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INTRODUCTION: The global human population is still growing such that our collective enterprise is driving environmental catastrophe. Despite a decline in average population growth rate, we are still experiencing the highest annual increase of global human population size in the history of our species-averaging an additional 84 million people per year since 1990. No review to date has accumulated the available evidence describing the associations between increasing population and environmental decline, nor solutions for mitigating the problems arising. METHODS: We summarize the available evidence of the relationships between human population size and growth and environmental integrity, human prosperity and wellbeing, and climate change. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify all relevant peer-reviewed and gray-literature sources examining the consequences of human population size and growth on the biosphere. We reviewed papers describing and quantifying the risks associated with population growth, especially relating to climate change. RESULTS: These risks are global in scale, such as greenhouse-gas emissions, climate disruption, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and spread of disease-all potentially catastrophic for human standards of living, health, and general wellbeing. The trends increasing the risks of global population growth are country development, demographics, maternal education, access to family planning, and child and maternal health. CONCLUSION: Support for nations still going through a demographic transition is required to ensure progress occurs within planetary boundaries and promotes equity and human rights. Ensuring the wellbeing for all under this aim itself will lower population growth and further promote environmental sustainability.

Objectives: To analyse the consumption of energy drinks (EDs) and the motives for their consumption among physically active adolescents in Poland. Methods: A nationwide survey study was conducted in 1,530 adolescents (10–14 years old) participating in extracurricular, organised sports activities. A computer-assisted web interview method was applied. Results: Nearly half (46.4%) of the respondents were ED consumers (significantly more boys than girls: 53.0% vs. 47.0%, p = 0.010). The percentage of ED consumers increased with age, from 27.2% in 10-year-olds to 65.4% in the group of 14-year-olds (p < 0.001). The motives and circumstances of ED consumption varied depending on gender: girls were more likely than boys to drink EDs to improve concentration during studying (17.1% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001) and to stay awake (22.8% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.002), whereas boys more often than girls reported drinking EDs during physical activity (10.9% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.020). Conclusion: It is necessary to implement gender-diversified educational campaigns on negative health effects of EDs, targeting children, parents and teachers, as consumption of EDs has been identified as a significant public health problem in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Across the globe, colonization often produces material homogenization. The same objects originating in the metropole become part of assemblages throughout the colony. These assemblages impact different groups inhabiting dominated territories, shaping globalization. Archaeologists have now moved away from homogenizing acculturation-based perspectives to understand contexts where global/colonial objects are adopted in local contexts. Postcolonial approaches emphasizing the agency of the colonized have moved us forward towards archaeologies of cultural entanglements, processes of combination of imposed patterns by the colonizer and cultural inputs of the colonized resulting in innovation. By identifying metamorphoses of global Egyptian-style objects into locally effective objects in colonized Nubia during the New Kingdom, this paper demonstrates the existence of distinctive, yet to be fully understood colonial identities shaped by different experiences of global objects. If colonialism shapes globalization, colonized experiences of global objects end up separating various groups interacting with the same objects across cultural borders according to their varying socio-economic experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron and folic acid (IFA) consumption is an important strategy for the prevention of birth defects and anemia during pregnancy. In Ethiopia, low proportion of pregnant mothers took an iron tablet for 90 plus days. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess compliance to IFA consumption and its associated factors among mothers attending antenatal care in Southern Ethiopia, 2021. An institution-based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative methods was conducted. The data was collected data from 378 respondents selected by a simple random sampling technique and 21 in-depth interviews were conducted. Epi Data version 3.1 was used to enter data, which was then exported to Statistical Package for the social Science (SPSS) version 21 for further processing and analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify the significant association. Variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered significant. The Open code software version 4.03 was used to code and categorize qualitative data, and then thematic analysis was employed to qualitative data. The compliance rate of IFA consumption was 66.58% 95% CI: 61.5-71.4%) Maternal education (AOR: 3.01, 95%CI:1.29, 6.35), knowledge about anemia (AOR: 2.63, 95% CI:1.29), 5.37), knowledge about IFA (AOR: 2.95, 95% CI (1.45, 6.02)), ANC visits (AOR: 2.70, 95% CI 1.17, 6.22), fear of side effect (AOR: 0.08, 95% CI:0.02, 0.24), registration time for initiation of ANC visits (AOR:4.63, 95% CI:1.50, 14.26), and counseling on IFA (AOR:3.95, 95% CI:1.57, 9.98) were significantly associated with compliance IFA consumption of the pregnant mothers. Supplement-related, pregnancy and experience-related, facility related, behavioral -related, perceived family support, and perceived cultural belief findings were identified from qualitative study. In this study, the compliance with IFA consumption was low and influenced by huge range factors. To improve compliance with IFA, health workers provide proper counseling and education for pregnant women on IFA and follow up supplementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to explore consumption practices that involve the deliberate destruction of meaningful possessions; in particular, what motivates consumers to do so, why they choose it over other divestment options and what value creation do they expect from this. This is a consumer choice acknowledged but lacking in extant research, theoretical or empirical. From the existing literature a qualitative study was developed, consisting of a series of exploratory interviews with consumers who considered that