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We are drowning in a sea of plastic. Not only do marine animals ingest or get entangled in (micro) plastic, but it also ends up in the food chain, including in humans. This plastic comes from mainly single-use products. "Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment" introduced numerous restrictions on their production. However, its effectiveness depends on national implementations that are delayed due to, inter alia, the objections of manufacturers. In this article, we present research conducted on Polish companies producing single-use plastic products, on sellers (retail outlets and food service establishments) and consumers. The results show that all study groups agree on the need to reduce the production of disposable plastics. The most frequently indicated solution is the introduction of reusable products to the market (in line with the circular economy notion), which would still be synthetic polymers. Manufacturers emphasize that promising chemical recycling technologies are emerging for all plastic waste. In addition, both consumers and producers are increasingly focused on products made of alternative materials, as consumers (especially from large cities) are increasingly averse to plastic in general, which was also pointed out by sellers. Consumers surveyed believe that the "Plastics Directive" is needed and blame the producers of disposable plastics for the condition of the environment, while manufacturers highlight irresponsible consumer behaviour and the need for more education in this regard. • Opposition of the plastics industry to the restrictions of the EU 2019/904 Directive is evident. • Sars-CoV-2 pandemic demonstrated the importance of single-use plastic products in terms of hygiene. • Reusable model of plastic products as a method of reducing plastic waste is preferred by manufacturers. • There is a growing aversion to plastic among consumers. • Cooperation of producers, sellers and consumers is a key step towards circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of microplastic pollution has emerged as a significant environmental concern in recent times, exerting adverse effects on both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Multiple studies have indicated that the prevalence of microplastics was greater in fish and bivalves obtained from retail outlets (non-farmed) compared to those collected live from freshwater environments. In this study, black clams (Villorita cyprinoides) and fishes (Etroplus suratensis, Etroplus maculatus) were collected from the freshwaters of Periyar River and also from the local retail outlets to analyse the microplastic abundance. Microplastics were significantly higher in numbers from the fish and clams obtained from the retail outlets than the ones collected from the river. Fibres were the dominant morphotype. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene were majorly obtained. Humans are at risk of consuming approximately 936 microplastics annually from the consumption of two species of fish and 26 microplastics per 100g of clam meat consumed. The presence of microplastics in the species purchased from the retail outlets indicates that there is a possibility for human exposure and this finding raises serious concerns regarding food safety. • Microplastics were high in retail outlet samples than freshwater samples. • Through E. suratensis and E. maculatus intake, people are exposed to ∼ 936 MP/year. • People are at a risk of consuming ∼ 26 MPs/100g of black clam meat. • Fibres were the dominant morphotype. • Polyethylene and polypropylene were the major polymer type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysing the effects of using a digital environment in official food safety control and understanding its benefits is crucial for competent authorities. The aim of this paper was to assess the effectiveness of official control carried out by the Barcelona Public Health Agency between 2015 and 2022 in Barcelona city (Spain) at retail outlets following the transition from a traditional to a digital inspection. Effectiveness is defined as the ability to detect non-compliance during inspections. This study assessed 2,188 inspection reports of risk-based planned inspections from 2015 to 2019 (traditional inspection) and 2022 (digital inspection) to compare the detection of non-compliances. The results show a significant increase in the detection of non-compliance when using the digital inspection. Compared to all inspection areas studied, the highest prevalence difference in the detection of non-compliance using a digital environment was found for the areas of food processing and handling procedures (34.0%) and own controls (16.7%). On the other hand, the areas of food labelling and general cleanliness of premises and equipment showed the lowest difference, 11.1% and 7.9%, respectively. The present case study shows that the use of a digital environment during inspections positively supports the control officers in structuring the compliance judgement and being more sensible to detect non-compliance. This fact results in a greater effectiveness of food control. • This research investigated the impact of using digital technologies on the effectiveness of food control. • The mean number of non-compliant inspection areas significantly increased with digital inspection. • The inspection area with the highest prevalence difference was food processing and handling procedures (34.0%). • The use of a digital environment increased the effectiveness of official control in Barcelona city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand patterns in demand for emergency contraception (EC), we characterize the sales of over-the-counter (OTC) levonorgestrel (LNG) EC in the United States from traditional retail outlets. We describe sales of OTC LNG EC using retail sales data aggregated from traditional retail channels, including grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, dollar stores, and military outlets. Sales of OTC LNG EC doubled between 2016 and 2022 (approximately 7.2–14.8 million). Increasing sales of EC are consistent with increased use and use frequency of EC by those at risk of pregnancy in the United States. OTC LNG EC sales since 2016 exceed what national survey usage estimates would suggest, indicating that national surveys underreport EC use, those using EC purchase it somewhat frequently, and/or individuals stockpile EC for later use. The role of EC in individual contraceptive strategies, particularly