Product Quality Research Articles

Composting as a Cleaner Production Strategy for the Soil Resource of Potato Crops in Choconta, Colombia

Choconta is the municipality in Colombia with the greatest prevalence of potato planting, representing 70.90% of the total territory. However, this crop has been affected by the presence of pests, diseases, and chemical contaminants from pesticides and chemical fertilizers that deteriorate the soil and, therefore, the quality of the final product. Compost (organic waste with specific characteristics and made from waste generated in Choconta) was studied as a sustainable production strategy to increase soil quality and thereby the quality of the local potato crop. For this purpose, a 3 × 2 experiment design was implemented with three treatments (0%, 25%, and 50% compost) and two variables (young potato and mature potato) in duplicate for 4 months. In this experiment, the use of compost led to an improved final product, which went from a floury texture to a dense and creamy texture. The use of compost also reduced the levels of heavy metals, such as lead, with a higher removal in treatment 3 (50% composting). The estimated direct cost of the composting process was USD 280.85, slightly lower than that of the application of fertilizers at USD 294.48. The use of fertilizers has a higher environmental impact due to the use of chemical products that have environmental and health implications. Using compost did not influence tuber harvest time but had a positive impact on tuber texture quality and on soil resources through the reduction in heavy metals, especially lead (16.40–18.03 ppm for treatment 1, 17.96–18.49 ppm for treatment 2, and 15.67–17.88 ppm for treatment 3). Using compost could be environmentally and economically beneficial for local farmers, and it promotes the circular economy and sustainable communities.

Supply chain risk assessment using best worst method: a case study of agro-industry skipjack tuna in Ambon - Indonesia

One of the main issues in the agro-industry supply chain is identifying and ranking different risk factors to maintain business continuity. This study discusses the agro-food supply chain risk assessment for smoked skipjack tuna in Ambon. Related literature and expert interviews identify risk factors that arise along the supply chain. These risk factors are contained in internal risk, company external operational risk, and macro-level risk. This research aims to evaluate comprehensively the risk factors of the smoked skipjack agro-industry supply chain, which are a priority to be addressed. The decision-making framework uses the BWM (Best Worst Method) to determine each risk factor's relative weight, followed by a sensitivity analysis to determine how robust the outcome is. Experts pick the risk factor assessment, and then an optimization model is modelled to obtain the weight of each risk factor, which is calculated with the help of Lingo software. The findings show that three risk factors will be prioritized to be addressed out of the eleven risk factors assessed, namely "Quality of the final product," "Financial instability," and "degradation of fish populations." Sensitivity analysis was also carried out to see the overall robustness of the results achieved. The weight of the selected risk factor ("final product quality (R1c)") has its weight value changed from 0.1 to 0.9 with an increase of 0.1. These findings are expected to help smoked skipjack tuna agro-industry managers make decisions to reduce supply chain risks and better administration management to maintain the sustainability of their business processes.

Impact of Microplastics on the Carbon and Nitrogen of Vermicompost

ABSTRACTThe impact of microplastics (MPs) on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content in vermicompost is not yet fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the effect of MPs on the carbon and nitrogen ratio in vermicompost, which is important for soil quality and health. The study was carried out using a control treatment and six variations of MPs in the vermicomposting process. Observations were carried out at certain time intervals for 60 days with routine measurements of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), seed germination index (GI), survival rate (SR), and C/N ratio. The results showed that all types of MPs caused a decrease in the C/N ratio compared to the control, with the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) MPs treatment showing the most significant decrease (from 21 to 9.42). Observations also showed that MPs had an impact on reducing the SR parameters (6.88%–20.41%), pH (6.8–6.1), and EC (525.3–398 µs/cm) in vermicompost, which had an impact on the final product quality thereby reducing the GI (10%–28%). MPs have a significant effect on the C/N ratio in vermicompost, reducing the quality of the compost. This study provides new insights into how MPs can affect the composting process and the quality of the final product, important for sustainable agricultural practices and waste management.

