Development Of Consumer Products Research Articles

Molecular Toxicity of Popular Toothpaste Formulations on Post-Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus

The widespread use of toothpaste containing various chemical formulations has raised concern regarding their potential impact on aquatic ecosystems. This research examines the molecular toxicity of popular toothpaste brands on post-juveniles of Clarias gariepinus from a commercial fish farm in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Specifically assessing the impact of these toothpaste brands on the mRNA expression levels of the heat shock protein (HSP70), interleukin (IL-1β), melatonin receptors (MEL1C), and growth hormone in comparison to a control group. The results revealed a significant upregulation of HSP70, IL-1β, and MEL1C genes in the exposed group, indicating a potential stress response and immune system activation. Intriguingly, the growth hormone mRNA expression remained unaffected in the treated group compared to the control. These findings underscore the need for further exploration into the potential molecular consequences of common toothpaste ingredients on aquatic organisms, raising important questions about environmental safety and consumer product development.

On tertiary recycled nanographene-reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride composite matrix

The development of innovative, cost-effective, and recyclable consumer products for building infrastructure plays a significant role in attaining sustainable development goals (SDGs) at national and international levels. This is so because the value-added products obtained from recycled thermoplastic material not only decrease the burdens of waste management but also bought forward the advanced applications of material processing routes for novel consumer applications. This study highlights the investigations performed on tertiary (3°) recycling (R) of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thermoplastic solid plastic waste to prepare feedstock for 3D printing applications. 3D printing-based manufacturing has a significant role in industrial and infrastructure development. The nano-graphene (nG) reinforced PVDF composite matrix prepared by 3°R was tested for acceptable 3D printing-based manufacturing practices. The results of the study outlined that 3°R PVDF-10%nG (by weight proportion) may be used for the fabrication of functional prototypes by material extrusion based 3D printing.

DEVELOPMENT OF SHEEP FARMING AS A PRIORITY BRANCH OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ZABAIKALSKY REGION

The pedigree base of sheep farming in the Zabaikalsky region is concentrated in 8 pedigree farms and nine reproducer farms, as well as in the Autonomous Region "Zabaikalsky Center for Pedigree Livestock Farming." Currently, there are seven pedigree farms and six reproducer farms in the region that are engaged in breeding Zabaikalsky fine-fleeced sheep, with a total population of 76.9 thousand sheep, accounting for 75.7% of the total pedigree sheep population. An analysis of the sheep population in the region over 15 years indicates a decline, which can be attributed to reduced demand for wool production and livestock losses due to fires that affected large areas. It should be noted that wool production has decreased due to cheaper raw materials such as cotton and synthetics. The region has adopted a Comprehensive Program for the Development of Sheep Farming until 2030, the result of which should be an increase in the sheep population from 405 to 655 thousand head, wool production from 964 to 2173 tons, the creation of at least 1,500 new jobs in sheep farming and the processing industry, and the development of high-quality clothing and other consumer products based on wool by the end of 2030. Scientific research justifies the priority development of sheep farming in the region as a traditional branch of agriculture and a tool for preserving the rural way of life. Since sheep farming products are primarily concentrated in private households, where difficulties in selling products are observed, developing a model for interaction between these entities and agricultural organisations, pedigree farms, and reproducer farms is advisable.

Marinated oven-grilled beef entrecôte meat from a bovine farm: Evaluation of resultant physicochemical and organoleptic attributes.