as access to reproductive healthcare is restricted, warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the physicochemical (pH, water activity, moisture content, salt concentration) classical plate counts (total viable counts, yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae) and amplicon sequencing of naturally black dry-salted olives obtained from different retail outlets of the Greek market were investigated. According to the results, the values of the physicochemical characteristics presented great variability among the samples. Specifically, pH and water activity (a w) values ranged between 4.0 and 5.0, as well as between 0.58 and 0.91, respectively. Moisture content varied between 17.3 and 56.7 % (g Η 2 Ο/100 g of olive pulp), whereas salt concentration ranged from 5.26 to 9.15 % (g NaCl/100 g of olive pulp). No lactic acid bacteria, S. aureus , Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were detected. The mycobiota consisted of yeasts that were further characterized and identified by culture-dependent (rep-PCR, ITS-PCR, and RFLP) and amplicon target sequencing (ATS). Pichia membranifaciens , Candida sorbosivorans , Citeromyces nyonsensis , Candida etchelsii , Wickerhamomyces subpelliculosus , Candida apicola , Wickerhamomyces anomalus , Torulaspora delbrueckii and Candida versatilis were the dominant species according to ITS sequencing (culture-dependent), while ATS revealed the dominance of C. etchelsii , Pichia triangularis , P. membranifaciens , and C. versatilis among samples. The results of this study demonstrated considerable variability in quality attributes among the different commercial samples of dry-salted olives, reflecting a lack of standardization in the processing of this commercial style. However, the majority of the samples were characterized by satisfactory microbiological and hygienic quality and complied with the requirements of the trade standard for table olives of the International Olive Council (IOC) for this processing style in terms of salt concentration. In addition, the diversity of yeast species was elucidated for the first time in commercially available products, increasing our knowledge on the microbial ecology of this traditional food. Further investigation into the technological and multifunctional traits of the dominant yeast species may result in better control during dry-salting and enhance the quality and shelf-life of the final product. • The microbiological and physicochemical profile of commercial dry-salted olives was studied • The microbiota of dry-salted olives consisted primarily of yeasts • Culture-dependent molecular analysis revealed yeast biodiversity composed of 5 genera and 9 species • Culture-independent molecular analysis revealed the dominance of 6 genera and 9 yeast species [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While tobacco retail outlet (TRO) marketing exposure has been associated with tobacco use, little research has explored how this relationship may vary by the experience of depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine if the relationship between TRO tobacco marketing exposure and tobacco use initiation is moderated by depressive symptoms among young adults. Participants were drawn from 24 colleges in Texas who were participating in a multi-wave cohort study (2014–2019). The present study included 2020 cigarette or ENDS naïve participants at wave 2 (69.2% female; 32.1% white; m age=20.6 [SD=2.0] at wave 1). Generalized mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between cigarette and ENDS TRO marketing exposure and subsequent initiation for both products with depressive symptoms as a moderator. The interaction between cigarette marketing and depressive symptoms was significant (OR=1.38 95% CI=[1.04,1.83]). Cigarette marketing did not impact cigarette initiation among participants with low depressive symptoms (OR=0.96 95% CI= [0.64,1.45]), but did impact cigarette initiation among participants with high depressive symptoms (OR=1.83 95% CI=[1.23,2.74]). There was no interaction effect for ENDS initiation. Main effects showed that ENDS marketing exposure predicted ENDS initiation (OR=1.43 95% CI=[1.10,1.87]). Exposure to tobacco marketing at TROs is an important risk factor for initiation of cigarette and ENDS use, particularly for cigarette initiation among those who experience greater levels of depressive symptoms. Future work is needed to better understand why this type of marketing is influential for this group. • Tobacco marketing at retail outlets predicts initiation up to four years later. • Particularly important for cigarettes among those with greater depressive symptoms. • Tobacco marketing at TROs should be limited/eliminated. • Crucial to identify other important moderating variables. • Greater attention to impact of tobacco marketing on high-risk populations needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poultry meat is considered as a potential source of colistin resistant Escherichia coli (CREC). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of CREC in broiler meat and ascertain their possible zoonotic potential(s). Broiler meat (n = 104) comprising 26 of each of the thigh, breast, liver, and proventriculus-gizzard was purchased from the retail outlets, Bangladesh. CREC was isolated from the meat samples on MacConkey agar plates containing colistin sulfate followed by PCR confirmation, mcr subtyping (mcr-1 to mcr-5), phylogenetic grouping and detailed molecular characterization through whole genome sequencing (WGS). Antimicrobial resistance of the CREC isolates were evaluated by disc diffusion method and MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of colistin sulfate was determined by broth microdilution. The investigation revealed 58 (55.77 %) of 104 samples as positive for CREC, and 53 (91.38 %) of CREC isolates carried mcr-1 gene with no other mcr subtypes evident. Most of the CREC belonged to commensal E. coli (66.04 %) with some pathogenic phylotypes (33.96 %) based on dichotomous decision tree. All the mcr-1 CREC isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and had MICs of 4–8 μg/mL colistin sulfate. WGS of a commensal MDR mcr-1 CREC strain 1ChBEc2mcr revealed as a potential human pathogen belonging to ST162 that harbored 60 virulence factors associated genes (VFGs). The mcr-1 gene in 1ChBEc2mcr genome was located on a plasmid (p1ChBEc2mcr) and showed nucleotide similarities (>95 %) to another plasmid reported from human E. coli in Bangladesh. Beyond mcr-1 gene, this plasmid (p1ChBEc2mcr) also harbored genes related to aminoglycoside, beta-lactams, macrolides, and tetracycline resistance. Presence of similar mcr-1 carrying plasmids in broiler and human CREC denotes a threat of possibly human to avian (broiler) or vice-versa transfer of mcr-1 CREC through close contact as prevailing in the retail outlets of Bangladesh. • First report on mcr-1 colistin resistant E. coli (CREC) in broiler meat in Bangladesh • 100 % of the mcr-1 CREC were multidrug resistant (MDR). • Broiler meat carried both pathogenic and commensal phylogroup of mcr-1 CREC. • CREC carried mcr-1 on plasmid genetically allied to human isolate from Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the phylogenies of Salmonella strains isolated from cross-sectional studies conducted at hatcheries, broiler farms, processing plants, and retail outlets (broiler production chain) in Trinidad and Tobago over 4 yr (2016–2019). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was used to characterize Salmonella isolates. Core genome phylogenies of 8 serovars of public health significance were analyzed for similarities in origin and relatedness. In addition, Salmonella strains isolated from human salmonellosis cases in Trinidad were analyzed for their relatedness to the isolates detected along the broiler production chain. The common source of these isolates of diverse serovars within farms, within processing plants, between processing plants and retail outlets, and among farm-processing plant-retail outlet continuum was well-supported (bootstrap value >70%) by the core genome phylogenies for the respective serovars. Also, genome analyses revealed clustering of Salmonella serovars of regional (intra-Caribbean) and international (extra-Caribbean) origin. Similarly, strains of S. Enteritidis and S. Infantis isolated from human clinical salmonellosis in 2019 from Trinidad and Tobago clustered with our processing plant isolates recovered in 2018. This study is the first phylogenetic analysis of Salmonella isolates using WGS from the broiler industry in the Caribbean region. The use of WGS confirmed the genetic relatedness and transmission of Salmonella serovars contaminating chickens in broiler processing, and retailing in the country, with zoonotic and food safety implications for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using daily unleaded gasoline data for almost the totality of Western Australian retail outlets over twenty years, we find that retail prices are most rigid when they are 9-ending as opposed to other price endings. Upward rigidity from a 9-ending retail price is found to be greater than downward rigidity in terms of a lower number of price movements. Irrespective of whether or not a 9-ending price is being charged, an upward gasoline price movement is likely, in absolute terms, to lead to a larger size of price change than a downward movement. In sharp contrast, we find that wholesale gasoline prices are not characterised in such ways and that irrespective of whether or not taxes are included, there is uniformity across the frequency distribution of price endings. The presence of 9-ending pricing affects the nonlinear response of retail gasoline prices to wholesale price movements. • A large sample of daily retail gasoline prices is analysed for twenty years. • For number of price changes, 9-ending prices are more rigid upwards than downwards. • Wholesale gasoline prices do not exhibit such behaviour. • When 9-ending prices do change, the magnitude is larger upwards than downwards. • 9-ending retail pricing affects the link between wholesale and retail prices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure assessment in the context of mobility-oriented health research often is challenged by the type of spatial measurement technique used to estimate exposures to environmental features. The purpose of this study is to compare smartphone global positioning system (GPS), shortest network path mobility, and buffer-based approaches in estimating exposure to outdoor food and beverage advertising among a sample of 154 teenagers involved in the SmartAPPetite study during 2018 in London, Ontario, Canada. Participants were asked to report their home postal code, age, gender identity, ethnicity, and number of purchases they had made at a retail food outlet in the past month. During the same time period, a mobile phone application was used to log their mobility and specifically record when a participant was in close proximity to outdoor advertising. The results of negative binomial regression modelling reveal significant differences in estimates of advertising exposure, and the relationship to self-reported purchasing. Spatial exposure estimation methods showed differences across regression models, with the buffer and observed GPS approaches delivering the best fitting models, depending on the type of retail food outlet. There is a clear need for more robust research of spatial exposure measurement techniques in the context of mobility and food (information) environment research. • Exposure to outdoor food and beverage advertising has little association with purchasing among adolescents. • Comparison of GPS, network paths, and residential buffers in measuring exposure to outdoor food and beverage advertising. • Residential buffers and GPS delivered the best-fitting models, dependent on the type of retail food outlet under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One approach to addressing the negative health and social harms of excessive drinking has been to attempt to limit alcohol availability in areas of high outlet density. The Licensing Act (2003) enables English local authorities the power to implement a Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) in order to tackle alcohol challenges. More than 100 English local authorities have implemented a CIP in one or more designated areas. We examined local licence decision-making in the context of implementing CIPs. Specifically, we explored the activities involved in alcohol licensing in one London local authority in order to explicate how local decision-making processes regarding alcohol outlet density occur. Institutional ethnographic research revealed that CIPs were contested on multiple grounds within the statutory licensing process of a local authority with this policy in place. CIPs are an example of multi-level governance in which national and local interests, legal powers and alcohol licensing priorities interface. Public health priorities can be advanced in the delivery of CIPs, but those priorities