Product Attributes Research Articles

A critical analysis of circular product attributes and limitations of product circularity assessment methods

The Circular Economy (CE) has been proposed as a strategy to promote the efficient use of resources, maximizing the benefits derived from materials and products through value recovery strategies, and minimizing waste generation. However, ambiguity remains in defining what makes a product circular and its characteristics when adapting the CE concept for application at the product level. More clarity about the constitutive characteristics of Circular Products (CPs) is also vital to facilitate their design. To address this challenge, and with the intention to increase the adoption of CE concept within the industry, the descriptions and attributes of a Circular Product (CP) were examined through a scoped literature review and analysis. Findings were then synthesized to establish a preliminary framework of CP attributes. These attributes were used to review the existing product circularity assessment methods. The results highlight limitations in the coverage of CP attributes in the existing methods and research opportunities for their improvement. The findings from this study will contribute to the development of a comprehensive and accurate product circularity assessment method.

Coupon Code Junction

The aim of this paper is to present the development of a coupon code trading platform that has been specifically developed for UPI (Unified Payments Interface) coupons. Traditional coupon trading websites are limited in various aspects, particularly with respect to UPI coupons. This project overcomes this by providing a platform where users can trade UPI coupons; hence it improves the usability and engagement. For example, it guarantees safety standards, dependability, and friendliness to all the users who would like to participate in coupon trading thereby creating an environment where people feel comfortable doing so . In order to meet these goals , we have incorporated several requirements into the system such as authentication, services, validation, database management and payment gateway among other things. This paper discusses the problem, solution method used as well as methodology and significance of the PLATFORM. Keywords: couponing business; UPI; commercial e-commerce; online platform;customer interaction with product or service attributes; secure transactions

Exploring organic cultivation methods for black gram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper): A review

Black gram is vital in South Asia, with organic farming promoting sustainability by enhancing soil fertility, agro-ecosystem quality, and crop nutrition. However, limited research and complex cultivation methods hinder its widespread adoption. Overcoming these challenges is essential for expanding organic black gram production to meet the growing demand for sustainable agriculture. This review article deals with various techniques and prospects of organic black gram production by collecting important information spread across organic black gram production research articles published on the internet. It is found that the application of 3 percent Panchagavya foliar spray increases physiological growth, leaf area index, dry matter production, chlorophyll content, N content, yield, and yield attributes of black gram. It is also found that the proper and effective use of bio-fertilisers has more advantages over other fertilizers. Farmers can use a foliar application of Panchagavya, bio-fertiliser, and other non-chemical practices for efficient production of organic black gram. Through this review, it is concluded that the research for organic production of black gram is limited, so focus should be given to organic black gram production research for the development of efficient technologies and the instant dissemination of findings among farmers.

Traditional and environmentally friendly attributes in products of highly design-oriented firms: an exploratory study in the perception of Italian entrepreneurs

Purpose The aim of this study was to empirically examine how much traditional attributes and green attributes characterize products within design-oriented firms. Further, we explored how these attributes relate to the perceived level of innovation of the firms.Design/methodology/approach An exploratory research was carried out in 86 Italian manufacturing companies that are members of the Industrial Design Association. Using the questionnaire method, the entrepreneurs’ perceptions have been analyzed. Data have been treated with hierarchical cluster analysis.Findings The analysis shows that environmental sustainability is the least important attribute of a design product and four clusters of highly design-oriented firms differ by design-product attributes. Further, the least green firms are also the least innovative in terms of incremental and general innovation.Research limitations/implications The small size of the sample and the provenance of firms from a single country imply limited generalizability, and further research on the topic is recommended.Practical implications Design-driven innovation based on traditional design attributes provides many competitive advantages to firms. However, given the growing concern about environmental challenges, investing in green attributes in design products allows for remaining competitive and more effective in innovation.Originality/value This study, for the first time, reveals the heterogeneity among design-oriented firms, particularly regarding the presence and assortment of traditional design attributes, as well as the incorporation of environmentally friendly attributes in their products. Moreover, the study uncovers the relationship between varying levels of green attributes in the offerings and the perception of the firm’s innovativeness.

