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Terms modified by Beer Selected AbstractsTHE DEMAND FOR BEER, WINE AND SPIRITS: A SURVEY OF THE LITERATUREJOURNAL OF ECONOMIC SURVEYS, Issue 3 2010James Fogarty Abstract The demand for alcohol literature is vast and much conflicting information about the nature of the demand for alcoholic beverages has been published. This paper presents a survey of the literature, and then uses the technique of meta-regression analysis to establish insights into the nature of the demand for beer, wine and spirits. Unlike previous meta-studies of the demand for alcoholic beverages this study adjusts for the precision of each elasticity estimate. The analysis presented suggests reported elasticity estimates will be influenced by such factors as estimation technique, data frequency and time period under consideration. With respect to time, the findings suggest that the demand for alcoholic beverages has become less inelastic since the mid-1950s and that the income elasticity has been falling since the mid-1960s. The analysis also found support for the idea that alcohol as a commodity group is a necessity, and that consumers respond to price discounting with inventory behaviour rather than true substitution behaviour. Little support is found for the idea that the demand for alcoholic beverages varies fundamentally across most countries, although wine may be an exception. [source] What Do We Know About Long,run Equilibrium Real Exchange Rates?AUSTRALIAN ECONOMIC PAPERS, Issue 4 2002PPPs vs Macroeconomic Approaches Despite the fact that the presence of non tradable goods is one of the most frequently advanced reasons for the failure of PPP, the empirical analysis conducted in this paper shows that it explains only a very small portion of the long run behaviour of real exchange rates (RERs) in developed countries: in most cases, there appears to be a very strong long run relationship between RERs calculated on price indexes for tradables and non tradables. As a consequence, deviations from PPP usually appear to be as large for both kinds of goods. To a certain extent, this stylised fact is also verified in the case of the yen/dollar RER, yet formerly known as a typical illustration of the so,called Balassa,Samuelson effect. In this context, so,called macroeconomic approaches of ERERs may be viewed as an alternative to all versions of PPP. We develop a model which combines the contributions of the most fruitful dynamic approaches, namely the NATREX and the BEER. An estimate of this model shows that the main long run determinants of the dollar/euro RER are the rate of consumption and the level of technical progress of the euro area relative to the US. [source] SENSORY MAPPING OF BEERS ON SALE IN THE ITALIAN MARKETJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 1 2010G. DONADINI ABSTRACT The sensory profiles of 72 beers commercially available in Italy were described and quantified using descriptive analysis procedures. Principal component analysis indicated that nearly 74% of the variance across samples can be described by the first six principal components. Raw materials and specifically grains impart flavors that are responsible for the main source of variations and discrimination among beers of the Italian market. Second direction of variation is summarized by the perceived overall structure of a given brand and its fruity ester flavors. Although sameness seems to be the key word for pale lagers of the market as emerges from the application of multivariate techniques, this study proved to be efficient in gaining an insight into the relationships between this class of beers and its flavor characteristics and revealed some subtle but clear differences among brands which took the lion's share of the market. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results of this study have practical implications for brewers, importers and distributors. Brewers who wish to introduce or re-position a new or existing beer brand into the Italian market can benefit from these pieces of information to improve the knowledge of the sensory structure of the beer market to better plan their industrial strategies. Moskowitz stated that mapping technique can be used by researchers "to identify which products compete with each other, as well as to discover whether or not there exist in the category unfilled holes that have promise." As competition intensifies, companies need to orientate more precisely and enhance more efficiently towards consumers' satisfaction and sensory properties of food and beverages are universally reported as determinants of product quality and acceptance. [source] Voltammetric Determination of Free and Total Sulfur Dioxide in BeerELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 5-6 2003J. Almeida Abstract A voltammetric method for the determination of free and total sulfur dioxide in beer is described. First, volatile aldehydes (mainly acetaldehyde) are purged with nitrogen from a beer sample diluted in alkaline medium, collected in an appropriate electrolyte trapping solution and determined, after derivatization with hydrazine, by voltammetry using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Then, the remaining beer solution is strongly acidified and (total) sulfur dioxide is purged with nitrogen, collected in an appropriate electrolyte trapping solution and determined by voltammetry. The free sulfur dioxide concentration is calculated by difference between (total) sulfur dioxide and acetaldehyde concentrations. The