Consumer attitudes and sociodemographic profiles in purchasing organic food products: evidence from a Greek and Swedish survey

PurposeThis study explores Greek and Swedish consumers' attitude towards organic food consumption in order to demonstrate possible differences that can be identified based on health and ecological consciousness beliefs rather than demographic factors. The examination of an emerging and a more mature market allow the authors to provide more targeted marketing strategies that possibly increase organic food consumption in both countries.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt an econometric approach to the analysis of consumer behavior in relation to organic food consumption in Sweden and Greece. More specifically, the authors examine the motivations and postexperiences of organic food consumers of different socioeconomic profiles in these two countries, one in northern and one in southern Europe. The authors apply an ordered logistic regression analysis model to map out the interaction between consumer attitudes and sociodemographic variables.FindingsThe authors results show that consumers in Sweden more frequently purchase organic foods than consumers in Greece. Environmental protection and ethical values increase the odds for Swedish organic food consumers to buy organic food products. Health consciousness and family well-being are perceived as factors that increase the odds for Greek organic food consumers to buy organic foods. Sociodemographic factors do not play a pivotal role for consumer behavior in relation to organic food in both countries.Originality/valueThis study distinguishes between organic food consumers in two countries with different levels of organic food production and export activity, size of organic market, national organic labeling system and legal definition and standards of organic food. Within these differences, the organic food industry could align its marketing efforts better rather focus on simplistic demographics. The current view unfolds the fact that there are limited studies comparing two European markets at different stages of development and the factors that influence organic food consumer behavior.

Marginalizing Misinformation - The Fast-and-Frugal Way

What is the evidence for a consensus among the relevant scientific community? [...]if the source proves credible, ask yourself, "Do they exhibit relevant expertise?" Namely, does the person have the depth of knowledge to vouch for this claim? [...]if you have a credible and expert source, is there evidence that the majority of scientists concur? (Time will vary depending on the depth and complexity of the issue.) Possible scientific claims for students to evaluate include * Do cell phones or 5G communication towers cause cancer? * Can ivermectin prevent COVID-19? * Can earthquakes be precisely predicted? * Are GMO foods safe to eat? * Are recent extreme weather events (hurricanes, droughts, floods) related to climate change? *

How to debunk misinformation? An experimental online study investigating text structures and headline formats.

OBJECTIVES: Misinformation is a crucial problem, particularly online, and the success of debunking messages has so far been limited. In this study, we experimentally test how debunking text structure (truth sandwich vs. bottom-heavy) and headline format (statement vs. questions) affect the belief in misinformation across topics of the safety of COVID vaccines and GMO foods. DESIGN: Experimental online study. METHODS: A representative German sample of 4906 participants were randomly assigned to reading one of eight debunking messages in the experimentally varied formats and subsequently rated the acceptance of this message and the agreement to misinformation statements about the mentioned topics and an unrefuted control myth. RESULTS: While the debunking messages specifically decreased the belief in the targeted myth, these beliefs and the acceptance of the debunking message were unaffected by the text structures and headline formats. Yet, they were less successful when addressing individuals with strong pre-existing, incongruent attitudes and distrust in science. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of backfire effects in debunking misinformation is low. Text structure and headline format are of relatively little importance for the effectiveness of debunking messages. Instead, writers may need to pay attention to the text being comprehensive, trustworthy and persuasive to maximize effectiveness.

Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on consumers' perceptions of genetically modified food.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated significant economic loss and an unprecedented challenge to people's livelihoods. Using household data collected in November 2020, this study shows that the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly affected consumers' perceptions and consumption of genetically modified (GM) food in China. Their perceptions and purchase intentions have turned more negative, and their actual purchase of GM food has decreased after the COVID-19 outbreak. The study's results also indicate that consumers with more knowledge of genetic modification technology are less likely to change their perceptions of GM food.

Regulations on Genetically Modified Microorganisms & Their Relation to Bioterrorism in India

