Product Quality Research Articles

Deep quality-related stacked isomorphic autoencoder for batch process quality prediction

Abstract Batch processes play an important role in modern chemical industrial and manufacturing production, while the control of product quality relies largely on online quality prediction. However, the complex nonlinearities of batch process and the dispersion of quality-related features may affect the quality prediction performance. In this paper, a deep quality-related stacked isomorphic autoencoder for batch process quality prediction is proposed. Firstly, the same raw input data is reconstructed layer-by-layer by isomorphic autoencoder and the raw data features are obtained. Secondly, the correlation between the isomorphic representations of each layer and the output is analyzed by maximum information coefficient to construct the relevant loss function and enhance the quality-related information. Thirdly, deep quality-related prediction model is constructed to predict the batch process quality variables. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by applying on penicillin fermentation process.

Strategies for digital transformation of cold chain logistics of fresh agricultural products based on Internet of things

The rapid development of cities and urbanization in China has forced the growth of new channels for buying agricultural products. The purpose of this research is to examine how Internet of Things (IoT’s) technologies can digitize a traditional fresh food supply chain. Comparative and descriptive analysis methods are used to highlight the major pain points in the traditional supply chains and assess how digital transformation could help. We delve into every part of digital transformation, which includes establishing an information platform based on IoT and developing smart storage options. Our findings revealed that through end-to-end digital integration, supply chain efficiency is improved with shorter lead times and leaner inventories that yield reduced costs as well as fewer losses while ensuring product quality and traceability. In sum, such an approach would enhance sustainability within the fresh food value chain. As such, our article highlights key aspects of transitioning towards a digital environment in this sector for those planning similar ventures.

Analysis of Cylinder Comp Product Quality Control with Proposed Improvements at PT. Jakarta Automotive

In the era of globalization, the manufacturing industry faces its biggest challenge, namely the demands of consumer needs with high quality standards. Various kinds of waste often occur in the production process, one of which is caused by a poor layout of facilities, for example the arrangement of machines on the production line that is not suitable. This is a problem in the production process of machining cylinder comp at PT. Jakarta Automotive. With the aim of finding out the factors that cause product defects in machining cylinder comp and finding design of improvement proposals to reduce the defects that occur, this study uses a quantitative method to find DPMO and sigma values as an analysis of the cause of the problem. The result of this study was the discovery of less than optimal engine layout settings that caused TAP NG defects in the product. So that a design of a proposed improvement was made in the form of a change in the engine layout. In conclusion, in this study, it was identified that the non-optimal engine layout was the cause of the high defects. Therefore, improvements are proposed in the form of changing the engine layout on the production line with the aim of reducing the level of defects caused by a less than optimal layout.

Does cross-border e-commerce improve China’s imported product quality? – A quasi-natural experiment based on the establishment of cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones

We take the establishment of cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones as the quasi-natural experiment, based on China’s General Administration of Customs Database, China Customs Online Inquiry Platform, ‘Cross-Border E-Commerce Retail Import Commodity List’ and other data. By employing the staggered DID method, this paper systematically investigates the potential of cross-border e-commerce to enhance the quality of imported products. The research findings reveal the following: Since the introduction of the cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of imported products in China. These effects, however, vary across different product types and regions, suggesting heterogeneous impacts. The cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones have facilitated the development of import trade in China through three main avenues: reducing search costs, resolving financing challenges, and lowering tariffs. These measures have collectively contributed to the reduction of trade costs.

Development Strategy for Seaweed Agroindustry on Household Scale in Mataram City

The research objectives are (1) Analyzing alternative strategies for developing agro-industry made from seaweed in Mataram City; and (2) Analyzing the strategic options that are prioritized in the development of seaweed agro-industry in Mataram City. The research method uses descriptive methods. Determining the research location was carried out using the Purposive Sampling technique. The main respondents in the research were seaweed agro-industry entrepreneurs. To strengthen data related to product quality and price instruments, data was added by interviewing buyers/consumers as additional respondents, so the assessment was more objective. Producer respondents were determined using the census method, while consumer respondents were determined using the Accidental Sampling method. The results of the research show (1) Alternative development strategies using SWOT, obtained by micro-businesses in quadrant Ⅲ (WO Strategy) include utilizing coaching for access to capital, modern technology, good packaging, expanding the market through social media, increasing the number of human resources, and promotions to overcome less strategic location. For small businesses in quadrant Ⅰ (SO Strategy) by utilizing experience and business permits to create employment opportunities, process agricultural products, promote quality products without preservatives, and use guidance from related agencies, (2) QSPM matrix analysis produces priority strategies for Micro business is expanding the market and promoting through social media to meet high product demand, while for small business it is increasing the added value of products with available raw materials and utilizing guidance from related agencies.

