Search Results (152)

Seasonality has traditionally shaped the U.S. housing market, with activity peaking in spring-summer and declining in autumn-winter. However, recent disruptions, particularly those following COVID-19, raise questions about shifts in these patterns. This study analyzes housing market data (1991–2024) to examine evolving seasonality and regional heterogeneity. Using Housing Price Index (HPI) data, inventory, and sales data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency and U.S. Census Bureau, seasonal components are extracted via the X-13-ARIMA procedure, and statistical tests assess variations across regions. The results confirm seasonal fluctuations in prices and volumes, with recent shifts toward earlier annual peak (March–April) and amplified seasonal effects. Regional variations align with differences in climate and market structure, while prices and sales volumes exhibit in-phase movement, suggesting thick-market momentum behaviour. These findings highlight key implications for policymakers, realtors and investors navigating post-pandemic market dynamics, offering insights into the timing and interpretation of housing market activities. Full article

Infection of susceptible horses with Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi), the causative agent of strangles, is associated with commingling. Exposure may occur among horses at equestrian events, sales, or horses moved among different equine stabling environments. Strangles can affect all horses on a farm, leading to the death of up to 10% of cases depending on their immunity status at the time of infection, the development of complications, the success of biosecurity measures, and the use of vaccination. The current retrospective study used ELISAs to measure the exposure of horses to S. equi at a farm that experienced an outbreak of strangles shortly after the introduction of a new horse on the same day that the majority of the 17 resident horses were vaccinated with Strangvac for the first time. One vaccinated horse, which subsequently tested positive for S. equi and EHV-4, developed a cough, elevated body temperature, and nasal discharge 11 days after the first vaccination. Two other horses developed fever for one day at 22 days post-first vaccination, but only one had serological evidence of exposure to S. equi. All vaccinated horses had high antibody titres to vaccine components, whilst 7 of the 17 resident horses, and the new arrival, tested seropositive for exposure to S. equi. Although 3 out of the 17 vaccinated horses developed mild signs of disease before second vaccination, serological data support the effectiveness of vaccination in resident populations of horses to minimise the risk of strangles following the introduction of a new horse. Full article

Background: Over 80–90% of antimicrobial use occurs in primary health care, underscoring the need for specific data from this sector to inform practices and interventions to improve antimicrobial use. This study aimed to identify a wide range of research instruments in primary health care and qualitatively describe their structure, scope, and content. Methods: For the narrative review, we reviewed Medline (inception–November 2023) and agency/network websites to identify surveys on antimicrobial use prevalence in LMIC primary care. We applied no language restrictions and extracted survey instruments from publications or requested them from authors when unavailable. Results: We identified 450 studies and extracted 42 survey instruments issued between 1993 and 2023, all but one post-2000. These covered both multi-country (16.7%) and country-specific implementations across all WHO regions. Sampling units included households/consumers (24/42, 57.2%), health professionals (14/42, 33.3%), drug sellers (3/42, 7.1%), and bulk sales data (1/42, 2.4%). Surveys typically captured antimicrobial type, prescription status, and reason for use; AWaRe classification was mentioned only once. We found 13 stand-alone protocols on antimicrobial use and 4 on general medicine use. Conclusions: We identified diverse tools for measuring antimicrobial use in LMICs, though many lacked protocols or analytic support. Surveys often focused solely on antibiotics, used paper-based methods, and rarely referenced the AWaRe classification. Future efforts should broaden the scope beyond antibiotics, leverage digital data systems, include implementation protocols and analytic tools, report standardized indicators, and adopt AWaRe-related variables as a core criterion to strengthen AMU monitoring in PHC. Full article

Andean berry (Vaccinium meridionale Swartz) is a species of berry mostly exclusive to the Andean ecosystems, mainly present in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Jamaica, where it grows between 2000 and 3000 m.a.s.l. Although most of the fruit is harvested naturally, limited fruit production significantly restricts large-scale farming and sales. Most research on phytochemicals from this berry has focused on polyphenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-O-galactoside and delphinidin-3-O-hexoside. These compounds have significant antioxidant potential and require appropriate post-harvest handling to preserve their stability and biological functionality. A systematic literature search was conducted covering studies from January 2000 to January 2025 across Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Evidence from original research includes chemical analyses, in vitro biological activity, in vivo effects in animal models, and clinical studies. Although findings suggest antiproliferative, chemoprotective, and cardioprotective properties, current evidence remains largely preclinical, and clinical validation is urgently needed. Despite its promise, challenges persist in standardizing cultivation, scaling production, and optimizing post-harvest. The berry has been incorporated into food products, but further research is essential to support its transition from experimental use to validated clinical applications. Full article

