Search Results (79)

Despite limited understanding of gut fungal roles in fat deposition among indigenous pig breeds, a comparative study between high-fat-accumulating Ningxiang (NX) pigs and lean-type Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) pigs reveals a fungal-driven regulatory mechanism. NX pigs exhibited significantly higher fat percentage, elevated serum glucose, and markedly reduced total colonic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to DLY pigs (all p < 0.001), with butyrate showing the most pronounced decrease. Beta-diversity confirmed distinct fungal communities (p = 0.002), where NX pigs were enriched with Aspergillus and Penicillium, while DLY pigs harbored dominant Rhodotorula. Strong correlations were observed: NX-enriched fungi positively correlated with glucose and negatively with SCFAs, whereas Rhodotorula strongly associated with SCFAs (p < 0.001). FUNGuild analysis linked Aspergillus/Penicillium to enhanced polysaccharide degradation and glucose bioavailability. The findings propose a gut fungal-mediated “Glucose–SCFAs axis”: NX-enriched fungi elevate glucose (promoting lipogenesis) and suppress SCFAs (reducing butyrate-mediated adipocyte inhibition), whereas Rhodotorula in DLY pigs enhances SCFAs-induced lipolysis. Crucially, we demonstrate that fungal modulation primarily drives fat deposition differences between breeds, offering novel probiotics/antifungal strategies for precision swine breeding. Full article

Background: Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, with obesity recognised as a significant risk factor. However, the direct contribution of obesity to the pathophysiology underpinning preeclampsia remains unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and characterise a diet-induced obese mouse model with superimposed preeclampsia to better understand the impact of obesity on disease pathogenesis. Methods: Female mice were fed either standard rodent chow or a high-fat diet from weaning. At 8 weeks of age, mice were mated. Pregnant mice were treated with L-N^G-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; to block nitric oxide production) from gestational day (D)7.5 to D17.5 to induce a preeclampsia-like phenotype. Blood pressure was measured on D14.5 and D17.5, followed by the collection of maternal and fetal tissues for histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Results: Obese dams exhibited significantly increased body, fat pad, and liver weights compared to lean controls. While L-NAME induced hypertension in the control mice, contrary to expectations, the L-NAME-induced hypertension was partially attenuated in obese dams, with significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressures at D14.5 and reduced systolic pressure at D17.5. Fetal weights were comparable between groups, however, placentas were significantly heavier with obesity. Endothelial function, inflammatory markers, and renal gene expression patterns suggested distinct physiological adaptations in obese preeclamptic-like mice. Conclusions: These findings challenge the prevailing assumption that obesity drives hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory markers. The differential vascular and physiological responses observed in the obese dams highlight the complexity of obesity–preeclampsia interactions and underscore the need for refined preclinical models to disentangle mechanistic contributions. This work has implications for personalised management strategies and targeted therapeutic interventions in obese pregnancies at risk of preeclampsia. Full article

The need to decarbonize the road transport sector is driving the evaluation of alternative solutions. From a long-term perspective, biomethane and e-methane are particularly attractive as green energy carriers and a part of the solutions for the sustainable freight on-road transport, as they offer significant CO₂-equivalent emissions savings in a net Well-to-Wheel assessment. However, to make methane-fuelled spark ignition (SI) heavy-duty (HD) engines competitive in the market, their efficiency must be comparable to the top-performing diesel applications that dominate the sector. To this end, dilution techniques such as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) or lean air–fuel mixtures represent promising solutions. Within limits specific to the engine’s tolerance to the used strategy, charge dilution can improve thermal efficiency impact on the pumping and wall heat loss, and the heat capacity ratio (γ). However, their potential has never been explored in the case of methane SI HD engines characterized by a semi diesel-like combustion system architecture. This work presents an experimental study to characterize the energy and pollutant emission performance of a state-of-the-art SI HD gas single-cylinder engine (SCE) operating with EGR or with lean conditions. The engine type is representative of most HD powertrains used for long-haul purposes. The designed test plan is representative of the majority of on-road operating conditions providing an overview of the impact of the two dilution methods on the overall engine performance. The results highlight that both techniques are effective for achieving significant fuel savings, with lean combustion being more tolerable and yielding higher efficiency improvements (10% peak vs. 5% with EGR). Full article