Selection of Official and Unofficial Lemon Raw Material Suppliers (Case Study of Tasikmalaya City Branch Mixue)

Mixue is one of the most popular contemporary drink brands in Indonesia. One of the important raw materials for Mixue is lemon. In Indonesia, there are two types of lemon raw material suppliers, namely imported suppliers and local suppliers. This research aims to examine and compare the use of lemon raw materials from official suppliers of PT. Zhisheng Pacific Trading (MIXUE) imports raw materials from local suppliers in the context of use by Mixue retail stores operating in the food and beverage sector. This research uses mixed methods between qualitative methods and quantitative methods. Data collection techniques in this research were observation, interviews and questionnaires. Mixue is one of the most popular contemporary drink brands in Indonesia. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that local suppliers are superior to most of the factors considered than official suppliers. There is positive interest from experts involved in research regarding the use of lemon raw materials from local suppliers. From this research, recommendations and suggestions were obtained to consider updating policies related to regulations on the use of raw materials from third parties by considering all the advantages possessed by local suppliers in various factors. The results of this research state that local suppliers are superior in price and logistics efficiency. Official suppliers offer stable and reliable product quality.

Capacity fading knee-point recognition method and life prediction for lithium-ion batteries using segmented capacity degradation model

Aiming at the problem that the cycle life of the battery is hard to be accurately estimated, a segmented capacity degradation model is established based on the trend of capacity degradation rate. By applying a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the model parameters, GA-Weibull and GA-SVR (support vector regression) degradation models and their corresponding segmented models are established, and the battery life is calculated. Furthermore, a method taking the RMSE as the target is put forward to calculate the knee-point of capacity degradation. Finally, the life is predicted by segmented models. The results show that compared with unsegmented models, describing the process of capacity degradation by segmented models reduces the error notably, makes the determination coefficient closer to 1, and improves the model accuracy effectively. Later, the proposed method makes the fitting error of the segmented model smaller than that of Bacon-Watts method, thus obtaining a more accurate knee-point. In addition, it is found that there exists linear relationship between the estimated knee-point and the battery life. Finally, the prediction results based on segmented model show that the prediction accuracy of segmented GA-SVR model is higher, and the MAPE is only 4.32%. The relevant results can provide some guidance for the reliability evaluation and product quality management of lithium-ion batteries, which is conducive to establishing more accurate models for battery life prediction.

Pengaruh Kualitas Produk, Kualitas Layanan, dan Harga Terhadap Minat Keputusan Pembelian pada UMKM Surakarta

This study aims to examine the influence of product quality, service quality, and price on purchase decision interest in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Surakarta. A quantitative approach was used in this research, employing purposive sampling to collect data from 200 respondents who met certain criteria: MSME customers in Surakarta aged 17-40 years who had made purchases more than twice. Primary data were collected through questionnaires based on a Likert scale and analyzed using Smart PLS version 3.0 software to perform Partial Least Square (PLS) testing. The results showed that product quality, service quality, and price significantly influence consumers' purchase decision interest. Product quality has the greatest influence on purchase decision interest, followed by service quality and price. These findings indicate that improving product and service quality, as well as setting competitive prices, can enhance consumer purchase interest in MSMEs in Surakarta. This study provides practical implications for MSMEs to focus on enhancing product and service quality and establishing effective pricing strategies to attract consumer purchase interest and decisions.

