Impacts of water resource planning on regional water consumption pattern: A case study in Dunhuang Oasis, China

Water resources are critical for the existence and development of oases in endorheic basins.Thus,to enable sustainable development,it is fundamentally important to understand how to allocate and use these resources in a reasonable way.We therefore simulated and analyzed changes in water consumption pattern within the Dunhuang Oasis of China under three scenarios using a system dynamic model that corresponds to different water consumption pattern.This was done to assess the impacts of regional water resource planning(comprehensive planning of the rational use of water resource and protection of ecosystem services in the Dunhuang Basin)on water consumption pattern within the Dunhuang Oasis.The first of these,Scenario 1,is a baseline in which the status quo is maintained,while Scenario 2 incorporates the comprehensive effects of agricultural water-saving irrigation measures with an inter-basin water diversion project,and Scenario 3 focuses on ecological rehabilitation.In the baseline Scenario 1,the total water consumption within the Dunhuang Oasis increased progressively while agricultural water consumption remained extremely high and threatened overall ecological security.In contrast,Scenario 2 would decrease agricultural water consumption by almost 5.30×10^7 m^3 following the implementation of water-saving practices.The additional water allocated from an inter-basin water diversion project would play an important role in alleviating ecological strain on the oasis.Finally,in Scenario 3,the total irrigated land must be decreased to 20.6×10^3 hm^2 by 2025 assuming that water supply for ecosystem restoration would be at least 50%of the total consumption.Although water resource planning plays a very important role in alleviating the ecological water crisis within the oasis,it is necessary to consider the suitable scale of oasis with regard to current water consumption pattern.

Effects of Different Planting Pattern of Maize (<i>Zea mays</i>L.) and Soybean (<i>Glycine max</i>(L.) Merrill) Intercropping in Resource Consumption on Fodder Yield, and Silage Quality

An experiment was carried out at the field units of the north campus experimental areas in Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, P. R. China. The experiment was conducted on summer season (June to September) to determine the effects of different planting patterns of maize and soybean intercropping in resource consumption on fodder yield and silage quality. The main treatments were one sole crop of maize (SM) and four maize-soybean intercropping patterns (1 row maize to 1 row soybean (1M1S), 1 row maize to 2 rows soybean (1M2S), 1 rows maize to 3 rows soybean (1M3S) and 2 rows maize to 1 row soybean (2M1S), respectively. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications, and plot size of 12 m by 5 m. The crops were harvested when the maize reached at milk stage and soybean at R7 stage. The result indicated significant increase in fresh biomass and dry matter production of maize fodder alone as compared to maize intercropped with soybean fodder. It was correlated with a higher consumption of environmental resources, such as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and soil moisture by intercropping. After 45 days of ensiling period, silage samples were analyzed for pH, organic acids (Lactic, acetic, and butyric), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K). It was concluded that in all intercropped silages, crude protein (CP) values were higher (1M1S, 12.1%;1M2S, 12.2%;1M3S, 12.4%;2M1S, 12.1%) than the monocrop maize (SM, 8.7%) silage. Higher organic acids (p < 0.05) were produced in the 1M3S silages as compared to others silages. The study indicated that among all intercropped silages, the 1M3S (1 row maize to 3 rows soybean) was preferable according to nutrient composition than other intercropped silages.

Current Global Almond Trade and Its Consumption Patterns Analysis

This article aims to investigate the current situation of the international almond trade and its consumption patterns. Traditionally, almonds are characterized by their good taste and high quality and regarded as an ideal source of several natural health nutrients. At present, the United States is the leading almond producer and exporter in the world, accompanied by Germany, Spain and Japan, the biggest almond importing countries. In order to study almond consumption patterns, two indicators were used in our study, the Food Consumer Location Ratio （FCLR） and the Food Consumer Location Relative Ratio （FCLRR）. Furthermore, to identify the almond consumption groups, we carried out two cluster analyses based on FCLR and FCLRR values, Finally, an analysis of the factors which have an impact on a country＇s almond consumption was conducted. It shows that income level, endowment of resources and tradition as well as dietary habits are key factors that help to shape a country＇s almond consumption pattern.

