Product Quality Research Articles

Effect and mechanism of different exogenous biomolecules on the thermal‐induced gel properties of surimi: A review

AbstractSurimi products are favored by domestic and foreign consumers due to their distinctive gelatinous texture, rich nutrition, and convenient consumption. Gel properties are key evaluation indicators for the quality of surimi products, which was mainly determined by the gel‐forming ability of the myofibrillar protein (MP). In recent years, the surimi processing industry has faced challenges in product quality that limits the further development, and how to effectively improve the gel properties of surimi products has become one of the key scientific problems to be solved in surimi processing industry. A viable strategy for improving the product quality involves combining surimi with exogenous additives, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids, to enhance the gel‐forming ability of MP. At present, there is limited literature review to systematically investigate the role of these exogenous additives in interacting with MPs in surimi gel system and their effect on the gel properties of heat‐induced surimi. Therefore, in this review, we systematically discussed the formation mechanism and influencing factors of surimi gel, the interactions of exogenous biomolecules (proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids) with surimi protein, as well as their effects on the gel properties of surimi product. The aim of this review was to help us with a better understanding for the intrinsic action mechanisms of complex surimi system and provide some theoretical guidance for the improvement of gel quality and development of surimi products.

Industrial robots and export product quality: evidence from China

Industrial robots and export product quality: evidence from China

Analytical Assessment of the Quality of Dietary Supplements and Cosmetic Products Containing Xanthohumol by Thin-Layer Chromatography Along with the Estimation of Its Antioxidant Potential

Xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone in the flavonoid group, naturally occurs in many plants and exhibits antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. The growing interest in xanthohumol due to its potential therapeutic properties has led to the increase in the pool of products available on the market. The novelty of this study is the proposal of a rapid and cost-effective procedure useful for performing quality control on products containing xanthohumol in the form of dietary supplements and cosmetics as well as testing their stability. For this purpose, the thin-layer chromatography method with densitometric detection was used, which was validated in accordance with ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) guidelines. The mobile phase was toluene, 1,4-dioxane, and glacial acetic acid (37:10:1.5 v/v/v), and TLC silica gel 60 F254 plates were used as the stationary phase. The validation process assessed linearity, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.9987. The calculated LOD (limit of detection) and LOQ (limit of quantification) values were 3.82 and 11.57 ng/spot, respectively. Accuracy was evaluated by determining percentage recovery at three concentration levels (80, 100, and 120%), with an average recovery of 100% and RSD below 1%, confirming good accuracy. Precision was indicated by an RSD of less than 2.20%. The average content of xanthohumol in dietary supplements ranged from about 8 to 29% of the content declared by the manufacturers. The stability tests showed that XN decomposes most slowly in water (t0.5 = 10.86 h) compared with acidic (t0.5 = 10.80 h) and alkaline solutions (t0.5 = 7.39 h), as well as in the presence of an oxidizing agent (t0.5 = 18.38 h), at all tested temperatures, which is confirmed by the calculated kinetic parameters. In the tests of antioxidant capacity, xanthohumol shows significantly higher radical scavenging capacity than vitamin C in the entire range of analyzed concentrations (0.03–2.40 mmol/L).

Assessing Olive Oil Quality Using Different DNA-Based Methods

Olive oil is appreciated worldwide for its unique nutritional and organoleptic properties. It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which are well-known for their health benefits. The qualitative characteristics of olive oil can be adversely affected by various biotic and abiotic factors. Particularly, microbial pathogens, such as mold fungi, can cause the deterioration of the oil and, thus, be a serious risk to consumer health. In this study, the effectiveness of DNA-based methods, i.e., endpoint PCR, Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), all based on the ITS2-28S region, were used to evaluate the fungal contamination of samples of extra virgin olive oil. All the DNA techniques were able to detect, albeit at different levels, fungal infections affecting some of the basic quality parameters of the olive oils analyzed. However, compared to endpoint PCR and/or RT-PCR, the LAMP assay greatly simplified and accelerated the identification of pathogenic mold in the oil samples. This may encourage the olive oil industry to adopt this method in order to offer the consumer an oil with specific health parameters and therefore guarantee the safety and quality of this precious food product.