Pengaruh Aplikasi Tiktok Sebagai Media Promosi dan Kualitas Produk Terhadap Keputusan Pembelian Produk Moisturizer The Originote

This study discusses the relationship between Tiktok as a promotional media and product quality on the purchasing decision of Moisturizer The Originote. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of Tiktok promotions and product quality on the purchasing decision of Moisturizer The Originote. The research utilized nonprobability sampling with purposive sampling involving 100 respondents. Data collection was conducted through a questionnaire distributed via Google Forms. Findings from the analysis indicate that Tiktok promotions have a significant positive effect on purchasing decisions (β1 = 0.562, t-value = 7.894, sig < 0.05), while product quality also significantly impacts purchasing decisions (β2 = 0.433, t-value = 6.057, sig < 0.05). Simultaneously, Tiktok promotions and product quality significantly influence purchasing decisions (F-value = 93.952, sig < 0.000), with an R-squared value of 0.660, suggesting that 66.0% of the variation in purchasing decisions for Moisturizer The Originote can be explained by Tiktok promotions and product quality, while the remaining 34.0% is influenced by other factors not included in this study's model.

Comparative Analysis of Price and Service Quality Factors on Shopee and Lazada User Loyalty

This study aims to determine whether or not there are differences in price and quality factors on Shopee and Lazada user loyalty. The research method used is variable data, namely by giving questionnaires to Shopee and Lazada users with a sample size of 36 respondents. The analysis technique used in this study is the Normality Test, Homogeneity Test, and Independent Sample T-Test. The results of this study indicate that there is no difference between product quality and price on the Shopee and Lazada marketplaces. While in data analysis using SPSS 24. Keywords: Product Quality, Loyalty, Price, Shopee, Lazada.

Unlocking Consumer Choices: The Impact of Halal Labels, Brand Image, Quality, and Price on Buying Decisions

This research aims to determine whether there is an influence of the Halal Label, Brand Image, Product Quality and Price Perception on Purchase Decisions for Cempaka Putih Mixue Ice Cream and reviews in Islam. The population of this study were consumers who had purchased Mixue Ice Cream at the Cempaka Putih branch at least once, with a total of 100 respondents. The sampling technique uses a non-probability method, with a purposive sampling technique through distributing questionnaires. The research results show that the halal label has no influence on purchasing decisions, brand image influences purchasing decisions, product quality influences purchasing decisions, price perception influences purchasing decisions. Managerial Implications The findings of this research indicate that factors such as halal labels, brand image, product quality, and price perceptions play an important role in influencing consumer purchasing decisions. For company managers, especially those operating in markets where most consumers are Muslim, this emphasizes the importance of ensuring products have clear and reliable halal certification, because this can increase customer trust and loyalty. This paper contributes to understanding the dynamics of food product purchasing decisions in Muslim markets and provides practical insights for companies to increase their competitiveness.

Product Quality in the Circular Economy: A Systematic Review of its Definition and Contexts in Scientific Literature

AbstractIn the context of the Circular Economy (CE), quality is one of the most widely used keywords, but generally perceived as an ambiguous term without further definition or explanation. The present paper analyzes the use of the term product quality in the context of the CE through a systematic literature review including 132 peer-reviewed journal articles. The results reveal that the term quality, although not always explicitly defined, is associated with a variety of topics, namely market value, customer perspective, functionality, technical attributes, longevity, R-strategies and design, and environmental aspects. The aforementioned topics are used in different application contexts and partly show reciprocal relationships amongst each other. They further refer to the three sustainability perspectives (environmental, economic and social). The quantification of quality is observed to be rather limited and mainly based on assumptions. When it is quantified, technical properties, functionality and longevity are most frequently mentioned aspects, which are used within circularity or environmental impact assessment. While acknowledging the limitations arising from the scope of the included studies, which may be influenced by the keywords chosen, the review revealed that quality in the CE literature is complex and ambiguous. Therefore, for future research, we recommend authors to clearly define quality and its characteristics in the context of their respective research. By doing so, a better interpretation and comparability of the results can be achieved. Graphical Abstract

Recombinant Antibody-Producing Stable CHOK1 Pool Stability Study.