This study explores the application of Lean principles in the service sector, addressing the complexities of translating manufacturing-focused methodologies to intangible service activities. Lean Services, a relatively recent concept, lacks a standardised definition, leading to varied interpretations ranging from customer-centric approaches to waste reduction strategies. Through a comprehensive literature review and a case study of a European scooter and motorcycle manufacturer, this research identifies a consolidated list of service-specific wastes, bridging a critical gap in Lean Services research. Additionally, the study compares two prominent methodologies—DMAIC (Define–Measure–Analyse–Improve–Control) from Six Sigma and the Cost Deployment pillar from World Class Manufacturing (WCM)—in the context of Lean Services. The analysis highlights DMAIC’s strength in advanced statistical tools and targeted problem-solving, contrasting with WCM’s systemic approach, emphasising economic feasibility and broader resource integration. By examining their individual and combined applicability, this research provides actionable insights for selecting methodologies based on specific objectives, time constraints, and resources. This work contributes to the evolving understanding of Lean Services, offering a framework for practitioners to enhance efficiency and drive continuous improvement in service-based processes. Full article

Background: The pursuit of excellence in sports often drives athletes to maintain rigorous dietary and physical standards, sometimes leading to disordered eating patterns like orthorexia nervosa. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between perfectionism, body composition, and the risk of orthorexia among young soccer players. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 93 young football players aged 15–24 from a football academy. Perfectionism was assessed using the Perfectionism in Sport Questionnaire, while orthorexia nervosa risk was evaluated using the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale. Body composition parameters, including body mass index, lean body mass, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, and fat percentage, were analyzed using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance. Results: Higher levels of negative perfectionism were significantly associated with increased orthorexia nervosa risk (p = 0.006), while positive perfectionism showed no significant correlation. Younger players exhibited higher negative perfectionism scores compared to older groups (p = 0.043). No significant relationships were found between body mass index, body composition parameters, and orthorexia nervosa risk (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study highlights the psychological underpinnings of orthorexia nervosa risk in young athletes, emphasizing the influence of negative perfectionism and the limited role of body composition. Early intervention focusing on reducing negative perfectionism and promoting adaptive perfectionism could support both psychological well-being and athletic performance. Future research should investigate long-term trends and the role of sociocultural factors in orthorexia nervosa development. Full article

The aim of this paper is to explore the gynaecological health patterns, contraceptive use, body perception, and motherhood experiences of female professional football players. The participants were recruited via email using FIFPRO (Football Players Worldwide). Online questionnaires were completed by consenting participants. The mean age at menarche was 13.5 years with an average cycle length of 26 days, and a bleeding period of 5 days. Cycle irregularities were experienced by 30%, and menstrual symptoms by 74%. Half of the participants used contraceptives, 60% using hormonal contraceptives, primarily oral contraceptive pills (38%), followed by implants (20%). The body satisfaction score was normal but there was a high drive-for-thinness (DT) score. The motherhood rate was low (1%), with participants experiencing normal conception, vaginal delivery, return to training after 6 weeks, and return to competition after 12 weeks. Our findings are consistent with findings in other elite female athletes with cycle irregularities and a significant number of cycle-related symptoms. The majority of those using contraceptives preferred hormonal contraceptives, reflecting trends seen in other elite athletes. While body satisfaction scores were normal, there was a high DT score, similar to that observed in lean and weight-category sports. The motherhood rate was low, consistent with previous findings in professional football players and other elite athletes. This may be due to a lack of financial support during pregnancy and the post-partum period. FIFPRO and its affiliated unions are negotiating better contracts for female football players. Full article

