Uncertainty in Individuals' Preferences for Non-commodity Outputs Provided by Rural Development Programs (RDPs): A Contingent Valuation Approach

Rural development programs (RDPs) are currently envisaged as a means to foster the provision of a broad range of non-commodity outputs emanating from multifunctional rural environments. This paper presents a Contingent Valuation survey that analyses individuals’ perceptions of and willingness to pay (WTP) for the implementation of a RDP in Cantabria, Spain. Uncertainty in individuals’ preferences is explicitly acknowledged and introduced into our analytical framework. For that purpose, a comparison is made between the open-ended (OE) and the multiple bounded uncertainty (MBU) elicitation formats. According to our behavioural model estimates, the expectation of a positive welfare change for both rural and urban dwellers constitutes a sound argument in favour of regional rural development policies.rural development policy, non-commodity outputs, contingent valuation, elicitation formats, uncertainty, Agricultural and Food Policy, Q0, Q18, Q51, R0,

Experimental investigation of a gas-embedded z-pinch

Imperial Users onl

Healthy ageing: From a myth to a reality

The dream of living long and healthy has accompanied man since the beginning of time. The present remarkable increased life expectancy is most probably the result of better living conditions, medical progress, and better health care organization. Dramatic demographic changes occur not only in industrialised countries, but primarily affect the least developed part of the world. This extraordinary success of humanity brings with it many challenges to build a future with healthy seniors. The recently released World report on ageing and health, one of the most important WHO documents in recent years, confirms the crucial importance of the maintenance of functional ability throughout life

Magnesium and type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with both extracellular and intracellular magnesium (Mg) deficits. A chronic latent Mg deficit or an overt clinical hypomagnesemia is common in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially in those with poorly controlled glycemic profiles. Insulin and glucose are important regulators of Mg metabolism. Intracellular Mg plays a key role in regulating insulin action, insulin-mediated-glucose-uptake and vascular tone. Reduced intracellular Mg concentrations result in a defective tyrosine-kinase activity, postreceptorial impairment in insulin action and worsening of insulin resistance in diabetic patients. A low Mg intake and an increased Mg urinary loss appear the most important mechanisms that may favor Mg depletion in patients with type 2 diabetes. Low dietary Mg intake has been related to the development of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Benefits of Mg supplementation on metabolic profiles in diabetic patients have been found in most, but not all clinical studies and larger prospective studies are needed to support the potential role of dietary Mg supplementation as a possible public health strategy in diabetes risk. The aim of this review is to revise current evidence on the mechanisms of Mg deficiency in diabetes and on the possible role of Mg supplementation in the prevention and management of the disease

MAGNESIUM, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND AGING MUSCLE

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency, aside from having a negative impact on the energy production pathways required by the mitochondria to generate ATP, also reduces the threshold antioxidant capacity of the aging organism and its resistance to free-radical damage. Mg acts as an antioxidant against free radical damage of the mitochondria. Chronic Mg deficiency results in excessive production of oxygen-derived free radicals and low-grade inflammation. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress have been identified as pathogenic factors in several age-related conditions. Aging is often associated with Mg inadequacy, muscle loss and sarcopenia. Although the importance of magnesium as a determinant of muscle performance in young athletes is well-established, its role in maintaining muscle integrity and function in older adults is largely unknown. Serum magnesium concentration is an independent correlate of muscle performance in older persons. Whether magnesium supplementation would prevent sarcopenia and improve muscle function in the elderly remains to be demonstrated