proposed method has a relative standard deviation of about 2.1% and 4.4%, respectively for (total) sulfur dioxide and free sulfur dioxide concentrations normally found in beer, and results are in good agreement with those obtained by the p -rosaniline reference method. [source] Beer and Wine Consumers' Perceptions of the Nutritional Value of Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic BeveragesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2008C.A. Wright ABSTRACT:, In general beer has not been portrayed as part of a balanced diet. However, red wine has been promoted as a beneficial part of a nutritious diet. The evidence is that beer is at least the equal of wine from a nutritional perspective and in countering ailments such as coronary heart disease. This study used surveys to compare beer and wine consumers' perceptions of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The consumers ranked 7 beverages based upon perceived healthfulness both before and after they were exposed to nutritional information about the beverages. The ranked data were analyzed using analysis of variance. The variance due to the 3-way interaction of place of recruitment, beverage, and ranking was found to be significant at P < 0.05. There was no significant difference between genders. Overall, consumers of alcoholic beverages perceived red wine to be more healthful than the other 6 beverages, including beer and white wine. The perceived healthfulness of a beverage does not appear to be the main factor driving the choice of beverage. Nutritional information does impact consumers' perceptions of the healthfulness of beverages. Consumers who are predominately beer drinkers were more heavily influenced by nutritional information than consumers who were predominately wine drinkers. [source] Pasteurization of Beer by a Continuous Dense-phase CO2 SystemJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2006Gillian F. Dagan ABSTRACT: Effects on beer quality were studied after pasteurization by a continuous dense-phase carbon dioxide (DPCD) system. Changes in haze formation, foaming capacity and stability, and objective and subjective aroma and flavor were evaluated, after validation of a 5-log reduction in yeast populations. A maximum log reduction in yeast populations of 7.38 logs was predicted at 26.5 MPa, 21°C, 9.6% CO2, and 4.77 min residence time. Haze was reduced by DPCD pasteurization from 146 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) to 95 NTU. At this same treatment combination, aroma and flavor of beer sample means were not considered significantly different (P= 0.3415) from fresh beer sample means when evaluated in a difference from control test, using fresh beer as the reference. Foam capacity and stability were affected minimally by CO2 processing; however, changes would most likely be unnoticed by consumers. [source] Pulsed Electric Field Processing of Beer: Microbial, Sensory, and Quality AnalysesJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 8 2004G.A. Evrendilek ABSTRACT: In this study, pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment of beer, effectiveness of PEF treatment on microbial inactivation, effects of PEF treatment on sensory properties, and detection of electrode material migration were explored. Beer samples were treated by PEF for the inactivation of natural flora and inoculated cultures of Saccaromyces uvarum, Rhodotorula rubra, Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus damnosus, and Bacillus subtilis. Inactivation induced by the PEF treatment was 0.5, 4.1, 4.3, 4.7, 5.8, and 4.8 log10 colony-forming units/mL in the above microorganisms, respectively (P < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the amount of Cr, Zn, Fe, and Mn ions in the beer samples after PEF treatment (P < 0.05) leading to a statistically significant degradation in flavor and mouth feel. Further studies are needed to optimize electrode materials and PEF treatment to minimize or eliminate this degradation. [source] Simulation of microalgae growth in limiting light conditions: Flow effectAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 5 2002J. Pruvost Effect of hydrodynamical conditions on a microalgae culture growth was investigated in a photobioreactor with annular light chambers, with the focus on the relation between the cell displacement and the amount of light received by microorganisms, by comparing two different flow conditions in light chambers: an axial flow generating a poor radial mixing and a 3-D swirling motion. To determine microorganism trajectories, a Lagrangian approach was retained, allowing light received to be considered from a single microalga point of view. The light distribution was calculated using Beer,Lambert law, and a biological modeling of the culture growth was proposed, with consideration of light/dark cycle effects induced by cell displacement in the depth of the culture. Finally, batch cultures of Porphyridium purpureum were simulated for both hydrodynamical conditions in light chambers. The advantage of applying a three-dimensional motion to generate cell renewal in front of the light source, allowing microorganisms to use light more efficiently, is clearly shown. [source] Stimulatory Effect of N -Methyltyramine, a Congener of Beer, on Pancreatic Secretion in Conscious RatsALCOHOLISM, Issue 2010Eri Tsutsumi Background:, Alcoholic beverages stimulate gastric acid secretion and increase the appetite. Although ingested ethanol stimulates pancreatic secretion, alcoholic beverages contain several