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Metal pollution is a significant environmental and health problem in aquatic ecosystems worldwide, particularly in coastal systems impacted by emissions from thermoelectric plants, as is the case of the Tampamachoco lagoon. To evaluate the seasonal contamination levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, and Cu in species of commercial interest in the Tampamachoco lagoon and estimate the health risk associated with their consumption, a total of 180 fish, 90 oysters (Crassostrea virginica), 27 crabs (Callinectes sapidus), and 24 shrimp (Litopenaeus setiferus) were sampled. Metal concentrations in the species analyzed were Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. According to the Target Hazard Quotient and the health risk index, consumption of the marine species examined should be considered safe for human health, as both values are <1. However, Carcinogenic risk values for Pb and Cr indicated that consumers may be at risk of cancer (10-3), due to exposure from the thermoelectric emissions.

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Introduction: Materialism has consistently been associated with mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety, and with a decline in overall wellbeing. This article seeks to deepen the understanding of whether or not the level of materialism is reduced when a sense of gratitude is instilled and, if so, how. Methods: After a thorough literature review, two empirical studies are presented. Study 1 has a quasi-experimental design and a sample of adolescent individuals in a major city in Brazil. Study 2 takes the form of a survey, completed by parents, in the same city. Results: Study 1 demonstrates that a gratitude-based intervention can reduce the subjects' belief that material wealth brings happiness and signifies success. Study 2 suggests that parents who express gratitude have a perception of raising less materialistic children. Discussion: These conclusions add to the theory and practice of consumer psychology and responsible consumption, particularly in relation to the behavior of young people, pointing toward ways to reduce excessive consumption through a simple and easily applied intervention: the stimulus of gratitude.

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This study aimed to investigate the incorporation of micronized salt (MS) to reduce sodium content in fresh sausages while preserving technological, chemical, textural, and sensory characteristics. Four treatments were prepared: control (C) with 2.0% regular salt; M2.0% with 2.0% micronized salt; M1.5% with 1.5% micronized salt; and M1.0% with 1.0% micronized salt, containing 1004, 1133, 860, and 525 mg of sodium/100 g of product, respectively. To characterize the samples, analyses of sodium content, cooking loss, relative myoglobin content, and instrumental color were carried out. The sensory analysis was performed using the Temporal-Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA) method. Half of the micronized salt treatment was mixed with the fat during the processing of the fresh sausages. It was possible to achieve a 50% reduction in sodium (M1.0%) in the fresh sausages without negative effects on most technological, chemical, and textural parameters, which did not differ from the control treatment (C). Conversely, "chewiness" decreased in M2.0% compared to the control (C) due to mixing micronized salt with the fat. The sodium reduction did not impact the temporal sensory profile and overall liking. Therefore, using micronized salt in fresh sausages reduces sodium content without affecting sensory traits and product stability.

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A tenet of ecology is that temporal variability in ecological structure and processes tends to decrease with increasing spatial scales (from locales to regions) and levels of biological organization (from populations to communities). However, patterns in temporal variability across trophic levels and the mechanisms that produce them remain poorly understood. Here we analyzed the abundance time series of spatially structured communities (i.e., metacommunities) spanning basal resources to top predators from 355 freshwater sites across three continents. Specifically, we used a hierarchical partitioning method to disentangle the propagation of temporal variability in abundance across spatial scales and trophic levels. We then used structural equation modeling to determine if the strength and direction of relationships between temporal variability, synchrony, biodiversity, and environmental and spatial settings depended on trophic level and spatial scale. We found that temporal variability in abundance decreased from producers to tertiary consumers but did so mainly at the local scale. Species population synchrony within sites increased with trophic level, whereas synchrony among communities decreased. At the local scale, temporal variability in precipitation and species diversity were associated with population variability (linear partial coefficient, ß = 0.23) and population synchrony (ß = -0.39) similarly across trophic levels, respectively. At the regional scale, community synchrony was not related to climatic or spatial predictors, but the strength of relationships between metacommunity variability and community synchrony decreased systematically from top predators (ß = 0.73) to secondary consumers (ß = 0.54), to primary consumers (ß = 0.30) to producers (ß = 0). Our results suggest that mobile predators may often stabilize metacommunities by buffering variability that originates at the base of food webs. This finding illustrates that the trophic structure of metacommunities, which integrates variation in organismal body size and its correlates, should be considered when investigating ecological stability in natural systems. More broadly, our work advances the notion that temporal stability is an emergent property of ecosystems that may be threatened in complex ways by biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation.

