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Despite potential health benefits of cookies with seeds, e.g., antioxidant and anticholesterolemic activity, their baking may lead to processing contaminants. This study investigated the acrylamide formation in cookies containing chia and flaxseeds (13 samples) in various formats and amounts by LC-MS/MS using stable isotope dilution analysis. Furthermore, the impact of different factors was studied. Cookies with chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) exhibit increased acrylamide contents from whole (112-286 μg/kg) to milled seeds (252-649 μg/kg). Acrylamide contents of cookies with whole or milled flaxseeds (Linum usitatissimum) (204-516 μg/kg) were comparable to those with chia seeds, while cookies with flaxseed flour had the highest exposure (790 μg/kg). Adding baking agents to cookies with chia seeds increased acrylamide by 20 %, while organic acids significantly lowered it (up to 78 %). The sugar source affected acrylamide in cookies with chia seeds, with brown sugar resulting in the highest content (213 μg/kg)., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The MC-Media Pad® Rapid Aerobic Count (RAC) is a ready-to-use culture device combining a test pad coated with medium and water absorption polymers that are designed for the rapid quantification of total aerobic bacteria in food products., Objective: The MC-Media Pad RAC was compared to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook, Chapter 3.02: Quantitative Analysis of Bacteria in Foods as Sanitary Indicators for raw ground pork and the Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, Chapter 6: Microbial Count Methods for yogurt drink., Method: The candidate method was evaluated against the reference methods using a paired study design in a multi-collaborator study, following the current AOAC INTERNATIONAL Official Methods of AnalysisSM Appendix J guidelines. Three target contamination levels (low, medium, and high) were evaluated. MC-Media Pad RAC devices were enumerated after 24 and 48 h of incubation., Results: Plate counts obtained by both methods were log10-transformed and the difference of means (including 95% confidence intervals), repeatability SD, and reproducibility SD were determined for each contamination level. All 95% confidence intervals for mean difference fell easily within ±0.10, the performance requirement being ±0.5., Conclusion: The MC-Media Pad RAC (for both 24 and 48 h) and both reference methods for each contamination level were therefore shown to be equivalent, with 97.5% confidence., Highlights: The new method offers a convenient alternative to the reference methods for detection of aerobic plate count in food products, yielding reliable and comparable results in 24 or 48 h compared to 48 h for the reference methods., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Testing milk for antibiotics before acceptance into dairies is required by the U.S. Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Technological advances in tests have reduced screening times and improved detection accuracy. This work describes the validation of the Charm Rapid One Step Assay Beta-Lactam 30 Second Test according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Veterinary Medicine protocol for raw commingled milk. Milk is added to the lateral flow test strip in an incubator/reader to deliver a 30 second result. Independent laboratory validation followed sensitivity, interference, and incurred residue protocols. Sensitivity, in parts per billion (ppb = µg/kg), using a probit curve determined 90% percent detection with 95% confidence, which met National Conference of Interstate Milk Shipments (NCIMS) specifications. Six U.S. approved beta-lactam drugs were detected below, but within 50% of, target/tolerance levels for penicillin G 2.9 ppb, ampicillin 5.9 ppb, amoxicillin 5.8 ppb, cephapirin 13 ppb, cloxacillin 8.1 ppb, and ceftiofur metabolites 73 ppb. No interferences were observed from 33 animal drugs at 100 ppb, somatic cells at 1.2 million/mL, or bacterial levels of >300 000 CFU/mL. Incurred residue detection levels were similar to levels determined with the spiked parent compound. The data support NCIMS that the BL30SEC method met U.S. criteria for testing milk for beta-lactams., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Reveal® 3-D for Peanut is an immunochromatographic, lateral flow test for qualitative detection of peanut residue in food manufacturing and food preparation settings. The test can detect low ppm levels of peanut in clean-in-place (CIP) rinses and in swabs from environmental surfaces and can serve as a tool in managing allergen risk., Objective: The objective of the study was to validate the lateral flow method for detection of peanut in CIP rinses, specifically water, peroxyacetic acid/hydrogen peroxide, and quaternary ammonium compound rinses, and in swabs taken from stainless steel and plastic surfaces., Methods: CIP rinses spiked with low levels of peanut were tested, as were surfaces inoculated with peanut. Specificity and assay interference were assessed in testing of food commodities with and without added peanut. Assay robustness and test kit stability and consistency testing were also performed., Results: Results demonstrated that the lateral flow test can detect peanut in CIP rinses in the range of 2-4 ppm and in environmental surface swabs in the range of 3-4 µg/100 cm2. Results of specificity testing with 29 common food items showed lack of cross-reactivity, and potential assay interference only from walnut. Data from stability trials supports expiration dating for the kit of up to 23 months post-manufacture., Conclusions and Highlights: The lateral flow test is a sensitive, specific, and rapid method for detection of low levels of peanut residue in CIP rinses and environmental samples and can be an important component in a comprehensive allergen risk management program., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020.)