congeners. N -methyltyramine (NMT) was isolated from beer as a factor in stimulating gastric acid secretion. In this study, we examined NMT to determine whether the congener stimulated pancreatic secretion in conscious rats. Methods:, Cannulae were inserted into male Wistar rats to separately drain bile and pancreatic secretions: 2 duodenal cannulae, a gastric cannula, and an external jugular vein cannula. The rats were placed in modified Bollman-type restraint cages. After a 4-day recovery period, experiments were conducted on unanesthetized rats. Different concentrations of NMT (5, 25, and 50 ,g/kg) solutions were infused into the stomach. To examine the mechanism, the effects of the proton pump inhibitor, cholecystokinin (CCK-BR) antagonist (YM022), CCK-AR antagonist (CR1505), and atropine were administered prior to the NMT (25 ,g/kg) infusion. The effect of intravenous infusion of NMT (7.5 ,g/kg) was then determined. Moreover, dispersed acini were prepared, and the effect of different concentrations of NMT on amylase release was determined. Results:, Intragastric administration of NMT significantly increased pancreatic exocrine secretion in a dose-dependent manner. Atropine eliminated the stimulatory effect of NMT, but the infusion of the proton pump inhibitor, YM022, and CR1505 did not. Intravenous infusion of NMT did not affect pancreatic secretion, and NMT did not stimulate amylase release in vitro. Conclusions:,N -methyltyramine stimulates pancreatic secretion via the cholinergic gastro-pancreatic reflex. The NMT content in beer was 2 mg/l, so that if a person weighing 60 kg consumes a 750 ml of beer, 25 ,g/kg NMT will be ingested. Therefore, the stimulatory effect of beer on pancreatic secretion was produced not only by ethanol but also by the congener, NMT. [source] The Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey: Alcoholic Beverage Preference Across Hispanic National GroupsALCOHOLISM, Issue 1 2009Raul Caetano Background:, U.S. Hispanics come from many countries in Latin America, which can lead to different beverage preferences in the United States. This paper examines choice for drinking wine, beer, and liquor across 4 Hispanic national groups: Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and South/Central Americans. Methods:, A sample of 5,224 individuals 18 years of age and older was selected using multistage cluster procedures from the household population in 5 metropolitan areas of the United States: Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. The survey weighted response rate was 76%. Face-to-face interviews lasting 1 hour on average were conducted in the respondents' homes either in English or Spanish. Results:, Among men, beer drinkers consume the highest mean number of drinks per week in all national groups. Among women, this is true only of Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans. Among men who drink beer, beer drinking constitutes 52 to 72% of total alcohol consumption. Among women who drink beer, beer consumption is associated with 32 to 64% of total consumption. Beer is the beverage most associated with binge drinking among Puerto Rican and Mexican American women, while among Cuban Americans and South/Central Americans this is seen for wine. Regression analyses showed no significant differences by national group in the likelihood of drinking 2 or fewer drinks (vs. no drinks) of wine, beer, or liquor. Puerto Ricans were more likely (OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.00,2.14) than Cuban Americans to drink 3 or more drinks (compared with no drinks) of beer. There was no association between the likelihood of binge drinking and Hispanic national group. Conclusions:, Beverage preference across Hispanic national groups is similar. Beer is the preferred beverage. Alcohol control policies such as taxation and control of sales availability should apply equally to beer, liquor, and wine. Prevention interventions directed at different Hispanic national groups in the United States can be relatively uniform in their focus on the dangers associated with drinking different types of alcoholic beverages. [source] Effects of Light and Dark Beer on Hepatic Cytochrome P-450 Expression in Male Rats Receiving Alcoholic Beverages as Part of Total Enteral NutritionALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2005Mats Hidestrand Background: Alcoholic beverages contain many congeners in addition to ethanol. Therefore, consumption of alcoholic beverages may have considerably different effects on expression of hepatic microsomal monooxygenases than the relatively selective induction of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 2E1 observed after consumption of pure ethanol. Methods: In the current study, we compared the effects of two beers: lager (a light roasted beer) and stout (a dark roasted beer) with those of an equivalent amount of pure ethanol on hepatic CYP expression. Beer or pure ethanol was part of a complete total enteral nutrition diet that was infused intragastrically into male Sprague Dawley rats for 21 days. At the end of the infusion period, rats were euthanized, and liver and intestinal microsomes were prepared. Expression and activity of CYP1A1/2, CYP2B1, CYP2E1, CYP3A, and CYP4A were assessed by Western immunoblotting and by using CYP enzyme,specific substrates, respectively. Results: mRNA and protein levels of CYP4A1 were elevated only in stout-treated animals. However, lauric acid 12-hydroxylase activity (a CYP4A-specific activity) was reduced (p, 0.05) in microsomes from lager- and