Types Of Retail Outlets Research Articles

Qualidade de ovos tipo caipira comercializados em diferentes estabelecimentos na cidade de Alfenas – MG, armazenados sob refrigeração

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the internal quality of free-range eggs available for sale in Alfenas – MG, Brazil, and stored under refrigerated conditions (maximum and minimum temperatures of 9.7 and 6.7 °C, respectively). The experimental design was completely randomized, structured as a 2x5 factorial arrangement involving two types of retail outlets (supermarket (S) and open-air market (OA)) and five storage periods (1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 days), resulting in 10 treatments. Each treatment had six replicates, represented by individual eggs. The following parameters were evaluated: Haugh unit (HU); percentage of egg weight loss (WL%); percentages of albumen, yolk, and shell; yolk index (YI); albumen index (AI); yolk pH; and yolk color. Egg weight loss increased (p<0.05) with the length of the storage period. Eggs acquired from S were deemed to be of inferior quality (HU < 60), in contrast to those obtained from OA (p<0.05). A significant interaction effect was noted for YI (p<0.05), with eggs from S exhibiting higher YI values than those from OA at 15 and 22 days of storage. Additionally, eggs from S had diminished AI values (p<0.05) when compared to those acquired from OA. The yolk color in eggs from S was more intense than that in eggs from OA (p<0.05). A lower yolk percentage was detected in eggs from S relative to those from OA (p<0.05). Therefore, eggs sold in Alfenas – MG, Brazil, from open-air markets possess superior quality compared to those sold in supermarkets.

Perception, Practice, Reasons, and Challenges for Drug Shortage in Community Pharmacies of Pakistan, Lahore

Medication shortages are a global issue that disrupts pharmacy services and negatively impacts patient care. The Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan (DRAP) has set a benchmark for the drugs and medication supply committee. This study was conducted in five key regions of Pakistan and found that 55% of physicians and pharmacists encountered medication shortages. This study aimed to assess the perception, practice,reasons, and challenges for Drug Shortage in community pharmacies of Pakistan, Lahore. It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study of 471 Community Pharmacists and Technicians in Lahore. The data was collected through a comprehensive instrument designed after an extensive literature review. There were significant differences in the frequency distribution between pharmacists and technicians based on gender, marital status, area of residence, education, type of retail outlet, and working experience. Factors contributing to shortages include supply issues, misunderstandings, regulatory issues, poor inventory trends, and price spikes.

The relationship between alcohol outlets and crime is not an artefact of retail geography.

Background and AimsIn previous research, the spatial distribution of alcohol outlets has been shown to be related to the spatial distribution of crime. However, the spatial distribution of alcohol outlets is also related to the spatial distribution of other retail (and non‐retail) activities. We measured whether a residual relationship between alcohol outlets and crime remains statistically significant after controlling for retail density.Design and settingA cross‐sectional analysis of area unit data for Hamilton, New Zealand.MeasurementsWe constructed index measures of retail density using principal component analysis, based on counts of retail outlets (non‐alcohol outlets alone and all outlets in total). We estimated the relationship between outlets and police calls‐for‐service using negative binomial regression, controlling for social deprivation, population and demographics. In our primary analysis, we employed a two‐stage process that first accounted for the correlation between calls‐for‐service and retail density in a negative binomial regression model, then tested for correlation between alcohol outlet counts and the first‐stage residuals.FindingsThe spatial distributions of retail outlets of all types were highly correlated with each other, and all types of retail outlets (alcohol and non‐alcohol) were correlated with crime, after controlling for social deprivation, population and demographics. After controlling for index measures of retail density and other controls, statistically significant semipartial correlations remained with counts of alcohol outlets of all types. For example, in our preferred specification, which controlled for non‐alcohol retail density in the first stage, an additional off‐licence alcohol outlet was associated with 97.34 (95% confidence interval = 36.66–158.0) additional police calls‐for service.ConclusionsThere is a positive relationship between the spatial distribution of alcohol outlets and the spatial distribution of crime that appears to persist even after controlling for non‐alcohol retail density. The relationship between alcohol outlets and crime is not simply an artefact of retail geography.

