Production Of Consumer Goods Research Articles

The Impact of Hemp Derived Cannabinoid Potency from Consumer Product Goods on in vitro Lung and Liver Cells

Background: The surge in the popularity of cannabis has led to an increase in the number of companies producing hemp-derived consumable cannabinoid products. Despite extensive exploration of cannabinoid efficacy, safety remains underreported. Any contaminants that are not deemed analytes of interest are ignored, leaving their identities and safety profiles a mystery. The unregulated nature of the cannabinoid market places the onus on reputable companies to set industry standards for product cleanliness. Objective: This study aimed to address this gap by assessing high and low potency forms of three popular hemp-derived cannabinoids – Delta 8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), and Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabiphorol (Δ9-THCP). Methods: After identifying contaminants, the products were evaluated for toxicity in vitro using one liver and two lung cell lines in an effort to simulate the effects of oral consumption and inhalation. Results: Our study revealed that none of the compounds exhibited toxicity in the liver cell line, while all of the compounds exhibited toxicity in both of the lung cell lines – with the exception of one high-potency HHC sample. Conclusion: These findings highlight the critical need for stringent quality control in the cannabinoid industry, emphasizing the importance for both companies and consumers to prioritize clean, well-tested products to ensure safety in an increasingly unregulated market.

Šiauliai Labour Camp No. 294 of Prisoners of War of Germany and its Allies (1945–1948)

At the end of the Soviet-German war, in spring 1945, labour camps for prisoners of war of Germany and its allies were set up in Lithuania. One of them – was Šiauliai Labour Camp No. 294, which consisted of six divisions: Akmenė, Bačiūnai, Panevėžys, Pavenčiai, Radviliškis, and Šiauliai. In June 1945, 8,256 prisoners of war were imprisoned in Šiauliai Labour Camp and its divisions; on 1 January 1946, there were 5,714 prisoners remaining and on 1 June – 5,048 (4,363 worked outside the boundaries of the camp); and on 1 March 1947 – 2,583 prisoners. They were rebuilding the city of Šiauliai destroyed during the war: they rebuilt the drama theatre, 3 gymnasiums, a hospital, a railway station and other buildings. Prisoners also produced consumer goods and a variety of products at the camp workshop and did auxiliary works on the farm, so the camp was partially self-sufficient in terms of food. Prisoners, who worked in rural areas, received food from local residents. On average, there were around 3,000–4,000 prisoners in the camp each year.In terms of international humanitarian law, the repressive structures of the Soviet Union and the Lithuanian SSR basically observed the provisions of the 1929 Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, but in 1945–1946 due to extremely complicated natural and economic conditions, as well as the unpredictability of the camp administration prisoners had painful experiences. Many of them were ill; in winter 1945–1946 the camp suffered a typhus epidemic. Between 1945 and 1948 about 500 prisoners died, most of the prisoners were underfed and malnourished. The camp administration and managers of various economic entities abused the available cheap labour of prisoners, corruption thrived, there was large-scale embezzlement and there were minor thefts by the camp staff.The number of prisoners fluctuated each year: some of them were taken to the Soviet Union, others were repatriated; some prisoners escaped. According to some data, between 1945 and March 1947, 188 people escaped, but according to other data between 1946 and 1947, 99 prisoners escaped (50 were recaptured) and 2,321 were repatriated. When general repatriation started in the Soviet Union, Šiauliai Labour Camp was closed in autumn 1948. The remaining inmates were transferred to Vilnius Labour Camp No. 195 and subsequently in March 1949 repatriated back to their home countries.

A MATLAB platform for production planning in batch processing firms producing items that are jointly replenished

Rising levels of poverty have prompted manufacturers of non-durable consumer goods to explore opportunities at the lower end of the wealth spectrum. To enhance affordability for low-income consumers, these goods are often packaged in various sizes, including single-serve sachets. While numerous models and algorithms have been developed to determine the optimal frequency of manufacturing runs and packaging setups for the simultaneous replenishment of different pack sizes, there is a notable lack of literature addressing their implementation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in this sector. This gap may be attributed to the absence of accessible source codes, a shortage of model experts, and the complexity involved in manual calculations. To address this issue, we developed a user-friendly MATLAB software platform based on Goyal’s algorithm, tailored specifically for SMEs. The software prioritizes simplicity, interactivity, and flexible visual displays. It was validated against examples from existing literature and through randomly generated scenarios. Users can easily compute the optimal number of manufacturing setups, packaging frequencies for each pack size, and the associated costs by inputting relevant data such as manufacturing setup, inventory holding and packaging setup costs, and demand for each pack size. Importantly, users do not need expertise in modeling to operate the software. However, it is designed for single-product deterministic environments; future research should explore multi-product and stochastic modeling scenarios.