can at times be diluted by those of other stakeholders, both public sector and commercial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine status of traceability system implementation in the supply chain of local beef and beef sausages in Malawi, and tried to identify key factors affecting the implementation, in an attempt to find solutions to traceability issues, to ensure safety of these food products for consumers. Eighty-two (82) samples of cut beef (40) and beef sausages (42) were identified from retail outlets and followed retrospectively to determine if information trail generated along the supply chain link to identity of corresponding meat carcasses and live animals from feedlots. Fifty-eight (58) personnel for business operators involved in this supply chain and four (4) regulatory enforcement officers were interviewed to review level of knowledge on Food Traceability (FT) and Food Safety (FS) that is vital in food traceability implementation. Results of the study indicated that; it was not possible to trace attributes of local beef and beef sausages from retail outlets to cattle feedlots, personnel involved in this supply chain did not have adequate knowledge on FT and FS and that regulatory enforcement officers had adequate knowledge on FT and FS but contents of legislation could not allow them to effectively address issues of food traceability. It was, therefore, concluded that the supply chain of local beef and beef sausages in Malawi is not traceable which is a FS concern and a threat to public health and need to be swiftly addressed. • Local beef and beef sausages in Malawi not traceable throughout the supply chain. • Missing link in traceability resulted from lack of identification numbers for meat. • Records at each stage of supply chain not adequate to achieve chain traceability. • Personnel attained tertiary education generate adequate traceability records. • No association between work experience and ability to generate traceability records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of indices to describe and compare sets of pedestrian routes in shopping environments will be introduced. The first set of indices is related to characteristics of the trajectories and the second set to visiting outlets. These statistics can be used to assess the performance of models predicting individual routes in shopping areas. Another application may be to compare pedestrian behaviour in different shopping environments. The latter will be done in this study. Routes observed in the downtown shopping area of Eindhoven will be compared with observed routes in the Maastricht downtown shopping area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 100 samples of fresh poultry preparations were obtained from 10 retail outlets in North-Western Spain. Listeria spp. were found in 73 samples. Isolates were identified through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as Listeria monocytogenes (56 samples), Listeria innocua (32), Listeria grayi (3), Listeria seeligeri (1) and Listeria spp. (6). In 24 samples, several different Listeria species were found. The loads of L. monocytogenes detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) in the 56 positive samples ranged from <2.15 log units (limit of detection) up to 5.96 log units. Neither the type of sample nor the retail outlet involved had any significant influence (P > 0.05) on concentrations of L. monocytogenes. A total of 163 L. monocytogenes isolates were tested (disc diffusion) against 15 antimicrobials of clinical significance. The average number of resistances per isolate was 5.83 ± 1.64. All strains showed resistance to multiple antimicrobials (between 4 and 11). In all, 80 isolates (49.1%) showed a multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotype, and two isolates (1.2%) showed an extensively drugresistant (XDR) phenotype. More than 50.0% of isolates showed resistance or reduced susceptibility to oxacillin, cefoxitin, cefotaxime, cefepime, rifampicin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin or nitrofurantoin. This is a cause for concern because these substances are among the antibiotics used to treat human listeriosis, with rifampicin and fluoroquinolones frequently being used. The results from this research work show that poultry preparations are a potential major source of resistant L. monocytogenes strains, since these are present in some samples at high concentrations. This highlights the pressing need to handle poultry preparations correctly, so as to ensure they are sufficiently cooked and to avoid cross-contamination events. • A hundred poultry preparations from retail outlets in North-West Spain were tested. • Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes were found in 73 and 56 samples, respectively. • L. monocytogenes loads ranged from <2.15 log units to 5.96 log units. • The 163 L. monocytogenes isolates tested were resistant to five to fifteen antibiotics. • The need to avoid insufficient cooking or cross-contamination was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of potentially life-threatening carbapenem-resistant bacteria is a major threat to public health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in fishery products in Vietnam. A total of 103 river fish were purchased from retail outlets and supermarkets in Vietnam. The gut contents of fish were removed, mixed with buffered peptone water, and incubated for 24 h. The bacterial broth was spread onto CHROMagar™ ECC containing meropenem. Enterobacteriaceae were selected and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed. Bacterial identification and genotyping were performed using 16S rRNA and multiplex PCR, respectively. Our results showed that 6.8% (7/103) of river fish were contaminated with carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli harbouring NDM-1 or -5, and 8.7% (9/103) of the samples were contaminated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae harbouring NDM-1, -4, and OXA-48 genes. E. coli and Citrobacter freundii harbouring the NDM-1 encoding IncA/C plasmid were isolated from one fish sample; carbapenem-resistant E. coli harbouring CTX-M-15, NDM-5, and mcr-1 were also isolated. In conclusion, bacteria isolated from fishery products were found to carry the carbapenem resistance genes NDM, OXA-48, and KPC. As carbapenem-resistant bacteria are isolated from Vietnamese fishery foods at a rate of 6.8%, it is necessary to re-consider food hygiene rules. • 6.8% river fish positive for carbapenem-resistant E. coli