stout-fed rats. After oxidation with potassium ferricyanide, this activity was significantly increased in microsomes from stout-fed animals. The relative expression of CYP2E1 and CYP2B1 and the activities toward p -nitrophenol, pentoxyresorufin, or benzyloxyresorufin did not differ between beers or compared with pure ethanol or controls. However, the mean expression of CYP1A2, CYP3A, and CYP4A apoproteins was greater in liver microsomes from stout-infused rats than in those from lager-infused rats, ethanol-infused rats, and diet controls (p, 0.05). In addition, although no significant differences were observed in ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (EROD), methoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (MROD), midazolam, or testosterone hydroxylase activities between groups, stout-infused rats had greater hepatic microsomal erythromycin N -demethylase activity than other groups (p, 0.05). Conclusions: Stout contains components other than ethanol that interact in a complex fashion with the monooxygenase system. [source] Book review: Beer in Health and Disease PreventionAMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Arthur L. KlatskyArticle first published online: 30 APR 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Profiles of light absorption and chlorophyll within spinach leaves from chlorophyll fluorescencePLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 10 2002T. C. Vogelmann Abstract Chlorophyll fluorescence was used to estimate profiles of absorbed light within chlorophyll solutions and leaves. For chlorophyll solutions, the intensity of the emitted fluorescence declined in a log,linear manner with the distance from ,the ,irradiated ,surface ,as ,predicted ,by ,Beer's ,law. The amount of fluorescence was proportional to chlorophyll ,concentration ,for ,chlorophyll ,solutions ,given ,epi-illumination on a microscope slide. These relationships appeared to hold for more optically complex spinach leaves. The profile of chlorophyll fluorescence emitted by leaf cross sections given epi-illumination corresponded to chlorophyll content measured in extracts of leaf paradermal sections. Thus epifluorescence was used to estimate relative chlorophyll content through leaf tissues. Fluorescence profiles across leaves depended on wavelength and orientation, reaching a peak at 50,70 µm depth. By infiltrating leaves with water, the pathlengthening due to scattering at the airspace : cell wall interfaces was calculated. Surprisingly, the palisade and spongy mesophyll had similar values for pathlengthening with the value being greatest for green light (550 > 650 > 450 nm). By combining fluorescence profiles with chlorophyll distribution across the leaf, the profile of the apparent extinction coefficient was calculated. The light profiles within spinach leaves could be well approximated by an apparent extinction coefficient and the Beer,Lambert/Bouguer laws. Light was absorbed at greater depths than predicted from fibre optic measurements, with 50% of blue and green light reaching 125 and 240 µm deep, respectively. [source] Obituary: Professor Samuel H. Beer (1911,2009)POLITICAL STUDIES, Issue 3 2009Robert Benewick First page of article [source] Statistical Efficiency: The Practical PerspectiveQUALITY AND RELIABILITY ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2003Ron S. Kenett Abstract The idea of adding a practical perspective to the mathematical definition of statistical efficiency is based on a suggestion by Churchill Eisenhart who, years ago gave, in an informal ,Beer and Statistics' seminar, a new definition of statistical efficiency. Later Bruce Hoadley from Bell Laboratories picked up where Eisenhart left off and added his version nicknamed ,Vador'. Blan Godfrey, former CEO of the Juran Institute, more or less used Hoadley's idea during his Youden Address at the Fall Technical Conference of the American Society for Quality Control. We expand on this idea adding an additional component, the value of the data actually collected, which we believe is critical to the overall idea. The concept of Practical Statistical Efficiency (PSE) derived from these developments is introduced and demonstrated using five case studies. We suggest that PSE be considered before, during and after undertaking any quality improvement projects. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Extractive Spectrophotometric Determination of Fluconazole by Ion-pair Complex Formation with Bromocresol GreenCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 9 2007Fahimeh Jalali Abstract An extraction-spectrophotometric method for the determination of trace amounts of fluconazole was described. Fluconazole was effectively extracted as a 1:1 ion-pair complex with bromocresole green (BCG) at pH 3.0 into chloroform, followed by spectrophotometric determination at 420 nm. Beer,s law was obeyed over the range of 4,50 µg·mL,1 of fluconazole with a detection limit of 3.7 µg·mL,1. The method is simple, rapid and sensitive. The procedure was applied to the determination of fluconazole in pharmaceutical preparations as well as its recovery from a blood serum sample. [source] Profiles of light absorption and chlorophyll within spinach leaves from chlorophyll fluorescencePLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 10 2002T. C. Vogelmann Abstract Chlorophyll fluorescence was used to estimate profiles of absorbed light within chlorophyll solutions and leaves. For chlorophyll solutions, the intensity of the emitted fluorescence declined in a log,linear