Understanding the shift: contextual determinants of classic and alternative servitisation trajectories

PurposeWhile servitization has been recognised for its potential to augment organizational revenue and fortify competitive advantage, the exploration of alternative servitization trajectories to the classical servitization model has been little explored in literature. Recent literature introduces the “service paradox” and presents different trajectories to the classical model, but it does not explain why a company chooses one trajectory instead of another. Therefore, this study aims to provide a model that, based on the contextual factors present, recommends which servitization trajectory the company should choose.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a combination of design science research (DSR) and context, intervention, mechanisms and outcomes (CIMO) to propose the model. An initial contextual factors list was created based on the literature, refined by the company’s employees and evaluated in three selected initiatives in the focal company. Furthermore, based on the understanding of the CIMO logic elements, four design propositions were elaborated to summarize the main findings of the study.FindingsThe study has demonstrated that the choice of a servitisation trajectory is intricately tied to a multitude of contextual factors, prompting organisations to deviate from conventional models towards alternative paths. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the underlying mechanisms and contextual drivers that shape servitisation decisions within the context of a consumer goods manufacturer. The analysis underscores the pivotal role of market dynamics and strategic adaptability in shaping servitisation strategies, underscoring the importance of customized approaches that cater to the distinct circumstances of each organisations.Originality/valueThe research contributes to both theory and practice by offering profound insights into the complex nature of servitisation, advocating for continuous adaptation and strategic alignment with market demands. For practitioners and decision-makers, the study provides valuable guidance on enhancing service offerings and navigating the complexities of servitisation within specific sectors, fostering a culture of learning and adaptation to drive sustainable growth.

Economic Factors and Performance of Selected Quoted Consumer Goods Manufacturing Companies: The Moderating Roles of Firm Agility

The problem of this study is the significant decline in the performance of consumer goods manufacturing companies, which is caused by various economic factors such as import policies, inflation, infrastructure, interest rates, and exchange rates. This study aims to evaluate the impact of economic factors on the performance of publicly traded consumer goods manufacturing companies and test how corporate agility moderates this relationship. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design with a population of 5,625 employees from 12 companies, yielding a final sample of 563. Data was collected through a questionnaire validated by confirmatory factor analysis and measured by a Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted with multiple regression using SPSS version 22.0. The results show that economic factors significantly affect firm performance, and firm agility significantly moderates this relationship. The conclusion of this study suggests that consumer goods manufacturing companies need to improve their agility to overcome the negative impact of economic factors. This study implies the need for more adaptive and flexible management strategies to enhance firm performance in the face of dynamic economic challenges.

Gender stereotypes in Lola Shoneyin’s the secret lives of baba Segi’s wives

This research focuses on gender stereotypes in selected African literary text. The way in which some African writers view gender inequalities and stereotypes in their characters is explored. We will also be able to see who is involved and affected by these gender inequalities and how. What determines beliefs about the ability and appropriate role of women? An overwhelming majority of men and women born early in the 20th century thought women should not work; a majority now believes that work is appropriate for both genders. Betty Friedan (1963) postulated that beliefs about gender were formed by consumer goods producers, but a simple model suggests that such firms would only have the incentive to supply error, when mass persuasion is cheap, when their products complement women’s time in the household, and when individual producers have significant market power (1). Such conditions seem unlikely to be universal, or even common, but gender stereotypes have a long history. To explain that history, we turn to a second model where parents perpetuate beliefs out of a desire to encourage the production of grandchildren. Undersupply of female education will encourage daughters’ fertility, directly by reducing the opportunity cost of their time and indirectly by leading daughters to believe that they are less capable. Children will be particularly susceptible to persuasion if they overestimate their parents’ altruism toward themselves. The supply of persuasion will diminish if women work before childbearing, which may explain why gender-related beliefs changed radically among generations born in the 1940s.

