Search Results (8,901)

Endothelial dysfunction is an early driver of atherosclerosis, yet the direct impact of endogenous crystals such as cholesterol crystals and monosodium urate on endothelial activation remains incompletely understood. In this study, we examine how crystalline stimuli modulate human umbilical vein endothelial cells by assessing inflammatory signaling, mitochondrial respiration, and neutrophil recruitment. Using dose- and time-controlled experiments, we show that CC and MSU are internalized by endothelial cells, activating NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways and inducing a robust pro-inflammatory cytokine profile. Notably, CC caused marked mitochondrial dysfunction, evidenced by impaired respiratory capacity and loss of membrane potential, revealing a novel bioenergetic vulnerability in endothelial cells. Both direct crystal stimulation and exposure to crystal-primed conditioned media triggered endothelial adhesion molecule expression and promoted neutrophil adhesion, indicating that soluble mediators released upon crystal stimulation can propagate vascular inflammation. These findings demonstrate that crystalline stimuli are potent vascular danger signals capable of driving endothelial inflammation, mitochondrial impairment, and immune cell engagement, which are hallmarks of early atherogenesis. By elucidating these multifaceted endothelial responses, this study provides important mechanistic insights into how crystal-induced signals may contribute to vascular dysfunction and the early stages of atherogenesis. Full article

As climate change increasingly challenges corporate operations and sustainable development, the role of strategic alliances in managing environmental risks requires critical reassessment. While prior research highlights their benefits for innovation and performance, potential adverse consequences in the face of climate risks remain underexplored. Using panel data of Chinese A-share listed firms from 2010 to 2023, this study applies econometric models to evaluate the impact of strategic alliances on firms’ climate risk exposure. The findings show that strategic alliances significantly weaken firms’ resilience to climate risks by diverting executive attention from environmental issues, constraining sustainability capacity building, and reducing sensitivity to supply chain risks. These adverse effects are more pronounced for firms with poor carbon performance and lower firm value. Moreover, compared with contractual alliances, equity-based alliances create deeper binding and reduce flexibility in responding to climate change. The study contributes to theory and practice by suggesting that firms should optimize alliance structures, increase partner heterogeneity, and enhance executive awareness of climate risks to improve resilience in the context of climate governance. Full article

Sustainability is gaining relevance across organizations, yet significant challenges remain in how it is implemented and translated into daily operations. This paper examines how Lean Six Sigma can be used to address operational challenges while also supporting the integration of sustainability objectives in industrial contexts. The study is based on a project conducted in a fish processing plant, aiming to increase production capacity and reduce delays. Using the DMAIC framework, the team addressed key bottlenecks through demand-based workload leveling, earlier production planning, and targeted maintenance to improve equipment performance. These actions led to measurable gains in throughput, resource use, and schedule reliability. In parallel, they contributed to sustainability outcomes, including reduced rework, lower waste, and improved working conditions. The results suggest that Lean Six Sigma, typically focused on performance, can also act as a platform for embedding sustainability into existing routines. The findings offer insight into how performance-driven approaches can support sustainability transitions in process-intensive industries. Full article

The study provides valuable insights into the sustainable utilization of edible tuber peels from the high mountains of the Argentinian Puna, which constitutes promising reserves of bioactive phenolic compounds with the potential to enhance the biofunctional properties of lactic acid bacteria. Thirty-two extracts derived from peels of different varieties of tubers, such as Oxalis tuberosa Mol., Ullucus tuberosus Caldas, and Solanum tuberosum L. were incorporated into lactobacilli cultures and individually evaluated. These selectively enhance the development of the probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 10241 and of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei CO1-LVP105 from ovine origin, without promoting the growth of a pathogenic bacteria set (Escherichia coli O157:H12 and ATCC 35218, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028, and S. corvalis SF2 and S. cerro SF16), in small amounts. To determine the main phenolic group concentrated in the phytoextracts, a bio-guided study was conducted. The most significant results were obtained by O. tuberosa phytochemicals added to the culture medium at 50 µg/mL, yielding promising increases in biofilm formation (78% for Lp. plantarum and 43% for L. paracasei) and biosurfactant activity (112% for CO1-LVP105 strain). These adaptive strategies developed by bacteria possess key biotechnological significance. Furthermore, the bio-detoxification capacity of phenol and o-phenyl phenol, particularly of the novel strain CO1-LVP105, along with its mode of action and genetic identification, is described for the first time to our knowledge. In conclusion, lactobacilli strains have potential as fermentation starters and natural products, recovered from O. tuberosa peels, and added into culture media contribute to multiple bacterial biotechnological applications in both health and the environment. Full article