manner with the distance from ,the ,irradiated ,surface ,as ,predicted ,by ,Beer's ,law. The amount of fluorescence was proportional to chlorophyll ,concentration ,for ,chlorophyll ,solutions ,given ,epi-illumination on a microscope slide. These relationships appeared to hold for more optically complex spinach leaves. The profile of chlorophyll fluorescence emitted by leaf cross sections given epi-illumination corresponded to chlorophyll content measured in extracts of leaf paradermal sections. Thus epifluorescence was used to estimate relative chlorophyll content through leaf tissues. Fluorescence profiles across leaves depended on wavelength and orientation, reaching a peak at 50,70 µm depth. By infiltrating leaves with water, the pathlengthening due to scattering at the airspace : cell wall interfaces was calculated. Surprisingly, the palisade and spongy mesophyll had similar values for pathlengthening with the value being greatest for green light (550 > 650 > 450 nm). By combining fluorescence profiles with chlorophyll distribution across the leaf, the profile of the apparent extinction coefficient was calculated. The light profiles within spinach leaves could be well approximated by an apparent extinction coefficient and the Beer,Lambert/Bouguer laws. Light was absorbed at greater depths than predicted from fibre optic measurements, with 50% of blue and green light reaching 125 and 240 µm deep, respectively. [source] Potentially Inappropriate Prescribing in Elderly Veterans: Are We Using the Wrong Drug, Wrong Dose, or Wrong Duration?JOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 8 2005Mary Jo V. Pugh PhD Objectives: To identify the extent of inappropriate prescribing using criteria for proper use developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and dose-limitation criteria defined by Beers, as well as to describe duration of use and patient characteristics associated with inappropriate prescribing for older people. Design: Retrospective national Veterans Health Administration (VA) administrative database analysis. Setting: VA outpatient facilities during fiscal year 2000 (FY00). Participants: Veterans aged 65 and older having at least one VA outpatient visit in FY00 (N=1,265,434). Measurements: Operational definitions of appropriate use were developed based on recommendations of an expert panel convened by the AHRQ (Zhan criteria). Inappropriate use was identified based on these criteria and inappropriate use of drugs per Beers criteria for dose-limitations in older people. Furthermore, duration of use and patient characteristics associated with inappropriate use were described. Results: After adjusting for diagnoses, dose, and duration, inappropriate prescribing decreased from 33% to 23%. Exposure to inappropriate drugs was prolonged. Pain relievers, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and musculoskeletal agents constituted 61% of inappropriate prescribing. Whites, patients with psychiatric comorbidities, and patients receiving more medications were most likely to receive inappropriate drugs. Women were more likely to receive Zhan criteria drugs; men were more likely to receive dose-limited drugs Conclusion: For the most part, the Zhan criteria did not explain inappropriate prescribing, which includes problems related to dose and duration of prescriptions. Interventions targeted at prescriptions for pain relievers, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and musculoskeletal agents may dramatically decrease inappropriate prescribing and improve patient outcomes. [source] Determinants of Innovative Behaviour: A Firm's internal Practices and Its External Environment Edited by Cees van Beers, Alfred Kleinknecht, Ronald Ortt, and Robert VerburgTHE JOURNAL OF PRODUCT INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2010S. S. Pal No abstract is available for this article. [source] Ready to drinks are associated with heavier drinking patterns among young femalesDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 4 2008TAISIA HUCKLE Abstract Aim. To report patterns of use of ready to drinks (RTDs) and to assess if RTD consumers have heavier drinking patterns. RTDs were introduced in 1995. Method. Data from a general population sample of 7201 respondents aged 14,65 years, in New Zealand in 2004, were modelled. Results. Nineteen per cent of respondents consumed RTDs. Respondents aged 14,17 and 18,24 years and females were the largest consumers of RTDs. Compared to beer, wine or spirits, being an RTD consumer predicted (1) higher typical occasion quantities for respondents aged 14,17, 18,24 and 25+ years and (2) heavier drinking for those aged 14,17 and 18,24 years. When amounts of beverages consumed were modelled, quantity of RTDs predicted higher typical occasion quantities among females of all ages. Among males beer was more predictive. Similar results were found for the heavier drinking measure. For 14,17-year-old females, RTDs consumption predicted higher annual frequency, but for the other females and males the amount of wine or beer consumed predicted higher frequency. Conclusion. RTDs were most popular among young people aged 14,17 years, and females. RTDs predicted higher typical occasion alcohol consumption and heavier drinking better than any other beverage for females aged 14,17 years. For the other age and gender groups, other beverages predicted higher quantity and frequency consumption. [source] Changes in alcohol consumption and beverage preference among adolescents after the introduction of the alcopops tax in