Canada to Lead ISO International Workshop on Safe Cannabis Production

The Standards Council of Canada and UL partner to help establish guidelines for the creation of an ISO Technical Committee on cannabis

TORONTO, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The demand for medical and recreational cannabis products is surging, with a projected worth of up to US$103.9 billion by 2024. Given the rapid growth of this industry and the challenges with respect to the safety, security and sustainability of…

The Standards Council of Canada and UL partner to help establish guidelines for the creation of an ISO Technical Committee on cannabis

TORONTO, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — The demand for medical and recreational cannabis products is surging, with a projected worth of up to US$103.9 billion by 2024. Given the rapid growth of this industry and the challenges with respect to the safety, security and sustainability of buildings, premises, facilities and operations handling cannabis, Canada will lead an ISO international workshop to develop guidelines in these areas.

Canada is uniquely positioned to offer global thought leadership based on the initiatives taken to date to address the safety, security and sustainability considerations in coordination with regulators, government and industry stakeholders since its 2018 legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use.

«Canada’s experience in addressing the unique considerations in cannabis production has led to a call by industry and regulators to ensure that best practices are leveraged to reduce health and safety risks to employees, emergency responders and the general public,» said Chantal Guay, CEO, Standards Council of Canada. «SCC is proud to partner with UL to facilitate this international discussion at ISO and to develop guidance for the benefit of the global market.»

«UL is pleased to work with SCC to support Canada and the global community in developing guidance for emerging industries such as legalized cannabis,» said Joseph Hosey, vice president and general manager for UL Canada. «To be successful in Canada and at the global level, companies need a replicable model to help them protect their employees, facilities and consumers.  We’ve spoken with key players who are building premium brands and the safety and security of their operations is paramount.»

The workshop will kick off in November 2020 covering three distinct areas: Safety of cannabis facilities, equipment and oil extraction operations; Secure handling of cannabis facilities, operations and transportation; and Good production practices guide for cannabis. The goal of the workshop is to publish guidelines to submit to ISO as seed documents for the creation of an ISO Technical Committee on Cannabis.  Visit this site for more information on the international workshop.

About SCC
The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) is a Crown corporation that facilitates the development of standards and promotes their use to enhance Canada’s competitiveness and well-being. It promotes the participation of Canadians in standardization activities to ensure Canada is at the table to help shape the standards of tomorrow. As Canada’s national accreditation body, it accredits conformity assessment bodies to internationally or nationally recognized standards. SCC also accredits standards development organizations which are part of Canada’s standardization system.

About UL
UL helps create a better world by applying science to solve safety, security and sustainability challenges. We empower trust by enabling the safe adoption of innovative new products and technologies. Everyone at UL shares a passion to make the world a safer place. All of our work, from independent research and standards development, to testing and certification, to providing analytical and digital solutions, helps improve global well-being. Businesses, industries, governments, regulatory authorities and the public put their trust in us so they can make smarter decisions. To learn more, visit UL.com. To learn more about our non-profit activities, visit UL.org.

Press Contacts:

Nadine James
Standards Council of Canada | Conseil canadien des normes
613 238-3222, ext./poste 462
nadine.james@scc.ca
www.scc-ccn.ca

Steven Brewster
Corporate Communications
UL
+1.415.577.8851
steven.brewster@ul.com
www.ul.com

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SOURCE UL

Improved Learning Outcomes Will Speed Recovery From the COVID-19 Recession

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Improved math skills would raise the salary of workers by tens of thousands of dollars a year and would help the country rebound from a deepening COVID-19 economic freefall, according to research in a new white paper from The Learning Agency. 

The major findings of

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Improved math skills would raise the salary of workers by tens of thousands of dollars a year and would help the country rebound from a deepening COVID-19 economic freefall, according to research in a new white paper from The Learning Agency. 

The major findings of The Learning Agency’s white paper are:

  • Better high school math skills could increase worker incomes by $21,000 per year
  • Improved reading and writing skills could result in an $11,000 increase in pay annually
  • Graduating with a high school diploma nets a worker an additional $7,000 in annual earnings

As the U.S. economy continues to retract–second quarter GDP fell 9.5 percent–and with states and local governments looking to cut education budgets, the white paper argues that increased learning would have a dual effect: It would boost earnings for workers while increasing tax collections by trillions of dollars.

