Product Usage Research Articles

Showing usage behavior or not? The effect of virtual influencers’ product usage behavior on consumers

With the development of technology and the low cost of creation, virtual influencers have become increasingly common and interact deeply with consumers in ‘human ways’, such as demonstrating or using products. There has been limited research on the effect of virtual influencers' behavioral realism on consumers, specifically through the lens of experiencing products vicariously. With the aim of exploring how virtual influencers' product usage behavior affects consumers, our study involved three online experiments and a secondary data analysis. The results show that the presence (vs. absence) of virtual influencer's product usage behavior significantly triggers perceptions of greater competence in virtual influencers and ultimately elicits more positive reactions from consumers; however, this effect diminishes with anime-like virtual influencers or the presence of content that explains the algorithms behind the recommendations. Our paper provides empirical evidence and extends research on behavioral realism of virtual influencers. These findings suggest marketers can strengthen consumer engagement by applying strategies that mimic human behavior, such as showing product usage behavior. However, it is important to exercise caution in the selection of virtual influencer types and in determining the extent to which explanations about the algorithms are provided.

Fostering self-efficacy through usability and emotional product design? An explorative study

Raising the user’s self-confidence is a promising strategy to reduce product-related user stigma. In the context of product usage, the commonly used term self-confidence refers to the psychological construct of self-efficacy. To strengthen a user’s self-efficacy through product design, providing both good usability and emotionality in a product seems to be a reasonable starting point. However, their suitability and validity for this purpose has not yet been sufficiently assessed. This paper examines whether self-efficacy would be associated with perceptions of a product’s usability and emotionality. By conducting an online survey (n = 105; stigma-sensitive product demonstrator: walker), it was confirmed that the perception of good usability and emotionality of walkers were positively associated with the user’s perceived self-efficacy. Moreover, a negative interaction effect was identified showing that the association between emotionality and self-efficacy increased with lower levels of perceived usability and vice versa. This may indicate that emotions can compensate the importance of usability at least to some extent.

Evaluating the Credibility and Reliability of Online Information on Cannabidiol (CBD) for Epilepsy Treatment in Poland.

The interest in the potential therapeutic use of cannabis, especially cannabidiol (CBD), has increased significantly in recent years. On the Internet, users can find lots of articles devoted to its medical features such as reducing seizure activity in epilepsy. The aim of our work was to evaluate the information contained on the websites, including social media, in terms of the credibility and the reliability of current knowledge about the usage of products containing cannabidiol in epilepsy treatment. We used online available links found using the Newspointtool. The initial database included 38,367 texts, but after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 314 texts were taken into consideration. Analysis was performed using the DISCERN scale and the set of questions created by the authors. In the final assessment, we observed that most of the texts (58.9%) were characterized by a very poor level of reliability and the average DISCERN score was 26.97 points. Additionally, considering the form of the text, the highest average score (35.73) came from entries on blog portals, whereas the lowest average score (18.33) came from comments and online discussion forums. Moreover, most of the texts do not contain key information regarding the indications, safety, desired effects, and side effects of CBD therapy. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to guide patients towards reliable sources of information and cautions against the use of unverified online materials, especially as the only FDA-approved CBD medication, Epidiolex, differs significantly from over-the-counter CBD products.

Luxury brand at the cusp of lipstick effects: Turning brand selfies into luxury brand curruncy to thrive via richcession

A fear of a richcession is on the horizon. The luxury industry must rekindle customer desires and promote brand selfies in order to survive. The narcissist and materialist affluent people upload their selfies along with luxury brand signatures, and this triggers the self-inferential process in the fellow affluent and shapes their luxury preferences. This study investigates this phenomenon, the lipstick effect, and its connection with richcession. A niche group of ultra-rich affluent people was chosen based on their spending patterns, their access to famous personalities, their choice of expensive places, their usage of luxury products, and their postings of selfies with luxury signatures. The study developed a measurement scale via a three-step survey-based approach by analyzing 468 questionnaires. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) proposes 27 items of a new scale. The structural analysis was then conducted in order to ensure the scale validity and stability by employing a new dataset of 356 questionnaires. We demonstrated how luxury brand selfies influence luxury signature, and how this in turn affects luxury brand currency and preference.

