Estimation of Processing Times and Economic Feasibility of Producing Moringa oleifera Lam. Capsules in Mexico

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The objectives of this work are, first, to estimate the processing time of the Moringa oleifera production system using a simulation model with Arena^®, as well as to evaluate the economic feasibility of producing Moringa oleifera capsules in Mexico.

This research has a very large theoretical and practical contribution.

The problem statement, hypothesis and novelty of this research are very well highlighted in the manuscript.

As the authors especially emphasize, practical application is very feasible in agricultural farms and small producers engaged in the production of Moringa Oleifera Lam. capsules, because the production of such nutritionally valuable dietary supplements is under minimal control.

The image on page 11 is untitled. Certain errors can be seen on it. For example. "rception"...

Some terms are not in English, e.g. "gerente de producción".

That should be corrected.

Is Figure 5 missing?

In general, the figures are of "poor quality", for example Figure 2, Figure 3 - the quality and resolution should be improved.

Is referencing like this common - line 127 [77,62], line 137 [82,74]?

Whether and why this research did not include testing the quality of the powder... which is capsulated.

It is not clear and confusing whether it is capsulation or encapsulation - capsule formation, or microcapsule formation (see Table 2 and Figure 7). Capsulation, and encapsulation in this case are not synonyms.

A very small amaount of wording duplication was found in the manuscript.

Author Response

  clear             See the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The submitted article estimated the processing times of the Moringa oleifera production system using a simulation model with Arena and evaluated the economic feasibility of Moringa oleifera capsule production in Mexico, comparing three simulation scenarios to select a technically and economically viable alternative for agricultural producers. The study thoroughly analyzes the production process, including detailed process characterization and economic evaluation. The validation of the simulation model with real data enhances the credibility of the study's findings. The introduction appears too long, please; consider moving some detailed background and literature references to the appropriate sections.

Specific comments:

Lines 51-61: The advantages of simulation are well-listed, but consider summarizing these points to make the section more concise.

Lines 62-90: The discussion on empirical evidence and specific simulation applications could be condensed and integrated into a broader narrative to avoid fragmentation.

Lines 103-111: The justification is robust but could be shortened to focus on the most critical points.

Lines 112-137: The background on Moringa oleifera's popularity, nutritional benefits, and economic potential is essential. However, some details (e.g., specific statistics) might be more appropriate for the discussion sections.

In the result section, additional detailed information on the simulation model parameters should be provided

 

Author Response

  clear               See the attachment"

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article shows the production of Moringa oleifera capsules and estimates processing times for the production system. The authors address the need for development and innovation in the production of this supplement. So I have some questions:

 

1) What are the minimum production controls, and how do they affect product quality?

 

2) The authors should include figures 1 and 6 in supplementary material.

Author Response

  clear               See the attachment"

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors adequately answered the questions

Author Response

Las correcciones realizadas se basan en todos los comentarios.

Se atendieron las preguntas del informe del revisor 3.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx