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18 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of R&D and Non-R&D Subsidies on Technological Innovation in Chinese Electric Vehicle Enterprises

by Qiu Zhao, Zhuoqian Li and Chao Zhang

World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(7), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15070304 - 11 Jul 2024

The effectiveness of government subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) enterprises and future improvements to subsidy policies to promote industry development have garnered widespread attention. Distinct mechanisms exist through which R&D and non-R&D subsidies impact enterprise innovation. This paper differentiates between R&D and non-R&D [...] Read more.

The effectiveness of government subsidies for electric vehicle (EV) enterprises and future improvements to subsidy policies to promote industry development have garnered widespread attention. Distinct mechanisms exist through which R&D and non-R&D subsidies impact enterprise innovation. This paper differentiates between R&D and non-R&D subsidies and uses data from listed companies and New Third Board companies in China from 2013 to 2022 to empirically analyze the effects of these two types of subsidies on the innovation of EV enterprises from the perspectives of innovation strategy and the industrial chain. The results show that both R&D and non-R&D subsidies effectively alleviate the inhibiting effects of financing constraints. R&D subsidies significantly incentivize innovation in EV enterprises, whereas the effect of non-R&D subsidies is not as pronounced. The incentivizing effect of R&D subsidies exhibits two distinct characteristics: first, R&D subsidies compel enterprises to choose an innovation strategy that prioritizes “quantity over quality”; second, R&D subsidies exert a more pronounced influence on enterprises in the upper and middle sectors of the EV industrial chain compared to downstream enterprises, which tend to engage in more strategic innovation behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric Vehicle Technology Development, Energy and Environmental Implications, and Decarbonization)

11 pages, 383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance and Safety of Amino-Acid- and Hydroxyapatite Enriched-Hyaluronic Acid Intradermal Gel in Facial Skin Defects

by Salvatore Todde, Fabiano Svolacchia, Lorenzo Svolacchia, Federica Giuzio, Sameer Kumar Panda and Giuseppe A. Ferraro

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071121 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The facial skin defects associated with aging are common concerns in the aging population. Hyaluronic-acid-based intradermal gels have established themselves as safe and effective treatments for addressing these concerns. Recently developed enriched products aim to enhance the efficacy of [...] Read more.

Background and Objectives: The facial skin defects associated with aging are common concerns in the aging population. Hyaluronic-acid-based intradermal gels have established themselves as safe and effective treatments for addressing these concerns. Recently developed enriched products aim to enhance the efficacy of these gels, yet their effectiveness lacks thorough validation in the existing literature. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, we investigated the outcomes of intradermal gel treatments in 103 patients with soft tissue defects. This study included three groups: 35 patients received amino-acid-enriched hyaluronic acid gel, another 35 were treated with hydroxyapatite-enriched hyaluronic acid gel, and the remaining 33 underwent hyaluronic acid treatment only. The efficacy of the treatments was assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) score, while patient satisfaction was gauged through a detailed questionnaire. Any adverse event was monitored. Results: The treatments demonstrated remarkable efficacy, as evidenced by mean GAIS scores of 1.714 points for those treated with amino acid-enriched hyaluronic acid gel, 1.886 points for individuals receiving hydroxyapatite-enriched hyaluronic acid gel, and 1.697 for those treated with hyaluronic acid alone, all showing statistical significance (p < 0.0001). Patient satisfaction was very high. Significantly, there were no recorded instances of major adverse events. Conclusions: Hyaluronic gels, particularly those enriched with amino acids and hydroxyapatite, are effective and safe interventions for addressing facial skin aging defects. They serve as valuable tools in mitigating age-related blemishes and contribute to the overall improvement of skin aesthetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Dermatology)

9 pages, 621 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bivalvular Endocarditis Due to Polymicrobial Coinfection with Enterococcus faecalis and Coxiella burnetii: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

by Asala Abu-Ahmad, Fadel Bahouth, Mirit Hershman-Sarafov, Alona Paz and Majed Odeh

Medicina 2024, 60(7), 1122; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60071122 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Polymicrobial endocarditis is uncommon, and polymicrobial endocarditis in combination with Coxiella burnetii is very rare. We herein describe an extremely rare case of polymicrobial bivalvular endocarditis due to coinfection with Enterococcus faecalis and Coxiella burnetii in a 62-year-old male patient, and extensively review [...] Read more.

