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In the last few decades the cultivation of cactus pears represents an important element in the economy of subtropical regions with scarce water resources. The increasing market competition from other countries has forced Sicilian producers to modernise the packing houses where the fruit is processed. The study carried out has shown that the technology employed in the newest packing lines is of a high level and that a low level of human, material and energy resources are necessary; moreover, packing and despining need further innovations. Trials conducted with an instrumented sphere IS100 has permitted critical points on the packing lines to be identified and to identify materials on which the fruit impacts during the processing.

Quality deterioration in bananas along the supply chain (SC) due to cosmetic damage has been a persistent challenge in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the incidence of cosmetic defects in bananas across the post-harvest SC and determining the causes of the diminished fruit quality at the retail stores.

The study quantified the level of cosmetic damage in 243 cartons of Cavendish bananas across three post-harvest SCs in Australia from pack houses to retail stores and identified the risk factors for cosmetic defects.

The level of cosmetic damage progressively increased from pack house (1.3 per cent) to distribution centre (DC) (9.0 per cent) and retail (13.3 per cent) and was significantly influenced by package height and pallet positioning during transit. Abrasion damage in ripened bananas was influenced by the travel distance between DC and retail store. The study also revealed a range of risk factors contributing to the observed damage including weakened paperboard cartons due to high moisture absorption during the ripening process.

This study only investigated damage incidence in three post-harvest banana SCs in Australia and the damage assessments were confined to packaged bananas.

This study assessed the quality of bananas along the entire post-harvest SC from farm gate to retail store. The study provided knowledge of the extent of the quality defects, when and where the damage occurred and demonstrated the underlying factors for damage along the SC. This will enable the development of practical interventions to improve the quality and minimize wastage of bananas in the retail markets.

The purpose of the present study was to develop a measurement model to identify sources of resistance to change (RC) based on a previous systematic review.

The sample comprised 121 participants (faculty, students, graduates, and employees). Twenty-three items were assessed in four distinct stages: observation, exploration, confirmation, and communication. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis ensured the validity and reliability of the measurement process.

The final 14-item model consisted of four groups: “Personalities averse to change”; “Limited participation in the change process”; “Dominant sociocultural predisposition”; and “Weak managerial commitment to change.”

It is hoped that the study will encourage further diagnostic examinations and assessments of the structural relationships associated with RC.

The present study expands our understanding of RC source typologies, the majority of which have focused on the individual and the organization. Higher education institutions bear a responsibility to initiate change to align with evolving environmental demands, but their endeavors are often subject to obstacles and delays stemming from individual and collective influences. To manage efficiently the conceptualization, planning, implementation, and management of change initiatives, we must comprehend and assess the primary sources of RC within such institutions.