Regimes of global and national oil palm cultivations from 2001 to 2018

Oil palm is the dominant global oil crop due to its high productivity and diversified usage in many sectors. Since the late 20th century, oil palm cultivations proliferated in Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Latin America. However, global market factors, different national and regional policies, and smallholder versus commercial planting regimes in different areas lead to significant differences in economic benefits and environmental problems from deforestation and loss of biodiversity. We investigated changes in global and national distributions against suitability and indices of tree age distribution change for industrial oil palm (IOP) and smallholder oil palm (SOP). Spatial and temporal change analyses show that: i) For most tree ages, the proportion of global oil palm planting in suitable areas was less than 50%, but the impact of temporal regimes, from possible market factors and local policies, on planting structure should not be neglected; ii) Central America, South America, and West Africa were less suitable for oil palm cultivation compared to Southeast Asia. While, as two dominant oil palm planting countries, Indonesia and Malaysia had relatively low planting suitability, with 39.23% of Indonesia’s IOP, 44.85% of Indonesia’s SOP, 30.90% of Malaysia’s IOP and 18.77% of Malaysia’s SOP in highly and most suitable intervals; iii) There exist clear differences between IOP and SOP in terms of suitability, planting structure and spatial expansion patterns; iv) Hysteresis effect exists between latecomers (countries in West Africa and Latin America) and forerunner (Indonesia and Malaysia) in terms of spatial expansion; v) The spatial expansion patterns of oil palm planting centers have obvious scale effects for both IOP and SOP, with clear inter-country and intra-country differences. This paper reinterprets the global distribution of tree age and spatial expansion pattern and recommends scientific strategies to guide site selection and planting structure that enable oil palm cultivation for sustainable development.

Understanding the behavioural drivers of mindful consumption: a study on the use of sustainable menstrual products

PurposeThe adverse environmental impacts of menstrual products are a significant concern because of their widespread use and non-biodegradability. With various global and regional initiatives on sustainability, there is now greater public awareness about environmental protection. This heightened awareness has resulted in the exploration of alternative methods to reduce waste, such as the development and use of sustainable menstrual products. This study aims to examine the factors that influence Indian women’s purchasing intention in relation to sustainable menstrual products. The study uses the Stimulus–Organism–Behavior–Consequence (SOBC) theory as the appropriate grounded theory to explain these determinants.Design/methodology/approachCross-sectional data were collected from 720 women who have been using sustainable menstrual products. For analysing the model, the study performed structural equation modelling using AMOS.FindingsThe study’s results indicated that health consciousness, sustainability knowledge and environmental responsibility are positively associated with self-identity and mindfulness. Additionally, the study found that organism states have a positive impact on the purchase intention of sustainable menstrual products. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship observed between purchase intention and mindful consumption. The study also discovered significant positive relationships between satisfaction and key associations.Originality/valueThis study may be considered pioneering, as it establishes a connection between the usage of sustainable menstrual products and concepts such as mindfulness and mindful consumption.

Energy-constrained production optimization for the in-situ conversion process of oil shale based on deep learning algorithms

The in-situ conversion process (ICP) involves complicated thermal-reactive-compositional flow processes where the production parameters are closely interdependent. Therefore, manual optimization of the production parameters of ICP through numerical simulation is arduous and time-consuming. This paper introduces a computational framework that integrates deep learning techniques and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to automatically optimize the values of production parameters of ICP, and thus locating the highest energy efficiency and the optimum energy usage. This approach utilizes a 3D CNN model to predict key metrics. The prediction process considers the detailed 3D heterogeneity of oil shale, resulting in remarkably high prediction accuracy, as evidenced by determination coefficients (R2) above 0.99. Subsequently, the trained CNN model is integrated to the PSO algorithm to automatically fine-tune the production parameters to optimize the energy efficiency of ICP.The optimization results yield three significant findings. First, as the energy consumption limit increases, the optimal number of heaters, well spacing, and heating temperature exhibit an upward trend, but stabilized beyond the threshold of 7 × 105 kWh. Secondly, the optimal input energy (7 × 105 kWh) is found for the given ICP model. Lastly, the analysis reveals that variations in initial reservoir pressure or bottomhole pressure have limited impact on cumulative oil production and energy usage.