Potential Benefits of Tannins on Ruminant Health, Production and Environmental Sustainability

Tannins are naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds increasingly recognized for their potential benefits to ruminants. Tannins can be extracted from plants' roots, bark, leaves, and seed husks. Management of plant communities to produce a diverse array of secondary compounds, particularly tannins, is a promising strategy for holistically enhancing agroecosystems on rangelands and benefiting free grazing ruminant animals. Deterioration of rangelands constrains plant diversity, reducing tanniferous forage plants and limiting tannin availability to free-grazing ruminants. Ruminants supplemented with tannin extracts in confined feeding operations have gained several reported benefits. Commercial industries are also expanding to extract and process tannin extracts. The beneficial effects of tannins depend on many factors, including plant species, plant part, tannin type (condensed tannins (CTs) or hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), and dose. Tannin binds with proteins, enhances the diversity and abundance of amino acids in the small intestine, and improves overall protein absorption and utilization. Compiled with other mechanisms, tannins can improve the quality, quantity, shelf life, and consumer preference of meat and milk products. Tannins also possess antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. CTs also impact rumen microbial populations, decreasing methane production, improving ruminal microbiota diversity, and lowering ammonia nitrogen production. Therefore, the use of tannin from tannin extracts and tanniferous forage plants presents a promising avenue for enhancing confined and free-grazing ruminant animals' health, productivity, and environmental sustainability.

Assessment of the impact of locally fabricated oven and sun drying method on the proximate, mineral and microbiological composition of Clarias gariepinus (catfish)

Drying is an age long practice which prevent fish from deterioration and spoilage, however, traditional drying is usually practiced in rural settings with poor hygienic conditions, thus, the nutritional and microbial quality of such products is uncertain. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of a locally fabricated oven and sun drying method on the proximate, mineral and microbial composition of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) using standard laboratory procedures. The results of the proximate analysis showed that the oven dried fish had the highest crude protein content (66.43 ± 3.37 %), crude lipid content (8.27 ± 0.28 %) and carbohydrate content (4.50 ± 0.22 %) which were statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the sun dried fish, while the sun dried fish had the highest ash content (16.30 ± 2.48 %) and moisture content (14.30 ± 0.82 %) which were statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the oven dried fish. Also, the mineral analysis showed that the oven dried fish had the highest calcium (821.49 ± 1.10 mg/kg), phosphorus (86.04 ± 0.83 mg/kg), potassium (254.72 ± 0.40 mg/kg), iron (40.73 ± 0.23 mg/kg), manganese (0.95 ± 0.01 mg/kg) and selenium (14.15 ± 0.39 mg/kg) content which were statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the sun dried fish, while the sun dried fish had the highest sodium (173.52 ± 0.12 mg/kg), cupper (0.87 ± 0.12 mg/kg), magnesium (39.01 ± 0.43 mg/kg) and zinc (2.83 ± 0.23 mg/kg) content which were also statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the oven dried fish. The study also showed that the total viable bacterial count was higher in the sun dried fish (6.23 x 105 cfu/g) which was not statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the oven dried fish (5.65 x 105cfu/g), while the fungal count was higher in the oven dried fish (6.55 x 105 cfu/g) which was also not statistically significant (p<0.05) when compared to the sun dried fish (5.01 x 105 cfu/g). The findings in this study showed that the locally fabricated oven was remarkably effective, yielding fish with significantly enhanced nutritional profiles and minimal microbial contamination. This approach offers a superior method for fish preservation, providing a promising alternative for improving food safety and nutritional quality.

