Product Improvement Research Articles

Mechanism of CaCl2 modulation of the properties of acyl-modified ovalbumin–myofibrillar protein composite gel

Chicken breast products exhibit a rough texture and poor taste owing to the special fibrous tissue structure of chicken breast. Thus, adapting the taste of processed chicken breast products is pivotal to improving consumer satisfaction. Therefore, we used CaCl2 and acyl-modified ovalbumin (AOVA) in a concerted effort to improve the gelation properties of chicken breast myofibrillar protein (MP). The investigation of molecular interactions and microstructure revealed the mechanism behind the changes in the physicochemical properties of the prepared gel. Molecular docking showed that AOVA enhanced the gel structure of MP through hydrogen bonding and salt bridges. The investigation results indicated that 0.30 mol/L CaCl2 facilitated the unfolding of AOVA-MP molecules, increasing the number of disulphide bonds and hydrophobic interactions, as well as conferring better hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewing properties to the AOVA-MP gel with a denser and more homogeneous gel network structure. This study provides new insights into the quality improvement in chicken breast mince products.

Engineered Gate-Based Nanoscaled JK Flip-Flop: Design, Simulation and Applications

In this paper, we design and simulate a novel, highly compact and power-efficient silicon-based JK flip-flop (JKFF) employing an engineered gate technique, for the first time. Herein, the pull-down and the pull-up paths used to realize the JKFF have been realized by 4 and 2 engineered gate transistors, respectively (total six), whereas 8 pull-ups and 8 pull-down (total 16) transistors are used to realize the JK flip-flip in the conventional MOS technology. Two-dimensional (2D) calibrated mixed-mode simulations have revealed substantial improvement in various performance measuring parameters of the proposed JK flip-flop. The proposed technique has resulted in a significant reduction of 62.5% in transistor count, [Formula: see text]9.12% in power consumption, 2.5% decrease in delay and 11.38% in power delay product in comparison to the conventional JKFF realization. Further, the proposed gate-engineered JKFF has been used to realize highly compact D and T flip-flops. It has been observed that a 55.5% and 62.5% decrease in transistor count have been achieved in comparison to the conventional MOS-based JKFF realization of D and T flip-flops, respectively. A significant improvement in power consumption, delay, and power delay products has been achieved in the proposed D and T flip-flops in comparison to the conventional JKFF-based D and T flips. It has been observed that notably, the versatility of this approach allows for straightforward adaptation to realize various other sequential and combinational circuits. Besides, the process flow for the fabrication of the proposed engineered gate transistors for realizing the JKFF, D and T flip-flops has also been given.

The Role of Technology and Automation in Streamlining Business Processes and Productivity for SMEs

Purpose: This research investigates the vital role of automation in enhancing business process efficiency and overall productivity within SMEs. It also discusses how technology can help overcome bottlenecks arising from human operation, resource limitation, and operational inefficiency, which have commonly been experienced by SMEs. Materials and Methods: The study combines an extensive review of existing literature with case studies from various industries to evaluate the effects of automation tools on SME operations. These tools range from cloud-based solutions to AI-powered systems, providing insights into their impact across different business processes. Findings: Research has shown that automation improves productivity in SMEs by up to 30%, reduces manual errors by 25%, and enhances data accuracy by improving employee focus on strategic tasks. In addition, the standardization of processes through automation ensures less variability in output. Automation also impacts customer experience positively by ensuring speed in service delivery and quality improvement in products. High upfront costs, however, combined with a shortage in skilled personnel and integrating new technologies with existing systems, remain barriers to wider adoption by SMEs. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Accordingly, the study recommends that the following measures be taken to counteract the problems posed: phase in automation, cooperate with technology providers who will devise cost-effective solutions, and invest in comprehensive training programs to fill the skills gap. Government incentives, such as tax breaks and subsidies, could also push SMEs toward broader automation. Thereafter, successful integration of automation will enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and create a sustainable growth path in the digital economy.