Mammalian cell line stability is an important consideration when establishing a biologics manufacturing process in the biopharmaceutical and in vitro diagnostics (IVD) industries. Traditional Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line development methods use a random integration approach that requires transfection, selection, optional amplification, screenings, and single-cell cloning to select clones with acceptable productivity, product quality, and genetic stability. Site-specific integration reduces these disadvantages, and new technologies have been developed to mitigate risks associated with genetic instability. In this study, we applied the Leap-In® transposase-mediated expression system from ATUM to generate stable CHOK1 pools for the production of four recombinant antibody reagents for IVD immunoassays. CHO cell line stability is defined by consistent antibody production over time. Three of the CHOK1 pools maintained productivity suitable for manufacturing, with high antibody yields. The productivity of the remaining CHOK1 pool decreased over time; however, derivative clones showed acceptable stability. l-glutamine had variable effects on CHOK1 cell line or stable pool stability and significantly affected antibody product titer. Compared with traditional random integration methods, the ATUM Leap-In system can reduce the time needed to develop new immunoassays by using semi site-specific integration to generate high-yield stable pools that meet manufacturing stability requirements.

Predicting viscosity for steelmaking slag: A stacking regression approach

The viscosity of steel slag plays a pivotal role in steelmaking, impacting various aspects of the steelmaking operation and product quality. This paper introduces a novel approach for predicting the viscosity of turndown slag from a basic oxygen furnace using a stacking regression model. The stacking model in this approach incorporates four base models: multiple linear regression (LR), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbour (KNN) and AdaBoost (ADB), while random forest is selected as a meta-model. The selection of meta-models is done through a systematic framework provided for identifying suitable meta-models in a stacking model. Similarly, the framework also demonstrated the workflow for constructing and evaluating a series of stacking models with different configurations. On the evaluation of 20 stacking models (including two and three-layers), the optimal configuration is found to be LR + KNN with R2 value of 0.993 and the shortest training time. Additionally, a correlation analysis of slag viscosity with composition and temperature is done, which will help the operators of steel melting shops in optimize the steelmaking process based on the required slag viscosity. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the efficacy of optimal-configured stacking regression models in industrial applications, achieving both maximum accuracy and minimal computational time.

The Impact of Social Media Marketing, Brand Image, Product Quality, on Purchasing Decision for Somethinc Cushion

The Impact of Social Media Marketing, Brand Image, Product Quality, on Purchasing Decision for Somethinc Cushion

Effect of moisture content in polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) filament on 3D printed parts

Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a recently commonly used high-performance thermoplastic material with high heat resistance, high chemical resistance, high water resistance, and high wear resistance. Polyether-ether-ketone products with complex structures manufactured through the 3D printing process of fused filament fabrication (FFF) are emerging in the medical field. However, similar to other plastics, PEEK materials are also hygroscopic. This may have an impact on 3D printed products. The effect of storage time of filament on 3D printed PEEK products under specific temperature and humidity conditions has not been further explored. This study is mainly to explore the moisture absorption of PEEK filament for different storage time and the effect of moisture absorption on the performance of 3D printed PEEK products. The correlation between storage time and moisture absorption is verified by experiment. It is found that moisture will affect the surface quality of PEEK products. In addition, the mechanical test results show that the increase in the amount of water absorbed leads to the decrease of material properties, such as tensile strength, density, and hardness. Therefore, it is recommended to store unused or leftover PEEK filaments under vacuum drying conditions. For PEEK filaments that are being printed, it should be ensured to replace them every less than 24 h.

Effect of cleaning parameters on the molten pool shape and molten slag dynamics in the corner scarfing process of the casting slab

In the steel industry, improving the hot charging and heat delivery ratio in the continuous casting of slabs and thick slabs can effectively reduce carbon emissions, lower energy consumption, and improve production efficiency. However, this puts very strict requirements on the surface quality of continuous-casting slab. Flame scarfing (or cleaning) technology is currently an important process in the metallurgy field, which can effectively remove impurities and crack defects on the surface and corners of continuous casting slab to ensure the quality and performance of the final product. Under the action of cleaning flame and iron oxide reaction heat, a cleaning molten pool is formed in the corner of the casting slab, and the shape and depth of the molten pool have an important influence on the cleaning effect. A three-dimensional mathematical model is developed to study the effect of slab cleaning speed and oxygen flow rate on the shape of the molten pool in the corners for the corner flame cleaning process. Simultaneously, a two-phase flow volume of fluid (VOF) model for gas-slag interactions is employed to examine the motion behavior of the molten slag. The results showed that when the operating conditions changed, the cleaning speed increased by 1 m/min, the length of the wide and narrow sides decreased by approximately 9.2 mm, and the depth of the corner pool decreased by approximately 5.3 mm. Moreover, a slag-blocking device was designed to mitigate the issue of slag splashing effectively based on the numerical simulation results compared with and without the slag-blocking device. These study works provide beneficial theoretical support and practical guidance for refining and optimizing flame-cleaning techniques.

