Hasil untuk "Home economics"

Jung-Hyun Kim, Eugene Shim, Min Sook Kyung et al.

Objectives To apply a healthy dietary program with reduced sodium intake, developed using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), focusing on the sodium intake level and eating patterns. Methods The program was implemented using a living lab model, an open innovation ecosystem for user-centered problem-solving. Analysis of the KNHANES data revealed that older age groups had a low energy intake but a high sodium intake, particularly among those who frequently dined out. The program was designed to improve sodium-reduction literacy and enhance practical competency. Over four weeks, 40 participants tracked their dietary intake and worked with a clinical nutritionist through a process of diagnosis, experience, improvement, and expansion. A self-administered survey was conducted before and after the program to assess effectiveness. Results Participants were four teenagers (10%), 26 in their twenties (65%), and 10 aged ≥ 30 years (25%), with eight males (20%) and 32 females (80%). Post-program analysis showed significant improvements in sodium-related nutrition knowledge (P < 0.01), with increased agreement on adopting low-sodium intake practices (e.g., interest in sodium content, choosing lower-sodium foods). Nutrient intake analysis showed a decrease in energy, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins (P < 0.001), with sodium intake decreasing from 3,382.37 mg/d to 2,119.05 mg/d (P < 0.001). Conclusion The community-based, living lab model for the sodium-reduction program effectively improved participant sodium-reduction literacy and practical competency, suggesting that step-by-step, autonomous learning, can reduce sodium intake and promote healthier eating habits.

Masaki Kato, Kento Koyama, Shige Koseki

Predictive models for bacterial growth developed on the basis of experimental data obtained from culture media often yield different results from observations in actual foods. Although this discrepancy may be due to differences in compositional characteristics, food structure, and other factors, the impacts on bacterial behavior have not yet been quantified and modeled mathematically. This study first aimed to quantify the effects of amino group concentrations on the growth kinetics of Escherichia coli. A predictive model incorporating the effect of the amino group concentration was subsequently developed, and its potential for improving prediction accuracy in foods was verified. The growth kinetics of E. coli ATCC 25922 were examined at 37 °C in a protein mixture comprising albumin (0.001–30% (w/w)) and phosphate-buffered saline. The maximum specific growth rate (μmax) and maximum population density (Nmax) estimated by the Baranyi and Roberts models were successfully described as equations of the amino group concentration in the form of Monod’s model (Monod, 1949)and logarithm, respectively. The developed μmax equation was further incorporated into the square-root type μmax model developed by Ross (2003) to improve the predictive robustness. The model performance was validated using the experimentally obtained changes in E. coli numbers over time in actual foods. The root mean squared error (RMSE) of the model incorporating amino group concentration was better (RMSE = 0.652) than that of the model without amino group concentration (RMSE = 0.681). Notably, for lettuce, the prediction accuracy was significantly improved with the model incorporating amino group concentration (RMSE = 0.661) compared to the model without it (RMSE = 1.015). The developed model incorporating the effect of the amino group concentration indicated the potential to reduce the discrepancy between observed bacterial growth in actual foods and model predictions depending on the food type.

Stelios Viazis, Michael C. Bazaco, Tyann Blessington et al.

Leafy greens are a reoccurring source of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) outbreaks. We summarize data from farm investigations following STEC outbreaks linked to leafy greens conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local partners, during 2009–2021. Investigational and laboratory data on multistate STEC outbreaks linked to leafy greens were collected during 2009–2021 from CDC’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System and FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response &amp; Evaluation Network. Farm investigation information was retrieved from the FDA Farm Investigation Questionnaires and Investigation Memos. During 2009–2021, there were 49 leafy greens STEC outbreaks; 37 were linked to a specific type of leafy green. Traceback investigations were conducted for 25, and farm investigations for 17. Seven outbreaks were traced back to a single farm, and 10 were traced back to multiple farms. Environmental samples collected per investigation increased over time, and farm investigations since 2018 included a more diverse collection of environmental sample types. This overview includes a summary of the results obtained from the samples collected, including leafy greens, air, water, sediment, animal feces, and soil. The outbreak strain was identified in 6 of 17 investigations by genomic analysis, though sample and testing methods changed over time, increasing the sensitivity for pathogen detection. Collaboration between investigative partners improved the collection of samples and data through contributions from a diverse set of experts and identified possible contamination sources. Improved traceability in the supply chain can help identify single farms for investigations and focused product actions; continued grower outreach and education and adoption of regulations and best practices can help improve leafy green safety; and research to address food safety gaps can help minimize the impact of future outbreaks.

