The Keele Economics Department produces this series of research papers in order to stimulate discussion and invite feedback. Copyright remains with the authors. All papers in the kerp series are available for downloading from the Keele Economics website, via Abstract This paper establishes a theoretical framework to characterise the optimal behaviour of individuals who receive income periodical...

As technology has simplified meeting basic needs, humans have cultivated increasingly psychological avenues for occupying their consumption energies, moving from consuming food to consuming concepts; we propose that consideration of such "conceptual consumption" is essential for understanding human consumption. We first review how four classes of conceptual consumption-consuming expectancies, g...

People often consume non-durable goods in a way that seems inconsistent with preferences for smoothing consumption over time. We suggest that such patterns of consumption can be better explained if one takes into account the future utility flows generated by memorable consumption goods—goods, such as a honeymoon or a vacation, whose utility flow outlives their physical consumption. We consider ...

The relationship between tap water and health has been a topic of public concern and calls for better management in Canada since well-publicized contamination events in two provinces (Ontario and Saskatchewan) in 2000-2001. This study reports the perspectives on health risks from tap water and corresponding use of, and spending on, bottled water in a number of different communities in Canada. I...

Male rats were given daily sessions during which a palatable saccharin solution was available. Based on intakes averaged over 3 days, groups with low, intermediate, or high intake of saccharin were formed. These rats were then given daily sessions in which alcohol (2-8%) or water were available. Initially, sessions were conducted with rats on a food restriction schedule; in later sessions, food...

aim: the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major health-care problem worldwide. who recommends did (daily defined dose/ 100 inhabitant /day) as a standard tool for measurement of antibiotic consumption. since there was not any information regarding the antibiotics usage pattern in the north of iran, the aim of this study was determine this in our centre.method: this cr...

due to shortage of precipitation and the spatial and periodical disparity of rainfalls, iran iscounted among the arid and semi-arid countries of the world, and therefore the water utilities have put thecontrol of consumption and efficient use of water high on their priorities. water consumption management isconsidered as a field of energy management, and the impacts of effective measure related...