Consumerism Research Articles

Consumer preferences toward new circular bioeconomy agri‐food products

AbstractThe integration of circular bioeconomy (CB) principles into food production is key for a sustainable food sector. This research analyzes consumers' preferences for food products that include CB‐related attributes; namely, zero (plastic/bio) waste generation, carbon neutrality, sustainable water use and soil management, biodiversity conservation, and contribution to the rural economy. A novel approach is applied, combining best‐worst scaling choice experiments with contingent valuation and using a scale‐adjusted latent class model specification. The results reveal consumers have intense preferences for CB attributes in food, especially those related to plastic waste management, sustainable water use, rural development, and biodiversity. Four different consumer classes are identified according to their preferences toward CB attributes (Eco‐multifunctionals, Utilitarians, Sustainable agrarians, and Circulars—the latter two newly identified here). Willingness to pay varies by attribute and class. Relevant implications are drawn for businesses, especially about potential differentiation marketing strategies.

From Neopatrimonial Science to Consumption of Academic Degrees: The Case of Political Science in Ukraine

Abstract This paper is devoted to the transformation of the practices of obtaining academic degrees in Ukraine by applicants from outside the Academy. My hypothesis is that neopatrimonial science, political regime, and credentialism have led to consumption of academic degrees in Ukraine. It is a socially and politically selective process, where the initial pattern is established by the reference groups of top officials. This pattern is subsequently copied and reproduced by lower ranks. It is related to (economically) favorable conditions contributing to the transfer of academic regalia from the category of luxury goods to objects of mass consumption. This process has its own specific features for different groups of applicants from outside the Academy, where the significant factors are the applicant’s position and its rank, regional structure of the political regime, and gender. The empirical basis of the work was: (a) career patterns of 642 former and current governors and/or heads of Regional Councils during 1992–2024; (b) 1,735 candidate (PhD) theses in political science defended during 1999–2024.

Development of mathematical models of power consumption at coal plants

The object of research is coal enterprises where powerful electrical equipment is used (underground installations up to 3000 kW, tunneling complexes of 500–1500 kW, technological complexes of 6–10/0.4 kV, etc.). The deficit of generated capacities, caused by growing energy consumption, can be reduced by regulating power consumption modes. The relevance of this issue is determined by the need to conduct a research of the electricity consumption system, to determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of electricity consumption using mathematical models. The lack of mathematical models makes it difficult to analyze energy intensity and consumption modes of each technological operation in the overall balance of electricity consumption of coal enterprises. The article considers the structure and classification of the main technological groups of energy consumers, the development of mathematical models for each type of load modes, as well as a generalized model of electricity consumption of coal enterprises, with the use of mathematical apparatus of probability theory and mathematical statistics. As a result of the work, mathematical models of the electricity consumption process for the main technological groups and for models of daily electricity consumption of coal enterprises as a whole were developed, and it was also established that technological objects of electricity consumption are divided into three different values, in terms of power consumption modes: constant, uniform and pulse. For each class of consumers their statistical characteristics were obtained. The work results can be applied for managing power consumption modes of coal enterprises

FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF DIFFERENT COMMERCIALLY SOLD VEGETABLE OILS WITHIN SOUTHERN KADUNA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Most of the edible vegetable oils in southern Kaduna are locally processed and are available in a large commercial quantity with little known about their fatty acid (FA) content. The aim of this work was to investigate the fatty acid content of these oils and their potential impact on human health. Six commonly used edible vegetable oil samples sold in various Southern Kaduna markets were analyzed for different fatty acids content using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The result of the analysis showed differences in the contents of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated (PUFAs). Coconut oil and kernel oil showed high content of SFAs (86.21% and 78.76%) respectively, while olive oil and peanut oil displayed significant amounts of MUFAs (75.40% and 47.62%) respectively due to high content of oleic acid (C18:1). Soybean oil with 58.06% of linoleic acid (C18:2) showed the highest total PUFA content of 65.23%. The Health Risk Index (HRI) was evaluated to assessed the impact associated with the overall intake of fatty acids in vegetable oils. The HRI were 1.78 (peanut), 0.04 (kernel), 0.23 (palm), 0.2(coconut), 4.05(soybean) and olive (0.71). Thus, soybean oil, peanut oil and olive oil have the optimum PUFA:SFA ratio according to FAO/WHO recommendations. Hence, they are recommended for mass consumption. The health promotion index (HPI) was also evaluated to assessed the content of certain essential fatty acids in various oils which have specific health benefits. The results of HPI investigation showed that only Soybean oil contains the balanced ω-6: ω-3 fatty acid ratio of 8.1 than others.