Improving promotional effectiveness for consumer goods—A dynamic Bayesian approach

AbstractA leading global personal care manufacturer was spending millions of dollars towards giving promotional offers on various goods throughout the year. The C‐suite (i.e., CEO, CFO, COO, and CIO) of the global personal care firm was aware of the increasing promotion spends year on year and this led to questions on promotion effectiveness. The main question faced by the firm was whether the returns they were getting in terms of revenue was justifying the increase in promotional spends. In addition, they had the following concerns: (i) Are they evaluating their promotion effectiveness in a scientific way? (ii) Given that the nature and intensity of promotions differ across weeks, regions, and the size and type of retail outlet, can they quantify promotion effectiveness for different time periods and at different levels of hierarchy of retail outlets? (iii) Can we develop a tool to evaluate and optimize promotional spends periodically? Based on our previous association with this firm, we were approached to solve their problems related to promotions. After our initial meeting, we realized that our solution should consist of four pillars: (i) Data—understanding the data and data wrangling, (ii) Model—developing a statistical modeling framework to evaluate promotion effectiveness, (iii) Computation—coding with emphasis on computational speed in order to update returns periodically, and (iv) Dashboard—producing an interactive tool for viewing results and carrying out budget optimization by stakeholders. In this article, we consider one brand of the manufacturer as an example to present our solution as a case study. This brand under focus is a face care brand in India and it spends about USD 4 million every year on promotions. We model the promotion effectiveness under the framework of dynamic linear models (DLM) using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA), a fast, approximate computational framework for Bayesian modeling and prediction. Companies like our personal care manufacturer belong to an industry which is commonly known as consumer packaged goods (CPG). An overview of this industry is presented in the following section.

Avaliação da Qualidade Microbiológica de Sashimis a Base de Salmão e Atum Comercializados na Cidade de Fortaleza-CE

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica de sashimis a base de salmão e atum comercializados na cidade de Fortaleza-CE. Foram coletadas oito amostras de seis estabelecimentos diferentes, sendo eles: restaurante, quiosque (shopping), supermercado e food-truck. As amostras foram submetidas a análises de contagem de bactérias mesófilas totais pelo método de plaqueamento em superfície, coliformes a 35 °C e 45 °C, pelo método do Número Mais Provável (NMP.g-1) e identificação de Sthapylococcus aureus de acordo com o método de contagem direta em placas. As amostras coletadas dos quiosques apresentaram maiores quantidades de bactérias mesófilas em sashimi de salmão, coliformes a 35 °C em sashimi de atum e coliformes a 45 °C em ambos os tipos de sashimi. O maior valor para coliformes a 35 °C foi encontrado nas amostras do restaurante. Na análise realizada para a contagem de Staphylococcus aureus observou-se que os níveis se enquadram nos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação em vigor. Todas as amostras de sashimi estão em acordo com os padrões estabelecidos pela legislação vigente, porém, constatou-se elevada contagem de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas e coliformes totais. Diante disso, sugere-se que as amostras estudadas podem estar associadas a falhas no controle de tempo e temperatura de armazenamento dos peixes, evidenciando-se a importância no controle de qualidade desse tipo de alimento que não passa por nenhum processo adicional antes de ser consumido.

Unplanned purchasing of tobacco products: Beyond point of sale display

Tobacco products remain widely available and unplanned purchasing of tobacco has been implicated in cessation relapse. Little is known however about the frequency of consumers' unplanned tobacco purchases or the type of retail outlets where this is more likely to occur. Questions on cigarette purchasing were added to a post-campaign telephone survey for the Make Smoking History Campaign in Western Australia. Respondents (n=200) were aged 25 to 54 years and were either current smokers or had quit in the last 4-5 weeks. Two-thirds of respondents had tried to quit in the past 2 years. Survey responses were analysed to look at place of purchase (the usual and after cessation relapse) and frequency and reasons for unplanned purchases. Supermarkets were the "usual" purchase location for the majority of respondents overall (78%), but the proportion who reported buying cigarettes from a supermarket after taking up smoking again declined substantially (52%), while purchases from convenience stores and service stations increased. Nearly a third (30%) of respondents indicated that they sometimes bought cigarettes unplanned or on impulse, and for 16%, this was at least once a week. Among smokers who have tried to quit but not succeeded, unplanned cigarette purchases are common. There is evidence to suggest that when people resume smoking after a cessation attempt, the cigarette purchase is not necessarily made at their "usual" type of retail outlet. SO WHAT?: The banning of point of sale tobacco display has not eliminated the pervasive availability and retail presence of tobacco, and unplanned purchasing of cigarettes is an impediment to successful smoking cessation. This study adds weight to growing momentum internationally and in Australia to reduce the widespread availability of tobacco products and decrease the barriers to quitting use of a product that kills over half of its consumers.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Isolates Recovered from Chickens Sold at Retail Outlets in Trinidad