Jiongxian Yang, Jie Zhang, Jun Liu et al.

BackgroundPhase angle (PhA) is a variable obtained from bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). It is highly sensitive and specific and is commonly used in clinical nutrition assessment. Recently, PhA has shown promise in predicting clinical outcomes, especially as a new indicator of mortality, but its use in pediatric research is limited. This study aims to investigate the association between PhA measured at admission using BIA and PICU length of stay (LOS) and 60-day mortality in critically ill children and adolescents.MethodsA consecutive series of pediatric patients in the PICU underwent BIA measurements within 72 h of admission. All patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patient demographics, anthropometric measurements, pediatric index of mortality 2 score (PIM-2), and laboratory exams were recorded. Kaplan–Meier (K–M) survival curves were constructed based on the critical PhA value to assess differences in survival status within the 60-day window. Multivariate cox regression model was employed to illustrate the relationship between PhA and 60-day mortality rates. The Youden’s index method was used to identify the critical cut-off value for PhA in relation to mortality rates. ROC curves provided the area under the curve (AUC) and a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsA total of 205 pediatric patients (118 boys) were included, with a mean age of 9.2 years (±6.0). Survival curves indicated a cutoff value of 3.1°, with higher survival in patients with PhA ≥3.1° compared to those with PhA &lt;3.1° (F = 10.51, p &lt; 0.0001). The area under the ROC curve was 0.70, with a sensitivity of 0.65 and specificity of 0.72. Total hospital LOS was longer in the PhA &lt;3.1° group compared to the PhA ≥3.1° group (p = 0.000). The PhA &lt;3.1° group had a longer PICU LOS (adjusted for age and sex, HR 1.871, p = 0.000, log-rank test, p = 0.000). PhA and PIM-2 were two independently significant correlated variables (p &lt; 0.05) for the 60-day mortality rate in this study.ConclusionLow PhA in patients is associated with longer PICU LOS and an increased risk of PICU patient mortality. PhA not only serves as an indicator for monitoring pediatric nutrition but also as a prognostic indicator for PICU patients.

Shudan Luo, Pengfei Zhou, Yang Shen

Based on the configuration theory, this paper discusses the multiple concurrent causes and causal complex mechanisms affecting the performance differences among different new farmers. Using the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method, taking 40 cases of CCTV’s “ZHI FU JING” column as samples, the paper analyzes the necessary conditions for new farmers to produce high performance by the anthefactory-variable configuration composed of human capital, social capital, psychological capital, entrepreneurial learning and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. The results show that: (1) high human capital is the necessary core condition for new farmers to produce high entrepreneurial performance, lack of high entrepreneurial learning and lack of high entrepreneurial opportunity identification is the core necessary condition for low entrepreneurial performance; (2) the driving mechanism of new farmers’ high entrepreneurial performance is divided into three paths, and the driving mechanism of new farmers’ low entrepreneurial performance is divided into two paths; and (3) the ways of inhibiting new farmers’ performance and promoting their performance are asymmetrical.

Rajiv B. Kale, Abhishek D. Gavhane, Shailendra S. Gadge et al.