Green Manufacturing Practices and Learning and Growth Efficiency of Consumer Goods Manufacturing Companies Listed in Nigeria

The present paper investigates the impact of Green Manufacturing Practices (GMP) on the Learning and Growth (LGE) of consumer goods manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria. The study utilized Green Product Design (GPD), Green Supply Chain Management (GSM), Green Efficient Processes (GEP), Green Renewable Energy (GRE), and End-of-life Product Management (EPM) as constructs for green manufacturing practices on learning and growth efficiency of consumer goods manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for this study the consumer goods manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria made up the population of this study. The sample size of 228 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula and randomly selected. A 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire was employed for data collection. The validity of the instrument of data collected was premised on the vast experience of the managers and the reliability of the data was done using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient Technique which produced between 0.767 and 0.966 results. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to analyze and test the multiple regression. Descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics were used to analyze the data at a 5% significance level. The findings indicate that green manufacturing practices variables (GPD, GSM, GEP, GRE, and EPM) had a positive significant effect on learning and growth efficiency (Adj.R2 = 0.440, F(6,217) = 35.001, p < 0.05) indicating that a unit increase in GMPs will enhance the LGE of consumer goods manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria. These findings should be of major interest to the Management of the consumer goods manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria. They suggest that they need to make informed strategic decisions about green initiatives and prioritize investments in them, while Government policymakers develop or refine regulatory frameworks that encourage green manufacturing practices in the manufacturing industry. This investigation provides original empirical evidence on the effect of green manufacturing practices on the learning and growth efficiency of consumer goods manufacturing companies listed in Nigeria.

Analysis of Inflationary Burden Impact on The Consumption of Iraqi Households

The research focused on examining the connection between the inflationary burden and the consumption patterns of Iraqi families. Inflation significantly impacts consumption, and Iraq is grappling with rising prices, leading to a crisis in the cost of living due to increased prices for essential goods and reduced government subsidies. The study aimed to provide insights into the inflationary burden phenomenon, highlight the primary channels affecting Iraqi families, and explore short and long-term consequences. It also aimed to identify the variables and causes contributing to the wage-price gap. Ultimately, the research sought to address the issue of the inflationary burden in the Iraqi economy, which has adversely affected the standard of living for families, resulting in reduced consumption and a diminished real value of money. The goal was to propose solutions to enhance living standards and manage price stability. Key findings :Recent years have seen a sharp increase in consumer spending as a percentage of total income, reaching 70%. This reflects the high prices of essential goods and services. The Iraqi economy has faced various crises, including war, the COVID-19 pandemic, exchange rate fluctuations, and global conflicts, leading to economic decline and worsened family conditions. Recommendations :Promote consumer spending awareness among Iraqi families through visual and audio advertising, encouraging responsible consumption and savings for future crises. Protect local products by imposing customs taxes on imports, except for essential items. Ensure coordination between fiscal and monetary policies to maintain price stability and boost consumer goods production, granting the central bank independence for policy development.

Internal Audit Practices and Quality of Financial Reports of Listed Consumer Goods Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria

The quality of financial reporting has remained an issue of significant concern among professional accountants, regulators, and other users of financial information. This is because financial reporting has been a principal means of communicating result of financial transactions and events which transpired within the organization. To that end, this study investigated the relationship between internal audit practices and financial reporting quality of consumer goods manufacturing in Nigeria. The research design used in this study was descriptive survey. The targeted population of this study consists of all the twenty-one (21) listed consumer goods manufacturing firms in the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) with a respondent total of two hundred and ninety (290). The sample size of the study consists of ten (10) consumer goods manufacturing firms that have branches in South-South, Nigeria using purposive sampling technique. The study employed primary data sourced from questionnaires administered to the respondents and two hundred and fifty-one (251) representing a response rate of 86.6% was used as sample size for the study. The study used content validity and Cronbach alpha reliability test was used to determine the statistical reliability of the instrument. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations and spearman rank correlation were used in data analysis. Findings indicated that a positive and significant relationship between internal audit control mechanisms and timeliness of financial reports, a positive and significant relationship between internal audit risk management and timeliness of financial reports, and a positive and significant relationship between management support and timeliness of financial reports of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Based on the findings, this study concluded that, internal audit practices positively and significantly influence financial reporting quality of consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The study recommended amongst others that consumer goods manufacturing firms in Nigeria should adopt the effective use of internal audit activities since it has positive and significant influence towards an improvement in financial reporting quality.