Background: CERTUS Environmental Listeria species Detection Kit (CERTUS EL Detection Kit) is a real-time, bio-contained assay designed to accurately detect Listeria species (L. grayi, L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. marthii, L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, and L. welshimeri) from environmental surface matrixes using an antibody-coupled magnetic microparticle with a Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) nanoparticle technology test system paired with proprietary CERTUS EL Selective Growth Media and CERTUS Detection Unit., Objective: The method was evaluated for AOAC®Performance Tested MethodSM certification., Methods: Inclusivity and exclusivity, matrix studies, product consistency and stability were conducted to evaluate the CERTUS EL Detection Kit., Results: In the matrix studies, stainless steel, ceramic tile, plastic (polystyrene) and sealed concrete environmental surfaces (4 × 4" test areas) were tested. No statistically significant differences were found by Probability of Detection analysis (POD) in any of the matrixes when results were compared to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cultural microbiology reference method for Listeria. The CERTUS EL Detection Kit correctly identified all 50 target Listeria isolates and correctly excluded all 30 non-target strains that were analyzed. Probability of Detection analysis of CERTUS EL Detection Kit robustness, product consistency (lot-to-lot) and stability studies demonstrated no statistically significant differences, and no variation was observed between instruments., Conclusions: The data collected in these studies demonstrate that the CERTUS EL Detection Kit is a reliable method for the rapid and specific detection of Listeria from stainless steel, ceramic tile, plastic (polystyrene) and sealed concrete environmental surfaces., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: The 3M™ Petrifilm™ Rapid E. coli/Coliform Count Plate is a selective and differential sample-ready-culture medium designed for the rapid enumeration of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and coliforms in the food and beverage industries., Objective: The 3M Petrifilm Rapid E. coli/Coliform Count Plate was compared to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) Chapter 4 Enumeration of Escherichia coli and the Coliform Bacteria, the International Organization of Standards (ISO) 4832:2006 Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs - Horizontal method for the enumeration of coliforms-Colony-count technique, and ISO 16649-2:2017 Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs-Horizontal method for the enumeration of beta-glucuronidase-positive Escherichia coli-Part 2 Colony-count technique at 44 degrees C using bromo-4-chloro-3- indolyl beta-D-glucuronide methods for the enumeration of E. coli and coliforms in dry dog kibble., Method: The candidate method was evaluated using two diluents, Butterfield's phosphate buffered diluent and peptone salt solution, in a paired study design with each reference method in a multi-laboratory collaborative study following the current AOAC Validation Guidelines. Three target contamination levels and an uninoculated control level were evaluated., Results: The candidate and reference methods were not statistically different at each contamination level. Reproducibility values obtained during the collaborative study were similar between the candidate and reference methods., Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the candidate method is equivalent to the reference methods., Highlight: 3M Petrifilm Rapid E. coli/Coliform Count Plate was recommended for Official First Action status for enumeration of E. coli and coliforms in a broad range of foods and environmental surfaces., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020.)

