Conjoint Analysis Research Articles

Use of Adaptive Conjoint Analysis–Based Values Clarification in a Patient Decision Aid Is Not Associated with Better Perceived Values Clarity or Reduced Decisional Conflict but Enhances Values Congruence

Background Evidence is lacking on the most effective values clarification methods (VCMs) in patient decision aids (PtDAs). We tested the effects of an adaptive conjoint analysis (ACA)–based VCM compared with a ranking-based VCM and no VCM on several decision-related outcomes, with the decisional conflict and its subscale “perceived values clarity” as primary outcomes. Design Online experimental study with 3 conditions: no VCM versus ranking-based VCM versus ACA-based VCM ( N = 282; Mage = 63.11 y, s = 12.12), with the latter 2 conditions including attributes important for a lung cancer treatment decision. We assessed 1) decisional conflict, 2) perceived values clarity (decisional conflict subscale), 3) perceived cognitive load, 4) anticipated regret, 5) ambivalence, 6) preparedness for decision making, 7) hypothetical treatment preference, and 8) values congruence (proxy). We performed analysis of covariance and linear regression. Age and level of deliberation were included as potential moderators, and we controlled for subjective numeracy (covariate). We exploratively tested the moderating effects of subjective numeracy and health literacy (without covariates). Results We found no significant effect of type of VCM on overall decisional conflict or perceived values clarity. Age had a moderating effect: in younger participants, no VCM (v. ranking-based VCM) led to more values clarity, while in older participants, a ranking-based VCM (v. no VCM) led to more values clarity. Completing the ACA-based VCM, compared with no VCM, resulted in more values congruence. Limitations The hypothetical choice situation might have induced lower levels of cognitive/affective involvement in the decision. Conclusions This study found mixed effects of an ACA-based VCM. It did not decrease decisional conflict or increase perceived values clarity, yet it did improve values congruence. Implications Completion of an ACA-based VCM in a PtDA may increase values congruence. Highlights An adaptive conjoint analysis or a ranking-based values clarification method did not decrease analog patients’ decisional conflict nor did it increase their perceived values clarity. In younger participants, no VCM (v. ranking-based VCM) led to more values clarity, while in older participants, a ranking-based VCM (v. no VCM) led to more values clarity. An adaptive conjoint analysis task for values clarification resulted in more values congruence.

Survey of Citizens' Preferences for Combined Contact Tracing App Features During a Pandemic: Conjoint Analysis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased need for novel solutions such as digital contact tracing apps to mitigate virus spread became apparent. These apps have the potential to enhance public health initiatives through timely contact tracing and infection rate reduction. However, public and academic scrutiny has emerged around the adoption and use of these apps due to privacy concerns. This study aims to investigate public attitudes and preferences for contact tracing apps, specifically in Japan, using conjoint analysis to examine what specifications the public values most in such apps. By offering a nuanced understanding of the values that citizens prioritize, this study can help balance public health benefits and data privacy standards when designing contact tracing apps and serve as reference data for discussions on legal development and social consensus formation in the future. A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire survey was conducted to determine how various factors related to the development and integration of infectious disease apps affect the public's intention to use such apps. Individuals were recruited anonymously by a survey company. All respondents were asked to indicate their preferences for a combination of basic attributes and infectious disease app features for conjoint analysis. The respondents were randomly divided into 2 groups: one responded to a scenario where the government was assumed to be the entity dealing with infectious disease apps (ie, the government cluster), and the other responded to a scenario where a commercial company was assumed to be this entity (ie, the business cluster). Samples of 500 respondents from each randomly selected group were used as target data. For the government cluster, the most important attribute in scenario A was distributor rights (42.557), followed by public benefits (29.458), personal health benefits (22.725), and profit sharing (5.260). For the business cluster, the most important attribute was distributor rights (45.870), followed by public benefits (32.896), personal health benefits (13.994), and profit sharing (7.240). Hence, personal health benefits tend to be more important in encouraging active app use than personal financial benefits. However, the factor that increased motivation for app use the most was the public health benefits of cutting infections by half. Further, concern about the use of personal data collected by the app for any secondary purpose was a negative incentive, which was more significant toward app use compared to the other 3 factors. The findings suggest that potential app users are positively motivated not only by personal health benefits but also by contributing to public health. Thus, a combined approach can be taken to increase app use.