RELAÇÃO ENTRE BOAS PRÁTICAS DE ORDENHA, ÍNDICES DE QUALIDADE DE LEITE E BEM-ESTAR ANIMAL

Milk quality is directly related to milking management practices and herd health, with mastitis being one of the main diseases that compromise milk production. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of good milking practices on milk quality and animal welfare, with an emphasis on reducing mastitis and somatic cell count (SCC). The research was carried out at Fazenda Roxa, in Candeal-BA, with 70 cows, 40 of which were in lactation. Milk samples were collected before and after the implementation of good practices, which included reorganization of the milking line, disinfection of teats, cup testing for mastitis detection, and training of milkers. The results showed a significant reduction in SCC, from 1,100,000 cells/ml to 550,000 cells/ml, within the limits of the Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (MAPA). Furthermore, there was a decrease in the incidence of clinical mastitis, indicating the effectiveness of good practices in improving milk quality. The study also showed that such practices contribute to animal welfare and the production of healthier milk, with economic benefits for producers. The implementation of these practices is essential to ensure the production of healthy milk, with positive impacts on the quality of food products and food safety.

Unveiling the Impact of Emotional Regulation on Academic Procrastination

This study examines how consumer perceptions of the Skintific brand, product quality, and pricing influence product selections among 110 FBHIS students at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo. Using online questionnaires and quantitative analysis methods, including validity and reliability tests, multiple linear regression, and t-tests, the research reveals significant relationships between brand image, product quality, pricing, and consumer purchasing decisions. The findings emphasize the importance of these factors in shaping consumer behavior, particularly among university students, and offer insights for skincare companies targeting this demographic to enhance brand image, maintain product quality, and offer competitive pricing strategies. Highlight: Quantitative Analysis: Validity, reliability tests, regression for consumer behavior research. University Sample: Investigated FBHIS students' purchasing choices at Sidoarjo University. Strong Associations: Brand image, product quality, pricing linked to consumer decisions. Keywoard: Consumer perceptions, Skintific brand, Product quality, Pricing, Decisions

Increasing Purchase Decision Through Brand Image

This study aims to determine the role of brand image in mediating purchase decision factors in Telkomsel prepaid consumers in the Tangerang city. The research method used is quantitative with a descriptive approach. This study collected data based on questionnaires, and literature studies. The population in this study is the people of Tangerang city aged 17-64 years and a sample of 152 respondents was taken with accidental sampling and purposive sampling. The data analysis method used is structural equation modeling (SEM) with the SmartPLS 4 statistical analysis tool. The results of this study show that Social Media Marketing has a significant effect on Purchase Decision. Social Media Marketing has a significant effect on Brand Image. Brand Image has a significant effect on Purchase decisions. Product Quality has no effect on the Purchase Decision. Product Quality moderates the negative direction of the relationship between Social Media Marketing and Purchase Decision. Brand Image mediates the relationship between Social Media Marketing and Purchase Decision.

“Similar to Legal Companies”: Vendor Brands and Other Aspects of Marketing Communication in the Darknet Drug Trade

ABSTRACT The darknet or illicit online drug trade has expanded significantly in recent years. Vendors’ marketing communication strategies remain underexplored, however, as researchers focus on well-identified methods such as product quality, delivery times, or stealth shipping techniques. This study aims to show the multifaceted nature of sellers’ marketing practices on the dark web, including nonstandard approaches such as discounts, free samples, sales, contests, and lotteries. The article presents a case study of Cebulka, the largest Polish-language darknet market, using qualitative content analysis, natural language processing, descriptive statistics, and in-depth interviews. On Cebulka, vendors build relationships with buyers and maintain their trust through “marketing as promise management,” which includes feedback and review systems. The multi-method research approach reveals the nuanced nature of marketing on darknet platforms, drawing parallels and distinctions with traditional drug marketing. Additionally, this study contributes to understanding the darknet drug trade within the context of local markets, another underexplored topic.

The Influence of Attitude, Subjective Norms, and Behavioral Control on the Purchase Intentions of Maybelline Cosmetics in Bandar Lampung

This study examines the influence of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on the purchase intention of Maybelline cosmetic products in Bandar Lampung. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, data was collected through surveys and interviews with Maybelline users in Bandar Lampung. The findings indicate that all three factors—attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control—positively and significantly affect consumers' purchase intentions. Consumers’ attitudes towards Maybelline are shaped by product quality, innovation, and its ability to meet beauty needs. Subjective norms, influenced by social factors such as recommendations from friends and influencers, also drive purchase decisions. Furthermore, behavioral control, based on consumers’ perception of their ability to afford and use Maybelline products, plays a critical role in their purchasing decisions. The study suggests that Maybelline can enhance its market position by focusing on sustainability, promoting transparent reviews, and offering affordable product bundles. Collaborations with influencers and popular figures can also strengthen emotional connections with consumers and further encourage purchase intentions. The research provides valuable insights into how attitude, social influence, and perceived control impact consumer behavior, offering practical implications for marketers in the cosmetics industry.