Understanding the impact that combined action of marination and oven grill processes would have on such meat products as beef entrecôte is crucial from both consumer appeal and product development standpoints. Therefore, different marinated oven-grilled beef entrecôte meat specifically evaluating resultant physicochemical and organoleptic attributes were studied. The beef entrecôte meat was provided by a reputable local bovine farm/slaughter at Wroclaw, Poland. Physicochemical attributes involved antioxidant (2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiaziline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)), (pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), cooking weight loss, L*a*b* color, and textural cutting force). Organoleptic attributes involved sensory (flavour, appearance, tenderness, taste) and texture (hardness, chewiness, gumminess, graininess, and greasiness) aspects. Different marination variants involved constituent 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% quantities of cranberry pomace (CP), grape pomace (GP), and Baikal skullcap (BS), subsequently incorporated either African spice (AS) or industrial marinade/pickle (IM). Results showed pH, ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, TBARS, L*a*b* color, cooking weight loss, and textural cutting force, sensory and textural profile with varying range values. Concentration increases of either CP, GP, and or BS may not always go along with ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP values, given the observed decreasing or increasing fluctuations. As oven-grilling either increased or decreased the TBARS values alongside some color and textural cutting force trends, pH variations by difference seemed more apparent at samples involving GP, before CP, and then BS. The organoleptic attributes obtained differences and resemblances from both sensory and textural profile standpoints. Overall, oven-grilling promises to moderate both physicochemical and organoleptic range values of different marinated beef entrecôte meat samples in this study.

Smart Multi-Agent Framework for Automated Audio Testing

With the widespread use of embedded software in consumer electronics, automotive industry, medical devices, and industrial environments, embedded software testing is gaining significance as an indispensable part of development and deployment of embedded products. With more than 20 years of research, development, and testing of various consumer technologies and products based on digital signal processors (DSPs) and advanced reduced instruction set computers (ARMs), we obtained insight into typical embedded development process and testing, and the pros and cons of various testing approaches and environments. In this paper, we propose the Smart Multi-Agent Framework based on IoT and Jenkins agents, customised for audio technologies in the Home Audio domain. We evaluated our solution on several complex immersive audio technologies implemented on a multicore DSP. Our uniform, customised, fully automated approach proved to be time efficient, error resilient, easy to replicate and use across all development, certification, and deployment phases of the product life cycle.

Research on the Behavior Characteristics and Marketing Strategies of Generation Z Based on the Freshly-made Beverage Industry

Since Chinese Generation Z is entering the workforce, their consumption power will increase dramatically in the future. For them, who have grown up in the freshly-made beverage culture and Internet culture, traditional freshly-made drink products and marketing strategies may not be as effective as they once were. Based on this background, this paper uses the Heth-Newman-Gross consumption value model and conducts a study through a questionnaire. Based on the findings, we propose suggestions for further consumer positioning, product development, and marketing in the freshly-made beverage industry. The paper also provides a direction for further research for readers who want to study the Chinese Generation Z. Further research could be conducted on the marketing of Gen Z products from a social media perspective or on the consumer behavior of Gen Z in the freshly-made beverage industry. It proposes suggestions and further research directions for practitioners in the freshly-made beverage industry and scholars of Generation Z.

ADMET informatics of Tetradecanoic acid (Myristic Acid) from ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves

In-silico Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) often comprehends virtual screening (VS) of datasets of natural pharmaco-active compounds for drug discovery protocols. Plant Based Natural Products (PBNPs) still, remains to be a prime source of pharmaco-active compounds due to their unique chemical structural scaffolds and functionalities with distinct chemical characteristic feature from natural source that are much acquiescent to drug metabolism and kinetics. In the Post-COVID-Era number of publications pertaining to PBNPs and publicly accessible plant based natural product databases (PBNPDBs) has significantly increased. Moreover, PBNPs are important sources of inspiration or starting points to develop novel therapeutic agents. However, a well-structured, in-depth ADME/Tox profile of PBNPs has been limited or lacking for many of such compounds, this hampers the successful exploitation of PBNPs by pharma industries. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties play key roles in the discovery/ development of drugs, pesticides, food additives, consumer products, and industrial chemicals. In the present study, ADMET-informatics of Tetradecanoic Acid (Myristic Acid) from ethyl acetate fraction of Moringa oleifera leaves to predict drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) outcomes has been taken up. This work contributes to the deeper understanding of Myristic acid as major source of drug from commonly available medicinal plant - Moringa oleifera with immense therapeutic potential. The data generated herein could be useful for NP based lead generation programs.
 Keywords: Moringa oleifera; Secondary Metabolites; Bioactive Substances; Myristic acid (MA); DMPK; ADME/Tox; Natural Products (NPs); PBNPs; PBNPDBs

Plant-Based Only: Investigating Consumers’ Sensory Perception, Motivation, and Knowledge of Different Plant-Based Alternative Products on the Market

