This research study will clarify with facts and evidence that drinking alcoholic beverages is a social problem in American society. It will also focus on indepth interviews using the laddering technique on a small sample of eight respondents.

This work is about a realistic visualization technique called raytracing. It studies its original form, its extensions and optimizations. Raytracing casts rays through pixels and follows their propagation in the scene, according to the physical laws. It enables rendering of correct shadows, reflections and refractions. Distributed raytracing serves for better visualization and advanced effects. One ray is replaced with a beam of rays that allows soft shadows, fuzzy translucency, depth of field and antialiasing. With the increasing number of rays, the render time rises as well, so it is needed to use some optimization techniques and tools. A way of using this rendering method for visualization of alcoholic beverages is also described.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Background: Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR2/3) are predominately presynaptically located Gi/o coupled receptors that are highly expressed in the cortex, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, and hippocampus. Previous studies suggest that group II mGluRs are involved in regulating ethanol (EtOH) consumption and seeking following extinction (Backstrom and Hyytia, 2005; Kufahl, et al., 2011). The sipper tube model, which allows for procedural separation of seeking and consumption, was used to further clarify the role of mGluR2/3 in EtOH-seeking and consumption. The non-selective group II mGluR agonist LY379268 (LY37) and selective mGluR2 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) BINA were used to determine the relative contribution of mGlu2 and mGlu3 receptors on EtOH seeking and consumption. Following characterization of the agonist and PAM on EtOH reinforcement, a microinjection study was performed examining the effect of blockade of nucleus accumbens core mGluR2/3 on systemic agonist induced suppression of EtOH-seeking. Methods: For the systemic agonist/PAM experiments, separate groups of male Wistar rats [n=8-9 group; LY37 (0-2.0 mg/kg) and BINA (0-20 mg/kg)] were trained to complete a response requirement (RR) of 10 lever presses that resulted in access to 10% EtOH or 2% sucrose (in separate groups) for a 20-minute drinking period. For consummatory testing, animals received weekly drug injections with a RR1. The RR was then increased over sessions to a RR20. For appetitive testing, animals received weekly drug injections followed by a non-reinforced extinction session. To determine effects of blockade of NAc core mGluR2/3 receptors on agonist-induced suppression of EtOH-seeking, a separate group of male Wistar rats (n=15) was trained to complete a RR10 for access to 10% EtOH. Animals were surgically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae terminating 1mm above the NAc core. Following recovery, animals received four sets of microinjections in a balanced design (systemic vehicle + core vehicle, systemic LY37 + core vehicle, systemic LY37 + core LY34, and systemic vehicle + core LY34). A final non-balanced microinjection of LY37 was then performed. Results and Conclusions: Systemic administration of the mGluR2/3 agonist LY37 significantly reduced EtOH- and sucrose- seeking with no systematic effect on locomotion. Systemic administration of the selective mGluR2 PAM BINA had no significant effect on either seeking or consumption. These findings suggest that modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission by a systemic mGluR2/3 agonist, but not allosteric modulation of mGluR2, significantly reduces reinforcer seeking. Intra- accumbens core administration of LY37 significantly reduced EtOH-seeking, suggesting a role of NAc core mGluR2/3 modulation in EtOH-seeking during maintenance drinking. Systemic administration of LY37 was also found to significantly reduce sucrose consumption and body weight 24-hours following systemic administration, meriting further examination of the role of mGluR2/3 receptors on feeding behavior.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Harmful alcohol use is a global concern, which has made research in this area a prime public health interest. Previous research has identified alcohol-related attentional biases (Cox et al., 2002, 2007; Marissen et al., 2006; Streeter et al., 2008) and impulsivity (see Acton, 2003; Dick et al., 2010; Mulder, 2002) as two important predictors that affect alcohol use, seeking, and relapse (Cox et al., 2002; Robbins & Ehrman, 2004). Recent review of the literature has also revealed that there is a significant relationship between these two constructs (Coskunpinar & Cyders, 2013). The current study used college undergraduate social drinkers (at least 3 drinks per week) (n = 42, mean age = 23.27 (SD = 5.21), female: 69.2%) to examine the relationship between specific trait impulsivity facets and alcohol-related attentional biases and to examine how this relationship is affected by measurement type (eye movement, reaction time measures), attentional bias constructs (initial orientation, delayed disengagement), and environmental cues (specifically mood and alcohol olfactory cues). Participants had alcohol-related attentional bias as measured by reaction time (areas of interest: p < .05) and eye-movement data (areas of interest: p < .05), which was not affected by mood, odor, or urgency.

Der ständig steigende Bedarf an Lebensmitteln und Getränken insbesondere in Schwellenländern wie China, Indien und Brasilien fordert von der Verpackungsindustrie eine Leistungssteigerung in gleichem Maße. Um den Durchsatz einer einzelnen Verpackungs- und Füllmaschine unter Beibehaltung von Verpackungsqualität und -form zu steigern, gibt es grundsätzlich zwei Möglichkeiten. Die eine Verbreiterung der Maschine nach sich ziehende Erhöhung der Anzahl der gleichzeitig bearbeiteten Verpackungen, sowie die weitestgehend bauraumneutrale Verringerung der Taktzeit. Letzteres wurde von der SIG Combibloc Systems GmbH, einem der weltweit führenden Systemanbieter von Packstoff und entsprechenden Füllmaschinen für Getränke und Lebensmittel, für eines ihrer Verpackungssysteme in Angriff genommen. Ziel war die Erhöhung des Durchsatzes um 50 % von 24.000 auf 36.000 Verpackungen pro Stunde. [... aus der Einleitung]

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The demand of fast food is increasing in current food market worldwide. But fast food, as one of the unhealthy food types, cannot deny its impact as one of the causes of leading death in populations of most high income countries. Healthy fast food is called by governments, health organizations and societies, and desired by customers especially in Sweden because it is affordable, easy accessible, and most immortally, healthy. Companies are emerging based on the current fast food demand to provide healthy one in its unique style and format to meet the needs of healthy food in Sweden market. This research focuses on pricing approach and strategy that is suitable for products of healthy fast food based on literature research and interviews of fast food business owners in Stockholm. According to both literature information and interview results, value based pricing strategy was indicating as a better solution in health fast food business especially in start-up business. The application of value based pricing strategy requires discipline and practice with barrier overcome solutions, and factors with impact on pricing decision making need to be considered to ensure maximum profitability. Furthermore, healthy fast food is a new and promising business trend with developable future, and environmental friendly packaging fits to its business style and customer need.

Introduction: Little is known about dietary patterns among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Peru. This study aimed at determining whether there is association between glucosa metabolism disorder and consumption of fruits, vegetables and sweetened beverages. Material and Methods: Secondary analisis of a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tumbes, a región in northern Peru. The outcomes variable were consumption of fruits, vegetables and sweetened beverages, defined by self-report, whilst the exposure was glucose metabolism disorder status (euglicemic, with T2DM bit not aware of diagnosis, and with T2DM and aware of diagnosis), defined by the oral glucose tolerance test. To assess the associations of interest, Poisson regression models with robust variance were created, and prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported. Results: A total of 1607 individuals, mean age 48.2 (SD:10.6); and 809 (50.3%) females, was enrolled. The prevalence of T2DM was 11.0% (95%CI: 9.5%-12.6%), and out of them, 105 (59.7%) had previous diagnosis. Only 213 (13.3%) reported consuming sweetened beverages > once/week, whilst 409 (25.5%) and 736 (45.8%) reported consuming vegetables and fruits, respectively. Those with previous T2DM diagnosis had lower probability of consuming sweetened beverages (sometimes vs. never: PR=0.57; 95%CI: 0.41-0.78, and >once/week vs. never PR=0.39; 95%CI: 0.18-0.85). Both the consumption of fruits and vegetables were similar among those with and without previous T2DM diagnosis. Conclusions: Compared to euglycemic subjects, individual with previous T2DM diagnosis had lower consumption of sweetened beverages, but such association was not present among those with T2DM but without previous diagnosis. Fruits and vegetables consumption were not different between the different glucose metabolism disorder categories. / Introducción: Poco se conoce sobre los patrones de dieta de individuos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en Perú. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar si existe asociación entre la alteración del metabolismo de la glucosa y ciertos patrones de dieta (consumo de bebidas azucaradas, verduras y frutas). Materiales y métodos: Análisis secundario de un estudio poblacional de tipo transversal realizado en Tumbes, en el norte del Perú. Las variables resultado fueron consumo de bebidas azucaradas, consumo de verduras y consumo de frutas, definidas por autorreporte; mientras que la exposición fue la alteración del metabolismo de la glucosa (euglicémico, con DM2 pero sin diagnóstico previo, y con DM2 y diagnóstico previo), basado en la prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa. Para evaluar las asociaciones de interés se crearon modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta y se reportaron razones de prevalencia (RP) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%) Resultados: Un total de 1607 individuos, media de edad de 48 , 2 (DE: 10,6), y 809 (50,3%) mujeres, fueron enrolados. La prevalencia de DM2 fue de 11,0% (IC95%: 9,5% -12,6%), y de ellos, 105 (59,7%) tuvieron diagnóstico previo. Solo 213 (13,3%) reportaron consumir bebidas azucaradas> 1 vez / semana, mientras que 409 (25,5%) y 736 (45,8%) reportaron consumir verduras y frutas en forma casi diaria, respectivamente. Aquellos con diagnóstico previo de DM2 tuvieron menor probabilidad de consumir bebidas azucaradas (algunas veces vs.Nunca: RP = 0,57; IC95: 0,41-0,78 y> 1 vez / semana vs.Nunca: RP = 0,39 ; IC95%: 0,18-0,85). Ni el consumo de frutas ni el de verduras fue mayor en aquellos con o sin diagnóstico previo de DM2. Conclusiones: Comparados con los euglicémicos, los individuos con diagnóstico previo de DM2 tuvieron un menor consumo de bebidas azucaradas, pero dicha asociación no estuvo presente en aquellos con DM2 sin diagnóstico previo. El consumo de frutas y verduras no fue diferente entre las categorías de alteración del metabolismo de la glucosa estudiadas. / Tesis

Humans’ social relationships determine to a large degree their trajectories in life. Despite strong evidence for the impact of interpersonal relations on wellbeing, the causal links between the two are not yet fully understood. This dissertation offers a new perspective on the mechanisms through which social ties influence negative (excessive drinking) and positive (participation in recreational activities) health behaviors. In three studies employing a unique combination of social network, fMRI, and experience-sampling methods, we propose that health decisions are the result of complex computations involving prior social experiences, perceived social norms, social comparison processes, and current feelings of connections. Each chapter of this dissertation discusses one of these three studies. Chapter 1 provides evidence that past social experiences shape valuations of new information by showing that pairs of students that drink often together tend to have more similar neural responses to novel alcohol cues in regions associated with affective self-generated thought. In addition, this Chapter suggests that researchers must consider the intricate interplay between individuals’ personal goals and their communities’ norms to understand the influence of social environments on neural representations. The degree to which students aligned their neural response patterns to alcohol with those of their peers depended on interactions between their individual motives for drinking and their group’s approval of this behavior. Chapter 2 presents novel findings that people spontaneously represent social information from multiple networks (e.g., popularity and leadership) at a neural level in social cognition (right TPJ, dmPFC) and valuation (vmPFC) regions. Importantly, individuals who display higher neural sensitivity to status differences are also more likely to align their drinking behavior with their group norms in daily life. Together, our results provide insight into the neural mechanisms through which social comparison processes shape conformity and suggest social cognition and valuation regions as important hubs orchestrating this process. While Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 focus on the influence of social ties on drinking, Chapter 3 discusses the protective role of close relations during difficult times. We provide evidence that close college friendships, even if afar, helped young adults cope with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow-up between- and within-individual analyses reveal that this buffering effect could be explained by differences in the quality of online interactions (e.g., via phone, text messaging), instances of personal disclosure, and participation in enjoyable activities. All in all, this dissertation advances our understanding of why measures of social wellbeing are the best predictor of health trajectories in life, by highlighting the important role social ties play in shaping valuation of new information, guiding behavior to meet social goals, and protecting against stress by allowing people to engage in recreational activities.