Hasil untuk "Home economics"

D. G. Whyte, A. Lo, R. Bielajew et al.

Commercial fusion energy requires frameworks to assess both the scientific and economic viability of a wide variety of fusion concepts. Inspired by the Lawson criterion's ability to universally describe fusion energy gain, a generalized framework is developed to determine the economic gain of fusion power plants. The model exploits temporal equilibrium, and engineering and cost parameters normalized to the energy capture surface. The derived criteria for economic gain are therefore independent of the power plant's absolute power, impartial to the particulars of its fusion technology, and can be applied to any fusion confinement concept. The derivation of the economic gain factor, $Q_{econ}$, results in nonlinear equations with ten controlling normalized design parameters ranging from fusion power density and surface component lifetime to energy fluence, price of energy, and component efficiency and cost. These ten controlling parameters are varied over a wide range to provide high-level insights in design, finance and operational tradeoffs that improve the prospects for economically viable fusion energy.

Almaz Abebe, Shenglan Yuanb, Daniel Tesfay et al.

This paper enhances the classical Solow model of economic growth by integrating Lévy noise, a type of non-Gaussian stochastic perturbation, to capture the inherent uncertainties in economic systems. The extended model examines the impact of these random fluctuations on capital stock and output, revealing the role of jump-diffusion processes in long-term GDP fluctuations. Both continuous and discrete-time frameworks are analyzed to assess the implications for forecasting economic growth and understanding business cycles. The study compares deterministic and stochastic scenarios, providing insight into the stability of equilibrium points and the dynamics of economies subjected to random disturbances. Numerical simulations demonstrate how stochastic noise contributes to economic volatility, leading to abrupt shifts and bifurcations in growth trajectories. This research offers a comprehensive perspective on the influence of external shocks, presenting a more realistic depiction of economic development in uncertain environments.

Gabriel de Oliveira Quintana, Renata Fragoso Potenza, Sofia Lasmar Lima Oliveira

Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest methane emitter, with methane accounting for 24% of national greenhouse gas emissions and the agricultural sector responsible for 75.6% of these methane emissions, mainly from livestock. Under a business-as-usual scenario, agricultural emissions are projected to rise in line with intrinsic emissions associated with production growth, challenging Brazil’s commitments to the Global Methane Pledge and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Based on the methodology for calculating emissions from the Brazilian National GHG Inventory and the mitigation potential of different mitigation strategies aimed at the agricultural sector, such as those addressed by the ABC+ Plan. This brief compares a trend scenario against a mitigation scenario based on the adoption of proven low-emission practices and technologies in livestock and crops productions systems. The implementation of methane reduction strategies for livestock and agricultural production can reduce sectoral methane emissions by 28% by 2035 compared to 2020 levels. Policymakers must prioritize scaling of these technologies, replacing the more methane-emitting analogues and establish robust Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems to ensure impact.

Fenghua Wen, Xieyu Yin, Chufu Wen

We develop a theory of demand economics for an era of material abundance. The binding constraint on growth has shifted from insufficient aggregate demand to inadequate demand-tier upgrading. Our result is that, the new engine of growth lies in upgrading the demand hierarchy: higher-tier demands generate larger value-creation multipliers. The key mechanism is education-driven utility management. Education transforms the social utility function, raises the utility of higher-tier goods, and directs resources toward higher-value domains; this warrants a policy reorientation away from short-run aggregate stimulus toward education-centered, long-horizon investments in human capital. Methodologically, we build an estimable general-equilibrium framework.

Coen Hutters, Max B. Mendel

In this paper, we demonstrate how multiport network theory can be used as a powerful modeling tool in economics. The critical insight is using the port concept to pair the flow of goods (the electrical current) with the agent's incentive (the voltage) in an economic interaction. By building networks of agents interacting through ports, we create models with multiple levels of abstraction, from the macro level down to the micro level. We are thereby able to model complex macroeconomic systems whose dynamical behavior is emergent from the micro level. Using the LTSpice circuit simulator, we then design and analyze a series of example systems that range in complexity from the textbook Robinson Crusoe economy to a model of an entire economy.

Valsaraj PAYINI, Giridhar KAMATH, Vasanth V.P. KAMATH et al.