Polymicrobial endocarditis is uncommon, and polymicrobial endocarditis in combination with Coxiella burnetii is very rare. We herein describe an extremely rare case of polymicrobial bivalvular endocarditis due to coinfection with Enterococcus faecalis and Coxiella burnetii in a 62-year-old male patient, and extensively review the relevant medical literature. To the best of our knowledge, only three similar cases have been previously reported. Q fever is a worldwide endemic bacterial zoonosis, but it and its most common chronic complication, endocarditis, are still underestimated and underdiagnosed worldwide. This situation reflects the paucity of reported cases of polymicrobial endocarditis in combination with Coxiella burnetii. Clinical presentation of Q fever endocarditis is highly nonspecific, and diagnosis may be delayed or missed, leading to severe and potentially fatal disease. Our case and the previously reported similar cases emphasize the need for further evaluation of infective endocarditis due to Coxiella burnetii, in all cases of culture-negative endocarditis, and in prolonged oligo-symptomatic inflammatory syndrome, particularly in the presence of valvular heart disease. This approach should be applied even when typical pathogens are isolated, especially in endemic areas of Q fever, and with atypical presentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Disease)

26 pages, 556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fractional Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer-Type Inequalities for Interval-Valued Convex Stochastic Processes with Center-Radius Order and Their Related Applications in Entropy and Information Theory

by Ahsan Fareed Shah, Serap Özcan, Miguel Vivas-Cortez, Muhammad Shoaib Saleem and Artion Kashuri

Fractal Fract. 2024, 8(7), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract8070408 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

We propose a new definition of the

γ

-convex stochastic processes

(C SP)

using center and radius

(CR)

order with the notion of interval valued functions (

_{C . R}^{I . V}

). By utilizing this definition and [...] Read more.

We propose a new definition of the

γ

-convex stochastic processes

(C SP)

using center and radius

(CR)

order with the notion of interval valued functions (

_{C . R}^{I . V}

). By utilizing this definition and Mean-Square Fractional Integrals, we generalize fractional Hermite–Hadamard–Mercer-type inclusions for generalized

_{C . R}^{I . V}

versions of convex, tgs-convex, P-convex, exponential-type convex, Godunova–Levin convex, s-convex, Godunova–Levin s-convex, h-convex, n-polynomial convex, and fractional n-polynomial

(C SP)

. Also, our work uses interesting examples of

_{C . R}^{I . V} (C SP)

with Python-programmed graphs to validate our findings using an extension of Mercer’s inclusions with applications related to entropy and information theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fractional Integral Inequalities and Applications, 2nd Edition)

25 pages, 9265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cooperative Target Fencing Control for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Swarm with Collision, Obstacle Avoidance, and Connectivity Maintenance

by Hao Yu, Xiuxia Yang, Yi Zhang and Zijie Jiang

Drones 2024, 8(7), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8070317 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates the target fencing control problem of fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarms with collision avoidance and connectivity maintenance in obstacle environments. A distributed cooperative fencing scheme for maneuvering targets is proposed without predefined accurate formation. Firstly, considering that not all [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the target fencing control problem of fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarms with collision avoidance and connectivity maintenance in obstacle environments. A distributed cooperative fencing scheme for maneuvering targets is proposed without predefined accurate formation. Firstly, considering that not all states of the target can be obtained by UAVs, a differential state observer is developed to estimate the target’s unknown speed and control input. Secondly, by constructing potential functions with fewer parameter adjustments, corresponding negative gradient terms are calculated to guarantee the flight safety and communication connectivity of the swarm. A distributed cooperative controller is designed using the self-organized theory and consensus control. Additionally, the stability of the closed-loop system with the controller is analyzed based on Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue UAV Trajectory Generation, Optimization and Cooperative Control)

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19 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Attitude Control of Small Fixed−Wing UAV Based on Sliding Mode and Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control

by Bohao Wang, Yuehao Yan, Xingzhong Xiong, Qiang Han and Zhouguan Li

Drones 2024, 8(7), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/drones8070318 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

A combined control method integrating Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control (LADRC) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is proposed to mitigate model uncertainty and external disturbances in the attitude control of fixed−wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). First, the mathematical and dynamic models of a [...] Read more.

A combined control method integrating Linear Active Disturbance Rejection Control (LADRC) and Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is proposed to mitigate model uncertainty and external disturbances in the attitude control of fixed−wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). First, the mathematical and dynamic models of a small fixed−wing UAV are constructed. Subsequently, a Linear Extended State Observer (LESO) is designed to accurately estimate the model uncertainties and unidentified external disturbances. The LESO is then integrated into the control side to enable the SMC to enhance the control system’s anti−interference performance due to its insensitivity to variations in−system parameters. The system’s stability is proven using the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, simulations comparing the classical LADRC and the newly developed SMC−LADRC reveal that the latter exhibits strong robustness and anti−interference capabilities in scenarios involving model uncertainty, external disturbances, and internal disturbances, confirming the effectiveness of this control method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Technologies and Innovations in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Control Systems)

19 pages, 28809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Method for Commercial Style Transfer of Historical Architectural Facades Based on Stable Diffusion Models

by Jiaxin Zhang, Yiying Huang, Zhixin Li, Yunqin Li, Zhilin Yu and Mingfei Li

J. Imaging 2024, 10(7), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging10070165 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

In the sphere of urban renewal of historic districts, preserving and innovatively reinterpreting traditional architectural styles remains a primary research focus. However, the modernization and adaptive reuse of traditional buildings often necessitate changes in their functionality. To cater to the demands of tourism [...] Read more.