Background: The Bio-Rad iQ-Check Listeria spp. Kit uses real-time PCR technology for detection of Listeria species in select food matrixes and environmental surfaces., Objective: The iQ-Check Listeria spp. method was modified to reduce the enrichment medium volume for environmental sponges from 225 and 100 to 60 mL and to reduce the enrichment time for sponges and swabs from 25 ± 1 to as short as 18 h. The modified method was validated with stainless steel, polystyrene plastic, and sealed concrete using sponges or swabs with two different neutralizing buffers (Letheen Broth and HiCap™ Neutralizing Broth). In addition, the Bio-Rad Free DNA Removal Solution was used for all environmental samples., Methods: The iQ-Check Listeria spp. modified method was compared with the reference culture method in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook Chapter 8.10 using an unpaired study design., Results: In the method comparison study, the iQ-Check Listeria spp. modified method demonstrated no statistical difference in performance between candidate and reference method results or between presumptive and confirmed results for all environmental surfaces analyzed using HiCap Neutralizing Broth (World Bioproducts LLC) and Letheen broth., Conclusions: The modified iQ-Check Listeria spp. method is an effective method for the detection of Listeria species in environmental surfaces using both types of neutralizing buffer., Highlights: The method modification was granted based on the data collected., (© AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Listeria Right Now™ is a novel, enrichment-free test for the detection of Listeria spp. in swab samples taken from environmental surfaces. Results are available in less than 1 h. In a previous Performance Tested MethodSM (PTM) study, the test was validated for swab samples from stainless-steel and sealed concrete surfaces., Objective: A PTM matrix extension study was conducted to validate the method for the detection of Listeria spp. in swab samples from ceramic tile, plastic, and rubber surfaces., Methods: Performance of the Listeria Right Now method was compared to that of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual reference culture procedure for the detection of Listeria spp. in swab samples taken from inoculated ceramic tile, plastic, and rubber surfaces. Data were analyzed using a probability of detection model., Results: There were no significant differences in performance between the Listeria Right Now and reference culture methods for any of the three surfaces tested, as determined by probability of detection analysis., Conclusions: The Listeria Right Now method is an effective procedure for the detection of Listeria spp. from a variety of environmental surfaces., Highlights: Listeria Right Now provides accurate results, without enrichment, in real time. This enables food industry personnel to react swiftly to suspected Listeria contamination incidents., (© Journal of AOAC International.)

Background: Listeria spp. are an important foodborne human pathogen because of their ability to cause disease and high mortality in individuals, particularly pregnant women, neonates, the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and children. The Sample6 DETECTTM HT/L Kit is a semi-automated qualitative pathogen detection system designed to detect Listeria spp. (L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. seeligeri, L. welshimeri, and L. marthii) in environmental samples using the Sample6 BioIlluminationTM technology., Objective: The study was done to evaluate the Sample6 DETECT HT/L Kit. The assay was evaluated for inclusivity, exclusivity, robustness, product consistency, and stability, and a matrix study of one environmental surface., Methods: The performance of the Sample6 DETECT HT/L was compared with U.S. Food and Drug Administration reference culture method for Listeria using an unpaired study design., Results: The Sample6 DETECT HT/L assay correctly identified all 50 inclusivity isolates and correctly excluded all 30 nontarget strains evaluated. The assay was not affected by minor variations in incubation temperature and time, or sample volume. Results across three production lots spanning the shelf life of the assay were consistent. In the matrix study, the Sample6 DETECT HT/L for Listeria correctly identified each test portion for the presence or absence of Listeria, and there were no statistically significant differences between candidate and reference method results., Conclusions: The data collected in this study demonstrate that the Sample6 DETECT HT/L assay is a reliable method for the detection of Listeria spp. on stainless-steel environmental surfaces after 22 h of enrichment.

RIDA®QUICK Gliadin is an immuno-chromatographic test for the detection of gluten in foods, on surfaces, and in Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) waters. This test kit has been adopted as Final Action AOAC INTERNATIONAL Official Methods of AnalysisSM 2015.16 for gluten in corn products. The assay is based on the monoclonal antibody R5, which recognizes gluten in wheat, barley, and rye. Four different surfaces were contaminated with a gliadin material and analyzed by a direct swabbing of the surface with the dip-stick. The outcome was an LOD95% concentration of the assay between 1.6 and 3.0 μg/100 cm2 gluten. For CIP waters that contain cleansing reagents, 100% positive results were obtained for minimum gluten concentration between 50 and 100 ng/mL. If the CIP water does not contain these reagents, the minimum detectable gluten level is 10 ng/mL. The independent validation study consisted of a method comparison study of recovery from a CIP solution and from a stainless-steel surface. The test kit was evaluated at six different concentration levels for both matrices, with 20 or 30 replicates per concentration level. The probability of detection was calculated for each contamination level. Additionally, the LOD95% concentration was estimated for each matrix analyzed.