they had engaged in possession destruction. From analysis of the identified themes, we developed a temporal process, where possession destruction creates self-wellbeing for the consumer, through the elimination of negative symbolic value associated with the possession. The existence of ritualistic and taboo behaviour suggests that this type of consumption can also be conceptualised as a social, violent, and sacrificial process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the connection between consumption and travel has been documented, there has been little work on how consumption can go beyond simple materialism and sometimes even represent a reaction to the dominant trends of late modern consumer society. I use Walter Benjamin's essay "Unpacking My Library" as an inspiration to understand the emotive connection between collecting, consumption, and memory. This paper uses an auto-ethnographic method, showing how the goal of furthering a collection of football shirts serves as a way to give agency to the consumer. Since collecting is typically related to the collector's memory, consuming in the context of a collection is not simple consumerism or materialism. In this case, the object being collected is a football shirt, a representation of a specific locality. Collecting as a motivation for consumption serves as a way for the individual to respond to the dominant trends of homogenization and mass culture in sport created by globalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dietary supplement consumption among Algerians in Tebessa. This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey carried out over two months. The study included 216 Algerian men and women selected via simple random sampling. Approximately half of the participants were under 27 years old, with a mean age of 30 years. Variables assessed included the use of dietary supplements, reasons for consumption, frequency of use, types of supplements used, sources of purchase, and sources of advice regarding consumption. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using the Mann–Whitney test and Chi2 test, respectively. Logistic regression was employed to examine associations between dietary supplement consumption and explanatory variables, including socioeconomic factors. The prevalence of dietary supplement use was 88.4%. The most common reasons cited for consumption were muscle mass enhancement and fatigue reduction. Vitamins were the most frequently used supplements, followed by trace elements. Consumption patterns were significantly associated with socioeconomic factors. A large part of the population has consumed food supplements for different reasons. This consumption could be beneficial for their health. Therefore, information-based on scientific evidence is important to prevent inappropriate use of dietary supplements by consumers. This study could serve as the foundation for a nationwide multicenter study to gain a better understanding of dietary supplement use among Algerians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using biogas fuel in a modern internal combustion engine equipped with gas equipment of the fourth and fifth generations can create several difficulties. This is due to the low heat of combustion of untreated biogas, the presence of moisture, and the specifics of the injectors. The main problem of the studies we considered is that there are no data on the operating parameters of biogas fuel injectors. Studies on the parameters of the Matrix, Barracuda, Valtek, Hana, and Keihin injectors in relation to biogas fuel were carried out according to performance indicators, the linearity of operation, the resistance of the injectors, the ability to maintain factory parameters, and service life. According to the indicators of performance and linearity of work, Valtek injectors have the highest deviation in productivity and linearity of work, with an average of 38.8%, and the lowest deviation of Barracuda injectors is 7.5%. Keihin (15.3%) and Hana injectors (19.1%) also showed good performance indicators, and therefore can be used effectively for biogas fuel systems. As a result of research on the response time of the injectors, it was established that the best indicators were found for Hana (1.75 ms) and Keihin (1.99 ms) injectors. Valtek injectors showed good response rates (2.07 ms), as did Barracuda injectors (2.19 ms), but the highest response time was found in Matrix injectors, with 2.44 ms. Keihin injectors had the lowest average resistance value of 1.25 ohms, and Valtek injectors had the highest resistance value of 3 ohms. According to the research results, Keihin, Matrix, and Barracuda injectors provide the best ability to maintain factory performance when using biogas fuel at 2 to 5%, and Valtek had the worst performance up to 20%. Keihin, Barracuda, and Hana experimental injectors had the highest service life, which is from 200 to 250 thousand km of car mileage. The lowest indicators were found for Valtek and Matrix injectors, the service life of which varies from 70 to 100 thousand km of mileage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper quantifies mechanisms through which heterogeneity in household finances affects the transmission of monetary policy, considering housing tenure choices over the life cycle. Our analysis also identifies challenges for monetary policy related to housing busts. It focuses on the four largest economies in the euro area: France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Through the lens of our model, we find that home ownership and endogenous transitions from renting to owning are key elements for the extent of cross‐country asymmetries in aggregate consumption responses to changes in the real interest rate. Across groups with different housing tenure, we find that the consumption response of homeowners to interest rate changes tends to be larger than the response of renters, particularly if these homeowners are indebted and do not adjust their illiquid housing wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drawing on beauty vlogs uploaded on specific Malayalam YouTube channels, the article documents the digitally mediated circulation of bodily and sartorial norms for a Muslim bride from the region of Kerala. The study explores how fashion vlogging and social media participation assist in furthering the imageries of Malayali Muslim women as neo-liberal feminine subjects by placing the role of consumption as consequential to the emerging sources of their identity. It is proposed that these vlogs catalyse the creation of a Muslim womanhood at the conjectures of cultural notions of modesty, faith and identity aspirations, arguably in the backdrop of transnational Islam and free market ideology. Furthermore, the study hints at the limitations of the analytical device of 'Brand Islam' in explaining facets associated with a bridal beautification scene, where the bodily and sartorial prescriptions are mediated by the diversity of co-participants involved and variations in the sartorial references