Evaluating the Effects of an 8-Week Zumba Exercise Program on Physical Fitness in Sedentary Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week Zumba exercise program on physical fitness and body composition among sedentary women. The primary goals were to assess changes in muscle mass, flexibility, back strength, cardiovascular fitness, body weight, and body fat percentage. Materials and methods. Twenty-four female volunteers (mean age: 22.30 ± 2.10 years, height: 162.80 ± 4.00 cm) from North India were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, participating in a structured Zumba program (60-minute sessions, thrice weekly), or a control group, maintaining their usual activities. The initial and follow-up assessments comprised the measurement of height, weight, Body Fat Percentage (BFP), Body Muscle Mass (BMM), grip strength, back strength, flexibility, and Maximal Oxygen Consumption (VO₂max). Results. The statistical analysis conducted using the SPSS 26 software and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test revealed significant improvements in the experimental group. Body weight decreased from 58.20 ± 5.10 kg to 56.80 ± 5.00 kg (p = 0.002), body fat percentage dropped from 25.10 ± 5.80% to 23.80 ± 6.00% (p = 0.03), and body muscle mass increased from 20.40 ± 3.20 kg to 21.00 ± 3.30 kg (p = 0.04). Grip strength improved from 32.50 ± 5.00 kg to 33.20 ± 4.80 kg (p = 0.05), back strength rose from 85.00 ± 22.00 kg to 105.00 ± 25.00 kg (p = 0.001), flexibility increased from 31.00 ± 2.80 cm to 34.00 ± 2.50 cm (p = 0.002), and VO₂Max increased from 41.00 ± 5.00 ml/kg/min to 44.00 ± 4.50 ml/kg/min (p = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusions. The 8-week Zumba program significantly enhanced physical fitness and body composition in sedentary women, improving muscle mass, flexibility, back strength, and cardiovascular fitness. These findings support Zumba as an effective and enjoyable exercise option, promoting an active lifestyle and better health outcomes, reinforcing its role as a comprehensive fitness solution suitable for encouraging sustained physical activity.

Public preferences for edible invasive alien marine species - The Atlantic blue crab in southern Italy

Since 2014, the provision of the aquatic ecosystem services has been gradually affected due to the biological invasion of Callinectes sapidus (Rathbun, 1896, Crustacea, Decapoda, Portunidae), commonly known as Atlantic blue crab, across several lagoon-like locations in Italy. In addition, this serious aquatic invasive species, native of North American coasts, has already inflicted economic damage of about EUR 100 million to the Italian fishing and farming communities over the past year. To counter their severe and rapid spread, the Italian Government has encouraged the fishing communities to catch as many as possible and commercially exploit them for human consumption in an attempt to manage their expansion. Since there is an ongoing promotion for the consumption of blue crab by forging novel food businesses in Italy, this paper aims to predict the public preferences and their willingness to pay (WTP) towards this biological invader. For this purpose, a discrete choice experiment approach is used, by means of a multinomial logit model (MNL) and latent class model (LCM). The social field survey involves a representative sample of 440 valid respondents in Apulia Region, southern Italy. The descriptive statistics results reveal that 67.50% of the local citizens interviewed know about the blue crab invasion, while 29.09% of them have already consumed this seafood species. In addition, the MNL results show that the most appreciated attributes of the blue crabs by respondents are freshness and large size. Further, the LCM findings reveal two representative classes of Apulian consumers; the first group of citizens (70.9% of total respondents) expresses positive appreciation for consuming blue crabs, while the second group (29.1% of total respondents) is not willing to pay a premium price regarding this potential commercial activity. Furthermore, the econometric results show that the average value that Apulian’s (i.e. those belonging to Class/Group I of respondents) WTP for blue crabs’ consumption is about EUR 18 per kilogram. In this regard, this research has public and private implications and may reasonably promote the commercial exploitation of blue crabs, enhancing the reduction of its population density through human consumption as a promised management control strategy and forging a novel profitable business mainly for local small-scale artisanal fisheries.