Purpose – With destinations facing ever-increasing challenges due to increasing tourism activities, understanding residents’ perspectives is critical for fostering a harmonious and sustainable coexistence. Therefore, this study systematically reviews the studies on residents’ attitudes toward blue tourism. Methodology/Design/Approach – Based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), this study employs a TCM framework to identify, assess, and synthesize relevant literature, theories, contexts, and methods the researchers adopt.Findings – The findings revealed blue tourism’s increasing attention and significance,highlighting its growing importance in the global tourism discourse. The systematic review of 81 articles suggests that social exchange theory was the most popular and widely usedto measure residents’ attitudes. Further, findings show that 50% were conducted on islands, followed by coastal tourism (25%). Other contexts were cruise tourism (17.5), marine tourism (2.5%), boat tourism (1.25%), and seaside destination (1.25%). Quantitative research designs account for more than two-thirds of the total (80%), with qualitative papers accounting for 15% and mixed method papers for the remainder (5%).Originality of the research – This review article identifies gaps in the current literature and recommends future research directions to enhance our understanding of resident attitudes and support for blue tourism, ultimately developing a resilient and sustainable knowledge landscape.

Boram Seo, Sangwon Chung

Abstract Fermented plant foods, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, are gaining increasing attention for their potential to modulate the gut microbiome and improve host health. This review summarizes current data on the microbial composition, functional metabolites, and health effects of fermented plant foods commonly consumed in Asia, with a focus on fermented soybean foods (e.g., cheonggukjang, natto, and tempeh), and fermented vegetable foods (e.g., kimchi). Several bioactive compounds derived from fermentation modulate gut microbial composition and diversity, gut barrier integrity, and immune and inflammatory responses to help prevent and manage metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and other gut-related disorders. Preclinical and animal studies have elucidated the mechanisms underlying these health effects. We highlight the importance of developing personalized dietary interventions, standardizing the production of fermented plant foods, and evaluating health effects using multi-omics approaches. These foods hold promise as microbiome-targeted interventions for maintaining and improving host health.

Gert W. Meijer

Nutrition science and food science & technology are crucial for creating a healthier world through accessible nutrition and sustainable health practices. Examples of successful impact can be found in food fortification, foods with effective levels of bioactives, (re)formulation of foods to combat obesity and diet-related diseases, (re)formulation of foods to enable nutrition and health claims, and the activities by the European Technology Platform (ETP) for the food sector 'Food for Life'.In preparing, maintaining, and promoting the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA), the ETP aims to identify scientific and technological actions towards the transformations that are needed to achieve more optimal outcomes of the food system. The four major food system outcomes are the environment, society, citizen health & wellbeing, and economy & competitiveness. The SRIA provides essential guidance to the European Commission, Member States and Regions, the food industry, and the wider research community interested in food, in the form of Research and Innovation needs to make a real difference to the Food and Drink sector and society. The mutualism between nutritionists and food scientists and technologists is essential for achieving the transformations towards the outcomes that are needed for a more sustainable food system.

Ravi Jagadeesan, Alexander Teytelboym

This paper develops a theory of competitive equilibrium with indivisible goods based entirely on economic conditions on demand. The key idea is to analyze complementarity and substitutability between bundles of goods, rather than merely between goods themselves. This approach allows us to formulate sufficient, and essentially necessary, conditions for equilibrium existence, which unify settings with complements and settings with substitutes. Our analysis has implications for auction design.

Katsiaryna Bahamazava

We present a theoretical framework assessing the economic implications of bias in AI-powered emergency response systems. Integrating health economics, welfare economics, and artificial intelligence, we analyze how algorithmic bias affects resource allocation, health outcomes, and social welfare. By incorporating a bias function into health production and social welfare models, we quantify its impact on demographic groups, showing that bias leads to suboptimal resource distribution, increased costs, and welfare losses. The framework highlights efficiency-equity trade-offs and provides economic interpretations. We propose mitigation strategies, including fairness-constrained optimization, algorithmic adjustments, and policy interventions. Our findings offer insights for policymakers, emergency service providers, and technology developers, emphasizing the need for AI systems that are efficient and equitable. By addressing the economic consequences of biased AI, this study contributes to policies and technologies promoting fairness, efficiency, and social welfare in emergency response services.