GermanyADDICTION, Issue 7 2010Stefanie Müller ABSTRACT Aims The aim of this study is to assess the contribution of the alcopops tax to changes in alcohol consumption and beverage preference among adolescents in Germany. We hypothesize that the decrease of alcohol intake by alcopops is substituted by an increase of alcohol intake by other alcoholic beverages. Design Data came from the German 2003 (n = 10 551) and 2007 (n = 10 598) cross-sectional study of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD). Participants A propensity score-matched subsample of 9th and 10th graders (n = 4694) was used for the analyses. Measurement Alcohol consumption within the last 7 days was assessed by a beverage-specific quantity,frequency index. An individual's beverage preference was assigned for the beverage that had the highest share in total alcohol consumption. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess changes in alcohol consumption; changes in beverage preference were tested using multinomial logistic regression. Findings While alcopop consumption declined after the alcopops tax was implemented, consumption of spirits increased. Changes in beverage preference revealed a decrease in alcopop preference and an increase in the preference for beer and spirits. Conclusions Results indicate a partial substitution of alcopops by spirits and a switch in preference to beverages associated with riskier drinking patterns. Effective alcohol policies to prevent alcohol-related problems should focus upon the reduction of total alcohol consumption instead of regulating singular beverages. [source] Effects of a community intervention to reduce the serving of alcohol to intoxicated patronsADDICTION, Issue 6 2010Katariina Warpenius ABSTRACT Aims To assess the effects of an alcohol prevention programme to reduce the serving of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated clients on licensed premises. Research design A controlled pre- (2004) and post-intervention study (2006) design. Intervention A community-based programme combining law enforcement, responsible beverage service training, information campaigns and policy initiatives in one Finnish town (Jyväskylä). Participants and measurements A male actor pretended to be clearly under the influence of alcohol and tried to buy a pint of beer at licensed premises. For the baseline measurement, every bar and nightclub was visited in the intervention and the control areas (94 licensed premises in total). Post-intervention data were gathered with the same principles (100 licensed premises in total). A researcher observed every visit and documented the results. Results In the post-intervention study there was a statistically significant increase in refusals to serve denials alcohol to the actor in the intervention area (from 23% to 42% of the licensed premises) compared to refusals in the control area (from 36% to 27% of the licensed premises). Conclusion Previous research has documented that multi-component community-based interventions can have a significant impact on over-serving of alcohol when training and house policies are combined with effective law enforcement. The present findings also demonstrate that comprehensive Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) interventions applied at a local community level can be effective in decreasing service to intoxicated clients in a Nordic context. [source] Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity , a summary of the second editionADDICTION, Issue 5 2010Alcohol, Public Policy Group ABSTRACT This article summarizes the contents of Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity (2nd edn). The first part of the book describes why alcohol is not an ordinary commodity, and reviews epidemiological data that establish alcohol as a major contributor to the global burden of disease, disability and death in high-, middle- and low-income countries. This section also documents how international beer and spirits production has been consolidated recently by a small number of global corporations that are expanding their operations in Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. In the second part of the book, the scientific evidence for strategies and interventions that can prevent or minimize alcohol-related harm is reviewed critically in seven key areas: pricing and taxation, regulating the physical availability of alcohol, modifying the drinking context, drink-driving countermeasures, restrictions on marketing, education and persuasion strategies, and treatment and early intervention services. Finally, the book addresses the policy-making process at the local, national and international levels and provides ratings of the effectiveness of strategies and interventions from a public health perspective. Overall, the strongest, most cost-effective strategies include taxation that increases prices, restrictions on the physical availability of alcohol, drink-driving countermeasures, brief interventions with at risk drinkers and treatment of drinkers with alcohol dependence. [source] How much alcohol do you buy?ADDICTION, Issue 4 2010A comparison of self-reported alcohol purchases with actual sales ABSTRACT Background Unrecorded alcohol has increased in the Nordic countries during recent years, above all in terms of cross-border trade. This implies that trends and levels of per capita consumption would look different without estimates of this source of alcohol, estimates that in Sweden and other countries are made through surveys. Aim The overall aim is to