Product System Research Articles

Research Overview of Rural Logistics Distribution System for Agricultural Products

The logistics distribution of agricultural products in rural areas plays a key role in ensuring economic continuity and community welfare. This system connects agricultural producers with local and global markets, ensuring that products remain fresh and of high quality. However, rural logistics faces unique challenges, such as limited infrastructure, long distances, and inadequate technology. Efficiency in this system not only increases farmers' income but also price stability and product availability in the market. This study explores various elements that affect the logistics distribution system in rural areas, including road infrastructure, storage facilities, transportation technology, and distribution mechanisms. This study uses a systematic literature review approach to analyze data related to this topic. The analyzed articles are limited to articles published in the period between 2013 and 2024. The focus areas of global and Indonesian show a difference in research focus, with global scholars placing more emphasis on technological innovation and management practices, while research in Indonesia is more focused on supply chain analysis and distribution strategies. The main challenges of rural logistics in Indonesia include poor road infrastructure, inadequate storage, and price inequality due to intermediaries. Recommended solutions include infrastructure upgrades, the adoption of modern technology, and innovative distribution models such as farmer cooperatives and digital platforms. Further research is needed to identify solutions that can be implemented in different local contexts. This research is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of a more efficient and effective rural logistics distribution system in Indonesia.

Research on Collaborative Strategy of Dual-Channel Supply Chain System for Product and Service Selection Driven by Experiential Demand

With the intensification of dual-channel competition, manufacturers are increasingly inclined to invest in offline showroom services to improve consumers' shopping experience, making it an emerging trend. Based on this background, this paper makes an in-depth study of how manufacturers choose the business strategy of physical showrooms in the dual-channel e-commerce environment, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different service models, and analyzes the impact of these choices on consumer behavior and market competition. Through this research, this paper aims to provide valuable strategic suggestions for manufacturers to optimize their dual-channel service models. Four Stackelberg game models are constructed: 1) no service model (N), 2) manufacturers invest in service online products (MSM), 3) retailers invest in services online products (RSM), and 4) retailers invest in services online products (RSR). Then the optimal decision under the above four strategies is compared and analyzed, and the optimal choice of the manufacturer and the optimal service model of the whole supply chain are obtained.

Evaluation of Cyto-Genotoxic Effects of Mucuna Bracteata DC. Ex Kurz Leaf Extracts by Allium Cepa

This study was conducted to evaluate the cyto-genotoxicity of leaf decoctions of Mucuna bracteata by Allium cepa bioassay. This kind of study can be used as a baseline monitoring system for plant products before their use. It is an inexpensive, simple, and reliable test to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of various plant extracts on living organisms. In this experiment, Allium cepa bulbs were placed in five concentrations (0.5 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL, 7.5 mg/mL, and 10.0 mg/mL) of leaf decoction, with tap water as the negative control and 20.0 µL/L EMS (Ethylmethene sulphonate) as the positive control. Each concentration had five replicates. The cyto-genotoxicity assay exhibited a dose-dependent influence on the mitotic index. The mitotic index of the negative control and the positive control were 16.8 ± 0.37% and 6.86 ± 1.71%, respectively. The lowest dose of the extract, 0.5 mg/mL, had the highest mitotic index (14.2 ± 0.73%), while the highest dose, 10.0 mg/mL, had the lowest (9.6 ± 0.40%), and all indices were significantly higher than the positive control. Except for the 10 mg/mL concentration, the mitotic indices of other concentrations were significantly lower than the negative control. Different types of chromosome disorders, namely, disorderly prophase, sticky chromosomes, chromosome bridges, laggard chromosomes, pole deviation, vagrant chromosomes, nuclear filaments with terminal expansion, c-mitosis, micronuclei, and elongated nuclei, were observed. Various changes in root size, growth, and color were revealed by macroscopic examinations. Tumors were formed in roots at the highest doses but not at lower concentrations. Therefore, M. bracteata leaf extract showed cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on the Allium root meristem. J. Bio-Sci. 32(2): 71-82, 2024

Packaging, perception, and acceptability: a comprehensive exploration of extrinsic attributes and consumer behaviours in novel food product systems

SummaryIn today's global markets, the constant arrival of new products represents a challenge for the food industry to offer distinct choices to consumers, primarily due to the parallel sensory attributes and pricing structures of the available food options. Innovators must employ methodologies beyond traditional sensory analysis to ensure the product's success. Researchers must, therefore, explore the entire product experience to understand its influence on consumer behaviours. Food choices are multifaceted, influenced by various factors, including individual physiological and psychological characteristics and intrinsic and extrinsic product attributes. As a result, consumers' decisions are shaped by the multisensory information derived from products they encounter in supermarkets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the factors influencing consumer food choices, from initial product encounters to consumption. The review explores the impact of repetitive tasting on the consumer's attitudes and intentions towards novel products. Additionally, the review investigates which extrinsic attributes capture consumer attention in supermarket settings. It also delves into the effects of extrinsic product attributes on both explicit and implicit emotions and expectations raised about the sensory properties of the product and, ultimately, their purchasing behaviours.