The genus Allium is a prominent member of the Amaryllidaceae family and encompasses approximately 1,063 species worldwide. These diverse species vary in appearance and flavor but they share biochemical similarities. Underutilized Alliums present a promising alternative to onion and garlic in various Indian regions, given their adaptability, versatile utility, and nutraceutical properties. Their adaptation in the plains of India is a great opportunity to add medicinal and nutraceutical value to Indian cuisine. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the underutilized raw Allium leaves for their sensory perception by hedonic test (n = 60), consumer perceptions and willingness to purchase (n = 180), and the development and validation of value chain model (n = 30) to popularize these species in plains. For the various sensory attributes evaluated, Allium tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 emerged out to be the most suitable for its advancement into the consumer survey. The consumer perception study recorded 74.44% willingness to purchase of total respondents and a majority preference for consuming it in cooked form (38.30%). A value chain model of Allium tuberosum Kazakhstan CGN-1587 with supply chain agencies was subsequently developed. Validation of this value chain model was done with a panel of different stakeholders. Panelists perceived the value chain as highly valid, particularly in terms of economic feasibility (4.30 ± 0.70) and sustainability (4.20 ± 0.81). Thus, the present study provides valuable insights that can support and promote the use of underutilized Alliums in non-traditional areas of India.

EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials; Enzymes and Processing Aids (CEP), Claude Lambré, José Manuel Barat Baviera et al.

Abstract The food enzyme α‐amylase (4‐α‐d‐glucan glucanohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.1) is produced with the non‐genetically modified microorganism Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BA by HBI Enzymes Inc. The enzyme under assessment is intended to be used in six food processes: baking processes, brewing processes, distilled alcohol production, starch processing for the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, production of dairy analogues and production of rice‐based meals. Since residual amounts of total organic solids (TOS) are removed during distillation and during the production of glucose syrups and other starch hydrolysates, dietary exposure was calculated only for the remaining four food manufacturing processes. It was estimated to be up to 4.805 mg TOS/kg body weight (bw) per day in European populations. The applicant did not provide sufficient data to demonstrate that the production strain meets the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) criteria, or proof of absence of viable cells and DNA from the production organism in the food enzyme. Therefore, the Panel was not able to conclude on the safety of the microbial source. A margin of exposure could not be calculated in the absence of toxicological studies. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and two matches with respiratory allergens were found. The Panel considered that, under the intended conditions of use (other than distilled alcohol production), the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel could not conclude on the safety of this food enzyme, under the intended conditions of use.

Ana Carolina Brasil e Bernardes, Maria Gabriela Nunes da Silva, Juliana de Cássia Neves Felisbino

Introdução: A obesidade é uma doença crônica e multifatorial que na atualidade é um grande problema para a saúde pública. Com o alto índice de pessoas obesas, consequentemente aumentaram os números de procura e realização da cirurgia bariátrica  sendo uma forma mais rápida para perda de peso. A cirurgia bariátrica é um tratamento satisfatório e duradouro para a obesidade mórbida e comorbidades, em contrapartida, no pós-operatório pode ocorrer carências nutricionais, complicações neurológicas e cardíacas e exige a manutenção psicológica pois as mudanças corporais e alimentares podem influenciar em um comportamento perturbado acarretando os transtornos alimentares, como o Transtorno da Compulsão Alimentar Periódica (TCAP). Objetivo: Correlacionar o Transtorno de Compulsão Alimentar em pacientes pós-bariátricos. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa com caráter transversal, qualitativo. Foi realizada de maneira online através de questionários respondidos pelo Google Forms, encaminhados através de redes sociais. Foram selecionados indivíduos que já realizaram a cirurgia bariátrica, com faixa etária entre 19 e 65 anos, independente de sexo, renda e se possui ou não a compulsão alimentar. Resultados e discussão: Utilizando a Escala de Compulsão Alimentar Periódica (ECAP) nos pacientes pós bariátricos foi rastreado que dentre os 234 participantes, 58 possuem compulsão alimentar, sendo 45 indivíduos classificados em compulsão alimentar moderada e 13 indivíduos classificados em compulsão alimentar grave e a maioria deles não fazem acompanhamento multiprofissional. Conclusão: Conclui-se que há prevalência de TCAP em pacientes pós bariátricos, sendo importante a atuação de nutricionistas, psicólogos e a participação do grupo de apoio no pós-operatório.