Research on the effect of CO2 and H2O on NO reduction of biomass char by the equivalent characteristic spectrum method via an on-line mass spectrometer

Despite extensive experimental studies on NO reduction by biomass char, the impact of high concentrations of CO2 and H2O on the NO-char reaction remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the effects of CO2, H2O, and CO2+H2O atmospheres on NO reduction by biomass char in a micro-fluidized bed (MFB). Experiments were conducted at 900 °C, with CO2 concentrations ranging from 20 % to 80 % and H2O concentrations from 10 % to 40 %. The results show that increasing concentrations of CO2 and H2O accelerate the NO reduction rate. However, under high CO2 and H2O concentrations, both the maximum NO reduction efficiency and the mass consumption of nitrogen decrease. In a CO2 atmosphere, nearly all nitrogen from NO converts to N2, but this conversion efficiency declines in the presence of H2O. When both CO2 and H2O are present, H2O predominantly governs the NO consumption rate. Additionally, the apparent activation energy for NO reduction is higher in an H2O atmosphere compared to a CO2 atmosphere at similar concentrations.

Azúcares totales y azúcares añadidos reportados en las etiquetas nutricionales de bebidas comercializadas en El Salvador

In the present investigation, elements were soughtto be able to argue about the importance of declaring total sugars and added sugars in the nutritional labels of beverages marketed in El Salvador, since currently neither of these two parameters is mandatory to declare. It began by studying the data reported on the labels of 112 mass consumption beverages in El Salvador, finding that 54 % exclusively use caloric sweeteners, while 36 % use a mixture of caloric sweeteners with non-caloric sweeteners. It was also found that 62.5 % of the beverages declare only total sugars and 34 % declare both total sugars and added sugars. When calculating the energy provided per serving due to sugar between the total energy, it was found that both beverages that contain only caloric sweeteners, as well as those that contain a mixture of caloric and non-caloric sweeteners, exceed 10 % of the value, so that, if front labeling were mandatory in El Salvador, these products should have a warning of “excess of sugar”. Finally, a sample of 23 beverages was taken to perform the analysis of total dissolved solids (refractometric assay), which correspond to the total dissolved sugar, finding that in all the samples the total sugar content reported on the label corresponds to the result obtained in the laboratory. ILIA: Investigaciones Latinoamericanas en Ingeniería y Arquitectura, No. 01, 2024: 208-212.

A novel method for identifying rock interfaces and fragmentation zones based on drilling response characteristics

The rapid measurement and acquisition of the fracture characteristics and strength of the surrounding rock are crucial for evaluating the stability of underground engineering. In this study, a laboratory/coal mine universal drilling test platform was developed to enable real-time measurement of drilling parameters. The testing results demonstrate that under identical rotation speed conditions, both thrust force and torque increase exponentially with increasing drilling speed, while under identical drilling speed conditions, both thrust force and torque decrease linearly with increasing rotation speed. In intact rock layers, variations in torque, thrust force, and drilling speed with depth remain relatively stable, in rock layer interfaces and fragmentation zones, sudden changes occur within a drill displacement range of approximately 3–7 mm, which become more pronounced as strength differences between adjacent rock layers increase.Based on the cutting mechanics model of drill bit, the evaluation index of drilling energy consumption of unit rock mass (Eη) is derived. Subsequently, based on drilling speed, rotation speed, thrust force, torque and energy index, a machine learning model for predicting rock strength is established using the LS-SVM nonlinear regression approach. Field practice has shown that drilling platform can effectively identify both the rock interface and range of fragmentation areas. The experimental results are of great value to the selection of supporting types in the process of coal mine roadway excavation.