Consumer acceptance and product development of sustainable, healthy, and tasty plant-based alternative products (PBAPs) are closely interlinked. However, information on consumer perceptions of the sensory profile of plant-based meat, cheese, and milk remains scarce. The study aimed to investigate German consumers’ (1) sensory evaluation of PBAPs and (2) consumers´ motivations and knowledge underlying the purchase of such products. This was analyzed in relation to different dietary styles of consumers (omnivore, flexitarian, vegetarian, vegan). A sample of 159 adults completed two tasks: first, a sensory test in which participants tasted and rated three different PBAPs in two consecutive sessions, and second, a questionnaire on consumption behavior, motivation, and knowledge. Results show few differences between nutrition styles in sensory evaluation of individual product attributes. However, overall liking was rated significantly higher by vegans than by omnivores. All dietary styles reported animal welfare and environmental aspects as the main motivations for consuming PBAPs. Most participants acknowledged that meat and cheese alternatives are highly processed foods and not a fad but are not automatically healthier or more environmentally friendly than their animal-based counterparts. Future research should focus on emerging product segments such as plant-based cheeses to better understand how consumers evaluate PBAPs.

Making a fresh cheese using the colostrum surplus of dairy farms: an alternative aiming to minimize the waste of this raw material

Abstract This study aimed to make and characterize a fresh cheese using the surplus of bovine colostrum from dairy farms. The bovine colostrum was characterized in terms of fat (4.00%), protein (16.30%), moisture (79.68%), ash (0.95%), minerals, pH (6.32), titratable acidity (0.27 g/100 mL), immunoglobulin G (>50 g/L), lactose (1.60%), color, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The fresh cheese made with colostrum was characterized in the same terms as the bovine colostrum (fat (7.00%), protein (22.95%), moisture (67.98%), ash (1.85%), minerals, pH (6.15), titratable acidity (0.04 g/100 mL), immunoglobulin G (30.95 g/L), lactose (not detectable), color, and the presence of pathogenic bacteria), with the addition of the texture and sensory analysis. The colostrum cheese had high moisture content (67.98%) and low-fat content (7.00%). The protein content was also high (22.95%), whose major percentage was composed by immunoglobulins. An important finding in this work was associated with the possible absence of lactose in the colostrum cheese, thus opening opportunities for future research regarding the development of dairy products for lactose intolerant consumers. In addition, the high concentration of immunoglobulin G might give this product an immune boost feature. The sensorial analysis showed that the recipe of the fresh cheese requires improvement to achieve higher acceptance from the public, especially regarding texture.

Using Twitter to model consumer perception and product development opportunities: A use case with Turmeric

Turmeric has been promoted as a functional ingredient due to its many suggested health benefits, such as alleviating inflammation, pain and digestive disorders. As with most functional ingredients, it can be difficult to fully understand how consumers use and perceive these ingredients. Sensory Scientists are often tasked with the job of summarizing these consumer perceptions. However, extensive resources are needed to execute large consumer tests, inevitably limiting the scope of the study. Alternatively, assessment of consumer commentary about key ingredients on social media can be utilized as a valuable and efficient tool to overcome consumer testing challenges. Using the R package, rtweet, a total of 20,000 Tweets were collected that contained the keyword “Turmeric.” A machine learning technique known as topic modeling was used to illuminate abstract themes from the collective Twitter commentary. Consumer perception including utility and lifestyle, as well as, white spaces for product development were discovered. With this cost-effective and simplistic method, Sensory Professionals can be better positioned to understand consumer perception of ingredients on a greater and more holistic level.

Sustainable design: Aspects of sustainable product development

When NC State University recently hired me to lead a course concentration in sustainable design, I began to hone in on what sustainable product development and design translate to and its actionable applications. Sustainable product development and design of current and future consumer products and services are methods that create a proactive versus a reactive approach. The development of sustainable products and systems must start at the beginning phase of ideation and continue through the entire process to achieve multiple design purposes and duration with a designated end-of-life plan. In contrast, generally, products are developed with end of life and longevity as a secondary thought, and with recycling as a potential option. If the goal is the longevity of a product or service, one needs to look beyond recycling and more at the concept of development. A sustainable product development approach and design thinking are how to accomplish product longevity.

