scholarly journals Are "Clean" Cosmetic Products Really Clean? A Pilot Study on the Validity of Cosmetic Labeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannie Phan ◽  
Khine Kyaw ◽  
Julia Tan ◽  
Emily Lam ◽  
Cheng-Kuan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Public Education ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Reproductive Toxicity ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Labeling System ◽  
Inform Decision Making ◽  
Beauty Products

Abstract Background As a result of increased demand for environmental and health-conscious cosmetics, retailers have increasingly marketed their products using terms such as “clean” or "non-toxic". Sephora, a popular beauty retailer, implemented a clean seal system to label and promote their products. This study aims to compare the toxicity concerns of clean vs. non-clean products by using the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s Skin Deep framework. MethodsEWG’s Skin Deep Framework was used to rank products based on their cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and use-restriction concerns, with lower scores indicating a cleaner product (ranging 0- 10). The distributions of EWG scores among clean and non-clean products were investigated and stratified by different types of products (i.e. fragrance, hair, makeup, or skincare). A multivariable linear regression model was further applied to evaluate the association between EWG scores and clean seals, adjusting by types of products, level of toxicity concerns.Results356 products were screened, including 180 (50.56%) clean products and 176 (49.44%) non-clean products. Clean products yielded a higher percentage of low hazard ingredients compared to non-clean products. EWG scores are positively correlated with the levels of toxicity concern for cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, respectively. Clean products are also associated with a lower EWG score by 0.71 in the regression model. Fragrance products are most hazardous, with a 2.42 increase in EWG score.ConclusionsProducts under the binary “clean beauty” labeling system at Sephora may not necessarily capture the nuances of EWG’s ten-point scoring system and various dimensions of health concerns. It may be insufficient for consumers to solely rely on the presence of the clean seal when purchasing beauty products. Consulting multiple frameworks and sources to inform decision-making is crucial in addressing knowledge gaps. Further research and increased data availability from EWG’s database are necessary as well as public education on the application of Sephora’s clean seal.

scholarly journals Are "Clean" Cosmetic Products Really Clean? A Pilot Study on the Validity of Cosmetic Labeling

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeannie H. Phan ◽  
Khine K. Kyaw ◽  
Julia K. Tan ◽  
Emily Q. Lam ◽  
Cheng-Kuan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Public Education ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Reproductive Toxicity ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Labeling System ◽  
Inform Decision Making ◽  
Beauty Products

Abstract Background As a result of increased demand for environmental and health-conscious cosmetics, retailers have increasingly marketed their products using terms such as “clean” or "non-toxic". Sephora, a popular beauty retailer, implemented a clean seal system to label and promote their products. This study aims to compare the toxicity concerns of clean vs. non-clean products by using the Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s Skin Deep framework. Methods EWG’s Skin Deep Framework was used to rank products based on their cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and use-restriction concerns, with lower scores indicating a cleaner product (ranging 0–10). The distributions of EWG scores among clean and non-clean products were investigated and stratified by different types of products (i.e. fragrance, hair, makeup, or skincare). A multivariable linear regression model was further applied to evaluate the association between EWG scores and clean seals, adjusting by types of products, level of toxicity concerns. Results 356 products were screened, including 180 (50.56%) clean products and 176 (49.44%) non-clean products. Clean products yielded a higher percentage of low hazard ingredients compared to non-clean products. EWG scores are positively correlated with the levels of toxicity concern for cancer, allergy and immunotoxicity, respectively. Clean products are also associated with a lower EWG score by 0.71 in the regression model. Fragrance products are most hazardous, with a 2.42 increase in EWG score. Conclusions Products under the binary “clean beauty” labeling system at Sephora may not necessarily capture the nuances of EWG’s ten-point scoring system and various dimensions of health concerns. It may be insufficient for consumers to solely rely on the presence of the clean seal when purchasing beauty products. Consulting multiple frameworks and sources to inform decision-making is crucial in addressing knowledge gaps. Further research and increased data availability from EWG’s database are necessary as well as public education on the application of Sephora’s clean seal.

scholarly journals Withdrawal Properties of Self-Tapping Screws in Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr.) Cross Laminated Timber

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 524
Author(s):  
Junhua Xu ◽  
Shuangbao Zhang ◽  
Guofang Wu ◽  
Yingchun Gong ◽  
Haiqing Ren
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Engineering Design ◽  
Wood Species ◽  
Japanese Larch ◽  
Effective Length ◽  
Larix Kaempferi ◽  
Cross Laminated Timber ◽  
The World ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Length Increment

With the increasing popularity of cross-laminated timber (CLT) constructions around the world, there have been attempts to produce CLT using local wood species in different countries, such as Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) Carr.) in China. Thus, the need to investigate the connection performance also increases to support the design and construction of CLT buildings using local wood species. In this study, the withdrawal properties of three different types of self-tapping screws (STS), with a diameter of 6 mm, 8 mm, and 11 mm, were tested with Japanese larch CLT. The results revealed that the withdrawal strength of STS increased with increasing density and effective length, but decreased with an increasing diameter. With a density increment of 0.05 g/cm3, the withdrawal strength increased by an average of 9.4%. With an effective length increment of 24 mm, the withdrawal strength increased by an average of 1.4%. An empirical regression model was adopted to predict the withdrawal strength of Japanese larch CLT based on the results, which can be used for potential engineering design of CLT connections using STS.