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Dairy products stand out as a food matrix susceptible to the contamination of heavy metals via cattle feed and environmental or processing conditions. Specifically, in the case of cheese, the concentrations can be further increased depending on the production process. The artisanal cheese market has been standing out, especially in Brazil, due to cultural and gastronomic reasons. Eight types of Brazilian artisanal cheese were analyzed for metal concentrations (chromium, copper, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and mercury, n = 80, 10 samples of each cheese) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Based on the results, a health risk assessment was carried out, based on the determination of estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI). Variable concentrations were observed between the types of cheese, but in all cases the THQ and HI values were less than 1, indicating an absence of potential risk in the consumption of artisanal cheeses in relation to the intake of heavy metals.

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Due to the intense competition in the sector, the dairy market maintains a constant search for innovations. Thus, new technologies are incorporated, and new products are constantly launched, increasing the range of consumer options. In this way, the understanding of consumers' motivations, attitudes, and behaviors in the moments of choice, purchase, and consumption are important for the academic public and food industries. This study used the Text Highlighting methodology to assess Brazilian consumers' explicit attitudes towards using high-intensity ultrasound technology in Minas Frescal cheese processing. In the task, consumers were asked to highlight in a text the terms they "liked" or "disliked" about using high-intensity ultrasound in the Minas Frescal cheese processing. A seven-point Likert scale was also used to assess consumers' attitudinal statements. A high engagement of consumers with the Text Highlighting methodology could be observed (43.8-92.3% of text highlighting), which suggests good intuitiveness of the technique. Including information about the benefits of the emerging technology in the product, mainly on sensory and nutritional properties, may increase positive consumer perception, as it promotes the consumers to express their value judgment in the form of "liked". At the same time, the harms of the traditional processing technique prompted consumers to express their value judgment in the "disliked" highlights. It was observed that information should be in a simple and direct language, as technical terminology in the text did not have a positive effect. The categorizing of consumers according to the sentimental score showed that consumers are still reticent to use emerging technologies in Minas Frescal cheese processing. Consumers' attitudinal statements demonstrated that consumers perceive high-intensity ultrasound as a positive idea and safety technology for Minas Frescal cheese processing. Still, they are not willing to pay premium prices. In conclusion, Text Highlighting produced valuable insights that can be used in communication strategies with Minas Frescal cheese consumers.

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The fashion industry is one of the most important industries for the world economy, but is also one of the most polluting. Some fashion companies have been adopting circular economy initiatives to combat this. Circular fashion (CF) results in cleaner production and reduces textile waste, but depends on consumer collaboration. Several studies analysing consumer CF issues worldwide have been recently published, but these studies are not common in emerging countries. This paper seeks to investigate the relationships between Brazilian consumers and CF. The methodology comprised a systematic literature review and survey. The main results show that, although young consumers are willing to change their clothing consumption habits and believe that fashion companies should be more sustainable, most of them never get involved in circular actions in the fashion chain. This paper seeks to fill a research gap on Brazilian CF, and contribute to both literature and the fashion industry in developing countries.