This study determined the frequency of resistance of 135 isolates of Salmonella, including 15 serotypes recovered from chickens purchased from retail outlets (cottage processors and supermarkets) across Trinidad. Resistance to 16 antimicrobial agents was determined by using the disk diffusion method. Resistance among the isolates was related to the type of retail outlet, location of outlets, type of sample, and isolate serotype. Overall, all isolates exhibited resistance to one or more of the 16 antimicrobial agents tested. All isolates were sensitive to cefoxitin and norfloxacin, with the overall frequency of resistance ranging from 1.1% (sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim) to 100.0% (ceftiofur and doxycycline). The frequency of resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, ceftriaxone, amoxycillin-clavulanic acid, and chloramphenicol was significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in isolates recovered from cottage processor outlets compared with those from supermarkets. The frequency of resistance to antimicrobial agents was significantly different only to kanamycin ( P = 0.046) and enrofloxacin ( P = 0.000) across seven counties in Trinidad). Regarding sample presentation (whole versus parts), the frequency of resistance was only significantly higher to gentamicin ( P = 0.039) for chicken part isolates from cottage processor and to only tetracycline ( P = 0.034) for isolates from whole carcasses from supermarkets. All the 135 Salmonella isolates exhibited multidrug resistance patterns. The high frequency of resistance to seven antimicrobial agents (erythromycin, streptomycin, ceftiofur, doxycycline, kanamycin, tetracycline, and ampicillin), some used in the poultry industry, coupled with the occurrence of multidrug resistance, may have potential therapeutic implications for broiler farmers in Trinidad.

Alcohol Outlets, Neighborhood Retail Environments, and Pedestrian Injury Risk.

Alcohol outlet density has been associated with increased pedestrian injury risk. It is unclear whether this is because alcohol outlets are located in dense retail areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or whether alcohol outlets contribute a unique neighborhood risk. We aimed to compare the pedestrian injury rate around alcohol outlets to the rate around other, similar retail outlets that do not sell alcohol. A spatial analysis was conducted on census block groups in Baltimore City. Data included pedestrian injury emergency medical services (EMS) records from January 1, 2014 to April 15, 2015 (n=848); locations of alcohol outlets licensed for off-premise (n=726) and on-premise consumption (n=531); and corner (n=398) and convenience stores (n=192) that do not sell alcohol. Negative binomial regression was used to determine the relationship between retail outlet count and pedestrian injuries, controlling for key confounding variables. Spatial autocorrelation was also assessed and variable selection adjusted accordingly. Each additional off-premise alcohol outlet was associated with a 12.3% increase in the rate of neighborhood pedestrian injury when controlling for convenience and corner stores and other confounders (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=1.123, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.065, 1.184, p<0.001). The attributable risk was 4.9% (95% CI=0.3, 8.9) or 41 additional injuries. On-premise alcohol outlets were not significant predictors of neighborhood pedestrian injury rate in multivariable models (IRR=0.972, 95% CI=0.940, 1.004, p=0.194). Off-premise alcohol outlets are associated with pedestrian injury rate, even when controlling for other types of retail outlets. Findings reinforce the importance of alcohol outlets in understanding neighborhood pedestrian injury risk and may provide evidence for informing policy on liquor store licensing, zoning, and enforcement.