Small businesses, particularly micro-entrepreneurships, are a vital economic engine in many developing nations, providing essential income and employment. This study analyzes the post-shock trajectory of Chilean micro-enterprises through the lens of the digitalization–formality trade-off during and after the pandemic. During the crisis, micro-enterprises relied on a short-run substitution mechanism: those with greater capital and intensive Internet use saw a notable increase in sales, demonstrating that digital channels were effectively substituting for the growth benefits typically conferred by formal status. Interestingly, formal business registration or permits did not directly translate into higher sales during this period. Looking at the medium-run pattern, the initial surge in necessity-driven businesses was followed by renewed incentives for opportunity-seeking entrepreneurs as the economy recovered. However, the crisis created a lasting disincentive: both men and women were less likely to formalize their businesses after the pandemic, indicating that the high cost or low benefit of formality persisted, further entrenching the reliance on informal, digitally enabled operations. Full article

This study examines the early impact of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) implementation on the financial performance of Croatian companies, focusing on indicators of profitability, efficiency, and activity. The research investigates whether firms adopting I4.0 technologies achieve superior results compared to traditional companies. A unique feature of this study is its integration of primary data—collected via an online survey of Croatian enterprises—with secondary data from publicly available financial reports. Statistical methods, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and linear regression, were employed to test the hypotheses. The results show that I4.0 adopters perform significantly better in terms of net profit margin, return on assets, business efficiency, and supplier bonding days, while no significant difference was found in days sales outstanding. This paper contributes to the literature by offering one of the first empirical analyses of early-stage I4.0 adoption in the context of a transition economy, using firm-level financial data. The findings provide valuable insights for managers, policymakers, and investors aiming to understand the tangible business benefits of digital transformation. The results also highlight the importance of supporting I4.0 adoption strategies to enhance competitiveness and recovery in post-pandemic economic conditions. Full article

In the current economic context, organizations providing automotive repair services face significant challenges in ensuring service quality, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability. This paper examines the importance of implementing process monitoring systems through the integration of European quality frameworks and Japanese operational principles such as Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, and Poka-Yoke, to improve the quality of services and increase performance within automotive repair organizations. The research is grounded in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 9—Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production), demonstrating how structured quality practices contribute to reducing waste, optimizing processes, and delivering responsible services. The main objectives of the study are to identify the elements that influence the performance of service-specific processes, to improve the quality management practices related to these processes, to eliminate non-conformities, and to enhance profitability and competitive differentiation through service quality assurance. A mixed-methods research design was applied, including direct participatory observation, performance monitoring, and correlational statistical analysis over a six-month period in two Romanian automotive service centers. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as technician efficiency, rework rate, and order throughput time were collected and analyzed before and after the implementation of selected tools. Findings demonstrate measurable improvements: rework rates decreased from 7.8% to 2.6%, technician efficiency improved from 89% to 105%, and average service completion time was reduced by 1.6 days. Correlation analysis confirmed strong relationships between visual management adoption and rework reduction (r = −0.75), as well as between Lean implementation and technician efficiency (r = +0.89). The study’s novelty lies in its integration of cross-cultural quality management practices into a replicable and sustainable operational model for post-sale service environments. The results validate that implementing monitoring systems, combined with Kaizen, Lean, and Poka-Yoke, supported by visual management and active employee engagement, can lead to superior service quality management, increased customer satisfaction, and long-term organizational success in the automotive repair industry. Full article

Concerns over ground-mounted photovoltaics (PVs) on cropland have encouraged a shift toward rooftop PV systems on livestock and poultry farms. Using ex-post observational data and a doubly robust estimation approach, this study examines the determinants and economic effects of PV adoption among chicken farmers in Taiwan. Based on a population-wide agricultural census, we assess how socio-demographic factors, production practices, household composition, and electricity infrastructure influence adoption decisions. The results show that education level, household structure, and access to electricity are key drivers of adoption. PV adopters exhibit a 5.8% higher sales value of chicken products, mainly due to increased production volume rather than quality improvements. These findings highlight the potential dual benefits of integrating solar energy with poultry farming and provide policy-relevant insights for sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Nowadays, the online comment process of product after-sales has become a key part of product development. Quality problems, such as the failure of products or services, are more likely to exist or hide in negative comments. Therefore, this paper focuses on detecting abnormal changes in both the time between review T and the emotional score S of negative comments. Due to the complexity of the online review process, the distribution assumption of S and T may be invalid. To solve this problem, this study propose a distribution-free monitoring scheme that combines the exponentially weighted moving average-based Lepage statistics of S and T using a max-type combining function. This scheme is designed for joint monitoring of location and scale parameters in Phase II of an unknown but continuous process. The scheme’s performance is evaluated via Monte Carlo simulation under in-control and out-of-control conditions, using statistical measures such as the mean, standard deviation, median, and selected percentiles of the run length distribution. Simulation results indicate that the scheme is effective in detecting shifts in both location and scale parameters. Furthermore, an application of the proposed scheme for monitoring online reviews is discussed to illustrate its implementation design. Full article