Environmental Problems and Reform of Consumption Patterns

With the continuous improvement of population and people’s living standard,traditional consumption pattern at the cost of great consumption of resources and energy brought more serious damages to environment and development,and became the core of constant deterioration of environmental problems in present world.Therefore,the reform from current traditional consumption pattern to environment-friendly consumption pattern beneficial to sustainable development has become the important theoretical and practical subject at present.The relationship between environmental problems and consumption problems was analyzed firstly,and then the characteristics and disadvantages of traditional consumption pattern were discussed,finally the necessity and ways of constructing environment-friendly consumption pattern were put forward,so as to provide theoretical foundation for the reform of current traditional consumption pattern.

Consumption Pattern of Energy Drinks by University of Ibadan Students and Associated Health Risks Factors

Energy drinks are non alcoholic, carbonated beverages claimed to give extra burst of energy for daily obligation. They contain some form of legal stimulants and vitamins which are meant to give consumers short term boost in energy and increase mental alertness. Energy drinks enjoy patronage especially among higher institution students in Nigeria, but little is known about the consumption pattern and possible health risks to consumers. This study was carried out to determine the contribution of four commonly consumed energy drinks to energy intake of University of Ibadan students and the associated health risk factors. A descriptive cross-sectional survey of energy drinks consumption was carried out using a four-stage systematic random sampling technique to select 307 students from six out of nine halls of residence for Undergraduates and the two Postgraduate halls. A validated semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, consumption pattern and frequency, and factors influencing consumption of energy drinks. Samples of the four most commonly consumed energy drinks by the students (Power Horse, Emerge, Red Bull and Matador brands) were purchased from different stores within and around the University of Ibadan campus. Composite samples of all the four energy drinks (with at least six months expiration date) were analysed for physico- chemical characteristics, gross energy, minerals and B-vitamins content in triplicate using standard methods of AOAC. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and one way ANOVA, and level of significance set at p < 0.05. Respondents mean age was 23.1 ± 4.6 years, 79.2% were undergraduates and 51.1% were female. Majority (74.6%) of respondents had ever taken energy drinks prior to the study, 42.4% reported consuming at least one can in a week, and 52.1% consumed 1 can at a sitting. Reasons for consumption included to increase: energy (48.2%), mental alertness (18.6%) and athletic performance (9.5%). Reported side effects were: insomnia (14.0%), frequent urination (12.2%), dehydration (11.3%), anxiety (9.1%), heart palpitation (3.5%). Frequency of consumption was significantly associated with gender (p < 0.05). Titratable acidity, total solids and pH of energy drinks ranged between 7.57 ± 0.60 - 8.28 ± 0.08, 7.57 ± 0.60 - 11.42 ± 0.31, and 3.36 ± 0.08 - 3.81 ± 0.12 respectively. Glucose, sucrose, and gross energy content ranged between 7.77 ± 0.01 - 7.89 ± 0.01 g, 22.61 ± 0.07 - 23.74 ± 0.09 g, and 43.59 ± 0.38 - 48.89 ± 0.28 kcal/100g respectively. Few respondents knew about the ingredients and potential health risks associated with energy drink consumption. All the four drinks had acidic pH, hence nutrition education on reduction of energy drink consumption is needed among these students.

Food Consumption Patterns among Pre-School Children 3 - 5 Years Old in Mateka, Western Kenya

Hunger and malnutrition are burdens that are pronounced in developing countries where they manifest themselves in the forms of protein energy malnutrition. Malnutrition compromises the child’s immune system leading to direct mortality and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases stunting and poor brain development. This study sought to analyze the food consumption patterns of children 3 - 5 years old attending Mateka Primary school, Bungoma County. This study adopted a cross sectional survey. One hundred and twenty five (125) children selected from three ECD classes in the school formed the sample size. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study area and the children respectively. Structured questionnaires were administered to the caregivers of the children. Information on demographics, socio-economic status, and food consumption patterns were gathered. Food consumption patterns were assessed using a HDDS and a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Socio-demographic data was analyzed using (SPSS) Version 21 (2007) and dietary data was analyzed using Nutri-Survey for Windows (2007). Results revealed that most of the households were of low socio-economic characteristics. The most consumed foods were cereals, roots and tubers. Majority (55.2%) of the children had low dietary diversity, 29.1% had medium dietary diversity and 15.7% had greater dietary diversity. The children were deficient in energy, protein, Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc. It can be concluded that the diets fed to the children are inadequate to meet their nutrient intakes for physiological development and growth. Further research should be done to document the prevalence of micronutrient malnutrition among the children.