Covid-19, a virus-driven pandemic, has shown the world the possible dangers posed by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, rickettsia, fungi, and their toxins. However, genetically engineered microorganisms are helpful in various biosciences fields, including medication, horticulture, and fundamental investigation into life processes. Among these, some genetically altered microorganisms have drastic potential to cause harm to humans, and the environment, like the current coronavirus pandemic has shaken the world with fatalities caused by it worldwide and crashed the global economy. On the one hand, genetically engineered organisms help understand the ultrastructure of these organisms and as a tool to combat the disease caused by them. On the other, the increasing research on this also poses a threat to the occurrence of pandemics throughout the world. In India, genetically altered microorganisms are regulated by the Rules, 1989 under sections 6,8 and 25 of the Environment Act, 1986. Bioterrorism is the systematic and deliberate deployment of hazardous organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or toxins to spread infectious diseases on a massive scale to wipe out a vast population. The global incidents of the recent twenty years presented that the danger of biological fighting isn't a fictional thing yet a harsh truth. Hazardous microbes can be utilised in bioterrorism by seeing flare-ups brought about by microorganisms. So, there is a need to improve the countermeasures to tackle the spread of infectious diseases. This review covers the various regulations for genetically altered microorganisms in India regarding their sale, import-export storage, and creation, emphasising regulating bodies;their constitution, and application forms for the registrations and approval for research on such microorganisms, and this assessment presents a clear overview of the country's probable biothreats, current laws, and regulations to combat such incidents, with a significant necessity for their execution, and biodefense measures for readiness and defence, in favour of making India a bioterror-free country. Copyright © 2022 Assiut University. All rights reserved.

Multifaceted Applications of Genetically Modified Micro-organisms: A Biotechnological Revolution.

BACKGROUND: Genetically modified micro-organisms like bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi are novel approaches used in the field of healthcare due to better efficacy and targeted delivery in comparison to conventional approaches. OBJECTIVES: This review article focuses on the applications of genetically modified micro-organisms in the treatment of cancer, obesity and HIV infection. The gut microbiome causes metabolic disorders, however, the use of genetically modified bacteria alters the gut microbiota and delivers therapeutically effective drugs in the treatment of obesity. METHODS: Enhancement of the therapeutic activity of different micro-organisms is required for multiple treatments in cancer, diabetes, etc., by incorporating their fragments into the microbial filaments with the help of genetic modification approaches. Various methods like amelioration of NAPE synthesis, silica immobilization, polyadenylation and electrochemical are used to integrate the strain into the bacteria and engineer a live virus with a peptide. RESULTS: The development of novel microbial strains using genetic modifications over core strains offers higher precision, greater molecular multiplicity, better prevention from the degradation of microbes in atmospheric temperature and significant reduction of side effects for therapeutic applications. Moreover, genetically modified micro-organisms are used in multidisciplinary sectors like generation of electricity, purification of water, bioremediation process, etc., indicating the versatility and scope of genetically engineered microbes. CONCLUSION: The bioengineered micro-organisms with genetic modifications proved to be advantageous in various conditions like cancer, diabetes, malaria, organ regeneration, inflammatory bowel disease, etc. This article provides insight into various applications of genetically modified microbes in different sectors with their implementation for regulatory approval.

Recent advances in recombinase polymerase amplification: Principle, advantages, disadvantages and applications.

After the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, nucleic acid testing quickly entered people's lives. In addition to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which was commonly used in nucleic acid testing, isothermal amplification methods were also important nucleic acid testing methods. Among several common isothermal amplification methods like displaced amplification, rolling circle amplification, and so on, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was recently paid more attention to. It had the advantages like a simple operation, fast amplification speed, and reaction at 37-42°C, et al. So it was very suitable for field detection. However, there were still some disadvantages to RPA. Herein, our review mainly summarized the principle, advantages, and disadvantages of RPA. The specific applications of RPA in bacterial detection, fungi detection, virus detection, parasite detection, drug resistance gene detection, genetically modified food detection, and SARS-CoV-2 detection were also described. It was hoped that the latest research progress on RPA could be better delivered to the readers who were interested in RPA.

Impact of demographic profile on nutritional labelling usage by working women population of Varanasi, India

Nutritional labelling is the nutritional description of the food on the label to help the consumer in food selection. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices adopted by the subjects and correlate them to have a better understanding of their nutritional background. Nutrition labels are a prominent first-glance article that needs to be very catchy and easy to interpret. The organizations responsible for formulating the rules and regulations must keep them updated and devise new formats of the display to enhance the usage of food labels up to the maximum possible level. A cross-sectional research study on 100 working women of Varanasi, aged between 20-50 years was conducted through a self-structured questionnaire to evaluate their KAP level. In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the questionnaire was administered to the respondents through the online medium using Google forms. It can be inferred from the study that 58 % of the total respondents surveyed were aware of the labels, 61% of them had a positive attitude towards its usage but only 52% practised healthy shopping more often. About 70% of the participants preferred back-of-pack labelling rather than front-of-pack because the former provides elaborative information. The factors like qualification and occupation of women participants had negative associations with the satisfaction of the display format. The women having knowledge regarding traffic light labelling showed a positive association with the usefulness of the same. The average practice percentage adopted by the consumers had a negative association with factors like qualification, income, and occupation. The need for simplifying the display format and providing basic nutrition information to the population is highlighted in this study.

