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BACKGROUND Peaches ( Prunus persica (L.) Stokes) are grown in several regions throughout the USA, are eaten fresh, and used as ingredients in value-added processed products. An Internet survey was conducted to investigate Mid-Atlantic consumers' fresh and processed peach purchasing behaviors, and whether packaging certain numbers of peaches together, providing information about nutritional content, and other factors would increase purchases. Additionally, laboratory-based sensory testing was used to better understand peel color, texture, sweetness, sourness, and flavor preferences for cultivars commonly grown in the Mid-Atlantic region. RESULTS Irrespective of fresh peach consumption frequency, certain value-added products were of interest. For some products, interest in purchasing was higher than reported purchasing behavior. Preference for certain fresh peach characteristics, such as peel color, differed between less frequent fresh peach consumers and those who consumed fresh peaches more often. Of the four peach cultivars included in the sensory test, most were liked; however, there were some cultivar differences pertaining to color, texture, sweetness, tartness, and flavor liking. CONCLUSION Potential marketing strategies can be developed based on frequency of fresh peach consumption and household demographics. Data can be used to select peaches that best appeal to consumers. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A liquid meal tolerance test (LMTT) has been proposed as a useful alternative to more labor-intensive methods of assessing insulin sensitivity and secretion. Objective: This substudy, conducted at the conclusion of a randomized, double-blind crossover trial, compared insulin sensitivity indices from a LMTT (Matsuda insulin sensitivity index [MISI] and LMTT disposition index [LMTT-DI]) with indices derived from minimal model analysis of results from the insulin-modified intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) (insulin sensitivity index [SI] and disposition index [DI]). Results: Participants included men ( n = 16) and women ( n = 8) without diabetes but with increased abdominal adiposity (waist circumference ≥102 cm and ≥89 cm, respectively) and mean age of 48.9 years. The correlation between SI and the MISI was 0.776 ( P < 0.0001). The respective associations between SI and MISI with waist circumference ( r = −0.445 and −0.554, both P < 0.05) and body mass index were similar ( r = −0.500 and −0.539, P < 0.05). The correlation between DI and LMTT-DI was 0.604 ( P = 0.002). Conclusions: These results indicate that indices of insulin sensitivity and secretion derived from the LMTT correlate well with those from the insulin-modified IVGTT with minimal model analysis, suggesting that they may be useful for application in clinical and population studies of glucose homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two studies were conducted to determine consumer interest in fresh, in-shell edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] and acceptance of two edamame-based patties. An in-store consumer research study was conducted in metropolitan Philadelphia to determine consumer demand for and interest in fresh, in-shell edamame. In fall 2004, plastic clamshells of edamame were placed in the produce department of four supermarkets. Consumers who purchased the clamshells were asked to return a survey that was attached to the container. Of the 480 clamshells that were delivered to the four selected supermarkets, 312 (65.0%) were purchased and 33 (10.6%) of the surveys were returned. All respondents indicated that they had heard of or were familiar with edamame before purchasing the container, and 81.2% had previously purchased edamame. Results indicate that 51.6% of respondents were more likely to purchase the edamame because it was grown in Pennsylvania, and 84.4% were more likely to purchase it because it was grown without the use of pesticides. In addition, a friend's recommendation, price, and sample of the product at the supermarket were rated highest among factors likely to affect respondents' purchasing decisions regarding new produce items. Based on the total number of packages sold and conversations with produce department managers, there appears to be a demand for fresh, in-shell edamame among supermarket consumers in metropolitan Philadelphia. A second study involving a consumer sensory evaluation was conducted in Feb. 2005 to determine consumer acceptance of two edamame-based patties. A total of 209 adults were involved, with 106 participants sampling the edamame-based patties on the first day and 103 sampling on the second day. Participants were asked to rate the patty they sampled on overall appeal, appearance, and flavor on a scale of 1 to 9 points (1 point being "dislike extremely" and 9 points being "like extremely"). Overall mean liking for the two patties was 6.38 points and 6.58 points, and mean liking for flavor was 6.44 points and 6.83 points on days 1 and 2 respectively. Based on the sample evaluated, 43.4% and 