Kinetic research of red mud waste oxidative pyrolysis and comparison under different atmospheres

Red mud, as a solid waste with high alkalinity, had a detrimental impact on the environment and required urgent attention. Currently, the mass processing and consumption of red mud were typically conducted under thermal conditions, so it was essential to gain a comprehensive understanding of the oxidative pyrolysis process. The thermogravimetric experiments were conducted at multiple heating rates in air and exhibited three obvious stages. The activation energy and reaction mechanism of three oxidative pyrolysis stages were explored using model-free and model-fitting methods, revealing the activation energies of 162.2, 265.8, 214.1 kJ/mol and the most suitable reaction mechanisms of g(α)=[-ln(1-α)]³, g(α)=1-(1-α)1/⁴, g(α)=[-ln(1-α)]1/2 for each stage, respectively. Furthermore, the estimated kinetic parameters and reaction mechanisms were applied to extra heating rate to verify the accuracy. More important, the effect of air on the pyrolysis process of red mud was examined by comparing the results with those obtained from pure nitrogen pyrolysis. The obtained oxidative pyrolysis characteristics of red mud could provide valuable insights of its co-pyrolysis or combustion for resources recycling.

High-intensity interval training vs. yoga in improving binge eating and physical fitness in inactive young females

Yoga is effective in binge eating disorder (BED) treatment, but it does not seem effective enough to improve low physical fitness. In contrast, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is effective in improving physical fitness but has never been studied in the context of BED. In the study, 47 young inactive females with mild to moderate BED were recruited and randomly assigned to a HIIT group (HIIT), a Yoga group (YG), or a control group (CG; age, 19.47 ± 0.74, 19.69 ± 0.874, and 19.44 ± 0.63 years; BMI, 21.07 ± 1.66, 21.95 ± 2.67, and 20.68 ± 2.61 kg/m2, respectively). The intervention groups participated in 8-week specific exercises, while the CG maintained their usual daily activity. Before and after the training, participants were evaluated for BED using the binge eating scale (BES) and for physical fitness. The obtained data were compared within groups and between groups, and a correlation analysis between BES and physical fitness parameters was performed. After the training, the YG presented significant improvements in BES (− 20.25%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.408), fat mass (FM, − 3.13%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.269), and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max, 11.51%, p = 0.000, ηp2 = 0.601), whereas the HIIT showed significant improvements in body weight (BW, − 1.78%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.433), FM (− 3.94%, p = 0.033, ηp2 = 0.285), and BMI (− 1.80%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.428), but not in BES. Comparisons between groups revealed that both HIIT and YG had significantly higher VO2max levels than CG (HIIT 12.82%, p = 0.006, ηp2 = 0.088; YG: 11.90%, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.088) with no difference between HIIT and YG. Additionally, YG presented significantly lower BES than both HIIT (15.45%, p = 0.02, ηp2 = 0.03) and CG (11.91%, p = 0.022, ηp2 = 0.03). In conclusion, Yoga is an effective treatment for BED, but HIIT is not, despite its high efficacy in improving physical fitness.