This study focuses on a novel lightweight technology for manufacturing variable-axial fiber-reinforced polymer components. In the presented approach, channels following the load flow are implemented in an additively manufactured basic structure and impregnated continuous fiber bundles are pulled through these component-integrated cavities. Improved channel cross-section geometries to enhance the mechanical performance are proposed and evaluated. The hypothesis posits that increasing the surface area of the internal channels significantly reduces shear stresses between the polymer basic structure and the integrated continuous fiber composite. A series of experiments, including analytical, numerical, and microscopic analyses, were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites formed, focusing on Young’s modulus and tensile strength. In addition, an important insight into the failure mechanism of the novel fiber composite is provided. The results demonstrate a clear correlation between the channel geometry and mechanical performance, indicating that optimized designs can effectively reduce shear stress, thus improving load-bearing capacities. The findings reveal that while fiber volume content influences the impregnation quality, an optimal balance must be achieved to enhance mechanical properties. This research contributes to the advancement of production technologies for lightweight components through additive manufacturing and the development of new types of composite materials applicable in various engineering fields. Full article

This paper aims to conduct a gap analysis and explore the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in the tourism sector of Chiang Mai province, with the goal of promoting sustainable tourism. Chiang Mai is a major tourism hub in Thailand, located in the Northern Economic Corridor (NEC). The gap analysis of small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises will be examined across four dimensions: (1) management, (2) socio-economy, (3) cultural, and (4) environmental. In 2024, Chiang Mai’s tourism revenue accounted for 46.97% of the northern region’s total tourism revenue and 3.73% of Thailand’s total tourism revenue. Given this economic significance, the development of sustainable tourism should be accelerated to meet the expectations of new tourists who are increasingly concerned about the environment. To address this need, this study analyzes the gaps in small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises and assesses GHG emissions through interviews and surveys of 90 tourism-related establishments across nine sectors: hotels, restaurants and beverages, tour agencies, transportation, souvenirs, attractions and activities, spas and wellness, community-based tourism, and farm tourism. The total GHG emissions from these establishments were found to be 15,303.72 tCO₂eq. Moreover, if renewable energy from solar power were adopted, an installation capacity of 21,866.84 kWp would be required. Such a transition would not only reduce emissions, but also support low-carbon development in small- and medium-sized tourism enterprises and ultimately contribute to achieving net-zero tourism. Finally, this study contributes to the advancement of STGs 1–17, adapted from the SDGs 1–17, with particular emphasis on SDG 7 on clean energy and SDG 13 on climate change. Full article