Problems and Countermeasures of Apple Agricultural Products Futures Market in China

In recent years, the improvement of quality and efficiency of national economy and agricultural modernization have directly promoted the innovative development of apple industry in China. At the end of 2017, the first Apple futures in China was born, and then the scale of Apple trading market continued to expand, and the standardization of Apple futures trading market increased year by year, which directly promoted the adjustment and upgrading of Apple industry. However, the development of Apple futures market lags behind the current situation of spot market development, and the imperfect risk management system, low internationalization level of Apple futures, imperfect laws and regulations of Apple futures market and chaos of market speculators still need to be solved urgently. In order to promote the rapid development of China's apple futures market, it is important to improve the trading system of bulk agricultural products; Strengthen the risk management mechanism; Strengthen international market cooperation and exchanges; Revise and improve the relevant laws and regulations of the Apple Futures Market and improve the level of market standardization; Take measures to limit speculation.

AR/VR assisted integrated framework of autonomous disassembly system for industrial products

An immersive Augmented Reality (AR) technology enhances productivity and flexibility in manufacturing by providing real-time instructions within workers’ field of view, aiding in complex tasks. According to cognitive load and attention-based theories, AR guidance can reduce cognitive strain, enhancing task performance. The affordance of AR in industrial processes like assembly or disassembly for repair/maintenance has been exploited broadly. However, the prevailing studies on automated user interfaces for AR instruction development, specifically virtual scene creation and target generation for object mapping rendering, still need to be explored. Notably, production industries currently rely on outsourcing skilled professionals to create AR overlaying instructions using manufacturer input. However, the exactness of the disassembly repository is substantial to avoid defects in AR guidance particulars. This underscores the significance of generalized automated AR instruction development and emphasizes the demands for further research. In this work, the autonomous AR-integrated framework is developed for the disassembly context, empowering manufacturers to acquire desired outcomes across various modules. These modules include the validation of the manual user disassembly sequence repository during the prefatory phase of AR instruction creation and the provision of Disassembly Sequence Planning (DSP) input. Additionally, the framework supports the simulation/rendering of disassembly efforts in a virtual platform and the generation of rendering virtual display scenes for appropriate AR-guided object mapping. Furthermore, it enables the generation of essential model targets for registering the AR scenes. Subsequently, the extracted repositories (virtual scenes and model targets) are input into the Unity AR tool to create AR mapping guidance for disassembly operations. The performance of the autonomous disassembly module is evaluated through three case studies with different AR visualizations. Furthermore, the potential of the proposed framework is exploited by extracting feedback from experts regarding flexibility, compatibility, completion time, and cognitive level.

Drivers of Pharmaceutical Compounding: Regional Experience Analysis Using Irkutsk Pharmacy Organisations as a Case Study

INTRODUCTION. National pharmacy compounding is a priority for providing the population with medicinal products, particularly the medicinal products lacking in the Russian Federation. Investigating opportunities to improve the operation of compounding pharmacies in the Russian Federation remains essential, especially in the context of the developing personalised approach to treatment, growing practice of orphan drug development, and import substitution needs.AIM. This study aimed to identify the factors driving the development of compounding pharmacies under the current conditions.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study focused on the Russian regulatory framework for pharmacy compounding, as well as the range of dosage forms and administration routes of the medicinal products that had been produced and packaged by the compounding pharmacies in Irkutsk in 2021–2023.RESULTS. This study showed a demand for compounded medicinal products among both healthcare providers and patients. These medicinal products covered a traditional range of compounded medicines, including custom formulae, medicines for paediatrics and geriatrics, stock preparations, and pharmacy-packaged items. In 2021–2023, the mean annual production of Irkutsk pharmacy organisations amounted to ~500,000 units of compounded medicinal products, with a variety of doses and dosage forms. The medicinal products were compounded using ~100 different active substances and over 20 approved medicinal products. This study examined the evolution of Russian pharmacy compounding legislation. The key aspects included the establishment of a pharmaceutical quality system for compounded medicinal products, the extension of shelf life for specific dosage forms, and the authorisation to use medicinal products approved in the Eurasian Economic Union in compounding. The study showed that the main factors driving the operation of compounding pharmacies were the ongoing regulatory framework transformation and the transition from standardised treatment to personalised medicine. The main impediments for compounding pharmacies included the lack of state support, the ban on compounding medicinal products produced by pharmaceutical companies, the shortage of skilled staff, the inadequate supply of equipment (first of all, production machinery), the poor availability of active substances and excipients in small packages, and the challenges associated with regulatory control and oversight over the quality of compounded medicinal products.CONCLUSIONS. Further stimulation of the active development of compounding pharmacies requires further investigation into their operation in other regions, which will help to develop legal arrangements for the federal and regional state support of compounding pharmacies, procure up-to-date materials and equipment, and train the staff for compounding pharmacies.