«Education is one of the best strategies for recovering from an economic downturn,» said Ulrich Boser, founder of The Learning Agency and the paper’s author. «Now is the time for governments to increase spending on things like tutoring, not making deep cuts to services.»

To better understand the benefits of improved learning from critical thinking to metacognition, The Learning Agency conducted a study to look at how Americans’ incomes would grow as a result of better skills and education. The white paper drew from a 2015 National Bureau of Economic Research study that demonstrated workers could expect impressive increases in salary.

Read the full white paper «Education and Income: How Learning Leads to Better Salaries» at: https://www.the-learning-agency.com/insights/education-and-income-how-learning-leads-to-better-salaries

The Learning Agency is a Washington, DC-based education organization. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations harness the power of learning to solve problems. For more information, visit https://www.the-learning-agency.com/

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SOURCE The Learning Agency

Improved Learning Outcomes Will Speed California’s Recovery From the COVID-19 Recession

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Improved math skills would raise the salary of New York workers by tens of thousands of dollars a year and would help the country rebound from a deepening COVID-19 economic freefall, according to research in a new white paper from The Learning Agency. 

The major findings of

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Improved math skills would raise the salary of New York workers by tens of thousands of dollars a year and would help the country rebound from a deepening COVID-19 economic freefall, according to research in a new white paper from The Learning Agency. 

The major findings of The Learning Agency’s white paper are:

  • Better high school math skills could increase worker incomes by $25,000 per year
  • Improved reading and writing skills could result in a $12,000 increase in pay annually
  • Graduating with a high school diploma nets a worker an additional $7,700 in annual earnings

As the U.S. economy continues to retract–second quarter GDP fell 9.5 percent–and with states and local governments looking to cut education budgets, the white paper argues that increased learning would have a dual effect: It would boost earnings for workers while increasing tax collections by trillions of dollars.

«Education is one of the best strategies for recovering from an economic downturn,» said Ulrich Boser, founder of The Learning Agency and the paper’s author. «Now is the time for governments to increase spending on things like tutoring, not making deep cuts to services.»

To better understand the benefits of improved learning from critical thinking to metacognition, The Learning Agency conducted a study to look at how Americans’ incomes would grow as a result of better skills and education. The white paper drew from a 2015 National Bureau of Economic Research study that demonstrated workers could expect impressive increases in salary.

Read the full white paper «Education and Income: How Learning Leads to Better Salaries» at: https://www.the-learning-agency.com/insights/education-and-income-how-learning-leads-to-better-salaries

The Learning Agency is a Washington, DC-based education organization. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations harness the power of learning to solve problems. For more information, visit https://www.the-learning-agency.com/

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SOURCE The Learning Agency

Improved Learning Outcomes Will Speed New York’s Recovery From the COVID-19 Recession

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Improved math skills would raise the salary of New York workers by tens of thousands of dollars a year and would help the country rebound from a deepening COVID-19 economic freefall, according to research in a new white paper from The Learning Agency. 

The major findings of

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Improved math skills would raise the salary of New York workers by tens of thousands of dollars a year and would help the country rebound from a deepening COVID-19 economic freefall, according to research in a new white paper from The Learning Agency. 

The major findings of The Learning Agency’s white paper are:

  • Better high school math skills could increase worker incomes by $25,000 per year
  • Improved reading and writing skills could result in an $11,000 increase in pay annually
  • Graduating with a high school diploma nets a worker an additional $7,000 in annual earnings

As the U.S. economy continues to retract–second quarter GDP fell 9.5 percent–and with states and local governments looking to cut education budgets, the white paper argues that increased learning would have a dual effect: It would boost earnings for workers while increasing tax collections by trillions of dollars.

«Education is one of the best strategies for recovering from an economic downturn,» said Ulrich Boser, founder of The Learning Agency and the paper’s author. «Now is the time for governments to increase spending on things like tutoring, not making deep cuts to services.»

To better understand the benefits of improved learning from critical thinking to metacognition, The Learning Agency conducted a study to look at how Americans’ incomes would grow as a result of better skills and education. The white paper drew from a 2015 National Bureau of Economic Research study that demonstrated workers could expect impressive increases in salary.