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O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a percepção de estudantes de medicina veterinária e profissionais médicos veterinários quanto ao leite destinado ao consumo humano. O estudo foi realizado por meio da aplicação de um questionário elaborado na plataforma Google Forms®. Das 70 respostas obtidas, 43 (61,4%) foram de profissionais graduados em medicina veterinária e 27 (38,6%) graduandos nesse curso. As respostas apresentadas mostraram que 60 (85,7%) dos indivíduos consomem leite, sendo que o produto de maior consumo é o leite UAT, representado por 42 pessoas (70%). Dos 10 indivíduos que não consomem leite, 6 (60%) não o fazem por não se adaptarem ao sabor do leite, 2 (20%) por receio de fraudes, 1 (10%) pela intolerância à lactose e 1 (10%) pela alergia à proteína do leite. Quanto à presença de conservantes no leite UAT, 46 indivíduos (65,7%) acreditam que este possui conservantes. Quanto à veiculação de doenças, 68 indivíduos (97,1%) acreditam que o leite seja passível de transmitir doenças. Quandoquestionados sobre o que os auxilia na decisão de compra do leite, a maioria informou (47 participantes -67,1%) observar a data de fabricação e de validade. Observou-se que mesmo entre os profissionais que possuem conhecimento prévio sobre tecnologia e inspeção de leite, ainda existe o conceito de que o leite UAT possui conservantes, sendo menos saudável. Entretanto, os entrevistados demonstraram conhecimento sobre a possibilidade de veiculação de patógenos no leite que não tenha sido submetido ao tratamento térmico.(AU)

The present study aimed to evaluate the perception of veterinary medicine students and veterinary medical professionals regarding milk intended for human consumption. The study was carried out by applying a questionnaire in Google Forms®. Of the 70 responses obtained, 43 (61.4%) were from professionals graduated in veterinary medicine and 38.6% were students. The answers presented showed that 60 (85.7%) of the individuals consume milk, with the highest consumption product being UAT milk (42 participants, 70%). Of the 10 individuals who do not consume milk, 6 (60%) do not do so because they do not adapt to the taste of milk, 20% for fear of fraud, 1 (10%) for lactose intolerance and 1 (10%) for allergy to milk protein. As for the presence of preservatives in UAT milk, 46 (65.7%) believe that it has preservatives. As for the transmission of diseases, 68 (97.1%) believe that milk is susceptible. When asked what helps in the decision to buy milk, the majority (47 participants, 67.1%) reported observing the expiration date of manufacture. Even professionals who have previous knowledge about milk technology and inspection, there is still the concept that UAT milk has a preservative, being less healthy. However, there is an understanding of the possibility of transmission of pathogens in milk that has not been subjected to heat treatment.(AU)

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The utilization of eco-innovative products has witnessed a surge in adoption, driven by their inherent capacity to address pressing environmental concerns. To comprehensively fathom the underlying motivations propelling consumers to embrace these products, we conducted an in-depth investigation employing "The Not Company" (Chile) as a compelling case study. We conducted qualitative interviews with a cohort of 20 Chilean consumers, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior theoretical framework. The research methodology harnessed the principles of thematic analysis, yielding insights that underscore the significance of key determinants in shaping consumers' choices towards eco-innovative products. Specifically, our findings highlighted that consumer choices in this domain are profoundly influenced by their attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Moreover, within these overarching categories, we unearthed sub-themes illuminating the intricate influences guiding consumer choices. These sub-themes encompassed beliefs about food manufacturing and packaging, the persuasive impact of social media and advertising, and the indelible impressions left by prior encounters with eco-innovative products. This study highlights consumers' fundamental role in the broader eco-innovation landscape, particularly within the food industry context.