In the sphere of urban renewal of historic districts, preserving and innovatively reinterpreting traditional architectural styles remains a primary research focus. However, the modernization and adaptive reuse of traditional buildings often necessitate changes in their functionality. To cater to the demands of tourism in historic districts, many traditional residential buildings require conversion to commercial use, resulting in a mismatch between their external form and their internal function. This study explored an automated approach to transform traditional residences into commercially viable designs, offering an efficient and scalable solution for the modernization of historic architecture. We developed a methodology based on diffusion models, focusing on a dataset of nighttime shopfront facades. By training a low-rank adaptation (LoRA) model and integrating the ControlNet model, we enhanced the accuracy and stability of the generated images. The methodology’s performance was validated through qualitative and quantitative assessments, optimizing the batch size, repetition, and learning rate configurations. These evaluations confirmed the method’s effectiveness. Our findings significantly advance the modern commercial style transformation of historical architectural facades, providing a novel solution that maintains the aesthetic and functional integrity, thereby fostering breakthroughs in traditional design thinking and exploring new possibilities for the preservation and commercial adaptation of historical buildings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section AI in Imaging)

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18 pages, 862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Rewilding Aquaculture Time on Nutritional Quality and Flavor Characteristics of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

by Qianyun Han, Jiajie Hu, Weicong Pan, Jin Yu, Xiaoguo Ying, Jinpeng Weng, Weiye Li and Xudong Weng

Fishes 2024, 9(7), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes9070275 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Wild fish are preferred by consumers primarily for their superior sensorial qualities, including taste and texture. However, their limited availability often results in higher prices. Considering this, we explored the possibility of enhancing the quality of earthen pond aquaculture fish by transferring them [...] Read more.

Wild fish are preferred by consumers primarily for their superior sensorial qualities, including taste and texture. However, their limited availability often results in higher prices. Considering this, we explored the possibility of enhancing the quality of earthen pond aquaculture fish by transferring them to a near wild environment. This study investigated how rewilding time affects the physical properties, nutritional composition, and volatile profile of grass carp muscle. The results showed that compared to the 0M group, the crude protein content in grass carp muscle did not change significantly (p > 0.05) as the rewilding time increased to 6 months. Meanwhile, the significant increase in hardness and springiness (p < 0.05) indicated that the textural characteristics of muscle, which were key sensory and physical indices of muscle quality, were improved. Although the 6M group showed a 58.93% reduction in crude fat content compared to the 0M group, it retained the highest docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. Sensory evaluation demonstrated that as the rewilding time increased, the fishy and grassy odors of the rewilding grass carp diminished. Furthermore, cluster heatmaps and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed that cultured grass carp and rewilding grass carp at three time points exhibited differences in various indicators. The variable importance in projection (VIP) showed that volatile flavor compounds (acetone, propionaldehyde-D, 1-penten-3-ol) and hardness were key factors in distinguishing between them. Therefore, extending the rewilding time can potentially enhance the acceptability of cultured grass carp by improving the physical properties, nutritional quality, and volatile profile of the muscle. This approach may provide a new pathway for fish aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Feeding)

15 pages, 3416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UIDF-Net: Unsupervised Image Dehazing and Fusion Utilizing GAN and Encoder–Decoder

by Anxin Zhao, Liang Li and Shuai Liu

J. Imaging 2024, 10(7), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/jimaging10070164 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Haze weather deteriorates image quality, causing images to become blurry with reduced contrast. This makes object edges and features unclear, leading to lower detection accuracy and reliability. To enhance haze removal effectiveness, we propose an image dehazing and fusion network based on the [...] Read more.

Haze weather deteriorates image quality, causing images to become blurry with reduced contrast. This makes object edges and features unclear, leading to lower detection accuracy and reliability. To enhance haze removal effectiveness, we propose an image dehazing and fusion network based on the encoder–decoder paradigm (UIDF-Net). This network leverages the Image Fusion Module (MDL-IFM) to fuse the features of dehazed images, producing clearer results. Additionally, to better extract haze information, we introduce a haze encoder (Mist-Encode) that effectively processes different frequency features of images, improving the model’s performance in image dehazing tasks. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model achieves superior dehazing performance compared to existing algorithms on outdoor datasets. Full article

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12 pages, 12253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic N-Formylation of CO₂ with Amines Catalyzed by Diethyltriamine Pentaacetic Acid

by Xuexin Yuan, Qiqi Zhou, Yu Chen, Hai-Jian Yang, Qingqing Jiang, Juncheng Hu and Cun-Yue Guo

C 2024, 10(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/c10030062 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

In the present work, inexpensive and commercially available diethyltriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used as an initiator to catalyze the N-formylation reaction of CO₂ with amines via the construction of C-N bonds in the presence of xanthone as the photosensitizer and PhSiH [...] Read more.