endorsed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Sweet taste preferences are currently targeted to aid with reducing free sugar intakes, but associations between sweet taste liking, sweet food intakes, and sugar intakes are not well established. Methods: UK consumers (n = 179) who were consuming >5% of total energy intakes from free sugars provided several laboratory measures of sweet taste liking, laboratory test meal measures of sweet food choice and sugar intakes, and 3-day food diary measures of free-living free sugar and total sugar intakes. Liking measures included liking for a 1 M sucrose solution, and pleasantness, desire to eat, and sweet taste intensity ratings for seven foods of a range of sweet taste intensities in a taste test. Results: Wide individual differences in sweet taste liking, in liking for a high sweet taste intensity, and in the relationships between sweet taste intensity and sweet taste liking were found. The majority of participants confirmed high liking and increasing liking for increasingly sweet tastes, but differing patterns of responses were also found. Higher liking for sweet foods was associated with increased sweet food selection and consumption at the test meal, and to some degree with free sugar and total sugar consumption in this restricted scenario. However, we found no associations between sweet taste liking, regardless of measure, and either free-living free sugar or total sugar intakes. Conclusions: These findings cast doubt on assumptions that sweet taste preferences are high for all and that these high sweet taste preferences drive high free sugar intakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Socioeconomic status and parental lifestyle influence dietary behaviors, including the administration of oral dietary supplements in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selected health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors on the use of dietary supplements by children. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a diagnostic survey based on the computer-assisted web interview method was conducted in November 2022 among 2826 parents whose children attend public educational institutions in Krakow, Poland. The study group included data on 497 nursery children (17.6%), 599 kindergarten children (21.2%), 1594 primary school children (56.4%), and 136 secondary school children (4.8%). Results: Among all respondents, 72.2% were taking oral nutritional supplements, with vitamin D supplementation being particularly popular in all groups. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of supplement use, including special diet (p < 0.001), use of medication for chronic disease (p = 0.012), regularity of main meals (p = 0.022), and attending a sports school (p = 0.021). A decrease in supplement use was observed with the increasing level of education of children (p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of various health, dietary, and sociodemographic factors in influencing decisions regarding dietary supplementation in children. Further assessment of dietary supplement usage should be conducted alongside evaluations of nutrient intake from the children's diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the role of social media marketing in shaping economic decisions among consumers. This study aims to examine the characteristics influencing consumer intentions, with a strong emphasis on the role of influencers. In order to conduct this study, a logistic regression was employed. The sample reveals that individuals who view influencers as credible sources of information and experience, those who exhibit homophily with influencers, those who perceive the influencers' content as high-quality, and those who develop strong parasocial relationships with influencers show higher consumption intentions. In contrast, older individuals tend to have lower consumption intentions. These consumption intention characteristics vary across genders and generations. The study concludes with recommendations targeting all relevant stakeholders, influencers, businesses, policy makers, and consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ivermectin is a widely used antiparasitic in livestock, but its use can result in residues in bovine products and excretions. The objective of the present study was to determine the presence of ivermectin residues in cattle meat, liver, milk, faeces, and urine and assess consumer risk from chronic exposure through contaminated bovine products using a deterministic approach. To determine the presence of ivermectin residues, 124 samples were analysed by liquid chromatography. Residues were found in 68% of faeces samples and small percentages (3%) in liver, milk, and urine, with no residues detected in meat. The mean ivermectin residue in the liver (16.46 µg/kg) remained below the maximum residue limit (MRL); however, in milk (12.46 µg/kg), the residues exceeded the permitted MRL. The results obtained from chronic dietary exposure show that the consumption of ivermectin residues was low, and the risk was assessed as being rare to very rare. Additionally, this study reveals concerning levels of ivermectin residues in milk that may far exceed established safety limits. This situation emphasises the urgent need for stricter regulations and monitoring in milk production, particularly from small farms, to protect vulnerable populations. However, from a one health perspective, the presence of residues in faeces poses potential environmental hazards, warranting further research. Moreover, the detection of residues in milk, despite the ban on ivermectin use in dairy cattle, underscores the importance of compliance with food safety regulations and the need for continued vigilance in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable water supply is one of the most important issues related to global climate change in Türkiye. The government, local authorities and universities have developed strategic action plans to raise public awareness about the sustainability of water supply. In this study, which was conducted in Çorum province in Türkiye in 2021 and 2022, the population of the study consisted of teachers who belong to the Ministry of National Education. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence teachers' sustainable water consumption behaviors (SWCB). Data were collected from 380 teachers. Within the framework of value belief norm theory, a structural equation model and path analysis were used to identify the factors that influence teachers' SWCB. According to the research results, the direct effects of biospheric–altruistic values, egoistic values and ascription of responsibility on personal norms and the indirect effects of egoistic values were also significant. Conclusion: in order to develop personal norms, which are the antecedents of SWCB, biospheric–altruistic values and egoistic values should first be included in the curriculum as part of values education. In this context, it is very important for sustainability to train teachers on water footprint to improve awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility. As a result of this research, it can be said that biospheric–altruistic values orientation must be higher than egoistic values orientation to achieve sustainability, and both must have a significant impact on personal norms, which is crucial in terms of the three dimensions of sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) content in the total diet can improve intake efficiency, prevent rumen disorders, and enhance the health and performance of feedlot-finished beef cattle. We hypothesized that an increase in dietary fiber levels would decrease the productive performance but increase the economic performance of young bulls in confinement. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing fiber levels on feed intake, wastage, and productive and economic performance of Nellore young bulls finished in confinement. We used 20 Nellore cattle, non-castrated males, 30 months old, and average body weight (BW) of 416.35 ± 2.2 kg distributed in a completely randomized design, kept in individual stalls. Animals were divided into four treatments consisting of four levels of neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) (25%, 30%, 35%, and 40% NDF) in total DM. Nutrient intake, feed conversion, feed waste, body weight (BW) at slaughter, total weight gain (TWG), average daily gain (ADG), hot carcass weight (HCW), and carcass yield (CR) were evaluated. In addition, economic parameters (revenue, food expenses, and gross margin) were calculated and compared. The dry matter (DMI), organic matter (OMI), crude protein (CPI), and ether extract (EEI) intakes showed quadratic behavior. The DMI maximum estimated was 28.5% NDF in the diet. The NDF and ADF intakes showed a positive linear effect and the starch intake had a negative linear effect. There was a significant positive linear effect (P < 0.05) for the variables total mixed ration (TMR) offered and daily and total RTM intake. Minimum RTM wastage was estimated with a diet containing 30% NDF. The maximum points for BW at slaughter, HCW, and ADG were 29.9%; 29.6%, and 25% NDF, respectively. The costs of concentrate and silage showed a positive linear behavior, as did the ADG costs and the carcass equivalent cost (P < 0.05). The maximum point of the revenue estimate (US$/animal) was 29.9% of NDF, 26.1% of NDF for the total expenditure on food (US$/animal), and 32.5% of NDF for the gross margin (U$/animal). In conclusion, the animals fed a 30% NDF diet showed the best performance and economics, in addition to less food waste. We recommend 25 to 32.5% of NDF in the diet to obtain maximum productive and economic performance when finishing Nellore young bulls in confinement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing ideas suggested by James Meade, Harry Johnson and Neil Laing, we argue that when one compares alternative long‐period positions, as in the work‐horse two commodity, two primary input model, the household's expenditure and the prices of the commodities purchased cannot be treated as independent variables. We call such a full adaptation of households to consistent price configurations 'full household equilibrium'. It is found that, at both the household and the aggregate levels, the purchased quantity of a 'normal' commodity can increase when its relative price rises. This basic result is readily applied both to aspects of welfare theory and to international trade theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the economic cohesion of two German areas, Hamburg and Saxony, in the 18th century, created through the inflow of Atlantic colonial groceries from the former to the latter. Combining different kinds of sources revealed the following. The trade flow from Hamburg to German lands began to shift from Prussia to Saxony in the middle of the 18th century. Within Saxony, the market was concentrated in two locations: the court city Dresden and proto-industrial district of Upper Lusatia. What made Saxony stand out were its liberal commercial policy and the development of rural trade. However, given that the growth of the market in Saxony was confined to geographically narrow zones, and that Prussia refused to be integrated with Hamburg, I concluded that the German market was distorted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qatar has experienced a remarkable surge in all four components of gross domestic product (GDP)—consumption, government spending, investment, and net exports as well as significant growth in population over the past thirty years. Despite a potential link between increasing production and consumption and a corresponding rise in CO2 emissions in Qatar, there exists a significant gap in the literature addressing this linkage. Using sectoral data, this article investigates the long-term trends of GDP growth and expenditure and their nexus with CO2 emissions in Qatar. Least square regression analysis (multiple regression approach) and Granger Causality tests have been used to examine the long-term association between GDP-expenditure and its components and CO2 emission patterns. Additionally, the study discusses the environmental implications and the necessity for effective natural resource management in climate policy. Our analysis reveals consistent average annual increases in Qatar over the past three decades: 4.8% in total expenditure, 5.4% in GDP, 4% in government spending, 4.7% in household consumption, and 1.77% in CO2 emissions. During this period, production- and consumption-based emissions surged by 700%, while consumption-based emissions rose by 500%. The energy sector alone accounts for 86% of Qatar's total CO2 emissions. Significant Granger causality was found between CO2 emissions and various economic growth and GDP components, suggesting a potential inverted U-shaped Kuznets Curve, indicating a possible decline in CO2 emissions in future. However, achieving this decline in CO2 emissions in accordance with UN SDG Goal 12 requires additional policy measures focussed on carbon capture and storage, circular economy practices, carbon pricing, and complementary climate policies. Specific policy actions include establishing CO2 observatories, promoting clean energy initiatives, and engaging the private sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Methods Results Discussion and Conclusions A minimum unit price (MUP) for alcohol of £0.50 per unit (1 UK unit = 10 mL/8 g alcohol) was introduced in Scotland in May 2018. Few previous studies have examined the impact of alcohol pricing policies on people who are alcohol dependent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MUP on people who are alcohol dependent including changes in alcohol consumption and health status, as well as potential unintended consequences.Three waves of cross‐sectional data were collected in Scotland (intervention) and Northern England (control) at 0–6 months pre‐implementation then 3–9 months and 18–22 months post‐implementation. The sample was N = 706 people receiving treatment related to their alcohol use. We collected