Edible vaccines: a nutritional substitute for traditional immunization

Edible vaccines are created from transgenic plants and animals and contain immunostimulant. Edible vaccines, to put it simply, are medications generated from plants or animals. In underdeveloped countries, oral vaccines are less expensive and more widely available. Researchers came up with the idea of edible vaccines, in which edible plant pieces are employed as a vaccine factory. To make edible vaccinations, scientists put desired genes into plants and then force the plants to generate the proteins expressed in the genes. Transgenic plants are the result of transformation, whereas transformation is the act of converting plants. The edible vaccination promotes mucosal immunity. Dendritic cells in the gut can assist native T cells activate and differentiate into follicular T-helpers (Tfh). T and B cells will respond precisely to a reliable, digestible immunization. Potato, tomato, banana, carrots, tobacco, papaya, algae, and a variety of other plants are utilised as alternative agents for standard vaccinations. Malaria, cholera, hepatitis, rabies, measles, rotavirus, diarrhoea cancer treatments and treatment of covid-19 are among the illnesses for which plant-based vaccines have been created. It takes time and dedication to develop and sell edible vaccinations. Many edible vaccines for animal and human ailments have been developed and have gone through various levels of clinical testing. The importance of plant-based vaccinations is emphasized in this article.

Improving the engagement of scientists with the media

Only if one ventures to report on other academic turf does one truly come to appreciate with what extraordinary generosity, patience, and clarity scientists typically share their expert advice. In Beyond the Hype: The Inside Story of Science's Biggest Media Controversies, Fox describes how some of these episodes played out during the SMC's existence, including animal research, genetically modified organisms, human–animal chimeras, the “climategate” furore, the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, and, inevitably, the COVID-19 pandemic. Fox did a splendid job of persuading scientists that only by coming forward to explain what animal testing for research really entailed and what motivated it, rather than leaving the stage clear for the misinformation of extremists, could public opinion be shifted and such research normalised (as well as soberly debated). [...]Fox relates the saga of the neuropharmacologist David Nutt, Chair of the UK Government's Advisory Committee on the Misuse of Drugs from 1998 to 2009, who was sacked by the then Labour Government because of his politically inconvenient views on the relative harmfulness of different classes of drugs.

Innovative Application of SERS in Food Quality and Safety: A Brief Review of Recent Trends.

Innovative application of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for rapid and nondestructive analyses has been gaining increasing attention for food safety and quality. SERS is based on inelastic scattering enhancement from molecules located near nanostructured metallic surfaces and has many advantages, including ultrasensitive detection and simple protocols. Current SERS-based quality analysis contains composition and structural information that can be used to establish an electronic file of the food samples for subsequent reference and traceability. SERS is a promising technique for the detection of chemical, biological, and harmful metal contaminants, as well as for food poisoning, and allergen identification using label-free or label-based methods, based on metals and semiconductors as substrates. Recognition elements, including immunosensors, aptasensors, or molecularly imprinted polymers, can be linked to SERS tags to specifically identify targeted contaminants and perform authenticity analysis. Herein, we highlight recent studies on SERS-based quality and safety analysis for different foods categories spanning the whole food chain, 'from farm to table' and processing, genetically modified food, and novel foods. Moreover, SERS detection is a potential tool that ensures food safety in an easy, rapid, reliable, and nondestructive manner during the COVID-19 pandemic.

No Control, No Consumption: Association of Low Perceived Control and Intention to Accept Genetically Modified Food.

Based on compensatory control theory, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of perceived control on people's acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods by using both correlational and experimental methods. Compensatory control theory proposes that the lower an individual's perceived control, the higher their need for structure, order, and certainty. Therefore, based on beliefs about GM foods that make some people less certain that those foods are as safe as traditional foods, we hypothesized that individuals with lower levels of perceived control are more inclined to reject GM foods. The analysis of questionnaire responses in Study 1 revealed that individuals' sense of control negatively predicted their risk perception of GM foods, while the need for structure played a mediating role. In Study 2, using a between-subject design, we manipulated participants' perceived control (higher vs. lower) and subsequently measured their risk perception and purchasing preferences for GM foods. The results in Study 2 show that under lower control conditions, individuals recognize higher risks related to GM foods, which, in turn, decreases their willingness to purchase GM foods. These results not only suggest that perceived control is a potential influential personal factor of the acceptance of GM foods but also extend the scope of the application of compensatory control theory.

