Over the past several decades, the prevalence of overweight and obesity has increased to 68% of American adults1. During this same time period, there has been an increase in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. This increase in added sugar consumption, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages, has been theorized as a possible contributor to the obesity epidemic2,3,4. Sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one source of added sugars in the American diet and organizations such as the American Heart Association have addressed this issue of added sugar consumption due to its association with negative health outcomes5. A variety of demographic factors have been linked to increased added sugar consumption6. Health literacy is another variable which may influence beverage consumption patterns, specifically sugar-sweetened beverage consumption. To date only one study has investigated this association, and the authors reported an inverse relationship between health literacy scores and sugar-sweetened beverage consumption7. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to determine what demographic variables serve as predictors of consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, water, milk, and total beverage calories. This could allow for appropriate interventions to be developed targeting healthier beverage consumption patterns in specific sub-populations. / Master of Science

It is unknown if participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) influences the magnitude of improvement in dietary intake in response to dietary interventions. Adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to have lower overall dietary quality as compared to those with higher SES. However, low SES adults are more likely to receive benefits from SNAP, which gives nutrition assistance to millions of eligible Americans. The objective of this investigation is to examine differences in dietary intake between 1) SNAP participants, 2) those eligible for SNAP but not receiving (nonparticipants), and 3) those ineligible for SNAP, in response to an intervention targeting a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Adult participants (n=146) from Southwest Virginia were enrolled in a 6-month, community-based trial, SIPsmartER. Participants provided SNAP enrollment status and 3 24-hour dietary recalls at baseline and 6-months. Dietary variables (SSB, macronutrients, etc.) and dietary quality data (Healthy Eating Index [HEI-2010]) were derived from nutritional analysis software (NDS-R 2011). Statistical analyses included descriptives and repeated-measures ANOVA. Although SNAP participation and eligibility status did not impact the overall effectiveness of this dietary intervention, the within group data suggests that those eligible for SNAP but not participating (n=30) may be at a disadvantage to improving their dietary intake as compared to those at a similar household income who receive SNAP benefits (n=56) or ineligible individuals at a higher income level (n=60). Future research is needed to explore if participant's ability to maintain long-term adherence to the dietary changes differs between groups. / Master of Science / It is unknown if participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) effects the magnitude of improvement in dietary intake in response to dietary interventions. Adults with lower income and educational attainment tend to have lower overall dietary quality as compared to those with higher income and education levels. However, lower income adults are more likely to receive benefits from SNAP, which is a program that gives nutrition assistance to millions of eligible Americans. The objective of this study is to investigate potential differences in dietary intake between 1) SNAP participants, 2) those eligible for SNAP,but not receiving (nonparticipants), and 3) those ineligible for SNAP, in response to an intervention targeting a reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption. Adult participants (n=146) from Southwest Virginia were enrolled in a 6-month, community-based trial, SIPsmartER. Participants provided SNAP enrollment status and 3 24-hour dietary food recalls at baseline and again at 6-months. Dietary variables (SSB, protein, fat, carbohydrates, etc.) and dietary quality data (Healthy Eating Index) were derived from nutritional analysis software (NDS-R 2011). Statistical analyses included descriptives and repeated-measures ANOVA. Although SNAP participation and eligibility status did not impact the overall success of this dietary intervention, other data suggests that those eligible for SNAP but not participating (n=30) may be at a disadvantage to improving their dietary intake as compared to SNAP eligible and receiving (n=56) or ineligible (n=60) participants. Future research is needed to explore if participant’s ability to maintain long-term adherence to the dietary changes differs between groups.