structured interview data including recent drinking information via a 7‐day timeline‐follow‐back drinking diary. Difference‐in‐difference analyses estimated change in indicators in Scotland compared to England at both post‐implementation timepoints.The proportion of participants consuming alcohol costing on average <£0.50 per unit in Scotland decreased from 60.6% at 0–6 months prior to MUP implementation to 6.3% at 3–9 months post‐implementation (p < 0.0004). There was no significant change in the indicators for alcohol consumption, severity of dependence, health status, other substance use, deprivation level or parenting.The introduction of MUP in Scotland was associated with increases in the prices paid for alcohol by people with dependence and presenting to treatment services. There was no evidence of changes in their alcohol consumption or health status. There was also no evidence of harmful unintended consequences for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difference in the results from previous studies on the impact of inflation on poverty, coupled with an increase in the money supply from direct investment, inspired this research. This study aimed to ascertain how poverty, inflation, and foreign investment affect consumption spending in Indonesia based on 1997-2021 time series data. This study used Vector Autoregression estimation, utilizing data sources from the World Bank. The data will be processed with econometric models. From the study’s findings, it may be inferred that overall consumption affects inflation, which can be seen from the Granger causality test that shows that this variable has a one-way causal relationship. The results of the same test also show that FDI has an effect on total consumption and conversely consumption has an effect on FDI. However, the poverty variable does not affect total consumption and vice versa, because according to the causality test, the variable obtains an insignificant probability value. However, the VECM results explain that poverty has an effect on total consumption, and that the effect of consumption on inflation is due to the larger t-statistic value and has a positive relationship. This implies that the rate of inflation will increase the lower the level of consumption. However, the Impulse Reason test shows that poverty has a negative trend, as does the FDI variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The experiment was conducted during December, 2020 to June, 2021 at Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India to evaluate the ecological footprint of 15 hospitals that were chosen at random. The purpose of this study was to assess the ecological impact of these medical facilities-which included both government and private hospitals--across five blocks of district. The ecological footprint framework was utilized to analyze factors such as food waste, solid waste, water consumption and energy consumption and material use, determining their impact on biocapacity. The average ecological footprints of the hospitals ranged from 116.5 to 271.4 global hectares (g ha). The ecological footprints varied across different blocks as follows Jawalamukhi (349.7 g ha), Dharamshala (535.6 g ha), Nurpur (698.3 g ha), Palampur (722.3 g ha), and Kangra (814.0 g ha). Notably, the hospitals in the Jawalamukhi block were the most sustainable, exhibiting the lowest ecological footprint. These results underscore the significant environmental impact of hospitals and the urgent need for initiatives to reduce their ecological footprint, particularly in the Kangra block. The results emphasize the importance of sustainable resource utilization in healthcare institutions to minimize their ecological footprint and promote environmental sustainability. To achieve a balance between providing healthcare services and protecting the environment, the research recommends extensive actions to enhance the effectiveness of resource utilization, waste management, and energy consumption in hospitals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an overview of scholarship related to the economy in Hebrew Bible studies, focusing particularly on scholarship published in the past decade (2013–2023). For the scholarship before this past decade, please see Nam's excellent survey on the topic in Portrayals of Economic Exchange in the Book of Kings (2012: 17–70) and in 'Economics and the Bible' (2013). The article has three sections. The first explores recent discussions on various models proposed to understand the economic situation of the world behind the Hebrew Bible. The second outlines recent discussions on the components of production; namely, land access, labor relations, and the role of debt in connecting the two. The third and final section surveys scholarship on two interrelated elements responsible for the flow of resources: temple and royal administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beef and dairy cattle commonly ingest soil when consuming forage-based diets in paddock feeding situations. However, the extent of this soil intake is poorly understood in the Australian environment and under Australian grazing systems. Therefore, the aim of the current literature review was to examine soil ingestion in cattle and the factors that affect ingestion. We found 11 studies containing soil-ingestion data, based in England, France, New Zealand and USA but none from Australia. A wide range in soil ingestion rates was reported and intake varied considerably with season, forage-pasture type, pasture-on-offer, stocking rate and grazing conditions. Generally, soil ingestion was lower in beef cattle than in dairy cattle. We considered the differences in reported levels, variables around those differences, and reliability of methodology used, and compared results with existing international guidelines. For Australian applications, we deduced and recommended that 0.5 kg/head.day is used until field-based research is conducted in Australia which might provide a more specific value for Australian conditions. Our review will inform future livestock management, particularly on contaminated agricultural land. In Australia, there is a poor understanding of how much soil cattle ingest while grazing. We conducted a literature review and found 11 papers to inform our views, but there were no published papers from Australia. Ingestion levels varied among countries, and between dairy and beef enterprises. We estimated that cattle ingest about 0.5 kg/head.day; however, this varies according to circumstance. Research is required in Australian environment to better inform managers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the concentrations of seven heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, and Mn) in the muscle tissue of six commonly consumed fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita, Wallagu attu, Hypophthalmicthys molitrix, Channa punctuate, and Puntius sophore) from the River Indus in the Mianwali district Pakistan. Samples were collected during both pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons to assess the potential human health risks associated with these heavy metals. The levels of metals were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The results showed varying concentrations of heavy metals in the fish samples (mg/kg), ranging from 10.17-2.06 for Pb, 41.83-12.54 for Cu, 417.04-41.93 for Zn, 2.06-0.46 for Cr, 0.86-0.08 for Cd, 4.33-1.43 for Ni, and 50.16-8.74 for Mn. Notably, metal concentrations were generally higher during the pre-monsoon season, with Pb consistently exceeding standard limits in the muscle tissue of all fish species. ANOVA analysis revealed significant variations in heavy metal concentrations among different fish species. While the current consumption rate poses no significant health risks, ongoing monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in fish and their environmental sources is crucial to ensure consumer safety and sustainable aquatic ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From soil to freshwater ecosystems, decomposition can be conceived as the result of interactions between organic matter and a diversity of organisms. This function is driven in part by detritivores, invertebrates that feed on detritus or graze on its associated microbes and that have a significant but extremely variable contribution to decomposition.In order to better understand and predict detritivore–detritus pairwise interactions, we propose a conceptual framework, called Detri2match, to study the consumption of detritus by detritivores, using a trait‐matching approach at the individual detritivore level. Here, we focus on the interaction between saprophagous detritivores that fragment plant detritus.We propose a novel definition of a saprophagous detritivore as an animal that consumes plant detritus when its traits match sufficiently the traits of its resource, passing through five interaction facets of consumption. These include (1) a spatial match rule regarding the encounter, (2) a biomechanical match rule regarding ingestion, (3) a digestive match rule regarding assimilation, (4) an energetic match rule regarding the fulfilment of metabolic needs and (5) a nutritional match rule regarding the fulfilment of chemical element needs in adapted proportions.The main goal of this framework is to guide future research to establish generic rules of misunderstood detritus–detritivore pairwise interactions by identifying relevant interaction facets and their key associated traits for both detritivores and detritus. This investigation should be conducted over the temporal variability of trait‐matching constraints throughout the whole decomposition process. Coupled with adequate accumulation of trait information, the Detri2match framework could also facilitate predictions by inference of non‐tested pairwise detritivore–litter interactions.We also outline conceptual, methodological and analytical challenges of this framework. The main challenge would be to scale up these pairwise rules at the detrital network level and to test their genericity, which would contribute to a better understanding of the functioning of the detrital network and its contribution to decomposition. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowding induces behavioural and lasting morphological and chromatic changes in insects. This study examined how larval rearing density of Propylea dissecta (Mulsant, 1850) affected food choice and development duration, hypothesising that larvae under stress will opt for lower quality food as larval density increases. Larvae were reared at various densities under three crowding treatments: direct physical, indirect physical, and chemical tracks. In each treatment, larvae experienced crowding at densities of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 individuals per arena. Fourth stage larvae were provided with food choice of aphids, heterospecific eggs, and conspecific eggs. Significant effect of crowding on total development duration, first consumption time, and first food consumption was observed. Decrease in development duration at densities of 4 and 6 and increase in development duration at low and high densities were observed in direct physical crowding. Indirect physical and chemical crowding yield the shortest development duration at densities of 8, 10, and 12, when compared to low and moderate crowding. First encounter time increased with increasing chemical tracks concentration, while first consumption time decreases with crowding across all groups. First consumed food was also significantly influenced by crowding, suggesting a negative impact on larval food choice. Our results indicate that crowding among larvae leads to a longer development duration and show less selectivity in their food choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Alcohol consumption has decreased in England in recent decades, while alcohol‐specific death rates have remained relatively stable. Age–period–cohort (APC) models offer the potential for understanding these paradoxical trends. This study aimed to use an APC model approach to measure long‐term trends in alcohol abstention and consumption in England from 2001 to 2019. Design, setting and participants: The study used grouped and proxy‐variable APC models of repeat cross‐sectional survey data, set in England (2001–19). Participants were residents in England aged 13 years or over who took part in the Health Survey for England. Measurements: Outcome variables were alcohol abstention and consumption in units. We created nine age groups (13–15, 16–17, 18–24, 25–34, until 65–74 and 75+, reference 45–54 years), four periods (2001–04, 2005–09, 2010–14 to 2015–19, reference 2005–09) and 18 5‐year birth cohorts (1915–19 to 2000–04, reference 1960–64). We proxied age effects (systolic and diastolic blood pressure), period effects (alcohol affordability, internet usage and household alcohol expenditure) and birth cohort effects (prevalence of smoking and prevalence of overweight). Findings The odds of abstaining were considerably larger at young ages, 13–15 years [odds ratio (OR) = 5.38; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.50–6.43], were lowest during the first period, 2001–04 (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.79–0.86) and had a U‐shaped pattern by birth cohort. For units of alcohol, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) increased until age 18–24 years (IRR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.34–1.48) and decreased afterwards, were highest during the first period, 2001–04 (IRR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.05–1.08) and showed an inverted J‐shape by birth cohort. Our proxy variable approach revealed that using blood pressure measures, alcohol affordability and prevalence of overweight as proxies resulted in APC effects that differed from our base‐case model. However, internet usage, household expenditure on alcohol and smoking prevalence resulted in APC effects similar to our base‐case model. Conclusions: The discrepancy between decreasing alcohol consumption and increasing alcohol‐related deaths observed in England from 2001 to 2019 may, in part, be explained by the halt in abstention trends since 2010 and a slight consumption decline since 2001. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Studying the impact of advertising on consumer consumption of a product is very important because it enables us to understand the relationship between advertising and consumption in order to adopt advertising strategies to increase consumption or sales of a product and in political fields to increase the number of voters for a party, etc. This article aims to model the relationship between advertising and consumption to enable it to be better understood and used. We will use the basic model of diffusion and adoption to find the relationship between advertising and consumption, where adoption will play the role of a mediator in this relationship. We will apply the model to a real dataset on the consumption of an electronic product ChatGPT-3 over a period of 9 months where the model succeeds in real data tests. We will find that advertising directly affects the consumption of the product, and we will use the model to find out the number of adopters needed for a product to maximize the consumption of the target product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focused ona smart, cloud-enabled internet of things system that optimizes home energy distribution, safety, and consumption. The materials used in this paper include Servo motor, lamp holder, energy bulbs, 13A socket, rectifier, jumper wires, electric cables, Blynk interface, motion sensor, temperature/humidity sensor, Esp32, and smoker sensor. The development of the system's code, which was essential for optimizing the system's operations, was carried out using the Arduino Integrated Development Environment. A testbed comprising of the designed work was done in house located in Anambra State, Nigeria over a six-month period, where eight appliances were used to gather used energy by deploying smart plugs, and a smart meter that measures the major energy load of the house. Results show that both implementations collected, stored, and controlled the energy according to the smart, cloud-enabled internet of things system. This work showed that energy providers, and technology developers implement a cloud-enabled Internet of Things system for the best possible household energy usage, safety, and distribution. This technology can significantly increase energy efficiency, save costs, and improve home safety to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This survey determined the factors influencing fresh beef consumption and its marketing efficiency among consumers and sellers, respectively, in rural communities of Maiha Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria. Combined purposive and random sampling methods were employed in the selection of respondents for the study. A structured questionnaire, group discussion and an interview schedule were used to source the data. Descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and marketing efficiency were the measures adopted in analysing the data. The findings show that males (69.96%), who were mostly married and educated, were the major consumers of beef in rural areas. A large proportion were farmers with a monthly income between ₦20,000 and ₦50,000, and the majority were middle-aged persons with a household size of 1–5 individuals. Major significant (p < 0.05) socioeconomic determinants of fresh beef consumption in the domain were income, household size, monthly expenditure on beef, frequency of consumption and age. A value of 156% for marketing efficiency reveals a highly efficient market system for fresh beef. The challenges most commonly experienced by fresh beef consumers were the incomes of household heads (70.76%) and the price of fresh beef (49.87%). In conclusion, middle-aged, educated males constituted the bulk of beef consumers in the area surveyed, with income, household size and monthly expenditure on fresh beef the main determinants of consumption. Concerned institutions should therefore advance policies that would lower the cost of beef in order to increase the consumption rate in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper examines peer effects on self‐control problems. I construct a theoretical model to describe how peer networks influence consumption behaviors through social norms. Using monthly survey data conducted in 16 Thai villages from 1999 through 2004, I find that peer's temptation consumption significantly impacts individuals' temptation consumption such as alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. A one baht (around $0.025 U.S. dollars) increase in peer's temptation consumption leads to a 1.5 times increase in one's own temptation consumption. With detailed household‐level social network information defined by actual transactions, this paper identifies peer effects using a friend of a friend (excluded network) as the instrument. The panel nature of this instrument overcomes various common identification challenges, such as reflection, correlated effects, and common unobservable shocks, in the literature. My findings suggest that these peer effects are driven primarily by social norms, rather than risk sharing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary supplements (DS) are very popular with the general population, physically active people and professional athletes are often taken without professional advice. Adverse effects on consumer health are increasingly being reported and there are concerns about overdoses of certain nutrients. There are initial indications that some groups of people have a higher affinity to DS than others. It appears that the type of sport and possibly gym membership could have an influence on consumer behaviour. Therefore, this study aimed to identify high consumer groups of DS among the general population in Germany. › Methods: The consumption of DS was assessed using an online questionnaire including information about physical activity, gym membership and the consumption and intake doses of DS. Completed questionnaires were returned by 244 participants (m=153, f=91; 30.7±10.4 years SD). The answer options were valued, and subjects were categorized in low, average and high consumers (indicating overdosing). A configural frequency analysis was performed using the independent variables gender, gym membership, consumption. The configurations were tested with an exact binomial test and the p-value was corrected according to Bonferroni (0.05/12=0.0042). › Results: Three significant configurations were found (p=0.0042). The configuration, 'male-gym member-average consumption' as well as 'male-gym member-high consumption' were significantly overrepresented. Male gym members with low consumption behaviour were significantly underrepresented. › Conclusion: This analysis suggests that male gym users in the German population have a higher risk of excessive DS consumption than other subgroups. Awareness campaigns regarding the risk of intake and overconsumption