Product aesthetics and consumer buying decision in the cosmetic sub-sector in Nigeria

In the recent modern marketing age, there is huge competition of product atheistic due to changing life style of the consumers and the improvement in cosmetic products. Every organization focuses on the packaging positioning of products because that is the main tool of stimulating consumer buying decision. The objective of this paper was to examine the effect of product aesthetics on the consumer buying decision. This research identified the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. This survey research consists on the primary data which were collected through the distribution of the questionnaire and SPSS software was b used for the purpose of the analysis. This study consists on the response of the 100 respondents and tested the reliability of the model. Findings shows that the dimensions of product atheistic such as product information and product packaging have positive effect on consumer buying decision. Results also shows that the dimensions of product packaging explain the variability of consumer buying decision of cosmetic brands in selected super supermarkets. The study recommended that management of supermarkets should engage the services of professionals who are knowledgeable about customer reactions towards product information and texts in order to continuously develop and improve on their packaging so as to boost their consumer purchase decision. Keywords: Product Aesthetics, Product Information, Product Packaging, Consumer and Buying Decision.

Sound quality improvement on industrial products

Even with efforts to reduce the noise level (dB) of industrial products, some people remain dissatisfied with the sound of products due to annoyances remained. Annoyance is closely related to the sound quality (SQ), especially in quiet environments such as hospitals and laboratories, it is essential to improve the sound quality (comfort of listening) of products. We defined a method for evaluating the sound quality of industrial products that we handle using both existing and developed sound quality indices that focus on the high-pitched sound, the prominent peak noise, the rough sound and the beat/moan noise, and improved our actual products based on the method. In this paper, we introduce the evaluation method and the sound quality improvement in actual products, including one of research activities that contributes to the business unit and has the potential to create future customer value.

Recent Advances in Physical Processing Techniques to Enhance the Resistant Starch Content in Foods: A Review.

The physical modification of starch to produce resistant starch (RS) is a viable strategy for the glycemic index (GI) lowering of foods and functionality improvement in starchy food products. RS cannot be digested in the small intestine but can be fermented in the colon to produce short-chain fatty acids rather than being broken down by human digestive enzymes into glucose. This provides major health advantages, like better blood sugar regulation, weight control, and a lower chance of chronic illnesses. This article provides a concise review of the recent developments in physical starch modification techniques, including annealing, extrusion, high-pressure processing, radiation, and heat-moisture treatment. Specifically, the focus of this paper is on the alteration of the crystalline structure of starch caused by the heat-moisture treatment and annealing and its impact on the resistance of starch to enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as the granular structure and molecular arrangement of starch caused by extrusion and high-pressure processing, and the depolymerization and crosslinking that results from radiation. The impacts of these alterations on starch's textural qualities, stability, and shelf life are also examined. This review demonstrates how physically modified resistant starch can be used as a flexible food ingredient with both functional and health benefits. These methods are economically and ecologically sustainable since they successfully raise the RS content and improve its functional characteristics without the need for chemical reagents. The thorough analysis of these methods and how they affect the structural characteristics and health advantages of RS emphasizes the material's potential as an essential component in the creation of functional foods that satisfy contemporary dietary and health requirements.

Specific Features of the Development of Electrical Engineering Enterprises in the Conditions of Digitalization of the Economy

Article discusses the concept of digitalization, its role and importance in the development of the electrical engineering industry. The essence of the digital transformation process, the strategy of applying this process to the activities of enterprises and ways of implementing this strategy, including the introduction of modern information systems and software products improvement of the quality of products and services, trends in the development of electrical engineering products in the industry were discussed.

Predicting Quality of Modified Product Attributes to Achieve Customer Satisfaction

In the era of the competitive environment, the improvement in current products is ensured through activities aimed at increasing a product’s quality level and, consequently, reducing the amount of waste. The dynamically changing production environment and sudden changes in customer expectations force us to take precise and well-thought-out development steps. Furthermore, it is important to anticipate favourable product changes to prepare for market changes over time. This is still an open problem. The aim of this study was to develop a method to predict the quality of potential product prototypes resulting from the proposed modifications of the product features. This methodology takes into account current customer expectations. The method was created based on the principles of creating Quality Function Deployment (QFD) in the context of taking into account current and future customer expectations regarding product features. This is a new approach to analysing product quality within the principles of the traditional QFD method. The originality of the study is the technique used in the method to estimate the expected values of product features and their importance (weights), taking into account current customer expectations. Its originality is also manifested in drawing conclusions supporting the decision-making process of product improvement, because it involves ensuring the pro-quality modification of selected features of current products in the order that is most advantageous from the customer’s point of view. The use of the proposed method allows for the analysis of the impact of modifying the current value of a product feature. The method is illustrated with an example of a vacuum cleaner for home use. However, the proposed method can be applied to the design of any product to predict products that will meet customer expectations.