The Concept of Sustainable Development, Government Regulation, and Consumer Society

In the article, the author substantiates the possibility and necessity of government influence on the economy within the framework of implementing the concept of sustainable development. At the beginning of the article, the behavioral models of producers and consumers in the era of the «green» economy, declared and welcomed at the official level by the state and society, and their antagonistic contradictions with actual trends in the production of most consumer goods and services are described. The causes and possible long-term consequences of these contradictions for the development of the modern economy and modern consumer society are analyzed. Particular attention is devoted to the role of the state in solving global socio-economic problems. At the end of the article, several promising directions for improving production within the concept of sustainable development are given, which do not contradict the real patterns of development of the economy and society.

Indian Economy: Performance, Policies, Politics, and Prospects and Challenges

The paper begins with a bird's‐eye view of growth, showing that the Indian economy grew slowly during 1951–1988, faster during 1988–2003, and the fastest during 2003–2023. India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, sought to establish a self‐sufficient and socialist economy. Accordingly, he focused upfront on heavy industries, with the public sector leading the way. Employment and production of consumer goods were left to tiny household enterprises. The result was a highly controlled formal sector with nearly all capital and a swath of the informal sector with nearly all labor. Slow growth was the inevitable outcome. Some ad hoc liberalization began in the 1980s and became more systematic in the 1990s. However, socialism remained entrenched, resulting in a stop‐go process of liberalization. With reforms accumulating, the paper predicts a bright future, though the migration of the vast workforce from agriculture to industry and services is likely to remain a challenge.

A study on factors influencing churn at Enerlife India Private Limited

This research is about a study on factors influencing churn at Enerlife India Private Limited (Nabati). This company provides fast-moving consumer goods products all over India. The origin of the company is from Indonesia. Nabati Group is a business group that has a business focus in the field of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), especially food. The company was initially only engaged in the snack food business with a home industry scale. Assessing the impact of factors such as job satisfaction, cost Implications, leadership and management, employee burnout, career development, and flexible work arrangements. Proposing recommendations and best practices for reducing employee churn and fostering a more engaged and stable workforce. By studying the external factors, that influence churn in the organization, job security perceptions and career advancement opportunities on churn are the objectives. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on employee churn in the company by identifying new factors or confirming existing ones that influence churn rates within the organization. In research methodology a questionnaire to collect data from the employees. Stratified random sampling is a type of probability method using which a research organization can branch off the entire population into multiple non-overlapping, homogenous groups (strata) and randomly choose final members from various strata for research which reduces cost and improves efficiency. This research study underscores the importance of churn at the company. As the employees always looking for new roles for their career growth, the company should ensure that the employee will have their career growth in the company. Giving importance to the employee’s insights and suggestions will make as one of the retention strategies used by the company. Churn poses significant challenges for organizations, impacting productivity, morale, and financial stability.

Distinct epigenetic modulation of differentially expressed genes in the adult mouse brain following prenatal exposure to low-dose bisphenol A.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a common component in the manufacture of daily plastic consumer goods. Recent studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to BPA can increase the susceptibility of offspring to mental illness, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we performed transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling in the adult mouse brain following prenatal exposure to low-dose BPA. We observed a sex-specific transcriptional dysregulation in the cortex, with more significant differentially expressed genes was observed in adult cortex from male offspring. Moreover, the upregulated genes primarily influenced neuronal functions, while the downregulated genes were significantly associated with energy metabolism pathways. More evidence supporting impaired mitochondrial function included a decreased ATP level and a reduced number of mitochondria in the cortical neuron of the BPA group. We further investigated the higher-order chromatin regulatory patterns of DEGs by incorporating published Hi-C data. Interestingly, we found that upregulated genes exhibited more distal interactions with multiple enhancers, while downregulated genes displayed relatively short-range interactions among adjacent genes. Our data further revealed decreased H3K9me3 signal on the distal enhancers of upregulated genes, whereas increased DNA methylation and H3K27me3 signals on the promoters of downregulated genes. In summary, our study provides compelling evidence for the potential health risks associated with prenatal exposure to BPA, and uncovers sex-specific transcriptional changes with a complex interplay of multiple epigenetic mechanisms.