In the present work, inexpensive and commercially available diethyltriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) was used as an initiator to catalyze the N-formylation reaction of CO₂ with amines via the construction of C-N bonds in the presence of xanthone as the photosensitizer and PhSiH₃ as the reducing agent. After a systematic study of various factors, the optimal conditions for the photocatalytic reaction were obtained: 2.5 mmol of amine, 2.5 mmol of PhSiH₃, 10 mol% of DTPA, 20 mol% of xanthone, 1 mL of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), atmospheric pressure, and 35 W UV lamp irradiation for 48 h. Under the optimal conditions, the catalyst system afforded high performance for the N-formylation of amines (primary and secondary amines) and CO₂, and the yields of the N-formylated products of dialkylamines were above 70%. Further studies exhibit that the catalytic system has a wide scope of substrate applications. For various alicyclic secondary amines, heterocyclic secondary amines, aliphatic primary amines, and aromatic primary amines, the corresponding N-formylation products can be obtained efficiently. In addition, the catalyst can be recycled by simple precipitation and filtration. After five cycles of recycling, there was no significant change in the catalytic and structural properties of DTPA. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section CO₂ Utilization and Conversion)

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12 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Analysis of Gracilaria chouae Polysaccharides Derived from Different Geographical Regions: Focusing on Their Chemical Composition, Rheological Properties, and Gel Characteristics

by Xiong Li, Wanzi Yao, Cebin Hu, Congyu Lin, Lijun You and Jian Mao

Gels 2024, 10(7), 454; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10070454 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Polysaccharides derived from diverse sources exhibit distinct rheological and gel properties, exerting a profound impact on their applicability in the food industry. In this study, we collected five Gracilaria chouae samples from distinct geographical regions, namely Rizhao (RZ), Lianyungang (LYG), Ningde (ND), Beihai [...] Read more.

Polysaccharides derived from diverse sources exhibit distinct rheological and gel properties, exerting a profound impact on their applicability in the food industry. In this study, we collected five Gracilaria chouae samples from distinct geographical regions, namely Rizhao (RZ), Lianyungang (LYG), Ningde (ND), Beihai (BH), and a wild source from Beihai (BHW). We conducted analyses on the chemical composition, viscosity, and rheological properties, as well as gel properties, to investigate the influence of chemical composition on variations in gel properties. The results revealed that the total sugar, sulfate content, and monosaccharide composition of G. chouae polysaccharides exhibit similarity; however, their anhydrogalactose content varies within a range of 15.31% to 18.98%. The molecular weight distribution of G. chouae polysaccharides ranged from 1.85 to 2.09 × 10³ kDa. The apparent viscosity of the LYG and BHW polysaccharides was relatively high, whereas that of RZ and ND was comparatively low. The gel strength displayed a similar trend. BHW and LYG exhibited solid-like behavior, while ND, RZ, and BH demonstrated liquid-like characteristics at low frequencies. The redundancy analysis (RDA) analysis revealed a positive correlation between the texture profile analysis (TPA) characteristics and anhydrogalactose. The study could provide recommendations for the diverse applications of G. chouae polysaccharides derived from different geographical regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Gels: Structure and Function)

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31 pages, 15854 KiB

Open AccessReview

Numerical Simulations of Scalar Transport on Rough Surfaces

by Zvi Hantsis and Ugo Piomelli

Fluids 2024, 9(7), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/fluids9070159 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Numerical simulations provide unfettered access to details of the flow where experimental measurements are difficult to obtain. This paper summarises the progress achieved in the study of passive scalars in flows over rough surfaces thanks to recent numerical simulations. Townsend’s similarity applies to [...] Read more.

Numerical simulations provide unfettered access to details of the flow where experimental measurements are difficult to obtain. This paper summarises the progress achieved in the study of passive scalars in flows over rough surfaces thanks to recent numerical simulations. Townsend’s similarity applies to various scalar statistics, implying the differences due to roughness are limited to the roughness sublayer (RSL). The scalar field exhibits a diffusive sublayer that increasingly conforms to the roughness surface as

k_{s}^{+}

or

P r

increase. The scalar wall flux is enhanced on the windward slopes of the roughness, where the analogy between momentum and scalar holds well; the momentum and scalar fields, however, have very different behaviours downwind of the roughness elements, due to recirculation, which reduces the scalar wall flux. Roughness causes breakdown of the Reynolds analogy: any increase in

S t

is accompanied by a larger increase in

c_{f}

. A flattening trend for the scalar roughness function,

Δ Θ^{+}

, is observed as

k_{s}^{+}

increases, suggesting the possibility of a scalar fully rough regime, different from the velocity one. The form-induced (FI) production of scalar fluctuations becomes dominant inside the RSL and is significantly different from the FI production of turbulent kinetic energy, resulting in notable differences between the scalar and velocity fluctuations. Several key questions remain open, in particular regarding the existence of a fully rough scalar regime and its characteristics. With the increase in

R e

and

P r

, various quantities such as scalar roughness function, the dispersive fluxes, FI wall flux, etc., appear to trend towards saturation. However, the limited range of

R e

and

P r

achieved by numerical simulations only allows us to speculate regarding such asymptotic behaviour. Beyond extending the range of

R e

and

P r

, systematic coverage of different roughness types and topologies is needed, as the scalar appears to remain sensitive to the geometrical details. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Fluid Mechanics: Feature Papers, 2024)

11 pages, 3206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CfHMG Differentially Regulates the Sexual Development and Pathogenicity of Colletotrichum fructicola Plus and Minus Strains

by Wei Zhang, Wenkui Liu, Xiaofei Liang, Rong Zhang, Mark L. Gleason and Guangyu Sun

J. Fungi 2024, 10(7), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10070478 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Colletotrichum fructicola shows morphological and genetic differences in plus and minus strains. However, the mechanism of the differentiation between two types of strains is still largely unclear. Our early transcriptome analysis revealed that CfHMG expression differed in plus and minus strains. To define [...] Read more.

Colletotrichum fructicola shows morphological and genetic differences in plus and minus strains. However, the mechanism of the differentiation between two types of strains is still largely unclear. Our early transcriptome analysis revealed that CfHMG expression differed in plus and minus strains. To define the functions of the CfHMG gene, we constructed gene deletion mutants by homologous recombination. We found that a CfHMG deletion mutant of the minus strain, CfHMG-M, could lead to a reduction in perithecium sizes and densities on media and sterile perithecium formation compared with the minus wild type (WT), whereas there was no effect for the plus mutant CfHMG-P. In co-cultures between CfHMG-P and minus WT, CfHMG-M and plus WT, or CfHMG-P and CfHMG-M, the quantities of perithecia were all reduced significantly. When conidial suspensions were inoculated on non-wounded apple fruit, it was found that the virulence of the minus mutant decreased significantly but not for the plus one. Further, we found that the virulence decrease in minus mutants was caused by a decrease in the conidium germination rate. Our results indicate that CfHMG of C. fructicola plays an important role in the mating line formation between the plus and minus strain for both strains and differentially regulates the perithecium size, density, fertilization, and virulence of the minus strain. The results are significant for further detecting the differentiated mechanisms between the plus and minus strains in Colletotrichum fungi. Full article

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18 pages, 1117 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Conceptual, Social, and Intellectual Structure of the Financial Information/Accounting Manipulation Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Mustafa Kıllı, Samet Evci and İlker Kefe

J. Risk Financial Manag. 2024, 17(7), 297; https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm17070297 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of studies on financial information/accounting manipulation. The dataset of research includes 1.266 studies from the Web of Science database for the period 1991–2023. All studies included in the research contain either the term ‘financial information manipulation’ [...] Read more.

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of studies on financial information/accounting manipulation. The dataset of research includes 1.266 studies from the Web of Science database for the period 1991–2023. All studies included in the research contain either the term ‘financial information manipulation’ or ‘accounting manipulation’ in the topic (title, abstract, or keywords). The bibliometric network mapping technique was used for the analysis of the data. The analysis was conducted utilizing the Biblioshiny interface of the R package programs Bibliometrix and Vosviewer. The results pointed out a notable upward trend in the publication and citation rates of financial information/accounting manipulation studies over the last two decades. Several key findings were identified. Firstly, a substantial rise in research output on financial information/accounting manipulation was observed, particularly after 2000, driven by global financial scandals. Secondly, prolific contributors to this field include authors such as Valaskova and Durana. Thirdly, the United States leads in research output, with significant contributions from institutions like the State University System of Florida and the State University System of Ohio. Lastly, The Accounting Review was identified as the most prolific journal in this domain, with the Journal of Accounting Economics being the most impactful based on citations. The most frequently used keywords indicate that the research topics focus on earnings management as a method of manipulation, fraudulent financial reporting, and the relationship with corporate governance. The comprehensiveness of the bibliometric data lends itself to a further examination of how financial information/accounting manipulation has progressed as a subject in the literature since the 2000s. In addition, this study reveals the social and intellectual structures of the issue, the key research streams, and potential research directions for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Business and Entrepreneurship)

18 pages, 2477 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Green Tea Mate: Physicochemical Profile and Sensory Aspects

by Selene Ollani, Caterina Lo Presti, Dario Donno, Ilaria Stura, Nicole Roberta Giuggioli and Cristiana Peano

Beverages 2024, 10(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages10030060 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant originating from South America. From this plant, mate a drink is produced. Brazil is the first mate producer in the world. The diffusion of mate is mainly limited to the native regions of South [...] Read more.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant originating from South America. From this plant, mate a drink is produced. Brazil is the first mate producer in the world. The diffusion of mate is mainly limited to the native regions of South America, as it is consumed with cuia and bombilla. Trying to expand mate culture and export it towards Europe makes it necessary to offer this drink in a new guise that sets it apart from traditional preparation patterns. In this instance, the introduction of green tea mate may represent a solution. This innovative product comes from I. paraguariensis sprouts, which are further processed and consumed as green tea from Camellia sinensis. The present study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical and nutraceutical characteristics and consumer perceptions towards the visual aspect of the innovative green tea mate (L1, L2, and L3) compared to commercial traditional Brazilian mate (CI and CB) and roasted mate (L). Moreover, a preliminary sensory evaluation with untrained panellists was carried out. Significant results were detected, highlighting the higher content of bioactive compounds in the innovative product. Total Phenolic Content (TPC) almost doubled in green tea mate (L1 117.14 mg GAE/g d.p., L2 128.10 mg GAE/g d.p., L3 126.21 mg GAE/g d.p.) compared to the other samples (CI 71.91 mg GAE/g d.p., CB 54.23 mg GAE/g d.p., L 34.16 mg GAE/g d.p.) (p < 0.05). Considering caffeine, batches L1 and L3 had a content of 3.68 mg/g d.p. and 3.58 mg/g d.p., respectively, significantly higher when compared to the amount retrieved in the CB sample, 1.57 mg/g d.p. (p < 0.05). The consumer survey demonstrated the interest of consumers towards the new product, as it was perceived similar to more commonly consumed teas, while from a sensory point of view, a vegetal and hay flavour were more defining for the product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Tea, Coffee, Water, and Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages)