Factors That Affect Consumption Patterns and Market Demands for Honey in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Despite the significant annual consumption of honey in Saudi Arabia, information gaps remain with regard to the marketing and market structure of honey along the value chain. This study analyzed the major factors that influenced the consumption, expenditure patterns, and demand of honey in Saudi Arabia. This study forecasted the near-future expected market demands for honey in Saudi Arabia by collecting and analyzing the primary data using questionnaires. A total of 331 respondents from representative regions and large cities were randomly selected and interviewed. The data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative methods as well as appropriate econometric models. Respondents characterized honey quality using organoleptic words, and these characterizations varied based on the relative significance of perception parameters. Taste, aroma, physical state, and color had aggregated average scores of 4.58, 4.44, 3.54, and 3.28, respectively. In addition to the above parameters, honey source, brand name, and confidence in the producers influenced its perceived quality. The major outlets for honey in Saudi Arabia included producers, specialized honey stores, and auction markets in major cities during the harvesting seasons. Medication, food, and sweetening were the major motivations for buying honey in the Saudi market, with aggregate scores of 4.52, 3.71, and 1.52, respectively. Significant honey price variations were observed within and among different honeys and packaging volumes;this finding might be due to factors such as botanical and geographical origins, package volume size economics (i.e., bulk purchases), honey variety blending, brand names, and producer policies. The average price of locally produced honey was approximately $73 per kg, which is 10 times more than the average price of honey in the US and the EU. The estimated consumption/income elasticity was 0.27. These results suggest that honey is a basic commodity in Saudi Arabia. Based on econometric model forecasts, the Saudi market demand for honey is expected to reach approximately 29,784 tons in 2025.

Water Consumption Pattern among Young Adults in a Higher Institution in Mubi Adamawa State

Considering the injurious effects of hypohydration, a study on the water consumption pattern of young adult in a specified higher institution in Adamawa State was sought due to concerns on the low plain water consumption with the objectives of understanding the average daily consumption, as well as knowing contributors to total body fluid intake. A qualitative cross sectional sweep survey (CSSS) using simple random sampling (SRS) method was carried out, a pilot sturdy which achieved a cronback alpha of >0.7 reliability questionnaire was used to carry, while Conchrans formula was adopted to determine sample size N, which was 400. The result showed that majority of the respondents 176(44) were 21 years of age in their early adulthood, many, 187(46.75) used borehole water as their source of household water. Most of the respondents 272(69) agreed to drinking rain water. Some respondents 200(50) choose pure satchet water as their major source of drinking water, about half 200(50) of the respondents drink 1.5 L or less of water daily, while only 13(3.25) of the respondents drink 5 - 6 L/day of water, on the average. Most of the respondents 174(43.3) take orange as their most commonly consumed fruit, taking a maximum of 4 oranges per day, 160(40) of the respondents eat apple as their most commonly consumed fruit, with a maximum of one apple a day both apples and oranges give 87% fluid of their total weight. Some respondents 40(10) attested to being diabetic, with 13(3.26) of them agreeing to consuming alcohol, 377(94.25) confirmed they drink at least a bottle of carbonated drink daily. The study reveals that most young adults (21 - 25 years of age) in the sturdy area drink below the recommended daily requirement for water therefore, intervention as well as public enlightenment is required to encourage good water consumption pattern among young adults.

Space-time Dynamics of Dendroctonus valens Population in China and Spatial Sampling Technique based on Its Spatial Distribution Pattern

Red turpentine beetle （RTB）, Dendroctongs valens LeConte, is a destructive forest invasive species in China, it mainly attacks Pings tabuliformis and P. bungeana. So far it has spread rapidly to the provinces of Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi and Beijing since its first outbreak in Shanxi Province in 1998, and has caused extensive tree mortality. Space-time dynamics of D. valens population and spatial sampling technique based on its spatial distribution pattern were ana- lyzed using geostatistical methods in the pure P. tabuliforis forests and mixedwood stands which were at different damage levels. According to the spatial distribu- tion of D. valeas population, the specific spatial sampling technique was also studied, and then was compared with traditional sampling technique. The spatial sam- piing technique combined with sampling theory and the biological characteristics of D. valens population, which not only could calcnlate the error of the sampling, but also could discuss the optimal sampling number and the optimum size of plot according to different damage levels and different stand types. This helps to explain population expansion and colonization mechanism of D. valens, and to provide a good reference for adopting snitable control measures.

