Distinct Products Research Articles

Geographical Indications in Vietnam: Protecting Cultural Heritage and Promoting Economic Growth

For millennia, Vietnam's identity has been deeply rooted in its agricultural prowess, which it considers the backbone of its economic framework. The country's unique geographical positioning, coupled with its distinct weather patterns, has blessed it with a cornucopia of agricultural produce. These products are not only varied in kind but also renowned for their rich flavors and exquisite taste. Recognizing the importance of these products, the Vietnamese government has turned to Geographical Indications (GIs), a facet of Intellectual Property (IP) law, as a strategic tool to preserve the nation's cultural heritage and stimulate economic development. GIs are a form of IP that identifies a product as originating from a specific region, where its qualities are due to that region's unique geographical features. This article delves into the case of Phu Quoc fish sauce, a quintessential example of how IP law, through the use of GIs, has safeguarded and promoted Vietnamese agricultural products. Phu Quoc fish sauce, with its distinctive taste and production process deeply tied to the island's environment, has gained international recognition and protection. The GI status not only protects the product from imitation but also adds value, ensuring that the authentic product's reputation and the region's cultural identity are preserved. This legal framework has become a catalyst for economic growth, as it encourages sustainable farming practices and supports local communities, while also ensuring that the unique flavors of Vietnam's agriculture reach global markets with authenticity and pride.

Titanium‐Catalyzed Reaction of Silacyclobutanes with Alkenes: Mimicking the Reactivity and Reversing the Selectivity Towards Late Transition Metals

AbstractTransition metal‐catalyzed ring opening and expansion reactions of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) constitute an atom‐ and step‐economical strategy to construct value‐added silicon‐containing chemicals. Despite extensive studies, the reaction of SCBs with simple alkenes has only one precedent. Moreover, most reported reactions of SCBs use late transition metals (Pd, Ni, Rh) as catalysts. By contrast, there are no reports of using early transition metals. Herein, we report the first example, to our knowledge, of early‐transition‐metal‐catalyzed reactions of SCBs using earth's second abundant titanium as a catalyst. Notably, orthogonal selectivity was observed. Selective activation of the relatively inert C(sp3)−Si bond was achieved in the case of benzosilacyclobutenes, a selectivity that has rarely been achieved using other metals. Even for silacyclobutanes with C(sp3)−Si bonds only, our titanium system also shows complementary selectivity towards late transition metals to give distinct products. Thus, structurally varied SCBs and alkenes were reacted in our system to afford structurally diverse silicon‐containing products that are otherwise difficult to obtain using other transition metals.

Industry 4.0 technology implementation in manufacturing: a selection method and real case applications

The pressing necessity for digitalisation in industrial plants, driven by Industry 4.0 national initiatives and heightened global competition, underscores the urgency for companies to initiate digital transformation projects. Despite this urgency, the academic literature lacks comprehensive guidance on models specifically dedicated to the selection of digital technologies. This article addresses this gap by proposing a multi-criteria decision-making model, grounded in a methodological framework, for the systematic selection of digital technologies in the manufacturing sector. The proposed model combines fuzzy logic and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and incorporates a well-established classification of digital technologies. The model is able to select the single best candidate technology as well as the best candidate group of technologies that share the same purpose. In this way, the model tries to capture the interconnection element that is at the core of the digitalisation concept. To test its validity, the model was applied in two manufacturing companies operating in distinct production sectors. One of these companies was undergoing a digitalisation process in its plants, providing an additional basis for comparing the results of the proposed model.

Titanium-Catalyzed Reaction of Silacyclobutanes with Alkenes: Mimicking the Reactivity and Reversing the Selectivity Towards Late Transition Metals.