Life cycle assessment of mycelium based composite acoustic insulation panels

Mycelium-based composites (MBC) have gained attention in research and industry as environmentally favorable substitutes for materials in various applications, including packaging inserts, textiles, automotive and even electronics. As construction materials, MBCs show promising characteristics as fully bio-based thermoacoustic insulation. To investigate the potential environmental impacts of the production, use and end-of-life of MBC acoustic insulation panels and their mounting system, we conducted a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) based on real-world production planning data and supplementary literature data. Life cycle modules and system boundaries were chosen following EN 15804. A life cycle impact assessment was carried out based on select impact categories from the Environmental Footprint (EF 3.1) framework. Uncertainties and sensitivities were examined based on a Monte-Carlo simulation and contribution to variance. Energy use for incubation and drying during the manufacturing stage is the most important contributor in most impact categories, including global warming potential. This is further underlined by the large sensitivity of the results to uncertainties related to energy-use. Overall, the manufacturing stage is the dominant life-cycle stage in terms of potential environmental impacts. Generally, our results agree with literature values of LCA studies on similar materials, when normalized for mass and volume. Tracing biogenic carbon throughout the product system shows an early release of over 10 % of the stored biogenic carbon during the manufacturing stage as opposed to a release of all remaining stored carbon during disposal and energetic recycling.

Drying kinetics of camellia oleifera seeds under hot air drying with ultrasonic pretreatment

Camellia oleifera seeds with high moisture content are prone to decay, leading to oil rancidity and seriously affecting subsequent processing and tea oil quality. Thus, an efficient drying method is needed. Hot air drying with ultrasonic pretreatment is a potential drying method for camellia oleifera seeds. In this paper, the effects of key parameters such as ultrasound power, ultrasound pretreatment time, and hot air drying temperature on the moisture ratio of camellia oleifera seeds, as well as the changes in microstructure of both seed shell and seed kernel, and the main quality parameters such as peroxide value and acid value of tea oil were explored. Results showed that the shorter the ultrasound pretreatment time, the greater the ultrasound power, the higher the temperature, the faster the drying rate, and the shorter the drying time. The drying time and specific energy consumption was reduced by up to 26.7 % and 16.8 % with the ultrasonic pretreatment, respectively. The optimal ultrasonic pretreatment time is 2 min, and the ultrasonic power is 300 W. A Genetic Algorithm Optimized Backpropagation Artificial Neural Network (GA-BP-ANN) drying model was proposed to predict the changes in moisture ratio during the drying process of camellia oleifera seeds to provide guidance for the development of intelligent drying system. The experimental results showed that the proposed drying model had a good predictive performance, with an RMSE of 0.0076969 and an R2 of 99.909 %, which can accurately estimate the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on hot air drying. The research results of this study are expected to reduce post-harvest losses of camellia oleifera fruits and provide theoretical support for the development of drying systems of camellia oleifera seeds and similar agricultural products.

Exploring Architectural Space Optimization Aimed at Enhancing the Resilience of Campus Food Security in Higher Education Institutions —Case Study of Nan'an Campus, Chongqing Jiaotong University

Compared to typical urban communities, university campuses have unique characteristics such as a dense transient population and a lack of self-sufficiency. In emergency situations, such as lockdowns, the food supply for students on campus can be significantly impacted. Addressing this practical issue, the research team focused on the operational status of university campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a survey of nearly 100 students and an inspection of over 5,000 square meters of campus space, the study proposes a dining space solution based on a pre-packaged meal product system that includes "ready-to-distribute," "ready-to-cook," "ready-to-eat," and "ready-to-heat" categories. Following design principles of non-congregation, timeliness, flexibility, and standardization, and targeting dormitory living areas or other underutilized campus spaces, the project employs BIM modular design techniques and prefabricated construction concepts. The aim is to create an automated and shared dining space that can operate 24 hours a day, even during lockdowns, thereby enhancing the resilience of campus food security.