Food Consumption Patterns and Household Welfare in Eswatini: An Empirical Analysis Using Household Survey Data

This paper analyzes the food consumption patterns of poor and non-poor rural households in Eswatini using the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model to derive the estimates of price and expenditure elasticities for seven major food commodities. The derived elasticities are used in estimating the distributional welfare effects of a 43% price increase for maize using the compensating variation approach. The results of the study indicate that majority of the food items are demand inelastic with meat and dairy exhibiting elasticities greater than one, while maize is the least responsive to both price and expenditure. The results further show that high maize prices have a negative effect on poor households who generally spend more on maize to supplement their consumption requirements. Therefore, policy strategies that focus on expanding agricultural production and diversification of production activities especially at the household level can raise rural household income, lower the price of maize and ultimately improve food consumption for rural households. Moreover, this will insure net-buying households against market risks by lowering high reliance on the market and enable more consumption from own production. This study makes an important empirical contribution by providing useful insights on the estimates of demand elasticities for major food items consumed, taking into account that little attention has been devoted to empirical analysis of food consumption behavior in Eswatini.

Beam Pattern Scanning (BPS) versus Space-Time Block Coding (STBC) and Space-Time Trellis Coding (STTC)

In this paper, Beam Pattern Scanning (BPS), a transmit diversity technique, is compared with two well known transmit diversity techniques, space-time block coding (STBC) and space-time trellis coding (STTC). In BPS (also called beam pattern oscillation), controlled time varying weight vectors are applied to the antenna array elements mounted at the base station (BS). This creates a small movement in the antenna array pattern directed toward the desired user. In rich scattering environments, this small beam pattern movement creates an artificial fast fading channel. The receiver is designed to exploit time diversity benefits of the fast fading channel. Via the application of simple combining techniques, BPS improves the probability-of-error performance and network capacity with minimal cost and complexity. In this work, to highlight the potential of the BPS, we compare BPS and Space-Time Coding (i.e., STBC and STTC) schemes. The comparisons are in terms of their complexity, system physical dimension, network capacity, probability-of-error performance, and spectrum efficiency. It is shown that BPS leads to higher network capacity and performance with a smaller antenna dimension and complexity with minimal loss in spectrum efficiency. This identifies BPS as a promising scheme for future wireless communications with smart antennas.

A study of low water consumption patterns from the perspective of water footprint:A case of residents' food consumption in Zhangye City

Population growth,technological change and increased consumption are considered to be the main causes of the three environmental crisis.Environmental problems which are due to population growth and technology have already caused widespread concern,and the environmental problems caused by consumption,did not get enough attention and in-depth research.Is consumption a problem? What is the environmental conflict brought about by the consumption? What factors have contributed to the growing consumers? How do the resources meet the high levels of consumption? What is the relationship between consumption and quality of life? How can we alter consumption patterns? From the water footprint theory,this paper discusses the necessity of advocacy at meeting basic human needs while reducing the consumption of water footprint low water consumption patterns,and recommended by the German Nutrition Society DGE healthy eating pattern as a reference,compared with the normal mode of Australia diet county area of Zhangye City in food consumption,water consumption and total consumption of water footprint component characteristics.

Consumption Pattern of Carotene Rich Foods and Development of a Year Calendar

Consumption pattern of beta carotene rich foods from 500 households of Coimbatore district was elicited. Through market surveys in four seasons namely: summer, south-west monsoon, north-east monsoon and winter, a year calendar of beta carotene rich foods was developed. The total and beta carotene contents of five commonly consumed beta carotene rich foods both in raw and cooked states were determined. Results indicated that greens were mainly purchased from market and consumed 2-3 times per week. Cooking loss was maximum in boiling and minimum in shallow fat frying. Curry leaves (Murraya koenigii),amaranth tender (Amaranthus gangeticus), agathi (Sesbania grandopra), and ponnanganni (Alternanthera sessilis) were the carotene rich foods available round the year. Cost of most greens was highest in summer and lowest in north-east monsoon. Within a cost of 13-14 ps in summer, 4-10 ps in south-west monsoon and north-west monsoon and 4-12 ps in winter season, the entire day's requirement of beta carotene (2400μg) could be obtained in the form of agathi/amaranth throughout the year: in the form of drumstick leaves and mint in south-west monsoon; as curry leaves and coriander leaves in winter and as agathi,paruppukeerai and amaranth in summer. From this year calendar, according to seasonal availability and cost, low-cost high carotene foods can be selected and used for increasing the beta carotene intake in the intervention programmes and in the community