scholarly journals Plants causing dermatosis in humans

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-24
Author(s):  
Vaskrsija Janjić
Keyword(s):  
Great Britain ◽  
Direct Contact ◽  
Human Population ◽  
World Population ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
The World ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Everyday Problem

Many plants cause dermatosis in the human population, thus presenting an everyday problem for dermatologists and allergologists around the world. To this day it is still not known how common are plant-induced dermatosis. It is estimated that around 334 million people worldwide, or 3.5% of the world population, is affected by dermatosis each year. The onset of dermatitis is most common in the early childhood. Around 20% of children in Great Britain and 10% in the USA are affected by different types of dermatosis. It is believed that around 10,000 plant species can cause dermatosis in humans. Phytodermatosis are dermatosis caused by plants. They are usually induced by direct contact with a plant, but can also occur without a direct contact or be activated by the sun. Dermatosis which occur without a direct contact with the plant are observed in those cases where certain perfumes, cremes or other cosmetic products are used. Some cosmetic products contain substances such as eugenol, isoeugenol, cinnamaldehyde, colophonium, turpentines and other substances which originate from plants. Similarly, lichens, which are not plants, but organisms resulting from a fungi and algae symbiosis, produce usnic acids, which are most commonly used in sun protection products.

Identifying Genetic related Neuroimaging Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease via Diagnosis-Guided Group Sparse Multitask Learning Method

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anshi Lin ◽  
Wei Kong ◽  
Shuaiqun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Multivariate Regression ◽  
Prior Information ◽  
Diagnostic Information ◽  
Multitask Learning ◽  
Learning Method ◽  
Pathological Characteristics ◽  
Different Types

Background: Advances in brain imaging and high-throughput genotyping techniques have provided new methods for studying the effects of genetic variation on brain structure and function. Traditionally, a variety of prior information has been added into the multivariate regression method for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and quantitative traits (QTs) to improve the accuracy of prediction. In previous studies, brain regions of interest (ROIs) with different types of pathological characteristics (Alzheimer's Disease/Mild Cognitive Impairment/healthy control) can only be randomly dispersed in test cases, greatly limiting the prediction ability of the regression model and failing to obtain optimal global results. Objective: This study proposes a multivariate regression model informed by prior diagnostic information to overcome this limitation. Method: In the prediction model, we first consider traditional prior information and then design a new regularization form to integrate the diagnostic information of different sample ROIs into the model. Results: Experiments demonstrated that this method greatly improves the prediction accuracy of the model compared to other methods and selects a batch of promising pathogenic SNP loci. Conclusion: Taking into account that ROIs with different types of pathological characteristics can be employed as prior information, we propose a new method (Diagnosis-Guided Group Sparse Multitask Learning Method) that improves the ability to predict disease-related quantitative feature sites and select genetic feature factors, applying this model to research on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Unintended Consequences of Lowering Disclosure Thresholds

2014 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 301-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsten Fanning ◽  
Christopher P. Agoglia ◽  
M. David Piercey
Keyword(s):  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Low Threshold ◽  
Low Probability ◽  
Plausible Reason ◽  
Overall Risk

ABSTRACT In recent years, regulators have considered several initiatives to lower the threshold for disclosing risks to investors. We examine two ways in which disclosing more risks can actually lower investors' perceptions of risk. Utilizing an experiment, we find evidence of two unintended consequences on different types of investors. First, we demonstrate that the addition of low-probability risks to a disclosure can dilute (rather than add to) more probable losses, leading certain investors to lower their perceptions of overall risk. Second, since lowering the threshold changes the overall composition of the disclosure by adding low-probability losses, firms could adopt a tactic of minimization that characterizes the entire disclosure as unimportant, presenting the lowest risks most saliently, using compliance with the low threshold as a plausible reason for giving a lengthy disclosure of generally unimportant risks. Our findings suggest that such a tactic can be persuasive. Data Availability: Contact the authors.

The Factors that Affect Accountants' Decisions to Seek Careers with Big 4 versus Non-Big 4 Accounting Firms

2012 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penelope L. Bagley ◽  
Derek Dalton ◽  
Marc Ortegren
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Control ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Accounting Students ◽  
Perceived Behavioral Control ◽  
Additional Insight ◽  
Accounting Firms ◽  
Accounting Professionals ◽  
Big 4 ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Insight Into