Introduction: The incidence of obesity has dramatically increased worldwide. Obesity has been shown to exacerbate the progression of periodontal disease. Studies suggest a sex difference in periodontitis, whereby males are more sensitive to periodontal inflammation compared to females. Aim: In the current study, it was hypothesized that obesity drives periodontal inflammation and bone loss in both sexes. Methodology: Utilizing leptin receptor mutant (SS^LepR mutant) rats as a genetic model of obesity, 11–12-week-old male and female lean Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats and obese SS^LepR mutant rats were used to investigate sex differences in obesity-induced periodontal inflammation. Results: Body weight, insulin, hemoglobin A1c and cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in the obese SS^LepR mutant strain vs. the lean SS strain within the same sex. Sex differences in body weight and plasma hemoglobin A1c were only observed in obese SS^LepR mutant rats, with males having significantly greater body weight and hemoglobin A1c vs. females. Plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), markers of systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, respectively, were significantly elevated in obese SS^LepR mutant rats vs. lean SS rats, with no sex differences in these parameters in either rat strains. Although micro-CT analyses of the maxillary first molar alveolar bone from obese SS^LepR mutant rats revealed no evidence of bone loss and/or sex differences, immuno-histochemical analysis revealed significant elevations in periodontal IL-6 and decreases in IL-10 in obese SS^LepR mutant rats vs. lean SS rats, with no apparent sex differences in these parameters. Conclusions: Obesity increases systemic and periodontal inflammation, without evidence of bone loss or apparent sex differences in SS^LepR mutant rats. Full article

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is recognized as a powerful process improvement methodology for enhancing operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. This study examined the barriers hindering LSS implementation in the chemical process industry within an emerging economy, Brazil. It developed a structured methodology for designing mitigation measures to overcome those barriers. First, 26 barriers from the literature were ranked by LSS experts through a Delphi survey to select the top 15. Then, a combined interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach and impact matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis approach was used, supported by a focus group, to determine the hierarchical relationships among the barriers and their driving power and dependence. Finally, a second focus group defined adequate mitigation measures. The top four main barriers are the lack of time, insufficient systemic understanding of lean principles, misalignment between LSS and corporate strategies, and inadequate top management commitment. Additionally, 10 mitigation measures are proposed. This study contributes to LSS implementation in the chemical process industry in Brazil, thus enhancing industry sustainability by improving operational efficiency, curbing waste, reducing transportation-related emissions through a decreasing reliance on imported chemical products, and contributing to economic growth and job creation within the industry. Full article

Anorexia nervosa is classified by the American Psychological Association as an eating-related mental disorder, which affects mostly young adult women and adolescent girls. Although refeeding programs are often used to recover bodyweight in patients with anorexia nervosa, treatment failures are high, and the determinants of the disorder remain unknown. The present paper uses a nutritional epidemiology perspective to examine determinants of anorexia nervosa from the patients’ point of view. A grounded-theory literature-review method was used to search and review research findings from the peer-reviewed literature related to the etiology of anorexia nervosa, including recent qualitative interviews with patients. Unlike a systematic review, a grounded theory method is more appropriate for developing a new theory to explain phenomena like the cause, recovery, and prevention of anorexia nervosa. Reviewed research suggests that anorexia nervosa may be a problematic body-change strategy rather than a mental disorder. Additionally, the present paper proposes that replacing the drive for thinness in anorexia nervosa with a drive for leanness may help patient recovery, especially when guided by easily accessible body-composition estimates. Fat-free mass restoration in the recovery of anorexia nervosa may also be facilitated by resistance training, which improves patients’ psychological status and body composition. Additionally, replacing a dysfunctional dieting strategy in anorexia nervosa with knowledge, skills, and experience in proper weight management has a potential preventive effect against the disorder. More research is needed to investigate the applied effects of the drive for leanness, body-composition assessments, resistance-training programs, and weight-management skills associated with the recovery and prevention of anorexia nervosa. Furthermore, successful application of the information in this paper may be adapted to peer role model programs to prevent anorexia nervosa. Full article