The effect of different irrigation patterns on rice yield and water consumption

The ecological and physiological water require-ment of rice and rice yield was studied underthree irrigation patterns, which were A: moistirrigation, remains 70-90% of saturated soilwater content except 3-4 cm deep water layerin tillering stage in paddy; B: flood irrigation,remains 4-5 cm deep water layer except 80%relative water content in the late tillering stage

Influence of driving cycles on exhaust emissions and fuel consumption of gasoline passenger car in Bangkok

The influence of different driving cycles on their exhaust emissions and fuel consumption rate of gasoline passenger car was investigated in Bangkok based on the actual measurements obtained from a test vehicle driving on a standard chassis dynamometer. A newly established Bangkok driving cycle （BDC） and the European driving cycle （EDC） which is presently adopted as the legislative cycle for testing automobiles registered in Thailand were used. The newly developed BDC is constructed using the driving characteristic data obtained from the real on-road driving tests along selected traffic routes. A method for selecting appropriate road routes for real driving tests is also introduced. Variations of keyed driving parameters of BDC with different driving cycles were discussed. The results showed that the HC and CO emission factors of BDC are almost two and four times greater than those of EDC, respectively. Although the difference in the NOx emission factor is small, the value from BDC is still greater than that of EDC by 10%. Under BDC, the test vehicle consumes fuel about 25% more than it does under EDC. All these differences are mainly attributed to the greater proportion of idle periods and higher fluctuations of vehicle speed in the BDC cycle. This result indicated that the exhausted emissions and fuel consumption of vehicles obtained from tests under the legislative modal-type driving cycle （EDC） are significantly different from those actually produced under real traffic conditions especially during peak periods.

Association of Paraga Consumption and Dietary Lifestyle on Nutritional Status of Commercial Drivers in Ibadan Municipality of Oyo State, Nigeria

The use of herbal products is increasing in trend globally, with over 75% of the world population using them. In Nigeria, these drinks are popular in many neighbourhoods and sold by vendors in motor parks where commercial drivers have access to them. Though they may have some beneficial effects, they are not completely harmless. This study was carried out to assess the association of Paraga (herbal mixture) consumption and dietary lifestyle on the nutritional status of commercial motor drivers in Ibadan municipality. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among four hundred and twenty-two (422) commercial drivers randomly selected from the five local government areas that make up Ibadan municipality. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were carried out on the data obtained at 5% level of significance. There was a high prevalence of Paraga consumption among the respondents. There was inadequate nutrient intake among the respondents for most nutrients considered. The nutritional status measurement of the respondents revealed that 4.5% were underweight, 59.6% had normal weight, 26.8% were overweight, while 9.1% were obese. There was no significant association between Paraga consumption and nutritional status of respondents (p > 0.05). However, a significant association was observed between dietary lifestyle pattern and nutritional status of respondents (p < 0.05). It is therefore important that commercial drivers be given regular and constant nutrition education during their meetings to help improve their dietary lifestyle. Also, the concerned government agencies/officials should assist in reducing Paraga consumption by helping to reduce alcohol availability at motor parks, and by educational measures to reduce its demand and consumption.

把握数字消费高质量发展的着力点

推进经济高质量发展必须构建以国内大循环为主体、国内国际双循环相互促进的新发展格局,发挥消费对经济发展的基础性作用。数字经济快速发展,引发居民消费发生巨大变革,在消费主体、消费客体和消费环境方面,数字消费都呈现出典型的新特征。数字消费有助于提升消费需求、有助于推动产业结构升级、有助于促进供需匹配。应着力于消除城乡消费差距过大、推进新型基础设施建设、培育供需匹配创新动力和推进数字消费治理升级等多个方面,助推数字消费高质量发展,加快构建双循环新发展格局。