Effects of PFAS on human liver transporters: implications for health outcomes.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become internationally recognized over the past three decades as persistent organic pollutants used in the production of various consumer and industrial goods. Research efforts continue to gauge the risk that historically used, and newly produced, PFAS may cause to human health. Numerous studies report toxic effects of PFAS on the human liver as well as increased serum cholesterol levels in adults. A major concern with PFAS, also dubbed "forever chemicals," is that they accumulate in the liver and kidney and persist in serum. The mechanisms responsible for their disposition and excretion in humans are poorly understood. A better understanding of the interaction of PFAS with liver transporters, as it pertains to the disposition of PFAS and other xenobiotics, could provide mechanistic insight into human health effects and guide efforts toward risk assessment of compounds in development. This review summarizes the current state of the literature on the emerging relationships (eg, substrates, inhibitors, modulators of gene expression) between PFAS and specific hepatic transporters. The adaptive and toxicological responses of hepatocytes to PFAS that reveal linkages to pathologies and epidemiological findings are highlighted. The evidence suggests that our understanding of the molecular landscape of PFAS must improve to determine their impact on the expression and function of hepatocyte transporters that play a key role in PFAS or other xenobiotic disposition. From here, we can assess what role these changes may have in documented human health outcomes.

Resource Policy of the Third Reich in the Reichskommissariat Ukraine: Waste Recycling in 1941-1943

This article explores the assortment and primary methods of waste collection within the Reichskommissariat Ukraine during the occupation by Nazi forces. The Ukrainian occupational press serves as the primary source for this article. It demonstrates that the extraction of various resources and the plundering of material valuables were directed towards supporting the economic and military power of the Third Reich, with waste collection policies being one of its facets. To facilitate this activity in this realm, the Nazis utilized existing infrastructure within the territory of Ukraine, including warehouses, factories, and offices of Soyuzutyl, established on the eve of the Second World War, as well as the infrastructure of the consumer cooperative system. It is shown that the specificity of Ukraine lies in assigning waste collection duties to consumer cooperatives, which transformed into the primary suppliers of various raw materials for the needs of the Third Reich. Local administrations and individual cooperatives actively participated in this endeavor, and special associations were also established. Additionally, the occupying authorities sought to involve schoolchildren and the broader population, developing various incentive systems for this purpose, although the participation of these actors was minimal. The article examines the peculiarities of waste collection propaganda within the territory of the Reichskommissariat Ukraine, which was based on ideological motives such as gratitude for liberation from Soviet rule, as well as economic motives related to the need for waste to produce consumer goods for the local population by enterprises of the Nazi regime. It is argued that primary attention was given to collecting scrap black and colored metals, as well as bones, paper, and rags. The author suggests that the scale of economic plundering of Ukraine was much larger than commonly believed, yet acknowledges that this requires further in-depth research involving a wide range of archival sources.

CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS FMCG PRODUCTS

According to the findings of this study, the preferences of consumers about the quality of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) that they purchase are a significant element that influences brand purchases. The primary purpose of this research is to discover the factors that influence the purchasing behavior of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) products among the individuals who participated in the study. As time goes on, the processes that are involved in developing and promoting the brand of a firm that deals in fast-moving consumer items are becoming an increasingly important part of everyday life. Customers are constantly inundated with an excessive number of businesses with which they must contend. The "four Ps" of marketing—price, packaging, promotion, and purity—along with well-known names in the industry and premium products were the factors that made this a realization. According to the findings of the research, when consumers are about to make a purchase decision, they give the most weight to their familiarity with the brand as well as the quality of the goods. These items are consumed by people of all different races and ethnicities, even in more rural locations where name brands are extensively offered. Also, a significant amount of their financial resources is invested in these things. It is common knowledge that the majority of consumers prefer to do business with well-known companies that they are already familiar with, whether this preference is based on personal experience or advertising. The findings of this study also suggest that customers continue to maintain their views and behaviors with regard to fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands, even when they are dissatisfied with or uninterested in specific products. The company was able to improve the reputation of its brand among clients, despite the fact that it was subjected to a number of criticisms. Key Words: FMCG, Brand, Consumer Behaviour, buying behaviour, customer satisfaction, consumer awareness.

Assessing Financial Performance in Consumer Goods Manufacturing: The Role of Debt to Assets Ratio, Current Ratio, and Inventory Turnover

Manufacturing companies in the consumer goods sector play a vital role in satisfying market demands and attracting investors, especially those listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). This study assesses the financial performance of consumer goods manufacturing companies listed on the IDX, focusing on the cosmetics and household goods sub-sector. It examines the influence of Debt to Assets Ratio (DAR), Current Ratio (CR), and Inventory Turnover on financial performance. Data analysis utilizes panel data regression tests. Findings reveal that all three variables significantly impact financial performance, suggesting that managing these ratios can enhance company profitability and value. The study offers practical recommendations for improving asset management, liquidity, and inventory turnover to optimize consumer goods manufacturing sector financial performance.