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The increasing prevalence of celiac disease and gluten intolerance has led to an increased demand for gluten-free food products in Peru. The research objective was to develop gluten-free cookies from substitute flours, evaluating their physicochemical and sensory parameters. Eight formulations were developed using 100% broad bean, chickpea, pea, kiwicha, quinoa, lentil, corn, and bean flour. One hundred consumers participated in this evaluation (59% women and 41% men). A completely randomized design (CRD) and a randomized complete block design (RCBD) were used for physicochemical analysis and acceptability, respectively. To describe the sensory characteristics of the cookies, Cochran's Q-test and correspondence analysis (CA) were performed. From the results obtained, the lentil cookie presented the highest amount of protein and fiber but lower fat and carbohydrate contents compared to the other samples. In terms of color, the corn cookie was the lightest, with greater luminosity (L*), less redness (a*), and greater yellowness (b*). Regarding the sensory analysis, the CATA questions allowed us to form six groups, and the samples with the greatest acceptability were the corn and chickpea cookies, which were rated as "I like them." Lentil flour crackers are a nutritionally adequate option, and corn flour crackers are highly sensorially acceptable, suggesting commercial opportunities for softer and more flavorful gluten-free products. However, it is crucial to continue researching and developing innovative products to meet changing market demands and offer healthier and more attractive options to consumers.

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ABSTRACT We designed a chicken-meat hamburger enriched with ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cooked by sous-vide. The chicken meat used came from male BB chickens of the Cobb commercial line, fed for approximately 27 days with 3 isoprotein and isoenergetic diets based on: corn and soy; soybeans plus flax oil and soybeans plus fish oil. The hamburgers, made with a mixture of fresh skinless chicken breast and thigh meat, oat bran and a commercial mix of spices, were vacuum-packed and cooked at 80 °C for 10 min. Chemical analyses (moisture, fat, protein, fiber, thiobarbituric acid and fatty acid profile), color and texture profile were performed. The samples enriched with fish oil presented significantly higher values of docosapentaenoic acid (1.53 g of fatty acid per 100 g of fat) than the control sample (0.30 g of fatty acid per 100 g of fat). The sensory characterization was carried out by 54 consumers using the CATA methodology (check all that apply). The chicken-meat hamburger enriched with fish-ω3 oil was the most widely accepted by consumers. Therefore, a functional food product enriched with ω3 polyunsaturated acid close to the daily recommendation (250 mg) was designed. The sensory acceptability of consumers was found based on a pleasant taste, pleasant appearance and chicken flavor.

RESUMEN Se diseñó una hamburguesa de carne de pollo enriquecida con ácidos grasos ω3 poliinsaturados y cocida al vacío. La carne de pollo provino de pollos BB machos de la línea comercial Cobb, alimentados durante aproximadamente 27 días con 3 dietas isoproteicas e isoenergéticas en base a: maíz y soja; soja más aceite de lino y soja más aceite de pescado. Las hamburguesas, elaboradas con una mezcla de carne fresca de pechuga y pata muslo de pollo sin piel, salvado de avena y mezcla comercial de especias, se envasaron y cocinaron al vacío a 80 °C durante 10 min. Se realizaron análisis químicos (humedad, grasa, proteína, fibra, ácido tiobarbitúrico y perfil de ácidos grasos), color y perfil de textura. Las muestras enriquecidas con aceite de pescado presentaron valores significativamente mayores de ácidos docosapentaenoico (1,53 g de ácido graso por 100 g de grasa) que la muestra control (0,30 g de ácido graso por 100 g de grasa). La caracterización sensorial fue realizada por 54 consumidores utilizando la metodología CATA (marque todo lo que corresponda). La hamburguesa de pollo y enriquecida con aceite de pescado ω3 fue la más aceptada por los consumidores. Por lo tanto, se diseñó un producto alimenticio funcional en forma de hamburguesa de pollo que se enriqueció con ω3 poliinsaturados cerca de la recomendación diaria (250 mg), y se consideró un producto aceptable por el consumidor sobre la base del sabor agradable, apariencia agradable y sabor a pollo.

