Product Scope Research Articles

Enzymatic one-step synthesis of natural 2-pyrones and new-to-nature derivatives from coenzyme A esters

The 2-pyrone moiety is present in a wide range of structurally diverse natural products with various biological activities. The plant biosynthetic routes towards these compounds mainly depend on the activity of either type III polyketide synthase-like 2-pyrone synthases or hydroxylating 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenases. In the present study, the substrate specificity of these enzymes is investigated by a systematic screening using both natural and artificial substrates with the aims of efficiently forming (new) products and understanding the underlying catalytic mechanisms. In this framework, we focused on the in vitro functional characterization of a 2-pyrone synthase Gh2PS2 from Gerbera x hybrida and two dioxygenases AtF6’H1 and AtF6’H2 from Arabidopsis thaliana using a set of twenty aromatic and aliphatic CoA esters as substrates. UHPLC-ESI-HRMSn based analyses of reaction intermediates and products revealed a broad substrate specificity of the enzymes, enabling the facile "green" synthesis of this important class of natural products and derivatives in a one-step/one-pot reaction in aqueous environment without the need for halogenated or metal reagents and protective groups. Using protein modeling and substrate docking we identified amino acid residues that seem to be important for the observed product scope.

Competing for attention on digital platforms: The case of news outlets

AbstractResearch SummaryPlatforms are often assumed to benefit firms, especially smaller ones, by facilitating access to a broader consumer base and increasing visibility. However, this logic relies on platforms” ability to match consumer preferences to complement characteristics. In addition to this matching mechanism, we posit that platforms also broker consumer attention towards complements, which then compete for this attention. We propose that this attention mechanism is particularly prominent in settings where complement characteristics cannot be observed ex‐ante, and argue that complementors' with larger scale and broader scope are better positioned to capture attention than smaller and less broad ones. We formalize and test this intuition in the context of news aggregators, highlighting the significance of complementors' ability to draw attention in evaluating their benefits from platform participation.Managerial SummarySmall firms are often assumed to benefit most from joining a platform to expand their market reach and visibility. However, this will only be the case if the main function of platforms is to match consumer preferences to product characteristics. We argue that platforms also direct attention towards some products at the expense of others on the platform. This “attention mechanism” is particularly important whenever product characteristics cannot be observed prior to consumption, and we propose that in such settings, larger scale and broader scope of products drive attention towards specific firms on the platform. We test these predictions in the context of online news aggregators, which feature news content by newspapers of different sizes and with different range of articles. We find that indeed large and generalist newspapers benefit most from being on a news aggregators, while small and focused newspapers perform better when they are not featured on the news aggregator at all.

Development of a stable fermented creamy structure from hazelnut in the scope of plant-based food production

A hazelnut-based fermented creamy structure was developed from whole hazelnut kernels in the scope of plant-based food production. Firstly, heat-induced and acid-induced gelation of aqueous slurries of raw or roasted hazelnut kernels were investigated. The final structure was formed by heat treatment and fermentation by yoghurt culture along with supplementary sucrose. A stabilizer mixture of locust bean gum and xanthan gum was needed to prevent phase separation. Roasting treatment of hazelnuts reduced the temperature and increased the pH at which gelation started; however, a weak gel was obtained. On the other hand, fermentation of raw hazelnuts resulted in a gel structure with higher strength, yield stress, flow point and spreadability. Phase separation was not observed in the structures during storage. Viable lactic acid bacteria count was above 6 log cfu/g in the samples and a slight decrease was observed after storage at 4°C. Soluble protein content in the samples was reduced by roasting and fermentation but increased after storage. Roasting enhanced allergenicity of the water-soluble fraction while fermentation decreased it by about 70%. Raw hazelnuts are recommended for preparation of stable fermented gel structures with reduced allergenicity towards plant-based food production.

Trade Policy and Productivity Growth: Why Do Sudanese Manufacturing Firms Export Less

This paper aims to study the role of trade policy on industrial development and productivity growth. We analyze the relationship between trade policy and productivity growth of manufacturing firms in Sudan. For this work, we evaluate the previous trade policy instruments that implemented between 2000 and 2022. The study finds that Sudan’s trade policy has significant positive effects on manufacturing firms’ productivity. The study reveals that manufacturing firms offer the largest scope for productivity gains through trade policies aiming at enhancing economic growth. The study also found there was a weak support for investment promotion and tariff protection. This study recommends that building a proper trade policy to support manufacturing firms and adopt new technologies and focusing on labor intensive industries are the key success to sustain productivity growth and enable manufacturing firms’ export.