Influence of milling processing on mineral and proximate composition of maize products

AbstractMaize and maize products are major staples consumed worldwide and contain dietary nutrients essential for human nutrition. Processing methods influence the safety and nutritional quality of maize products. This study investigated the effect of different milling processing factors on the mineral and proximate composition of maize products. The study also estimated the contribution of maize products to daily mineral intake. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to determine the mineral content of samples. Proximate composition was determined using methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. A multiple 24‐h dietary recall was used to estimate daily mineral intake of respondents who consume maize products in a cross‐sectional study. The results obtained showed that milling methods influenced the mineral and proximate compositions of the maize products. Mineral content in the milled maize samples followed the order P > Mg > Zn > Fe. The wet milling method retained the highest Fe and P contents, whereas the dried milled sample showed an increased Mg content. The estimated daily mineral intakes of participants were below the World Health Organization recommended standard limits. The respondents were at risk of deficiency of the minerals Fe and Mg. Public health education on sufficient dietary intake of these essential minerals should be intensified.

The Interaction of Microalgae Dietary Inclusion and Forage-to-Concentrate Ratio on the Lipid Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Dairy Goats

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to be effective in enhancing the quality of ruminant products, including meat and milk. However, under these dietary conditions, the de novo lipogenesis could be influenced, too. On the other hand, even if the forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C) is also a key factor affecting lipid metabolism in small ruminants, there is scarce information about its interaction with dietary PUFA. This study investigates the potential of the F:C ratio as a lever to manipulate lipid metabolism in dairy goats under high dietary PUFA supplementation. For this purpose, twenty-two crossbred dairy goats [Alpine × Local (Greek) breeds] (BW = 50.6 ± 6.1 kg) at early lactation (70 ± 10 days in milk) during the age of 3–4 years old, were separated into two homogeneous subgroups (n = 11). In the first phase, each goat was fed 20 g Schizochytrium spp./day followed by either a high-forage (20 HF) or a high-grain (20 HG) diet, while in the second phase, each goat was fed 40 g Schizochytrium spp./day followed once again either a high-forage (40 HF) or a high-grain (40 HG) diet. The F:C ratio of a high-forage and high-grain diet was 60:40 and 40:60, respectively. Tail fat tissue samples were collected by biopsy on the 42nd day of each experimental phase (last day). Significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the gene expression of ACACA, CBR2, COX4I1, ELOVL5, ELOVL7, LEP, and SCD were presented in goats fed 40 g compared to those fed 20 g Schizochytrium spp., while the gene expression of ACACA, AGPAT2, AGPAT3, ELOVL5, ELOVL6, EPHX2, FASN, and SCD was decreased in high grain compared to high-forage diets. This study also indicated that with the aim to enrich goat products with PUFA by increasing their levels in the diet, lipid metabolism is negatively affected. However, a diet with higher forage inclusion can partially attenuate this condition.

Linking demand conditions to competitive advantage: the role of government support programs in the halal cosmetic and personal care industry

Purpose This study aims to examine the mediating role of government support programs in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry between local demand conditions and competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 96 companies in the cosmetics and personal care industry in Malaysia, and the analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach. Findings The results indicate that demand conditions do not have a direct effect on competitive advantage in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. However, government support programs, specifically regulatory and innovation programs, play a crucial mediating role between demand conditions and competitive advantage. This highlights the importance of both regulatory and innovation programs in shaping the halal market ecosystem. Practical implications The halal industry policy should prioritize innovation and regulatory programs to ensure that nonfood halal products, including beauty products, are evaluated not only based on ingredient content but also on broader aspects such as product effectiveness, quality, safety and affordability. Originality/value This study offers a unique perspective by highlighting the often-overlooked role of government support programs as key drivers in shaping the halal market ecosystem and enhancing competition in the halal cosmetics and personal care industry. While the government’s role is frequently neglected in market dynamics, this research emphasizes how government intervention, when implemented through effective policy, can significantly contribute to industry growth and competitiveness.