of DS can be targeted to high-risk groups. Due to the small sample size and the different types of fitness gyms, further studies are needed to make clearer statements and identify more precise risk groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic is almost over, but its economic and business consequences will continue to be felt for years. There were already warnings of the need for an increased role of social marketing due to environmental and human health concerns. Still, experience from the pandemic has made it mandatory in many sectors. Faced with the consequences of the pandemic, many changes are being witnessed in the post-pandemic era in production, consumption, and consumer behaviour that this paper will explore. By reviewing the literature, the prospects, and challenges of social marketing in the post-COVID-19 era are examined, observing recent global trends. A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence was done by browsing scientific papers and relevant literature. Findings suggest that social marketing is experiencing a reverse trend, which implies that reorienting production, consumption, and consumer behaviour is not happening as many would have expected in the post-COVID-19 period. According to the United Nations (UN) World Economic Situation and Prospects Report, the prospects for a robust global economic recovery remain dim due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which include persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and heightened uncertainties (UN News, 2023). The contribution of this paper is the findings and conclusions of policy measures in social marketing that are more reorienting in the long run than simply adopted in the short run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are typically associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in vulnerable individuals such as patients with prolonged hospitalizations, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly. This study aimed to provide post-marketing surveillance results concerning the prevalence of antibiotic resistance against Gram-negative bacteria through the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team. Patients involved have been treated with new antibacterial drugs, in particular ceftazidime/avibactam (C/A), meropenem/vaborbactam (M/V), cefiderocol, and ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T). The most resistant bacterial species were Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Italian Drug Agency (AIFA) monitoring records for inpatients have been collected and analyzed, assessing the characteristics of the patients involved. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drugs involved have been reported using a descriptive analytical approach. All data have been collected retrospectively from patient's medical records and entered into an electronic case report form (CRF). Among the 104 treated patients, Klebsiella spp. accounted for 50.1% of infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa for 32.7%, Acinetobacter baumannii for 3%, and other bacterial species for 1.92% configuring polymicrobial infections. Regarding treatment outcomes, healing was achieved in 61 (58.6%) patients, 23 (22.1%) patients died, 8 (7.7%) patients discontinued empirical therapy, and 3 (2.9%) patients were lost to follow-up. Despite the introduction of new antibacterial drugs active against Gram-negative bacteria is improving the clinical scenario, it is crucial that the use of new antibacterial drugs be implemented by appropriate antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance programs, and monitoring efforts to prevent further spread of resistance. This study showed that the new antibiotics have good efficacy against MDR bacteria and cause negligible side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to lack of information and deceptive advertising, young people widely consume energy drinks, although they should be careful because of their contents. Energy drinks contain high amounts of caffeine, sugar, and other additives that can stimulate the body. They can cause irritability, anxiety, insomnia and can increase heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate. Aim of this research was to study consumption of energy drinks among medical university students in Kazakhstan. Cross-sectional study was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect information. Students enrolled in various courses at the medical university, including interns and residents, were invited to participate. A total of 764 respondents took part in the survey. Among the trainees, 41.4 % had consumed caffeinated energy drinks in the past six months, and at the time of the survey, 16.2 % of the respondents had consumed these drinks. Respondents who do not drink alcohol are 3 times (p<0.001) more likely not to use energy drinks compared to those who drink alcohol. Those who do not exercise are 4.7 times (p<0.001) more likely not to consume energy drinks compared to active athletes. Participants who had not consumed caffeinated energy drinks in the past six months were 1.8 times (p<0.001) more likely not to consume energy drinks compared to those who drank them. Consumption of energy drinks by students can temporarily increase physical and mental performance, improve mood and raise energy levels, while at the same time, they also come with serious health risks. Therefore, educating students about the potential risks and the importance of a healthy lifestyle is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considers ways to increase the consumption of sustainable fashion given the significant environmental and social damages associated with the industry. A series of experiments were conducted examining the impacts of choice architecture (nudges) under field conditions in collaboration with one of Israel's largest shopping centers. This study sought to identify which interventions at the retail level successfully motivate sustainable fashion behavioral change regarding purchases and willingness to pay more, along with agreement with several statements regarding the climate crisis and sustainable fashion. Among the types of nudges examined in this field study were providing information, increasing accessibility to sustainable alternatives and appealing to social identity in relation to demographics and green self-image. This study found that offering alternatives to consumers constituted the most effective way to "nudge" consumers toward more sustainable purchasing behavior. Nonetheless, this does not negate the contribution of providing information and strengthening social norms regarding sustainable fashion. Additionally, in all groups, most participants reported that they did not know how to distinguish between sustainable and non-sustainable fashion, nor did they believe that the clothes they purchased were actually sustainable. The findings emphasize the need for policies that will increase the accessibility of sustainable fashion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]