Reversible Radical Addition Guides Selective Photocatalytic Intermolecular Thiol-Yne-Ene Molecular Assembly.

In modern organic chemistry, harnessing the power of multicomponent radical reactions presents both significant challenges and extraordinary potential. This article delves into this scientific frontier by addressing the critical issue of controlling selectivity in such complex processes. We introduce a novel approach that revolves around the reversible addition of thiyl radicals to multiple bonds, reshaping the landscape of multicomponent radical reactions. The key to selectivity lies in the intricate interplay between reversibility and the energy landscapes governing C-C bond formation in thiol-yne-ene reactions. The developed approach not only allows to prioritize the thiol-yne-ene cascade, dominating over alternative reactions, but also extends the scope of coupling products obtained from alkenes and alkynes of various structures and electron density distributions, regardless of their relative polarity difference, opening doors to more versatile synthetic possibilities. In the present study, we provide a powerful tool for atom-economical C-S and C-C bond formation, paving the way for the efficient synthesis of complex molecules. Carrying out our experimental and computational studies, we elucidated the fundamental mechanisms underlying radical cascades, a knowledge that can be broadly applied in the field of organic chemistry.

Reversible Radical Addition Guides Selective Photocatalytic Intermolecular Thiol‐Yne‐Ene Molecular Assembly

AbstractIn modern organic chemistry, harnessing the power of multicomponent radical reactions presents both significant challenges and extraordinary potential. This article delves into this scientific frontier by addressing the critical issue of controlling selectivity in such complex processes. We introduce a novel approach that revolves around the reversible addition of thiyl radicals to multiple bonds, reshaping the landscape of multicomponent radical reactions. The key to selectivity lies in the intricate interplay between reversibility and the energy landscapes governing C−C bond formation in thiol‐yne‐ene reactions. The developed approach not only allows to prioritize the thiol‐yne‐ene cascade, dominating over alternative reactions, but also extends the scope of coupling products obtained from alkenes and alkynes of various structures and electron density distributions, regardless of their relative polarity difference, opening doors to more versatile synthetic possibilities. In the present study, we provide a powerful tool for atom‐economical C−S and C−C bond formation, paving the way for the efficient synthesis of complex molecules. Carrying out our experimental and computational studies, we elucidated the fundamental mechanisms underlying radical cascades, a knowledge that can be broadly applied in the field of organic chemistry.

An Overview of Recent Developments and Understandings of Unconventionals in the Vaca Muerta Formation, Argentina

In this article, we comprehensively reviewed Argentina’s Vaca Muerta formation, which encompasses a geological overview, advances in extraction technologies, the potential environmental impact, and economic analysis. Detailed geological analysis is discussed, emphasizing the stratigraphy, lithology, and depositional environments of the formation, which is crucial for understanding the distribution and quality of hydrocarbon resources. The latest advancements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are explored, which have significantly improved efficiency and increased recoverable resources. The environmental implications of these extraction methods are critically examined. This includes a discussion of the necessity of sustainable practices in hydrocarbon extraction, highlighting the balance between resource development and environmental stewardship. The economic viability of the Vaca Muerta formation is analyzed, with a focus on cost-effectiveness, market trends, and investment patterns. This section assesses the formation’s potential as a profitable venture and its impact on the global energy market. Finally, the review anticipates future technological and policy developments. The strategic importance of the Vaca Muerta formation in the global energy sector is underscored, and its potential role in shaping future hydrocarbon exploration and production strategies is examined. In short, this essay not only presents data and findings, but also contextualizes them within the broader scope of energy production, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. This comprehensive approach provides a multi-faceted understanding of the Vaca Muerta formation’s significance in the global energy landscape.

N-Heterocycle-Editing to Access Fused-BN-Heterocycles via Ring-Opening/C-H Borylation/Reductive C-B Bond Formation.