Read the full white paper «Education and Income: How Learning Leads to Better Salaries» at: https://www.the-learning-agency.com/insights/education-and-income-how-learning-leads-to-better-salaries

The Learning Agency is a Washington DC-based education organization. Our mission is to help individuals and organizations harness the power of learning to solve problems. For more information, visit https://www.the-learning-agency.com/

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SOURCE The Learning Agency

Rocky Mountain Soda Debuts Ready to Drink Canned Cocktails

DENVER, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Rocky Mountain Soda adds new ready-to-drink cocktails to their growing list of better-for-you beverages. Lifted Libations, which uses all natural ingredients and organic vodka in their spiked seltzers, is now entering the RTD cocktail space with the addition of

DENVER, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Rocky Mountain Soda adds new ready-to-drink cocktails to their growing list of better-for-you beverages. Lifted Libations, which uses all natural ingredients and organic vodka in their spiked seltzers, is now entering the RTD cocktail space with the addition of Mile High Mule (organic vodka, ginger, lime) and Tee Time (organic vodka, tea, lemonade).

«We are thrilled to introduce these new products to our portfolio. It’s the natural next step and evolution for us,» says Moose Koons, co-founder of Rocky Mountain Soda. «These products speak to the conscious consumer with all the things that make people happy— they’re convenient, non-GMO, vegan and gluten free. With constant change happening in the world, it’s nice to have a cocktail ready to go. Mile High Mule and Tee Time fit into active lifestyles and are sessionable with a lower ABV.»

Lifted Libations uses organic vodka in lieu of malt liquor in their full line of spiked seltzers. The result? Pure clean taste and buzz available in currant, orange, lime, and grapefruit. Just like Lifted Libations’ seltzers, their new canned cocktails are all natural and made with organic vodka. Even better, Mile High Mule and Tee Time are non-GMO, vegan and gluten free.

Lifted Libations will begin selling their new canned cocktails on August 1.

Contact:
Katie Bonneau
Bon Communications
303.472.3705
244682@email4pr.com

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SOURCE Rocky Mountain Soda

Liberal U.S. House Candidate for TN-5, Joshua Rawlings Issues Debate Challenge to 30-year «Blue Dog» Incumbent, Jim Cooper

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Joshua Rawlings, U.S. House democratic primary candidate for TN-5, calls for a debate with Rep. Jim Cooper ahead of the Aug. 6th primary. Rawlings said, «Cooper has been in Congress for 30-years and owes it to the people of middle Tennessee to defend his record. Surely, we as Democratic primary candidates have smart and substantial policy ideas that the…

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Joshua Rawlings, U.S. House democratic primary candidate for TN-5, calls for a debate with Rep. Jim Cooper ahead of the Aug. 6th primary. Rawlings said, «Cooper has been in Congress for 30-years and owes it to the people of middle Tennessee to defend his record. Surely, we as Democratic primary candidates have smart and substantial policy ideas that the constituents of our district deserve to hear in a public debate setting so informed decisions can be made at the polls.»

Jim Cooper has so-far ignored the request to debate from Rawlings on multiple occasions. With just days left until the August 6th primary, there is no better time to give the voters of middle Tennessee a voice, and a chance for constituents to understand the candidates’ views and solutions on pressing issues and policy.

U.S. House district TN-5 encompasses all of Davidson county (including Nashville), and parts of Dickson and Cheatham counties.

ABOUT JOSHUA RAWLINGS FOR CONGRESS
Joshua Rawlings is a 27 year old small business owner challenging 30-year incumbent Jim Cooper (TN-5) in the Democratic Primary. Deeply embedded in the community fabric of the counties of Davidson, Dickson, and Cheatham, the small business owner, and musician embodies the district’s «everyman», every day—because he lives it. Running on a platform that emphasizes the most important issues facing the American people, Rawlings’ campaign agenda addresses five key policies: The Need for Systemic Congressional Change—eliminating «Big Money» and corporate influence on policy directives while adding «Term Limits» to congressional seats; Healthcare for All by way of a free public option; world-class Public Education; Climate Change initiatives through Environmental Leadership; and smart, rehabilitative Prison Reform.