The effect of organic fruit juices on physicochemical, microbiological and antioxidative aspects of organic goat's and cow's fermented whey beverages produced on laboratory and industrial scale

Fermented milk beverages have been known for years and are characterized by excellent health-promoting properties. Therefore, consumer attention has been drawn to this product type in recent years. In the presented research, the technology of production in laboratory and industrial scale of controlled fermentation of whey beverages containing sweet and sour organic cow's or goat's whey with the addition of organic fruit juices (apple, blackcurrant juice or Kamchatka berry), has been described. Food production on a laboratory scale involves small batch processes designed for experimentation and refinement, often with precise control over variables and conditions. In contrast, industrial-scale food production in enterprises focuses on large volume output with an emphasis on efficiency, consistency, and adherence to regulatory standards for mass consumption. In this study was examined the amino acid content and nutritional value of the obtained products. Tests were carried out on fermented whey drinks' microbiology and antioxidant properties. The significance was determined using an ANOVA (ANOVA)-each prepared drink was characterized by better antioxidant properties and nutritional values compared with product without juice addition. Microbiological examination proved that only one product was not fit for consumption according to the Polish norm. Using whey (goat and cow) as a base for a fermented beverage with enhanced health benefits is a positive step toward using products commonly regarded as waste.

Consumption of a Coffee Rich in Phenolic Compounds May Improve the Body Composition of People with Overweight or Obesity: Preliminary Insights from a Randomized, Controlled and Blind Crossover Study.

This study analyzes the effects on body composition and variables related to metabolic syndrome of two coffees with different degree of roasting and phenolic content. Sixty participants with body mass index between 25 and 35 kg/m2 and a median age of 51.0 years (Interquartile range 46.3-56) were recruited. The study was a controlled, randomized, single-blind crossover trial consisting in drinking three cups/day of roasted coffee (RC) or lightly roasted coffee (LRC) during 12 weeks with 2-week wash-out stages before each coffee intervention. LRC contained ≈400 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈130 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup while RC contained ≈150 mg of hydroxycinnamic acids and ≈70 mg of caffeine per 200 mL/cup. Along the study, in each of the six visits, blood pressure, body composition by bioimpedance, anthropometric measurements, and blood biochemistry were analyzed. The mean differences and p values were calculated using a linear mixed model (JASP.v.0.18.0.3). A total of 38 participants completed the study. After the consumption of both coffees, fat mass and body fat percentage (LRC: -1.4%, p < 0.001; RC: -1.0%, p = 0.005) were reduced, whereas muscle mass and muscle mass percentage slightly increased (LRC: 0.8%, p < 0.001; RC: 0.7%, p = 0.002). The decrease in fat percentage was greater with LRC compared to RC (-0.8%; p = 0.029). There were no significant changes in metabolic syndrome variables or in body weight. In conclusion, LRC was slightly superior at inducing changes in body composition.

Diazepam nanocapsules as an alternative for sleep induction: Development study and toxicity assessment

Diazepam (DZP) is a sedative medication prescribed to treat anxiety and as a sleep inducer, although its residual effects are unfavorable to patients. Nanotechnology represents a tool to improve the pharmacological characteristics of drugs, reducing their side effects. This study aimed to develop and characterize DZP nanocapsules and to evaluate their toxicity in alternative models and the hypnotic-sedative effect in mice. Nanocapsules were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and properly characterized. Long-term and accelerated stability studies were performed. The in vitro release profile was determined by diffusion in Franz cells. The safety of the formulation was evaluated in the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and the oral acute toxicity in mice. Pharmacological evaluation was performed using thiopental-induced sleeping time. DZP was successfully incorporated into Poly-(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocapsules, with high entrapment efficiency. The nanocapsule did not affect the development or survival of C. elegans, different from the free drug, which affected the nematode development at the higher tested dose. No signs of toxicity, nor body mass or feed consumption changes were observed during the 14 days evaluated. Finally, this innovative formulation carrying DZP can produce a hypnotic-effect at a reduced dose compared to the free drug, with no toxicity in alternative models.