Navigating Parenthood in the Pandemic: Revealing the Trade-offs of Childcare Choices Through Conjoint Analysis

Inequalities that emerged during COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need to examine parent constraints in their decision-making around work and early childhood education and care (ECEC). This paper draws on conjoint survey data from a representative sample of 976 parents from the four largest Canadian provinces to examine the trade-offs parents made regarding their child’s care during the pandemic. Demographic differences in parental income, employment status, and having a child with special needs shaped childcare preferences in different ways. Our analysis finds that the most important factor in parent decision-making was type of ECEC (with a strong preference for licensed arrangements), followed by choices related to health and safety during the pandemic. The conclusion considers policy implications, including the need for more targeted and inclusive approaches that address the varying needs and circumstances of parents to enhance the overall quality and accessibility of care services post-pandemic and beyond.

Transcriptome-wide methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing profiling reveals m6A modification involved in response to heat stress in Apostichopus japonicus.

Global warming-induced environmental stresses have diverse effects on gene expression and regulation in the life processes of various aquatic organisms. N6 adenylate methylation (m6A) modifications are known to influence mRNA transcription, localization, translation, stability, splicing, and nuclear export, which are pivotal in mediating stress responses. Apostichopus japonicus is a significant species in aquaculture and a representative of benthic organisms in ecosystems, thus there is a growing need for research on its heat stress mechanism. In this study, m6A-modified whole transcriptome profiles of the respiratory tree tissues of A. japonicus in the control (T18) and high-temperature stress (T32) groups were obtained using MeRIP-seq technology. The results showed that 7,211 common m6A peaks, and 9,459 genes containing common m6A were identified in three replicates T18 and T32 groups. The m6A peaks were found to be highly enriched in the 3' untranslated region, and the common sequence of the m6A peak was also enriched, which was shown as RRACH (R = G or A; H = A, C, or U). A total of 1,200 peaks were identified as significantly differentially enriched in the T32 group compared with the T18 group. Among them, 245 peaks were upregulated and 955 were downregulated, which indicated that high temperature stress significantly altered the methylation pattern of m6A, and there were more demethylation sites in the T32 group. Conjoint analysis of the m6A methylation modification and the transcript expression level (the MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data) showed co-differentiated 395 genes were identified, which were subsequently divided into four groups with a predominant pattern that more genes with decreased m6A modification and up-regulated expression, including HSP70IV, EIF2AK1, etc. GO enrichment and KEGG analyses of differential m6A peak related genes and co-differentiated genes showed the genes were significantly associated with transcription process and pathways such as protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, Wnt signaling pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway, etc. CONCLUSION: The comparisons of m6A modification patterns and conjoint analyses of m6A modification and gene expression profiles suggest that m6A modification was involved in the regulation of heat stress-responsive genes and important functional pathways in A. japonicus in response to high-temperature stress. The study will contribute to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of m6A modification in the response of A. japonicus to environmental stress, as well as the conservation and utilization of sea cucumber resources in the context of environmental changes.

Young adults’ preferences on the potential changes in urban environment triggered by AVs in Hungary

ABSTRACT The study aims to investigate how much young Hungarian city dwellers would accept potential urban environment changes triggered by AVs. In the full-profile conjoint analysis, 1011 young people expressed their preferences through the evaluation of 18 printed cards in multiple steps during in-person data collection. As a result, the ‘city of the future’ most preferred by youngsters can be described with the help of the partial utility of attribute levels and the constant value. Their ideal city envisions roads exclusively for AVs with new lane allocations, no drones, pedestrian-only sidewalks equipped with sensors, and frequent 5G system to boost connectivity.

Survey‐based insights from choice‐based conjoint analyses on customer preferences for company characteristics of life insurers

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate customer preferences for certain company characteristics when purchasing life insurance products. We focus on ratings provided by aggregators, namely financial strength, sustainability, service quality, and type of customer touchpoint (online vs. in person), while also studying potential product‐specific differences between annuities and term life policies. Toward this end, we conduct two choice‐based conjoint analyses with 529 and 543 German respondents to estimate individual preference structures. Consistent with economic expectations, we observe statistically significant higher preferences for better ratings of the life insurer, which also materialize in the respondents' marginal willingness to pay. One main finding is that customer preferences in our sample are asymmetric, with a strong focus on avoiding below‐average ratings. Furthermore, for both annuities and term life insurances, the relatively most important life insurer attribute for customers is financial strength, followed by service quality, sustainability, and type of customer touchpoint.

Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) outperforms Nutri-Score in assessing healthiness. Case study with breakfast cereals

AbstractNutritional information on packaging is becoming increasingly important in the food industry. Currently, labels are seen not only on the back of the packaging but also on the front. As there are many versions of front-of-pack labels (FoPLs), the research aims to determine which helps consumers the most in making decisions about which food to include in a healthier lifestyle. Nutri-Score, Guideline Daily Amount (GDA) and Multiple Traffic Lights (MTL) FoPLs on cereals were compared using eye-tracking (ET) and choice-based conjoint analysis (CBCA). CBCA was used to assess consumer preferences and the labels and products were also ranked. Based on the results, GDA type FoPL proved to be the most useful based on conjoint analysis, ranking and the analysis of ET parameters. This label helped participants the most in choosing the product that best fits into a healthier lifestyle. The Nutri-Score label, which offers little information on a product's nutritional content, was not favourably received by the Hungarian sample, who preferred more detailed FoP labels.

Analysis of Price- and Services-Related Preferences for Nursing Homes in Japan Using a Nested Logit Model in Choice-Based Conjoint Analysis

Analysis of Price- and Services-Related Preferences for Nursing Homes in Japan Using a Nested Logit Model in Choice-Based Conjoint Analysis

Extrinsic attributes that drive consumer purchase of block mozzarella

Consumer demand for cheese continues to increase with mozzarella being one of the primary cheeses in the US The objective of this study was to understand the impact of extrinsic attributes on consumer desires for block mozzarella cheese. An online survey was conducted with mozzarella consumers (n = 437). Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC) and Kano modeling were utilized to determine the importance of attributes applicable to block mozzarella. Maximum Difference (MXD) scaling was applied to further quantify the appeal of 23 label claims/messages. Subsequently, 2.5-h immersive qualitative focus groups were conducted (n = 28 consumers) that included mozzarella usage occasion discussion, naming identification, block mozzarella sorting, label discussion, and group tasting. Survey data were evaluated by univariate and multivariate statistics. The ideal block mozzarella for consumers was made from whole milk, had a firm texture/shreds well, block/bar shape, with a resealable package and farmer owned labeling. Milkfat amount and label claims were the most important attributes (P < 0.05) across all consumers from conjoint analysis. Consumers found "produced without added hormones," "made with milk from our pasture-raised cows," and "made locally" to be the most appealing label claims. Consumer segmentation identified a Natural Cluster (n = 243) which assigned high utility to claims such as "all natural" and "organic" while the Flavor Cluster (n = 194) assigned high utility to "established business for more than 75 years" and "#1 in Italy." Melt was a must-have attribute for mozzarella consumers while easy to shred and slice was a performance attribute. Block mozzarella is generally a price-driven product, except for special occasions where consumers seek out block mozzarella that they perceive to be of higher quality.

Study on the physiological responses and tolerance mechanisms to subchronic carbonate alkalinity exposure in the gills of Paramisgurnus dabryanus

Given the reduction of freshwater resources, saline-alkaline aquaculture has emerged as an effective approach to expand the fishery's accessible space. High carbonate alkalinity (CA) is a major stressor for aquatic organisms in saline-alkaline environments. Paramisgurnus dabryanus is a potential species for culture in saline-alkaline water, making it an ideal model for investigating the physiological responses and tolerance mechanisms to CA exposure in freshwater fishes. In the current study, P. dabryanus were exposed to 15 and 30mmol/L NaHCO3, combining blood biochemical, gill histological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic methods for conjoint analysis of response mechanisms. After 28-d exposure, the gill ventilation frequency of P. dabryanus decreased significantly, gill lamellae twisted and atrophied, and gill filament epithelial cells proliferated, potentially limiting gas exchange, whereas the accessory air-breathing frequency increased significantly, possibly for greater oxygen uptake. Serum osmolality and blood pH remained relatively steady, while serum ammonia levels rose significantly. A total of 3718 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 205 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified between the control group and 30mmol/L NaHCO3 group, involved in ion transport (Na+/K+-ATPase, V-type ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, and ABC transporters), ammonia transport (Rh glycoproteins and Aquaporins), amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, DEGs were significantly associated with cell-cell/ extracellular matrix interaction and protein synthesis. An integrated multi-omics analysis revealed the activation of carbon metabolism and TCA cycle. These results indicate that in response to CA exposure, P. dabryanus may facilitate carrier-mediated ion and ammonia transport to maintain the internal osmotic equilibrium and lessen the deleterious effects of blocked ammonia excretion. Meanwhile, amino acid metabolism and protein synthesis are disturbed, P. dabryanus can modulate carbohydrate catabolism to maintain energy homeostasis. The above findings provide novel insights into saline-alkaline adaptation in freshwater fishes, paving the way for future research and development of saline-alkaline-tolerant Cobitidae strains.

