Variety Of Products Research Articles

Enhancing yield of modern maize (ZeamaysL.) hybrids through the optimization of population photosynthetic capacity and light-nitrogen efficiency under high density

Due to the breeding of dense-resistant and lodging-resistant varieties in maize production, dense planting has become an effective means for achieving high and stable yields, while excellent hybrids are a prerequisite for reasonable dense planting in maize production. Nonetheless, the photosynthetic mechanism of improving plant density tolerance of maize hybrids released at different era in China remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the 40-year breeding effort for enhanced photosynthetic trait at different densities, and elucidate the physiological and ecological mechanisms of improving the density tolerance of maize hybrids. We conducted a 3-year study in 2019, 2020, and 2021. From 1970 to 2009, a comparison was made between the eight major hybrids promoted in China, divided into four decades, under three planting densities (45,000 (D1), 67,500 (D2), and 90,000 (D3) plants ha−1). At high density, modern hybrids had more rational canopy structure and leaf photosynthetic performance compared with old hybrids and specific leaf nitrogen has decreased slightly. Among all treatments, the modern hybrids (2000s) were able to maintain higher net photosynthetic rate and photosynthetic nitrogen utilization efficiency (PNUE) at D3 density, and therefore possessed the highest grain yield (GY), which was 118.47% higher than that of the old hybrids (1970s). Leaf area duration after anthesis, total chlorophyll content, photosynthesis key enzyme activities, and maximum efficiency of PSII photochemistry were all positively correlated with GY, with PNUE was more significantly correlated with GY indeed and is a key indicator for maize hybrids optimization. Based on these results, breeders should continue to conduct hybrid selections under adverse and high-density conditions, focusing on the optimization of population structure and the continuous improvement of photosynthetic capacity, searching for the optimal leaf nitrogen-content status, so as to select and breed high-yielding and density-tolerance hybrids, which resulted in a sustained increase in maize GY.

Synthesis of acrylic acid and acrylates from CO<sub>2</sub> and ethylene — the thorny path from dream to reality

The development of atom-economical and efficient processes for obtaining a variety of chemical products using CO<sub>2</sub> as C<sub>1</sub>-synthon plays an increasingly important role in modern scientific and technological research. Due to the inertness of CO2 many extremely attractive routes to valuable chemical products turn out to be impossible to implement, particularly for thermodynamic reasons, leaving one only dreaming about them as something unattainable. This review demonstrates how the catalytic coupling of ethylene and CO<sub>2</sub> into acrylic acid, once considered a "dream reaction" has not only become a reality, but has also evolved into the category of technological processes. The key stages of the long-term development of this unique reaction from the discovery of metal activation of CO<sub>2</sub> and stoichiometric preparation of metallalactones to catalytic synthesis using a variety of metal-catalysts (Ni, Pd, Ru, Rh) showcase the ingenuity and skill of researchers as well as an example of consistent development in this field of chemistry. We believe that this remarkably successful example will inspire scientists to tackle any "impossible" problems.<br> The bibliography includes 117 references.

The role of local product festivals in attracting tourists: a Halabja case analysis

Local product festivals play a crucial role in attracting tourism by showcasing unique and authentic cultural experiences and promoting local economies. The importance of this research lies in its potential to shed light on the impact of local production and festivals on tourism. The research explores the views of 171 respondents with the help of a statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 23, descriptive analysis was used to show frequencies. who were selected to participate in the survey from four different but interrelated local product stakeholders: Government entity/festival organizer, Customer/ Tourist, Owner of domestic products, and Owner of hotels and tourism projects. The main findings were: the services provided to the customer/ tourist vary according to the sectors, the type of activities, and the marketing environment, in our study, see that some factors affect the attraction of tourists to the city of Halabja. There is an impact relationship between the variables in attracting tourists, which means the need to pay attention to the dimensions of the marketing environment. Our questionnaire survey among local producers in Halabja City has been able to verify our hypotheses. This study suggested exploring the variety of products towards the satisfaction level of targeted customers.