Lean manufacturing focuses on perfection, trying to eliminate all types of Muda (waste), Mura (inconsistency), Muri (overburden), defects, injuries, and accidents through a continuous improvement process. Assembly lines are the final stages of manufacturing before the product is delivered to customers. Kata methodology provides a practical approach to achieving perfection in assembly lines, but its effectiveness is often hindered by delays in data collection, analysis, and diagnostics. In this study, we address these challenges by leveraging industrial internet of things (IIoT) solutions in an industrial setting. The research question of this paper is as follows: “Why was the full potential of traditional Kata to achieve assembly line perfection not realized, and will IIoT-integrated Kata address the limitations of the traditional Kata?” We demonstrate the integration of IIoT and Kata methodology in a factory assembling automobile heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to enhance assembly line productivity. We observe that the integration of IIoT with Kata methodology not only addresses existing limitations but drives substantial gains in assembly line performance. We validate improvements in both productivity and efficiency through quantitative and qualitative outcomes. We underscore the pivotal role of real-time data for Kata’s effectiveness, discuss the process for digital transformation, and explain the need for data monetization. We recommend the development of an IIoT-savvy workforce, traceability of 4M (men, method, materials, and machine), and present the task scorecards and dashboards for real-time monitoring and decision-making. We highlight the positive impact of IIoT-enabled traceability on overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). The company reduced its workforce from 15 to 13 operators, increased OEE from 75% to 85%, and improved average throughput from 60 to 90 assemblies per hour. The time for traceability of 4M (men, machines, material, and method) was reduced from hours to minutes. The factory eliminated 350 paper documents to achieve a paperless shop floor. This real-world case study serves as a model for companies looking to transition from traditional continuous improvement processes to IIoT-supported lean manufacturing. Full article

Carbon taxes are considered to be an efficient method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; however, such taxes are generally unpopular, partly because they are seen as unfair. To explore if public acceptance of a stricter carbon tax in Sweden can be enhanced, this study investigates the effectiveness of three different policy designs, addressing collective and personal distributional consequences and promoting procedural aspects (democratic influence). A large-scale (n = 5200) survey is applied, combining a traditional multi-category answer format with a binary choice format. The results show that support for higher carbon taxation can be enhanced if tax revenues are redistributed to affected groups. Policies with collective justice framings can change the attitudes of individuals who express antagonistic attitudes to increased carbon taxation and influence groups comparably more affected by carbon taxes, such as rural residents, low-income groups, and people who are driving long distances. Policy designs addressing collective distributional consequences are, however, less effective on individuals expressing right-leaning ideological views and low environmental concern. Policies addressing personal distributional outcomes, or perceptions of procedural injustice, had no significant effect on policy acceptance. Full article

The air–fuel ratio is a crucial parameter in internal combustion engines that affects optimal engine performance, emissions, fuel efficiency, engine durability, power, and efficiency. Positive pressure ventilators (PPVs) create specific operating conditions for drive units, characterized by a reduced ambient pressure compared to standard atmospheric pressure, which is used to control carburetor-based fuel supply systems. The impact of these conditions was investigated for four commonly used PPVs (with internal combustion engines) in fire services across the European Union (EU), using a lambda (λ), carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen carbon (HC) analyser for exhaust gases. All four ventilators were found to operate with lean and very lean mixtures, with their lambda coefficients ranging from 1.6 to 2.2. The conducted tests of the CO₂, CO, and HC concentrations in the exhaust gases of all four fans show dependencies consistent with theoretical analyses of the impact of the fuel–air mixture on emissions. It can be observed that as the amount of burned air decreases, the values of CO and HC decrease, while the concentration of CO₂ increases with the increase in engine load. Such an operation can accelerate engine wear, increase the emission of harmful exhaust gases, and reduce the effective performance of the device. This condition is attributed to an inadequate design process, where drive units are typically designed to operate within atmospheric pressure conditions, as is common for these engines. However, when operating with a PPV, the fan’s rotor induces significant air movement, leading to a reduction in ambient pressure on the intake side where the engine is located, thereby disrupting its proper operation. Full article