harbouring NDM-1 or -5. • Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae harboured NDM-1,-4, -5, OXA-48, or KPC. • E. coli and C. freundii harbouring NDM-1 encoding IncA/C plasmid in one sample. • Not only E. coli but also other Enterobacteriaceae were resistant to carbapenems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study examined associations of local cannabis retail outlet availability and neighborhood disadvantage with cannabis use and related risk factors among young adults.Methods: Data were from annual cross-sectional surveys administered from 2015 to 2019 to individuals ages 18-25 residing in Washington State (N = 10,009). As outcomes, this study assessed self-reported cannabis use at different margins/frequencies (any past year, at least monthly, at least weekly, at least daily) and perceived ease of access to cannabis and acceptability of cannabis use in the community. Cannabis retail outlet availability was defined as the presence of at least one retail outlet within a 1-kilometer road network buffer of one's residence. Sensitivity analyses explored four other spatial metrics to define outlet availability (any outlet within 0.5-km, 2-km, and the census tract; and census tract density per 1000 residents). Census tract level disadvantage was a composite of five US census variables.Results: Adjusting for individual- and area-level covariates, living within 1-kilometer of at least one cannabis retail outlet was statistically significantly associated with any past year and at least monthly cannabis use as well as high perceived access to cannabis. Results using a 2-km buffer and census tract-level metrics for retail outlet availability showed similar findings. Neighborhood disadvantage was statistically significantly associated with at least weekly and at least daily cannabis use and with greater perceived acceptability of cannabis use.Conclusions: Results may have implications for regulatory and prevention strategies to reduce the population burden of cannabis use and related harms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Contextual factors associated with adolescent girls’ dietary behaviors could inform future interventions to improve diet. High school girls completed a 7-day diary, recording all trips made. In places other than home or school they recorded the food eaten. Girls made an average of 11.4 trips per week other than to home or school. Snacks high in solid oils, fats and added sugars (SOFAS) were frequently consumed. Girls reported eating an average of 3.5 servings per week of snacks high in SOFAS at someone else’s house compared to 3.0 servings per week at retail food outlets. Findings demonstrate that low nutrient foods are ubiquitous and efforts should be made to reduce their availability in multiple settings. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Obtaining valid and accurate data on community food environments is critical for research evaluating associations between the food environment and health outcomes. This study utilized ground-truthing and remote-sensing technology to validate a food outlet retail list obtained from an urban local health department in Baltimore, Maryland in 2009. Ten percent of outlets (n=169) were assessed, and differences in accuracy were explored by neighborhood characteristics (96 census tracts) to determine if discrepancies were differential or non-differential. Inaccuracies were largely unrelated to a variety of neighborhood-level variables, with the exception of number of vacant housing units. Although remote-sensing technologies are a promising low-cost alternative to direct observation, this study demonstrated only moderate levels of agreement with ground-truthing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A total of 298 fishery products purchased from retail outlets in Galicia (NW Spain) between January 2008 and May 2009 were analyzed for the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus was detected in a significant proportion of products (~25%). Incidence was highest in fresh (43%) and frozen products (30%), but it was high in all other categories: salted fish (27%), smoked fish (26%), ready-to-cook products (25%), non-frozen surimis (20%), fish roes (17%) and other ready-to-eat products (10%). A significant proportion of smoked fish, surimis, fish roes and other ready-to-eat products did not comply with legal limits in force. RAPD-PCR of 125 S. aureus isolated from fishery products was carried out using three primers (AP-7, ERIC-2 and S). Isolates displayed 33 fingerprint patterns. Each pattern was attributed to a single bacterial clone. Cluster analysis based on similarity values between RAPD fingerprints did not find relationship between any RAPD pattern and any product category. Isolates were also tested for se genes and susceptibility to a range of antibiotics (cephalothin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, gentamicin, oxacillin, penicillin G, tetracycline, vancomycin, methicillin, ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole). Most isolates (88%) were found to be sea positive. Putative enterotoxigenic strains counts reached high risk levels in 17 products. No relationship was found between the presence of se genes and RAPD patterns. All isolates were resistant to penicillin, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin, and most to tetracycline (82.4%), but none was methicillin-resistant. A revision of pre-requisite programs leading to improve hygienic practices in handling and processing operations from fishing or farming to retail is recommended to ensure fishery products safety. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A sensitive method for the quantification of 11 pesticides in sugar samples to the μgkg−1 level has been developed. These pesticides are often used in an agricultural context. A simple solvent extraction followed by selective analysis using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometric method was used. This method was accurate (⩾99%) as it possesses limits of detection in the 0.1-μgkg−1 range, and the coefficients of variations are less than 15% at the low μgkg−1 end of the method’s linear range. The percent recovery of all the pesticides at the lowest levels of detection ranges from 82% to 104%. This method was used for the quantification of pesticides in sugar samples collected from different factory outlets from different parts of India. In this study, 27 refined sugar samples were analysed in which one sample showed a detectable level of the chlorpyrifos pesticide. This study showed that Indian sugar is free from the commonly-used pesticides at the low μgkg−1 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mexican Nationals frequently visit border towns and other cities in the United States that are in close proximity to their areas of residence for the main purpose of shopping at popular malls and outlet centers. However, it is somewhat difficult to gather the necessary information in order to profile the visitors and develop marketing strategies for targeting the appropriate market segments. The purpose of this paper is to identify the key target markets for U.S. shopping malls based on the age and family life experiences (i.e., marriage and having children) of the Mexican visitors. First, a three-factor ANOVA analysis is used to examine the impact of these characteristics on shopping expenditures, including the interaction effects. Then, a cluster analysis is performed in order to segment the market using age and the family life experience variables. Finally, recommendations are provided based on the expenditures and trip behavior by family life cycle stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study concerns the correlation between monitoring of hygienic levels by public food inspectors and observed microbial levels in two types of food, cream cakes and pasta salads sold by small enterprises. The microbial contents of pasta salads exceeded frequently 7logCFUg−1 in outlets with highly satisfactory rankings by food inspectors. Contrarily, microbial contents of cream cakes were mostly below 5logCFUg−1, in relatively high agreement with food inspectors’ ranking. The implications for monitoring compliance with HACCP-based own control programs in small food outlets are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Relatively little attention has been given to the retail availability of tobacco products despite the likelihood that ubiquitous supply may represent a primary form of tobacco promotion in Australia. This study aimed to explore the number and distribution of tobacco outlets, smokers’ perceptions about the availability of tobacco and the role availability may play in tobacco consumption and quitting attempts in Australia. The study comprised two parts: Part A involved mapping retail tobacco outlets in the Hunter Region of NSW, Australia. Part B involved a statewide telephone survey of 539 current smokers aged 18 years and over in NSW. Part A identified 1270 retail tobacco outlets, giving a density of one outlet per 384 persons aged over 15 years, or one outlet per 77 smokers. Associations between socioeconomic status of areas and retail availability of tobacco were not found. Of the survey respondents in Part B, 87.5% indicated that they would be within walking distance of a retail tobacco outlet during their daily activities. Those who were younger, male and single were more likely to purchase tobacco at convenience-type outlets. We therefore conclude that some groups of smokers appear vulnerable to the availability of tobacco and a reduction in the availability of tobacco is likely to benefit smokers who wish to quit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studies of relationships between tobacco sales and socio-economic/ sociodemographic characteristics are well documented. However, when analysing the data that are collected on geographic areas, the spatial effects are seldom considered, which could lead to potential misleading analytical results. This study addresses this concern by applying the spatial analysis method in studying how socio-economic factors and tobacco outlet density are related in New Jersey, USA. Study design: A spatial regression method applied to tobacco outlet and socio-economic data obtained in 2004 in New Jersey, USA. Method: This study assessed the association between tobacco outlet density and three demographic correlates - income, race and ethnicity - at the tract level of analysis for one state in the north-eastern USA. Data for 1938 residential census tracts in the state of New Jersey were derived from 2004 licences for 13,984 tobacco-selling retail outlets. Demo- graphic variables were based on 2000 census data. When applying a regression model, the residuals of an ordinary least squared (OLS) estimation were found to exhibit strong spatial autocorrelation, which indicates that the estimates from the OLS model are biased and inferences based on the estimates might be misleading. A spatial lag model was employed to incorporate the potential spatial effects explicitly. Results: Agreeing with the OLS residual autocorrelation test, the spatial lag model yields a significant coefficient of the added spatial effect, and fits the data better than the OLS model. In addition, the residuals of the spatial regression model are no longer autocorrelated, which indicates that the analysis produces more reliable results. More importantly, the spatial regression results indicate that tobacco companies attempt to promote physical availability of tobacco products to geographic areas with disadvantageous socio-economic status. In New Jersey, the percentage of Hispanics seems to be the dominant demographic factor associated with tobacco outlet distribution, followed by median household income and percentage of African Americans. Conclusion: This research applied a spatial analytical approach to assess the association between tobacco outlet density and sociodemographic characteristics in New Jersey at the census tract level. The findings support the common wisdom in the public health research domain that tobacco outlets are more densely distributed in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. However, incorporating the spatial effects explicitly in the analysis provides less biased and more reliable results than traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Food companies, governments, and societal organizations use an increasing number of food-choice motives to persuade consumers to buy food products, and the question which combinations of motives matter for which type of consumer has become of central relevance. In this study, we use a concomitant mixture-modeling approach to uncover consumer segments in terms of food-choice motives, using a nationwide sample in the Netherlands. The results reveal seven segments with distinct profiles and demonstrate that age and membership of environmental organizations play an essential role in segment membership probabilities. Our findings support the idea that information about non-food-related consumer behavior