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13 pages, 1221 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyphenol Composition of Skin-Contact Fermented ‘Solaris’ and ‘Zilga’ Wines

by Mariana Maante-Kuljus, Kadri Karp, Reelika Rätsep, Leila Mainla, Angela Koort, Priit Põldma, Hedi Kaldmäe and Ulvi Moor

Beverages 2024, 10(3), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages10030059 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of vintage and cultivar on the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of wines made from the white wine cultivar ‘Solaris’ and the red wine cultivar ‘Zilga’ (both with skin maceration). The [...] Read more.

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of vintage and cultivar on the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of wines made from the white wine cultivar ‘Solaris’ and the red wine cultivar ‘Zilga’ (both with skin maceration). The second goal was to describe the polyphenolic profile of ‘Solaris’ wine and compare it with that of ‘Zilga’ wine. Spectrophotometric methods were employed to determine the total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the polyphenol composition. The total polyphenol content and the antioxidant activity of ‘Solaris’ wine differed significantly from that of ‘Zilga’ wine in the experimental years from 2021 to 2023. Significant differences between the wines also occurred on average over the years, with a significantly higher total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity obtained for the red wine of ‘Zilga’. However, both wines were similarly influenced by vintage over the three-year experimental period. The antioxidant activity showed a high correlation with the total polyphenol content. The polyphenolic profile of ‘Solaris’ wine differed notably from that of ‘Zilga’ wine. While ‘Solaris’ wine exhibited lower levels of phenolic acids and flavonols, the content of the flavanols was significantly higher, even double that of ‘Zilga’ wine. Among the flavanols, there was a remarkably high content of catechin and epicatechin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wine, Spirits and Oenological Products)

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12 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessReview

Microbial Contamination and Disease Outbreaks Associated with Rockmelons (Cucumis melo): Implications for Public Health Protection

by Pouria Rabiee, Ayesha Faraz, Said Ajlouni and Malik A. Hussain

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142198 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses caused by consuming contaminated fresh produce not only pose serious public health risks but also lead to huge economic losses. Rockmelons (cantaloupes) have emerged as a recurrent source of disease outbreaks caused by foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, [...] Read more.

Foodborne illnesses caused by consuming contaminated fresh produce not only pose serious public health risks but also lead to huge economic losses. Rockmelons (cantaloupes) have emerged as a recurrent source of disease outbreaks caused by foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. The most common factor of the outbreaks was the microbial contamination of rockmelons at the farm, and subsequently, the pathogenic bacteria were transferred to the flesh during cutting and processing. One of the deadliest outbreaks occurred in the USA due to L. monocytogenes contamination of rockmelons which caused 33 deaths in 2011. Since then, several guidelines and recommendations have been developed for food safety management to reduce the microbial contamination of melons on farms and post-harvest operations. This article explicitly provides an updated overview of microbiological contamination, disease outbreaks, pathogens prevalence, and mitigation strategies to reduce public health risks due to the consumption of rockmelons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances and Future Challenges to Microbial Food Safety—Volume II)

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20 pages, 1149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification, Bioaccessibility, and Antioxidant Properties of Phenolic Compounds in Carob Syrup

by Melissa Zannini, Alice Cattivelli, Lorenzo Nissen, Angela Conte, Andrea Gianotti and Davide Tagliazucchi

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2196; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142196 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Carob syrup is a brown, thick syrup produced from carob pulp that can be directly consumed or used as a sweetener, which also finds applications in folk medicinal practices. In this work, the quali–quantitative phenolic profile of five different carob syrups was elucidated [...] Read more.

Carob syrup is a brown, thick syrup produced from carob pulp that can be directly consumed or used as a sweetener, which also finds applications in folk medicinal practices. In this work, the quali–quantitative phenolic profile of five different carob syrups was elucidated before and after in vitro gastro–intestinal digestion. Moreover, the anti-oxidant properties of undigested and digested carob syrups were investigated. A total of 75 phenolic compounds were identified in undigested carob syrups. The most important phenolic compound in all the samples was gallic acid, the concentration of which ranged between 54.28 and 117.73 mg/100 g. Additional compounds belonging to the classes of hydroxybenzoic acids (in particular glycosylated gallic acid derivatives), hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoids (especially flavonols) were also identified. During in vitro gastric digestion, gallic acid mono- and di-hexosides were diglycosylated, releasing gallic acid, which was further degraded in ellagic acid through oxidative polymerization in the intestinal phase of the digestion. Ellagic acid was the major compound detected after in vitro gastro–intestinal digestion of carob syrups. With few exceptions, the anti-oxidant properties of carob syrup were preserved even after digestion. Carob syrup can be considered an important source of phenolic compounds with demonstrated positive effects on human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Food Processing, Cooking and the Digestive System Modify the Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds in Foods)