As is the policy of the Rawlings Campaign, the candidate remains available to field media inquiries for interviews and press kits; and, may be contacted directly via email: Vote@Rawlings2020.com

Rawlings2020.com

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SOURCE Vote Rawlings

Flame Detector Market worth $2.0 billion by 2026 – Exclusive Report by MarketsandMarkets™

CHICAGO, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —  According to the new market research report on the «Flame Detector Market with COVID-19 Impact, by Product (Single UC, Single IR, Dual UV/IR, Triple IR, Multi IR), Industry (Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Chemicals, Aerospace & Defense, Logistics) and Region – Global Forecast to 2026», published by MarketsandMarkets™, the Flame Detector Market size is expected to grow from USD 1.6 billion in 2020 to

CHICAGO, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ —  According to the new market research report on the «Flame Detector Market with COVID-19 Impact, by Product (Single UC, Single IR, Dual UV/IR, Triple IR, Multi IR), Industry (Oil & Gas, Energy & Power, Chemicals, Aerospace & Defense, Logistics) and Region – Global Forecast to 2026», published by MarketsandMarkets™, the Flame Detector Market size is expected to grow from USD 1.6 billion in 2020 to USD 2.0 billion by 2026; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2020 to 2026. The key factors driving the growth of the market include policies, regulations, and government initiatives, rising adoption of wireless technology in flame detection systems, and increasing human property loss due to fire breakouts.

MarketsandMarkets

Ask for PDF Brochure:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=213130921      

«Product-wise, single UV segment captured largest market size of overall flame detector market in 2019»

The single UV segment is expected to account for the largest share of the global flame detector market in 2020. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the demand for flame detectors in oil & gas, chemicals, and energy & power industries. These detectors are best suited for locations in which hydrogen and hydrocarbon gases are used. Single UV detectors are mainly used for indoor applications across various industries especially in oil & gas, transportation, manufacturing, mining, and energy & power utilities, where there is a huge potential and use of indoor flame detectors. This is one of the reasons for their largest market size in 2019 and the trend is expected to continue throughout the forecast period.

«Industry-wise, pharmaceuticals segment to grow at highest rate from 2020 to 2026»

Pharmaceuticals industry is expected to capture the highest CAGR in the flame detector market during the forecast period. The high growth rate is driven by the need to safeguard human lives and properties, as well as avoid production halt in the vertical. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in heavy investments in the pharmaceuticals industry. Pharmaceutical buildings have a huge demand for flame detection and suppression products. This is because this sector requires the most critical services of flame detectors such as designing and installation, servicing and maintenance, and safety services. The pharmaceuticals industry comprises a number of labs and manufacturing facilities, which carry out chemical reactions and experiments for the research, development, and manufacturing of medicines and other healthcare-related products. These facilities house highly professional doctors and research personnel whose safety is the top priority of pharmaceutical companies. The experimentation and testing have unprecedented results, which may lead to a fire breakout. Thus, flame detectors are implemented in these facilities to detect any fire breakout in the minimum time span and carry out necessary activities to control the fire.

Browse in-depth TOC on «Flame Detector Market«

157 – Tables
54 – Figures
202 – Pages

Inquiry Before Buying:

https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=213130921

«APAC to record highest CAGR from 2020 to 2026»

APAC is expected to be the fastest-growing flame detector market during the forecast period. Growing urbanization has increased construction activities, which are contributing significantly to the growth of the flame detector market in this region. China and Japan being the frontier markets for flame detectors in the APAC region, the steady growth of industries in these countries post the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to fuel the high growth rate in this region. China is projected to lead the flame detector market in APAC during the forecast period, followed by Japan and South Korea. The demand for flame detectors is expected to increase with technological and economic advancements. Moreover, the growing urbanization in this region has increased manufacturing activities, contributing significantly to the growth of the flame detector market. Governments in this region have laid down fire safety norms, and the flame detector market is expected to grow with the execution of these policies.

Major players involved in the flame detector market include Halma (UK), Honeywell (US), Johnson Controls (Ireland), Siemens (Germany), United Technologies (US), Emerson Electric (US), Hochiki (Japan), MSA (US), Robert Bosch (Germany), Micropack Engineering (Scotland), Minimax Viking (Germany), Spectrex (US).