The Role of Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety Education in Enhancing Economic Efficiency in the Food Service Industry

The study aims to explore the crucial role of courses on Sanitation, Hygiene, and Safety in enhancing the standards of the food and beverage industry in Soppeng Regency. The methodology involves conducting surveys among food business operators and analyzing emic data to evaluate their knowledge of hygiene, sanitation, and safety practices. Findings reveal that many operators have limited awareness of food spoilage caused by microorganisms, and they receive insufficient training on maintaining workplace safety standards. This knowledge gap potentially undermines product quality and poses significant health risks to consumers. Additionally, the study identifies a lack of standardized guidelines for sanitation and safety that are consistently adhered to across the industry. The conclusion highlights the importance of continuous education and comprehensive training programs aimed at improving operators' knowledge of hygiene and sanitation, thereby addressing these shortcomings. Strengthening this understanding is crucial for supporting sustainable tourism, enhancing consumer confidence, and elevating overall service standards within the food and beverage sector in Soppeng Regency, fostering a safer and more appealing industry environment.

Digital Risk Management: A Study of How Firms Mitigate Digital Risks and Threats

The banking industry has seen a sharp rise in the use of AI services over the last ten years, which has improved client satisfaction and efficiency. The machine learning (ML), one of artificial intelligence's primary building blocks, has caused a paradigm change in the banking services sector. Every new technology that is introduced carries with it new threats. Finding such hazards is only the first step; you also need to analyse, evaluate, treat, regulate, and keep an eye on them. Risk is characterised by three elements: the possibility of loss, the unpredictability of the result, and the necessity of making a decision. According to this concept, a risk management strategy should be divided into three stages to address risks: planning ahead, carrying out risk management tasks, and maintaining and enhancing risk management. The first two stages could appear self-evident. But it's critical to recognise that risk management is a continuous process that requires constant attention. Continuous risk management is intended to avert issues, enhance product quality, make better use of available resources, and foster teamwork.

Tanggung Jawab Pelaku UMKM Sebagai Merchant Dalam E-commerce

Introduction: The dynamics of globalization and technological advances have changed the business world significantly, especially with rapid developments in the field of electronic commerce (e-commerce). Significant growth in this field is expected to make a positive contribution to the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by expanding market access.Purposes of the Research: To find out and analyze the responsibilities of MSME actors as merchants in e-commerce.Methods of the Research: The legal research method used in studying this problem is normative juridical, which is based on primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials, and uses a statutory approach and a conceptual approach.Results of the Research: The results of this research show that quite a few business actors do not fulfill their obligations, namely being responsible for fulfilling consumer rights. The form of consumer rights that is violated by business actors in a food product for consumption by consumers is stated in Article 4 point (3) regarding the provision of correct and clear information about a product, goods and/or services. Therefore, business actors are obliged to follow food production standards and maintain product quality in order to meet consumer needs and satisfaction. To protect consumers from business actors whose rights are not fulfilled, the Consumer Protection Law provides protection to consumers in two forms, namely preventatively and repressively. By using strict liability, the application of absolute responsibility solves problems faced by consumers without the need to prove fault, so that consumer rights based on this responsibility can provide legal protection

Cellulose-Based Transparent Edible Antibacterial Oxygen-Barrier Coating for Long-Term Fruit Preservation.

Long-term preservation of fresh fruit and vegetables without a cold chain is a great challenge to food security because fruits and vegetables are highly vulnerable to poor storage conditions. Fruit spoilage is a complex biochemical process that involves many factors, including microbial reproduction, oxidation, metabolism, and H2O evaporation. Only the synergy of the multiple spoilage inhibition methods can achieve long-term freshness preservation. Herein, a multifunctional cellulose-based preservation coating with antibacterial, oxygen/water vapor barrier, and antioxidant properties is proposed, which is based on cellulose microgel (CMG) and prepared using multi-component composites with montmorillonite (MMT), cationic cellulose derivative (Cell-P+), and L-ascorbic acid (Vc). It has good wetting properties on fruits with different surfaces. This method can successfully preserve the long-term freshness of various fruits. This highly transparent, edible, and washable multifunctional cellulose-based fruit preservation coating can improve the quality of agricultural products, extend the shelf life of food, and reduce the cost of cold-chain transportation.