QIAGEN mericon Escherichia coli O157 Screen Plus and mericon E. coli Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O-Type Pathogen Detection Assays use Real-Time PCR technology for the rapid, accurate detection of E. coli O157 and the "big six" (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145) (non-O157 STEC) in select food types. Using a paired study design, the assays were compared with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook Chapter 5.09 reference method for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef. Both mericon assays were evaluated using the manual and an automated DNA extraction method. Thirteen technicians from five laboratories located within the continental United States participated in the collaborative study. Three levels of contamination were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted according to the probability of detection (POD) statistical model. Results obtained for the low-inoculum level test portions produced a difference between laboratories POD (dLPOD) value with a 95% confidence interval of 0.00 (-0.12, 0.12) for the mericon E. coli O157 Screen Plus with manual and automated extraction and mericon E. coli STEC O-Type with manual extraction and -0.01 (-0.13, 0.10) for the mericon E. coli STEC O-Type with automated extraction. The dLPOD results indicate equivalence between the candidate methods and the reference method.

Purpose: In a context each day more global, a new paradigm has emerged – open innovation (OI) – which may be understood as an innovation strategy in which organizations use internal and external knowledge to leverage their business value, thus maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage. This article aims to contribute to understanding this phenomenon, suggesting an integrated vision of OI strategies. Design/methodology/approach: This paper systematically reviews and analyzes a sample of 66 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases related to open innovation strategies. Findings: The results obtained enabled us to group the existing literature into six different clusters: (1) Performance; (2) Open business model; (3) Intellectual Property; (4) Knowledge Management; (5) Innovation; and (6) Culture. Furthermore, this study identifies the major research gaps and provides suggestions for future research. Originality/value: The paper presents the main elements that interfere and interact in the innovation strategy providing a conceptual model that can be useful in understanding the phenomenon of open innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study objective was to investigate the microbial status of the coffee, ice and cups used in coffee outlets. This study compared food safety practices and microbial status between franchised and single-unit outlets. Design/methodology/approach: The study subjects included franchised and single-unit coffee outlets. This study adopted two different methods: self-answered checklists and microbial laboratory tests. We compared the two datasets by operation type (franchised vs single-unit). We analysed the data using independent t-test and chi-square tests. Findings: Franchised outlets were more likely to apply food safety practices than single-unit outlets; however, microbial testing showed that franchised outlets had a worse microbial status than single-unit outlets. A restaurant sanitation certificate did not influence microbial status. In addition, an analysis of food safety practice checklist items and microbial status showed that the checklist items did not impact food safety. Originality/value: These study results suggest that regular employee training programmes are needed for food safety and sanitation. Current inspection items should be revised and new items added for target operations (outlets that make and serve beverages). The current restaurant certification system should be revised, and certified food service outlets should be inspected regularly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date press cake (DPC) is a by‐product of date syrup (also known Dips) production with high nutritional content. However, it is still underutilized owing to the lack of knowledge about its health benefits and possible food applications. Therefore, the aim of the study was to prepare low‐calorie fibre‐rich functional cookies fortified with DPC. Different additions of DPC (5% and 10% on wheat flour basis) were added while sugar was reduced by 25% and 50% and replaced by 0.39 and 0.65 g Stevia, respectively. Cookies were analysed for their physicochemical and sensory attributes. The obtained results showed that moisture content, ash, and dietary fibre content significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increasing DPC amount, while sucrose content decreased significantly in treatments compared to the control. In addition, the hardness of 10% DPC‐enriched cookies with 50% sugar reduction was slightly significantly higher than the control, while other treatments were not significantly different. The addition of DPC significantly decreased both L∗ and b∗, while increasing a∗ of cookies. The results also revealed that the diameter, thickness, and spread ratio of the DPC‐enriched cookies did not significantly differ from those of the control sample. On the other hand, the inclusion of DPC and Stevia significantly lowered the weight before baking of cookies, while the baking loss did not significantly change, apart from cookies with 5% DPC and 50% sugar reduction which showed a slight significant increase. The sensory evaluation results showed that cookies with 10% DPC inclusion and 25% sugar reduction received the highest appearance, texture, flavour, and overall acceptability scores compared to the control. However, the differences were not significant. These results indicate that the