A fresh look at calorie-income elasticities in China

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Nie ◽  
Alfonso Sousa-Poza

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use data from the 1991 to 2009 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) to analyze how income in China is related to calorie intake. Design/methodology/approach – The paper employs a variety of parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric methods for cross-sectional and panel data, and estimates calorie-income elasticities for adults aged 18-60. Findings – The calorie-income elasticities are generally small, ranging from −0.031 to 0.022. In addition, the results show no clear nonlinearity, regardless of whether parametric, nonparametric, or semiparametric approaches are used. Originality/value – Using a wealth of estimation techniques, including parametric, nonparametric, and semiparametric approaches, this paper addresses some of the main methodological challenges encountered in estimating calorie-income elasticities. The magnitudes of calorie-income elasticities have policy implications especially with regards to the effectiveness of income-mediated policies aimed at combating food insecurity in China.

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naqeeb Ur Rehman ◽  
Arjona Çela ◽  
Fatbardha Morina ◽  
Kriselda Sulçaj Gura

PurposeWestern Balkans countries (WBCs) have a great potential for growth and among the main focuses of entrepreneurial activity is small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME) sector. Moreover, SMEs are believed to contribute in the economy by stimulating employment, increasing production, transferring new technologies and so forth. Due to this crucial importance the purpose of this paper is to analyze the barriers that hinder labor productivity (LP) of SMEs in WBCs.Design/methodology/approachThe research method employed to discover solution to this research problem is quantitative analysis by using survey data of World Bank. Research methodology applied in this paper found it correctly to use cross-sectional data and conducts a factor analysis and ordinary least square (OLS) regression as the best procedure for this type of data.FindingsThe results show variability for different countries access to finance, tax rates, tax administration, corruption, inadequately educated labor force, competition in informal sector and political instability appear to be some of the main obstacles that are negatively affecting LP of SMEs in WBC.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis better results could be obtained with larger samples and panel data.Practical implicationsThe policy implications of this study suggest that in order to boost productivity of these firms there must be a reduction of the barriers and improvement of business environment. Although, this study is the first to analyze all the possible obstacles for the six WBCs using factor analysis and contributes as insight to policy makers, better results could be obtained with larger samples using panel data.Originality/valueDifferently from previous studies this work uses explanatory factor analysis and method OLS to estimate regressions for all barriers in each country of Western Balkan region.


BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. e014371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Shamah-Levy ◽  
Verónica Mundo-Rosas ◽  
Carmen Morales-Ruan ◽  
Lucia Cuevas-Nasu ◽  
Ignacio Méndez-Gómez-Humarán ◽  
...  

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. e039295
Author(s):  
Mary L. Greaney ◽  
Steven A. Cohen ◽  
Furong Xu ◽  
Christie L Ward-Ritacco ◽  
Deborah Riebe

ObjectivesTo determine if adults with overweight or obesity received counselling from their healthcare providers (HCPs) to lose weight and/or adopt healthful behaviours associated with weight loss, and whether they took action on their HCPs’ recommendations.DesignCross-sectional analysis of 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data.SampleNHANES respondents aged 18+ who were overweight/obese and had seen an HCP in the previous 12 months (n=13 158).MethodsRespondents reported if their HCPs recommended they control/lose weight, increase exercise/physical activity (PA) and/or reduce fat/calorie intake, and if they adopted the offered recommendation(s). Weighted logistic regression models examined receipt of HCP counselling by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and weight status accounting for demographic characteristics and complex sampling. Similar analyses examined reported adoption of HCPs’ recommendations.ResultsThe sample was 53.1% women, 45.0% were overweight and 55.0% had obesity. In total, 40.4% received counselling to control/lose weight, 49.5% to increase exercise/PA and 38.9% to reduce fat/calorie intake. The following groups were less likely (p<0.001) to receive counselling: men; younger adults (aged 18–39) versus middle-aged (aged 40–64) and older adults (aged 65+); White versus Black and Hispanic respondents; overweight respondents versus respondents with obesity. Approximately half of those advised to make changes reported doing so (53.6% controlled/lost weight, 57.3% increased exercise/PA, 51.8% reduced fat/calorie intake). Differences in the adoption of recommendations were identified by sex, age group, race/ethnicity and weight status (all p<0.05); women, middle-aged and older adults, Black and Hispanic respondents and individuals with obesity were more likely to adopt one or more recommendations.ConclusionMost respondents did not receive HCP counselling, and approximately half of those who received counselling reported taking action. HCPs may need training to provide counselling and to offer recommendations tailored to the social contexts of populations less likely to adopt weight control related recommendations.