Using the Bayes Probability Model to Evaluate the Risk of Accidents Caused by the Electronic Chart Display and Information System

The obligated implementation of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) began ten years ago, and during this time, we could observe different types of familiarization with the system through its users. The incorrect use of the ECDIS is a problem recognized by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), and it is caused by disparate levels of education and the quality of courses. Another aspect of the recognized problem is the unequal length of the ECDIS specific course training period through which users acquire type-specific familiarization with the system. Switching between different types of ECDISs makes users more prone to errors until they become fully familiar with the new product system. This paper analyzes seafarers’ knowledge and ECDIS usage over a 6-year period. Based on obtained data, models that enable risk analysis based on conditional probability were created. This paper presents the use of Bayesian modeling to reduce errors in maritime accidents caused by inadequate use of the ECDIS.

LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS OF BEVERAGE PACKAGING

Plastic is the leading food and item packaging material due to its lightweight characteristics. However, there have been alarming concerns over the past years since the large-scale introduction of plastic after the Second World War, and a total of 8.3 billion metric tons have been produced. This research aims to compare the environmental impact of the packaging design of several consumer products using life cycle analysis (LCA). Based on the openLCA open-source software, three beverage packaging types were compared: plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminium cans. The life cycle inventory (LCI) must be identified based on case studies, literature reviews and relevant assumptions to obtain the result. Then, each beverage packagings flows, process and product system was also required to be identified to run the openLCA software. The three types of packaging was compared within each CML category in terms of impact. The CML stands for "Centrum voor Milieukunde Leiden". It is a research institute of the Centre for Environmental Studies at Leiden University located in the Netherlands and a procedure used to estimate the measure of environmental impact caused by the product. Based on the CML eleven impact categories, the plastic bottle was ranked as the most impactful towards the environment, followed by glass bottles and aluminium cans as the least impactful. Other than that, it may be due to the quantity of material being used, the effect of the material during processing, and the recyclable ability.

Research on Financial Product Innovation in Rural Commercial Banks under the Digital Transformation Context: A Case Study of Jiangsu Province

In the era of digitalization and networking, innovation in financial products is crucial for deepening rural financial reform and establishing a financial support system for rural revitalization. However, a comprehensive and user-friendly financial product system based on big data technology has yet to be established. As a result, the needs of farmers are unmet, and small and micro enterprises still face issues of expensive and difficult financing. This study, based on the context of digital transformation and the characteristics of rural commercial banks, analyzes the problems encountered in the innovation and development of financial products from both supply and demand sides, and proposes reasonable solutions.

Bayesian network analysis of risk classification strategies in the regulation of cellular products

Cell therapy, a burgeoning therapeutic strategy, necessitates a scientific regulatory framework but faces challenges in risk-based regulation due to the lack of a global consensus on risk classification. This study applies Bayesian network analysis to compare and evaluate the risk classification strategies for cellular products proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and World Health Organization (WHO), using real-world data to validate the models. The appropriateness of key risk factors is assessed within the three regulatory frameworks, along with their implications for clinical safety. The results indicate several directions for refining risk classification approaches. Additionally, a substudy focuses on a specific type of cell and gene therapy (CGT), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. It underscores the importance of considering CAR targets, tumor types, and costimulatory domains when assessing the safety risks of CAR T cell products. Overall, there is currently a lack of a regulatory framework based on real-world data for cellular products and a lack of risk-based classification review methods. This study aims to improve the regulatory system for cellular products, emphasizing risk-based classification. Furthermore, the study advocates for leveraging machine learning in regulatory science to enhance the assessment of cellular product safety, illustrating the role of Bayesian networks in aiding regulatory decision-making for the risk classification of cellular products.

Цифровая маркировка молока и молочной продукции как правовой механизм обеспечения продовольственной безопасности России

The article examines the features of the functioning of the new established digital labeling system for milk and dairy products as an object of ensuring food security in the Russian Federation. As part of the analysis, a number of methods of scientific knowledge were used, which made it possible to determine the relevance of studying this issue in the context of digitalization of Russian society. The study of this object of research is based on consideration of the regulatory framework in this area. The results of the study were the identification of a set of problems in organizing the implementation of activities by employees of economic security and anti-corruption departments to identify and solve crimes in the sphere of circulation of milk and dairy products.