An exploratory, randomised, crossover study to investigate the effect of nicotine on cognitive function in healthy adult smokers who use an electronic cigarette after a period of smoking abstinence

BackgroundAs well as being associated with serious negative health outcomes, smoking has been reported to have an array of physiological and psychological effects, including effects on mood and cognitive function. Post-cessation, loss of such effects (including temporary deficits in cognitive function) have been cited as reasons for resumption of smoking. The effects of e-cigarettes and nicotine delivered by e-cigarettes on these functions have not been widely researched but may play a role in the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as a satisfactory alternative to combustible cigarettes for people who smoke, and in encouraging individuals who would otherwise continue to smoke, to transition to e-cigarettes.MethodsThe study was an exploratory, randomised, partially-blinded, single-centre, five-arm crossover trial that recruited 40 healthy male and female people who smoke. At 5 study sessions, following a 12-h period of nicotine abstinence, participants were randomly assigned to use either a combustible cigarette, an e-cigarette of three varying nicotine strengths (18 mg/mL, 12 mg/mL or 0 mg/mL respectively) or observe a no product usage session. Participants completed pre- and post-product usage assessments to examine the product usage effect on cognitive performance (using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB)), subjective mood and smoking urges.ResultsA significant improvement in sustained attention task performance was observed following use of both the nicotine containing e-cigarettes and combustible cigarette compared to no product use. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the nicotine containing products, indicating that nicotine use enhanced sustained attention regardless of delivery format. Nicotine containing e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use also significantly improved overall mood of participants compared to no product use, with no significant differences observed between the nicotine containing products. Nicotine containing e-cigarette and combustible cigarette use significantly reduced smoking urges compared to no product use, though combustible cigarette use elicited the greatest reduction in smoking urges.ConclusionsOverall, the nicotine containing products improved sustained attention and mood while reducing smoking urges, with the studied e-cigarettes having comparable effects to combustible cigarettes across the assessed cognitive parameters and mood measures. These results demonstrate the potential role of e-cigarettes to provide an acceptable alternative for combustible cigarettes among people who would otherwise continue to smoke.Trial registration ISRCTN (identifier: ISRCTN35376793).

INTERACTIVE EDUCATION ON SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELECTRICAL DEVICES

Education in GREEN electrical energy and production usage is essential for young people. Every consumer can do a lot if they use electrical devices wisely. This paper will present the design, intention and use of a didactical learning exhibit for middle and high school students during technical days on faculty and faculty promotions and for educational purposes. Our main goal is to introduce students to how some everyday electrical devices work, how much energy they use and how they can save as users. The most significant emphasis will be electromagnetic devices such as elevators and devices we use daily. We will use a professional approach and design for that purpose, but we will focus on presenting it on an interactive touchscreen and small examples of those devices. The content will be in graded expertise levels, from simple picture and animation calculations to the advanced picture and mathematical model presentations. The exhibit will be designed modularly so that content or presentation can change quickly and be made from recycled or sustainable materials as much as possible. KEYWORDS:Sustainable; Educational; Electricity; Electromagnetic devices; Interactive; Elevator; Exhibit

Effect of biostimulants on growth and production parameters of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivated under North African climate

In crop growing, biostimulants are currently used to improve the advance and yield of crops. These biostimulants showed successful effects in various crops against severe stress factors. Therefore, integrative studies are required to define the usage of such products in agriculture. This study investigated the valuable impacts of biostimulants on the growth parameters of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in Morocco known for its harsh climatic conditions. Equally, we studied the effect on the soil characteristics. The growth parameters were the number, length, and weight of leaves and pods, and were measured after, 21, 29, 35, 42, and 49 days of cultivation. The soil parameters were organic matter, macro-elements, and microelements. The obtained results exposed that the number of leaves was enhanced by 52.95 % in plants treated with biostimulants, while the improvement of foliar weight was estimated at 83.45 %. The treatment improved the weight of pods by 50 % after 75 days and by 63.65 % after 90 days. Similarly, the treatment improved the length of pods by 48 % after 75 days and by 78 % after 90 days. The improvement of growth parameters was in a time-dependent manner. These results are the first to clarify the faculty of biostimulants to enhance the growth performance of green beans under North African climatic and soil circumstances. However, more experiments are desired to evaluate the optimum quantities of biostimulants needed to get the maximum yield. Equally, future research is required to assess the influence of biostimulants on the nutritive quality of fruits.