Genetically modified potato and rice based edible vaccines – An overview

The current pandemic has made us realize the importance of efficient and large-scale vaccine production and distribution. Conventional vaccines have not only helped us overcome this pandemic but aided us in avoiding numerous pathogenic diseases. The production complexity and high cost of traditional vaccines have taken a toll on the world economy. Plant-derived vaccines serve to eliminate such concerns. Specifically, rice and potato being staple crops have been used extensively for the same. In this study, we have thoroughly reviewed the existing literature on rice and potato-derived edible vaccines. We have elaborated the studies performed by several researchers since 1995 for various diseases like dengue, cervical cancer, hepatitis B, diarrhea, cedar pollinosis, periodontitis, Japanese encephalitis etc. Although numerous plants such as banana, tomato, tobacco, lettuce, alfalfa, etc have been used for the production of edible vaccines, this review solely focuses on potato and rice based studies.

The Half-Truth Effect and Its Implications for Sustainability

Misinformation on sustainability has become a widespread phenomenon in many different contexts. However, relatively little is known about several important determinants of belief in misinformation, and even less is known about how to debias that belief. The present research proposes and investigates a new effect, the half-truth effect, to explain how message structure can influence belief in misinformation. Two survey-based experiments were conducted to show that people exhibit greater belief in a false claim when it is preceded by a true claim, even if the two claims are logically unrelated. Conversely, when a false claim is presented before the true claim, it reduces the belief in the entire statement. Experiment 1 shows the basic half-truth effect. Experiment 2 investigates an individual difference, propensity to believe meaningless statements are profound, which impacts the half-truth effect. Both experiments also investigate debiasing of the false information. The results of the experiments were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression-based mediation analysis. Results show that belief in misinformation is dependent on message structure, and show that the order in which true and false elements are presented has a strong influence on belief in sustainability misinformation. Finally, we present a discussion of how policy makers can use these findings to identify those people who are most likely to be swayed by the misinformation, and then design responses to debias sustainability misinformation.

Securising of tisagenlecleucel thawing and delivering

Background and importanceTisagenlecleucel is available in 50 mL and 250 mL frozen bags (containing 10–30 mL and 30–50 mL cell suspension, respectively). Tisagenlecleucel should be thawed at 37° C then infused within 30 min to maintain cell viability. Thawing time according to volumes is a critical point which is not known.Aim and objectivesWe evaluated in this work the thawing times of tisagenlecleucel according to volumes.Material and methodsEthylene vinyl acetate empty infusion bags were provided by Novartis. Freezing tisagenlecleucel matrix was reconstituted. Empty bags (50 mL and 250 mL) were respectively filled with 10 and 20 mL and 30, 40 and 50 mL of reconstituted matrix, then frozen at –150°C. To mimic real conditions, they were placed into a second sterile bag and thawed in a water bath at +37°C. To evaluate thawing duration, volume of remaining icicles was calculated by multiplying surface (GeoToolsoftware) by thickness (measured with a caliper). Furtheremore, the time to deliver the bags was measured by two different operators in triplicate.Results124±5 s and 191±30 s were necessary to achieve complete thawing of 50 mL bags filled at 10 and 20 mL, respectively. 155±16 s, 221±12 s and 240±6 s were needed to achieve complete thawing of 250 mL bags filled at 30, 40 and 50 mL, respectively. For a type of bag, decreasing volumes thawed faster, but 50 mL bags filled at 20 mL took longer to thaw than 250 mL bags filled at 30 mL (different spatial conformation and specific surfaces). Delivery of thawed bags from the pharmacy to the transplant unit was done in 4.5±0.21 min.Conclusion and relevanceThawing duration may vary by twice a function of volume. Mean lengths provide an optimal organisation in a circuit where every minute must be taken into account. A total thawing-addressing time rate of between 6.5 and 8.5 min means that the nursing team has almost 20 min to administer tisagenlecleucel.References and/or acknowledgementsConflict of interestNo conflict of interest

The Use of Biotechnology in Food: Challenges, Problems and New Perspectives

For several decades now, diverse circumstances have reinforced the use of biotechnology such as malnutrition, famines, chronic diseases or environmental hazards. This study analyses the main advantages and shortcomings that food processing has posed in the last decades, taking into account its effects on human health and possible way forward to tackle environmental hazards posed mainly by climate change and threats to the biodiversity. The COVID-19 pandemic can represent a chance for states to undertake in-depth studies on prospective measures for the benefit of humankind. On the other hand, a special focus will be put on international trade law taking into account the main concerns expressed by several stakeholders such as patent protection to the detriment of developing countries, health risks, labelling requirements, etc. The role of international organizations needs to be reinforced as well to better achieve consensus solutions and then enhance legal certainty. © 2021 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

Insight of oral vaccines as an alternative approach to health and disease management: An innovative intuition and challenges.