Prospects for the development of charger-discharge devices of spacecraft power supply systems

Power supply system (PSS) is designed to ensure uninterrupted autonomous power supply of on-board equipment in all modes and at all stages during the active life of spacecraft. Lots of PSS makes up a significant proportion of the mass spacecraft and improvement of specific energy characteristics PSS this leads to a synergistic effect when the mass and energy consumption resources available for the payload are simultaneously increased, which increases efficiency of spacecraft generally. The article considers the evolution of structural and circuit solutions for PSS spacecraft, its energy-converting equipment and the effect of these changes on energy-mass characteristics PSS. It is shown that a significant effect on energy and mass characteristics PSS provide structural and circuit design solutions for charger and discharge devices of energy-converting equipment and the choice of voltage value accumulator batteries (AB). The development of the element base, the creation of programmable digital devices capable of functioning under the influence of space factors and the emergence of new circuit design and management solutions for pulse converters that have occurred in the last decade opens up new opportunities for improvement of the PSS of spacecraft. In the article as a charger and discharge device PSS reviewed pulse voltage converter (PVC) with a new modulation strategy, with the ability to reverse the flow of energy and the ability to work in a step-up mode with high efficiency. Its application as a single charger-discharge device (CDD) allows for a significant improvement in performance CDD and PSS in general, such as efficiency, energy mass, reliability and a number of others. Ability PVC to reverse the flow of energy and the possibility of working in a step-up mode opens up the possibility to abandon the use of AB with a voltage lower than the voltage at the main output PSS and switch to using AB with an average discharge voltage close to the voltage at the main output PSS. Such a structural and circuit design solution CDD and AB will allow you to increase efficiency of CDD up to 99 % and additionally improve energy and mass characteristics PSS.

Optimization of intelligent charge compression ignition engine in hybrid electric powertrain by adaptive equivalent consumption management strategy

Dual fuel intelligent charge compression ignition (ICCI), taking advantage of two direct injection fuel supply systems, substituted low-carbon fuels for conventional fuels, improving fuel economy and emissions. This study focused on the application of the ICCI engine on the power-split hybrid powertrain and carried out the influence of the real-time energy management strategy on ICCI engine performance. Taking the ideal solution calculated by dynamic programming (DP) as the benchmark, equivalent fuel consumption minimum strategy (ECMS) and adaptive equivalent fuel consumption minimum strategy (AECMS) were compared in aspects of ICCI engine performance and state of charge (SOC) control robustness. The results showed that AECMS had better performance on SOC control, where the maximum deviation from the ideal control by DP was lower than 0.5 % during the charge sustaining stage, and the maximum deviation during the charging and discharging stages was no more than 1.5 %. In terms of engine performance control, the accumulative fuel consumption increased by no more than 20 %, and the average E85 (85 % ethanol in ethanol-gasoline blend) substitution ratio reduced by less than 8 %. Despite consuming a high proportion of E85, the accumulative fuel mass consumption of the hybrid powertrain was still 4 % lower than the conventional diesel vehicle.

Female Mice Exposed to Pyriproxyfen Since Prepuberty Showed Reproductive Impairment During Sexual Maturity and Increased Fetal Death in Their Offspring.

Pyriproxyfen (PPF) is an insecticide used in agriculture, which is approved for use in drinking water tanks for human consumption. However, some studies indicate that it may act as an endocrine disruptor and affect nontarget organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PPF on reproduction and general health status in female mice exposed from pre-puberty to adulthood. In the first experiment, females were treated by gavage from postnatal day (PND) 23 to (PND) 75 and were distributed into three experimental groups: control (vehicle), PPF 0.1 mg/kg, and PPF 1 mg/kg. Female mice were assessed for the age of puberty onset, body mass, water and food consumption, and the estrous cycle. On PDN 75, a subgroup was euthanized, when vital and reproductive organs were collected and weighed. The thyroid, ovary, and uterus were evaluated for histomorphometry. The other subgroup was assessed in relation to reproductive performance and fetal parameters. In a second experiment, the uterotrophic assay was performed with juvenile females (PND 18) using doses of 0.01, 0.1, or 1 mg/kg of PPF. PPF treatment reduced thyroid mass and increased liver mass. Furthermore, there was an increase in ovarian interstitial tissue and, in the uterus, a decrease in the thickness of the endometrial stroma with reduced content of collagen fibers. There was also a reduction of 30% in pregnancy rate in the treated groups and an increase in the frequency of fetal death. This study suggests that, based on this experimental model, the insecticide may pose a reproductive risk for females chronically exposed to the substance from the pre-pubertal period until adulthood. These results raise concerns about prolonged exposure of women to the same compound.