incorporation of DPC as a low‐cost fibre‐rich ingredient in cookies, along with the sugar reduction and Stevia substitution, improved the fibre content and nutritional value of cookies without compromising their physical or sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of energy justice has been reflected and implemented in China's energy policy system over years. However, the existing normative basis of energy justice remains imperfect. China's special political system and Confucian concept of justice, and its particular focus on energy security, have made its energy transition practices highly efficient but also prone to violating recognition, distributional and procedural justice, resulting in a victim structure that sacrifices the few for the well-being of the many. It is essential to introduce energy justice to achieve sustainable development of China's energy system and policy transformation in the new era, as energy justice will provide insights for policy stakeholders regarding how to address complex and interrelated energy production and acquisition issues. In doing so, the first step is to comprehensively examine the existing energy injustice in China's energy life cycle and then apply systemic energy justice to optimise China's future energy policies. Specifically, policymakers should first reaffirm recognition justice by recognising energy rights, including the fundamental rights of energy vulnerable groups and the natural environment together with the rights of consumers as energy producers. Secondly, procedural justice should be strengthened from three perspectives, namely decision-making participation, information disclosure and judicial relief. Thirdly, distributive justice can be effectively promoted by establishing benefit-sharing mechanisms, setting fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory energy prices, and developing compensation mechanisms between regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tech conglomerates have launched many extension brands to enter the streaming media market. This paper analyses a study which examined the factors that affect these brand extensions from the perspectives of consumer attitude and perceptions. A total of 1,404 participants who reported having used parent brands were recruited for the study and were included in the final sample. Five hypotheses were tested using structural equation modelling analysis. Loyalty to the parent brand, variance in brand portfolio quality and perceived fit significantly influenced attitudes towards brand extensions. In addition, perceived fit and attitudes towards brand extensions positively reinforced consumer attitudes towards the parent brand. Finally, no difference was found with reference to the aforementioned factors when the more established streaming extensions were compared with the newer extensions of tech conglomerates. A unique aspect of the study is the structural validation of brand extensions by tech conglomerates. Further, the results of the study support the understanding of the importance of feedback effects and perceived fit in the brand area of tech conglomerates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Commercial & Intellectual Property Law (TFM) / Ticaret ve Fikri Mülkiyet Hukuku Dergisi is the property of Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Facult of Law and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Biological efficacy and natural cosmeceutical colorant applications of extracts from Oryza sativa (OS) and Eleutherine americana (EA) waste biomass were investigated for fabrication of lipstick. The spray-dried extracts of OS and EA revealed a spherical shape with excellent antioxidant activity. GC–MS analysis revealed that extracts were rich in fatty acid composition with significant presence of phenolics and glycosides. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were 14.03 ± 0.80 µg GAE/g extract and 76.80 ± 0.32 µg QE/g extract, and 16.03 ± 0.11 µg GAE/g extract and 94.35 ± 0.32 µg QE/g extract for OS and EA extract, respectively. In addition, both OS and EA extract possessed remarkably high betalain content of 476.91 ± 1.10 g/L and 1061.23 ± 0.52 g/L, respectively. Both extracts demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in NO secretion against LPS-stimulated macrophages with > 80% of cell viability. Lipstick fortified with spray-dried OS and EA extract exhibited a red wine color, while their combination produced a distinct shade than conventional lipstick. The results of texture analysis indicated strength of 0.70 (N) and 0.80 (N) for lipstick fortified with OS and EA extract, respectively. Incorporation of OS and EA offers potential to replace the reliance on synthetic colorants in lipstick formulations, while preserving desirable color and texture attributes with biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our daily dealings with media products are shaped by the use of generic designations such as journalistic presentation modes, for example, news, commentary, and Instagram-story. Yet, scholarship has examined presentation modes only selectively and lacks empirical investigations in this domain. Based on literature and a quantitative content analysis of jury protocols of the German online journalism award "Grimme Online Award," this article explores how presentation modes are constructed and further develops a framework for a categorization of presentation modes with eight dimensions: Content and Function, Author, Sources, Periodicity, Material Substrate, Structure, Media, and Interactive-Engagement Elements. This study is the first to empirically assess journalistic presentation mode dimensions and manifestations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutations in the MYBPC3 gene are currently believed to lead to