Analysis of Consumer Preferences for Green Tea Products: A Randomized Conjoint Analysis in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam

How local economies can successfully develop remains an important issue for any developing country. One mechanism for promotion of economic development is government-driven policy. The problem is that it is not clear whether public-led economic promotion attracts consumers and which promotion factors are relatively significant for boosting particular goods. This paper examines attributes of green tea products likely influencing consumer preferences, focusing on the Thai Nguyen area in Vietnam as an example. In this area, the “One Commune, One Product” (OCOP) project has been implemented by the local government. This study employs randomized conjoint analysis based on data collected from 450 randomly selected consumers in several local supermarkets. Interestingly, the results show that online style sales have a negative preference for the purchase of green tea products, while transparency, such as the traceability of the product and product information, and reliability, such as certification, enhance the purchase of these products by consumers. However, this finding is not necessarily robust because our results indicate that approximately 90% of consumers tend to choose the default pair, which means that they do not actively prefer the product, possibly implying that this kind of public-led promotion is not yet broadly familiar to all people.

Advancements in Retail Price Optimization: Leveraging Machine Learning Models for Profitability and Competitiveness

Retail price optimization is essential for maximizing profitability and maintaining competitiveness in today's dynamic retail landscape. This study addresses retail price optimization as a regression problem, utilizing machine learning models to predict optimal price points for products. Leveraging factors such as product attributes, competitor pricing dynamics, and customer behaviors, regression analysis provides a structured approach to understanding the intricate relationships between variables. Among various regression techniques, the Random Forest Regressor emerges as a potent strategy, offering robustness and versatility in tackling complex pricing tasks. Results indicate that Random Forest outperforms Decision Tree and Logistic Regression models regarding accuracy, precision, recall, and overall predictive performance. With Random Forest achieving an accuracy of 94%, it demonstrates superior capability in capturing complex data patterns and making accurate predictions of retail prices. By leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning techniques, retailers can optimize pricing strategies, maximize profits, and maintain competitiveness in the market. This study underscores the importance of continuously analyzing and refining pricing strategies to gain a competitive edge in the retail landscape.

Quality and Price of Beans at the Market Node in Five Districts of Uganda.

We investigated the varieties of beans traded in five districts of Uganda and the factors affecting the quality and price of the beans at the market node. A semi-linear hedonic price model with 12 variables categorized as product and trader attributes was used to determine the factors influencing prices. Traders were found to be unmindful of the names of new bean varieties released by NARO. They used various names for both the new and local varieties. Brokers were identified as the leading suppliers of poor-quality beans. The respondents cited variations in the quality of beans received from different suppliers. Beans that were owned by traders exhibited slightly higher moisture content (17%) than is recommended. Storage insect infestation was identified as the primary cause of quality decline. Product attributes were associated with changes in the prices of beans. However, their effect was comparatively lower than the traders’ characteristics. We recommend targeted sensitization about new bean varieties, emphasizing their benefits, post-harvest handling, and quality requirements at all value chain nodes. Monitoring trader traits and societal factors associated with price fluctuations is also crucial to price stability.

Why does mobile payment promote purchases? Revisiting the pain of paying, and understanding the implicit pleasure via selective attention.

The past years have witnessed a phenomenal growth of the mobile payment market, but how mobile payment affects purchase behavior receives less attention from academics. Recent studies suggested that lower pain of paying may not fully clarify the relationship between mobile payment and increased purchases (i.e., mobile payment effect). The current research first introduced price level in Study 1 and demonstrated that the pain of paying served as an underlying mechanism only in the high-price condition rather than the low-price condition. As such, Study 2 was conducted in a low-price context to address the uncovered mechanisms. We propose a new concept of "pleasure of payment" that is defined as an implicit and consumption-related hedonic response based on the cue theory of consumption. By tracking spontaneous attention to positive attributes (i.e., benefits) of products, Study 2 demonstrated this implicit pleasure as a psychological mechanism for the mobile payment effect when the pain of paying was not at play. These findings have important implications for mobile payment in research and practice by identifying price level as a boundary condition for the role of pain of paying and understanding the positive downstream consequences of mobile payment usage on consumer psychology.

Exploring Consumer Preference for Sustainable Design Attributes in Music-Inspired Products: Integration of Sustainable Development Goals

Music, as a transcultural art form, offers auditory enjoyment and conveys profound emotion and distinctive imagery. In the era of emotional consumption and within contemporary consumer culture, elements of musical imagery have become intricately entwined with product design, providing consumers with deeper visual and emotional experiences. We explored consumers’ cognitions and preferences concerning the integration of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators into the attributes of music-related imagery products. The Attractiveness Ergonomics IPA (Importance-Performance Analysis) and IRPA (Importance-Relative Performance Analysis) methods were used to evaluate attractiveness and impact on consumer satisfaction. The results showed how music-related imagery products integrate art, culture, and social responsibility to attain a more profound influence. They also unveiled product design elements such as “visual aesthetics” and “color selection” to attract consumers. Additionally, the significance of incorporating SDG indicators into the design of music-related imagery products was found to increase social responsibility and sustainable development. The study’s outcomes allow for a deeper understanding of consumers’ preferences and requirements concerning the design attributes with SDG indicators in music-related imagery products. Valuable insights for the design and marketing of such products propel the application and dissemination of sustainable development goals within the realm of music.