Anti-inflammatory mechanism of Houttuynia cordata polysaccharides against ulcerative colitis based on multi-omics conjoint analysis

The Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HCP) was extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine, Houttuynia cordata, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has an acidic heteropolysaccharide with a molecular weight of approximately 13.38 kDa, consisting of 7 monosaccharides such as galactose, galacturonic acid, and glucose. Mouse ulcerative colitis (UC) model experiments demonstrated its effective anti-inflammatory activity at concentrations of 100 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg respectively. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of HCP in UC through omics analysis method. A total of 724 different metabolites and 246 differential lipids were identified. Through metabolomic analysis, six metabolic pathways including the linoleic acid metabolic pathway, caffeine metabolic pathway, mannose and fructose metabolic pathways, methyl histidine metabolic pathway and fatty acid biosynthesis, which were significantly associated with colon-related diseases. Subsequently, lipidomics analysis revealed that the metabolic pathways of α-linolenic and linoleic acid, fatty acid biosynthesis, and glycerolipid metabolism exhibited significant associations with serum lipid metabolism. These findings suggested that HCP had potential therapeutic effects in treating UC.

Research on the design of gamified classroom teaching mode based on fuzzy conjoint analysis method

Operations research is an applied mathematics discipline aimed at providing optimal solutions for complex systems and decision-making processes. However, the theoretical aspects of operations research can often be abstract, making it challenging and potentially tedious for students with a weaker foundational background. To address this issue, game-based learning has been introduced into operations research education in recent years, demonstrating promising results. In this context, gamified learning is seen as a potential solution to enhance student motivation and classroom engagement. Although gamification has been explored in education, its application in operations research, especially within a complex mathematical domain, remains under-researched. These games transform abstract operations research theories into concrete scenarios and problems, allowing students to learn and apply operations research knowledge through interactive play. This study aims to investigate students’ perceptions and attitudes toward game-based operations research classrooms using fuzzy set joint analysis. By employing fuzzy conjoint analysis, we aim to provide a nuanced understanding of student preferences and optimize gamified teaching strategies. In the investigation process, 83 students from School D were selected as the research subjects, and a questionnaire encompassing 16 items was administered. These items covered various aspects of integrating operations research board games into the classroom, including students’ engagement, cooperation, understanding, and application of operations research knowledge during the game process. By utilizing a Likert seven-point scale to collect students’ responses to each item, the data were subsequently converted into fuzzy sets to assess students’ views on game-based operations research classrooms. The results were used to provide targeted optimization for gamified teaching. Group experimental results involving the 83 students showed that gamified teaching in operations research has a positive impact on students’ learning of the subject. This finding holds significant implications for educators and teaching practices, offering valuable insights for the design and implementation of future operations research teaching methods.

Research on the Application of Conjoint Analysis in Carbon Tax Pricing for the Sustainable Development Process of China

This study aims to evaluate the preferences of Shanghai residents for four key attributes of carbon tax policies via the choice-based conjoint analysis method, with the goal of understanding the potential application of carbon tax policies in China. The findings indicate that the most critical concern for Shanghai residents is the annual cost of the ca trbonax (48.87%), followed by policy transparency (24.72%), revenue allocation (16.68%), and policy implementers (9.73%). The average willingness to pay is CNY 1435.28 annually, indicating a relatively high acceptance of carbon tax policies. Furthermore, increasing public awareness of carbon tax policies significantly enhances willingness to pay, which in turn helps increase tax revenue and promotes the development of low-carbon technologies. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers on carbon tax implementation, contributing to China’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Combined Conjoint Analysis and Cluster Analysis in Segmentation of College Student Housing Preferences (Study of Statistics Students at Universitas Brawijaya Class of 2020-2023)

Combined Conjoint Analysis and Cluster Analysis in Segmentation of College Student Housing Preferences (Study of Statistics Students at Universitas Brawijaya Class of 2020-2023)

Effect of rhizosphere soil microbial communities and environmental factors on growth and the active ingredients of Angelica sinensis in Gansu Province, China.