Кey elements of the domestic quality management system for agricultural and food products

Кey elements of the domestic quality management system for agricultural and food products

Constraints Associated with the Adoption of Sustainable Cassava Weed Management Technology for Cassava Systems in Nigeria

The study investigated the constraints associated with the adoption of sustainable cassava weeds management technology for cassava systems (SCWMTCS) in Nigeria. Multistage was utilized in selecting 384 respondents for the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected. Results revealed that respondents have varied perceptions of the severity of constraints encountered in their process of adoption of SCWMTCS in the study area. Constraints comprising of frequent gluts in cassava market frustrates farmers, lack of processing equipment and poor value chain system for cassava products and frequent encroachments or destructive grazing of cassava farms by nomadic herders is very frustrating were rated high severity in the study area. Also, 17 constraints were rated to be moderately severe in the study area out of the 26 listed constraints encountered by cassava farmers.

Accelerating Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy: A Coupling Analysis of Agricultural Products and Resource Environment

This study examines the low-carbon economy, agricultural products, and the resource environment as three interconnected subsystems, establishing an evaluation framework for their coordinated growth across eight regions of China. The results highlight significant regional imbalances, particularly in North China, Northwest China, and Northeast China. Principal component analysis (PCA) shows that the agricultural product system captures 99.502% of its information, while the resource-environment system accounts for 84.823%, demonstrating robust explanatory power. The national Economic–Agricultural–Resource–Environment (EARE) system progressed from sub-coordinated growth (2010–2014) to coordinated growth (2019–2020), moving from mild imbalance to high-quality growth. Initially, resource growth lagged behind economic development (2010–2015), which then shifted to economic growth lagging behind resource and environmental growth (2015–2020). This study underscores the need for targeted policies to enhance regional sustainability and balanced development.

Cocoa Butter: Evolution from Natural Food Ingredient to Pharmaceutical Excipient and Drug Delivery System.

For decades, cocoa butter has been extensively used in food industries, particularly in the production of chocolate confectioneries. The composition of fats within cocoa butter, such as stearic acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid, determines its properties. Studies have indicated the existence of at least six polymorphic forms of cocoa butter, each possessing distinct characteristics and melting points. Recently, cocoa butter has garnered attention for its potential as a delivery system for pharmaceutical products. This review thoroughly explores cocoa butter, encompassing its production process, composition, properties, and polymorphism. It delves into its diverse applications across various industries including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the review investigates cocoa butter alternatives aiming to substitute cocoa butter and their roles in different drug delivery systems. The unique properties of cocoa butter have sparked interest in pharmaceutical industries, particularly since its introduction as a drug delivery system and excipient. This has prompted researchers and industry stakeholders to explore novel formulations and delivery methods, thereby expanding the range of options available to consumers in the pharmaceutical market.

Potentials of Mahachanok mango peel pectin in modulating glycaemic index in simulated in vitro carbohydrate digestion of meat product

Pectin derived from mango peel biomass offers a noteworthy alternative to starch in food products, potentially assisting in controlling hyperglycaemia by impacting starch digestion. Consequently, this study evaluates the potential of Mahachanok mango peel (MHMP) pectin in glycaemic index (GI) reduction of meat products using simulated in vitro carbohydrate digestion. The physicochemical characteristics of MHMP pectin (MHMPP) were assessed using both FTIR and titration techniques, with microarray polymer profiling employed to analyse the glycan profile. In vitro simulations of carbohydrate digestion were carried out to assess its efficacy. Additionally, meatballs fortified with MHMPP were formulated, and the glycaemic index of the resultant products was ascertained. Microarray polymer profiling revealed distinct glycans in different fractions, including galactose, xyloglucan, and glycoprotein. Microwave extraction of pectin yielded 19.04 % MHMPP content with specific characteristics: L* (58.04), a* (12.80), b* (23.50), 6.81 % moisture content, and 78.63 % solubility. The degree of esterification at 55.73 %, an equivalent weight of 789.26 mg/moL, and a methoxyl content of 8.39 %, evidently identified MHMPP as high-methoxyl pectin. In a simulated system of MHMPP, content correlates with reduced digestion, supported by lowered values across the hydrolysis index (HI), rapidly available glucose (RAG), slowly available glucose (SAG), and expected glycaemic index (eGI). Higher MHMPP levels consistently exhibit a decreased impact on these digestive factors. In a simulated meat product system, increased MHMPP content corresponded to slower digestion rates, indicating its potential to retard digestion, as supported by HI, RAG, SAG, and eGI. The supplementation of 25 % pectin to meatballs is the most successful treatment, as it results in eGI, RAG, and SAG values of 8.71 (mg/gsample), 6.65 (mg/gsample), and 1.85 (mg/gsample), respectively. This study highlights the advantage of MHMP-derived dietary fibre in product development from industrial byproducts, aligning with sustainable development goals by reducing reliance on non-renewable materials.