Cadmium (Cd), a pervasive and highly phytotoxic metal pollutant, poses severe threats to agricultural productivity, ecosystem stability, and human health through its entry into the food chain. Plants have evolved intricate defense mechanisms, among which the strategic manipulation of nutrient elements emerges as a critical physiological and biochemical strategy for mitigating Cd stress. This comprehensive review delves deeply into the multifaceted roles of essential macronutrient elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur), essential micronutrient elements (zinc, iron, manganese, copper) and non-essential beneficial elements (silicon, selenium) in modulating plant responses to Cd toxicity. We meticulously dissect the physiological, biochemical, and molecular underpinnings of how these nutrients influence Cd bioavailability in the rhizosphere, Cd uptake and translocation pathways, sequestration and compartmentalization within plant tissues, and the activation of antioxidant defense systems. Nutrient elements exert their influence through diverse mechanisms: competing with Cd for root uptake transporters, promoting the synthesis of complexes that reduce Cd mobility, stabilizing cell walls and plasma membranes to restrict apoplastic flow and symplastic influx, modulating redox homeostasis by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant pools, regulating signal transduction pathways, and influencing gene expression profiles related to metal transport, chelation, and detoxification. The complex interactions between nutrients themselves further shape the plant’s capacity to withstand Cd stress. Recent advances elucidating nutrient-mediated epigenetic regulation, microRNA involvement, and the role of nutrient-sensing signaling hubs in Cd responses are critically evaluated. Furthermore, we synthesize the practical implications of nutrient management strategies, including optimized fertilization regimes, selection of nutrient-efficient genotypes, and utilization of nutrient-enriched amendments, for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency and developing low-Cd-accumulating crops, thereby contributing to safer food production and environmental restoration in Cd-contaminated soils. The intricate interplay between plant nutritional status and Cd stress resilience underscores the necessity for a holistic, nutrient-centric approach in managing Cd toxicity in agroecosystems. Full article

This study systematically analyzed the multidimensional effects of Lactobacillus fermentation on Pueraria lobata (PL) and investigated the potential mechanisms underlying its hypolipidemic activity. Results indicated that fermentation significantly increased the total acid content from 1.02 to 3.48 g·L⁻¹, representing a 2.41-fold increase. Although slight reductions were observed in total flavonoids (8.67%) and total phenolics (6.72%), the majority of bioactive components were well preserved. Other antioxidant capacities were retained at >74.71% of baseline, except hydroxyl radical scavenging. Flavor profiling showed increased sourness and astringency, accompanied by reduced bitterness, with volatile compounds such as β-pinene and trans-2-hexenyl butyrate contributing to a distinct aromatic profile. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that fermentation specifically enhanced the abundance of low-concentration isoflavone aglycones, including daidzein and genistein, suggesting a compositional shift that may improve hypolipidemic efficacy. Integrated network pharmacology and computational modeling predicted that eight key components, including genistein, could stably bind to ten core targets (e.g., AKT1 and MMP9) primarily through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, potentially regulating lipid metabolism via the PI3K-AKT, PPAR, and estrogen signaling pathways. This study reveals the role of Lactobacillus fermentation in promoting the conversion of isoflavone glycosides to aglycones in PL and constructs a multi-dimensional “components-targets-pathways-disease” network, providing both experimental evidence and a theoretical foundation for further research on the lipid-lowering mechanisms of fermented PL and the development of related functional products. Full article

This paper examines the role of architects in identifying and implementing design strategies that enhance labour skills, facilitate technology transfer, and support capacity building in developing economies. It examines whether specific design approaches can introduce technological robustness to address the social, cultural, and economic challenges of construction in fragmented industrial environments. The study develops a normative framework for ‘technological robustness,’ which counteracts socio-technical fragmentation and promotes resilient, adaptable building practices in low-resource settings. Through a practitioner-researcher case study of a community library project in Sri Lanka, the paper illustrates how design strategies can expand operational capacity, adjust to variations in workmanship, and encourage organic skill development on real construction sites. The research offers two main contributions: a scalable, structured design methodology that guarantees technical adaptability, cultural relevance, and economic resilience; and an empirical example demonstrating how design can actively generate opportunities for capacity building within fragmented socio-technical systems. Overall, the framework provides practical pathways to enhance construction outcomes in developing economies. Full article

Consumer demand for organic and nitrite-free meat products has stimulated the search for sustainable alternatives to synthetic curing agents. Conventional nitrites are effective in stabilizing color, inhibiting lipid oxidation, and suppressing pathogens, but their use raises health concerns due to potential nitrosamine formation. This study investigated the application of Portulaca oleracea powder as a multifunctional ingredient to fully replace sodium nitrite in organic cooked frankfurters. Two formulations were produced: control frankfurters with sodium nitrite and experimental frankfurters with purslane powder 1.2%. Physicochemical, oxidative, proteomic, and antioxidant parameters were monitored during refrigerated storage. Purslane incorporation improved the lipid profile by increasing α-linolenic acid and lowering the ω-6/ω-3 ratio, while peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and acid values remained significantly lower than in nitrite-containing controls after 10 days. Protein oxidation was also reduced, and SDS-PAGE profiles confirmed that the major structural muscle proteins remained stable, indicating that purslane addition did not disrupt the core proteome. Antioxidant assays showed strong ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) activity 13.7 mg GAE/g and enhanced 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity 22.3%, highlighting purslane’s contribution to oxidative stability. Although redness (a*) was lower than in nitrite controls, overall color stability (L*, b*) remained high. Taken together, purslane enhanced oxidative stability and quality attributes of nitrite-free organic frankfurters; microbiological validation is ongoing and will be reported separately. Full article