Muhammad Hassan Bin Afzal

Economic hardships significantly affect public perception and voting intentions in general elections. The primary focus of my study is to capture the degree of influence that individual economic hardships have on their voting. I utilize the ANES 2024 Pilot Study1 Survey dataset and introduce a novel composite Inflation Behavior Index (IBR) that captures individuals' cumulative economic and cost of living experience. To that effect, the primary objectives of the current study are threefold: first, to develop a composite economic behavior index from available data and variables to capture the overall economic experience of U.S. individuals due to ongoing inflation; second, to examine how this economic behavior impacts political engagement and voting behavior utilizing appropriate and fitting mathematical models; and finally which specific personal experiences and perceptions about economy and cost of living likely to revoke party loyalty in upcoming U.S. presidential election. My study finds that increased personal economic struggles (pocketbook voting) due to inflation make it more likely for individuals to express an intention to vote against the Incumbent even if the Incumbent is from their self-identified political party. Conversely, having a negative perception of the national economy (sociotropic voting) is less likely to revoke party loyalty in the upcoming General election. In simpler terms, voters are more likely to vote along party lines even if they perceive their party (the Incumbent) is not handling the economy and cost of living well.

Feiyan Yang, Xin Wen, Siwei Xie et al.

Efficient and comprehensive analysis of lipid profiles in yak ghee samples collected from different elevations is crucial for optimal utilization of these resources. Unfortunately, such research is relatively rare. Yak ghee collected from three locations at different altitudes (S2: 2986 m; S5: 3671 m; S6: 4508 m) were analyzed by quantitative lipidomic. Our analysis identified a total of 176 lipids, and 147 s lipid of them were upregulated and 29 lipids were downregulated. These lipids have the potential to serve as biomarkers for distinguishing yak ghee from different altitudes. Notably, S2 exhibited higher levels of fatty acids (21:1) and branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (14:0/18:0), while S5 showed increased levels of phosphatidylserine (O-20:0/19:1) and glycerophosphoric acid (19:0/22:1). S6 displayed higher levels of triacylglycerol (17:0/20:5/22:3), ceramide alpha-hydroxy fatty acid-sphingosine (d17:3/34:2), and acyl glucosylceramides (16:0–18:0–18:1). Yak ghee exhibited a high content of neutralizing glycerophospholipids and various functional lipids, including sphingolipids and 21 newly discovered functional lipids. Our findings provide insights into quantitative changes in yak ghee lipids during different altitudes, development of yak ghee products, and screening of potential biomarkers.

Ryoken Aoki, Yasuo Watanabe, Yuki Sakai et al.

Sparassis crispa, an edible mushroom, has been reported to show many kinds of physiological functions. The present paper focused on reducing body weight, subcutaneous fat, and visceral fat gain in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Using the fruiting body powder of the indoor cultivation S. crispa (IT S. crispa: ITSc), one week after the OVX, ITSc was administered to two OVX groups by per os (p.o). In the sham group, 10 mL/kg water and 10 mL/kg saline were administered by p.o. and subcutaneous adm, respectively. OVX groups were divided into four groups. These treatments were performed on animals 6 days a week for 8 weeks. Subcutaneous and visceral fat measurements were performed under inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane using a Latheta LCT-200 X-ray CT system. The biochemical markers and the mRNA expression levels of the PPARγ, adiponectin, TNF-α, PPARα, and leptin were measured. Significant increases in body weight, fat ratio, and glucose levels were detected in OVX mice compared to sham mice. These increases were significantly blocked by ITSc, but not estradiol. Furthermore, ITSc treatment significantly increased adiponectin and leptin levels in adipose tissue. These results suggest that ITSc improves lipid abnormalities due to the less activity of women's ovary function, excluding estrogen functions.