the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in the majority of genetically determined cases. However, despite many years of research, both in worldwide and in Russia in particular, the genetic landscape of HCM is still insufficiently studied. Moreover, the insufficient study of genetically determined cases of HCM in the Russian population does not allow us to study the possible relation of the phenotypic characteristics of HCM patients with certain pathogenic variants of the genome of these patients. In this regard, the purpose of our work was to study the prevalence of rare pathogenic variants rs730880711 and rs397515974 of the MYBPC3 gene in HCM patients from Russia and to assess the effect of these mutations on the severity of this disease. The sample included 180 patients with moderate HCM and 137 patients with severe HCM. Analysis of the genotypes of rs730880711 (NC_000011.10:g.47342928_47342929insG; V453X) and rs397515974 (NC_000011.10:g.47337452G>C; Y847X) variants in the MYBPC3 gene was carried out in genomic DNA samples isolated from peripheral blood by real-time PCR. The performed analysis of the prevalence of rare pathogenic variants rs730880711 and rs397515974 in the MYBPC3 gene in patients with moderate and severe forms of HCM from Russia showed that the frequency of each mutation was 0.003. Both pathogenic variants were identified in individuals with the moderate disease. Thus, the indicated mutations are extremely rare in HCM patients from Russia and do not make a significant contribution to the development of this disease in the Russian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tobacco Science & Technology is the property of Tobacco Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite the increasing popularity of e-mail newsletters, there have been few studies that examine the effects of signing up for e-mail newsletters among news subscribers, especially its role in enhancing news reading behaviors and subscriber retention for new subscribers. This study investigates how e-mail newsletter sign-ups influence news-reading habits and subscriber retention during onboarding. Using single-source data that combine clickstream data from news sites, e-mail newsletter sign-up records, and payment histories of 16,284 new digital news subscribers across four major markets in the U.S. this study finds that signing up for e-mail newsletters improves news reading habits and digital news subscription duration, with an additive effect of the number of e-mail newsletters signed up for. Regarding the retention mechanism, signing up for e-mail newsletters contributes to retention by helping new subscribers read more frequently and intensely (measures of reading habit), which in turn positively affects subscriber retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is considered the most common inherited heart disease. HCM is a highly heterogeneous disease from the genetic point of view. However, the cause of the disease remains unclear, despite the large number of pathogenic variants detected in more than a quarter of patients. Therefore, studying the prevalence of pathogenic variants associated with HCM especially in the Russian population is still relevant. In this context, the objective of the research survey was to assess the contribution of pathogenic variants rs200411226 and rs397515905 in the MYBPC3 gene, leading to substitutions R495Q, R495W, and R495G, to the development of HCM in the Russian population. The sample included 224 patients with HCM of varying severity. The genotypes of variants rs200411226 (NM_000256.3:c.1484G>A) and rs397515905 (NM_000256.3:c.1483C>T/G)) in the MYBPC3 gene (R495Q, R495W, and R495G) were analyzed for all the patients with real-time PCR. The survey analysis of the prevalence of these pathogenic variants has shown that the R495Q and R495W mutations in the survey sample occur with a frequency of 0.4% for each mutation, which is generally comparable with the frequencies of these pathogenic variants in the other populations. In addition, R495Q and R495W mutations do not appear to cause a severe form of the disease. Survey testing failed to identify the R495G pathogenic variant in the survey sample of HCM patients. Therefore, these mutations themselves as a cause for HCM progression do not have any significant prevalence among the Russian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Universitas, Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas is the property of Universidad Politecnica Salesiana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mercury is a natural, long-lasting, and bio-accumulative contaminant found in both soil and water. Mercury is toxic and its organic derivative, methylmercury (MeHg), could be lethal. The increasing level of mercury in the environment is a threat, as it can easily enter the food chain upon exposure. Zero-valent iron nanoparticle (nZVI), an environmentally friendly nanomaterial, is envisaged as an ideal candidate for the remediation of metal pollutions in soil and water bodies. Due to low toxicity and decent activity, nZVI and its corrosion products have shown huge potential for the removal of heavy metals from soil and water. It has been widely applied for the removal of heavy metals including mercury and other organic and inorganic contaminants. In this review, the current preparation methodology, characterization techniques, reductive mechanism for heavy metal removal with focus on mercury is reviewed. This review discusses the use of nZVI for the removal of mercury and demonstrates that nZVI possesses high reactivities for mercury removal and have great application prospects in environmental remediation. Some recommendations are proposed and conclusions drawn for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Marketing (0354-3471) is the property of SEMA - Srpsko udruzenje