The Community and Civil Research Group of Eötvös Loránd University (Budapest) investigated sustainable community activities in Hungary and abroad to identify local responses to global challenges. Using qualitative research methods, focus groups and interviews, this research defined the concepts of community service, community practice and working methods by analysing nearly 80 practical examples and 65 interviews in Hungary. The practical examples were used to create a “sustainable community model” and a methodological guide for community developers on how to implement community services. The steps of the process presented in the model are based on building community involvement and participation, mobilising local resources and capacities, creating community-based services, building sustainability and self-sufficiency and consolidating innovative training and community working practices. The research resulted in the creation of an online Community Repository, which provides community responses to the 17 UN Global Sustainability Challenges and Goals —economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection—by organising the collected community services, small community practices and working methods around seven community development perspectives: governance, place, sustainable livelihoods, culture (and the arts), identity (belonging and connection), human rights and resilience and engagement and knowledge. This study provides a methodological foundation for developing resilient community-based services that contribute to sustainability, inclusivity and innovation. Full article

Background: Atherogenic dyslipidemia is defined by the coexistence of high triglyceride concentrations, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and an excess of small, dense particles of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This lipid profile is strongly associated with an increased burden of cardiovascular disease and represents a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality. To better capture this risk, composite lipid ratios—including total cholesterol to HDL-C (TC/HDL-C), LDL-C to HDL-C (LDL-C/HDL-C), triglycerides to HDL-C (TG/HDL-C), and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—have emerged as robust markers of cardiometabolic health, frequently demonstrating superior predictive capacity compared with isolated lipid measures. Despite extensive evidence linking these ratios to cardiovascular disease, few large-scale studies have examined their association with sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behaviors, and social isolation in working populations. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a large occupational cohort of Spanish workers evaluated between January 2021 and December 2024. Anthropometric, biochemical, and sociodemographic data were collected through standardized clinical protocols. Indices of atherogenic risk—namely the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and the atherogenic dyslipidemia index (AD)—were derived from fasting lipid measurements. The assessment of lifestyle factors included tobacco use, physical activity evaluated through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern using the MEDAS questionnaire, and perceived social isolation measured by the Lubben Social Network Scale. Socioeconomic classification was established following the criteria proposed by the Spanish Society of Epidemiology. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors independently associated with moderate-to-high risk for each lipid indicator, adjusting for potential confounders. Results: A total of 117,298 workers (71,384 men and 45,914 women) were included. Men showed significantly higher odds of elevated TG/HDL-C (OR 4.22, 95% CI 3.70–4.75) and AD (OR 2.95, 95% CI 2.70–3.21) compared with women, whereas LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were lower (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.89). Advancing age was positively associated with all lipid ratios, with the highest risk observed in participants aged 60–69 years. Lower social class, smoking, physical inactivity, poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and low social isolation scores were consistently linked to higher atherogenic risk. Physical inactivity showed the strongest associations across all indicators, with ORs ranging from 3.54 for TC/HDL-C to 7.12 for AD. Conclusions: Atherogenic dyslipidemia and elevated lipid ratios are strongly associated with male sex, older age, lower socioeconomic status, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, and reduced social integration among Spanish workers. These findings highlight the importance of workplace-based cardiovascular risk screening and targeted prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk subgroups. Interventions to promote physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, and social connectedness may contribute to lowering atherogenic risk in occupational settings. Full article