Availability of nonbeverage alcohols in 50 Russian cities in 2015–2017

Introduction Nonbeverage alcohols (NAs) in Russia are manufactured alcohol containing liquids not intended for consumption instead of alcoholic beverages, not classed as alcoholic drinks, and not subject for legal regulation as alcoholic beverages, but which may be consumed for drinking. It has been found in a case-control study conducted in Urals in 2003–2005, that their consumption by working age Russian males was associated with a seven-fold increase in odds of death adjusted for smoking, education, and amount of ethanol consumed from alcoholic beverages. Legally produced NAs usually contain highly rectified concentrated ethanol (up to 95% by volume). In 2006 and later Russia implemented a range of legislative measures aimed at reduction of availability of illegal and nonbeverage alcohols. The most recent regulations were put in force at the end of December 2016 and in 2017 in response to deadly outbreak of mass alcohol poisoning with NA, containing methanol, which occurred in Siberian city of Irkutsk in December 2016 resulting in 76 deaths. Since 2007, no research was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of implemented regulations or to assess availability of NAs across the vast geography of Russia. Methods The availability survey was aimed: –to determine if NAs were still available in legal retail sale in cities of the Russian Federation in 2015–2017; –to provide characteristics of different types of NAs that were sold. Between July 2015 and December 2017 six field workers purchased samples of NAs in 50 Russian cities. NAs were defined as containing at least 60% ethanol by volume (as indicated on the label) and generally cost less than 40 rubles per bottle ($0.67, €0.59, £0.50). NAs were purchased in a variety of places, including pharmacies, shops, kiosks, individual persons and other types of retail outlets. Results In total, 2147 samples of NAs were purchased, which can be grouped into the following types: (1) perfumery and cosmetics spirituous liquids, (2) bath additives, (3) medicinal tinctures, (4) medicinal spirituous solutions for internal use, (5) antiseptics, (6) technical/medicinal ethanol, (7) spirituous liquids for oral or body hygiene, and (8) spirituous food flavour enhancers. Ethanol concentration in the vast majority of purchased NAs was above 60% by volume (min: 25%; max: 95%; median: 70%). Unit cost of ethanol in most samples was lower than in standard Russian vodka. The majority of purchased samples of NAs were of sorts, which were reported to be consumed for drinking in our simultaneously conducted in 2015–2017 survey of alcohol consumption among patients of narcology clinic in Kazan, Russia. In 2015 and 2016 we were able to purchase all types of nonbeverage alcohols specified above. However, in 2017 a range of NAs was no longer available in retail. This included specific types of perfumery and cosmetics spirituous liquids, such as cheap spirituous lotions, aftershaves and tonics; spirituous bath additives; and spirituous liquids for oral and body hygiene. However, medicinal tinctures in 25 mL, 40 mL, and 100 mL bottles, medicinal antiseptics, and cheap eau-de-colognes (e.g. Troynoy, Shirp) were still readily available in 2017. Conclusions The wide spectrum of nonbeverage alcohols, which were targeted by 2006 alcohol control regulations were readily available in 2015 and 2016. Regulations implemented at the end of 2016 and in 2017 in response to mass alcohol poisoning with NA were also not comprehensive, since they haven’t prevented production and sale of cheap sources of ethanol in the form of medicinal tinctures, antiseptics and not denatured eau-de-colognes. While these latest regulations banning sale of some sorts of NAs may indeed result in reduction of alcohol-attributable mortality in Russia in 2017, the stronger action is still required to prevent consumption of specific sorts of medicinal and perfumery nonbeverage alcohols, which are still available and affordable for those who may want to drink them.

Distribution of Organic Food in Poland

Distribution of organic food in Poland has a number of weaknesses resulting from low and irregular supply as well as dispersion of producers and intermediaries. The paper presents the outcomes of research carried out in 2012 in three types of retail outlets offering organic food, i.e. specialist shops, groceries and retail networks. The investigation was conducted in the form of in-depth interviews using a standardised questionnaire. As the research shows, only in specialist stores does the product range satisfy consumer needs, whereas in the other outlets it is limited generally to processed products. Wholesalers, organic farms and brokers are the main providers of the surveyed retail outlets; nevertheless, specialist shops use the services of more providers than the other types of outlets. Low supply of organic food results in high retail prices. Specialist shops and groceries apply margins up to 40% on average, while retail networks have margins up to 20%.

In-person retail marketing claims in tobacco and E-cigarette shops in Southern California

BackgroundE-cigarette use has been increasing in the United States, though knowledge of potential risks and harms associated with e-cigarette use is low. Marketing of e-cigarettes may serve as a source of information to shape beliefs and attitudes toward e-cigarettes. The purpose of this study was to identify the most common marketing claims made within “vape” and tobacco shops in sales interactions with customers in demographically diverse cities.MethodsVape and tobacco shops from three diverse cities in Southern California were selected for inclusion in the study. From May 2015 to July 2015, simulated customers asked salespeople in vape and tobacco shops how e-cigarettes compare to conventional cigarettes, and then recorded the resulting claims that were made using a standardized form designed for this purpose. Data were analyzed from January to March 2016.ResultsThe most frequent claims made by sales staff were that: smoking e-cigarettes helps one quit smoking (57% of the simulated shopping interactions), e-cigarettes come in multiple flavors (54%), and e-cigarettes are healthier than conventional cigarettes (50%). Simulated customer interactions that took place in vape shops included more positive marketing claims than those that occurred in tobacco shops; this relationship approached statistical significance (p = .087). There was a significant relationship between city and the average number of positive e-cigarette claims made (p < .001).ConclusionsA wide range of marketing claims are made about e-cigarettes in retail settings. These may vary by geographic location, community demographics, and type of retail outlet.