Yanzhi Wu, Yinggang Sun, Rui Chen et al.

Lipids are essential organic components in milk and have been associated with various health benefits for newborns. However, a comprehensive analysis of lipid profiles across multiple species and levels has been lacking. In this study, we employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to accurately determine the absolute content of lipid molecules. It revealed that ruminants exhibit a higher concentration of short-chain fatty acids compared to non-ruminants. Additionally, we identified ALC (camel), MGH (horse), and DZD (donkey) as species that display similarities to components found in human milk fat. Remarkably, it reveals that porcine milk fat is characterized by long chain lengths, low saturation, and a high proportion of essential fatty acids. PS (22:5_18:2) could potentially serve as a biomarker in porcine milk. These unique characteristics present potential opportunities for the utilization of porcine milk. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights into the lipidomics profiles of milk from different species.

Stefania Fiorentino, N. Livingstone, P. Mcallister et al.

Part of an ongoing longitudinal study, this article provides evidence on the emerging impacts of Covid-19 on the demand for, configuration and role of offices in cities, drawing on primary data from semi-structured interviews with UK-based corporate real estate managers. The research is grounded on a ‘theory of change’ framework combining real estate, institutional economics and economic geography literature. Our findings confirm an acceleration towards hybrid working patterns. While some changes in the current use of offices may be temporary or more dynamic, other adjustments may be permanent (for example working from home, portfolio rationalisations) and trigger structural changes across cities.

Enrica Croda, S. Grossbard

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event with wide-ranging implications. Given that households are at the center of major changes affecting the entire world, the Review of Economics of the Household is publishing a series of issues on COVID-19 and the economics of the household. Here we review eight articles documenting the enormous costs of the COVID containment policies, in particular the school closures that ensued. Individuals paid a heavy cost in terms of disruption in their attachment to the labor force. Children could not go to school and parents were forced to provide extra childcare and spend significant amounts of time helping children continue to learn, while possibly working from home. Domestic violence became more common. These changes have often been traumatic, to the detriment of the well-being and mental health of large numbers of people. Women have paid a higher price than men, as many of the studies demonstrate. Our conclusion calls for policy-makers to prepare for the post-traumatic period: many households will need help.

J. Donahue

The fifth chapter analyzes how Tiphanie Yanique’s Land of Love and Drowning and Nicole Dennis-Benn’s Here Comes the Sun critique the surveillance of women’s bodies. In highlighting the multigenerational impact of incest, sex work, and commercial land development, the authors foreground resistance to exploitative practices. Their works explore the interplay of structural inequalities, foreground the emotional and economic impact of exploitative practices, and question who benefits from the commoditization of land and women’s bodies. Here Comes the Sun and Land of Love and Drowning undercut the paradise myth through critical representations of tourism, sex tourism, and land development in Jamaica and the Virgin Islands. The novels call attention to the relationship between power, economics, and the surveillance of sexuality. The authors use the protagonists’ moves away from home, their respective quests for affirmation, to position home as a site of individual and collective trauma.

Dian Herawati, Michael Oscarius Loisanjaya, Radwa Husni Kamal et al.

The study is aimed at evaluating bioactive compounds, volatile compounds, and cup quality of Excelsa coffee (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei) from different postharvest processing procedures, i.e., natural, honey, semiwashed, and wine. The green beans from each procedure were roasted at light to medium levels. Sample analysis was performed using HPLC and GC-MS instruments for bioactive compounds and volatile compounds, respectively, followed by a cupping test. As the results, postharvest processing significantly altered content of bioactive compounds (caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) and alkaloids) in Excelsa green beans; the lowest quantity of CQAs and alkaloids was found in wine and semiwashed green beans, respectively. Significant degradation of 5-CQA and its transformation to 3-CQA and 4-CQA occurred in all light-medium roasting levels. In general, alkaloids were stable during roasting, and only trigonelline was slightly declined. Roasting process also generated 17 potent volatile compounds in Excelsa beans including 2-ethylpyrazine, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethyl-3-ethylpyrazine, guaiacol, 4-vinyl-guaiacol, and isovaleric acid and its esters. Furthermore, cupping test revealed that Excelsa coffee samples obtained from different postharvest processing were categorized as very good coffee (cupping score>80). This finding may encourage the commercialization of all observed Excelsa coffee beans.