Scientific explorations can lead to life changing discoveries or light the path for new discoveries as scientists continue to carry or pass on the torch of knowledge to current and future generations. This torch of knowledge radiates in many directions, as the path of discovery often demands a multidimensional perspective. This research explored the many aspects of metallic flavor in drinking water through applications of sensory science, medicine, health, and the environment. Humans interact with their environment through the five senses and are often exposed to contaminants through multiple routes; oral intake of trace metal contaminants through drinking water is a likely source. The biochemical mechanism by which humans are able to detect the flavor of strongly metallic agents such as iron has been previously elucidated, but little is known about population variability in the ability to sense metallic flavors. This research evaluated sensory thresholds and biochemical indicators of metallic flavor perception in healthy adults for ferrous iron in drinking water; 61 subjects aged 19 – 84 years, participated. The findings demonstrated an age-dependent sensitivity to iron indicating as people age they are less sensitive to metallic perception; impairment of olfactory functions is a contributing factor. Unlike in healthy adults, where human senses are often protective of overexposure to contaminants, and supportive of sensations of everyday life's pleasures, cancer patients often suffer from chemosensory dysfunctions. Metallic phantom taste is a commonly experienced sensation, yet very little studied aspect of this debilitating disorder. Impact of cancer therapy on chemosensory functions of patients with malignant brain tumors undergoing combined modality treatment (CMT) was explored. The results indicated that chemosensory dysfunctions of the patients can range from minimal to moderate impairment with maximum impairment developing during the 6-week CMT. Study of salivary constituents may provide clues on to the causes of chemosensory dysfunctions. On health aspects, implication of individual sensitivity to metallic flavor on beverage choices and overall water consumption was assessed in 33 healthy adults through self-reported beverage questionnaire. The results indicated that among the elderly reduced intake of drinking water coincided with reduced sensitivity to metallic flavor. The findings have important health implications in terms of hydration status and beverage choices. Finally, with environmental exposure relevance, preliminary findings on sensory properties of zerovalent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) indicated that oral exposure to nZVI may induce sensory properties different from that of ferrous iron, likely predictive of a diminished detection of metallic flavor by humans. Further research is warranted in this area. / Ph. D.

by Au Lai Hang. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-65). / ABSTRACT --- p.i / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iv / Chapter CHAPTER I- --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / The Changing Distribution System in China --- p.1 / Objectives of the Study --- p.3 / Arrangement of Content --- p.4 / Chapter CHAPTER II - --- METHODOLOGY --- p.5 / Chapter CHAPTER III - --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.8 / Channel Selection --- p.8 / Distribution Practices Adopted in China --- p.9 / Channel Length --- p.10 / Chapter CHAPTER IV- --- CURRENT DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE IN CHINA --- p.12 / Carbonated Soft Drinks: Coca Cola Versus Sunkist --- p.13 / Biscuits: United Biscuits Versus Nabisco --- p.19 / Chocolate : Mars Versus Ferrero --- p.25 / Generalisation of Current Distribution Channel --- p.32 / Key Factors Affecting Channel Selection in this Context --- p.33 / Chapter CHAPTER V - --- THE SHANGHAI RETAIL SCENE --- p.41 / The Shanghai Economy --- p.41 / Fast Moving Consumer Goods Handlers in Shanghai --- p.43 / Development of Chain Supermarkets in Shanghai --- p.43 / Chapter CHAPTER VI - --- SURVEY FINDINGS --- p.45 / Objectives --- p.45 / Response Rate --- p.45 / Survey Results --- p.45 / Chapter CHAPTER VII - --- IMPLICATIONS --- p.50 / To Manufacturers --- p.50 / To Current Distribution Structure --- p.52 / Chapter CHAPTER VIII - --- CONCLUSION --- p.55 / APPENDIX --- p.58 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.63

This diploma thesis deals with point of food and baverage services in human residences influenced by urbanization processes. It was necessary to analyse primary and secondary data during processing this thessis. Secondary data was got from technical literature and web sites. Primary data was got due to questionare research, managed interviews and my own observing. This information was used for creating business concept which is connected to impact of urbanization processes (especially social atmosphere and social relations between residents). This concept was created for family business based on knowing people in this part of city with aim to contibute to improve social atmosphere.