Skeletal editing of N-heterocycles has recently received considerable attention, and the introduction of boron atom into heterocycles often results in positive property changes. However, direct enlargement of N-heterocycles through boron atom insertion is rarely reported in the literature. Here, we report a N-heterocyclic editing reaction through the combination boron atom insertion and C-H borylation, accessing the fused-BN-heterocycles. The synthetic potential of this chemistry was demonstrated by substrate scope and late-stage diversification of products.

Complete microbial synthesis of crocetin and crocins from glycerol in Escherichia coli

BackgroundCrocin, a glycosylated apocarotenoid pigment predominantly found in saffron, has garnered significant interest in the field of biotechnology for its bioactive properties. Traditional production of crocins and their aglycone, crocetin, typically involves extraction from crocin-producing plants. This study aimed to develop an alternative biosynthetic method for these compounds by engineering the metabolic pathways of zeaxanthin, crocetin, and crocin in Escherichia coli strains.ResultsEmploying a series of genetic modifications and the strategic overexpression of key enzymes, we successfully established a complete microbial pathway for synthesizing crocetin and four glycosylated derivatives of crocetin, utilizing glycerol as the primary carbon source. The overexpression of zeaxanthin cleavage dioxygenase and a novel variant of crocetin dialdehyde dehydrogenase resulted in a notable yield of crocetin (34.77 ± 1.03 mg/L). Further optimization involved the overexpression of new types of crocetin and crocin-2 glycosyltransferases, facilitating the production of crocin-1 (6.29 ± 0.19 mg/L), crocin-2 (5.29 ± 0.24 mg/L), crocin-3 (1.48 ± 0.10 mg/L), and crocin-4 (2.72 ± 0.13 mg/L).ConclusionsThis investigation introduces a pioneering and integrated microbial synthesis method for generating crocin and its derivatives, employing glycerol as a sustainable carbon feedstock. The substantial yields achieved highlight the commercial potential of microbial-derived crocins as an eco-friendly alternative to plant extraction methods. The development of these microbial processes not only broadens the scope for crocin production but also suggests significant implications for the exploitation of bioengineered compounds in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Biomass-Based Microgrid: A Case Study on its Aspects in the State of Punjab in India

The microgrid is an emerging power system. It works on the interconnection of renewable energy resources (RES) such as solar, wind and biomass, which is a promising field for researchers to explore the scope of power production from unconventional energy resources. Various combinations of RES like solar, wind, biomass and small-hydro power plants are available at different geographical locations. As a result, the combined use of various RES is drawing more attention and is frequently employed as an alternative to energy based on fossil fuels. Economic facets of these systems are suitably promising to consider them for raising the growth of power generation capability in developing countries. Objective of this paper is to presents a detailed study of the biomass-based hybrid renewable energy systems (HRES) in terms of their cost of energy and carbon emission. Moreover, the deployment of biomass-based power generation technology in Indian and international energy scenarios has been discussed showing the availability along with the availability of RES in Punjab, India. From the literature review it reveals that a viable configuration of microgrid which can generate power by direct combustion and gasification of biomass should be proposed and optimized to ensure more reliability and less carbon footprints in power generation.

Review on strategies for improving the added value and expanding the scope of CO2 electroreduction products.

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 into value-added chemicals has been explored as a promising solution to realize carbon neutrality and inhibit global warming. This involves utilizing the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to produce a variety of single-carbon (C1) and multi-carbon (C2+) products. Additionally, the electrolyte solution in the CO2RR system can be enriched with nitrogen sources (such as NO3-, NO2-, N2, or NO) to enable the synthesis of organonitrogen compounds via C-N coupling reactions. However, the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into valuable chemicals still faces challenges in terms of low product yield, poor faradaic efficiency (FE), and unclear understanding of the reaction mechanism. This review summarizes the promising strategies aimed at achieving selective production of diverse carbon-containing products, including CO, formate, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and organonitrogen compounds. These approaches involve the rational design of electrocatalysts and the construction of coupled electrocatalytic reaction systems. Moreover, this review presents the underlying reaction mechanisms, identifies the existing challenges, and highlights the prospects of the electrosynthesis processes. The aim is to offer valuable insights and guidance for future research on the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into carbon-containing products of enhanced value-added potential.