Kelayakan Usaha Madu Berbasis Eduwisata Lebah Tanpa Sengat Di Pondok Pesantren Kabupaten Lebong

The demand for honey has increased from year to year, based on BPS data, the number of honey imports has increased significantly every year, however, according to the Indonesian Beekeeping Association, honey consumption in Indonesia is still low per year, namely 15-20 grams/capita/year. The Nurul Qur'an Islamic boarding school in Lebong Regency has a stingless bee educational tour to provide education about bees and honey directly as a promotion to visitors. The aim of this research is (1) to determine the feasibility of various non-financial aspects of an edutourism-based honey business through market aspects, technical aspects, legal aspects, management aspects, social, economic and cultural and environmental aspects. (2) to measure the financial feasibility analysis without a training package and homestay facilities (scenario 1) compared to an edutourism-based honey business with a training package and homestay facilities (scenario 2) using investment criteria, namely NPV, Net B/C, IRR, and Payback Period, . Data collection methods include surveys, interviews and document studies, the sampling technique uses purposive sampling. The results of the analysis of non-financial aspects which include market aspects, technical aspects, management and legal aspects, social and economic aspects, and environmental aspects show that this business is feasible to run. The results of the financial analysis seen from the calculation of Payback Period, IRR, NPV and Net B/C show that scenario 1 is more profitable compared to scenario 2. Then for the results of sensitivity analysis using switching values product prices and honey production are more sensitive compared to total fixed costs. costs) and variable costs, so it is recommended to maintain product availability and quality and improve marketing with various effective approaches.

Российский ритейл и популяризация принципов устойчивого развития ESG

The article discusses the main tasks of Russian retail, which is the task of achieving a balance between profit from trading activities and environmental support. The integration of the principles of sustainable development into all operational processes, from product quality control to waste disposal, creates an entire ecosystem of responsible business and lifestyle of people.

Simultaneous determination of picroside I and picroside II in dietary supplements by high performance liquid chromatography with PDA detector

Picroside I and picroside II are two compounds found in the Picrorhiza Kurroa plant, which have anti-cirrhosis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, fever, and asthma effects, etc. They are included in the ingredients of many dietary supplement products that help protect the liver and bile, prevent oxidation, etc. Therefore, determining the content of these two active ingredients in dietary supplements is necessary to evaluate product quality. In this study, highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC-PDA) was used to simultaneously determine picroside I and picroside II in dietary supplements. The analytes in the samples were extracted with methanol for 60 min using a horizontal shaking technique. The extract was then filtered and determined by the HPLC–PDA method with the following conditions: C18 Column (250 mm x 4.6 mm; 5 µm) and a corresponding pre-column (3.9 mm x 5 mm; 5 µm), the mobile phase consists of a solvent mixture of acetonitrile and water according to the gradient program, detection wavelength 265 nm. The method has good specificity, the calibration curve of picroside I and picroside II has a linear coefficient R2 > 0.9999 and the repeatability and recovery meet the AOAC requirements. The method limits of detection (MDL) for these two substances were 4.3 mg/kg and 3.2 mg/kg, respectively. The method was applied to simultaneously determine picroside I and picroside II in 30 different dietary supplement products. The results detected analytes in 3 samples positive with picroside I and picroside II concentrations ranging from 98.8 to 148 mg/kg.

Numerical simulations of polymer devolatilization in a steam contactor: Correlating particle distribution with volatile content removal

Abstract The focus of the current study is on a polymer devolatilization process in a device called a contactor, that involves the use of superheated steam to eliminate volatile cyclohexane, through evaporation, from the polymer mixture, also known as cement. The primary objective is to analyze the cement particle distribution and how it relates to the cyclohexane content at the exit or the devolatilization efficiency. The study develops a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that solves for the turbulent steam flow as a continuous phase and the the flow of cement droplets as a discrete phase. Following validation of the CFD model by comparing cement particle size distribution at the exit of the contactor to experimental data, a detailed examination of the same is conducted through a series of 69 CFD different calculations to understand its influence on the evaporation of the volatile in the polymer mixture. Two metrics are developed here: a cluster distribution index (CDI) based on the actual particle pairwise distances and a new mass-CDI based on the the radial distribution of masses. It is demonstrated that by relating the CDI and mass-CDI to the reduction in the cyclohexane content in the contactor, these metrics can be utilized to achieve the desirable input conditions in this polymer processing operation. Through a detailed examination of the particle dynamics in a steam contactor under various conditions, this study assists the polymer manufacturing industry in optimizing the devolatilization process for better steam savings and improved product quality.