Related Reports:

Fire Protection System Market by Product (Fire Suspension, Fire Sprinkler, Fire Analysis, Fire Response, Fire Detection), Service (Engineering, Installation and Design, Maintenance, Managed), Vertical, and Region – Global Forecast to 2025

Fire Suppression Market by Product (Fire Suppressors, Fire Detectors and Control Panels, Sprinklers, Nozzles, Caps, and Control Heads), Suppression Reagent, Sector (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), and Region – Global Forecast to 2023

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets

The First-Ever Cannabis Business Competition Show, The Next Marijuana Millionaire™ Releases Its First-Look Trailer

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Self-made entrepreneur, Michael «BigMike» Straumietis revolutionized the cannabis industry when he founded Advanced Nutrients,  the No.1-selling cannabis fertilizer brand in the world. With an annual revenue exceeding

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Self-made entrepreneur, Michael «BigMike» Straumietis revolutionized the cannabis industry when he founded Advanced Nutrients,  the No.1-selling cannabis fertilizer brand in the world. With an annual revenue exceeding $110 million and products sold in 107 countries and counting, Advanced Nutrients has brought more innovations to the market than any other company. Now, after 37 years as the most influential trailblazer in cannabis, BigMike has set out to discover the next industry titan.

BigMike releases the first-look trailer exclusively on CNN Entertainment, the highly-anticipated reality show where sixteen budding entrepreneurs compete for the ultimate prize, testing their business savvy, character and stamina. Each elaborate challenge reflects the real-life intensity of trying to make it in today’s booming cannabis industry. 

The winner claims the grand prize worth up to $1 million and a partnership with BigMike that will change not only their life, but the direction of the multibillion-dollar cannabis market.

The full-season of The Next Marijuana Millionaire™ https://themjmshow.com/ premieres globally August 15, 2020 on major streaming services including Amazon Prime and Pluto TV. Viewers can also tune-in through Apple TV, Roku, Social Club TV, iOS and Android or Smart TV.

The first-ever cannabis business competition show has an international footprint with subtitles available in multiple languages.

Cannabis will skyrocket to a $30-billion global industry by 2022, and everyone wants in. Who will become The Next Marijuana Millionaire™?

The competition is fierce. The stakes have never been higher.

Follow @mjmshow @bigmike

Founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients, the «Godfather of Good Cannabis,» Michael «BigMike» Straumietis is highly sought after in Hollywood, having lent his expertise as an advisor to Emmy-winning shows including Showtime’s Weeds, the CSI franchise, and Seth Rogan’s film, Pineapple Express. Since 1983, BigMike has overseen the cultivation of millions of plants and is responsible for 53 innovations in the world of cannabis cultivation, helping to bring the plant to its true genetic potential. He founded Advanced Nutrients in 1999, introducing the world’s most complete cannabis growing nutrient system. BigMike has also been featured on numerous news outlets, including Cheddar, Huffington Post, Fox Business, Business Insider, Entrepreneur and Yahoo! Finance.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Clarie Darnell
Ph: 310-270-5054
Advanced Nutrients

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SOURCE Advanced Nutrients

Mental Stress: Can Your Snack Make a Difference?

MODESTO, Calif., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mental stress is among the psychosocial factors thought to contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the fluctuation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats, is an important indicator of the cardiovascular system’s response to stress and it is thought that lifestyle factors including physical activity and diet might impact HRV. Higher HRV represents greater adaptability of the heart in response to…

MODESTO, Calif., Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Mental stress is among the psychosocial factors thought to contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of the fluctuation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats, is an important indicator of the cardiovascular system’s response to stress and it is thought that lifestyle factors including physical activity and diet might impact HRV. Higher HRV represents greater adaptability of the heart in response to environmental and psychological challenges, while low HRV is linked to cardiovascular disease and sudden cardiac death. As part of a recent clinical trial, researchers at King’s College London measured HRV in participants undergoing a laboratory mental stress challenge and saw improvement in some measures of HRV in participants who had been replacing typical snacks with almonds over a six-week period. The study1 was funded by the Almond Board of California.

This new research finding was a secondary outcome measure of the ATTIS study, a 6-week randomized control, parallel-arm trial, where participants with above average cardiovascular disease risk consumed a daily snack of almonds or a calorie-matched control snack providing 20% of each participants’ estimated daily energy needs. 

Participants in this study were British men and women, aged 30 to 70 years. Researchers measured their real-time heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) at rest (lying down for 5-minute periods) and during a Stroop test (in which participants were asked to read colored words i.e. say «red» in a green font) to simulate a short period of mental stress.

During acute mental stress, participants in the almond group showed greater cardiac resilience. This was demonstrated by better heart rate regulation compared to the control group, indicated by statistically significant differences in high frequency power, which specifically evaluates beat-to-beat intervals (a measure of HRV).   