Transition metal-catalyzed ring opening and expansion reactions of silacyclobutanes (SCBs) constitute an atom- and step-economical strategy to construct value-added silicon-containing chemicals. Despite extensive studies, the reaction of SCBs with simple alkenes has only one precedent. Moreover, most reported reactions of SCBs use late transition metals (Pd, Ni, Rh) as catalysts. By contrast, there are no reports of using early transition metals. Herein, we report the first example, to our knowledge, of early-transition-metal-catalyzed reactions of SCBs using earth's second abundant titanium as a catalyst. Notably, orthogonal selectivity was observed. Selective activation of the relatively inert C(sp3)-Si bond was achieved in the case of benzosilacyclobutenes, a selectivity that has rarely been achieved using other metals. Even for silacyclobutanes with C(sp3)-Si bonds only, our titanium system also shows complementary selectivity towards late transition metals to give distinct products. Thus, structurally varied SCBs and alkenes were reacted in our system to afford structurally diverse silicon-containing products that are otherwise difficult to obtain using other transition metals.

ARMAZÉM DE ECONOMIA SOLIDÁRIA E EDUCAÇÃO POPULAR: OUTRA FORMA DE CONSUMIR

This work constitutes a part of the research carried out for the preparation of the master's thesis, which aims at a theoretical debate on the practices of Fair and Solidarity Trade (CJS), developed in the incubation of the Responsible Consumption Group (GCR) called Armazém de Economia Popular Solidária - Armazém de EPS. This economy, which is intended to be egalitarian, self-managed, cooperative and which has the human being as a collective and nature at its center. The GCRs are groups made up of consumers and producers concerned about their health, that of others and environmental quality, as well as seeking to develop Fair and Solidarity Trade and Responsible Consumption, in which their practices and reflections contribute to transforming the act to consume in a political and citizen act. The EPS Warehouse is incubated by the Nucleus of Social and Economic Development of the Federal University of Rio Grande (NUDESE/FURG) and aims at the disposal of products from solidary economic enterprises. This research aims to present a distinct production, commercialization and consumption experience, as well as discuss the pedagogy developed in the training of the subjects involved.

074 Functional stratification of IL-22 producers reveals distinct transcriptomic pathways, epidermal hyperplasia, IL-8 production and IgE- S. aureus in atopic dermatitis

074 Functional stratification of IL-22 producers reveals distinct transcriptomic pathways, epidermal hyperplasia, IL-8 production and IgE- S. aureus in atopic dermatitis

Exploration of age-related changes in reproductive parameters of female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The decline in reproductive efficiency during post-peak period of production in poultry species holds significant economic implications. This study aimed to investigate the productive and reproductive performance of Japanese quails across distinct production stages and the association between these parameters and some genes expression and histometric alterations within the reproductive system. A total of 180 quails from a commercial flock were selected at varying egg production stages, including young, mature, and old, with 45 female and 15 male quails allocated to each group. The quails were maintained for six weeks. During recording period, daily records of egg production and egg weight were recorded. Additionally, oviduct histometric and Follicle biometric measurements, along with mRNA transcript abundance assessments related to follicular selection and yolk accumulation, were conducted on the oviduct, ovary, and small yellow follicles at the end of the experimental period. The results revealed a decrease in egg production in the old group compared to the young and mature groups (P < 0.05); meanwhile, the old group had the highest egg weight, and F1 follicle weight (P < 0.05). Additionally, the number of prehierarchical follicles was lower in the mature and old groups compared to the young group (P < 0.05). The lowest oviduct length, primary and secondary fold height, and thickness of the isthmus and magnum were noted in the old group (P < 0.05). Fertility and hatchability were lower in the old group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). The mRNA transcript abundance of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), was highest in the old group and lowest in the young group (P < 0.05), while the mRNA transcript abundance of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) was higher in the mature group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, the young quails had the highest occludin (OCLN) mRNA transcript abundance compared to other groups (P < 0.05). Overall, the study findings indicate decreased production and reproductive performance, as well as reduced hatchling quality over the production period, attributed to a declining number of follicles, noncooperative gene expression related to follicle selection and yolk accumulation, and diminishing oviduct fold size.