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Meat is an essential element of contemporary Mexican culture. Its consumption is linked to ancestral elements as well as to agri-food globalization. Currently, the three types of meat most consumed by Mexicans are chicken (35 kg/person/year), pork (20 kg/person/year) and beef (15 kg/person/year). The consumption of these types of meats is highly influenced by price, regional preferences and emerging trends related to health, environmental and animal welfare concerns. The Mexican diet also includes other types of meats such as turkey, horse, sheep, goat and rabbit; their consumption is related to factors associated with health, tradition and availability. Mexico is the Latin American country with the highest number of people who follow plant-based diets, with 19% being vegetarian, 15% flexitarian and 9% vegan. This overview shows that the persistence of meat consumption in the country is not a uniform phenomenon, where deep-rooted culinary traditions coexist with changes in the horizon influenced by globalization, health and environmental concerns, animal welfare and household income.

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A telephone survey (n = 601) was conducted in Uruguay to explore participants' mental associations with meat and the underlying reasons changes in the quantity and type of meat consumed. Participants mentioned mostly positive associations with meat's culinary and cultural aspects and its nutritional value as source of high-quality protein. Other associations were related to meat production, specific types of meat and cuts, meat consumption and pleasure, while price was perceived negatively. Animal welfare concerns emerged as a relevant association, but minor references were made to the effects of meat production on the environment. Changes in the amount and type of meat consumed (higher pork, chicken and cheaper cuts and beef) in the last year were mainly due to price followed by health reasons. Results emphasize the strong meat culture among Uruguayans and reveal that changes in the amount and type of meat consumed last year relate to external (price) or egoistic (health) rather than altruistic motives (ethical or environmental concerns).

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This article argues that the decision by the Columbian high court to totally ban the advertising and promotion of tobacco products is sound and could indeed be applied to other types of harmful products.

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A large body of evidence assessing the effectiveness of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling exists. Most experimental studies have been conducted with fictitious products. However, consumers' perception depends on several products extrinsic factors such as brand. Understanding how strong brand associations influence the effectiveness of FOP nutrition labeling schemes may be crucial to informing policymaking. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of five different variants of nutritional warnings labels (black magnifier, red magnifier, black octagon, black triangle, and red circle) on consumers' choice of commercial products, compared with two FOP nutrition labeling schemes: the guidelines daily amounts (GDAs) system and the traffic light system (TLS). An online randomized controlled trial with 1,932 participants was used to evaluate the effect of FOP nutrition labeling on participants' choices in eight sets of three commercial products, available in the Brazilian marketplace. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate the influence of FOP nutrition labeling on participants' likelihood of selecting the different products in the choice task. Results showed that nutritional warnings and the TLS significantly increased the likelihood of selecting none of the products instead of the least healthful product, or a healthier product, in at least one of the product categories compared with the GDA. Warnings tended to have a larger effect, suggesting their potential to encourage healthier food choices.

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Resumen El consumo de cigarrillo ha tenido un gran impacto en la salud, por lo que es urgente y necesario trabajar en la generación de interés en la cesación. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue el diseño y validación del Cuestionario de Clasificación de Etapas de Cambio y Cesación de Consumo de Cigarrillo/Tabaco CCET, que permite la categorización del consumidor de acuerdo con las siete etapas descritas en el modelo teórico Proceso de Adopción de Precauciones que propuso Weinstein en 1988. El CCET consta de 16 ítems que interrogan acerca de las características definidas para cada fase de cambio de la conducta del individuo, consumo y el logro de la cesación. La muestra estuvo conformada por 200 estudiantes de educación superior fumadores (138 hombres y 62 mujeres) entre los 18 y 57 años. Se determinó la validez de contenido a través del juicio de expertos quienes analizaron los criterios de redacción, pertinencia y suficiencia de cada una de las preguntas utilizadas en dicho cuestionario, se realizó la aplicación en su versión definitiva para determinar las características técnicas de acuerdo con el Modelo de Rasch. Del mismo modo que en estudios previos buena parte de la muestra presento ubicación en las primeras etapas, es decir no necesariamente con deseo de dejar de fumar.