«This study shows that the simple dietary strategy of swapping almonds for typical snacks may bolster resilience to the adverse cardiovascular effects of mental stress by improving regulation of heart rate. We found that the stress-induced reduction in heart rate variability was lessened in the almond group compared to control following the dietary intervention, which indicates a cardiovascular health benefit. It is useful to think of having a higher HRV as the heart being able to switch gears faster in response to demands on the body, which means more cardiac resilience and flexibility during periods of stress. In the long term, this is beneficial for cardiovascular health,» said Dr. Wendy Hall, PhD, co-principal investigator and Reader in Nutritional Sciences at King’s College London. The researchers acknowledge that the mechanisms underlying this effect are still unknown and long-term studies are needed to understand this as well as the effects of almonds on HRV in at-risk populations.

«These results support our growing knowledge about almonds and heart health. And, they’re particularly timely given the heightened levels of stress many of us are experiencing right now, alongside increased snacking, from working at home,» said Dr Sarah Berry, PhD, co-principal investigator.

Years of heart health research – including a systematic review and meta-analysis2 – support the inclusion of almonds in heart healthy eating plans.* Both ATTIS studies included measures that had never before been evaluated in clinical research trials investigating the impact of almonds. Although additional studies are needed to confirm these findings, the improvements in certain measures of HRV suggest that almonds may provide unexpected heart health benefits.  Almonds provide 6 grams of plant protein, 4 grams of filling fiber and 15 essential nutrients – including 20% of the Daily Value for magnesium and 50% of daily needs for vitamin E – in every healthy handful.

Study at a Glance:

The Study:

  • This randomized, controlled parallel dietary intervention study investigated the effects of almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults with above average risk of CVD. The study looked at the impact of almonds vs. a control food designed to provide the same number of calories and carbohydrate/fat/protein composition to match average snack intakes in an adult UK population.
  • Adults 30-70 years old (n=51 in almond group, n=56 in control group) consumed 20% of their calorie requirements as whole roasted almonds or a control food for 6 weeks.  Cardiometabolic risk factors were measured, including endothelial function (flow-mediated dilation), heart rate variability, liver fat, insulin resistance, blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and body composition.
  • Prior to beginning the study, a separate 3-week trial was conducted to ensure that the control food had a neutral effect on lipids, blood pressure and body weight/composition.
  • Participants had their heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) measured in 5-minute periods at resting and during mental stress. 
  • Real-time HRV was measured before (resting) and during a Stroop test (mental stress) while participants were in a supine position by using an ambulatory/ECG monitor.  The 5-min stress test was performed 15 minutes after recording resting HRV values.
  • The HRV parameters including high frequency (HF) and low frequency (LF) power and the LF/HF ratio were measured using a chest-worn heart rate monitor and specialized analytical software. 

Results:

  • There were no changes in body weight, and total energy intakes of both the almond group and the control group did not differ, but the almond group had improved diet quality (higher fiber, favorable ratio of unsaturated fats to saturated fats, increased magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and riboflavin; and decreased total carbohydrate, starch, free sugars and sodium).
  • During mental stress (Stroop test), HF power was higher following almond treatment by 124 ms2 (95% CI 11, 237), relative to control. The LF/HF ratio was lower by -1.0 (95% CI -1.9, -0.1) relative to control. No differences were found in other indices during mental stress.
  • In the resting state, there were no significant differences between treatment groups in the change in HRV indices following intervention.

Study Limitations:

Limitations of the study were the fact that there were some differences between groups in cardiometabolic disease risk factors at baseline. Also, the participants were free-living, and although almond compliance was confirmed, it is possible there is potential for some inaccuracies in their reported food intake. Finally, more research is required because the mechanisms for the increase in HRV are unknown and further research is needed to understand the effects of almonds on HRV in at-risk populations.

Conclusion:

Snacking on whole almonds in place of typical snacks can increase HRV parameters in response to mental stress, indicating improved cardiac autonomic function. Incorporating almonds in daily snacking is encouraged as a positive lifestyle change and enhances cardiovascular health, not only by lowering cholesterol, but also potentially by increasing resilience to mental stress.

ABOUT THE ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and the California Almonds blog.

1 Vita Dikariyanto, Leanne Smith, Philip J Chowienczyk, Sarah E  Berry, Wendy L Hall. Snacking on whole almonds for six weeks increases heart rate variability during mental stress in healthy adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients 2020, 12(6), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061828.