improves the identification of segments. In an additional analysis, we demonstrate how organizational membership also provides an effective way to access consumer segments as compared to diverse media outlets. We discuss the implications of our findings for segmentation practice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between community off-sales premises and alcohol-related detritus (litter/remains) in residential neighbourhoods. This was accomplished by photographing all brand-identifiable alcohol product detritus (glass, packaging, etc.) where they lay and mapping these against the presence of off-sales outlets (licensed convenience stores) in the community. It was hypothesised that alcohol-related detritus would be greatest near to such alcohol outlets. However, although there was some evidence of a “broken bottles effect”, accumulations of alcohol-related detritus near some off-sales premises, it is concluded that local area deprivation is a better predictor of such alcohol-related incivility than is outlet provision. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to current social responsibility policy developments which are designed to make the alcohol industry liable for alcohol-related incivilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This note considers the degree of complementarity of non-aviation activities to airside activities at airports in relation to airport governance and regulation. A simple economic model of airport operations is employed to draw the distinction between complementary and non-complementary non-aviation activities by airports and the effect of these activities on aeronautical prices and competition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lower levels of parental monitoring are associated with youth problem behaviors, including substance use and delinquency. Recent studies employing routine activities theory have hypothesized that greater densities of alcohol outlets, particularly bars, may provide parents more opportunities to socialize outside the home. This, in turn, may decrease a parent''s ability to effectively monitor the activities of his or her child, resulting in more deviant behaviors by the adolescent. Using hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), the current study assesses whether or not greater densities of alcohol outlets in zip code areas (n = 50) interact with levels of parental monitoring to affect levels of deviance among adolescents aged 14 to 16 (n = 1541). The study finds that adolescents who have higher grade point averages and have not used alcohol report the lowest levels of deviant behaviors. Furthermore, the density of bars interacts with reports of parental monitoring such that adolescents in areas with more bars per roadway mile report lower levels of parental monitoring behaviors, which is associated with higher levels of deviance. These findings suggest that in those areas with greater densities of bars parents may be spending more time away from home, making monitoring of their adolescents more difficult, or parents may be drinking more frequently, thus impairing their ability to adequately monitor their children. Policies and practices that limit the number of bars in neighborhood areas with large populations of adolescents may reduce deviant behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As Asian economies have grown rapidly, Asia has become a new leading market of the luxury goods industry. This paper used conjoint analysis (CA) for the optimal design of a luxury brand outlet mall to maximize the customer lifetime value (CLV). This approach complements a simple CA by considering CLV. The proposed approach is then applied to designing a suburban luxury brand outlet mall in Korea, a new concept to Korea. The results indicate that the optimal design for the outlet mall is the medieval European-style mall, with the linkage to Natural Tourism, which consists of the restaurants with delicious food and the stores with similar ratio between masstige and luxury brands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The supermarket and the wet market play complementary roles in Nanjing's food retailing system with an overlapping customer base. • The supermarket and the wet market have been co-evolving instead of replacing one another. • Wet markets have achieved systematic improvement under policy support and urban planning. • Investing in urban food system planning could enhance the adaptability of the food system to improve food security. Like many emerging economies in the Global South, China is experiencing major transformations of its national and local food system characterized by the rise of supermarkets. There has been an ongoing debate on the relationship between supermarkets and wet markets in developing countries. Drawing on data from a city-wide supermarket mapping and surveys conducted in Nanjing in 2019, this paper revisits China's "supermarket revolution" process and challenges the prediction of supermarket domination. It reveals that Nanjing's food retailing system has been shaped by the complementarity and co-evolution of the wet market and the supermarket sectors with considerable policy support. The paper, therefore, contributes to the broader debates on the existing "supermarket revolution" theory by providing baseline evidence and new perspectives for understanding the food environment in urban China. Policymakers and researchers need to recognize the possibility of the co-evolution of supermarkets and wet markets in other cities of the Global South. Investing in urban food system planning could enhance the adaptability of the food system to improve food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovering value from dark cutting carcasses (Canada B4) was investigated by examining twelve muscles in the loin, fore- and hindquarters of atypical (AT, pH < 5.8), borderline (BD, 5.8 < pH < 6.0) and classic (CL, pH > 6.0) dark cutting carcasses. Subjective and objective colour, purge loss, and colour stability were measured over 4 days of retail display. Forequarter muscles from all dark cutting carcasses were not different from those of normal Canada AA carcasses, suggesting that forequarter muscles may be preferentially harvested for sale through normal retail outlets. None of the adductor , biceps femoris , gluteus medius , and semitendinosus muscles in the AT carcasses were dark and all had retail display colour stability comparable to that of normal steaks, indicating that these muscles in these carcasses are