FDADNet: Detection of Surface Defects in Wood-Based Panels Based on Frequency Domain Transformation and Adaptive Dynamic Downsampling

The detection of surface defects on wood-based panels plays a crucial role in product quality control. However, due to the complex background and low contrast of defects in wood-based panel images, features extracted by traditional deep learning methods based on spatial domain processing often contain noise and blurred boundaries, which severely affects detection performance. To address these issues, we have proposed a wood-based panel surface defect detection method based on frequency domain transformation and adaptive dynamic downsampling (FDADNet). Specifically, we designed a Multi-axis Frequency Domain Weighted Information Representation Module (MFDW), which effectively decoupled the indistinguishable low-contrast defects from the background in the transform domain. Gaussian filtering was then employed to eliminate noise and blur between the defects and the background. Additionally, to tackle the issue of scale differences in defects that led to difficulties in accurate capture, we designed an Adaptive Dynamic Convolution (ADConv) module for downsampling. This method flexibly compressed and enhanced features, effectively improving the differentiation of the features of objects of varying scales in the transform space, and ultimately achieved effective defect detection. To compensate for the lack of data, we constructed a dataset of wood-based panel surface defects, WBP-DET. The experimental results showed that the proposed FDADNet effectively improved the detection performance of wood-based panel surface defects in complex scenarios, achieving a solid balance between efficiency and accuracy.

PBBM Considerations for Base Models, Model Validation, and Application Steps: Workshop Summary Report.

The proceedings from the 30th August 2023 (Day 2) of the workshop "Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutics Models (PBBM) Best Practices for Drug Product Quality: Regulatory and Industry Perspectives" are provided herein. Day 2 covered PBBM case studies from six regulatory authorities which provided considerations for model verification, validation, and application based on the context of use (COU) of the model. PBBM case studies to define critical material attribute (CMA) specification settings, such as active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particle size distributions (PSDs) were shared. PBBM case studies to define critical quality attributes (CQAs) such as the dissolution specification setting or to define the bioequivalence safe space were also discussed. Examples of PBBM using the credibility assessment framework, COU and model risk assessment, as well as scientific learnings from PBBM case studies are provided. Breakout session discussions highlighted current trends and barriers to application of PBBMs including: (a) PBBM credibility assessment framework and level of validation, (b) use of disposition parameters in PBBM and points to consider when iv data are not available, (c) conducting virtual bioequivalence trials and dealing with variability, (d) model acceptance criteria, and (e) application of PBBMs for establishing safe space and failure edges.

Sustainable approach to raw clays for ceramic and refractory applications: insights from updated traditional ternary diagrams

Abstract The study analysed 93 samples from four Serbian clay deposits to determine their suitability for ceramics production. The samples were mainly composed of illite and kaolinite. Ternary diagrams were used to classify the samples and evaluate their applicability. Winkler's diagrams, ternary graphs and mineralogical compositions were analysed. The results showed a broader area in these graphs than previously determined for structural ceramics, as well as the potential of these clays for ceramic production. The study used dry-milled, hydraulically semi-dry, pressed and fired samples to assess water absorption and flexural strength and statistical analysis to determine the key parameters influencing final product quality, including that of refractory, wall and floor tiles. This paper evaluates the raw clay materials’ applicability in ceramic production, promoting sustainable use through rapid initial tests, energy savings through dry milling and ecologically sound principles through resource-efficient evaluation.