СТВОРЕННЯ ПЛАТФОРМИ ВЛАСНОГО БРЕНДУ

The article explores how some branded product companies are moving away from traditional digital aggregators and instead creating their own brand flagship platforms. These platforms serve as more than just direct sales channels, they offer a blend of specialized products, services, and content while involving consumers and third-party businesses in the value creation process. In this article, the authors present four types of flagship brand platforms: the platform as instrument, as guide, as canvas, and as companion. They describe the relationship style, risks and opportunities associated with each. Actually, traditional retail chains and brand aggregators dominate the market, but digital platforms are disrupting these models by offering a broad scope of products across categories and encouraging consumers to start their purchase journeys on their platforms. For branded goods manufacturers, the threat from brand aggregators is also significant. These platforms standardize product presentation, limiting brand differentiation and encouraging consumers to compare products primarily based on price and customer rating. However, some manufacturers are turning this digital threat into an opportunity by creating their own brand flagship platforms. Big brands companies are leveraging platform structures to establish direct connections with consumers and integrate third-party businesses into the value creation process. By doing so, they offer a more holistic range of products, services, and content, transcending traditional product-centric perspectives. These brand flagship platforms allow companies to expand their core value offering and provide consumers with a comprehensive solution that goes beyond a mere sales channel. In conclusion, the article highlights the shift towards brand flagship platforms as a strategic move for branded product companies to bypass traditional digital aggregators and establish direct relationships with consumers. By embracing digital platforms and involving consumers and third-party businesses in the value creation process, companies can offer a more compelling and differentiated experience to meet consumer needs in today's competitive market landscape.

How Digital Technologies Enable Business Model Innovation in the Energy Sector: An Empirical Study of Italian Energy Service Companies

The evolution of digital technologies has been expanding the business opportunities that firms can tap by leveraging such technologies. Business model innovation triggered by digital technologies allows firms to extend the scope of products and services they offer and create new markets. This trend is particularly relevant in the energy sector. However, little is known about how actually energy firms’ business models evolve because of the adoption of digital technologies. Therefore, this article aims at shedding light on the business model innovation process enabled by digital technologies in the energy sector. To this aim, eight Italian energy service companies that innovated their business model by adopting digital technologies are analyzed. The empirical analysis allows to spot an archetypal business models innovation process enabled by digital technologies in the energy sector. The study contributes to the literature on business model and business model innovation by highlighting how digital technologies may promote the evolution of business models and by spotting an archetypal business models innovation process that can be implemented accordingly. It also contributes to the emerging literature on digital transformation, by showing how digital technologies can be exploited by energy firms to improve their value creation, delivery, and appropriation mechanisms.

The lactation and chestfeeding/breastfeeding information, care and support needs of trans and non-binary parents: An integrative literature review

Background: The National Breastfeeding Strategy launched by the Ministry of Health in 2020, commits to the protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding with the aim of increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates in Aotearoa New Zealand. This strategy includes a recommendation that the breastfeeding/chestfeeding information and support needs of trans and non-binary parents and their whānau are identified so that those involved in their care are knowledgeable about these specific needs. Midwives are the primary providers of lactation and breastfeeding/chestfeeding information, care and support for most pregnant people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Aims: An integrative literature review was undertaken: to ascertain the specific lactation and chestfeeding/breastfeeding information and care needs for trans, non-binary, takatāpui and other gender diverse whānau; to consider the implications of this knowledge for contemporary midwifery in Aotearoa New Zealand; and to identify continuing research needs. Method: Literature for this integrative review was primarily sourced through the Ovid Online Database using search terms pertinent to the topic and limited to articles published in peer reviewed journals in English, excluding editorials, commentaries and opinion pieces. Findings: Literature about trans and non-binary parents and chestfeeding/breastfeeding, although increasing since 2010, is limited internationally and absent nationally. From extant literature, connections between healthcare barriers and the negative experiences of trans and non-binary parents are identified and explored in three overarching themes: the foundations of Western perinatal healthcare systems; the invisibility of trans and non-binary people within perinatal healthcare systems; and the lack of perinatal healthcare provider knowledge. Conclusion: Cis-normative, gender binary foundations are omnipresent in perinatal healthcare, rendering trans and non-binary people invisible, and excluded from this space. These factors contribute to the limiting of perinatal healthcare provider knowledge, an overwhelming finding in the literature. The absence of locally produced literature presents scope for research production here in Aotearoa New Zealand, exploring this topic from our unique cultural contexts. Such contributions may help inform whether adaptations and additions to current midwifery education are necessary to support midwives in the provision of equitable, safe, culturally appropriate, gender-inclusive care.