analyse the validity of Swedish survey estimates of alcohol bought in the cross-border trade and possibly to develop weights that can be applied to such estimates. Data and method The analysis consists of comparing self-reported purchases of spirits, wine, cider/alcopops and beer at retail monopoly (Systembolaget) during 2008 (n = 18 000) with actual sales during the same period overall and monthly. Findings Of the recorded amount of purchases at Systembolaget, 87% was reported in the survey, compared with the 40,60% usually found for self-reported consumption. Significant differences across beverages were revealed, showing a lower coverage rate for beer and spirits and a higher coverage rate for wine and cider. Changes in purchases of all beverages were captured fairly well, at least changes taking place from one month to another. Conclusions Self-reported alcohol purchases achieve a higher coverage rate than found typically in studies based on self-reported use of alcohol. If adjustments are to be made to correct for underreporting in self-reported data on alcohol purchases, different weights should be applied to different beverages. Furthermore, at least major changes in how much alcohol is purchased in the population can be monitored using well-designed population surveys. [source] Changes in per capita alcohol sales during the partial privatization of British Columbia's retail alcohol monopoly 2003,2008: a multi-level local area analysisADDICTION, Issue 11 2009Tim Stockwell ABSTRACT Aim To investigate the independent effects on liquor sales of an increase in (a) the density of liquor outlets and (b) the proportion of liquor stores in private rather than government ownership in British Columbia between 2003/4 and 2007/8. Design The British Columbia Liquor Distribution Branch provided data on litres of ethanol sold through different types of outlets in 89 local health areas of the province by beverage type. Multi-level regression models were used to examine the relationship between per capita alcohol sales and outlet densities for different types of liquor outlet after adjusting for potential confounding social, economic and demographic factors as well as spatial and temporal autocorrelation. Setting Liquor outlets in 89 local health areas of British Columbia, Canada. Findings The number of private stores per 10 000 residents was associated significantly and positively with per capita sales of ethanol in beer, coolers, spirits and wine, while the reverse held for government liquor stores. Significant positive effects were also identified for the number of bars and restaurants per head of population. The percentage of liquor stores in private versus government ownership was also associated significantly with per capita alcohol sales when controlling for density of liquor stores and of on-premise outlets (P < 0.01). Conclusion The trend towards privatisation of liquor outlets between 2003/04 and 2007/08 in British Columbia has contributed to increased per capita sales of alcohol and hence possibly also to increased alcohol-related harm. [source] Voltammetric Determination of Free and Total Sulfur Dioxide in BeerELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 5-6 2003J. Almeida Abstract A voltammetric method for the determination of free and total sulfur dioxide in beer is described. First, volatile aldehydes (mainly acetaldehyde) are purged with nitrogen from a beer sample diluted in alkaline medium, collected in an appropriate electrolyte trapping solution and determined, after derivatization with hydrazine, by voltammetry using a hanging mercury drop electrode. Then, the remaining beer solution is strongly acidified and (total) sulfur dioxide is purged with nitrogen, collected in an appropriate electrolyte trapping solution and determined by voltammetry. The free sulfur dioxide concentration is calculated by difference between (total) sulfur dioxide and acetaldehyde concentrations. The proposed method has a relative standard deviation of about 2.1% and 4.4%, respectively for (total) sulfur dioxide and free sulfur dioxide concentrations normally found in beer, and results are in good agreement with those obtained by the p -rosaniline reference method. [source] Separation of twenty underivatized essential amino acids by capillary zone electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detectionELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 4 2003Pavel Coufal Abstract Twenty underivatized essential amino acids were separated using capillary zone electrophoresis and consequently detected with contactless conductivity detection (CCD). A simple acidic background electrolyte (BGE) containing 2.3 M acetic acid and 0.1% w/w hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) allowed the electrophoretic separation and sensitive detection of all 20 essential amino acids in their underivatized cationic form. The addition of HEC to the BGE suppressed both, electroosmotic flow and analyte adsorption on the capillary surface resulting in an excellent migration time reproducibility and a very good analyte peak symmetry. Additionally, the HEC addition significantly reduced the noise and long-term fluctuations of the CCD baseline. The optimized electrophoretic separation method together with the CCD was proved to be a powerful technique for determination of amino acid profiles in various natural samples, like beer, yeast, urine, saliva, and herb extracts. [source] Carcinogenicity of acetaldehyde in alcoholic beverages: risk assessment outside ethanol metabolismADDICTION, Issue 