2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumi Hayashi ◽  
Nobuo Yoshiike ◽  
Katsushi Yoshita ◽  
Kazuo Kawahara

AbstractObjectiveThere is an increasing concern of anaemia in Japanese women, but no national trend data has existed to date. We analysed long-term national trends of anaemia in adult women.DesignSecondary analyses of 15 consecutive cross-sectional nationwide surveys conducted during the period 1989–2003. Analyses were based on 5-year intervals (1989–1993, 1994–1998, 1999–2003).SettingJapan.SubjectsThe subjects included the National Health and Nutrition Survey of Japan (NHNS-J) population. Analyses were based on 50 967 non-pregnant/non-lactating women aged 20 years and over, with complete data sets. We stratified subjects into six age groups (20–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years and 70+ years), and three age groups (20–49 years, 50–69 years, 70+ years) for analyses on residential areas (metropolitan, cities and towns).ResultsDecreases in trends of mean haemoglobin values (intravenous) were significant in all age groups. Changes in the prevalence of anaemia were significant only in women aged 30–39 and 40–49 years. Anaemia (haemoglobin < 12.0 g dl−1) increased from 16.8% to 20.6% in women aged 30–39 years, and from 20.2% to 26.9% in women aged 40–49 years, respectively. Prevalence was highest in women aged 70 years and older in all times, but no significant change was observed.ConclusionsHaemoglobin values have declined significantly in all ages in the last 15 years. Anaemia was especially significant in women aged 30–39 years and 40–49 years. Our findings suggest that a large number of young women in Japan are at risk of anaemia, so continuous monitoring and controlling efforts of this trend are needed.


2013 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
pp. 706-713 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. CONDE-GLEZ ◽  
E. LAZCANO-PONCE ◽  
R. ROJAS ◽  
R. DeANTONIO ◽  
L. ROMANO-MAZZOTTI ◽  
...  

SUMMARYSerum samples collected during the National Health and Nutrition survey (ENSANUT 2006) were obtained from subjects aged 1–95 years (January–October 2010) and analysed to assess the seroprevalence ofBordetella pertussis(BP) in Mexico. Subjects' gender, age, geographical region and socioeconomic status were extracted from the survey and compiled into a subset database. A total of 3344 subjects (median age 29 years, range 1–95 years) were included in the analysis. Overall, BP seroprevalence was 47·4%. BP seroprevalence was significantly higher in males (53·4%,P = 0·0007) and highest in children (59·3%) decreasing with advancing age (P = 0·0008). BP seroprevalence was not significantly different between regions (P = 0·1918) and between subjects of socioeconomic status (P = 0·0808). Women, adolescents and young adults were identified as potential sources of infection to infants. Booster vaccination for adolescents and primary contacts (including mothers) for newborns and infants may provide an important public health intervention to reduce the disease burden.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Uma Warrier ◽  
Cyril Foropon ◽  
Melinda Chehimi