Enhancing operational rations for Special Operations Forces: A qualitative analysis and roadmap for product improvement

AbstractNinety‐eight (n = 98) military personnel from the Brazilian Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) participated in 10 Focus Groups to discuss the suitability of Combat Operational Rations with the service doctrine. The operational rations provided partially meet the operational and doctrinal demands of the SOF. Although the military personnel felt secure with the rations provided, the need to customize kits with locally sourced food items before the start of the mission and complaints about the excessive packaging volume were the categories that showed the highest level of engagement. The insights obtained for improving the rations indicated the need for adjustments in palatability, menu variety, modularization, practicality, and an increase in the nutritional content of macro and micronutrients. Further studies should be conducted in partnership with military technical sectors and strategic defense companies to assess the feasibility of developing rations better aligned with the SOF doctrine.Practical ApplicationsAddressing the challenges identified in the Rations used by the Brazilian Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) is crucial for improving the readiness and performance of elite military units and offers valuable insights for academic research. This benefits the academic community by demonstrating the real‐world relevance of nutrition science, food technology, and logistics in military settings. Furthermore, the collaboration between military technical sectors and strategic defense companies presents an opportunity for industrial innovation. Companies involved in producing and supplying rations can use these findings to develop more suitable, efficient, and cost‐effective products tailored to the unique demands of SOF units.

Life cycle assessment of waste tire recycling: Upgraded pyrolytic products for new tire production

Waste tire (WT) pyrolysis is an attractive option for material and energy recovery. Further upgrading of pyrolytic products demonstrates greater environmental and economic advantages than conventional pyrolysis. However, the advance in economic benefits brought by quality improvement of pyrolytic products is not significant. Therefore, this study proposed the circulation case of upgraded pyrolytic products for new tire production from WTs. This case recycles the products produced from WT pyrolysis into new tire production to establish a closed-loop between end-life and beginning-life of WTs. Three circulation cases using different modification methods of pyrolytic carbon black (CBp) were evaluated by several circular economy indicators. Results show that Case M1 (modified CBp (M-CBp) by physical modification) has the best resource-environmental performance (resource benefit to environmental cost ratio, RBECR), which is 20.35 % and 4.62 % higher than those of Cases M2 (M-CBp by nitric acid modification) and M3 (M-CBp by plasma modification), respectively. Case M3 has the best comprehensive performance (economic profit to environmental cost ratio, EPECR), which is 1.62 % and 2.82 % higher than that of Case M1 and Case M2, respectively. To acquire higher profits, the coupled-circulation case that combined M-CBp and reclaimed rubber for new tire production was further proposed, as reclaimed rubber was a major raw material for tire production with higher profitability. The proposed process recycles more materials into new tire production so that the EPECR and RBECR of coupled-circulation case increase by 55.7 % and 147.7 % as compared to the basic circulation case, respectively. Therefore, the coupled-circulation case demonstrates an efficient pathway for WT utilization. The sensitivity analyses further show that both the replacement rate of M-CBp prepared by plasma modification (M3-CBp) and price of crude oil significantly influence the resource-environmental performance, with the sensitivities reaching 101.3 % and 100 %, respectively. The replacement rate of reclaimed rubber is the most important factor for comprehensive environmental-economic performance, with the sensitivity reaching 44.1 %. Generally, coupled-circulation case can maintain good comprehensive benefits when various influencing factors change within the scope discussed in this paper.

Vertical Collusion to Exclude Product Improvement*

A manufacturer of an established product repeatedly interacts with a retailer that can sell an inferior new product thereby improving it. The manufacturer's exclusionary strategy consists of a permanently below‐cost wholesale price and “vertical collusion” with the retailer to exclude via a future reward of a reduced fixed fee. The latter tool is available only in an infinite game. Although contracts include fixed fees, the retailer sells the new product more than what maximizes industry profits. Exclusive dealing or a vertical merger between the manufacturer of the established product and the retailer replicate the vertically integrated outcome and increase prices.