The study evaluates the impact of massive electric vehicle (EV) penetration on Quito’s 138 kV distribution system in Ecuador, employing a probabilistic approach to support a sustainable energy transition. The rapid adoption of EVs, as projected by Ecuador’s National Electromobility Strategy, poses significant challenges to the capacity and reliability of the city’s electrical infrastructure. The objective is to analyze the system’s response to increased EV load and assess its readiness for this scenario. A methodology integrating dynamic battery modeling, Monte Carlo simulations, and power flow analysis was employed, evaluating two penetration levels: 800 and 25,000 EVs, under homogeneous and non-homogeneous distribution scenarios. The results indicate that while the system can handle moderate penetration, high penetration levels lead to overloads in critical lines, such as L10–15 and L11–5, compromising normal system operation. It is concluded that specific infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of smart charging strategies are necessary to mitigate operational risks. This approach provides a robust framework for effective planning of EV integration into the system, contributing key insights for a transition toward sustainable mobility. Full article

Background: The multifactorial nature of CrossFit performance remains incompletely understood, particularly regarding sex- and experience-related physiological and biomechanical factors. Methods: Fifteen trained athletes (8 males, 7 females) completed assessments of anthropometry, estimated one-repetition maximums (bench press, back squat, deadlift), squat jump (SJ), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), ventilatory responses ($\dot{\mathrm{V}}$E), and heart rate (HR). Spearman, Pearson, and partial correlations were calculated with Holm and false discovery rate (FDR) corrections. Results: Males displayed greater body mass, lean and muscle mass, maximal strength, and aerobic capacity than females (all Holm-adjusted p < 0.01). Experienced athletes completed Fran faster than beginners despite broadly similar anthropometric and aerobic profiles. In the pooled sample, WOD time showed moderate negative relationships with estimated 1RM back squat (ρ = −0.54), deadlift (ρ = −0.56), and bench press (ρ = −0.65) before correction; none remained significant after Holm/FDR adjustment, and partial correlations controlling for training years were further attenuated. Conclusions: This exploratory study provides preliminary evidence suggesting that maximal strength may contribute to Fran performance, whereas conventional aerobic measures were less influential. However, given the very small sample (n = 15, 8 males and 7 females) and the fact that no relationships remained statistically significant after correction for multiple testing, the results must be regarded as preliminary, hypothesis-generating evidence only, requiring confirmation in larger and adequately powered studies. Full article

As a fundamental metric for assessing carbon sequestration, Net Primary Productivity (NPP) and the mechanisms driving its spatiotemporal dynamics constitute a critical research domain within global change science. This research centered on the Huang–Huai–Hai Plain (HHHP), combining 2001–2023 MODIS-NPP data with natural (landform, temperature, precipitation, soil) and socio-economic (population density, GDP density, land use) drivers. Trend analysis, coefficient of variation, and Hurst index were applied to clarify the spatiotemporal evolution of NPP and its future trends, while geographic detectors and structural equation models were used to quantify the contribution of drivers. Key findings: (1) Across the HHHP, the multi-year average NPP ranged between 30.05 and 1019.76 gC·m⁻²·a⁻¹, with higher values found in Shandong and Henan provinces, and lower values concentrated in the northwestern dam-top plateau and central plain regions; 44.11% of the entire region showed a statistically highly significant increasing trend. (2) The overall fluctuation of NPP was low-amplitude, with a stable center of gravity and the standard deviation ellipse retaining a southwest-to-northeast direction. (3) Future changes in NPP exhibited persistence and anti-persistence, with 44.98% of the region being confronted with vegetation degradation risk. (4) NPP variations originated from the synergistic impacts of multiple elements: among individual elements, precipitation, soil type, and elevation had the highest explanatory capacity, while synergistic interactions between two elements notably enhanced the explanatory capacity. (5) Climate variation exerted the strongest influence on NPP (direct coefficient of 0.743), followed by the basic natural environment (0.734), whereas human-related activities had the weakest direct impact (−0.098). This research offers scientific backing for regional carbon sink evaluation, ecological security early warning, and sustainable development policies. Full article