35.9% of participants, each day, indicated that they "probably would buy" or "definitely would buy" this item from a supermarket. Results suggest that consumers found the two edamame-based patties acceptable, indicating the potential for commercial production. Across the two studies, consumers expressed interest in purchasing fresh, in-shell edamame and edamame-based patties from a supermarket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two separate consumer-marketing studies were conducted between 30 Oct. and 2 Dec. 2002 to determine consumer awareness and potential demand for edamame [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]. The first study consisted of a sensory evaluation that included 113 participants who tasted and rated three edamame cultivars based on firmness and overall appeal and then ranked the beans in order of preference at The Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus. To estimate demand, the participants answered questions regarding their likelihood to purchase edamame after the sensory evaluation. The second study, a telephone survey, was administered by a marketing firm to determine consumer awareness of edamame as well as their produce purchasing habits. Responses were collected from 401 consumers within the Metro-Philadelphia area. Consumer reaction to the sensory evaluation was positive, and after reading about the health benefits, a majority of consumers (92%) indicated they would likely purchase edamame and serve it in a meal whereas 89% gave this response after only sampling the edamame beans. When responses were compared among cultivars, overall liking for 'Green Legend' (6.29; 1 = extremely dislike; 9 = like extremely) was significantly lower than for 'Kenko' (6.84); however, neither cultivar was significantly different from 'Early Hakucho' (6.62). Participants also rated 'Kenko' as having a firmness that was 'just about right'. Verbal comments from participants leaving the evaluation site included interest in purchasing edamame and inquiries as to where it could be purchased in the vicinity of the university. Telephone survey participants also expressed a willingness to purchase edamame and serve it in a meal after hearing about the potential health benefits (66%). Based on consumer responses to selected telephone survey questions, three distinct marketing segments were created. Potential purchasers (58% of participants), consisted of consumers who were more likely to consider the importance of the nutritional content of vegetables they purchased (73%), included the greatest percent of consumers who had purchased soy or soy-based products (70%), and were very likely (51%) and somewhat likely (46%) to eat edamame after learning about the health benefits. The second largest segment of participants characterized as unlikely edamame eaters (22% of participants) consisted of individuals who were very likely (20%) and somewhat likely (43%) to purchase vegetables they had never eaten before if evidence suggested that it might decrease the risk of cancer and/or other diseases. However, within this group, none of the participants were either very likely or somewhat likely to eat edamame after being told about the health benefits. The last group, characterized as requires convincing (20% of participants), consisted of individuals who were the least likely to base produce-purchasing decisions on the nutritional content of vegetables. After learning about health benefits specific to edamame, 8% of these participants were very likely and 48% were somewhat likely to eat edamame. Hence, separate marketing strategies may need to be developed to target these distinct segments based on interest in eating edamame, importance of nutritional information, and current vegetable purchasing habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five species of edible flowers were stored in polyethylene bags at −2.5 to 20 °C. Flowers were rated for visual quality each day for 2 weeks on a scale of 1–5 (5 being the highest quality). Viola tricolor L. ‘Helen Mount’ (viola), V. ×wittrockiana L. ‘Accord Banner Clear Mixture’ (pansy), and Tropaeolum majus L. ‘Jewel Mix’ (nasturtium) flowers showed similar losses in quality and were all rated a 5 when stored at 0 and 2.5 °C after 2 weeks. Borago officinalis L. (borage) stored at 0–5 °C were marketable, rated a 3 or higher, after 1 week, and those stored at −2.5 °C were still marketable after 2 weeks. Phaseolus coccineus L. ‘Dwarf Bees’ (scarlet runner bean) flowers when stored at 0–10 °C were still marketable after 1 week, but were unmarketable after 2 weeks, at any temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a previous study, consumption of a dairy beverage incorporating insoluble β-glucan decreased upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptomatic days and severity in marathon runners. In this report, we extended our previous findings by presenting data on a dairy beverage containing soluble β-glucan and URTI in marathon runners. Healthy adults running in the 2017 Austin Marathon consumed dairy beverages (250 mL/day) containing 