Utilization of Printing Plate Waste As Applied Chemistry Learning Media For Using Engraving and Knocking Techniques

This study aims to utilize printing plate waste as alternative to making applied chemistry learning media using engraving and knocking techniques. The method includes three stages namely preproduction, production, and postproduction. Activities carried out in preproduction were collecting data through observation, interviews, literature studies, making pattern designs and teaching materials, and preparing tools and materials. The production stage focused on manufacturing the product. The product was hammered using hammer wrapped in paper adhesive and also engraved using CNC lasercutting machine. The postproduction stage included monitoring and evaluation and improvement of research products. The result was a set of learning media consisting of five media made of plates and one stand where media was placed. This learning media can be used in applied chemistry lectures to make it easier for graphic engineering students at Politeknik Negeri Media Kreatif to understand the lessons taught in class.
 Keywords: printing plate waste, applied chemistry media, engraving, knocking techniques

Urban Economic Resilience and Supply Chain Dynamics: Evaluating Monetary Recovery Policies in Global Cities during the Early COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global economies, underscoring the urgency of deriving lessons to enhance future crisis preparedness. This study explores the effects of monetary recovery policies on supply chain dynamics across key global cities during the pandemic’s initial phase, emphasising policy interactions, industry engagement, and economic resilience. Utilising principal component analysis (PCA), data envelopment analysis (DEA), and tobit regression, we present a pioneering method to unravel the complex relationship between economic policies and urban supply chains. PCA simplifies data complexity and reveals complex policy-resilience relationships, while DEA facilitates a comparative efficiency analysis. Our findings underscore the critical importance of supply chain resilience in fostering early economic recovery, indicating that cities implementing diverse, sector-specific policies achieved more notable improvements in gross domestic product (GDP). This research not only advances methodological approaches for policy evaluation but also provides valuable insights for optimising urban economic recovery strategies amidst global challenges.

Qualitative-environmental aspects of products improvement in SMEs from V4 countries

Abstract Sustainable development has caused companies to try to adapt their activities to changing customer expectations, but also to climate change. This poses a particular challenge for SMEs from developing countries. Therefore, the objective of the investigation was to analyse the qualitative-environmental aspects of the improvement of the products in SMEs from the countries of the Visegrad Group (V4). The results analysed constituted a research sample of 379 companies in the electrical machinery industry (machine processing industry), which were obtained in the period from March to September 2023 through a targeted survey. The area of analysis included, e.g.: (i) environmental issues of selected areas of activity, (ii) measures of environmental activity, and (iii) selected qualitative-environmental aspects. Analyses of the research results were carried out using quantitative and qualitative analyses, including comparative analyses, e.g. regarding the implementation status of ISO 14001, EMAS, and ISO 9001. These techniques were used: word cloud, ANOVA test and Mann Whitney U test at the significance level of α=0.05. It has been shown that SMEs in V4 countries focus their activities on improving products to improve their quality rather than limiting their negative environmental impact. Originality of the research is the identification of significant differences in the qualitative-environmental aspects undertaken when SMEs from V4 countries. Research results may contribute to the development activities more effective and coherent in the V4 countries, to achieve a stable and competitive advantage on the market as part of the qualitative and environmental improvement of the products. The research results and the conclusions drawn from them can be used by scientists and practitioners to shape the target states of enterprises in the period of increasing involvement in proecological ideas.

A novel self-supervised contrastive learning based sentence-level attribute induction method for online satisfaction evaluation

Satisfaction evaluation provides valuable support for procurement decisions and product improvement on e-commerce platforms. As an important task of satisfaction evaluation, attribute induction is essential to identify relevant aspects and demands of user-generated evaluations. However, previous methods have often directly predicted typical attributes using individual words, neglecting valuable sentence-level information that could significantly enhance effectiveness. To alleviate this issue, this article introduces the concept of representations of potential attributes (PARs) to explicitly capture sentence-level information regarding product attributes in customer reviews. It further develops a novel self-supervised contrastive learning based sentence-level attribute induction method (SSCL-SAI) to train these PARs. Recognizing that sentences are the basic units of human expression, this approach mitigates information loss. Then, an aspect-category sentiment analysis model is used to transform the unstructured online textual reviews into linguistic 2-tuple for obtaining final satisfaction evaluation result. These 2-tuples provide a representation of sentiment orientations on a continuous numerical scale, enabling precise linguistic operations. Afterwards, an illustrative example conducted on real-world laptop product satisfaction analysis testify the validity of the approach. Finally, the comparative analysis shows the effectiveness of the proposed SSCL-SAI, and experiments on the impact of hyperparameter settings demonstrate that SSCL-SAI can be applied in various scenarios.