SUKUK: UNVEILING THE STRUCTURAL UNDERPINNINGS, YIELD SPREAD DYNAMICS, AND COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH CONVENTIONAL BONDS IN THE INDONESIAN FINANCIAL LANDSCAPE

This study delves into whether factors influencing credit spreads differ between sukuk and bonds within the vibrant Indonesian secondary market. The research leverages unbalanced panel data encompassing 2017-2023, meticulously obtained from Thomson Reuters Eikon and CEIC. To extract meaningful insights, a Fixed-Effect Model analysis is employed, a robust technique for handling this type of data. The study further conducts a partial analysis to recognize the potential heterogeneity within the sukuk market. This analysis explores explicitly whether the factors driving yield spread exhibit variations between sukuk structured under the ijarah and mudharabah principles. The study's core finding challenges the notion that investors perceive sukuk as a perfect substitute for conventional bonds in terms of the risk-return profile. This is evidenced by the high degree of similarity in the factors that influence the credit spreads of both instruments. However, a fascinating discovery emerges from the partial analysis. It reveals that mudharabah sukuk stands out as a distinct product within the Indonesian secondary debt market compared to its ijarah counterpart. This finding warrants further investigation into the specific characteristics of mudarabah sukuk that contribute to its distinctiveness.

Selective Synthesis of Vinyl Sulfides or 2-Methyl Benzothiazoles from Disulfides and CaC2 Mediated by a Trisulfur Radical Anion.

In this report, we have established a novel and efficient method for selectively synthesizing either vinyl sulfides or 2-methylbenzothiazoles from the reaction of CaC2 and disulfides. The selective synthesis of these two distinct products can be controlled by simply adjusting the amount of K2S. The underlying reaction mechanism has been thoroughly investigated through control experiments, HRMS, and FTIR, which collectively support the pivotal role of a trisulfur radical anion. This radical species, generated in situ from K2S, is essential for the homolytic cleavage of the S-S bonds in a catalytic manner. Additionally, the trisulfur radical anion also acts as an effective mediator for activating the vinyl group of 2-aminophenyl vinyl sulfides, facilitating the crucial intramolecular cyclization required to produce 2-methylbenzothiazoles. Moreover, CaC2 not only serves as an acetylene source but also creates the basic conditions essential for the selective formation of vinyl sulfides. This methodology demonstrates broad substrate compatibility and excellent functional group tolerance, significantly enhancing its practical utility in diverse synthetic applications.

Designing a Business Strategy Using Business Model Canvas (BMC) on Product Newcomer Gyura Hijab

In the dynamic and ever-evolving fashion industry, newcomers face significant challenges, particularly in crafting effective business strategies. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of Gyura Hijab's business plan through an entrepreneurial lens and to analyze the development of a business strategy using the Business Model Canvas (BMC) framework. It focuses on understanding consumer preferences, hijab fashion trends, and aspirations for a modern lifestyle as a foundation for designing products and marketing strategies. The research employs a case study approach with qualitative methods to gain in-depth insights. A comprehensive SWOT analysis was conducted, supported by qualitative data collection and analysis to understand the internal and external factors influencing Gyura Hijab's business strategy. The findings indicate that Gyura Hijab is strategically positioned to expand its business through initiatives such as opening new branches in different regions with unique concepts and products. The company plans to develop a Budget Plan (RAB) for new stores with distinct decorations, products, and partnerships. It also aims to launch partnership programs as a promotional strategy, foster collaborations with loyal customers, and implement more aggressive marketing tactics both online and offline. This study contributes to the practical understanding of utilizing the BMC framework for business development in the hijab fashion industry. The novelty lies in tailoring the BMC framework to the specific needs of a hijab fashion business, providing actionable insights for practitioners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the industry.

π-π stacking assisted regioselectivity regulation in palladium-catalyzed cyclization reactions: a theoretical study.

The regulation of regioselectivity is an objective often pursued by organic chemists, and the comprehension of its mechanisms is crucial for devising efficient synthetic pathways. In this report, we conducted theoretical calculations to explore the regioselectivity regulatory mechanisms of two palladium-catalyzed cyclization reactions. In these cyclization reactions, manipulating the structural differences in the reaction substrates leads to the formation of distinct products. A detailed reaction mechanism and reactivity profile for this reaction were revealed. Furthermore, a π-π stacking assisted regioselectivity regulatory mechanism was proven by distortion-interaction energy analysis and noncovalent interaction calculations. The calculated results presented herein provide a theoretical guide for further experimental investigations of regioselectivity regulation.