Factors Associated with Exclusive Use of Hygienic Methods during Menstruation among Adolescent Girls (15–19 Years) in Urban India: Evidence from NFHS-5

BackgroundMenstrual hygiene is a critical public health concern for adolescent girls in urban India. However, there is a paucity of research on this subject, particularly on a national scale. To the best of our knowledge, this study diverges from previous research, as the majority of prior investigations in India have centered on rural locales, married individuals, and those aged between 15 and 24 years. Thus, this study aims to fill this gap by investigating the factors associated with the exclusive use of hygienic methods during menstruation among urban adolescent girls (15–19 years) in India. MethodA total of 25136 samples were included in this analysis from the National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS-5). The Binary logistic regression model has been administered to determine the associated factors of the exclusive use of hygienic methods among adolescent girls. ResultsThe results of the multivariate model revealed significant positive associations between higher education levels and usage of menstrual hygiene management products (AOR: 1.860; 95 % CI: 1.418–2.439), (AOR: 2.110; 95 % CI: 1.553–2.867). Additionally, individuals in higher wealth quintiles were more likely to use MHM products, with the richest quintile showing the highest likelihood (AOR: 5.310; 95 % CI: 4.494–6.275). Attendance at cultural events such as cinema or theater was positively associated with MHM product utilization (AOR: 1.338; 95 % CI: 1.181–1.517).Conversely, Lack of access to sanitation facilities was inversely associated with MHM product utilization (AOR: 0.742; 95 % CI: 0.628–0.877). Muslim girls had lower odds than Hindus (AOR: 0.576; 95 % CI: 0.520–0.637). Substantial regional variations were evident, with the Western (AOR: 0.879; 95 % CI: 0.759–1.019), Eastern (AOR: 0.747; 95 % CI: 0.654–0.854), Central (AOR: 0.349; 95 % CI: 0.313–0.388), and North-eastern regions (AOR: 0.597; 95 % CI: 0.490–0.727) displaying diminished odds of MHM product usage relative to the southern region. General caste had higher odds compared to scheduled caste (AOR: 1.255, 95 % CI: 1.103–1.429), while other backward caste had lower odds (AOR: 0.858, 95 % CI: 0.771–0.955). ConclusionThese findings underscore the importance of addressing inequalities in access to menstrual hygiene products among urban adolescent girls in India. Targeted interventions and educational programs are essential to ensure equitable access and promote overall health and well-being.

REPRESENTATION OF CUSTOMER LOYALTY IN AQUA’s ADVERTISEMENT “SAMBUT KEBAIKAN RAMADHAN BERSAMA AQUA”

Abstract. Relize or not, advertising is very close to human life. Mass media can display tens or even hundreds of advertisements every day. Therefore, effective and attractive advertisements are needed to attract customers. In general, advertising uses the hard selling method, but now it has turned into soft selling, which does not introduce or sell products directly. Therefore, this research will discuss the representation of customer loyalty in AQUA's advertisement "Sambut Kebaikan Ramadan Bersama AQUA". The method used is qualitative with Roland Barthes semiotic analysis. The results of this study show that AQUA's advertisement "Sambut Kebaikan Ramadan Bersama AQUA'' successfully portrays customer loyalty through the usage of strong signs and hidden meanings. At the denotative level, this AQUA advertisement presents an image of loyal AQUA customers who consume AQUA products joyfully during Ramadan. At the connotative level, this advertisement connects the usage of AQUA products with the values of kindness, spirituality, and brotherhood associated with Ramadan. At the mythological level, this AQUA advertisement builds a narrative that describes AQUA’s customers as part of a solid and loving community. In this context, customer loyalty is represented as a form of adherence to the values embraced by the community, which is signified by the consumption of AQUA’s products.Keywords: Advertisement, Representation, Loyalty, Semiotic

Treatment Using Haram Substances According to an Islamic Legal Perspective

In terms of the medical field, it has evolved in tandem with human capabilities and the passage of time. Humans, like all other living things, will inevitably suffer from a variety of illnesses, some minor and others serious. People are encouraged to look for other treatment options in an attempt to overcome this illness, and as a result, it is discovered that the law of treatment—which stipulates which treatments are permitted and which are haram—is connected to the usage of haram products and chemicals. Al-Baqarah verses 168 and 172 provide justification for the use of halal and good food, despite the commandment to abstain from haram items. In deciding how to regard haram items, scholars of the mujtahid school also cite QS Al-Baqarah verse 173. This provider makes use of socialization methods and questions and answers in the studio at...., it is hoped that the studio group will be able to know the law of treatment with haram goods/substances in accordance with the Shari'a specified in Islamic law.