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of mindfulness on organizational role stress (ORS) based on the Monitor Acceptance Theory (MAT) perspective.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a cross-sectional data analysis collected from 137 employees working at an Indian IT organization located in Bangalore (India). ORS and MAAS scales have been used for measuring ORS and mindfulness, respectively.FindingsOverall, the study findings have indicated a negative relationship (r = −0.588) between mindfulness (M) and ORS. First, both personal inadequacy (PI) and self-role distance (SRD) are found to be predominantly impacted by M, whereas both role erosion (RE) and role overload (RO) appear to be less affected by mindfulness. Second, SRD appears to be the highest ORS sub-dimension among IT employees. Third, building on the extant literature, it can be inferred that “no one size fits all”, ORS is both organization and context specific.Originality/valueThis study pioneers to establish empirical evidence between M and ORS. Training employees on M can help in effectively handling ORS.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Conor James Davidson ◽  
Keri Lodge ◽  
Alwyn Kam

Purpose To date there has been limited research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic people. This study aims to present the results of a survey of autistic people (n = 51) conducted by a UK specialist autism team. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional online survey. Findings A total of 72% respondents reported either some or significant deterioration in mental health during the pandemic. The issues that caused most negative impact were uncertainty over what will happen next and disruption of normal routine. Respondents reported a variety of coping strategies to help them through the pandemic. Originality/value To date there has been little research looking specifically at the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic people. This paper adds weight to the evidence that the pandemic has had a particularly severe impact on autistic adults and includes useful information on potential coping strategies for this population.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bert Schreurs ◽  
Angus Duff ◽  
Pascale M. Le Blanc ◽  
Thomas H. Stone

Purpose This article aims to provide prospective authors guidelines that will hopefully enable them to submit more competitive manuscripts to journals publishing careers research.Design/methodology/approach Based on their experience as an author, reviewer and editorial team member, the authors identify the main criteria that a quantitative study must meet to be considered for publication in international peer-reviewed journals covering career-related topics. They emphasize the importance of contributing to the careers literature and of designing the study in accordance with the research question.Findings Manuscripts are rejected because they are insufficiently innovative, and/or because sample, instruments and design are not appropriate to answer the research question at hand. Cross-sectional designs cannot be used to answer questions of mediation but should not be discarded automatically since they can be used to address other types of questions, including questions about nesting, clustering of individuals into subgroups, and to some extent, even causality.Originality/value The manuscript provides an insight into the decision-making process of reviewers and editorial board members and includes recommendations on the use of cross-sectional data.


2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 328-348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hichem Khlif ◽  
Achraf Guidara ◽  
Khaled Hussainey

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between the level of sustainability and tax evasion and test whether the level of corruption moderates such a relationship. Design/methodology/approach The sample consists of 65 developed and developing countries. Tax evasion is measured using a macro indirect approach used by Schneider et al. (2010). The sustainability level and corruption variables are collected from The Global Competitiveness Report for 2012-2013. Findings This study finds that the level of tax evasion is negatively associated with the level of sustainability (overall score and social and environmental score) and the quality of infrastructure. When we distinguish between low- and high-corruption countries, we find that this negative association is significant for low-corruption countries and insignificant for high-corruption countries. These results imply that the level of corruption may reduce the tendency of individuals in a given state to accept and trust their government in general and comply with the tax rules in particular. Originality/value Our empirical findings have policy implications for governments with high levels of tax evasion, as they highlight the importance of states’ engagements towards their citizens in reducing tax evasion.


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 673-686
Author(s):  
Mahdi Salehi ◽  
Ali Asgar Alinya

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and auditors switching of listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange. Design/methodology/approach To achieve the objectives of this study, 12 hypotheses developed which and tests the relationship between corporate governance and selecting and switching auditors in Iran during 2008-20014 by selecting 116 listed companies on the Tehran Stock Exchange. To test the hypotheses, the cross-sectional time-series nature of research variables data, panel analysis is used. Also, to investigate the relationship between independent and dependent variables in each year, the logistic regression is used. Findings The results of the study indicate that there is a weak relationship between corporate governance auditors switching. Therefore, it could be concluded that there are some other effective factors on which selecting and switching auditors in studied companies are more dependent. Originality/value The current study is almost the first study which has been conducted in Iran, so the results of the study may be beneficial to the Iranian conditions as well as other developing countries.


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