The Western Taiwan Strait (WTS) Economic Zone connects the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, playing a significant role in China’s coastal economy and forming part of the East Asian economic structure. This study used panel data from 20 cities in the WTS Economic Zone, spanning 2011 to 2020, to investigate urban land use efficiency and its dynamic evolution characteristics. The study used a super-efficiency EBM model, which accounts for undesirable outputs, combined with kernel density estimation and Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) index analysis, to thoroughly examine the changes in total factor productivity (TFP) of urban land use and the factors driving these changes within the WTS Economic Zone. The findings are as follows: (1) From 2011 to 2020, the overall trend of urban land use efficiency in the WTS Economic Zone was upward, with coastal areas generally exhibiting higher urban land use efficiency compared to inland areas. (2) The urban land use efficiency of cities in the WTS Economic Zone displayed four types of changes: rising, stable, “U”-shaped, and inverted “U”-shaped. (3) The TEP index of the WTS Economic Zone exhibited a right-leaning “M” trend. Technological change was the primary driver of enhanced urban land use efficiency, although there is still room for improvement in technical efficiency. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy insights to foster high-quality development of urban land use efficiency in the WTS Economic Zone. Full article

Sweet and salty tastes are highly palatable and drive food consumption and potentially uncontrolled eating, but it remains unresolved whether the ability to recognize sweet and salty affects food reward and uncontrolled eating. We investigate the association of sweet and salty taste recognition with liking and wanting and uncontrolled eating. Thirty-eight, mainly female (68%) participants of the Obese Taste Bud study, between 22 and 67 years old, with a median BMI of 25.74 kg/m² (interquartile range: 9.78 kg/m²) completed a taste test, the Leeds Food Preference Questionnaire to assess food reward, the Power of Food Scale (PFS) and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire to assess different aspects of uncontrolled eating. Better salty taste recognition predicted greater implicit wanting for high-fat savory foods (β = 0.428, p = 0.008) and higher PFS total (β = 0.315; p = 0.004) and PFS present subscale scores (β = 0.494, p = 0.002). While neither sweet nor salty taste recognition differed between lean individuals and individuals with obesity, those with greater trait uncontrolled eating showed significantly better salty taste recognition (U = 249.0; p = 0.009). Sweet taste recognition did not associate with food reward or uncontrolled eating. Better salty but not sweet taste recognition associates with a greater motivation for, but not liking of, particularly savory high-fat foods and further relates to greater loss of control over eating. Salty taste perception, with taste recognition in particular, may comprise a target to modulate food reward and uncontrolled eating. Full article

Total quality management (TQM) is a strategic philosophy that has adopted kaizen activities which drives the business to carry out activities effectively to yield the best desired output, hence, a profitable organization. The kaizen philosophy acts as a catalyst in productivity rate and integrated management systems (IMS) which results in drastic improvements. When the nonconformity arises within the process, the accuracy of the problem solving determines quality of preventive action, therefore the preventive action should be accompanied by the opportunity of improvement from the raised nonconformance. This research seeks to add more knowledge and upgrade technology of problem-solving models relating to the integrated management systems by examining various troubleshooting models for problem solving and preventive action related to quality nonconformances, safety incidents and engineering breakdowns. Hence, the aim of this research is for troubleshooting model technique enhancement for issues related to process engineering, quality management systems and occupational health and safety by creating a model which analyses kaizen projects from the corrective and preventive action analysis of nonconformances. The proposed troubleshooting model was developed using lean techniques and risk rating tools; it was then applied to the case study company for simulation and the outcomes resulted in the closure of nonconformances and continual improvement of future projects. The proposed model is more advantageous to the manufacturing industries seeking to improve their Corrective Action and Preventive Action (CAPA) systems. Full article