Geography Interactive Learning Media Based on the Articulate Storyline 3 Application to Improve Learning Outcomes in Senior High School

The use of interactive learning media is increasingly demanded in Geography learning. However, the availability of interactive geography learning media that meets eligibility standards is still limited. This research aims to produce interactive Articulate Storyline 3 media that meets feasibility standards and is validated. Media development refers to the Borg and Gall model. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, indirect communication and documentary studies. The data collection tools used were observation guides, interview guides, validation sheets, and documentation. Product trials were carried out in class X of SMA Negeri 2 Simpang Hilir. The data analysis techniques in this research are needs analysis techniques, qualitative and quantitative. The results of the research show that, namely, 1) producing interactive learning media based on Articulate Storyline 3 is suitable for use in the learning process in geography subjects regarding geosphere phenomena; 2) Interactive learning media based on Articulate Storyline 3 is included in the criteria of being very valid and very suitable for use in the learning process which is observed through evaluation by media experts and material experts as well as product trials and usage trials; 3) there are differences in learning outcomes for class XA students at SMA Negeri 2 Simpang Hilir before and after being given interactive learning media based on Articulate Storyline 3, so it is very effective in improving student learning outcomes

The Role of Indonesian Muslim Millennials in Reducing Food Waste towards Sustainable Development Goals: Empirical Analysis PLS-SEM

Food waste is a critical concern under SDGs 12 due to its global welfare implications. Islam, with its substantial following worldwide, can play a role in addressing this issue, particularly through the involvement of Muslim millennials. This study aims to explore the impact of religiosity, product usage efficiency, and intention to reduce food waste, with da’wah, Instagram, and Muslim eating manners as mediators. Quantitative research was conducted through an online survey of Indonesian millennials using purposive sampling. The research model, consisting of five hypotheses, was analyzed using the PLS-SEM analysis method. Results indicate that individual religiosity significantly influences Instagram proselytizing and eating behavior among Muslim millennials. Instagram proselytizing strongly affects millennial Muslim consumer behavior, particularly in terms of food consumption efficiency. Additionally, Muslim millennials’ eating etiquette impacts food consumption efficiency and environmental awareness. The efficiency of food consumption can shape millennials’ intention to reduce food waste. Implications of this study include promoting millennial involvement in food waste reduction, sustainable agricultural practices, improving literacy on food consumption efficiency, incorporating food waste education in Islamic religious curricula, and fostering collaboration among Muslim millennial organizations in Indonesia’s food waste reduction programs.

Development and laboratory validation of a plant-derived repellent blend, effective against Aedes aegypti [Diptera: Culicidae], Anopheles gambiae [Diptera: Culicidae] and Culex quinquefasciatus [Diptera: Culicidae

Mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, Anopheles and Culex vector a wide range of pathogens seriously affecting humans and livestock on a global scale. Over-reliance on insecticides and repellents has driven research into alternative, naturally-derived compounds to fulfil the same objectives. Steam distilled extracts of four plants with strong, yet attractive, volatile profiles were initially assessed for repellency in a dual-port olfactometer using Aedes aegypti as the model species. Picea sitchensis was found to be the most repellent, proving comparable to leading products when applied at 100% (p = 1.000). Key components of conifer-derived volatile profiles were then screened via electroantennography before those components eliciting an electrophysiological response were assayed individually in the olfactometer; according to WHO protocol. The most promising 5 were selected for reductive analyses to produce an optimised semiochemical blend. This combination, and a further two variations of the blend, were then progressed to a multi-species analysis using the BG-test whereby bite-attempt frequency on hands was assessed under different repellent treatments; assays were compared between Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus. Efficacy was found against all three species, although it was found that Ae. aegypti was the most susceptible to the repellent, with An. gambiae being the least. Here, a novel, naturally-derived blend is presented with weak spatial repellency, as confirmed in laboratory assays. Further work will be required to assess the full extent of the potential of the products, both in terms of field application and species screening; however, the success of the products developed demonstrate that plant metabolites have great capacity for use in the repellent sector; both to improve upon known compounds and to reduce the usage of toxic products currently on the market.

Dynamic user profile construction and its application to smart product-service system design: A maternity-oriented case study

The human-centric philosophy is considered a crucial development direction for smart Product-Service Systems (smart PSS). Smart PSS has effectively advanced the circular economy by enhancing user experience, incorporating servitization and digital servitization, and extending product lifecycle, among other key aspects of sustainable development. However, there is currently a lack of a reasonable, accurate, and actionable framework and methodology to express the human element, namely user profiling, within this philosophy. To address this gap, this paper utilizes statistical methods such as factor analysis, cluster analysis, and regression analysis, building upon the concept of traditional user profiling. The aim is to integrate the three prominent approaches of goal-oriented, scenario-based, and data-driven user profiling, with the goal of complementing each other and designing a top-level user profiling framework for smart PSS. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 technologies and text mining techniques are employed to collect data on users' product and service usage. As these data contain real-time information about user needs, behaviors and goals at different time periods, they can be used to construct dynamic features of user profiling, and ultimately achieve the construction of dynamic user profiling for smart PSS. To validate the proposed user profiling framework and dynamic user features of smart PSS, this paper presents a case study focusing on the user group of maternal women. This case study promotes the in-depth exploration of smart PSS research in expressing the human element.