The growth and accumulation of active ingredients of Angelica sinensis were affected by rhizosphere soil microbial communities and soil environmental factors. However, the correlationship between growth and active ingredients and soil biotic and abiotic factors is still unclear. This study explored rhizosphere soil microbial community structures, soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and their effects on the growth and active ingredient contents of A. sinensis in three principal cropping areas. Results indicated that the growth indices, ligustilide, ferulic acid contents, and soil environmental factors varied in cropping areas. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that the growth of A. sinensis was affected by organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus; ferulic acid and ligustilide accumulation were related to soil catalase and alkaline phosphatase activities, respectively. Illumina MiSeq sequencing showed that the genera Mortierella and Conocybe were the dominant fungal communities, and Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Bryobacter, and Lysobacter were the main bacterial communities associated with the rhizosphere soil. Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA and Spearman correlation conjoint analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation (p < 0.001) among the composition of the rhizosphere microbial communities at all three sampling sites. The growth and active ingredient accumulation of A. sinensis not only was significantly susceptible to the bacterial communities of Sphingomonas, Epicoccum, Marivita,Muribaculum, and Gemmatimonas but also were significantly influenced by the fungal communities of Inocybe, Septoria, Tetracladium, and Mortierella (p < 0.05). Our findings provide a scientific basis for understanding the relationship between the growth and active ingredients in A. sinensis and their corresponding rhizosphere soil microbial communities, soil physicochemical properties, and enzyme activities.

Cardio Policy Optimiser: an integrated public health approach to enhancing cardiovascular health

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a leading cause of mortality in Europe, with atherosclerotic-related conditions accounting for 80% of CVD deaths - a third of them premature. Despite extensive efforts over the past five decades, the decline in these deaths over the last 20-25 years has plateaued, highlighting the need for innovative approaches. Additionally, the co-occurrence of CVDs with other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and renal and hepatic diseases, adds complexity to their management and prevention. Methods In Portugal, the pilot phase implemented a novel integrated approach combining a Bayesian epidemiological model - which incorporates genetic, sociodemographic, comorbidity, and lifestyle data - with an adaptive conjoint analysis model focusing on atherosclerosis policy intervention. These models are part of a comprehensive response framework that incorporates health outcomes and associated costs resulting from better prevention and diagnosis. Results Currently in the development and calibration stage, the model is expected to yield initial results by early September. Conclusions This modeling approach offers new opportunities for public health to intervene at early stages in the natural history of CVDs. It emphasizes enhancing prevention and early diagnosis to potentially reduce the incidence of acute episodes and associated mortalities. Moreover, the model facilitates rapid evaluation of the economic benefits derived from preventive policies, thereby supporting more informed public health decision-making. Key messages • The CPO model combines epidemiological and policy models to address cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. • It boosts early diagnosis and prevention, and assesses economic benefits from policies.

Preservation Preferences for Books and Websites as Cultural Heritage: A Conjoint Analysis

This study empirically examines factors influencing public preferences for document preservation, focusing on books and websites in a nation’s cultural heritage. Using a choice-based experimental design, respondents selected preferences, revealing that while books are generally valued for preservation, doubts about content reliability or frequency of use may diminish their cultural heritage significance. Conversely, websites gain preservation worthiness through third-party checks or frequent use. Media type alone does not determine preservation preference. The results highlight challenges in determining legal deposit eligibility based solely on media type, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to safeguarding cultural heritage.

Alteration of Cecal Microbiota by Antimicrobial Peptides Enhances the Rational and Efficient Utilization of Nutrients in Holstein Bulls.