Экономика СССР в начальный период Великой Отечественной Войны. Часть 1

The article analyzes the economic history of the USSR, covering an important period of the history of Stalin’s economic model – the initial period of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1942). The main feature of the Soviet economy during the war was that already in the first months the USSR lost control over the most developed industrial areas. This situation required fundamental reorganization of the structure of the economy, when its main production capabilities were used to produce military equipment at the expense of reducing the output of civilian products. The losses of the USSR economy from the occupation of part of the territory are considered and it is shown that the USSR in 1941–1942 fought Germany and its allies, having halved mobilization and economic potential. The article analyzes the process of transferring the economy to the war economy, which required an increase in the length of the working day and the abolition of vacations, the introduction of the card system, and the relocation of plants to other territories. The structure of state administration bodies, changes in the organization of management and the position of its individual participants in it are studied separately. Tables are given and analyzed, giving an idea of the volume and dynamics of production of means of production in this period, the production of non-ferrous metals, the production of consumer goods, military equipment. It is shown that due to the low quality of military production in the Red Army a huge proportion of non-combat losses, which was primarily due to unrealistic plans. The situation in agriculture is examined, where the decline in productivity was due to a number of reasons, including the predominant mobilization of the population from rural areas with a minimum of reservations, the almost complete cessation of supplies of mineral fertilizers and agricultural machinery and, consequently, a sharp decline in the mechanization of work. The situation in the construction industry, in the work of railroad transport is studied. The calculation of the dynamics of national income for 1940–1942 years is given. Thus, in the initial period of the Great Patriotic War revealed the strengths of the Stalinist economic model and created in the 30-ies military-economic potential, high qualifications of the country’s leaders promoted in the last pre-war years. The greatest achievements of the Soviet economy in this period are associated with the record-breaking rapid transfer of the entire economy on military rails.

Short-term steaming during processing impacts the quality of Citri Reticulatae ‘Chachi’ peel

Citrus peel is a commonly used food-medicine material in the production of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). For instance, Ganpu tea is manufactured by combining the peel of Citri Reticulatae ‘Chachi’ (PCRC) with Pu-erh tea. The alleviated irritation of PCRC through years of aging makes Citri reticulatae Pericarpium a traditional Chinese medicine. Herein, we introduced short-term steaming into the processing of PCRC to favor the quick removal of its irritation while retaining its food-medicine properties. Sensory evaluation and volatile component analysis showed that 60-s steaming reduced irritation of freshly prepared PCRC. Biological evaluations indicated no effects of steaming on the neuroprotective activity of PCRC. The process increased the contents of several bioactive ingredients, including hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and synephrine. In addition, physical indications of accelerating PCRC aging were observed. Taken together, our findings suggest that short-term steaming may offer a promising new possibility for enhancing the quality of citrus peel.

Effect of Thermally Extracted Carrot Oil Using Biomass Solvent to Boost Consumer Goods: Box-Behnken Design Approach

Massive production of fast-moving consumer goods boosts the economy of any nation. Thus, the need to look into ways of accelerating and transforming carrot utilization into more commercialized usage in order to add value to the developmental strides of any nation where carrot is cultivated like Nigeria. This study concluded that the optimization of the carrot oil extracted from crushed carrot and coconut oil (biomass volume) via soxhlet equipment using Box-Behnken Design (BBD) of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) approach, generated an ideal optimal output of 18.58 wt% at SW of 60 g, BV of 200 ml and ET of 14mins. Although, three input elements which are sample weight (SW), biomass volume (BV), and extraction time (ET) were modelled to generate 17 setups by BBD, but standard order (Std) 8 from the 17 setups generated an ideal output of 18.58 wt%. Thus, the process optimization of the extraction process via BBD of RSM showed that both the coefficient of determination (R2) which is 0.9886, and the difference between adjusted R2 and predicted R2 which is less than 0.2 fall within an ideal range. Also, the elements considered for modeling are mutually significant with the quadratic model equation and the interactive effects of the independent parameters on the carrot oil output showed that an increase in the sample weight and time led to a corresponding increase in the carrot oil output, and this is corroborated by the perturbation plot. Additionally, the physiochemical valuables of the carrot oil generated showed that the free fatty acid and the acid value were very low signifying that the carrot oil is edible and can be used in the manufacturing process using the saponification method in making soap and moisturizing cream for the benefit of mankind.