Влияние термизации и пастеризации на качество сухого молока

Milk powder is a commercial product of mass consumption. Its popularity means a variety of quality and production requirements. New methods of skimmed milk powder production are strategically important for the food industry in Russia and worldwide. Russia is currently experiencing a shortage of low-heat milk powder import. The research featured the effect of thermal treatment and pasteurization mode on the protein profile and microbiological parameters of skimmed milk powder. The research objective was to establish the thermal variables for low-heat milk powder. The study involved raw milk, skimmed milk produced under different heat treatment conditions, and skimmed milk powder obtained from this milk. The authors used standard analytical methods to define the protein profile, as well as the microbiological and physicochemical parameters. A set of experiments made it possible to classify the heat treatment of skimmed milk powder produced under various milk pasteurization modes, as well as to establish its biochemical and microbiological parameters. The optimal mode for low-heat milk powder was a combination of thermal treatment (60 ± 2°C for 10 s followed by cooling to 10°C for 10 h) and low-temperature pasteurization (72 ± 2°C for 15 s). The powder obtained met the Technical Regulations of Customs Union TR CU 033/2013 and State Standard 33629-2015. A lower thermal load maintains the microbiological safety of milk powder while preserving its quality. In this study, the optimal thermal treatment and pasteurization mode yielded milk powder of low-heat category, thus preserving the native protein and microbiological safety. As a result, the low-heat milk powder acquired some high-quality functional and consumer properties.

Can sustainable biocommerce continue to support conservation, or will the captive breeding of offspring be its Achilles heel?

Abstract The trade in high‐value natural resources, particularly exotic plants and animals (henceforth biocommerce), can lead to both positive and negative impacts on wild populations. The exotic plant and animal hobbies are highly organized with internal cultures that are often poorly understood by non‐members; however, understanding them is of central importance for biocommerce with both direct and indirect consequences for the conservation of wild populations. Growing international demands for exotic species leaves simple questions related to the economics of biocommerce unexplored. The long‐term success of biocommerce businesses requires constant income, meaning they obtain and retain significant market proportions. Some biocommerce products can be reproduced by hobbyists and undercut business efforts based on sustainably produced exports. We analyse a test case in Neotropical poison frogs where sustainable biocommerce is burgeoning, yet (export‐based) businesses face direct market competition from the offspring produced within the countries, which receive their exports, and therefore are forced to rely on fervent customer support. Solution: We survey customers' behaviours where we find different classes of consumers, which differ in where they place higher values within the hobby. By taking into account these different classes, we gain insights and potential solutions to promote the stability of this unique type of biocommerce.

MPNG: A MATPOWER-Based Tool for Optimal Power and Natural Gas Flow Analyses

MPNG is an open-source simulation package for solving Optimal Power and Natural Gas Flow (OPNGF) problems. It is coded in <small>Matlab</small> and developed using the widely-used tool for power systems research and education, <small>Matpower</small>. MPNG assembles a nonlinear steady state OPNGF formulation for analyzing the integration of electricity and natural gas networks with order-of-priority classes of consumers and gas nodal price-controlled storage facilities. This paper presents the details of the nonlinear optimization model behind MPNG, as well as several features that were designed into it for the purpose of achieving robustness. These include an approximation of the Weymouth equation for handling bi-directional gas flows in pipelines, a per-unit representation for the natural gas network, and penalized slack variables for power and gas balances. Simulation results using a test case and the Colombian power and natural gas networks are presented to highlight MPNG&#x0027;s capabilities to solve OPNGF problems.