Dietary nanoparticles alter the composition and function of the gut microbiota in mice at dose levels relevant for human exposure

BackgroundNanotechnologies provide new opportunities for improving the safety, quality, shelf life, flavor and appearance of foods. The most common nanoparticles (NPs) in human diet are silver metal, mainly present in food packaging and appliances, and silicon and titanium dioxides used as additives. The rapid development and commercialization of consumer products containing these engineered NPs is, however, not well supported by appropriate toxicological studies and risk assessment. Local and systemic toxicity and/or disruption of the gut microbiota (GM) have already been observed after oral administration of NPs in experimental animals, but results are not consistent and doses used were often much higher than the estimated human intakes. In view of the strong evidence linking alterations of the GM to cardiometabolic (CM) diseases, we hypothesized that dietary NPs might disturb this GM-CM axis. Materials and methodsWe exposed male C57BL/6JRj mice (n = 13 per dose group) to dietary NPs mixed in food pellets at doses relevant for human exposure: Ag (0, 4, 40 or 400 μg/kg pellet), SiO2 (0, 0.8, 8 and 80 mg/kg pellet) or TiO2 (0, 0.4, 4 or 40 mg/kg pellet). After 24 weeks of exposure, we assessed effects on the GM and CM health (n = 8 per dose group). The reversibility of the effects was examined after 8 additional weeks without NPs exposure (recovery period, n ≤ 5 per dose group). ResultsNo overt toxicity was recorded. The GM β-diversity was dose-dependently disrupted by the three NPs, and the bacterial short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were dose-dependently reduced after the administration of SiO2 and TiO2 NPs. These effects disappeared completely or partly after the recovery period, strengthening the association with dietary NPs. We did not observe atheromatous disease or glucose intolerance after NP exposure. Instead, dose-dependent decreases in the expression of IL-6 in the liver, circulating triglycerides (TG) and urea nitrogen (BUN) were recorded after administration of the NPs. ConclusionWe found that long-term oral exposure to dietary NPs at doses relevant for estimated human intakes disrupts the GM composition and function. These modifications did not appear associated with atheromatous or deleterious metabolic outcomes.

Dementia Response Technology Development Strategy through PEST-SWOT Analysis

The number of dementia patients in Korea is expected to increase to 3.30 million in 2050, and the cost of dementia management will increase sharply to KRW 106.5 trillion of GDP. In August 2017, the Moon Jae-in government announced the 'Dementia National Responsibility System' through a five-year plan for government operation and expanded the Dementia Peace Center nationwide. However, for this, strategic dementia-related technology development strategies should be established and given the role of government and the role of the private sector. Therefore, in order to derive the corresponding strategy, this study developed the government's 'dementia' response technology development strategy through the situation analysis from the political, economic, social, and technological perspective and the environmental (PEST) analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). As a result, the direction of technology development in the dementia-related medical device market is expected to become a trend of developing dementia self-measurement by developing low-cost and high-efficiency diagnostic technology products. It has been shown that the development of various products for consumers should begin. As a result, the dementia market approach strategy should be premised, the related technical support and legal restrictions should be minimized, and the education of related experts should be strengthened to solve the government's development of dementia technology and the social problems of dementia. In addition, by developing joint projects with major companies around the world and actively participating in the technology platform, it is important to naturally build up skills accumulation for the development of dementia technology and competence skills of dementia technology experts in the long term.