Oncological Surgical Wound Care: A Comparison of Theruptor NXT Non-adherent Dressing and the Current Standard of Care.

Background Oncological surgeries pose an elevated risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) due to their complexity and various associated treatments, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs. This has prompted a focus on advanced wound dressings that provide microbial protection, exudate absorption, and improved product performance, enhancing patient satisfaction. Our study aimed tocompare the efficacy and safety of Theruptor NXT with the current standard of care (SOC) practice involving cotton/povidone/micropore dressings in the postoperative wound management of oncological surgeries. Methodology A total of 102 patients who underwent oncological surgeries in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, India between May and September 2023 were randomized to Theruptor NXT and SOC dressing groups (51 patients each). The incidence of SSIs, wound pain score, cosmetic appearance of the wound, and adverse events were assessed in the two groups at various intervals, i.e., post-surgery day 2 ± 1, day of discharge, and post-surgery day 30 ± 7. Further, the subject satisfaction and product usage were evaluated on post-surgery day 2 ± 1. Results The baseline characteristics were found to be comparable in both groups, i.e., Theruptor NXT and SOC groups. Further, the SSI rates, scar outcomes, and physiological parameters were also similar between the Theruptor NXT and SOC groups, indicating a similar safety profile of both dressings (p > 0.05). However, the product usage assessment revealed statistically significant differences, favoring Theruptor NXT in terms of superior ease of application, stretchability, exudate management, breathability, and non-adherence properties (p < 0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that Theruptor NXT wound dressing is a promising, effective, and user-friendly alternative to SOC wound dressing in diverse clinical settings.

The impact of agriculture, energy consumption and economic growth on ecological footprint: testing the agriculture-induced EKC for Türkiye

AbstractThe main purpose of the current study is to empirically analyze the impact of agriculture, energy consumption, and economic growth on environmental degradation in Türkiye for the period of 1968–2020. Against the backdrop, we tested agriculture-induced EKC hypothesis employing Ecological Footprint (EFP) instead of emissions because EFP better represents the sustainability. Our results from ARDL model indicate the validation of the EKC hypothesis for Türkiye. Hence environmental deterioration worsens with economic growth and improves with higher level of GDP. Moreover, increase in both the agricultural value added per capita and energy use per capita increases the EFP per capita. In other words, agricultural production, and energy usage are important drivers for environmental quality. The causality results show the presence of growth hypothesis between agriculture and GDP and energy-EFP for Türkiye. Therefore, government should envisage the policies towards sustainable economic growth as discussed under the conclusion part.

Comparison of Medical Tape Performance Using Skin Response Quantitative Measurements on Healthy Volunteers.

Medical tapes can lead to skin damage upon removal in susceptible patients with fragile skin and at higher risk of developing tissue injury. We compared the effect of medical tapes with silicone-based versus acrylate-based adhesives on the back or volar forearm stratum corneum using analytical techniques to assess skin condition and potential damage post product removal on 88 healthy volunteers. Two studies were conducted in separate facilities (Study 1: 3M In-house Clinical Facility, St. Paul, Minnesota; Study 2: DermiCo, LLC, Broomall, Pennsylvania). Four commercially available tapes were the same in both studies, two for each type of adhesive. We evaluated adhesion to the skin, total proteins and corneocytes removed by the tapes, changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and induction of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1a). One of the silicone tapes displayed the strongest adhesion at 24 hours, and one of the acrylate tapes had the lowest adhesion, showing differences in performance within adhesive categories. The adhesion forces did not correlate with the amount of total protein or corneocytes removed. Silicone adhesives removed less total protein and corneocytes than acrylate adhesives. Silicone adhesives did not alter TEWL, whereas acrylate adhesives significantly raised TEWL. There were no differences in interleukin-1alpha induction. The silicone adhesive tapes were less disruptive to the skin barrier than the acrylate adhesive tapes, even in healthy volunteers whose skin is not as fragile as what is observed in typical patients. This type of data could guide clinical product usage decisions.