18 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Turning Wastes into Resources: Red Grape Pomace-Enriched Biscuits with Potential Health-Promoting Properties

by Annalisa Giosuè, Francesco Siano, Luigia Di Stasio, Gianluca Picariello, Chiara Medoro, Marta Cianciabella, Rosalba Giacco, Stefano Predieri, Ermanno Vasca, Olga Vaccaro and Rosaria Cozzolino

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2195; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142195 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

The life-long adherence to a dietary pattern able to provide a high amount of polyphenols demonstrating beneficial cardiometabolic effects is demanding for the general population. In this study, red grape pomace (GP) was used as an ingredient to increase the daily polyphenols’ intake. [...] Read more.

The life-long adherence to a dietary pattern able to provide a high amount of polyphenols demonstrating beneficial cardiometabolic effects is demanding for the general population. In this study, red grape pomace (GP) was used as an ingredient to increase the daily polyphenols’ intake. The incorporation of crude crushed GP at 20 and 30% (w/w) in a control (CTR) biscuit formula improved the nutritional profile by increasing the fiber and reducing lipid and energy content while providing up to 540 mg_GAE of polyphenols per 100 g. Besides anthocyanins, GP contains flavonoids and grape-seed procyanidins, contributing to the remarkable antioxidant capacity of 20- and 30-GP biscuits. Upon in vitro gastro-duodenal enzymatic digestion, the concentration of reducing sugars for 20-GP and 30-GP compared to the CTR biscuits dropped significantly, meaning that the combined action of GP fibers and polyphenols could delay the intestinal absorption of glucose. Overall, 60 volatiles were detected in biscuits. All in all, the content of Maillard reaction products was lower in GP than in CTR biscuits, possibly due to the free radical scavenging ability of polyphenols. Despite the high rates of GP utilized, the sensorial attributes and the overall liking of the GP biscuits—especially the 20-GP ones—were not substantially affected. These findings will support nutritional studies to assess the potential role as functional foods of GP biscuits, and, afterwards, the large-scale production of a food mainly based on a waste ingredient turned into a resource. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nutraceuticals, Functional Foods, and Novel Foods)

16 pages, 469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of the Addition of Soybean Protein and Insect Flours on the Quality of Cooked Sausages

by Nikolay Kolev, Desislava Vlahova-Vangelova, Desislav Balev, Stefan Dragoev, Krasimir Dimov, Evgeni Petkov and Teodora Popova

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2194; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142194 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of the addition (2%) of soybean protein (SP) and insect flours derived from house crickets (Acheta domesticus, HCF) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, YMF) in cooked sausages. The technological characteristics of the [...] Read more.

This study aimed to assess the effect of the addition (2%) of soybean protein (SP) and insect flours derived from house crickets (Acheta domesticus, HCF) and yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor, YMF) in cooked sausages. The technological characteristics of the batter, the chemical composition of the sausages, their technological traits and lipid stability during refrigerated storage, as well as their sensory properties, were investigated. The SP, HCF and YMF batters displayed higher pH (p = 0.0025) and stability (p < 0.0001) but a darker colour (p < 0.0001) than the control samples. The addition of SP increased the plasticity of the batter (p = 0.0017), while YMF decreased its structural strength (p = 0.0274). Higher pH and darker colour were detected in SP-, HCF- and YMF-containing sausages; however, the effect of the alternative proteins depended on the duration of storage. Тhe plasticity decreased in the insect-containing sausages (p = 0.0010) and increased over time (p = 0.0136), whereas the elasticity was lower in the YMF group (p < 0.0001). Тhe protein and fat contents were higher (p < 0.0001) in the sausages containing alternative protein. TBARS content decreased over time in these groups. The HCF and YMF sausages received lower scores for their appearance, colour, texture, flavour and taste, suggesting the need for further technological interventions to make such products more attractive to consumers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The New Era of Food and Agriculture: Sustainable Strategies to Achieve Zero Hunger)

21 pages, 808 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of a New Fermentation Strain Combination on the Fermentation Process and Quality of Highland Barley Yellow Wine

by Xiaodie Chen, Chuan Song, Jian Zhao, Zhuang Xiong, Lianxin Peng, Liang Zou, Bingliang Liu and Qiang Li

Foods 2024, 13(14), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13142193 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Yellow wine fermented from highland barley is an alcoholic beverage with high nutritional value. However, the industrialization of barley yellow wine has been constrained to a certain extent due to the lack of a systematic starter culture. Therefore, the present study aims to [...] Read more.