Intelligent trademark similarity analysis of image, spelling, and phonetic features using machine learning methodologies

The rapid development of consumer products with short life spans, along with fast, global e-commerce and e-marketing distribution of products and services requires greater due diligence to protect intangible assets such as brands and corporate logos which can easily be copied or distributed through grey channels and internet sales sites. Trademarks (TMs) are government registered intellectual property rights (IPRs) used to legally protect a companies’ identities and brand equity. The rapid growth of global trademark (TM) registrations and the number of TM infringement cases pose a great challenge for TM owners to detect infringement and take action to protect TMs, consumer trust, and market share. This research develops advanced TM similarity assessment models using machine learning (ML) approaches. Litigation principles over similarity follow US TM laws which are consistent with global TM protection convention under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This research covers the similarity analysis of TM spelling, pronunciation, and images, which are most likely to cause TM confusion among customers. The research focuses on deploying machine learning for natural language (spelling and phonetic features) and image similarity analyses. The vector space modeling algorithms are trained and verified for the similarity analysis of TM wordings in both spelling and pronunciation. The convolutional neural network and Siamese neural network models are trained and verified for TM image similarity comparison. The training and testing sets consist of 250,000 and 20,000 different image pairs respectively. This research provides a significant contribution toward implementing intelligent and automated IPR protection. The system solution supports users (companies, TM attorneys, or IP officers) to identify similar registered TMs before registering new TMs ensuring uniqueness to avoid infringement disputes. The solution also supports automatic screening of online content to detect potential infringement of TM images and wording for effective global IPR protection.

Validation of the wearable acceptability range scale for smart apparel

The wearable acceptability range (WEAR) Scale has been a useful tool used in consumer behaviour and product development research to better identify the social acceptance of wearable devices. In this study, we aimed to introduce an extended WEAR Scale to the apparel field by (a) refining existing measurement items and (b) validating this scale for use with smart apparel. Using a quantitative research method, an online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of US consumers aged 18 years old and over. Total 663 usable data were obtained and used for the data analysis. NVivo, SPSS, and AMOS programs were used to perform (a) a content analysis of the open-ended questions to identify recurring phrases, (b) basic descriptive statistics, and (c) a structural equation model testing, here validating the WEAR Scale, respectively. A 4-factor, 15-item WEAR Scale validated for examining consumers’ acceptance of smart apparel. The four WEAR dimensions are smart apparel in relation to: (a) design and aesthetics (four items), (b) self-expression (four items), (c) consequences (three items), and (d) reflection (four items). The findings of this study show the importance of these dimensions for the social acceptance of smart apparel. Therefore, this scale will be useful for the practical application in the apparel industry by providing better understanding of various aspects that smart apparel should consider during the product design and development stage. The scale can also be integrated with other consumer behavioural concepts to develop an emerging theoretical framework for the studies on smart apparel. Limitations and implications for future research were also discussed.

Perspective: The Role of Beverages as a Source of Nutrients and Phytonutrients

ABSTRACTThe Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) provide nutrition advice for Americans >2 y of age. The 2020–2025 DGA proposes a life stage approach, focusing on birth through older adulthood. Limited recommendations for beverages exist except for milk, 100% fruit juice, and alcohol. The goal of this article is to provide a better understanding of the role of beverages in the diet using current scientific evidence. A Medline search of observational studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was undertaken using key beverage words. We highlight the role beverages can play as a part of the DGA and considered beverages not traditionally included, such as those that are phytonutrient dense. Our primary consideration for beverage consumption targeted healthy Americans aged ≥2 y. However, with the proposed expansion to the life span for the 2020–2025 DGA, we also reviewed evidence for infants and toddlers from birth to 24 mo. Examples are provided on how minor changes in beverage choices aid in meeting recommended intakes of certain nutrients. Guidance on beverage consumption may aid in development of better consumer products to meet broader dietary advice. For example, beverage products that are nutrient/phytonutrient dense and lower in sugar could be developed as alternatives to 100% juice to help meet the fruit and vegetable guidelines. Although beverages are not meant to replace foods, e.g., it is difficult to meet the requirements for vitamin E, dietary fiber, or essential fatty acids through beverages alone, beverages are important sources of nutrients and phytonutrients, phenolic acids and flavonoids in particular. When considering the micronutrients from diet alone, mean intakes of calcium (in women), potassium, and vitamins A, C, and D are below recommendations and sodium intakes are well above. Careful beverage choices could close these gaps and be considered a part of a healthy dietary pattern.