Abstract Cigarette consumption has had a great impact on health, so it is urgent and necessary to work on generating interest in cessation. The purpose of the present investigation was the design and validation of the Questionnaire for the Classification of the Stages of Change and Cessation of Consumption of Cigarette/Tobacco, which allows the categorization of the consumers according to the seven stages exposed in the theoretical Precaution Adoption Process Model proposed by Weinstein in 1988. The questionnaire consists of 16 items that ask about the characteristics defined for each stage of individual behavior change, consumption, and achievement of cessation. The sample consisted of 200 smoking students in higher education (138 men and 62 women) between 18 and 57 years of age. The validity of the content was determined through the judgment of experts who analyzed the wording, relevance, and sufficiency of each of the questions used in the questionnaire. The final version of the questionnaire was applied to determine the technical characteristics according to the Rasch Model. As in previous studies, a good part of the sample was located in the early stages, that is, not necessarily with a desire to quit smoking.

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Abstract Introduction: While social enterprises meet human needs and create social value, they need to focus on value creation, customer satisfaction, and loyalty, as they can facilitate the generation of long-term relationships with the social enterprise and its survival. Objective: This research explores the effect of life purpose on customer value creation and its influence on satisfaction and loyalty among customers of social firms operating in the service sector in two Mexican cities, Puebla and Jalapa, both located in the Centre-East of Mexico. Materials and methods: An explanatory and cross-sectional investigation was conducted with 392 active customers. Structural equation modelling was used treating all variables as latent. Results: It was found that purpose in life was a significant and positive antecedent of customer value creation. In addition, customer value creation had a substantial effect on customer satisfaction and loyalty. Conclusions: The findings have implications for understanding the complexity of value creation in social firms focused on the delivery of services and the nature and dimensionality of customer value creation for social enterprises and its positive impact on customer retention. The results can help academics and social enterprises to develop better strategies to meet the needs of consumers belonging to vulnerable groups.

Resumen Introducción: Si bien las empresas sociales satisfacen las necesidades humanas y crean valor social, necesitan enfocarse en la creación de valor, la satisfacción y la lealtad del cliente, ya que pueden facilitar la generación de relaciones a largo plazo con la empresa social y su supervivencia. Objetivo: Esta investigación explora la influencia del propósito de vida en la creación de valor para el cliente y su influencia en la satisfacción y lealtad de los clientes de empresas sociales que operan en el sector de servicios en dos ciudades mexicanas, Puebla y Jalapa, ambas ubicadas en el centro-este de México. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó una investigación explicativa y transversal con 392 clientes activos. Se utilizó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales tratando todas las variables como latentes. Resultados: Se descubrió que el propósito en la vida era un antecedente positivo y significativo de la creación de valor para el cliente. Además, la creación de valor para el cliente tuvo una influencia significativa en la satisfacción y lealtad del cliente. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos tienen implicaciones para comprender la complejidad de la creación de valor en las firmas sociales enfocadas en la provisión de servicios y la naturaleza y dimensionalidad de la creación de valor para el cliente para empresas sociales y su impacto positivo en la retención de clientes. Los resultados pueden ayudar a académicos y empresas sociales a desarrollar mejores estrategias para la atención de las necesidades de compradores pertenecientes a grupos vulnerables.