Social marketing of the coffee cream liquor in the Association of Agroindustrial Entrepreneurs of Challohuma of San Juan del Oro

The purpose of the study is to explain the factors that determine social marketing of coffee cream liquor in the Association of Agroindustrial Entrepreneurs of Challohuma in San Juan del Oro District, Department of Puno (Southern Peru). The methodological design specifies a type of quantitative approach, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, through surveys in a total of 41 members of the association. Results demonstrated that the factors that significantly determine social marketing of coffee cream liqueur are marketing factors on individual consumers (product attributes, brand assignment, packaging, labeling and product support services), society (commitment to health, environment and collaborators), and about the company (internal quality of service, satisfied and productive service employees, greater service value, satisfied and loyal customers and healthy profits and growth). The Pearson coefficient r = 0.746 explains at the significance level of α = 0.01 that social marketing factors of coffee cream liquor of the Association of Agroindustrial Entrepreneurs of Challohuma in San Juan del Oro, are positively and considerably correlated with the factor of individual, social and business consumer, supporting the alternative hypothesis. It is concluded that social marketing plans must be implemented to boost the growth of the company.

Study of Chinese Wine Consumers Behavior: Marketing Mix Model

This study delves into Chinese wine consumers' buying behavior, exploring the marketing mix strategies. The researcher brings a unique blend of practical insight and academic rigor to this study. The research methodology employs a quantitative survey to gather data from a diverse sample of Chinese wine consumers in Shandong Province. Statistical analyses provide a systematic framework for examining the relationships between various influencing factors and buying behavior patterns. Key findings delves into the impact of marketing mix elements, including product attributes, pricing strategies, promotional activities, and distribution channels, on consumer perceptions and purchasing intentions. Notably, the research highlights the importance of aligning marketing strategies with the unique preferences and consumption patterns of Chinese wine consumers.

Nutritional Analysis of Plant-Based Meat: Current Advances and Future Potential

This perspective article delves into the current state of the art pertaining to the nutritional aspects of plant-based meat and identifies future opportunities for improvement in this line of research. A comparative overview of the macro- and micronutrients of plant-based meat products vis-à-vis conventional animal meat is presented in the initial section. This article explains the differences in their nutritional profiles, highlighting the advantages (equivalent protein content, low saturated fat, source of dietary fiber) and challenges (incomplete amino acid profile, anti-nutrients, and low bioavailability of nutrients) of plant-based alternatives. Emphasis has been placed on the health challenges posed by anti-nutrients in plant-based meat and the role of phytase as a promising solution for mitigating these concerns. The latter sections of this article highlight the ability of phytase enzymes to cause a substantial reduction in phytic acid content and improve the absorption of iron and zinc from the food matrix while not affecting the textural attributes of end products. By deliberating on these critical factors, the article aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the nutritional aspects of plant-based meat and the scientific strategies to mitigate the nutritional challenges currently associated with this category of alternative protein products.

Culinary Innovation

The purpose of this paper is to propose artificial intelligence technologies as an innovative tool for designing recipes in culinary artistry. Since artificial intelligence technologies are widely used to generate content, we investigated the creation of recipes and consumers' acceptance of the sensory attributes of the final food product. Without additional guidance, the artificial intelligence program asked to create three recipes using the same ingredients (strawberry, chicken, and vine leaves). To test the overall liking and acceptance of the recipes, the hedonic test is applied to 118 untrained panelists. The results revealed that the overall acceptability scores for all three products are acceptable (≥ 6.0), with the lowest score of 6.58 ± 1.61. Artificial intelligence has shown that it can be an efficient tool for professional chefs to shorten the creativity process and design unimaginable combinations. This research is a pioneering study that measures the reliability and ability of artificial intelligence in creating recipes, which is a culinary creativity process. With the hedonic tasting results, this study also shows the consumers' acceptance of new dishes.