THE INFLUENCE OF BRAND, PRICE AND PRODUCT QUALITY ON SHOPEE E-COMMERCE PURCHASING DECISIONS

The development of information technology in the 4.0 era has changed people's lifestyles, including product purchasing behavior through e-commerce. This research aims to determine the influence of brand, price and product quality variables on Shopee e-commerce purchasing decisions. The research object was carried out in Semarang district with a generation Z population aged 18-27 years. The number of respondents was 95 people with the sampling technique using a non-probability sampling technique with a purposive sampling method. Data collection used a questionnaire with Likert scale parameters. The data analysis technique uses multiple linear regression and is processed using SPSS version 29 software. The results of data analysis show that brand and price variables have a positive and significant effect on Shopee e-commerce purchasing decisions. Meanwhile, the product quality variable does not significantly influence Shopee e-commerce purchasing decisions. The coefficient of determination value shows a value of 32.1% with a significance level of 0.05.

Application of Statistical Process Control in Automotive Manufacturing

This research looks at how “statistical process control”, or SPC, is used in the automotive sector and highlights how it can improve production efficiency, lower defect rates, and improve process quality. SPC is crucial to the monitoring and control of the complex assembly processes and strict quality standards that define the automobile sector. The efficiency of several SPC methods, including control charts and process capability analysis (Cp and Cpk), in preserving process stability and fulfilling quality criteria is assessed in this study. The study shows how these technologies may detect process variations and direct appropriate adjustments to optimize output using simulated data analysis. The results highlight how crucial SPC is to attaining consistent product quality and reliability, which raises performance and safety requirements in the automotive sector.

Development of an ESP32 Microcontroller-based Colorimeter with an Android App for the Verification of Roasting Degree of Coffee Beans

A lo w-cost and portable colorimeter was developed using an ESP32 microcontroller and a TCS34725 color sensor to monitor the degree of coffee roast, crucial for maintaining flavor consistency and controlling product quality across different batches. The colorimeter detected color recognition resulting in RGB color intensity values, which could be displayed on the device’s TFT LCD touchscreen. Additionally, colorimetric data was transmitted in real-time via WiFi and stored in a MySQL database using an Android app created with the MIT App Inventor platform. The colorimeter was powered by a rechargeable lithium phosphate battery. The consistency of coffee roasting was ensured by self-identifying the standard RGB values of the roasted coffee beans at five degrees (light, light-medium, medium, medium-dark, and dark) with the app. The darker the color of the roasted coffee, the lower the RGB values were gained. The color detection was highly precise, with a relative standard deviation of less than 5%.

Digital Twins in Manufacturing: A Survey of Current Practices and Future Trends

Digital Twin (DT) is the advanced tool of smart manufacturing which provides a proper way to model, analyse, and control the physical systems. A DT is the lifelike rendition of a physical object or phenomenon that uses real-time actual phenomena data to depict its actions, efficiency, and responses within the surrounding context. This technology allows electronic manufacturers to obtain a real-time stream of their systems, in which predictive maintenance, increased operation effectiveness, and improved product quality can be attained. By developing an ever-evolving replica of the physical structures, systems or even operation lines, Digital Twins enable the functionality of exploring various demanding circumstances and schemata, all in order to make effective decisions. When the manufacturing environments are rapidly changing, and there are more interconnections between them, the use of Digital Twins is especially useful. They continue improvement by highlighting problems, forecasting failure, and making choices based on data. The purpose of this article is to examine smart manufacturing via the lens of IoT DT technology. It gives general information about its uses, such as in the processes, time-saving and safety measures. As well, the paper considers the difficulties related to the practical application of DT, including costs, data management, and requirements for the formation of standards. Thus, based on analysing future developments and the role of Digital Twins as an innovation enabler in different industries, this study can benefit scholars, practitioners, and politicians who look forward to unlocking the potential of this innovative solution.

Brazil as a promising market for Russian technologies in the field of digitalization of agriculture

Subject. The article addresses Brazil as an attractive market for Russian technology development in the area of agriculture digitalization, as this country is interested in using modern technologies to optimize processes in agriculture. Objectives. The study aims to examine the current level of digitalization of Brazilian agriculture and determine prospects for cooperation between Russia and Brazil in the application of information technology in this sector. Methods. The study draws on methods of statistical, comparative, and economic analyses. Results. Digitalization enables Brazil to increase agricultural productivity through precision farming, lower production costs, improve product quality by monitoring and control of growing conditions, and reduce harmful environmental impact. An integrated approach to the use of digital technologies also plays an important role. We formulated recommendations for agriculture development in Brazil based on the Russian experience of using digitalization tools. Conclusions. Brazilian agriculture is of great importance in ensuring food security not only in Brazil, but also in many other countries. Therefore, it is crucial to introduce modern technologies into this sector.