Resumo Introdução: Embora as empresas sociais atendam às necessidades humanas e criem valor social, elas precisam concentrar-se na criação de valor, na satisfação do cliente e na lealdade, pois podem facilitar a geração de relacionamentos de longo prazo com a empresa social e sua sobrevivência. Objetivo: Esta pesquisa explora a influência do propósito de vida na criação de valor para o cliente e sua influência na satisfação e lealdade de clientes de empresas sociais que operam no setor de serviços em duas cidades mexicanas, Puebla e Jalapa, ambas localizadas no centro-leste do México. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizada uma investigação explicativa e transversal com 392 clientes ativos. Foi utilizado um modelo de equações estruturais, tratando todas as variáveis como latentes. Resultados: O propósito de vida foi considerado um antecedente positivo e significativo para a criação de valor para o cliente. Além disso, esta última variável teve uma influência significativa na satisfação e lealdade do cliente. Conclusões: Os resultados têm implicações para a compreensão da complexidade da criação de valor em empresas sociais que operam no setor de serviços e a natureza e dimensionalidade da criação de valor para o cliente para empresas sociais e seu impacto positivo na retenção de clientes. Os resultados podem ajudar acadêmicos e empresas sociais a desenvolver melhores estratégias para pertencentes a grupos vulneráveis.

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This paper proposes a time-series stochastic socioeconomic model for analyzing the impact of the pandemic on the regulated distribution electricity market. The proposed methodology combines the optimized tariff model (socioeconomic market model) and the random walk concept (risk assessment technique) to ensure robustness/accuracy. The model enables both a past and future analysis of the impact of the pandemic, which is essential to prepare regulatory agencies beforehand and allow enough time for the development of efficient public policies. By applying it to six Brazilian concession areas, results demonstrate that consumers have been/will be heavily affected in general, mainly due to the high electricity tariffs that took place with the pandemic, overcoming the natural trend of the market. In contrast, the model demonstrates that the pandemic did not/will not significantly harm power distribution companies in general, mainly due to the loan granted by the regulator agency, named COVID-account. Socioeconomic welfare losses averaging 500 (MR$/month) are estimated for the equivalent concession area, i.e., the sum of the six analyzed concession areas. Furthermore, this paper proposes a stochastic optimization problem to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the electricity market over time, considering the interests of consumers, power distribution companies, and the government. Results demonstrate that it is successful as the tariffs provided by the algorithm compensate for the reduction in demand while increasing the socioeconomic welfare of the market.

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This work aimed at developing powders rich in antioxidants and pigments from two wild berries: maqui (Aristotelia chilensis) and murra (Rubus ulmifolius). Fruits were subjected to successive ultrasound-assisted extractions (UAE) and then freeze-dried. Physical properties, anthocyanin stability of powders, and their performance as natural colorants in yogurts were evaluated. The optimum extraction methods were: UAE for 10 min in murra, and without UAE (control) in maqui, with juice extraction yields ranging between 80 and 82%. Maqui powder exhibited ≈ 2.8 times more polyphenol and anthocyanin content than murra. However, murra powder showed better stability characteristics as powder colorant since it exhibited greater protection of anthocyanins by means of copigmentation phenomena. Regarding consumer's perception of colored yogurt, samples with 4% and 8% maqui powder could be considered as future prototypes to be launched into the market. The obtained powders may be used in different industrial food applications.

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BACKGROUND: Chikungunya fever is an important infectious disease transmitted by the bite of the mosquitoes. Information about consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical vaccine can help with future discussions about its possible price. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted among residents of Minas Gerais, Brazil, regarding their WTP for a hypothetical chikungunya vaccine defined by the authors as having a mean effective protection of 80%. RESULTS: We interviewed 496 individuals. Among these, 23 were excluded from the analysis. Most of the respondents were female (57.3%), had completed at least high school (90.7%), were employed (87.7%) and had private health insurance (62.6%). The median value of the WTP was US$ 31.17 (120.00 BRL) for a unique dose vaccine. The WTP showed a statistical significant correlation with monthly family income and access to private health insurance. CONCLUSION: This study can contribute to decision-making about potential prices for a chikungunya vaccine once it becomes available in Brazil. We demonstrated the relevance of the anchoring effect as a possible influence applied to the maximum value of the WTP associated with respondents' preference for a new vaccine. Finally, we encourage the development of a chikungunya virus vaccine to benefit the Brazilian population.

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