Accelerated digital transformations and the evolution of consumer behavior in recent years underscore the need for a systemic perspective in marketing analytics to better comprehend the complex interplay between technology, data, and the profound changes triggered by global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed a massive shift toward digitalization and transformed e-commerce from an option to a necessity for both businesses and consumers. This paper analyzes the total store and non-store sales, as well as total e-commerce sales, of the US retail trade across six main business categories and nine subcategories from the first quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2024. The data was divided into three time spans, corresponding to pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 pandemic periods, to examine the changing behavior of US consumers over time for different business categories. The statistical and econometric methods employed are the partial autocorrelation function (PACF), autocorrelation function, autoregressive integrated moving average model, inferential statistics, and regression model. The results indicate that the pandemic significantly increased non-store retailer sales compared to the pre-pandemic period, underscoring the importance of e-commerce. When physical stores reopened, e-commerce sales did not decline to pre-pandemic levels. The PACF analysis showed seasonality and lagged correlations. Thus, the pandemic-induced buying behaviors of US consumers continue to influence current sales patterns. The pandemic was more than just a temporary disruption, which permanently changed the retail sector. Retailers that quickly adapted to online models gained a competitive edge, whereas US consumers became accustomed to the convenience and flexibility of e-commerce. The behavior of US consumers adapted not only in response to immediate needs during the pandemic but also led to longer-term shifts in spending patterns, with each category reacting uniquely based on product type and perceived necessity. The analysis of how the COVID-19 pandemic transformed consumer behavior in the US reveals several important implications for both consumers and trade policymakers. First, the long-lasting and structural shift toward e-commerce is confirmed, representing a fundamental change in the dynamics of demand and supply. For consumers, the convenience, flexibility, and accessibility of digital channels have moved beyond mere situational advantages to become a behavioral norm. This shift has empowered consumers by giving them greater access to price comparisons, more diverse options, and increased informational transparency. Additionally, the data shows the emergence of hybrid consumption models: essential goods are mainly purchased online, while purchases of branded clothing, electronics, furniture, luxury items, and similar products continue to favor the traditional retail experience. Full article

E-commerce platforms offering regional fresh produce often face a trade-off between logistics costs and product quality. Due to limited use of cold chain logistics, consumers frequently receive damaged goods, resulting in negative post-purchase experiences. This study examines how logistics service encounters, as reflected in consumer reviews, influence subsequent purchase behaviour, and how the alignment between review images and text moderates this relationship. We analyse sales and review data from 694 fruit products on Tmall between February and April 2024. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is applied to extract logistics-related review content. At the same time, image–text similarity is assessed using the Chinese-CLIP model. Regression analysis reveals that positive logistics service encounters significantly enhance purchase intention. However, high image–text similarity weakens this positive effect, suggesting that overly repetitive content may reduce informational value for prospective buyers. These findings advance understanding of consumer behaviour in online fresh produce markets by highlighting the interactive effects of logistics experiences and user-generated content. The results offer practical implications for improving logistics services, enhancing content diversity in review systems, and increasing consumer trust in e-commerce environments. Full article

Artisanal fishing is a central pillar of the Angolan economy, particularly in the southern province of Namibe, where it serves as the primary economic activity for numerous coastal communities. However, these communities face significant challenges, including competition from expanding industrial fisheries and inadequate infrastructure at fishing centers, which hampers the storage, preservation, and transportation of catches. These limitations contribute to post-harvest losses and the reduced market value of products, despite the region’s rich diversity of pelagic and demersal resources. This study evaluated the economic viability of artisanal fishing in Namibe under three production scenarios, varying in catch levels and the inclusion of fish processing activities such as dried fish and fishmeal production. Scenario A (pessimistic) assumed a 10% reduction in production compared to the best estimates; Scenario B (intermediate) was based on average reported catches; and Scenario C (optimistic) considered a 10% increase in catches, accounting for seasonal and environmental variability. Results indicated that artisanal fishing was economically viable under all scenarios, with the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) consistently exceeding the Minimum Attractive Rate of Return (MARR) of 7.5%. IRR values ranged from 34.30% (Scenario A, without by-product commercialization) to 106.28% (Scenario C, with dried fish and fishmeal production and sales), representing a more than threefold increase in profitability. This substantial gain underscores the transformative potential of processing by-products into higher-value commodities, enabling integration into larger-scale and more liquid markets. Such value addition supports the concept of a proximity economy by promoting short production cycles, reducing intermediaries, and strengthening local value chains. Beyond financial returns, the findings suggest broader socioeconomic benefits, including local economic growth, job creation, and the preservation of traditional production knowledge. The payback period was less than four years in all cases, decreasing to 1.94 years in the most favorable scenario. By-products such as dried fish and fishmeal exhibit commodity-like characteristics due to their higher commercial value, increasing demand, and potential integration into regional and animal feed markets. In conclusion, diversifying marketing strategies and maximizing the use of fish resources can significantly enhance the economic sustainability of artisanal fishing, foster socioeconomic inclusion, and support the development of artisanal fishing communities in Namibe. Full article