Fernando Ramos-Escudero, Fernando Ramos-Escudero, Raquel B. Gómez-Coca et al.

The chemical composition and CIELAB color parameters of oil from three aguaje morphotypes (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide was investigated. By chromatography (HPLC and GC), spectrometry (UV/vis), and digital image colorimetry (digital camera), carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, fatty acids, total polyphenols, and CIELAB color space were analyzed. These findings showed that the oil obtained from morphotype 3 was superior in several analytes (carotenoids, polyphenols, oleic acid, β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol), while morphotype 2 and morphotype 1 showed very close profiles. The most similar chemical components in the oils of the three morphotypes were stigmasterol (16.00 to 17.81%), β-sitosterol (66.39 to 68.94%), palmitic acid (15.56 to 20.69%), and oleic acid (73.29 to 79.54%). The chromatic parameters (L*, a*, b*, and Cab*) were quite different except for the hue angle (hab) (66.55 to 69.71 U), which showed some similarity. Aguaje oil is an interesting resource that stands out for its high content of carotenoids. All three morphotypes may be suitable for potential commercial applications.

Jie Yang, Jie Yang, Yue Sun et al.

In this study, a strain of Lactobacillus plantarum Y2 was isolated from the ginkgo peel, and showed adequate adaptation to the ginkgo biloba kernel juice. After 48 h of fermentation, the number of viable cells in the stable growth phase was remained at 10.0 Log CFU/mL, while the content of total organic acid increased by 5.86%. Phenolic substances were significantly enriched, and the content of total phenolic substances increased by 9.72%, and the content of total flavonoids after fermentation exceeded 55.33 mg/L, which was 3.6 times that of the unfermented ginkgo juice. The total relative content of volatile flavor compounds increased by 125.48%, and 24 new volatile flavor substances were produced. The content of total sugar, total protein, and total free amino acid decreased to 44.85, 67.51, and 6.88%, respectively. Meanwhile, more than 82.25% of 4′-O-methylpyridoxine was degraded by lactic acid fermentation, and the final concentration in ginkgo biloba kernel juice was lower than 41.53 mg/L. In addition, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of fermented ginkgo biloba kernel juice were significantly enhanced. These results showed that LAB fermentation could effectively improve the nutritional value and safety of ginkgo biloba kernel juice.

Jacqueline Veronica Velasco, Joseph Christian Obnial, Adriel Pastrana et al.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic warrants an immediate response. Persons with disabilities (PWDs) are one of the most vulnerable populations susceptible to marginalization. While there are existing guidelines in the Philippines that aim to assist their basic needs, a call for inclusivity in policymaking for the COVID-19 response is highly advocated. This paper aims to analyze existing policy guidelines concerning the welfare of PWDs in the country based on several policy domains. Methods: Relevant documents were acquired through extensive search of government and nongovernment websites and news agencies. Literature included memorandums, circulars, and news bulletins in the period between January 2020 to May 2021. This study conducted a framework analysis on policies enacted by the Philippine government during the COVID-19 pandemic concerning PWDs. The framework was divided into eight areas: access to (1) information, (2)healthcare, (3) education, and (4) financial support, (5) protection from infection in residential settings, (6) reasonable accommodation, (7) consideration for disabled people facing multiple exclusions, and (8) inclusion to decision-making process. Results: Fifteen PWD related COVID-19 response documents from the Philippines were reviewed and analyzed. Most policies corresponded to themes related to financial support and reasonable accommodations. Most documents were limited to proposals and suggestions with only a few documents including specific details on how the program will be implemented and monitored. Conclusion: The state has proven its cognizance for PWDs; however, implementation and its impact remain to be seen. The government needs to evaluate these efforts to identify gaps and barriers. A comprehensive national database should be implemented to centralize registration of PWDs, and efforts should be made to inform and educate PWDs of their rights and of existing programs. Most importantly, PWDs should be included in the discourse and decision-making process to ensure programs are acceptable and accessible.