Vaccination is the most suitable and persuasive healthcare program for the prohibition of various deadly diseases. However, the higher production cost and purification strategies are out of reach for the developing nations. In this scenario, development of edible vaccine turns out to be the most promising alternative for remodeling the pharmaceutical industry with reduced production and purification costs. Generally, oral route of vaccination is mostly preferred due to its safety, compliance, low manufacturing cost and most importantly the ability to induce immunity in both systemic and mucosal sites. Genetically modified microorganisms and plants could efficiently be used as vehicles for edible vaccines. Edible vaccines are supposed to reduce the risk associated with traditional vaccines. Currently, oral vaccines are available in the market for several viral and bacterial diseases like cholera, hepatitis B, malaria, rabies etc. Herein, the review focuses on the breakthrough events in the area of edible vaccines associated with dietary microbes and plants for better control over diseases.

Social Justice Service-Learning at an HBCU: Transforming Courses in the Wake of COVID-19

Integrating social issues into biology courses may be of particular interest for educators seeking to create inclusive science environments that support diverse populations. This social justice-focused service-learning project extended a partnership between a social justice institute and a nonprofit organization into an undergraduate introductory genetics course at a small, private Historically Black College and University. For this project, the foundation of gene expression and regulation in an introductory genetics course was used to link sustainable agriculture to food justice issues. In-class activities focused on introducing students to genetically modified foods and using bioinformatic tools to explore genes and proteins. Out-of-class opportunities exposed students to the benefits and impacts of sustainable agriculture. Students had a positive experience with the project and believed the service benefitted the community. As institutions of higher education consider what the educational structure should look like in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new normal, projects such as the one described in this article can be used in alternative learning formats to continue best practices in education, such as active learning, which have been shown to work well for diverse groups of students. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of College Science Teaching is the property of National Science Teachers Association 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 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 . (Copyright applies to all s.)

POLITICAL ECONOMY OF COVID-19 AMID FOOD INSECURITY

Coronavirus is here to contend with as a new normal at the global level. The solution to the pandemic is what scientists, politicians, pundits and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are battling with little outcome. Many kinds of literature abound since the outbreak of the epidemic that those who are the main target of this are the ones with comorbidity ailments. The impacts of this contagious disease call for academic interrogation since what brings about this, majorly, is the lack of organic food in the age of genetically modified (GM) food imposed on us. The dictum, healthy profit and unhealthy people are here to stay as long as biotechnologists are after the profit of multinational corporations (MNCs) and to some extent, farmers '. It has been proved that organic food is an agent of anti-hidden hunger and by implication, a source of medicine as against taken medicine as food. This paper intends to adopt an agroecological thesis in the promotion of food security through food sovereignty that is home-made without reliance on importedfood that are sources of compromising immunity, which is a target of COVID19 as documented by some students of development studies, and food and nutrition security (FNS). Relying on secondary data and content analysis approach, a conclusion will be drawn that the COVID-19 vaccine is not only a ruse, but another means to subject developing areas to abject poverty through the importation of one-size-fits-all drugs for the pandemic. A need to promote healthy people as againstfocussing on healthy profit that benefits only MNCs executives and their shareholders against stakeholders in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Food safety, food security and genetically modified organisms in Africa: a current perspective.

Moving forward from 2020, Africa faces an eminent challenge of food safety and security in the coming years. The World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (UN) estimates that 20% of Africa's population of 1.2 billion people face the highest level of undernourishment in the world, likely to worsen due to COVID-19 pandemic that has brought the entire world to its knees. Factors such as insecurity and conflict, poverty, climate change and population growth have been identified as critical contributors to the food security challenges on the continent. Biotechnological research on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) provides a range of opportunities (such as increased crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality) in addressing the hunger, malnutrition and food security issues on the continent. However, the acceptance and adoption of GMOs on the continent has been remarkably slow, perhaps due to contrasting views about the benefits and safety concerns associated with them. With the reality of food insecurity and the booming population in Africa, there is an eminent need for a more pragmatic position to this debate. The present review presents an overview of the current situation of food safety and security and attempts to reconcile major viewpoints on GMOs research considering the current food safety and security crisis in the African continent.