Production of milk-coagulating protease by fungus Pleurotus djamor through solid state fermentation using wheat bran as the low-cost substrate

Proteases are enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds present in proteins and peptides. They are widely used for various industrial applications, such as in the detergent, food, and dairy industries. Cheese is one of the most important products of the dairy industry, and the coagulation stage is crucial during the cheese-making process. Enzymatic coagulation is the most common technique utilized for this purpose. Microbial enzymes are frequently used for coagulation due to their advantages in terms of availability, sustainability, quality control, product variety, and compliance with dietary and cultural/religious requirements. In the present study, we identified and subsequently characterized milk coagulant activity from the fungus Pleurotus djamor PLO13, obtained during a solid-state fermentation process, using the agro-industrial residue, wheat bran, as the fermentation medium. Maximum enzyme production and caseinolytic activity occurred 120 h after cultivation. When the enzyme activity against various protease-specific synthetic substrates and inhibitors was analyzed, the enzyme was found to be a serine protease, similar to elastase 2. This elastase-2-like serine protease was able to coagulate pasteurized whole and reconstituted skim milk highly efficiently in the presence and absence of calcium, even at room temperature. The coagulation process was influenced by factors such as temperature, time, and calcium concentration. We demonstrate here, for the first time, an elastase-2-like enzyme in a microorganism and its potential application in the food industry for cheese production.

Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriocin Producing Levilactobacillus brevis Strain ABRIINW-K from Buffalo Dung

Bacteriocins are proteins secreted by many species of bacteria to inhibit other bacteria, thus eliminating competitors to gain resources. Bacteria from the Lactobacillus group are known for their applications as probiotics and food preservatives. They have earned a reputation for producing substances that inhibit the growth of other microorganisms, which include organic acids, diacetyl, and bacteriocins. Produced by the ribosomes, bacteriocins are cationic proteins that inhibit other bacteria coexisting within a shared ecological habitat. Due to their potential uses in a variety of applications large-scale production of Bacteriocins would be necessary. The study aimed to identify and characterize Lactobacillus bacteria that produce potent bacteriocins and to analyze the antimicrobial activity and stability of the isolated bacteriocin under various physical and biochemical conditions. A total of 50 samples including buffalo dung, cheese, and rhizospheric region of plants were screened to isolate 8 Lactobacillus Li-1, Li-2, Li-3, Li-4, Li-5, Li-6, Li-7, and Li-8, confirmed by gram staining and other biochemical tests. The cell free supernatant from the Li-3 strain showed higher inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as compared to the other isolated strains. Li-3 strain was further identified as Levilactobacillus brevis strain ABRIINW-K by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The bacteriocin isolated from this strain is a thermostable peptide (~6kDa), which is characteristic of class II bacteriocins, with potent antibacterial activity against Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica.

Marketplace Data Analysis Using Web Scraping

The rapid development of the internet in fast communication has provided significant benefits for business people, allowing them to offer and sell product information boldly. One of the main advantages is the ability to search and find a variety of products easily through the internet. This convenience has led to the proliferation of many online stores in Indonesia, so that the need for applications that can help users search and combine product data from the internet arises. This study aims to develop a web application for product data analysis by utilizing web scraping techniques on the Tokopedia marketplace website, using the BeautifulSoup4 (Bs4) method. The web application is designed using the Streamlit module from Python. The results of this study are web applications that process data analysis taken from the Tokopedia website, which are classified based on certain criteria such as price range, highest and lowest ratings, highest and lowest sales, highest and lowest prices, percentage of location distribution, percentage of seller stores, and product recommendations.

أثر التجارة الإلكترونية على سلوك المستهلكين في قطاع تجارة التجزئة في المملكة العربية السعودية