Miguel Fajardo-Steinhäuser

The last decades have seen a resurgence of armed conflict globally, renewing the need for durable peace agreements. In this paper, I evaluate the economic effects of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and the largest guerrilla group in the country, the FARC, ending one of the lengthiest and most violent armed conflicts in recent history. Using a difference-in-difference strategy comparing municipalities that historically had FARC presence and those with presence of a similar, smaller guerrilla group, the ELN, before and after the start of a unilateral ceasefire by the FARC, I establish three sets of results. First, violence indicators significantly and sizeably decreased in historically FARC municipalities. Second, despite this substantial reduction in violence, I find precisely-estimated null effects across several economic indicators, suggesting no effect of the peace agreement on economic activity. In addition, I use a sharp discontinuity in eligibility to the government's flagship firm and job creation program for conflict-affected areas to evaluate the policy's impact, also finding precisely-estimated null effects on the same economic indicators. Third, I present evidence that suggests the reason why historically FARC municipalities could not reap the economic benefits from the reduction in violence is a lack of state capacity, caused both by their low initial levels of state capacity and the lack of state entry post-ceasefire. These results indicate that peace agreements require complementary investments in state capacity to yield an economic dividend.

Nick Harkiolakis

A representation of economic activity in the form of a law of conservation of value is presented based on the definition of value as potential to act in an environment. This allows the encapsulation of the term as a conserved quantity throughout transactions. Marginal value and speed of marginal value are defined as derivatives of value and marginal value, respectively. Traditional economic statements are represented here as cycles of value where value is conserved. Producer-consumer dyads, shortage and surplus, as well as the role of the value in representing the market and the economy are explored. The role of the government in the economy is also explained through the cycles of value the government is involved in. Traditional economic statements and assumptions produce existing hypotheses as outcomes of the law of conservation of value.

Alder Keleman Saxena, Ximena Cadima Fuentes, Debbie L. Humphries

A growing body of research seeks to measure the nutritional contributions of agrobiodiversity to the diets of small-scale farming households. While such articles frequently base analysis on nutritional surveys, particularly using 24-h dietary recall methods, there is as-yet little critical analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of 24-h recalls for assessing the nutritional contributions of agrobiodiversity, or for evaluating the biodiversity conservation implications of particular dietary patterns. The current article draws from mixed-methods research conducted in Cochabamba, Bolivia, between 2011 and 2015. Methods included both ethnographic research and a two-season, household-level survey of 414 households, distributed across a rural–urban gradient between urban Cochabamba and the rural municipality of Colomi. The survey included a 24-h “culinary recall,” recording specific ingredients used to prepare foods, including variety-level information for key crops in the region. Results demonstrate that native crops play an important role in household diets, accounting for around a third of calories reported at the household level, and as much as 57% of caloric availability in the most remote agricultural communities. However, a fine-grained examination of the data shows that nearly a third of all calories reported are provided by potatoes and their derivatives; no other native, improved, or Andeanized crop accounted for more than 1.53% of reported calories. Using ethnographic data, the paper considers reasons for the lack of representation of other crops in dietary recall methods, including the difficulties of capturing the consumption of crops that are seasonal, or consumed as specialty foods under specific circumstances. Drawing from these observations, the paper argues that assessing the importance of local consumption as a driver of agrobiodiversity conservation requires methods that are better attuned to cultural and seasonally driven consumption practices.

Grant M. Tinsley, Kyung-Shin Park, Catherine Saenz et al.

BackgroundTo date, body composition assessments in Hispanics, computed via bioimpedance devices, have primarily focused on body fat percent, fat mass, and fat-free mass instead of total body water (TBW). Additionally, virtually no information is available on which type of bioimpedance device is preferred for TBW assessments in Hispanic populations.PurposeThe purpose of this study was to validate two bioimpedance devices for the estimate of TBW in Hispanics adults when using a criterion deuterium oxide (D2O) technique.MethodsOne-hundred thirty individuals (males: n = 70; females: n = 60) of Hispanic descent had TBW estimated via D2O, single-frequency bioimpedance analysis ([SF-BIA] Quantum V, RJL Systems) and bioimpedance spectroscopy ([BIS] SFB7 Impedimed).ResultsThe mean values for SF-BIA were significantly lower than D2O when evaluating the entire sample (37.4 L and 38.2 L, respectively; p < 0.05). In contrast, TBW values were not statistically significant when comparing D2O against BIS (38.4 L, p > 0.05). Bland–Altman analysis indicated no proportional bias when evaluating the entire sample for SF-BIA or BIS. The standard error of estimate and total error values were ≤ 2.3 L and Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient were ≥ 0.96 for all comparisons.ConclusionThe SF-BIA and BIS devices evaluated in the current study hold promise for accurate estimation of TBW in Hispanic adults. While both methods demonstrated relatively low errors relative to the D2O criterion, BIS exhibited a more consistent performance, particularly at the group level. These findings provide essential information for researchers and clinical nutrition practitioners assessing TBW in Hispanic adults.