Fat quality, sensory properties and consumers preference towards different commercial labels for bovine milk from retail market

SummaryIn the modern large‐scale retail trade, voluntary quality schemes play a fundamental role to communicate specific quality attributes of processes and products, from farms to the market. However, consumers are not always able to recognise such an added value for milk certifications. In this paper, we evaluated the differences in the lipid quality and sensory properties of four different commercial labels for retail milk by means of gas‐chromatographic analysis of fatty acids (FAs) and sensory assessment performed by a trained sensory panel. Meanwhile, we tested the effects of the four selected milk labels and information on consumers perception by means of an online experimental survey. Our results emphasised a different FAs composition of retail milk labelled under voluntary certifications. Polyunsaturated FAs of the n‐3 and n‐6 series (along with their ratios), branched chain FAs, trans isomers of C18:1 and conjugated isomers of linoleic acid were found at different concentrations in different milk labels, with the TSG Haymilk (HM) displaying the most favourable profile followed by the mountain product (MP) and then by High‐Quality fresh milk (HQ) and Extended Shelf‐Life milk (ESL) with no voluntary quality marks. Being strictly related to the farm production system, milk FAs revealed as natural markers of production system for certified milk. Quite no difference was found for the sensory properties, excepting for the overall aroma intensity, which was lower in MP. At the same time, we evidenced that the added value given by the distinct quality of fat for HM and MP is still not recognised by consumers, which perceived these milk labels as healthy, as tasty, as natural and as nutrient as HQ. This result highlighted that there is still room for producers aligned with the voluntary certifications HQ and MP to promote their products on the market and to raise consumer awareness about their quality attributes.

An approach to identify assistive technology attributes for people with locomotor disability by using a refined Kano model

This study aims to identify and evaluate the attributes of assistive products for people with locomotor disabilities using the refined Kano model. Thirty experts from various disciplines (product engineers and designers engineers, rehabilitation professionals, and users of assistive technology with locomotor disabilities) participated in the study. They were asked to complete a survey based on the Kano model questionnaire, which included functional and dysfunctional questions for each attribute. The findings reveal that performance, accessibility, functionality, and repairability are one-dimensional characteristics, while quality, modularity, intuitiveness, and aesthetics are attractive attributes. Affordability and durability are identified as must-be attributes. Subsequently, an importance scale was created on a 5-point Likert scale to further analyze the attributes based on the refined Kano model. The results indicate that functionality, quality, aesthetics, affordability, repairability, and durability are the vital attributes. Following this, a case study was conducted based on these attributes, focusing on the two most commonly used products in India: the ALIMCO basic manual wheelchair and the KARMA basic manual wheelchair. By incorporating identified attributes, manufacturers can establish marketing strategies that promote sustainable product development and enhance assistive product satisfaction among individuals with locomotor disabilities.

Implications of Context Effects in Consumer Utility Models for Optimal Product Design and Differentiation

Abstract Consumer choice models used in optimal product design typically ignore potential context effects by assuming the utility of each product is independent of the attributes of other products in the choice set. We characterize implications of context effects for profit-optimal designs by deriving the first-order conditions of the design problem under alternative utility formulations, and we propose a utility function that incorporates context effects and has well-defined optimal design solutions for all products in the choice set. We then conduct a discrete choice survey experiment of automobile options and find statistically significant context-effect parameters and superior out-of-sample prediction when context-effect parameters are used in both logit and mixed logit models. These results suggest that context effects can be important in engineering design contexts and have the potential to affect optimal design differentiation.

Reusing livestock farming wastewater for Tifton 85 irrigation: productivity, morphological, and bromatological indicators

The utilization of wastewater from livestock farming (WLF) represents a common agricultural practice, but the absence of research on its agronomic impacts hinders its sustainable implementation. This study assesses the reutilization of WLF combined with nitrogen fertilization on the morphological, bromatological, and productivity attributes of a Tifton 85 pasture during the winter season. The study involved the application of different types of water via sprinkler: (I) stream water; (II) mixture of WLF and stream water at a 1:1 ratio; and (III) undiluted WLF combined with mineral nitrogen fertilization (0 and 45 kg N ha-1) administered at the commencement of the regrowth period. Irrigation was applied on a weekly basis, totaling 2,440 m3 ha-1. At 106 days post-regrowth, parameters including forage productivity, height, leaf-stem ratio, leaf area index, nitrogen nutrition index, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral matter content were determined. Mineral fertilization at the prescribed dosage (45 kg N ha-1) did not have any discernible impact on the parameters under investigation. On average, the reuse of WLF raised the productivity from 2.50 to 5.12 t ha-1 and the Crude Protein from 12.35% to 14.58% compared to stream water. The reuse of WLF demonstrated superior outcomes (p < 0.01) in terms of pasture productivity, nutritional quality, and nitrogen accumulation compared to irrigation solely with stream water. The reuse of diluted WLF (1:1) without fertilization proved adequate to sustain Tifton 85 pastures during the winter season in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Keywords: Cynodon dactylon, forage, irrigated pasture.