Chemical quantification of N-acyl alanine methyl ester (NAME) production and impact on temporal gene expression patterns in Roseovarius tolerans EL-164

BackgroundPrevious studies have identified structurally diverse N-acyl amino acid methyl esters (NAMEs) in culture extracts of Roseovarius tolerans EL-164 (Roseobacteraceae). NAMEs are structural analogues of the common signaling compounds N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), but do not participate in AHL-mediated signaling. NAMEs show minor antialgal and antimicrobial activity, but whether this activity serves as the primary ecological role remains unclear.ResultsTo enable dose-dependent bioactivity-testing, we have established a chromatographic method for quantification of NAMEs in bacterial culture extracts. The concentrations determined for the two major NAMEs produced by EL-164, C16:1-NAME and C17:1-NAME, ranged between 0.685 and 5.731 mg L− 1 (2.0-16.9 µM) and 5.3–86.4 µg L− 1 (15.0-244.3 nM), respectively. Co-quantification of the C14:1-AHL showed concentrations ranging between 17.5 and 58.7 mg L− 1 (56.6-189.7 µM). We observed distinct production patterns for NAMEs and AHLs, with a continuous NAME production during the entire incubation period. We conducted a spike-in experiment, using the determined metabolite concentrations. By comparing the transcriptomes of pre- and post-metabolite-spikes, we identified three clusters of differentially expressed genes with distinct temporal expression patterns. Expression levels of stress response genes differed between NAME- and AHL-spiked EL-164 cultures in the stationary phase.ConclusionsOur findings support previous studies suggesting an ecological role for C16:1-NAME as antibiotic, by proving that NAME concentrations in batch cultures were higher than the minimal inhibitory concentrations against Maribacter sp. 62 − 1 (Flavobacteriia) and Skeletonema costatum CCMP 1332 (Coscinodiscophyceae) reported in the literature. Our study further exemplified the broad application range of dose-dependent testing and highlighted the different biological activities of NAMEs and AHLs.

Unveiling consumer satisfaction and its driving factors of EVs in China using an explainable artificial intelligence approach

As China’s electric vehicle (EV) industry shifts from policy-driven to market-oriented development, understanding post-purchase satisfaction and its driving factors becomes imperative. This study compiled objective product attributes and consumer online reviews for 1321 EV models from China’s largest automotive website, Autohome, covering the period between 2014 and 2022. By employing data mining and sentiment analysis (SA) techniques, this research extracted consumers’ overall satisfaction with EVs and identified the subjective product attributes that garnered the most attention in consumer online comments. Utilizing a machine learning (ML)—SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework, the research pinpointed the most impactful objective and subjective product attributes on consumer satisfaction and ranked their impact intensity both statically and dynamically. The findings reveal that Chinese consumers are generally satisfied or very satisfied with their EVs. From a static perspective, distinctive objective product attributes of EVs, such as total motor power and range, play a crucial role in influencing consumer satisfaction. In terms of subjective product attributes, aspects like space, design, handling, and comfort are the most captivating to consumers and significantly shape their satisfaction. However, the dynamic analysis indicates that range anxiety persists, despite gradually increasing consumer satisfaction as the EV market matures. Additionally, price remains a crucial factor, particularly following the widespread implementation of subsidy withdrawal policies, making it the most sensitive factor for EV consumers. This study represents the first application of an explainable artificial intelligence framework to quantify the marginal impacts of various automotive product attributes on consumer satisfaction.