Analisis Manajemen Rantai Pasok (Supply Chain Management) Guna Optimalisasi Distribusi Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah Pengepulan Kepiting di Wilayah Tarakan

Supply chain management (SCM) is a strategy that refers to the internal activities of an organization and the number of businesses in the supply chain to support the long-term performance of the system and the entire supply chain. A lot of supply chain management is implemented, such as incorporating suppliers as colleagues in the raw material supply phase, building good relationships with customers for consumer enjoyment, and providing information to suppliers about product improvements. customers and competitive tactics for competitive advantage to measure performance levels to gain confidence in the quality of goods appropriate for the market. Therefore, in the crab collecting supply chain distribution model, it is best for supply chain members to agree on time, quantity and quality, so that the flow of products, finances and information is more organized. Crab collecting supply chain model where farmers distribute crabs to crab collectors, then crab collectors deliver crabs to retailers in traditional markets, then final consumers who enter the market then buy crabs directly from retailers. This research was conducted at Bering I Harbor, Selumit Pantai, Central Tarakan, Tarakan City, North Kalimantan at Pak Anwar's crab collection, the results will be analyzed through observation and interviews, so that information can be obtained whether the application of Supply Chain Management applied to the crab collection distribution system is optimal. or not yet.

A Two-Stage Nonlinear User Satisfaction Decision Model Based on Online Review Mining: Considering Non-Compensatory and Compensatory Stages

Mining user satisfaction decision stages from online reviews is helpful for understanding user preferences and conducting user-centered product improvements. Therefore, this study develops a two-stage nonlinear user satisfaction decision model (USDM). First, we use word2vec technology and lexicon-based sentiment analysis to mine the sentiment polarity of each product attribute in the reviews. Then, we develop KANO mapping rules using utility functions to classify consumer preferences based on attribute importance. Based on this, a two-stage nonlinear USDM is developed to describe post-purchase evaluation behavior. In the first non-compensatory stage, consumers determine their initial satisfaction level based on the performance of basic attributes. If the performance of these attributes is poor, it is almost impossible for users to be satisfied. In the compensatory stage, the performance of the remaining attributes collectively affects final satisfaction through participation in user utility calculation. With the use of reviews from JD.com, we develop a genetic algorithm to determine feasible solutions for the USDM and verify its validity and robustness. The USDM is proven to be effective in predicting user satisfaction compared to other classic models and machine learning algorithms. This study provides a universal pattern for user satisfaction decisions and extends the study on preference analysis.

Symposium Introduction: Recent Progress and Current Challenges in Wine Analytical Sciences.

Oenology, behind the more visible social and convivial aspects associated with the consumption of wine and spirits, has great complexity due to the coexistence of countless different styles of artisanal products, linked to the diversity of places grapes are grown and wine is produced, and its global distribution. Premium wine is not a commodity. To scientifically support such complexity requires an extremely rigorous and diversified scientific expertise, capable of supporting the continuous improvement of processes and products that are developed, evaluated, and offered on international markets. Rigorous chemical and sensory analyses are essential to this continuous process of improvement, and for several decades now have regularly brought together a large community of researchers from multidisciplinary backgrounds to share, discuss, and harmonize their knowledge and experience of wines. The 12th edition of In Vino Analytica Scientia 2022 was held in Neustadt, Germany, in July 2022. The conference was attended by over 240 delegates, from 23 nationalities, who shared different aspects of wine and spirits research, with 9 key note lectures; 37 full talks; 36 short communications, and over 200 posters. This special issue is a collection of full papers from a selection of contributed oral presentations and posters presented at the conference.

Safeguarding Users of Consumer Mental Health Apps in Research and Product Improvement Studies: an Interview Study

Safeguarding Users of Consumer Mental Health Apps in Research and Product Improvement Studies: an Interview Study

Static Analysis of Gear Periodic Symmetrical Structure Based On ANSYS

Gears are important components of transmission mechanisms, and it is crucial to analyze the stress and strain of gears using ANSYS to obtain their mechanical characteristics for product research and development in production. After establishing a mechanical model of gears based on material characteristics, define constraints and boundary critical conditions. Through analysis and solution, the deformation diagram and stress distribution diagram of the gear are obtained. Using the characteristic of periodic symmetry can simplify the analysis of the mechanical characteristics of gears, reduce the cycle time and cost of prototype development. Of course, this method can be applied to all similar institutional developments with this characteristic, which provides convenience for product design and improvement and saves cost.