3D TiO2 modified with reduced graphene embed into polyvinyl alcohol: photoanode electrode for oxygen evolution reaction

The photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting using solar energy is one of the promising trend research topics within the scope of green energy production. A photoelectrochemical set up consists of photoelectrode materials that directly uses photon energy convers water to hydrogen and oxygen. The photoelectrodes are photoanode and photocathode materials n-type and p-type semiconductor, respectively. In this study, the 3D TiO2 photoanode surface was modified by coating it with reduced graphene (rG) added polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel. PVA synthetic polymer with thermal stability, mechanical stability and low cost was preferred to provide distribution of rG material on 3D TiO2 active surfaces. In this context, different amounts of rG (2.5, 5, 10 and 20%, based on polymer weight) impregnated with PVA gel coated on the 3D TiO2 semiconductor surface were investigated. The solar light absorption behaviour and molecular interactions of the different amounts of rG in PVA on 3D TiO2 semiconductor were monitored by UV-vis and Raman spectrometer. A photocatalytic performance of photoelectrodes were conducted by Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometric measurement under 100 mW cm-2 solar light. Raman spectrum showed dispersion of RG in PVA. EIS measurement showed that the polarization resistance (Rp) increased in 3D TiO2 with only PVA coating, while the addition of rG to PVA caused a decrease in Rp at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface under sunlight. Furthermore, LSV and chronoamperometric measurement concluded that the increased amount of rG added to PVA increased the photoresponse of 3D TiO2 up to the limit rG value.

THE EFFECT OF ATOMIZED SOYBEAN OIL EMULSIONS USED AS CUTTING FLUID ON THE CUTTING PERFORMANCE

Within the scope of sustainable production, a natural liquid mixture that will act as cutting fluid is sprayed with a different system. The liquid consisting of water and soybean oil was pulverized by ultrasonic atomization method and used by spraying with 4 bar compressed air. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of AISI 4140 steel on machinability in CNC lathe by using uncoated carbide insert (SECO WNMG080404-M1). Three cutting speeds (150, 200, 250 m / min), three feed rates (0.1, 0.15, 0.2 mm / rev) with four cutting fluids (1%, 5%, 10% soy oil-water mixture and commercial cutting fluid) and the comparison was made by making experiments under dry cutting conditions. In all experiments, the cutting depth was 1 mm and the cutting length was 100 mm. As a result of the experiments, cutting force, surface roughness and tool wear values were examined and contact angle measurements of cutting fluids were made. The best results in all parameters were achieved by spraying a 10% soybean oil-water mixture using an ultrasonic atomizer. The best results in all parameters were achieved by spraying a 10% soybean oil-water mixture using an ultrasonic atomizer. The worst values occurred in experiments conducted under dry cutting condition. In addition, SEM photographs were taken to observe the type of tool wear. The obtained values were analyzed with the ANOVA method and the results were evaluated with 3D surface graphics. After evaluating the analysis results, percentage impact rates, regression analysis equations and optimization values are proposed.

First-year accounting students' experiences adjusting chalenges to university life

The object of research: to explores the adjustment experiences to university life of first year accounting students.
 Investigated problems: Adaptation challenges, to the university environment which creates significant stress, affect retention, academic performance, and social demands of first year students – all academic and social integrations are major challenges for first year students.
 The main scientific results: The findings for the study revealed that first-year accounting students report encouraging and undesirable academic and social adjustment experiences respectively. Encouraging academic adjustment experiences related to the availability of support from departmental personnel from the faculty. Undesirable academic experiences included lack of time management, and workload and independence issues.
 The area of practical use of the research results: Encouraging social adjustment included, among others, the introduction of mentors to first years, as well as a wellness center; on the other hand, undesirable social adjustment highlighted independence and disintegration. The study further suggests that universities, through their student support services and faculties, should have in place support strategies, as well as a programme, which promote the interaction of first year students within their institutions throughout their first year of study.
 Innovative technological product: According to the findings, the study recommends coordinated methods to ensure that the first year's accountings receive full support in order to help them successfully adapt to and fit into the new environment. The introduction of electronic platforms that allow first-year stakeholders to organize students and interact with their lecturers and other support structures like mentors and supplemental instructors (SI) a few weeks before the official class sessions is promoted. Additionally, it might be recommended for the wellness center to host workshops for freshmen on time management, managing the workload at the institution, and how independence can occasionally work against a student's academic wellbeing.
 Scope of the innovative technological product: Students in their first year of accounting at one of South Africa's technical universities served as the study's respondents.