E-commerce in Saudi Arabia is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and government initiatives aligned with Vision 2030. This research aims to understand the impact of e-commerce on consumer behavior in the retail sector by examining factors influencing e-commerce adoption, the challenges consumers face, and how digital transformations affect traditional businesses. The study gathered data from consumer surveys, government reports, and previous studies, using analytical models to understand the relationships between variables and their impact on consumer behavior. Survey results revealed that e-commerce has significantly changed purchasing habits among Saudis, with many preferring online shopping due to convenience and a wide range of options. The key drivers for e-commerce adoption include convenience, time savings, and product variety, while economic factors like competitive pricing play a significant role in attracting consumers. Trust and security in e-commerce platforms are critical, as consumers seek assurance regarding the protection of their financial information and product quality. Consumers face challenges such as product description accuracy, return difficulties, and concerns about data privacy. Digital transformation pressures traditional businesses to adopt digital strategies to remain competitive. Small businesses face difficulties adapting but show potential for innovation through partnerships with major e-commerce platforms. Data shows a remarkable increase in e-commerce revenue in Saudi Arabia from SAR 38.8 billion in 2020 to SAR 204 billion in 2024, with the number of stores rising from 28,676 to 57,000 during the same period. To sustain this growth, companies need to invest in long-term strategies and diversify revenue streams. The Saudi government plays a crucial role in supporting this sector by improving digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity, and supporting startups. By adopting these recommendations, the online shopping experience can be improved, ensuring customer satisfaction and the continued growth of this vital sector.

Effects of Different Roasting Methods on the Quality of Roasted Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

This study investigated the effects of different roasting methods (45% light wave and 55% microwave roasting, 70% light wave and 30% microwave roasting, 100% light wave roasting, far-infrared roasting, and oven roasting) on the quality of roasted large yellow croaker. The quality was evaluated using sensory evaluation, texture characteristics, color differences, moisture content, and volatile flavor substances. In this context, different roasting methods can affect the color, taste, and flavor of large yellow croaker fish, significantly improving the overall acceptance of roasted fish. The results showed that after 45% light wave and 55% microwave roasting, the elasticity of fish meat was maintained, the hardness of fish meat was reduced, the moisture content and distribution were changed, and the taste was the best. Far-infrared roasting and 45% light wave and 55% microwave roasting had a significant effect on the color of large yellow croaker samples and improved the sensory evaluation score. Forty-six volatile compounds were detected using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. After roasting, the oxidation and Maillard reactions of lipids and proteins were increased, with the 45% light wave and 55% microwave roasting giving the highest variety of volatile flavor substance products.

Real-Time Monitoring of Human and Process Performance Parameters in Collaborative Assembly Systems using Multivariate Control Charts

With the rise in customized product demands, the production of small batches with a wide variety of products is becoming more common. A high degree of flexibility is required from operators to manage changes in volumes and products, which has led to the use of Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) systems for custom manufacturing. However, this variety introduces complexity that affects production time, cost, and quality. To address this issue, multivariate control charts are used as diagnostic tools to evaluate the stability of several parameters related to both product/process and human well-being in HRC systems. These key parameters monitored include assembly time, quality control time, total defects, and operator stress, providing a more holistic view of system performance. Real-time monitoring of process performance along with human-related factors, which is rarely considered in statistical process control, provides comprehensive stability control over all customized product variants produced in the HRC system. The proposed approach includes defining the parameters to be monitored, constructing control charts, collecting data after product variant assembly, and verifying that the set of parameters is under control via control charts. This increases the system's responsiveness to both process inefficiencies and human well-being. The procedure can be automated by embedding control chart routines in the software of the HRC system or its digital twin, without adding additional tasks to the operator's workload. Its practicality and effectiveness are evidenced in custom electronic board assembly, highlighting its role in optimizing HRC system performance.

Multi-Year Insights into Industrial Hemp Growth in a Mediterranean Climate

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a rapidly growing plant with multipurpose uses, and the optimal combination of yield and quality of hemp products (fibers, inflorescences, or seeds) may provide economic opportunities to uncover the full spectrum of its capabilities. The presented experimentation took place over seven years (2017–2023) in Greek climatic conditions for fourteen (14) registered monoecious and dioecious varieties. It can be concluded that the production of biomass, fiber, and seed weight were different not only between varieties but also from year to year. Despite significant variation between harvest years in biomass yield, the extracted fiber was relatively constant. Moreover, not only the dioecious varieties but also the monecious varieties could be effectively grown for biomass production in Greece. Regarding fiber production, monoecious varieties had the highest yields, apart from the dioecious Kompolti variety, which was the most fiber-productive. Under the experimentation conditions, early flowering varieties were most suited for seed production, and the KC Dora variety produced the heavier seeds. Generally, the Futura 75 variety was one of the most productive varieties for biomass and seed weight, while the Bialobrzeskie variety produced the greatest amounts of fiber.

