Cross-border data transfer regulation in China

Posted on July 20, 2021 By LabLynx Journal articles

In this English review article published in the journal Rivista Italiana di Informatica e Diritto, University of Macerata's Yuan Li "aims to systematically and chronologically describe Chinese regulations for cross-border data exchange." Given the growth of cloud-based systems and data management of clients around the world, doing business with Chinese businesses and individuals requires a better understanding of transfer regulations in the country. Li first explains the concepts behind global data transfer and some of the agreements and soft laws that have sprung up as a result of increasing cross-border transfers, as well as the problems that arise. Li then goes into a detailed review of China's data protection laws, as well as how they are enforced and who enforces them. Then the author examines the data export regulations that have evolved in China. The conclusion is that there are still limitations to China's approaches to building a regulatory framework for data protection and transfer; however, "there are various positive dynamic developments in the framing of China’s cross-border data regulation." Yet further agreements with other nations will still depend on future developments in "multilateral trade and investment negotiations."

Risk assessment of over-the-counter cannabinoid-based cosmetics: Legal and regulatory issues governing the safety of cannabinoid-based cosmetics in the UAE

Posted on July 12, 2021 By LabLynx Journal articles

In this 2021 article published in Cosmetics, Jairoun et al. describe the details of reportedly the first study in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) "to measure to what extent topical cannabinoid-based consumer products contain undeclared tetrahydrocannabinol" (THC). Noting a lack of such studies in the U.A.E. as well as other parts of the world, the researchers used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze 18 cannabinoid-based cosmetics manufactured in the U.S. and E.U. and sold in the U.A.E. to determine their undeclared THC and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) content. After discussing their methodology, materials, and results, the authors conclude that with the discovery of "high levels of undeclared tetrahydrocannabinol" during their study, there is a real need for "cannabinoid-based cosmetic product producers to issue quality certificates ... [and provide] stricter monitoring and control regarding their [products'] safety and quality."

Data and information systems management for urban water infrastructure condition assessment

Posted on July 5, 2021 By LabLynx Journal articles

In this mini review published in Frontiers in Water, Carriço and Ferreira draw from their personal experiences in the Portuguese water industry to present a case for better data and information management in assessing the condition of existing urban water infrastructure. The authors turn to a collection of 16 performance indicators for assessing water supply systems (WSS) or district metering areas (DMA), as well as the poor state of data management overall in water utilities, as a an impetus for improving the information systems that handle those indicators and related data. They further explain the data requirements for condition assessment of water utility assets, the importance of data integration and interoperability, and the existing barriers to getting those things correct. They close by suggesting future trends, noting however that "many small and medium size utilities worldwide are yet resistant" to such trends, while recommending that "utilities should start to investigate the data they collect and to rethink existing data models."