Effect of Selective Milling on the Concentration Process of Critical Raw Materials from MSW Incinerator Bottom Ash

This research introduces selective milling as a reliable and effective initial concentration process to enable efficient separation and ensure high recovery rates of valuable and critical materials (minerals and metals) from processed incinerator bottom ash (pr.IBA), a treated mineral fraction originating from the conventional municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator bottom ash (IBA) processing steps. Four different types of pr.IBA (each sample weighing up to three tons) were selectively milled using a demonstration-scale vertical roller mill to produce three distinct products: fine, middle, and coarse fractions. Chemical analysis demonstrated that a concentration step after selective milling could be reliably achieved regardless of the variation in the sources and qualities of the input materials. Specifically, calcium-containing compounds can be enriched in the fine fraction, potentially containing Ca2SiO4, CaSO4, and CaCO3. Complementary to its particle size equivalent to the raw mix, this calcium segregation could be valuable as an alternative material in cement clinker production. Conversely, the segregation of metal-bearing substances, particularly iron and copper, was detected in the coarse fraction. Such segregation is comparable to specific ore grades and enhances the possibility of metal recovery from pr.IBA.

Precise control of CO2 electroreduction pathways over copper foil through regulating the microenvironment between morphology and crystal plane

Precisely regulating the reaction pathway to produce desired products is a major challenge in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (eCO2R). In this paper, the wet chemical method was used to adjust the microenvironment between surface morphology and crystal planes of copper-based catalyst to accurately modulate eCO2R pathway, and to achieve the switching between methane (CH4) and ethylene (C2H4) products. In high concentration acidic CuCl2 etching solution for 80 s (Cu-3.6M-80s), the surface of copper foil formed a nano-groove structure with exposed Cu (111), which exhibited remarkable selectivity towards CH4 production. In contrast, when subjected to a low concentration acidic CuCl2 etching solution for 60 s (Cu-1.8M-60s), the copper foil surface exhibited a nanosheet/cube structure exposing Cu (220) and CuCl (111), resulting in the main product switched from CH4 to C2H4 with 57.03 % at −1.0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. In-situ attenuated total reflectance infrared and density functional theoretical calculations demonstrated that the Cu-3.6M-80s effectively enriched proton donation and lowered the energy barrier for *CO hydrogenation, while the Cu-1.8M-60s enhanced coverage of *CO intermediates, thereby promoting subsequent C-C coupling. This study presented a promising strategy for modulating the local microenvironment of catalysts, enabling precise control eCO2R pathway to achieve distinct target products.

Divergent Sc(OTf)3‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization of o‐Hydroxyphenyl Enaminones with 1,3,5‐Triazinanes: Access to C3‐Aminomethyl Chromones and Tetrahydropyrimidines

AbstractA Sc(OTf)3‐catalyzed tandem cyclization reaction of o‐hydroxyphenyl enaminones with 1,3,5‐triazinanes has been developed to generate two distinct annulated products in moderate to good yields, which is dominated by the electronic characteristics of the 1,3,5‐triazinanes. The 1,3,5‐triaryl‐1,3,5‐triazinane reacted as C−N synthon to produce C3‐aminomethyl chromone, while the 1,3,5‐trialkyl‐1,3,5‐triazinane acted as C−N−C−N synthons to deliver N,N‐dialkyl tetrahydropyrimidine with a free hydroxyl group.

Staging anxiety through magical realism: A practice-based exploration in two theatrical productions

Anxiety disorders are prevalent in everyday life, yet theatrical realism often struggles to capture and convey the lived experiences from the points of view of those affected. This practice-based research explores how magical realism can serve as an alternative mode of representation to depict the internal experiences of characters with anxiety disorders on stage. The study began with a literature review on magical realism and anxiety disorders, identifying key characteristics that informed the development of performances. Through a devising process, the research culminated in two distinct productions: “The Practice,” a devised piece created with a group of seven actors and showcased at the Bangkok Theatre Festival in November 2022, and “As Fa As Farida,” a solo performance developed collaboratively by the researcher-director and an actor, staged in May and June 2023 at the Faculty of Communication Arts, Chulalongkorn University. Despite differences in scale and presentation, both performances were able to portray the inner worlds of characters with anxiety disorders through the essence of magical realism, characterized by four main themes identified through thematic analysis: the interplay of reality and fantasy, the disruption of space and time, metatheatrical reflections on society and identity, and voices from the margins. The insights from this study can guide future theatrical experiments and be applied across various media, including literature, film, and other art forms.