We previously observed that supplementation with antimicrobial peptides facilitated the average daily weight gain, net meat, and carcass weights of Holstein bulls. To expand our knowledge of the possible impact of antimicrobial peptides on cecum microbiota, further investigations were conducted. In this study, 18 castrated Holstein bulls with insignificant weight differences and 10 months of age were split randomly into two groups. The control group (CK) was fed a basic diet, whereas the antimicrobial peptide group (AP) was supplemented with 8 g of antimicrobial peptides for 270 days. After slaughter, metagenomic and metabolomic sequencing analyses were performed on the cecum contents. The results showed significantly higher levels of amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase in the CK than in the AP group (P ≤ 0.05). The levels of β-glucosidase and xylanase (P ≤ 0.05), and acetic and propionic acids (P ≤ 0.01), were considerably elevated in the AP than in the CK group. The metagenome showed variations between the two groups only at the bacterial level, and 3258 bacteria with differences were annotated. A total of 138 differential abundant genes (P < 0.05) were identified in the CAZyme map, with 65 genes more abundant in the cecum of the AP group and 48 genes more abundant in the cecum of the CK group. Metabolomic analysis identified 68 differentially expressed metabolites. Conjoint analysis of microorganisms and metabolites revealed that Lactobacillus had the greatest impact on metabolites in the AP group and Brumimicrobium in the CK group. The advantageous strains of the AP group Firmicutes bacterium CAG:110 exhibited a strong symbiotic relationship with urodeoxycholic acid and hyodeoxycholic acid. This study identified the classification characteristics, functions, metabolites, and interactions of cecal microbiota with metabolites that contribute to host growth performance. Antimicrobial peptides affect the cecal microorganisms, making the use of nutrients more efficient. The utilization of hemicellulose in the cecum of ruminants may contribute more than cellulose to their production performance.

Differences in perspectives on sustainability attributes of dietary protein sources between reduced animal-based dieters and nondieters

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals envision a sustainable future that includes a shift in food consumption, aiming to reduce anthropogenic environmental impacts. Protein sources are crucial in sustainable diets because of their high environmental influence. Although consumers play a pivotal role in driving the shift towards more sustainable food consumption patterns, research on the perceptions of specific dietary groups regarding protein sources is limited. In this study, the perceived sustainability attributes of eight common protein sources between reduced animal-based dieters (RABs) and nondieters (NDs) were evaluated. Using a cross-sectional survey, we measured demographic data, food consumption frequency, perceived healthiness, and environmental friendliness. We performed conjoint analysis on the importance of the protein sources’ sustainability attributes (nutritional score, ecological score, price, product category). In total, 294 RABs and 247 NDs participated. The majority of the sample consisted of highly educated, childless women aged 18–39 years with high incomes, residing in cities, and responsible for food in their households. The presence of a nutritional score had a positive effect on both consumer groups’ perceptions of product sustainability, whereas the presence of an ecological score negatively affected consumer preferences for more sustainable products. The perceptions of the sustainability of protein sources varied significantly between RABs and NDs. Overall, RABs underestimated the healthiness of animal-based products, whereas NDs underestimated the environmental impact of protein sources. Among the animal-based protein sources, eggs and fish were seen as the most sustainable, with significantly higher means for NDs (p < 0.001). Among the sustainability attributes, plant-based foods and nutritional scores had a significant positive effect on both groups’ choices. For RABs, all animal-based protein sources had a significant negative effect on food choice. These results support the assumption that nutritional scores can improve the nutritional quality of food choices, whereas ecological scores can reduce the environmental impact of food choices. These findings underscore the need for tailored communication strategies and interventions to promote sustainable food choices among diverse dietary groups.

N6-Methyladenosine RNA Modification Regulates the Differential Muscle Development in Large White and Ningxiang Pigs.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common modification in eukaryotic RNAs. Growing research indicates that m6A methylation is crucial for a multitude of biological processes. However, research on the m6A modifications in the regulation of porcine muscle growth is lacking. In this study, we identified differentially expressed genes in the neonatal period of muscle development between Large White (LW) and NingXiang (NX) pigs and further reported m6A methylation patterns via MeRIP-seq. We found that m6A modification regulates muscle cell development, myofibrils, cell cycle, and phosphatase regulator activity during the neonatal phase of muscle development. Interestingly, differentially expressed genes in LW and NX pigs were mainly enriched in pathways involved in protein synthesis. Furthermore, we performed a conjoint analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data and identified 27 differentially expressed and m6A-modified genes. Notably, a typical muscle-specific envelope transmembrane protein, WFS1, was differentially regulated by m6A modifications in LW and NX pigs. We further revealed that the m6A modification accelerated the degradation of WFS1 in a YTHDF2-dependent manner. Noteworthy, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (C21551T) within the last exon of WFS1 that resulted in variable m6A methylation, contributing to the differing WFS1 expression levels observed in LW and NX pigs. Our study conducted a comprehensive analysis of the m6A modification on NX and LW pigs during the neonatal period of muscle development, and elucidated the mechanism by which m6A regulates the differential expression of WFS1 in the two breeds.