Sustainability has an ever-increasing importance in our lives, mainly due to climate changes, finite resources, and a growing population, where each of us is called to make a change. Although climate change is a global phenomenon, our individual choices can make the difference. The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, making the transition toward sustainable mobility a critical priority. The adoption of electric vehicles is widely recognized as a key solution to reduce the environmental impact of transportation. However, their widespread acceptance depends on various technological, behavioral, and economical factors. Within this research we use as an artifact the CO₂ Emission Management Gauge (CEMG) devices to better understand how the manufacturers, with integrated features on vehicles, could significantly enhance sales and drive the movement towards electric vehicle adoption. This study proposes an innovative new theoretical model based on Task-Technology Fit, Technology Acceptance, and the Theory of Planned Behavior to understand the main drivers that may foster electric vehicle adoption, tested in a quantitative study with structural equation modelling (SEM), and conducted in a South European country. Our findings, not without some limitations, reveal that while technological innovations like CEMG provide consumers with valuable transparency regarding emissions, its influence on the intention of adoption is dependent on the attitude towards electric vehicles and subjective norm. Our results also support the influence of task-technology fit on perceived usefulness and perceived ease-of-use, the influence of perceived usefulness on consumer attitude towards electric vehicles, and the influence of perceived ease-of-use on perceived usefulness. A challenge is also presented within our work to expand CEMG usage in the future to more intrinsic urban contexts, combined with smart city algorithms, collecting and proving CO₂ emission information to citizens in locations such as traffic lights, illumination posts, streets, and public areas, allowing the needed information to better manage the city’s quality of air and traffic. Full article

Background/Objectives: Military Service Members (SMs) require optimal nutrition to support health, readiness, and job performance. However, they often fall short of meeting nutrition guidelines. This study aimed to determine the impact and feasibility of implementing the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) “Fueled to Fight^®” (F2F) nutrition program in non-appropriated fund (NAF) food venues. Objectives included evaluating changes in Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (mNEAT) scores, feasibility of implementing and maintaining F2F strategies, and influence on customer purchasing patterns. Methods: Researchers conducted a pre-post interventional study from January to December 2024 at three NAF food venues across two USMC bases. F2F strategies, including identifying items using a stoplight color coding system (Green = healthy, Yellow = less healthy, Red = least healthy), menu revisions, food placement, promotion, and marketing, were implemented. Data included mNEAT assessments, sales reports, and stakeholder focus groups. Generalized Estimating Equations models were used to analyze sales data. Results: mNEAT scores increased across all venues post-intervention. Availability and sales of Green items increased, while sales of Red items decreased in some venues. Profit increased at all three food venues. Focus groups revealed feasibility and provided insights for future interventions. Conclusions: F2F interventions in NAF food venues are feasible and can positively impact the food environment and customer purchasing patterns without negatively affecting profit. This study highlights the importance of integrating nutrition programs into all military food venues, not just government-funded dining facilities, to support the nutritional fitness and readiness of SMs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial consumption (AMC) surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) constitute effective strategies to combat the increasing antimicrobial resistance rates worldwide. Post-Soviet countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) implemented various elements of AMC surveillance and AMS to different extents. The limited quantity and quality of data from post-Soviet countries make it difficult to assess health system performance; therefore, this region is a blind spot in global AMR monitoring. This systematic review assesses and characterises AMC surveillance and AMS implementation in post-Soviet countries. Methods: Evidence was compiled via a search in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, CyberLeninka, and Scopus. The eligibility criteria included AMC surveillance- and AMS-related papers in human health within defined regions and timelines. Some literature from the official websites of international and national health organisations was included in the search. Results: As a result of the searches, screening, and critical appraisal, three peer-reviewed publications and 31 documents were selected for analysis. Eleven out of fifteen countries with updated national action plans for combating antimicrobial resistance have defined AMC surveillance and AMS as strategic objectives. All 15 examined countries submitted antimicrobial consumption data to international networks and reported the existence of approved laws and regulations on antibiotic sales. However, disparities exist in the complexity of monitoring systems and AMS implementation between high-income and low-income countries in the region. Conclusions: This review provides key insights into the existing AMC surveillance and AMS implementation in former Soviet countries. Although the approach of this review lacks quantitative comparability, it provides a comprehensive qualitative framework for national-level AMC surveillance and AMS system assessment. Full article