Household spending diversity, aggregation, and the value of product variety

This paper studies the diversity of household consumption spending, i.e. how widely households distribute their spending across different types of goods. Using detailed UK expenditure data (1990–2015), we show that the diversity of household spending rises in income up to a certain level and then declines as richer households increasingly concentrate their spending on specific expenditure categories. As these categories differ across households, spending diversity on the aggregate level can keep rising in income while spending diversity on the household level falls. We build a model with heterogeneous nonhomothetic preferences that can explain the observed patterns, highlighting the role of aggregation. Our model shows that ignoring preference heterogeneity and assuming representative households leads to a (potentially very large) underestimation of the value of product variety. Estimating the welfare effects of trade or innovation policies therefore requires to appropriately account for the empirically observed heterogeneity and nonhomotheticity of preferences.

TRAINING IN CASSAVA PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY INTO VARIOUS FUNCTIONAL FOODS

Cassava is a local commodity that can be processed into functional food. Functional food is defined as a food or drink that provides nutrients for the body while simultaneously maintaining a healthy body. Although there has been a long tradition of processing cassava into traditional snacks, the decreasing interest of consumers, especially young people, in traditional snacks makes it necessary to innovate products. For instance, the processing of cassava into contemporary products such as nuggets, sponge cake, and tapai drinks. The objective of this community service activity is to educate partners regarding the necessity of consuming functional food, particularly from local commodities such as cassava, and to instruct partners on the processing of cassava, which is abundant in their area, into various functional food products with commercial value. The partners of this activity were members of the West Lombok 'Aisyiyyah Regional Leadership (PDA), a total of 16 women. The service activity is divided into three sessions: functional food counselling, cassava processing practice, and practice using sealers to package products. Prior to and following the activity, participants were administered a test to assess the impact of the service activity on their knowledge and skills in processing functional food and packaging products. The results of the pre- and post-test data processing indicate that there have been significant changes (32.5% improvement) in the participants' knowledge. Furthermore, the results of the observations of the participants' practical activities demonstrate that all participants have been able to process cassava into a variety of contemporary functional food products with a selling value and have become proficient in using cup and hand sealers.

Analysis Of Traditional Retail Strategies In Facing Modern Retail In Malang City

This analysis aims to examine the strategies carried out by traditional retailers in Malang City in facing competition with modern retailers. This research uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and literature studies. The results show that traditional retailers in Malang City face various challenges from modern retailers, such as lower prices, greater product variety, and better service. To face these challenges, traditional retailers implement various strategies, such as: Strengthening personal service and hospitality, Offering unique and distinctive products, Building local communities and networks, Improving management efficiency and effectiveness, Utilizing information and communication technology, The government also needs to play a role in helping traditional retailers to improve their competitiveness, such as by providing training, coaching, and access to capital.

Pengaruh Brand Image, Variasi Produk, dan Price Fairness terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan Pada Kopi Kenangan di Kota Kediri

This research aims to determine the influence of brand image variables, product variety and price fairness on purchasing decisions at Kopi Kenangan. This type of research is quantitative research which is used to test the relationship of a variable to other variables which emphasizes the analysis on numbers processed using statistical methods. This research data was obtained through questionnaires, interviews and literature studies. The analysis techniques used are Validity Test, Reliability Test, Classical Assumption Test, Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, T Test, F Test and Coefficient of Determination Test. The results of the brand image t test (X1) have a partially significant effect on purchasing decisions. Product innovation (X2) has a partially significant effect on purchasing decisions. Price Fairness (X3) has a partially significant effect on Purchasing Decisions. Promotion (X4) has a partially significant effect on Purchasing Decisions. The results of the F test can be concluded that brand image, product innovation and price fairness simultaneously and significantly influence purchasing decisions at Kopi Kenangan.

ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF DIGITAL APPLICATION SYSTEMS FOR EMPLOYEE DATA MANAGEMENT IN XYZ STORE

As technology and information systems develop in the digital era, managing employee data has become very important for organizations and companies. An efficient and accurate employee data input process is the first step in managing human resources optimally. XYZ Shop is a shop located in the Banten area, which sells retail goods to end consumers, usually on a small scale and at home. The shop provides a variety of products, ranging from clothing, food, electronic goods, to household equipment. However, the XYZ store still faces challenges in managing employee data, such as limited time and human energy in carrying out this process because it is still manual. To overcome this problem, an employee data input program was designed to be an effective solution. With this program, the employee data management process can become more efficient, accurate and organized. The author used three techniques for data collection activities, namely observation, interviews and literature study. Development of an application program system for managing employee data at XYZ store using the PHP programming language and MySql database. The application system built is web-based, so it can be accessed easily anywhere and anytime. This provides immediate benefits in day-to-day operational efficiency, allowing human resources to focus on more strategic tasks. With the ability to manage employee data efficiently, stores can easily adapt to company growth, including branch expansion and increased employment

Confirmation of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced micronuclei by repeated dose liver micronucleus assay: focus on evaluation of liver micronucleus assay in young rats

BackgroundDi(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a plasticizer commonly used in a wide variety of products, including medical devices. It is rapidly metabolized in the liver into various metabolites upon absorption through oral ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation. DEHP is classified as a non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogen in rodents, as its chronic exposure has been associated with the development of liver cancer in these animals, but most genotoxicity studies have been negative. Epidemiologic studies in humans suggest that long-term high intakes of DEHP may be a risk factor for liver dysfunction.The repeated-dose liver micronucleus (RDLMN) assay is a well-established method for assessing chromosomal changes caused by hepatic genotoxins and/or carcinogens. It is particularly valuable for detecting substances that undergo metabolic activation, especially when the metabolite has a short half-life or does not reach the bone marrow effectively. Therefore, we investigated whether the RDLMN assay could detect DEHP-induced micronucleus formation in the liver following a 14 or 28-day treatment.ResultsWe report that the RDLMN assay demonstrated an increased frequency of hepatic micronuclei in rats exposed to DEHP for 14 or 28 days. The increases in micronuclei correlated with hepatomegaly, an established response to phthalates in the liver. Conversely, no such increases were observed in the micronucleus assay using bone marrow from these rats.ConclusionThe detection of DEHP-induced micronuclei by the RDLMN assay suggests that this assay could detect the potential genotoxicity and hepatocarcinogenicity of DEHP. It also demonstrated the utility of the RDLMN assay in identifying metabolically activated hepatic carcinogens.

Effect of ultrasonic pretreatment on textural properties and sensory attributes of cooked faba beans

Drying process extends the shelf-life of fresh faba beans and makes them available all year round. Dried and cooked faba beans are used to make a variety of traditional food products. Ultrasonic pretreatment, as a modern food processing technology, can shorten the drying time of fresh legumes and improve the quality and sensory properties of products. So, the present study aimed to analyze the impact of the ultrasonic treatment process (0, 5, 10, and 15 min, 40 kHz, and 150 W) on the mass transfer rate, drying time, and effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) of fresh faba beans. Also, the effect of ultrasonic treatment on textural properties and sensory attributes of cooked faba beans was studied. By using the ultrasonic process, the rate of water extraction from fresh faba beans, and thus their dehydration rate, can be increased. With increasing the duration of ultrasonic pretreatment from 0 to 15 min, the drying time of fresh faba beans decreased from 250 min to 150 min (p < 0.05). The Deff was calculated by Fick’s second law, and it significantly increased from 0.70 × 10−9 m2 s−1 to 1.05 × 10−9 m2 s−1 when the sonication duration was extended from 0 to 15 min (p < 0.05). The Page model best fitted the drying kinetic of fresh faba beans with a coefficient of determination (r) > 0.9968, and the sum of squared error (SSE) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were also closer to zero compared to other models. The rehydration ratio of dried faba beans (after cooking) significantly increased from 308.4 % to 327.1 % with the extension of processing time from 0 to 15 min (p < 0.05). The maximum and minimum crust hardness and texture firmness values were for the untreated and sonicated samples for 15 min, respectively. The sonication increased the sensory acceptance of the cooked faba beans and the highest appearance, odor, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance were for the 10 min sonicated faba beans.

Mining metagenomic data to gain a new insight into the gut microbial biosynthetic potential in placental mammals.