Marketing implications from a behaviourism perspective of consumption dynamics and socio-demographics of wine consumers

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to facilitate a better understanding of the insights provided by adopting a behaviourism perspective of the socio-demographics, consumption dynamics and retail channel patronage of wine consumers and the potential marketing implications these have.Design/methodology/approachSystematic random sampling yielded 811 surveys of wine consumers collected at households across Australia’s three main consumption metropoles. A hierarchical multiple regression model is used to test the predictive ability of the socio-demographical variables, gender and age, on personal wine consumption.FindingsSpecific differences exist in the consumption behaviour and wine type preferences of males and females, and between generational cohorts, specifically Millennial and older consumers. There are gender significant differences in wine type consumption, which in turn is moderated by not only the “classical” socio-demographic variables, but also the retail outlet types preferred for product purchase. Younger Millennial females place more importance on external choice cues in making their buying decision than males. The gender and age generation socio-demographic variables are not strong predictors of personal wine consumption.Practical implicationsOpportunities exist for niche-marketed brands targeted at specific segments such as young females and this study highlighted their specific needs and consumer behaviour dynamics.Originality/valueThis study illustrates through carefully executed wine consumer behaviour research, directed by questioning from the extant literature, how information derived from a behaviourism perspective can intelligently inform marketing strategies. In the process, it also provides “baselines” for future research.

Retail Store Perceptions and Buying Behavior of Consumers

This paper was deliberated the consumer buying behavior in purview of marketing mix activities in retail outlets in Saudi Arabia. Survey of 150 customers in Al Kharj region was revealed that majority were felt happy to shop at both organized and unorganized retail outlets. It was found that mainly the feel good factors for shopping had influenced more to prefer the both types of retail outlets. However, the sources of information that was influenced the customers was highly balanced due to their tendency to depend on different types of information sources. The buying decisions of customers were observed more routine and their responses were casual to different types of marketing mix activities that were undertaken by the retailers. It was observed that the factors like cheaper prices, bargains, and credits available at both organized and unorganized retail stores were not that much cumbersome factors that were influenced the sample of respondents in this study. Overall, from the perspectives of customers, this study was identified positive results of marketing mix activities undertaken at retail stores in Saudi Arabia.

Association Between Alcohol Outlets and HIV Prevalence in U.S. Counties.

The current study examines associations between on- and off-premise alcohol retail outlets and HIV prevalence in counties across the United States during a 3-year period. Health department and U.S. Census Bureau surveillance data were analyzed from 1,523 counties in 47 states, representing more than 86% of the U.S. population. Multilevel Poisson regression models were used to examine the association between the number of on- and off-premise alcohol outlets in a county and HIV prevalence in the same county, adjusting for the between-year correlation of HIV prevalence within each county. When we adjusted for potential confounders, number of on-premise alcohol outlets within a county was positively associated with HIV prevalence, whereas off-premise alcohol outlets were negatively associated with HIV prevalence. The relations observed in this study are consistent with the niche theory of assortative drinking, which maintains that drinkers who are prone to risk taking may be attracted to alcohol outlets where they can expand their social networks to include similarly high-risk individuals who engage in both heavy drinking and sexual risk taking. This is the largest study conducted to date to examine the association between alcohol retail outlet types and HIV prevalence. Natural experiments are needed to examine specific policy changes that reduce outlet density and its association with HIV incidence.

Liquor store density and acute pancreatitis hospitalization

Objectives: Alcohol use is a known risk factor for acute pancreatitis, and there is a higher alcohol outlet density in areas of greater deprivation. Undetected or untreated condition with gallstones is another preventable risk factor for acute pancreatitis. This study sought to examine the rate of acute pancreatitis hospitalizations as a possible outcome of the local liquor store density and the concentration of long-term uninsured (LTU) patients.Methods: We used a universe of all inpatient visits to licensed South Carolina (SC) healthcare providers during 2012–2013 with ZIP code level covariates extracted from the American Community Survey. A loglinear regression model was used to explore environmental correlates of severe acute pancreatitis.Results: The logged liquor store density was a significant, positive predictor of the annual acute pancreatitis hospitalization rate (p = .018). Higher LTU concentration was positively associated with acute pancreatitis hospitalization rate.Conclusions: Acute pancreatitis appears to be more prevalent in areas with higher liquor store density and with higher LTU concentration. Reducing the dominance of liquor stores as the primary or only type of retail outlet is recommended. Further study is needed to examine the impact of insurance expansion on acute pancreatitis hospitalization.