250 mg of insoluble (n = 69) or soluble (n = 76) baker's yeast β-glucan (Wellmune®) or placebo (n = 133) for the 45 days before, day of, and 45 days after the marathon (91 days total). Participants completed a daily online survey assessing compliance and URTI symptoms, which were evaluated using the Jackson Index and confirmed by the study physician. Total severity of URTI was significantly lower in the insoluble yeast β-glucan group compared to the placebo group, but was not different between the soluble yeast β-glucan group and placebo group. Severity ratings for nasal discharge were significantly lower in both the insoluble and soluble yeast β-glucan groups compared to the placebo group. Additionally, severity rating for sore throat was lower in the insoluble, but not the soluble yeast β-glucan group compared to the placebo group. The insoluble yeast β-glucan group, but not the soluble yeast β-glucan group also reported fewer URTI symptomatic days compared to the placebo group. The results suggest that soluble and insoluble yeast β-glucan, incorporated into a food matrix, differentially affected exercise-induced URTI in marathon runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel study, we examined the effect of dairy-based beverages (250 mL/day) containing 250 mg of dispersible baker's yeast β-glucan (Wellmune) compared to a macronutrient- and calorie-matched control on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in marathon runners. Healthy adults running in the 2017 Austin Marathon consumed either β-glucan (N = 132) or control (N = 225) for the 45 days prior to, day of, and 45 days after the marathon (91 days total). Participants completed a daily online survey assessing compliance, training status, and URTI symptoms. URTI occurrence and severity were evaluated using the Jackson Index and confirmed by the study physician. No significant differences in average duration and number of URTI episodes were found between β-glucan and control. However, those who completed the study per protocol on the β-glucan beverage reported significantly fewer URTI symptomatic days (3.43 ± 6.44 days, max 27 days) compared to those on control beverage (3.84 ± 6.84 days, max 49 days). Total URTI severity was significantly lower for β-glucan (4.52 ± 1.61) compared to control (5.60 ± 2.23). Specifically, lower (p <.05) severity ratings for nasal discharge and sore throat were reported for β-glucan compared to control. Average missed postmarathon workout days due to URTI were significantly less for β-glucan (0.09 ± 0.38 days, max 2 days) compared to control (0.36 ± 1.40 days, max 10 days). Overall, consumption of dairy-based beverages containing dispersible yeast β-glucan decreased URTI symptomatic days, severity of specific URTI symptoms, and missed postmarathon workout days due to URTI, without affecting duration and number of URTI episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS‐CoV‐2 infection can manifest many rashes. However, thrombotic retiform purpura rarely occurs during COVID‐19 illness. Aggressive anti‐COVID‐19 therapy with a high‐dose steroid regimen led to rapid recovery. This immunothrombotic phenomenon likely represents a poor type 1 interferon response and complement activation on the endothelial surface in response to acute infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this randomized, double-blind crossover trial, the digestive tolerance of a novel dietary fibre (fibermalt, an indigestible maltose alternan oligosaccharide) was assessed in healthy men and women. Twenty-nine subjects consumed 0 (control), 45 or 60 g of fibre in two doses per day for 2-week treatment periods, each separated by a 2-week washout. Results indicated no differences between treatments in composite gastrointestinal (GI) symptom scores (sum of six GI symptom ratings), individual GI symptoms (nausea, bloating, GI rumbling, gas/flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhoea), bowel characteristics (frequency, faecal consistency, faecal hardness, straining, discomfort and incomplete evacuation) or average daily faecal output. The symptom scores were consistently low for each treatment period with means averaging below 1 out of a possible range of 0-12 for the composite score. The results of this study suggest that fibermalt is well tolerated at intakes up to 60 g of fibre per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Consumption of 400 μg folic acid per day from fortified foods and/or supplements, plus food folate from a varied diet is recommended for women of childbearing potential to reduce the risk for neural tube defects during fetal development. This randomized crossover study was designed to evaluate the bioavailability of folic acid from a multivitamin softgel capsule vs a folic acid tablet in 16 premenopausal women (18 to 45 years of age). Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of ∼1,000 μg folic acid in two tablets or ∼1,000 μg folic acid in a multivitamin softgel capsule, and then crossed over to receive the other study product ∼1 week later. Products were administered with a low-folate breakfast. Blood samples were collected predose (0 hour) and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 hours post-dose for serum folate analysis. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare responses between treatments. Data from the two sequence groups (n=8 per sequence) were pooled. Mean serum folate total and net incremental areas under the curve (AUC0-8 hours) were not significantly different between tablets and softgel capsule (AUC0-8 hours 214.9±11.2 hours×ng/mL [487±25.4 hours×nmol/L] and 191.6±13.3 hours×ng/mL [434.2±30.1 hours×nmol/L]; net incremental AUC0-8 hours 117.3±8.5 hours×ng/mL [265.8±19.3 hours×nmol/L] and 105.8±12.5 hours×ng/mL [239.7±28.3 hours×nmol/L], respectively), nor was maximum folate concentration (45.1±2.5 ng/mL [102.2±5.7 nmol/L] and 42.5±3.8 ng/mL [96.3±8.6 nmol/L], respectively). Time to peak folate concentration was significantly (P<0.001) delayed for the softgel capsule vs tablet (3.9±0.3 vs 1.7±0.2 hours, respectively). In conclusion, apparent bioavailability of folic acid was similar for the folic acid tablets and a multivitamin softgel capsule. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A mail survey was conducted in 2000 to determine awareness and use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices by landscape companies in Pennsylvania, U.S. Participants answered questions pertaining to awareness of common practices, the frequency at which IPM practices were employed, and aspects of monitoring and pest management decision-making processes. Three distinct IPM practitioner segments were identified and labeled "IPM savvy" (companies more likely to employ IPM practices), "part-time IPMers" (companies that employed some IPM strategies), and "reluctant IPMers" (companies least likely to employ IPM strategies). The "part-time IPMers" and "reluctant IPMers" segments represented a substantial part of the industry (68%). Overall, Pennsylvania landscape companies are aware of IPM practices and monitor for insects and mites, diseases, and weeds. However, confidence in identification of specific pests, site analyses, use of diagnostic and monitoring tools, employing beneficial organisms, and maintaining permanent records of pests and management strategies employed remain low. Continued education is warranted to enhance pest monitoring skills, diagnostic tools, pest identification, treatment options, and record keeping. The results of this survey clearly show that landscape companies still have need of demonstrable evidence that the implementation of IPM practices is cost effective and offers marketing benefits to their company. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dietary patterns characterized by high intakes of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and low glycemic load have been associated with lower type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. In contrast, dietary patterns that include high intakes of refined grains, processed meats, and high amounts of added sugars have been associated with increased T2DM risk. Objective: This randomized, 2-period crossover trial compared the effects of dairy and sugar-sweetened product (SSP) consumption on insulin sensitivity and pancreatic b-cell function in men and women at risk of the development of T2DM who habitually consume sugar-sweetened beverages. Methods: In a randomized, controlled crossover trial, participants consumed dairy products (474 mL/d 2% milk and 170 g/d low-fat yogurt) and SSPs (710 mL/d nondiet soda and 108 g/d nondairy pudding), each for 6 wk, with a 2-wk washout between treatments. A liquid meal tolerance test (LMTT) was administered at baseline and the end of each period. Results: Participants were 50% female with a mean age and body mass index of 53.8 y and 32.2 kg/m², respectively. Changes from baseline were significantly different between dairy product and SSP conditions for median homeostasis model assessment 2-insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S) (1.3 vs. 221.3%, respectively, P = 0.009; baseline = 118%), mean LMTT disposition index (20.03 vs.20.36, respectively, P = 0.011; baseline = 2.59), mean HDL cholesterol (0.8 vs.24.2%, respectively, P = 0.015; baseline = 44.3 mg/dL), and mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] (11.7 vs. 23.3, respectively, P = 0.022; baseline = 24.5 mg/L). Changes from baseline in LMTT Matsuda insulin sensitivity index (20.10 vs. 20.49, respectively; baseline = 4.16) and mean HOMA2-b-cell function (22.0 vs. 5.3%, respectively; baseline = 72.6%) did not differ significantly between treatments. Conclusion: These results suggest that SSP consumption is associated with less favorable values for HOMA2-%S, LMTT disposition index, HDL cholesterol, and serum 25(OH)D in men and women at risk of T2DM vs. baseline values and values during dairy product consumption. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01936935. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who have experienced an electrical injury have been reported to demonstrate both acute and delayed cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. The present study assessed 20 electrically injured patients who underwent neuropsychological evaluations twice following their injury. Time since injury, time between assessments, and longitudinal mood changes were evaluated for their potential impact on simple and complex attention outcomes. As an overall group, there was little change over time from low average to average baseline attention/concentration performance. However, results indicated that longitudinal increases in depressive symptoms were consistently associated with poorer performance on a measure of simple and complex attention. Loss of consciousness, litigation status, baseline injury status (acute vs. post-acute), and time between evaluations were not significant predictors of changes in cognitive performance. Implications for the treatment of comorbid psychiatric issues and for future research on victims of electrical trauma are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial assessed the lipid-altering efficacy of a softgel capsule dietary supplement, providing esterified plant sterols/stanols 1.8 g/d, in 28 participants (w75% women) with primary hypercholesterolemia (fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] levels130 and <220 mg/dL), a mean age of 58.4 y, and a mean body mass index of 27.9 kg/m². Methods: After a 5-wk National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet and a single-blinded placebo lead-in, subjects received double-blinded placebo or sterol/stanol softgel capsules for 6 wk and then crossed over to the opposite product for 6 wk while continuing the TLC diet. Fasting lipids were assessed in duplicate at the end of the diet lead-in (baseline) and the end of each treatment. Results: The mean baseline lipid concentrations (milligrams per deciliter) were 223 for total cholesterol (TC), 179 for non--high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), 154 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 44 for HDL-C, 125 for triacylglycerols, and 5.2 for TC/HDL-C. Differences from the control responses (plant sterol/stanol minus control) in the per-protocol sample were significant (P < 0.05) for LDL-C (9.2%), non-HDL-C (9.0%), TC (7.4%), TC/HDL-C (5.4%), and triacylglycerols (9.1%). The HDL-C responses were not significantly different between treatments. Conclusion: The incorporation of softgel capsules providing esterified plant sterols/stanols 1.8 g/d into the NCEP TLC diet produced favorable changes in atherogenic lipoprotein cholesterol levels in these subjects with hypercholesterolemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of 2 levels of intake of high-amylose maize type 2 resistant starch (HAM-RS2) on insulin sensitivity (S(I)) in participants with waist circumference ≥89 (women) or ≥102 cm (men). Participants received 0 (control starch), 15, or 30 g/d (double-blind) of HAM-RS2 in random order for 4-wk periods separated by 3-wk washouts. Minimal model S(I) was assessed at the end of each period using the insulin-modified i.v. glucose tolerance test. The efficacy evaluable sample included 11 men and 22 women (mean ± SEM) age 49.5 ± 1.6 y, with a BMI of 30.6 ± 0.5 kg/m2 and waist circumference 105.3 ± 1.3 cm. A treatment main effect (P = 0.018) and a treatment × sex interaction (P = 0.033) were present. In men, least squares geometric mean analysis for S(I) did not differ after intake of 15 g/d HAM-RS2 (6.90 × 10⁻⁵ pmol⁻¹ · L⁻¹ × min⁻¹) and 30 g/d HAM-RS2 (7.13 × 10⁻⁵ pmol⁻¹ · L⁻¹ × min⁻¹), but both were higher than after the control treatment (4.66 × 10⁻⁵ pmol⁻¹ · L⁻¹ × min⁻¹) (P < 0.05). In women, there was no difference among the treatments (overall least squares ln-transformed mean ± pooled SEM = 1.80 ± 0.08; geometric mean = 6.05 × 10⁻⁵ pmol⁻¹ · L⁻¹ × min⁻¹). These results suggest that consumption of 15-30 g/d of HAM-RS2 improves S(I) in men. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms that might account for the treatment × sex interaction observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of 2 levels of intake of high-amylose maize type 2 resistant starch (HAM-RS2) on insulin sensitivity (S1( in participants with waist circumference ⩾89 (women) or ⩾102 cm (men). Participants received 0 (control starch), 15, or 30 g/d (double-blind) of HAM-RS2 in random order for 4-wk periods separated by 3-wk washouts. Minimal model S1 was assessed at the end of each period using the insulin-modified i.v. glucose tolerance test. The efficacy evaluable sample included 11 men and 22 women (mean ± SEM) age 49.5 ± 1.6 y, with a BMI of 30.6 ± 0.5 kg/m2 and waist circumference 105.3 ± 1.3 cm. A treatment main effect (P = 0.018) and a treatment x sex interaction (P = 0.033) were present. In men, (east squares geometric mean analysis for S1 did not differ after intake of 15 g/d HAM-RS2 (6.90 × 10-5 pmol-1 ∙ L-1 × min-1)and 30 g/d HAM-RS2 (7.13 × 10-5 pmol-1 ∙ L-1 × min-1), but both were higherthan afterthe control treatment (4.66 × 10-5 pmol-1 ∙ L-1 × min-1( (P < 0.05). In women, there was no difference among the treatments (overall least squares In-transformed mean ± pooled SEM = 1.80 ± 0.08; geometric mean = 6.05 × 10-5 pmol-1 ∙ L-1 × min-1). These results suggest that consumption of 15-30 g/d of HAM-RS2 improves S1 in men. Additional research is needed to understand the mechanisms that might account for the treatment x sex interaction observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This study examines the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in a large sample of electrical injury (EI) patients in three phases of recovery and its effects on cognitive functioning. Methods: Eight-six self-referred EI patients received psychiatric and neuropsychological evaluations. Descriptive statistics were conducted to examine the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity. Polytomous logistic regression was used to identify predictors of psychiatric diagnosis. Between-subjects analysis of variances (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of psychiatric morbidity on cognitive functioning. Results: Seventy-eight percent of subjects warranted a psychiatric diagnosis. Long-term patients compared to acute patients were more likely to be diagnosed with two diagnoses than not having any diagnosis (OR=14.30, 95% CI 1.40–38.71). Patients with two diagnoses performed worse than both patients with a single or no diagnosis on all cognitive outcome measures (P<.05). Voltage level, chronic pain and litigation status did not predict psychiatric morbidity. Conclusions: Psychiatric difficulties commonly emerge and persist following EI. EI patients with psychiatric conditions exhibited poorer cognitive performance as compared to EI patients with no post-injury psychiatric difficulties. Health care professionals need to devote careful attention to psychiatric and cognitive status when treating survivors of EI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An aging American population may be less willing than a younger population to install and remove a live, fresh-cut evergreen tree in their home for Christmas celebrations. An alternative to using traditional, large, fresh-cut or potted Christmas trees could be forcing these evergreen species in a small (≈1-L) container that could be displayed on a tabletop. We initiated this study to determine consumer preferences and marketability for six evergreen tree species produced for tabletop display and used three decoration themes and three price points. We constructed a web-based survey in which 331 participants were compensated with a $5 e-coupon for viewing 27 photographs of tabletop trees and providing preference and use information. The conjoint model accounted for 91.2% of the variance and showed that consumers valued tree species as the most important attribute (61% of the tree value), with decoration color/theme the second most important feature (27%) and, last, price (12%). Black Hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densata (Moench) Voss) was the most preferred species overall, and red was the most preferred decoration theme. Logically, the lowest price point was the most preferred. However, price was the most important attribute for participants younger than 25 years. The importance of price decreased as participant age increased until age 60, when price became a more important component. With a cost of production of $5.45 and decoration and shipping estimated at an additional $4.00, the product could be a profit generator priced at any of the tested price points ($14.95 and above). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mail survey was conducted in 2000 to determine awareness and use of integrated pest management (IPM) practices by nurseries in Pennsylvania. Survey participants were randomly selected from the Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, list of certified nurseries. Participants answered questions pertaining to awareness of common practices, frequency that IPM practices were employed, and specifics on monitoring and pest management decision-making processes. Responses were analyzed by Cluster Analysis (SPSS Inc., Chicago), which resulted in the formation of three distinct segments. The segments were labeled "IPM Savvy" (nursery managers who were more likely to employ IPM practices); "Part-time IPMers" (nursery managers who employed some IPM strategies and were interested in future adoption of IPM practices); and "Reluctant IPMers" (nursery managers who were least likely to employ IPM strategies). The "Part-time IPMers" and "Reluctant IPMers" segments represent a substantial part of the industry (51%), who continues to have concerns about the cost, efficacy, and implementation of IPM practices into their businesses. Overall, Pennsylvania growers are aware of IPM practices; however, maintaining permanent records of pests identified and pest management strategies employed remain low. Continued education is warranted to enhance pest monitoring skills and record keeping along with demonstrable evidence to the cost effectiveness and marketing benefits that the implementation of IPM practices offer the nursery operators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]