undervalued. Sorting of dark cutting carcasses by longissimus thoracis pH or a* and b* values will allow for value to be recovered from atypical dark cutting carcasses. • Forequarter muscles from dark-cutting beef carcasses similar to normal carcasses. • Hindquarter muscles from atypical dark-cutting carcasses are similar to normal. • Value may be recovered by sorting dark-cutting carcasses by longissimus pH. • Dark-cutting carcasses also may be sorted by a* and b* values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reducing the retail availability of tobacco has been proposed as a component of tobacco endgame, yet it is not known whether retail availability has a direct impact on smoking behaviours. A narrative review and a meta-analysis have been undertaken to examine the density and proximity of tobacco retail outlets, but were limited in scope, exposure and outcome variables. The aim of this current study was to undertake a systematic review of the international literature on the density and proximity of tobacco retail outlets to homes, schools and communities and their association with smoking behaviours among youth.Methods: We reviewed and critically appraised the evidence documenting the association between density or proximity of tobacco retail outlets and smoking behaviours among school-age youth (18 and under), between 1 January 1990 and 21 October 2019. We reviewed original quantitative research that examined the associations of tobacco retail outlet density and proximity with individual smoking status or population-level smoking prevalence; initiation of smoking; frequency of tobacco use; sales to minors; purchasing by minors; susceptibility to smoking among non-smokers; perceived prevalence of smoking, and quitting behaviours.Findings: Thirty-five peer-reviewed papers met the inclusion criteria. This review provided evidence of a relationship between density of tobacco retail outlets and smoking behaviours, particularly for the density near youths' home. A study using activity spaces also found a significant positive association between exposure to tobacco retail outlets and daily tobacco use. The review did not provide evidence of an association between the proximity of tobacco retail outlets to homes or schools and smoking behaviours among youth.Conclusions: The existing evidence supports a positive association between tobacco retail outlet density and smoking behaviours among youth, particularly for the density near youths' home. This review provides evidence for the development and implementation of policies to reduce the density of tobacco retail outlets to reduce smoking prevalence among youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial attributes have a great impact on soil heavy metal bioavailability, yet their influencing pathway on heavy metal accumulation in crop plants remains elusive. This study was aimed to analyze the influencing pathways of microbial attributes, including microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN), basal soil respiration (BSR) along with the activities of catalase, urease, and sucrase, on heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) accumulation by brassica leaves. Based upon a field investigation close to electroplating factory outlets, 45 pairs of soil and brassica samples were analyzed in the laboratory. Concentrations of heavy metals in brassica leaves declined with sampling distances downstream from the outlets. Redundancy analysis indicated that bioavailable concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, and MBC along with catalase activity were the major variables influencing heavy metal accumulation in brassica leaves and accounted for 83% of the accumulation. MBC and catalase activity accounted for 17% of the heavy metal accumulation in brassica leaves. Stepwise regression indicated that catalase activity, MBC, and BSR significantly affected heavy metal accumulation in brassica leaves. Based on structural equation modeling, the pathway coefficient of microbial activities-brassica heavy metals and the pathway coefficient of microbial biomass-brassica heavy metals are 0.122 (P < 0.05), suggesting that these microbial attributes (i.e. MBC along with catalase activities and SBR) could affect heavy metal accumulation in brassica leaves directly. The pathway coefficients of microbial activities-bioavailable heavy metals-brassica heavy metals and microbial biomass-bioavailable heavy metals-brassica heavy metal were −0.541 (P < 0.001) and 0.453 (P < 0.001), respectively, indicating that increase of microbial activities inhibited heavy metal accumulation while increase of microbial biomass promoted heavy metal accumulation, in brassica leaves. These results suggested that heavy metal bioavailability played a mediating role in the influencing pathways of soil microbial attributes on heavy metals in brassica leaves. Image 1 • Increase of microbial activities reduces heavy metal accumulation in brassica. • Increase of microbial biomass promotes heavy metal accumulation in brassica. • Microbial attributes affect heavy metal accumulation directly or indirectly. • Bioavailable heavy metals have a mediating effect on the influencing pathway. • Microbial attributes can explain 17% of heavy metal accumulation in brassica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Self-assembled TiO 2 nanosheets are applied as an new matrix of SALDI-TOF MS for analysis of PFCs. • High-throughput detection of trace PFCs through SALDI-TOF MS. • Higher sensitivity, lower limit of detection and better reproducibility. • A new method for the rapid and simple detection and identification of PFCs in real water sample. Concerns about bioaccumulation, persistence and toxicity have led to a lot of researches on perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). In order to identity PFCs in real sample, self-assembled TiO 2 nanosheets (TiO 2 NS) were fabricated by an one-step hydrothermal method and applied as matrix for the surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-TOF MS) detection of PFCs. Compared to the commercial P25 TiO 2 , the proposed self-assembled TiO 2 nanosheets matrix is better reproducibility and higher sensitivity benefiting from the unique hexagon structure of TiO 2 NS. 22 and 12 PFCs have been detected in water samples collected from locations near the outlets of a factory and a waste-water treatment plant, respectively. The proposed method can be a promising tool for high-throughput detect of trace PFCs in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]