Yellow wine fermented from highland barley is an alcoholic beverage with high nutritional value. However, the industrialization of barley yellow wine has been constrained to a certain extent due to the lack of a systematic starter culture. Therefore, the present study aims to simulate barley yellow wine fermentation using a starter culture consisting of Rhizopus arrhizus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia kudriavzevii, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus. In this study, changes in enzyme activity, fermentation characteristics, volatile substance production, and amino acid content during the fermentation of highland barley yellow wine brewed with different starter cultures were evaluated. The results of this study show that regulating the proportion of mixed starter bacteria can effectively control the various stages of the fermentation process and improve the organoleptic characteristics and quality of yellow wine to varying degrees. Additionally, we found that the addition of probiotics could effectively improve the palatability of yellow wine. To the best of our knowledge, we have validated for the first time the use of the above multispecies starter culture, consisting of R. arrhizus, S. cerevisiae, P. kudriavzevii, and L. rhamnosus, in the production of highland barley yellow wine. The obtained findings provided reference data for optimizing highland barley yellow wine fermentation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fermented Alcoholic Beverages: Microorganisms, Quality, and Flavor Analysis)

23 pages, 2712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Characterization, DNA, Fluorescence, Molecular Docking, and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Novel Pd(II) Complex Containing O, S Donor Schiff Base Ligand and Azole Derivative

by Maged S. Al-Fakeh, Muneera Alrasheedi, Ard Elshifa M. E. Mohammed, Ahmed B. M. Ibrahim, Sadeq M. Al-Hazmy, Ibrahim A. Alhagri and Sabri Messaoudi

Inorganics 2024, 12(7), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics12070189 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Pd(II) with the Schiff base ligand 2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxy Benzaldehyde-Thiosemicarbazone (HMBATSC) (L2) and 2-aminobenzothiazole (2-ABZ) (L1) was synthesized. The Schiff base ligand and the Palladium(II) complex were characterized by C.H.N.S, FT-IR, conductance studies, magnetic susceptibility, XRD, and TGA. From the elemental analysis and spectral data, [...] Read more.

Pd(II) with the Schiff base ligand 2-Hydroxy-3-Methoxy Benzaldehyde-Thiosemicarbazone (HMBATSC) (L2) and 2-aminobenzothiazole (2-ABZ) (L1) was synthesized. The Schiff base ligand and the Palladium(II) complex were characterized by C.H.N.S, FT-IR, conductance studies, magnetic susceptibility, XRD, and TGA. From the elemental analysis and spectral data, the complex was proposed to have the formula [Pd(HMBATSC)(2-ABZ)H₂O]. The interaction between the Pd(II) complex and DNA was examined through various methods, including UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence techniques, and DNA viscosity titrations. The findings provided strong evidence that the interaction between the Pd(II) complex and DNA occurs through the intercalation mode. The analysis yielded the following values: a Stern–Volmer quenching constant (k_sv) of 1.67 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, a quenching rate constant (k_q) of 8.35 × 10¹¹ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, a binding constant (k_b) of 5.20 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, and a number of binding the sites (n) of 1.392. DFT studies suggest that the azole derivative may act as an electron donor through pyridine nitrogen, while the Schiff base ligand may act as an electron donor via oxygen and sulfur atoms. TDDFT calculations indicate that the intramolecular charge transfer from the Schiff base to Pd(II) is responsible for the complex’s fluorescence quenching. The powder X-ray diffraction data revealed that the complex is arranged in a monoclinic system. The resulting Pd(II) complex was investigated for its antimicrobial activity and demonstrated antibacterial efficiency. Interestingly, it showed potent activity against E. coli and E. niger that was found to be more powerful than that recorded for Neomycin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Noble Metals in Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry)

16 pages, 971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revolutionizing Firefighting: UAV-Based Optical Communication Systems for Wildfires

by Mohammad Furqan Ali, Dushantha Nalin K. Jayakody and P. Muthuchidambaranathan

Photonics 2024, 11(7), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics11070656 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

Wildfires are one of the most devastating natural disasters in the world. This study proposes an innovative optical wildfire communication system (OWC) that leverages advanced optical technologies for wildfire monitoring and seamless communication towards the 5G and beyond (5GB) wireless networks. The multi-input–multi-output [...] Read more.

Wildfires are one of the most devastating natural disasters in the world. This study proposes an innovative optical wildfire communication system (OWC) that leverages advanced optical technologies for wildfire monitoring and seamless communication towards the 5G and beyond (5GB) wireless networks. The multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) optical link among communication nodes is designed by gamma–gamma (GG) distribution under consideration of intensity modulation and direct-detection (IM/DD) following an on–off-keying (OOK) scheme. In this study, the performance metrics of the proposed MIMO link that enables unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are analytically derived. The end-to-end (E2E) performance metrics and the novel closed-form expressions for the average BER (ABER) and outage probability (

P_{o u t}

) are investigated for the proposed system models. Furthermore, the simulation results are obtained based on the real experimental data. The obtained results in this study are improved spatial resolution and accuracy, enabling the detection by communication of even small-scale wildfires at their inception stages. In the further perspective of this research, the development of the proposed system holds the potential to revolutionize wildfire prevention and control efforts, making a substantial impact on safeguarding ecosystems, communities, and economies from the devastating effects of fires. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Visible Light Positioning and Communication Systems: From Theory to Practical Applications)

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