remaining wealth specified in the IRS RMD tables PLUS interest and dividends, with alternative rules of thumb and with the theoretical optimal. We show that in models that incorporate uncertain investment returns, the second RMD strategy (spending age-related percentages of remaining wealth PLUS interest and dividends) performs better than plausible alternatives, such as spending the interest and dividends, consuming an inflation-indexed 4 per cent of initial wealth, or decumulating over the household’s life expectancy. Importantly, except for more risk-averse single males, it also performs better than the purchase of a market-load inflation-indexed annuity, and approaches the theoretical optimum.