za Marketing i Ekonomski fakultet Beograd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The law of unjust enrichment has often been described as the law of events materially identical to a mistaken payment. By this, lawyers often mean that the cause of action in unjust enrichment is somehow shaped and grounded by the reason why the recipient of (some) mistaken payments morally ought to refund the payor. The difficulty, however, is that the normativity of mistaken payments remains a challenge to explain. This article aims to reinvigorate the view that the moral duty to return mistaken payments is grounded by a tacit agreement between the payor and payee that the payment was conditional (coupled with the failure of that condition). To do so, it critically examines the ways in which our intentions can be conditioned, and how those conditions are communicated in our agreements. The article concludes by examining what implications a conditions-based understanding might have for the law of unjust enrichment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria monocytogenes is the third most deadly foodborne pathogen in the United States. The bacterium is found in soil and water, contaminating raw food products and the processing environment, where it can persist for an extended period. Currently, testing of food contact and non-food contact surfaces is performed using an array of sampling devices and endpoint technologies, offering various levels of sensitivity, cost, user skill, and time to detection. Paper-based microfluidic devices (µPADs) are a rapid detection platform amenable to low-cost, user-friendly, and portable diagnostics. In this study, we developed and evaluated a µPAD platform specific for the colorimetric detection of the Listeria genus following recovery from food contact and non-food contact surfaces. For detection, four colorimetric substrates specific for the detection of β-glucosidase, two broths selective for the detection of Listeria spp., and a nonselective broth were evaluated to facilitate detection of Listeria spp. The limit of detection and time to detection were determined by using pure bacterial cultures. After 8 h enrichment, L. monocytogenes (102 Colony Forming Units (CFU)/coupon) was detected on every surface. After 18 h enrichment, L. monocytogenes (102 CFU/coupon) was detected on all surfaces with all swabbing devices. This study demonstrated the ability of the µPAD-based method to detect potentially stressed cells at low levels of environmental contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is dedicated to the study of the theoretic aspects of creative innovations, place and role of the creative economy in the innovation processes. Based on the systemic approach, the authors draft the algorithm for the study of this topic: the innovative aspect of the creative economy is studied; the peculiarities of innovations in the creative and cultural industries (CCI) are clarified; the nature and scale of the influence of the creative economy on innovation dynamics at the micro-, meso-, and macro-levels are investigated. The research proves that the creative economy sector is innovative, as it is characterized by a high level of cultural interaction of people, and through the new forms of their active participation in cultural activities and joint creativity it forms a favourable environment for the spread of new experience, creative ideas and innovations. The study reveals the presence of close interaction and interrelationship of CCI with innovations. It is found that, on the one hand, innovations, information and communication technologies, talents and skills are the key drivers of the development of CCI, and on the other hand, CCI are important means of stimulating innovation in other business sectors, and providers of innovations and creative solutions for a wide range of social problems. The manifestation of the innovative character of CCI is outlined through the development of creative and social entrepreneurship, where the driving forces of innovation are: competition, markets, human resources, technologies and investments. The authors substantiate the global nature of the influence of creative entrepreneurship and innovation on the processes of creativity, which occur and spread in all spheres of social life, in the economic and social spheres, and which constitutes the environment for the formation of a new quality of human capital. The authors investigate the existence of a close connection between the innovations of the creative sector of the economy and the technological sector, where a new sector, Crea Tech, was formed at the line of their intersection as a new innovative technology in CCI. The use of the latest digital technologies in the Crea Tech environment is determined to be the driving force of innovation in CCI, which leads to significant transformations of creative experience, creative products, services and business processes, a change in creative production and the philosophy of consumption of creative products. The study demonstrates the presence of an external innovation effect which derives from the influence of CCI on the innovative and economic development of companies that operate in non-creative sectors of the economy and are consumers of creative products or services. The article proves the more global influence of CCI on the innovative development of the national economy, which is provided by their direct and indirect economic contribution and innovations both within creative industries and outside them. The authors outline the important role of the market innovation infrastructure (co-working spaces, creative communities, clusters of innovative companies of CCI, artistic and scientific incubators) in increasing the level of innovation of CCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]