Consumer Preference and Willingness to Pay for Azaleas: Effect of State Labeling and Various Types of Retail Outlets

Over the last decade, there has been a move by many consumers to purchase locally grown products. Many studies have focused on food with limited studies examining plants. Using an online survey of Connecticut residents in conjunction with a choice experiment, we examine the impact of various attributes (e.g., local labeling, retail outlet, color, bloom, and price) on preference and willingness to pay (WTP) for azaleas. Results of the latent class model (LCM) indicate that only one of the latent classes, ≈43% of the sample, valued local labeling. Furthermore, the same class that valued local also preferred a nursery/greenhouse outlet over a home improvement center/mass merchandiser. Recommendations for the different retail outlets are given based on the results.

The Influence of Income and Education on Saudi Dissatisfied Consumers Behaviour

The purpose of the study is to explore the differences and similarities inpost dissatisfaction behaviours between different levels of income and educationamong Saudi consumers. Currently few articles are available on the postdissatisfactionbehaviour in growing markets, such as Arab countries despite thefact that GCC economies like the United Arab Emirates as well as Saudi Arabiaare rising rapidly as their shopping background includes Western forms of retail.The sample was drawn from Saudi individuals which encountered a dissatisfyingexperience within a single type of retail outlet that sells electrical goods. Theestablished survey instrument constructs considered different consumer complaintbehaviour variable. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, Anova,and chi square analysis. The research addressed a literature gap and revealed aspecific aspect of complaint behaviour which is related to income and educationallevels. The quantitative study finds no differences in consumer complaint behaviourin terms of education and income levels of participants, with a single exceptionin the assessment for chances of success with complaint where lower educatedparticipant is associated with higher complaining disposition.

A study on the microbiological quality of fresh noodles sold in Mauritius

Noodles are a popular staple food and are consumed by all ethnic groups in Mauritius due to its convenience and palatability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological safety and quality of fresh noodles sold in markets and supermarkets of Mauritius. Fresh noodles were collected from 2 markets and 2 supermarkets located either in the Capital City or a commercial town of Mauritius. Samples were microbiologically assayed for Total Plate Count (TPC), presumptive Escherichia coli (EC), presumptive Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Yeast and mold count (YMC), Lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus cereus (BC) and Salmonella using official methods of analysis. Noodles purchased from all retail outlets were found to be unacceptable for sale as the level of TPC and SA exceeded the limits imposed by microbiological standards.There was also no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the microbial load of noodles between the different retail outlet types. The relatively high levels of spoilage microorganisms Pseudomonas spp. and Lactic Acid Bacteria suggest that the fresh noodles are highly perishable and have a very short shelf-life.

Influencing choice of branded or generic statins by older adults in the USA

Objective This study examines whether information gained from face-to-face contact with health professionals has an influence on switching between branded and generic statins, a class of drugs primarily used by older adults. Methods Data from five panels of the Medical Expenditure Panel Study covering 2006–2011 are used to estimate multivariate logistic regression models examining whether statin switching is influenced by the patient-centred medical home and type of pharmaceutical drug vendor. Key findings Provider consultation is important in consumer choice. Older adults who report their physician's office is ‘patient-centred’ are more than twice as likely to make a generic to branded switch. Switching from branded to generic statins is 50% more likely when prescriptions are filled at a drugstore, 80% more likely when filling at another type of retail outlet and more than twice as likely when filling at a hospital-based clinic (all places where it is possible to speak with a pharmacist in person) rather than filling through mail order or online. Free samples, dosage and type of insurance coverage also influence switching behaviour. Conclusions Communication between health providers and patients is an important part of the decision to switch between different statin formulations.

Simulating Urban Freight Flows with Combined Shopping and Restocking Demand Models

This paper presents the development of a modelling system to simulate urban freight flows and preliminary results of a survey carried out to investigate end-consumer behaviour. The set of models involves the simulation of end-consumer choices in relation to type of retail outlet (e.g. small, medium or large) since such choices undoubtedly impact on freight distribution flows. Indeed, the characteristics of the restocking process are strictly related to the type of retail activities to be restocked in terms of delivery size, delivery frequency, freight vehicle type and so on. The paper details each model for shopping mobility origin-destination matrix estimation and investigates the main variables affecting behaviour in relation to trip generation and type of retail outlet.