Mammals host a remarkable diversity and abundance of gut microbes. Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in microbial genomes encode biologically active chemical products and play an important role in microbe-host interactions. Traditionally, the exploration of gut microbial metabolic functions has relied on the pure culture method. However, given the limited amounts of microbes being cultivated, insights into the metabolism of gut microbes in mammals continued to be very limited. In this study, we adopted a computational pipeline for mining the metagenomic data (named taxonomy-guided identification of biosynthetic gene clusters, TaxiBGC) to identify experimentally verified BGCs in 373 metagenomes across 53 mammalian species in an unbiased manner. We demonstrated that polyketides (PKs) and nonribosomal peptides (NRPs) are representative of mammals, and the products derived from them were associated with cell-cell communication and resistance to inflammation. Large carnivores had the highest number of BGCs, followed by large herbivores and small mammals. We also observed that the large mammals had more common BGCs that aid in the biosynthesis of a variety of natural products. However, small mammals not only had fewer BGCs but were also unique to each species. Our results provide novel insights into the mining of metagenomic data sets to identify active BGCs and their products across mammals.IMPORTANCEThe gut microbes host numerous biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) that biosynthesize natural products and impact the host's physiology. Historically, our understanding of BGCs in mammalian gut microbes was largely based on studies on cultured isolates; however, only a small fraction of mammal-associated microbes have been investigated. The biochemical diversity of the mammalian gut microbiota is poorly understood. Metagenomic sequencing contains data from a vast number of organisms and provides information on the total gene content of communities. Unfortunately, the existing BGC prediction tools are designed for individual microbial genomes. Recently, a BGC prediction tool called the taxonomy-guided identification of biosynthetic gene clusters (TaxiBGC) that directly mine the metagenome was developed. To gain new insights into the microbial metabolism, we used TaxiBGC to predict BGCs from 373 metagenomes across 53 mammalian species representing seven orders. Our findings elucidate the functional activities of complex microbial communities in the gut.

Structural and physicochemical characteristics of starches from sorghum varieties with varying amylose content.

Six sorghum varieties containing different amylose were selected to investigate the structural and physicochemical characteristics of starches and endosperm texture of grains. The results showed that the outer layer endosperm of sorghum grain changed from waxy to corneous, and its starch granules were more compactly packed and exhibited the spindle-shaped holes with the increase of amylose content. Higher amylose starch granules exhibited fewer and smaller micropores on the surface and were more likely to deform and agglomerate into larger amorphous particles after heated. Amylose content of sorghum starches was negatively correlated to granule size, relative crystallinity, and the proportion of the long branch chains (DP = 25-36 and > 36), whereas positively correlated to the proportion of the short branch chains (DP = 6-12 and 13-24). Amylose content had negative correlations with T o , T p , ΔH, PV, and SDS (p < .05), positive corrections with FV, SB, and RDS (p < .05), and no correlations with T c , HPV, BD, and RS. It could be concluded that amylose content affected the endosperm texture of sorghum grain and had strong correlations with structural and physicochemical properties of sorghum starch. These findings may help identify uses for these sorghum varieties in baijiu production.

EXPRESS: Joint Assortment and Price Optimization with Multiple Purchases

In this paper, we incorporate the effects of multi-unit purchases into consumer choice models and investigate the associated joint assortment and pricing problems. Under the proposed two-stage choice framework, consumers first form a consideration set, and then select a product with the optimal quantity from the consideration set to maximize their utility. For the joint assortment and pricing problem with homogeneous consumers, we find that a multi-purchase-willingness-ordered assortment is optimal under certain technical conditions, and propose a polynomial-time algorithm to find the optimal assortment and prices for general cases. We further show that the optimal prices and assortment size are not monotone in multi-purchase preference and multi-purchase resistance. For the joint assortment and pricing problem with heterogeneous consumers, we first prove that this problem is NP-hard. We then consider a scenario with discrete prices and we develop a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme by considering a finite number of consumer segments and nested consideration sets. We conduct an empirical study on the JD.com dataset and show that the new choice framework can improve model fitting and prediction accuracy compared with existing choice models with multiple purchases. We reveal that our model is especially suitable for datasets exhibiting a strong diminishing marginal effect for product variety. We further extend our analysis to price competition and establish the existence and uniqueness of a Nash equilibrium. For the joint optimization with fixed costs, we develop an algorithm that can find a solution guaranteeing at least half the optimal expected profit.