Decellularised plant scaffolds facilitate porcine skeletal muscle tissue engineering for cultivated meat biomanufacturing

Cultivated meat (CM) offers a sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional animal agriculture, involving cell maturation in a controlled environment. To emulate the structural complexity of traditional meat, the development of animal-free and edible scaffolds is crucial, providing vital physical and biological support during tissue development. The aligned vascular bundles of the decellularised asparagus scaffold were selected to facilitate the attachment and alignment of murine myoblasts (C2C12) and porcine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (pADMSCs). Muscle differentiation was assessed through immunofluorescence staining with muscle markers, including Myosin heavy chain (MHC), Myogenin (MYOG), and Desmin. The metabolic activity of Creatine Kinase in C2C12 differentiated cells significantly increased compared to proliferated cells. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed a significant increase in Myosin Heavy Polypeptide 1 (MYH1) and MYOG expression compared to Day 0. These results highlight the application of decellularised plant scaffold (DPS) as a promising, edible material conducive to cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation into muscle tissue. To create a CM prototype with biological mimicry, pADMSC-derived muscle and fat cells were also co-cultured on the same scaffold. The co-culture was confirmed through immunofluorescence staining of muscle markers and LipidTOX staining, revealing distinct muscle fibres and adipocytes containing lipid droplets respectively. Texture profile analysis conducted on uncooked CM prototypes and pork loin showed no significant differences in textural values. However, the pan-fried CM prototype differed significantly in hardness and chewiness compared to pork loin. Understanding the scaffolds’ textural profile enhances our insight into the potential sensory attributes of CM products. DPS shows potential for advancing CM biomanufacturing.

Innovative method for producing plant-based meat analogs: Acid/calcium-induced internal gelation of potato protein/alginate composites

When creating plant-based meat analogs, it is often challenging to mimic the structural and textural attributes of real meat products during the cooking process. In this study, we investigated the potential of using potato protein/calcium alginate composite gels to formulate plant-based meat analogs. These gels provide a semi-solid texture at ambient temperature that remains intact during cooking because the electrostatic crosslinks are resistant to heat. Composite gels consisting of potato protein (10 wt%) and alginate (0–2 wt%) were prepared using the internal gelation method. This method involves dispersing an insoluble form of calcium (CaHPO4) throughout the protein-polysaccharide matrix and then using glucono-delta-lactone (GDL) to slowly lower the pH, thereby releasing the Ca2+ ions evenly throughout the system. The calcium alginate increased the strength of the potato protein gels and provided structural resistance to heat. Appreciable water loss occurred during cooking for simple calcium alginate gels, but this was prevented when potato proteins were present. Increasing the alginate concentration from 0 to 1.5 % increased the strength of the composite gels but higher levels promoted phase separation and network disruption, which reduced the gel strength. Heating did not appreciably alter the microstructure of the composite gels, but it did alter that of the pure potato protein gels. Finally, the potential of the composite gels as plant-based meat analogs was assessed by comparing their thermal denaturation and textural properties to those of real chicken breast. The potato protein/alginate composites were shown to simulate the thermal denaturation and textural changes of real chicken during the cooking process. Overall, our results suggest that calcium alginate gels may be useful in the formulation of plant-based meat products with improved cooking properties.

Conservation and upgradation of indigenous Cholistani cattle breed of Pakistan: a pathway to sustainable livestock.

Pakistan is endowed with many established indigenous zebu Bos indicus type (humped) cattle breeds including Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Bhagnari and Cholistani. Amongst these indigenous cattle breeds, Sahiwal and Red Sindhi have extensively been navigated and hence these two are acclaimed as internationally recognized breeds. However, research work on Cholistani cattle breed actually initiated in 2010 and has attained a steady pace. This breed was a new entrant in Livestock Census of Pakistan since 2006. Cholistani is a hardy, tick-resistant, adaptable cattle breed being reared under pastoral nomadism of the Cholistan desert, Pakistan. The present narrative review is the first of its kind intended to sum-up all the research work conducted about this indigenous cattle breed, and to put forth research gaps for this formerly neglected cattle breed. The review discusses the research work conducted on Cholistani cattle breed under five major research subjects/domains i.e. production attributes, theriogenology-related attributes, hematochemical attributes, disease, epidemiologic and therapeutic attributes, and genetic attributes. Future horizon for research avenues has also been given. It is the dire need of time that specific breed-oriented conservation and propagation programs may be initiated in the country so that sustained livestock and enhance socioeconomic profiling of rural communities may be attained.