2 Musa-Veloso K, Paulionis L, Poon T, Lee HL. The effects of almond consumption on fasting blood lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.  Journal of Nutritional Science 2016; 5(e34):1-15. 

*Good news about almonds and heart health. Scientific evidence suggests, but does not prove, that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving of almonds (28g) has 13g of unsaturated fat and only 1g of saturated fat.

CONTACT: GLADYS CARDENAS

Name Gladys Cardenas
Phone 310-754-4961                                                                                                      
Email gladys.cardenas@porternovelli.com

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SOURCE Almond Board of California

Cengage CEO Michael Hansen Named to Fast Company’s Annual List of the Most Creative People in Business

BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cengage CEO Michael Hansen has been named to Fast Company’s 11th annual list of the Most Creative People in Business. Hansen is recognized for his leadership in tackling the affordability crisis in higher education with the introduction of Cengage…

BOSTON, Aug. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Cengage CEO Michael Hansen has been named to Fast Company’s 11th annual list of the Most Creative People in Business. Hansen is recognized for his leadership in tackling the affordability crisis in higher education with the introduction of Cengage Unlimited, the first subscription for college textbooks and course materials that significantly reduces costs for students. More than 2.2 million students have saved more than $200 million with the subscription in just two years.

The Most Creative People in Business list recognizes individuals who used their innovative thinking to make an impact on the world beyond financial success. These engineers, executives, choreographers, activists, designers, journalists, and founders have created something new this year within their field that’s never been done before in their industries. Many achieved these societal problem-solving accomplishments in one of the most contentious and erratic times in history.

«I am honored to be included among such an impressive list of creative, innovative individuals,» said Michael E. Hansen, CEO at Cengage. «This recognition is a reflection of the collaborative, driven and creative culture that exists at Cengage, which allowed us to disrupt a 100-year old business model from within to benefit students and address the affordability crisis in U.S. education.»

«Higher education has reached an important inflection point, and the impact of COVID-19 has stressed an already struggling system,» continued Hansen. «Our mission at Cengage is to make education work for students, meeting them where they are, and providing valued, quality learning materials and solutions that support them throughout their lives.»

Earlier this year, Cengage was also named a finalist for Fast Company’s 2020 World Changing Ideas Award for its efforts tackling college affordability with Cengage Unlimited.

Michael Hansen joined Cengage as CEO in December 2012 and spearheaded its transformation from a traditional print publisher to a digital education company. In August 2018, the company launched Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind subscription service for college textbooks and course materials. Cengage Unlimited gives students access to more than 22,000 digital course materials, including eBooks, online homework access codes and study guides for just one price, thus significantly reducing the cost of materials. Within the first seven months of availability, more than a million Cengage Unlimited subscriptions were sold – a milestone the company reached faster than Hulu, Netflix and Spotify.  

Building on the success of Cengage Unlimited, this month the company introduced Cengage Unlimited eTextbooks to provide students with another affordable option. At just $69.99, Cengage Unlimited eTextbooks provides an affordable alternative for students who don’t need a full Cengage Unlimited subscription that includes online homework access codes, but still want access to Cengage’s catalogue of eTextbooks.  

«Each year, we recognize artists and conventionally creative people making their mark on business and corporate executives deploying creativity and innovation to address some of the biggest challenges facing businesses and society,» says Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. «Individually and collectively, the Most Creative People are an inspiration.»

Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business issue (September 2020) is on newsstands beginning August 11, 2020. To see the complete list of honorees, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-creative-people/2020.

About Cengage
Cengage is the education and technology company built for learners. As the largest US-based provider of teaching and learning materials for higher education, we offer valuable options at affordable price points. Our industry-leading initiatives include Cengage Unlimited, the first-of-its-kind all-access digital subscription service.  We embrace innovation to create learning experiences that build confidence and momentum toward the future students want. Headquartered in Boston, Cengage also serves K-12, library and workforce training markets around the world. Visit us at www.cengage.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. The editor-in-chief is Stephanie Mehta and the publisher is Amanda Smith. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with our sister publication, Inc., and can be found online at fastcompany.com.

Media Contact:
Kristina Massari, Cengage
203.965.8694, Kristina.massari@cengage.com

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SOURCE Cengage