Recent approaches of regulatory perspectives for the registration of drugs in southern states in India

Recent approaches in regulatory perspectives for the registration of drugs in Southern states of India have been characterized by a focus on enhancing efficiency, transparency, and safety in the drug approval process. This involves the adoption of stringent regulatory frameworks aligned with international standards to ensure the quality, efficacy, and safety of pharmaceutical products. One significant development is the implementation of electronic submission systems for the registration of drugs, streamlining the application process and reducing administrative burdens for regulators and pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, there has been an emphasis on strengthening post-marketing surveillance mechanisms to monitor the safety and efficacy of drugs once they are in the market, enabling prompt identification and mitigation of potential risks or adverse reactions. Collaborative efforts between regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and healthcare professionals have also been encouraged to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building in regulatory compliance and pharmacovigilance. Overall, these recent approaches reflect a concerted effort to uphold public health standards and ensure access to safe and effective medications for the population of Southern states in India.

Lactic acid bacteria with weak post-acidification potential applied for low-salt paocai fermentation: A perspective from screening to molecular mechanism

Reducing post-acidification is crucial for extending the shelf-life and facilitating industrial-scale production of low-salt paocai. This study aimed to screen and identify a lactic acid bacteria strain with weak post-acidification potential from 39 commonly used strains in vegetable fermentation. We employed transcriptomic and metabolite analysis to investigate the mechanisms underlying the weak post-acidification traits of the selected strain. Notably, W. cibaria SC5R3 had a minimum survival rate at pH 4.5 by 39.02% and survival rate to pH 4.0 was only 1.82%. The incorporation of W. cibaria SC5R3 in low-salt paocai showed a low content of total titratable acidity and stable viable count during 8 days of storage at 25 °C, which also exhibited good sensory quality. Furthermore, W. cibaria SC5R3 exhibited significant down-regulation of genes associated with the hetero-fermentation pathway during late-stage fermentation, contributing to its weak acid-producing characteristic. The strain SC5R3 displayed deficiencies in the glutamate decarboxylase system, histidine synthesis, and aspartate metabolism, along with reduced H⁺-ATPase activity in acidic environments, making it sensitive to acid. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing low-salt paocai fermentation processes and improving product quality by minimizing acidity changes during shelf-life storage.

Product Quality Improvement through Effective Operational Management

Purpose: This study explores the impact of advanced technologies and strategies on supply chain optimization within operational management, aiming to understand how AI, ML, IoT, blockchain, effective inventory management, supplier relationship management, risk management strategies, and sustainability practices enhance supply chain performance. Research Design and Methodology: The study uses a qualitative research design, including semi-structured interviews with supply chain experts from various industries and document analysis. The thematic analysis identifies patterns and themes, offering a detailed understanding of factors contributing to supply chain optimization. Findings and Discussion: The study reveals advanced technologies significantly improve demand forecasting accuracy, real-time decision-making, and supply chain transparency. Strategies such as JIT, Lean Inventory, EOQ, and VMI optimize inventory levels and reduce costs. Strong supplier relationships and robust risk management strategies enhance supply chain resilience and agility, while sustainability practices lead to cost savings, improved brand reputation, and regulatory compliance. The findings support the hypothesis that technological integration and strategic management enhance supply chain performance, aligning with the resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theories. Implications: This research provides insights for businesses seeking to optimize their supply chains. It highlighting the need for a holistic approach integrating technological solutions with human and organizational factors. The findings offer practical guidance for implementing advanced technologies and strategies, contributing to scientific understanding and practical applications in supply chain management.