SYNOPSIS Finding qualified accounting staff has consistently been a top issue facing CPA firms. However, little is known about the factors that influence accountants' decisions to seek careers with different types of firms. In our paper, we use Ajzen's (1991) theory of planned behavior to examine the reasons why some accountants seek careers at Big 4 firms, while other accountants seek careers at non-Big 4 firms. We survey accounting students and find that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control each influence firm-choice decisions. To provide additional insight into our results, we survey accounting professionals from Big 4 and non-Big 4 accounting firms. We find that, overall, students' perceptions, while more limited, are similar to those of accounting professionals. Further, we find that accounting professionals provide a number of insightful comments that offer several important implications for accounting firms. Finally, we assess whether accounting professionals perceive that certain types of accounting students are more likely to succeed at Big 4 versus non-Big 4 firms, and whether recruiting efforts are consistent with these perceptions. Data Availability: Data are available upon request.

scholarly journals Quantifying the Robustness of the English Sibilant Fricative Contrast in Children

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (3) ◽  
pp. 622-637 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Holliday ◽  
Patrick F. Reidy ◽  
Mary E. Beckman ◽  
Jan Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Regression Model ◽  
Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Vocabulary Size ◽  
Phonological Contrast ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Centroid Frequency ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Children's Speech

Purpose Four measures of children's developing robustness of phonological contrast were compared to see how they correlated with age, vocabulary size, and adult listeners' correctness ratings. Method Word-initial sibilant fricative productions from eighty-one 2- to 5-year-old children and 20 adults were phonetically transcribed and acoustically analyzed. Four measures of robustness of contrast were calculated for each speaker on the basis of the centroid frequency measured from each fricative token. Productions that were transcribed as correct from different children were then used as stimuli in a perception experiment in which adult listeners rated the goodness of each production. Results Results showed that the degree of category overlap, quantified as the percentage of a child's productions whose category could be correctly predicted from the output of a mixed-effects logistic regression model, was the measure that correlated best with listeners' goodness judgments. Conclusions Even when children's productions have been transcribed as correct, adult listeners are sensitive to within-category variation quantified by the child's degree of category overlap. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between the age of a child and adults' sensitivity to different types of within-category variation in children's speech.

scholarly journals A Review on Recent Scenario of Cosmetics

2021 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Surya ◽  
S. Gunasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Economic Recession ◽  
Emerging Countries ◽  
Severe Allergic Reaction ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Court Of Appeals ◽  
Cosmetic Formulations ◽  
Large Growth ◽  
The Face ◽  
History Of ◽  
Beauty Products

Cosmetics are a category of health and beauty products that are used to care for the face and body, or used to accentuate or change a person's appearance. The history of cosmetics is present for at least 7,000 years and is present in almost every society around the globe. It is clear that the market of beauty has been extraordinarily glorious in brainwashing our minds. India has become one of the emerging countries with large growth in in cosmetic industries with each passing year. In spite of the global economic recession, Above 350 billion rupees was registered by the cosmetic industries of India in 2009. Sunscreens, creams and soaps are some of the widely used cosmetics. Even though, cosmetics are considered as boon by huge populations globally, the risk and toxicity of the cosmeceuticals are not to be excluded. In silico modelling for cosmeceuticals, Circular Economy, Release based on biological stimuli are some of the latest trends in cosmetics. Hypoallergenic cosmetic products can be defined as the class of cosmetics which tends to produce lesser allergic reactions when compared with other cosmetic formulations. The two firms charged that FDA had no authority to issue the regulation, but the court upheld FDA. Later the court of appeals of United States stated that the cosmetic companies can continue the labeling term "hypoallergenic". Process of labeling can reduce the probability of severe allergic reaction in persons with hypersensitive skin and hair. It can be concluded that cosmetic plays a key role in day-to-day life and is used by every gender thereby, creating an increase in cosmetic usage and scope also has an important role.

scholarly journals Analysis of lead and arsenic in cosmetics and assessment of students awareness about cosmetic toxicity

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 1426
Author(s):  
Rehna Saidalavi ◽  
Hashim A. ◽  
Kishor Kumar B. ◽  
Leena Pramod K. ◽  
Prabhakar Adake
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Quantitative Estimation ◽  
Local Market ◽  
Cosmetic Products ◽  
Variable Level ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Qualitative Test ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Chronic Use ◽  
Indian Scenario

Background: Many people believe that all cosmetics are safe but there are number of studies proving that majority of the cosmetics contains heavy metals or other chemicals. In this study we selected two heavy metals arsenic and lead because as per the Indian scenario is concerned most of the Hindu and Muslim females uses lead/arsenic based cosmetics.Methods: For the qualitative/quantitative estimation to detect heavy metals such as arsenic and lead in cosmetics, 20 different types of cosmetics were purchased from local market, labelled and analysed by qualitative test for heavy metals method and ICP-AES Analysis of cosmetics method.Results: A questionnaire was framed out in English and analysis showed that students had an adverse effect while using cosmetic products. Preliminary analysis of some samples gave positive results and for confirmation these samples were sent to IIT Bombay for ICP-AES analysis. Some of the samples showed variable level of heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. Highest concentration of lead and arsenic was found in Surma followed by Sindoor, lip balm and Kajal.Conclusions: Heavy metals are one of the major contaminant in our eco system. Apart from this a number of cosmetic products also contain the same. Chronic use of this kind of cosmetic products will leads heavy metal toxicity.

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