Herbal Shampoos Based on Vegetable Waste Production

Currently, much attention is paid to the development of consumer products based on secondary resources, in particular using production waste. One of the perspective directions of using of plant waste products is their use for making shampoos. This article presents the results of studying of influence of tinctures of blueberry leaves tall (Vaccinium corymbosum) and seed buckwheat grass (Fagopyrum esculentum) on the index of quality of the developed shampoos. An anionic surfactant (SLES, IFRAPON LOS 2 N 70 trademark) was introduced into the composition of the developed shampoo. This is due to variety of causes, for example, it has a more gentle effect on the scalp and hair compared to other sorts of surfactants. Physicochemical parameters characterizing the basic properties of water solutions of anionic surfactants, such as foam number, foam stability, pH, and conditional viscosity, are determined. It was determined that optimal concentration of anionic surfactant for introducing shampoo into the composition is 0.02 % (mass). It was also determined that optimal condition of tincture of blueberry leaves and tincture of buck-wheat grass in the composition of shampoo is 10 % (vol.). Thus, the introduction of tinctures of said plant raw materials into shampoos provides technological index of shampoos at the level of indicators established in GOST 31696-2012, and the biologically active substances contained in tinctures certainly have a positive effect on the scalp and hair of consumers

Processing influences on food polyphenol profiles and biological activity

Increasing evidence supports the role of polyphenols in human health and has driven interest in translation of polyphenol rich ingredients to human foods. Food processing is a critical tool in development of consumer products aligned with clinical benefits. It is critical to consider how food processing may alter stability, bioavailability and ultimate biological activity of polyphenols. This review highlights processing parameters documented to impact polyphenol stability and provides examples of how select food processes impact polyphenols. Recent studies on whole grains, tea and fruit beverages document process induced losses as well as modification of bioavailability. However, characterization of processes-derived polyphenol degradation products is limited. Furthermore, bioactivity alterations remain mostly based on in vitro/preclinical systems. Growing evidence that polyphenol–macronutrient interactions can impact polyphenol profiles, bioavailability and bioactivities, including interactions with microbiota, suggest that consideration of the broader food matrix is critical in translation of experimental concepts to human foods.

Removal and recovery of a cationic surfactant from its aqueous solution by foam fractionation

Extensive use of the surfactants helps the development of many consumer products, but it contaminates water in many cases. Thus, the removal and recovery of these surfactants has become essential. In this study, a cationic surfactant (i.e., cetyltrimethylammonium bromide) was recovered from its aqueous solution by employing the foam fractionation method in batch mode in a cylindrical column. The surfactant concentration was five times its critical micellar concentration (i.e., 1822 mg dm–3). The effects of three salts (i.e., NaCl, CaCl2, and Na2SO4) and airflow rate on the surfactant recovery were studied. The salt concentration was varied from 10 to 100 mol m−3, and the airflow rate was varied from 0.4 to 1.6 dm3 min−1. About 60 % of the surfactant was recovered from the top of the column in the form of a semi-solid paste. The foam volume and surfactant recovery were reduced by the addition of salt. The stability of the foam played a very important role in surfactant recovery. The recovery of water was excellent.

Optimization of textural and technological parameters using response surface methodology for the development of beef products for older consumers.

Red meat has a tougher texture compared with many other food products, therefore consumption is often reduced among older adults. Acidic treatments had a positive effect on WBSF values (reduced the WBSF values from 23.35 N for control to 14.83 N), and texture parameters and a combination with apple fiber and rice starch may improve the health profile of a meat product with benefits for consumers, particularly for older population. A novel meat product with a softer texture (apple fiber 0.15%, rice starch 0.30% and citric acid 0.16 M) was optimized and successfully validated in this study. The results obtained for the objective measurements of tenderness were confirmed by consumers' tenderness results (p < .05) moreover texture-optimized beef samples were found to be more acceptable by older consumers compared with control. Meat processors have an important role in increasing the availability of suitable meat products for older consumers, by developing products that will meet their nutritional and textural needs. In this study, a novel meat product with a softer texture was developed, successfully validated and the product was found to be acceptable by older consumers. Meat processors could consider using rice starch, apple fiber, and citric acid as feasible alternative to traditional ingredients used for beef injection, in order to obtain a softer product, that appeal to older consumers with difficulties in mastication.