Potential for Allergic Contact Dermatitis in Popular Depilatory Wax Hair Removal Practices and Ingredients.

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction that can commonly arise from exposure to allergens in personal care and cosmetic products. Depilatory waxing, a common hair removal practice, involves the use of various products that may contain potential contact allergens. There is limited literature discussing ACD to hair removal products. We aim to discover the most common allergens prevalent in depilatory waxing products used in a popular wax center in the United States and those found in online marketplaces. Through communication with the salon staff, we reviewed the involved products and analyzed all ingredients for common allergens. We also conducted an online search to examine the ingredients and the most common allergens of the top 10 bestselling wax strips across four selected online marketplaces (CVS, Amazon, Walmart, and Walgreens). The final query of online products consisted of 12 distinct wax products and 10 postwax products. Among the products used in the salon, the most common allergens were vitamin E, colophony, botanicals, fragrance, beeswax/propolis, and color additives, in descending order. The most frequent allergens commonly encountered in online wax products included color additives, found in 67% (8/12) products, followed by botanicals and colophony, both present in 58% (7/12) products. In the postwax products, the most frequent allergen was vitamin E present in 100% (10/10) of the products, followed by fragrance (8/10). Although these allergens do not frequently cause ACD, it remains crucial to identify and note them in hair removal products to address any potential cases. Raising awareness of these allergens in all steps of hair removal can help ensure the safety and comfort of patients undergoing waxing treatments.

Optimizing quality and cost in remanufacturing under uncertainty

AbstractIn the context of growing sustainability demands, businesses are increasingly adapting their production practices by integrating remanufacturing. However, companies often face challenges in profitably implementing remanufacturing due to complexities arising from uncertainties in processes, product quality, and market conditions. This highlights the need for effective decision support in remanufacturing processes. Addressing this challenge, our research introduces an algorithm designed to identify cost-efficient process plans that optimize order fulfillment while considering a company’s specific capabilities and inventory levels. By modeling the remanufacturing planning process as a Markov process, our algorithm comprehensively accounts for both process-related and quality-related uncertainties. This approach enables the evaluation of all Pareto optimal process plans in terms of cost efficiency and reliability. We validate our methodology through a real-world application in the automation industry, specifically focusing on the remanufacturing of variable speed drives. This case study demonstrates the practical relevance of our approach and a potential for significant cost reductions, enhanced process efficiency, and improved labor productivity. Overall, businesses gain critical insights into the financial prospects of their remanufacturing efforts, identifying opportunities for optimization and expansion into new product quality categories. This enhances their economic potential and aligns with consumer preferences for distinct product qualities.

Enhancing Accessibility in Online Shopping: A Dataset and Summarization Method for Visually Impaired Individuals

A visually impaired individual (VI) encounters numerous challenges in their daily activities, particularly in tasks reliant on visual systems such as navigation, educational pursuits, and shopping. Online shopping poses a heightened difficulty due to its reliance on visual representations of products in digital formats. The impact of visual impairment on product selection based on reviews remains inadequately investigated. This study endeavors to address two primary objectives. Firstly, we propose the creation of a dataset comprising product review videos (referred to as PVS10) tailored for visually impaired individuals. Secondly, we present a foundational summarization methodology designed to facilitate access to pertinent and informative content within extensive video collections for visually impaired individuals. Our dataset, gathered from YouTube, encompasses 10 distinct products, each associated with the top 10 review videos, totaling 100 videos of varying lengths. Utilizing the search term "review videos of PRODUCT NAME", we assembled the dataset to facilitate automated summarization processes aimed at maximizing salient information, minimizing redundant content, and preserving the overarching sentiment conveyed in the reviews. This research focuses on the challenges faced by visually impaired people in online shopping, particularly when selecting products based on customer reviews. Our study demonstrates that people with visual impairments may actively explore product reviews and only acquire the information they require.