THE EFFECT OF PRODUCT QUALITY AND PRICE ON LOYALTY OF TELKOMSEL PREPAID CARD USERS WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AS A MEDIATING VARIABLE

This study aims to examine the Influence of Product Quality and Price on the Loyalty of Telkomsel Prepaid Card Users with Customer Satisfaction as a Mediating Variable. This research employs a quantitative method with a sample size of 101 respondents who are Telkomsel card users in Sungai Penuh City, calculated based on the Lemeshow formula. Data was collected using a questionnaire distributed online via Google Forms and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results of the study show that price has a positive effect on customer satisfaction. Price does not have an effect on consumer loyalty. Customer satisfaction has a positive effect on consumer loyalty. Product quality has a positive effect on customer satisfaction. Product quality does not have an effect on consumer loyalty. The study also proves that customer satisfaction does not mediate the relationship between price and consumer loyalty, but customer satisfaction does mediate the relationship between product quality and consumer loyalty.

Effect of Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Juice Concentration on Product Quality and Antioxidant Activity of Red Guava Synbiotic Yoghurt

Red guava juice has very strong antioxidant activity and has the potential to be processed into synbiotic functional beverage products that have health benefits. This study examined the effect of red guava juice concentration on product quality and antioxidant activity of red guava synbiotic yoghurt. Product quality tested included microbiological quality (total LAB) and chemical quality (pH value and Total Tritable Acid (TTA )value). The concentrations of red guava juice used were 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. Fermentation was carried out for 6 hours at 37⁰C by Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from powdered mixed culture. Then organoleptic testing using the hedonic test, total LAB testing using the Total Plate Count (TPC) method, pH value testing using a pH meter, TTA value testing using the acid-base titration method, and antioxidant activity testing using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil) method. Test data were analyzed using SPSS software to determine the effect of red guava juice concentration on test results. The concentration of red guava juice in red guava synbiotic yoghurt affects the pH value, TTA value, and IC50 value as the result of antioxidant activity testing. Red guava juice concentration did not affect total LAB testing. Organoleptic assessment of red guava symbiotic yoghurt is in the range of like to like very much. The best formulation was red guava synbiotic yoghurt with 30% red guava juice concentration, which had strong antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 59.637 ppm, pH value of 3.94, TTA value of 1.98%, and total LAB as much as 1.81x10⁸ colonies/g, so it has met the quality requirements of yoghurt according to Indonesian National Standard SNI 2981: 2009.

THE IMPACT OF PRICE, PRODUCT QUALITY, AND ELECTRONIC WORD OF MOUTH ON PURCHASE DECISIONS FOR BENING’S KINCARE PRODUCTS IN KARAWANG

The objective of this study is to ascertain the impact of price, product quality, and electronic word of mouth on the purchasing decisions regarding Bening's skincare products in Karawang. Employing quantitative research with hypothesis testing, the research involved a sample of 105 consumers of Bening's Skincare products in Karawang.The analytical methods applied include multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination (R2), partial correlation coefficient, t-test, F-test, and classical assumption tests using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Primary data for the study were obtained through a questionnaire. The findings of this research affirm that the price significantly influences the purchasing decisions for Bening's Skincare products in Karawang. Moreover, product quality plays a significant role in influencing the decision to purchase Bening's skincare products in Karawang. However, electronic word of mouth does not exhibit a significant impact on purchasing decisions for Bening's skincare products in Karawang. Additionally, the combined influence of price, product quality, and electronic word of mouth simultaneously affects the purchasing decisions for Bening's Skincare products in Karawang.