Introducción: El consumo de bebidas azucaradas (SSB) se ha relacionado con un incremento en el Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC), lo cual sería especialmente preocupante en poblaciones con un potencial de exposición prolongada, tales como estudiantes. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el consumo calórico proveniente de SSB medido mediante el cuestionario Bevq-15 e IMC en estudiantes de carreras de ciencias de la salud de una universidad peruana. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico en base a la medición del consumo calórico de 15 bebidas mediante la administración del cuestionario BEVQ-15 y la toma de medidas antropométricas a universitarios durante 2018 - 2019. Se evaluó la asociación cruda y ajustada usando modelos de regresión lineal. Resultados: Se incluyó a 350 personas. La mediana fue de 21 años y el 58.29% fueron mujeres. La mediana del IMC fue de 24.00 (21.75 - 26.90). El consumo promedio de calorías provenientes de bebidas azucaradas fue de 25.35 kcal/día. Se asoció un IMC menor con el sexo femenino (p<0.001), la carrera de nutrición (p=0.002) y nunca haber consumido tabaco (p=0.027). Se asoció un IMC mayor a la dislipidemia (p=0.014) y a un mayor consumo de calorías diarias provenientes de SSB (p<0.001). En el análisis multivariado se encontró asociación significativa entre el consumo de calorías provenientes de SSB y el IMC, ajustado por edad, sexo y tabaquismo (coeficiente β: 0.68; IC95% 0.04-1.33; p=0.037). Conclusiones: Se encontró asociación entre el consumo de calorías derivadas de SSB y un mayor IMC. Se debe impulsar intervenciones destinadas a la disminución de su consumo en estudiantes. / Introduction: The consumption of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) has been related to an increase in the Body Mass Index (BMI), which would be especially worrisome in populations with a prolonged exposure potential, such as students. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the caloric intake from SSB measured by the Bevq-15 questionnaire and BMI in health sciences students at a Peruvian university. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional analytical study based on the measurement of the caloric consumption of 15 beverages based on the administration of the BEVQ-15 questionnaire and the measurement of college students’ anthropometric measurements during 2018-2019. The crude and adjusted association were evaluated using linear regression models. Results: We enrolled 350 participants. The median age was 21 years and 58.29% were women. The median BMI was 24.00 (21.75 - 26.90). The average consumption of calories from SSB was 25.35 kcal/day. A lower BMI was associated with the female sex (p <0.001), the nutrition career (p = 0.002) and never having used tobacco (p = 0.027). A higher BMI was associated with dyslipidemia (p = 0.014) and a greater consumption of daily calories from SSB (p <0.001). In the multivariate analysis, a significant association was found between the consumption of calories from SSB and BMI, adjusted for age, sex and smoking (β coefficient: 0.68, 95% CI 0.04-1.33, p = 0.037). Conclusions: An association was found between the consumption of calories derived from SSB and a higher BMI. Interventions aimed at reducing student consumption should be promoted. / Tesis

Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the marketing of products and services to the business-to-business environment, companies need to be cognisant of the higher demands of its key accounts. This has lead to the introduction of key account management (KAM) processes to meet these demands. The key account management process, however, can lead to increased expectations from key customers and if not supported by an appropriate KAM strategy, will not necessarily replace the traditional buyer-seller relationship to build long-term relationships that are mutually beneficial for both parties. This research study examines the literature for the key dimensions required to develop a KAM strategy framework which can create a competitive advantage for Ceres Fruit Processors (CFP). The study investigates the current customer management practices at CFP and the perceptions, knowledge and attitudes of management towards KAM. These are analysed using a case study method and qualitative interviews with CFP management. The KAM strategy framework identifies four key elements that are required for the development of a KAM strategy. The strategy development requires companies to analyse (1) the selected customer‟s competitors, (2) customer‟s