Viktor Stojkoski, Philipp Koch, César A. Hidalgo

To achieve inclusive green growth, countries need to consider a multiplicity of economic, social, and environmental factors. These are often captured by metrics of economic complexity derived from the geography of trade, thus missing key information on innovative activities. To bridge this gap, we combine trade data with data on patent applications and research publications to build models that significantly and robustly improve the ability of economic complexity metrics to explain international variations in inclusive green growth. We show that measures of complexity built on trade and patent data combine to explain future economic growth and income inequality and that countries that score high in all three metrics tend to exhibit lower emission intensities. These findings illustrate how the geography of trade, technology, and research combine to explain inclusive green growth.

Takuya Hara

Studies have evaluated the economic feasibility of 100% renewable power systems using the optimization approach, but the mechanisms determining the results remain poorly understood. Based on a simple but essential model, this study found that the bottleneck formed by the largest mismatch between demand and power generation profiles determines the optimal capacities of generation and storage and their trade-off relationship. Applying microeconomic theory, particularly the duality of quantity and value, this study comprehensively quantified the relationships among the factor cost of technologies, their optimal capacities, and total system cost. Using actual profile data for multiple years/regions in Japan, this study demonstrated that hybrid systems comprising cost-competitive multiple renewable energy sources and different types of storage are critical for the economic feasibility of any profile.

Edward F. Nash, Jocelyn Choyce, Victoria Carrolan et al.

Background: Home monitoring (HM) is able to detect more pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) than routine care (RC) in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), but there is currently no evidence for benefits in health outcomes. Patient experiences of using HM and a health economics assessment have not been rigorously assessed to date. This study aimed to assess the effects of HM on hospital admissions, quality of life, antibiotic requirements, exacerbation frequency, lung function, nutritional outcomes, anxiety, depression, costs and health outcomes, as well as the qualitative effects on the patient experience. Methods: This randomised controlled mixed-methods pilot study recruited CF adults cared for in one large regional CF centre. Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to the intervention cohort [twice-weekly HM of symptoms measured by the Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Symptom Diary – Chronic Respiratory Infection Symptom Score (CFRSD-CRISS) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV 1 )] or a control cohort (routine clinical care) for the 12-month study period. Measurements were recorded at study visits at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Spirometry, body weight, comorbidities, medications, hospital inpatient days, courses of antibiotics (oral and intravenous) and PEx (defined by the modified Fuchs criteria) were recorded at each study visit. Health status, capability and cost-effectiveness were measured at each study visit by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the ICEpop CAPability measure for Adults (ICECAP-A), EuroQol 5 dimensions (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire and an adapted resource use questionnaire. The patient experience of HM was assessed by semi-structured qualitative interviews at baseline and 12 months. Results: Eighty-eight participants were recruited, with 44 (50%) randomised to receive HM and 44 (50%) randomised to receive RC. Patient hospital inpatient bed days per annum and overall health-related quality of life were similar between the groups. Protocol-defined PEx requiring intravenous and oral antibiotics were detected more frequently in the HM group, with no other differences between the groups in the secondary outcomes. The total mean National Health Service (NHS) costs were approximately £1500 more per patient for the RC arm than the HM group. The qualitative analysis demonstrated that the patient experience of HM was generally positive and overall the intervention was well accepted. Conclusion: The findings of this trial confirm that HM is effective in detecting PEx in adults with CF. There were no significant differences in hospital inpatient bed days and overall health-related quality of life between the groups. Despite the cost of the HM equipment and the salary of the research fellow to respond to the results, health economics analysis suggests the intervention was less expensive than RC. HM was generally well accepted, with most participants reporting that it resulted in them feeling more empowered and reassured. Trial registration The study protocol was registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02994706) on 16 July 2014 and published in a peer reviewed journal. Data from this trial has been presented in abstract form at the ECFS Conference in Lyon in September 2020.