Filip Stabrowski

EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP), Vasileios Bampidis, Giovanna Azimonti et al.

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of OptiPhos PLUS®, intended to be used as a feed additive for laying hens, turkeys for breeding, chickens for breeding, minor poultry species for egg production purposes and breeding. The active substance is 6‐phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Komagataella phaffii. The EFSA FEEDAP Panel concluded that the genetic modification of the production strain does not give rise to safety concerns. Based on the tolerance studies provided, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe for the target species under the conditions of use with a wide margin of safety. The additive was considered safe also for the consumer and the environment. The additive is not a skin irritant but is a dermal sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the eye irritation potential of the additive. Owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in increasing the phosphorus utilisation in laying hens at the level of 250 FTU/kg feed. These conclusions were extended to turkeys for breeding and chickens for breeding and extrapolated to minor poultry species for egg production purposes and breeding.

Fatoumata Hama-Ba, Claire Mouquet-Rivier, Bréhima Diawara et al.

Biofortification is among the food-based strategies, recently implemented and still in development, to fight micronutrient deficiencies. Three cereal-based traditional dishes of Sub-Saharan Africa (tô paste, pancakes, and gruel) prepared from one local (Gampela), or two biofortified (GB 8735 and Tabi) varieties of millet were assessed for their (i) acceptability by local consumers, (ii) iron and zinc absorption predicted by phytate-to-mineral molar ratios and (iii) contribution to the iron and zinc requirements of young children. Tasters preferred the color, texture, and taste of dishes prepared with the local variety, whether or not the grains were decorticated. Hedonic and preference tests showed no significant difference between the two biofortified varieties, but the cooks reported different behaviors during processing. Biofortified millet contained up to two times more iron than the local variety, reaching 6.5 mg iron/100 g dry matter. Iron and zinc contents remained higher in biofortified varieties even after decortication. Iron content in the dishes was highly variable, depending on iron loss and potential contamination during processing. The phytate-to-mineral molar ratios of all dishes indicated low iron absorption, independent of the millet variety, but improved zinc absorption in dishes prepared with biofortified varieties. The contribution of a dish prepared with one of the two biofortified millet varieties to the recommended iron and zinc intakes for 6–11-month-old children was estimated to be about 5 and 7%, respectively, compared to 2 and 4% for the same dish prepared with local millet. For 12–23-month-old children, the contribution to the recommended intakes was estimated to be about 14 and 12% with biofortified millet, respectively, and about 6 and 7% with local millet. The use of biofortified millet varieties could be complementary to food diversification strategies to increase iron and zinc intakes. As in Ouagadougou, cereals are eaten in different forms by young children several times per day, iron and zinc intakes could be improved in the long term by using the biofortified varieties of pearl millet.

Emmanuel Abokyi, Henk Folmer, Kofi Fred Asiedu

Abstract Background Food price volatility poses widespread risks, from farmers to consumers, notably in developing countries. Because of its devastating effects on sustainable farming and food security, particularly for the poor, it continues to be a crucial policy priority. Governments have applied various methods of stabilizing domestic food prices including publicly held buffer stocks, import and export tariffs and production supports. This study evaluates Ghana’s agricultural output price stabilization policy implemented in the context of the National Buffer Stock Program. Results Based on data from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, we apply the coefficient of variation and the corrected coefficient of variation to analyze the volatility of output prices of maize and rice. The results show that the price volatility of maize and rice has declined in the markets where the policy has been implemented but not in the non-policy markets. Conclusion There is, therefore, empirical evidence that the policy has been successful.