needs, (3) resource allocation and (4) current solutions in place to manage the strategic customer. This will result in the realisation of an appropriate KAM strategy that is integrated with the company‟s overall business strategy and structure. The research demonstrates that, although CFP has some of the KAM elements in place and the KAM principle is firmly entrenched in its business strategy, the systematic process to conceptualise a KAM strategy is lacking. The research further shows that the management of CFP have a good understanding of the basic elements of KAM. There is, however, a clear perception gap as to what management believe customer expectations are and what customers actually expect. The proposed KAM strategy framework can therefore be applied to conceptualise the implementation of a KAM programme for CFP and provide the mechanism to improve management‟s understanding of strategic customers‟ expectations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die bemarking van produkte en dienste in die besigheid-tot-besigheid-omgewing is dit noodsaaklik dat maatskappye bewus is van die groter eise van hul strategiese kliënte. Om aan hierdie vereistes te kan voldoen, implementeer maatskappye kern-kliënt-verhoudingsbestuursprosesse. Dit kan egter lei tot verhoogde verwagtinge deur die strategiese kliënte en indien die program nie ondersteun word deur 'n toepaslike kliëntverhoudingsbestuur (KVB) strategie nie, sal die tradisionele koper-verkoper verhouding nie noodwendig ontwikkel in 'n langtermyn strategiese verhouding wat wedersydse voordele vir beide partye inhou nie. Hierdie navorsingstudie ondersoek die literatuur vir die kern-elemente wat benodig word vir die ontwikkeling van 'n KVB strategiese raamwerk wat 'n kompeterende voordeel vir Ceres Fruit Processors (CFP) kan bewerkstellig. Die navorsingstudie ondersoek die huidige kliëntebestuurspraktyke by CFP en die persepsies, kennis en houdings van die bestuur ten opsigte van KVB. Die analise word gedoen deur middel van 'n gevallestudie metode en kwalitatiewe onderhoude met die bestuur van CFP. Die KVB strategiese raamwerk identifiseer vier kern-elemente wat benodig word vir die ontwikkeling van 'n KVB strategie. Vir die ontwikkeling van 'n KVB strategie word vereis dat maatskappye 'n analise uitvoer ten opsigte van (1) kliënte se mededingers, (2) kliëntebehoeftes, (3) die allokasie van hulpbronne en (4) die bestaande oplossings om strategiese kliënte te bestuur. Die analise verskaf dan die nodige inligting vir die realisering van 'n toepaslike KVB strategie wat geïntegreer is met CFP se huidige korporatiewe strategie en struktuur. Die navorsing toon dat, alhoewel daar sekere elemente van 'n KVB by CFP bestaan en die KVB beginsels deel vorm van CFP se korporatiewe strategie, die sistematiese proses ontbreek om 'n KVB strategie te ontwikkel. Die navorsingsverslag dui verder aan dat die bestuur van CFP 'n goeie begrip het van die basiese elemente van 'n KVB proses. Daar bestaan egter 'n gaping in terme van CFP bestuur se persepsies van wat kliënte se verwagtings is en kliënte se werklike verwagtings. Die voorgestelde KVB strategiese raamwerk kan aangewend word om 'n KVB program te implementeer en kan dien as meganisme om bestuur se kennis ten opsigte strategiese kliënte se verwagtings te verbeter.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the South African Wine industry as a viable market for CHEP SA (Pty) Ltd, using standardised pallet configurations, in the distribution of wine products. The study focuses on the global alcoholic beverage industry and how the South African wine industry is integrated within these markets. The global wine industry has experienced a decline in consumption since 1980, along with a number of changes in the way wine has been marketed. Means of marketing and consumption may vary from country to country, and remains a critical factor of consideration for CHEP SA. The results of the study indicates that in order for CHEP SA to successfully penetrate this market, CHEP SA will need to integrate themselves into the supply chain of the industry and to develop a better understanding of the global wine market. Results of interviews conducted and analysis of the industry indicates, that the market consists of a large number of producers in an industry, which is highly fragmented and uncoordinated. These producers and exporters are in the process of establishing a strategy, which will consolidate the industry and pursue the global wine industry. The identification of global export trends and markets in the alcoholic beverage industry, such as the gradual shift from European markets to North American and Asian markets provides CHEP SA with a clearer understanding of what future distribution and service requirements are needed. The importance of the retailer as well as branding in the wine industry has been identified as two critical factors which require more attention by market participants who wish to provide secondary products and services in the industry like CHEP SA. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die Suid Afrikaanse wynbedryf as 'n lewensvatbare mark waar CHEP SA (Pty) Ltd, sy standaard draagplate kan gebruik in die verspreiding van wynprodukte. Die studie fokus in die geheel op die totale alkaholiese drank bedryf en hoe die Suid Afrikaanse wynbedryf homself integreer in hierdie wêreldmarkte. Die wêreld se wynbedryf ervaar sedert 1980 'n afname in gebruik en dit gaan gepaard met verskeie veranderinge in maniere waarop die produkte bemark word. Hierdie gebruiksyfers en bemarkingstegnieke mag verskil van land tot land, maar bly uiters belangrike faktore wat CHEP SA in oorweging sal moet neem. Die uitslag van hierdie studie toon dat vir CHEP SA om met sukses die mark toe te tree, hulle genoodsaak sal wees om hulself ten volle te integreer met die aanvoerketting van die bedryf asook 'n baie beter begrip te hê van die wêreld se wynbedryf. Die resultate van onderhoude gevoer met industrie kenners toon daarop dat die berdyf uit 'n groot hoeveelheid en hoogs gefragmenteerde en ongeköordineerde groep produsente bestaan. Hierdie produsente en uitvoerders is huidiglik in die proses om 'n strategie vas te lê, wat die industrieë sal verenig om die wêreldwynbedryf te kan aandurf. Die identifiseering van wêreld uitvoer tendensies en markte van die alkoholisie drankbedryf soos byvoorbeeld die geleidelike verskuiwing van die Europese markte na die Noord Amerikaanse en Asiatiese markte, verskaf CHEP SA 'n baie duideliker begrip vir die toekomstige vereistes wat benodig sal word met betrekking tot verspreiding en dienslewering. Die belangrikheid van die kleinhandelaar asook die gebruik van handelsmerke in die wynbedryf word geidentifiseer as twee van die mees belangrikste faktore wat aandag sal moet geniet deur markspelers wat graag sekondere produkte en dienste wil verskaf in die industrie soos CHEP SA.

published_or_final_version / Business Administration / Master / Master of Business Administration

Em S. cerevisiae, as proteínas de membrana são responsáveis pelo transporte de açúcares através da membrana celular e, portanto, são importantes para os processos fermentativos. Visando melhorar a compreensão do metabolismo de açúcares, estudamos o transporte ativo de açúcares mediado pela permease Agt1p e o processo de inativação catabólica, promovido pela glicose. Para isso, mutantes em resíduos específicos do Agt1p foram gerados por mutagênese e expressados em uma linhagem agt1<font face=\"Symbol\">D. Os resultados obtidos indicam que os aminoácidos Glu-120, Asp-123, Glu-167, Arg-504 e Ile-505 estão envolvidos com o simporte açúcar-H+ realizado pelo Agt1p. Em relação aos resíduos e/ou domínios envolvidos com o processo de inativação catabólica, os resultados demonstram que a região N-terminal do Agt1p, bem como a alça citoplasmática presente entre os TMs 6 e 7, são essenciais para a resposta celular frente a presença de glicose. Finalmente, a fusão do Agt1p com GST permitiu purificar uma proteína de ~67 kDa, condizente com a massa molecular prevista para este transportador. / In S. cerevisiae, membrane proteins are responsible for the transport of different sugars across the cellular membrane and, therefore, are important for fermentation processes. In order to improve our understanding of sugar metabolism, we studied the active sugar transport mediated by Agt1p permease and the catabolite inactivation induced by glucose. Thus, mutants in specific residues of the Agt1p were generated by site direct mutagenesis and expressed in a strain agt1<font face=\"Symbol\">D. The results indicate that the Glu-120, Asp-123, Glu-167, Arg-504 and Ile-505 residues are involved in the sugar-H+ symport mediated by the Agt1p permease. Regarding residues and/or domains involved in the process of catabolite inactivation promoted by glucose, the results indicate that the N-terminal region of Agt1p, and the intracellular loop between TMs 6 and 7, are essential for the cellular response to the presence of glucose. Finally, the fusion of the Agt1p to GST allowed the purification of a ~67 kDa protein, consistent with the predicted molecular weight of this transporter.