Teacher trade unions, unionization of novice teachers, implications for professional development in South Africa

The object of research: In this research paper a critique of teacher trade unionism as a political mechanism and its impact on newly qualified teachers’ dilemmas is presented.
 Investigated problem: Political power is inherently viewed as platform through which critical decisions on education matters are made. Some of these political decisions are, but not limited to teacher professional development and career advancements. Though the aim of teacher trade unions is to salvage the rights of the teachers in the profession, the historical development of teacher trade unions suggest that they act as political vanguard of the working class.
 The main scientific results: This qualitative study probed the current state and nature of teacher trade unionism have and implications for novice teachers in the sense that it does not encourage professional development, rather, political one. The results of this study confirm and demonstrates that the choice of novice educators to join a trade union of their choice is intrinsically linked to the career pathways the trade unions can offer rather than what trade unions are able to offer in their careers.
 The area of practical use of the research results: The study is of importance to South African novice teachers who are engaged in teacher professional development programs.
 Innovative technological product: The results of this study made it possible to outline strategic directions for the introduction of digital technologies that will enhance teacher professional development. The results of this study further stresses that the lack of resources which impedes teacher professional development.
 Scope of the innovative technological product: The result of the study concerns the implementation of professional development initiatives, that will require the integration of information and communications technology in the professional development process, stressing policy as an imperative point of departure.

Language planning in the context of complex multilingual schools

Object of research: This article discusses language planning and multilingualism in complex environments such as in education.
 Investigated problem: The failure in language-in-education policy has raised arguments about the approach that is applied by schools. Using a context-based approach it is argued that success in multilingual education is constrained by various micro, meso and macro factors, usually also referred to as immediate, proximal, and distal circumstances. These are based on language planning and policy.
 The main scientific results: The research uses data from three different types of government/public schools. The study involved learners, teachers, parents’ representatives, principals and an educational official through interviews and observations. The study found that there were challenges in the implementation of a schools’ language policy based on different types of schools.
 The area of practical use of the research results: The results benefits schools and policy makers since the study recommends a development of a holistic approach and a diversified model that will address specific contexts rather than using one-size-fits-all approach.
 Innovative technological product: The language planning approaches in multilingual schools that are investigated in this study provide advise and relevant innovative methods to policy makers, teachers, and parents. There will be an improvement in various learning settings and schools.
 Scope of the innovative technological product: The development of Language-in-education policy in 1996 provided a new outlook in language learning and teaching approach in schools. This has created grounds to produce aligned language policies by schools to give effect to the democratic constitution of the country and to provide the choice of language of learning by learners. This shows how the policy is conceptualized and implemented in a multilingual school environment such as in South Africa

Continuous improvement of the assembly process of an automotive part applying lean manufacturing tools

The object of research: The analysis of the entire assembly process of any automotive part is of utmost importance, given that optimizing any indicator such as time, cost, labor, materials, among others, will allow increasing the productivity and efficiency of the companies.
 Investigated problem: analyze how to reduce cycle time in the assembly process of an automotive part that is sold to Ford, this with the purpose of reducing costs and delivery times by making use of industrial engineering tools, specifically techniques related to lean manufacturing.
 The main scientific results: the assembly process of the upper B Post of the F-CX727 platform was optimized, through continuous improvement tools, improving indicators such as the reduction of cycle time and the cost of the product sold to the customer.
 The scope of practical application of the research results: auto parts companies specialized in the manufacturing of products for the automotive industry require the application of continuous improvement tools necessary to balance assembly lines and make incremental improvements in an organization.
 Innovative technological product: The use of soft techniques and methodologies allows a company to be flexible in its assembly system, this allows it to generate value in its processes as well as the control and reduction of key efficiency indicators.
 Scope of the innovative technological product: the scope of the research work is basically to present the development of continuous improvement techniques for an assembly product made in an auto parts industry in Mexico with the purpose of optimizing the process.