Navigation literacy of primary health care personnel (using the example of the heads of medical and obstetric centers in Orenburg region)

Objective. To assess navigation literacy of primary health care personnel (using the example of the heads of medical and obstetric centers in Orenburg region). Materials and methods. Navigation literacy of primary health care personnel was assessed among all heads of medical and obstetric centers in Orenburg region (n = 58). For this purpose, a single-stage continuous online survey was conducted using a combined questionnaire developed by the Central Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Informatization of the Ministry of Heath of the Russian Federation. Results. The level of navigation literacy among the heads of the medical and obstetric centers of Orenburg region in 65.7 % of cases was excellent and sufficient. In the list of navigation skills, the heads of the medical and obstetric centers noted difficulties in the implementation of: issues of medical insurance (48.3 %), legal aspects of medical care and protection of patients' rights (27.5-48.3 %), healthcare reform (36.2 %). It was found out that from 63.7 % to 91.4 % of the heads of the medical and obstetric centers are aware of the ongoing state measures in the field of public health. The majority of the respondents (60.0 %) noted that they search for necessary information for professional purposes using digital tools. However, every third respondent (32.7 %) mentioned the difficulties in finding it on legislative issues, interpreting the quality and safety of food products according to their product labeling (27.6 %), solving problems related to mental health and well-being (18.9 %). These data demonstrate the need to improve navigation literacy of medical and obstetric centers managers in the digital environment. Conclusions. The modern multilevel and multicomponent healthcare system is associated with the need to improve the navigation literacy of medical personnel. The data obtained determined the main directions for improving navigation literacy of the heads of medical and obstetric centers.

The effectiveness of implementing the HACCP system to ensure the quality of food products in regions with ecological problems

This study developed and implemented a specific HACCP plan for the meat pate “Phirmennyi” at the small meat processing enterprise “Alteev” in Semey, Kazakhstan. The research, conducted in collaboration with the Department of Food Production Technology and Biotechnology at Shakarim University, was carried out in an area affected by the ecological consequences of the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. The study aimed to identify critical control points (CCPs) and assess potential risks following the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union. Additionally, it evaluated the effectiveness of the HACCP plan in reducing contaminants, such as heavy metals, radionuclides, and pesticides, while considering the region’s environmental impact on food safety and quality. Standard procedures were followed for hazard analysis, CCP identification, setting critical limits, monitoring, corrective actions, verification, and record-keeping. Heavy metals were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, while Cs-137 radionuclides were analyzed with scintillation and semiconductor gamma spectrometers. Statistical analysis was conducted in Microsoft Excel to compute mean values, standard deviations, and correlations, with significance defined at p ≤ 0.05. Five CCPs were identified during the production of an experimental batch of meat pâté, including raw material acceptance, blanching, cooking, cooling, and packaging/storage. Implementing this plan resulted in a reduction in contaminants, including a decrease in lead from 0.55 to 0.51 mg/kg, arsenic from 0.12 to 0.07 mg/kg, and Cs-137 from 7.2 to 6.8 Bq/kg. By addressing both the contaminants and the specific environmental context of the region, this research demonstrates the critical role of a well-structured food safety plan. The HACCP system not only improved food quality but also ensured compliance with safety standards, providing reassurance to consumers. This case study advocates for broader adoption of food safety management in regions with similar ecological challenges, promoting a more sustainable and secure food supply chain.

CsWRKY53 and CsWRKY40 synergistically regulate L-theanine hydrolysis by abscisic acid signaling pathway during tea withering.

L-Theanine hydrolysis in tea leaves not only reduces tea product quality but also decreases their health benefits. Postharvest dehydration-induced abscisic acid (ABA) contributes to the L-theanine hydrolysis, but the specific mechanism is unexplored. Based on transcriptome analysis and gene silencing experiments, CsNCED3a was shown to be a key gene for ABA synthesis in harvested tea leaves, and CsABF7 up-regulated the expression of CsWRKY40, a transcription factor (TF) that directly regulates a L-theanine hydrolysis gene, resulting in the loss of L-theanine. CsWRKY53 and CsWRKY40 activated CsNCED3a expression. The CsWRKY53-CsWRKY40 complex exhibited a stronger regulatory effect than individual TFs. These findings reveal an ABA-mediated regulatory pathway for L-theanine hydrolysis, and highlight the pivotal role of ABA in postharvest metabolism of critical flavor-contributing metabolites in tea leaves.

Advanced sensing and analytical techniques for quality control of tobacco flavoring

Abstract Assuring stability and uniformity in tobacco cut filler flavoring is crucial for cigarette product quality. This review focuses on advanced sensing and analytical techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and electronic nose technology. These methods analyze the chemical composition of flavoring liquids and detect volatile components in tobacco cut filler samples, thereby evaluating flavoring stability and uniformity. The review also acknowledges additional technologies like near-infrared spectroscopy and continuous flow analysis. Strengths and weaknesses of these detection techniques are discussed, providing insights into quality control of tobacco cut filler flavoring.