4 2009Dirk W. Lachenmeier ABSTRACT Aims In addition to being produced in ethanol metabolism, acetaldehyde occurs naturally in alcoholic beverages. Limited epidemiological evidence points to acetaldehyde as an independent risk factor for cancer during alcohol consumption, in addition to the effects of ethanol. This study aims to estimate human exposure to acetaldehyde from alcoholic beverages and provide a quantitative risk assessment. Methods The human dietary intake of acetaldehyde via alcoholic beverages was estimated based on World Health Organization (WHO) consumption data and literature on the acetaldehyde contents of different beverage groups (beer, wine, spirits and unrecorded alcohol). The risk assessment was conducted using the European Food Safety Authority's margin of exposure (MOE) approach with benchmark doses obtained from dose,response modelling of animal experiments. Life-time cancer risk was calculated using the T25 dose descriptor. Results The average exposure to acetaldehyde from alcoholic beverages was estimated at 0.112 mg/kg body weight/day. The MOE was calculated to be 498, and the life-time cancer risk at 7.6 in 10 000. Higher risk may exist for people exposed to high acetaldehyde contaminations, as we have found in certain unrecorded alcohol beverages in Guatemala and Russia, for which we have demonstrated possible exposure scenarios, with risks in the range of 1 in 1000. Conclusions The life-time cancer risks for acetaldehyde from alcoholic beverages greatly exceed the usual limits for cancer risks from the environment set between 1 : 10 000 and 1 : 1 000 000. Alcohol consumption has thus been identified as a direct source of acetaldehyde exposure, which in conjunction with other sources (food flavourings, tobacco) results in a magnitude of risk requiring intervention. An initial public health measure could be to reduce the acetaldehyde content in alcoholic beverages as low as technologically possible, and to restrict its use as a food flavour additive. [source] Highlights in Biocatalysis , Historical Landmarks and Current TrendsENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES (ELECTRONIC), Issue 4 2005T. Bornscheuer Abstract Biocatalysis has ancient roots, yet it is developing into a key tool for synthesis in a wide range of applications. Important events in the history of enzyme technology from the 19th century onwards are highlighted. Considering the most relevant progress steps, the production of penicillanic acid and the impact of genetic engineering are traced in more detail. Applied biocatalysis has been defined as the application of a biocatalyst to achieve a desired conversion selectively, under controlled, mild conditions in a bioreactor. Biocatalysts are currently used to produce a wide range of products in the fields of food manufacture (such as bread, cheese, beer), fine chemicals (e.g., amino acids, vitamins), and pharmaceuticals (e.g., derivatives of antibiotics). They not only provide access to innovative products and processes, but also meet criteria of sustainability. In organic synthesis, recombinant technologies and biocatalysts have greatly widened the scope of application. Examples of current applications and processes are given. Recent developments and trends are presented as a survey, covering new methods for accessing biodiversity with new enzymes, directed evolution for improving enzymes, designed cells, and integrated downstream processing. [source] Effects of beverage alcohol price and tax levels on drinking: a meta-analysis of 1003 estimates from 112 studiesADDICTION, Issue 2 2009Alexander C. Wagenaar ABSTRACT Aims We conducted a systematic review of studies examining relationships between measures of beverage alcohol tax or price levels and alcohol sales or self-reported drinking. A total of 112 studies of alcohol tax or price effects were found, containing1003 estimates of the tax/price,consumption relationship. Design Studies included analyses of alternative outcome measures, varying subgroups of the population, several statistical models, and using different units of analysis. Multiple estimates were coded from each study, along with numerous study characteristics. Using reported estimates, standard errors, t -ratios, sample sizes and other statistics, we calculated the partial correlation for the relationship between alcohol price or tax and sales or drinking measures for each major model or subgroup reported within each study. Random-effects models were used to combine studies for inverse variance weighted overall estimates of the magnitude and significance of the relationship between alcohol tax/price and drinking. Findings Simple means of reported elasticities are ,0.46 for beer, ,0.69 for wine and ,0.80 for spirits. Meta-analytical results document the highly significant relationships (P < 0.001) between alcohol tax or price measures and indices of sales or consumption of alcohol (aggregate-level r = ,0.17 for beer, ,0.30 for wine, ,0.29 for spirits and ,0.44 for total alcohol). Price/tax also affects heavy drinking significantly (mean reported elasticity = ,0.28, individual-level r = ,0.01, P < 0.01), but the magnitude of effect is smaller than effects on overall drinking. Conclusions A large literature establishes that beverage alcohol prices and taxes are related inversely to drinking. Effects are large compared to other prevention policies and programs. Public policies that raise prices of alcohol are an effective means to reduce drinking. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||