bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reliable Weighting Scheme for the Aggregation of Crowd Intelligence to Detect Fake News
Authors: Tchakounté Franklin , Faissal Ahmadou , Atemkeng Marcellin , Ntyam Achille
Published: June 2020

Social networks play an important role in today’s society and in our relationships with others. They give the Internet user the opportunity to play an active role, e.g., one can relay certain information via a blog, a comment, or even a vote. The Internet user has the possibility to share any content at any time. However, some malicious Internet users take advantage of this freedom to share fake news to manipulate or mislead an audience, to invade the privacy of others, and also to harm certain institutions. Fake news seeks to resemble traditional media to establish its credibility with the public. Its seriousness pushes the public to share them. As a result, fake news can spread quickly. This fake news can cause enormous difficulties for users and institutions. Several authors have proposed systems to detect fake news in social networks using crowd signals through the process of crowdsourcing. Unfortunately, these authors do not use the expertise of the crowd and the expertise of a third party in an associative way to make decisions. Crowds are useful in indicating whether or not a story should be fact-checked. This work proposes a new method of binary aggregation of opinions of the crowd and the knowledge of a third-party expert. The aggregator is based on majority voting on the crowd side and weighted averaging on the third-party side. An experimentation has been conducted on 25 posts and 50 voters. A quantitative comparison with the majority vote model reveals that our aggregation model provides slightly better results due to weights assigned to accredited users. A qualitative investigation against existing aggregation models shows that the proposed approach meets the requirements or properties expected of a crowdsourcing system and a voting system.
Modeling Word Learning and Processing with Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Marzi Claudia
Published: June 2020

The paper focuses on what two different types of Recurrent Neural Networks, namely a recurrent Long Short-Term Memory and a recurrent variant of self-organizing memories, a Temporal Self-Organizing Map, can tell us about speakers’ learning and processing a set of fully inflected verb forms selected from the top-frequency paradigms of Italian and German. Both architectures, due to the re-entrant layer of temporal connectivity, can develop a strong sensitivity to sequential patterns that are highly attested in the training data. The main goal is to evaluate learning and processing dynamics of verb inflection data in the two neural networks by focusing on the effects of morphological structure on word production and word recognition, as well as on word generalization for untrained verb forms. For both models, results show that production and recognition, as well as generalization, are facilitated for verb forms in regular paradigms. However, the two models are differently influenced by structural effects, with the Temporal Self-Organizing Map more prone to adaptively find a balance between processing issues of learnability and generalization, on the one side, and discriminability on the other side.
Mutual Information Loss in Pyramidal Image Processing
Authors: Gibson Jerry , Oh Hoontaek
Published: June 2020

Gaussian and Laplacian pyramids have long been important for image analysis and compression. More recently, multiresolution pyramids have become an important component of machine learning and deep learning for image analysis and image recognition. Constructing Gaussian and Laplacian pyramids consists of a series of filtering, decimation, and differencing operations, and the quality indicator is usually mean squared reconstruction error in comparison to the original image. We present a new characterization of the information loss in a Gaussian pyramid in terms of the change in mutual information. More specifically, we show that one half the log ratio of entropy powers between two stages in a Gaussian pyramid is equal to the difference in mutual information between these two stages. We show that this relationship holds for a wide variety of probability distributions and present several examples of analyzing Gaussian and Laplacian pyramids for different images.
Parametric Study of a Taut Compliant Mooring System for a FOWT Compared to a Catenary Mooring
Authors: Bach-Gansmo Magnus Thorsen , Garvik Stian Kielland , Thomsen Jonas Bjerg , Andersen Morten Thøtt
Published: June 2020

The catenary mooring system is a well recognized station keeping method. However, there could be economical and environmental benefits of reducing the footprint. In the last decades, more focus has been given to synthetic mooring lines and different mooring layouts to optimize the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for offshore renevable energy converters such as wave energy converters. Therefore, this work presents a parametric study of two important parameters, namely the mooring line angle and line pretension, for a taut mooring configuration focusing on the dynamic response when applied to the TetraSpar floating foundation compared to a catenary mooring system. The work is based on experimental results conducted in the wave basin at Aalborg University (AAU) and compared to analytical stiffness calculations. In addition, a numerical model was tuned based on the main dynamics to achieve the tension response. The results showed satisfying dynamic behavior where the angle and pretension mainly influenced the surge and yaw natural periods. The motion response showed similar behavior between the chosen parameters, and larger pitch amplitudes were found compared to the catenary system.
Evaluating Mooring Line Test Procedures through the Application of a Round Robin Test Approach
Authors: Khalid Faryal , Davies Peter , Halswell Peter , Lacotte Nicolas , Thies Philipp R. , Johanning Lars
Published: June 2020

Innovation in materials and test protocols, as well as physical and numerical investigations, is required to address the technical challenges arising due to the novel application of components from conventional industries to the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry. Synthetic fibre ropes, widely used for offshore station-keeping, have potential application in the MRE industry to reduce peak mooring line loads. This paper presents the results of a physical characterisation study of a novel hybrid polyester-polyolefin rope for MRE mooring applications through a round robin testing (RRT) approach at two test facilities. The RRT was performed using standard guidelines for offshore mooring lines and the results are verified through the numerical modelling of the rope tensile behaviour. The physical testing provides quantifiable margins for the strength and stiffness properties of the hybrid rope, increases confidence in the test protocols and assesses facility-specific influences on test outcomes. The results indicate that the adopted guidance is suitable for rope testing in mooring applications and there is good agreement between stiffness characterisation at both facilities. Additionally, the numerical model provides a satisfactory prediction of the rope tensile behaviour and it can be used for further parametric studies.
Reply to “Remarks on Bank Competition and Convergence Dynamics”
Authors: Karadima Maria , Louri Helen
Published: June 2020

In this reply, we provide detailed answers to the remarks made by Tsionas on the use of stochastic frontier-based measures of market power in a part of our empirical study, which examines the fragmentation and convergence dynamics of market power, concentration and credit risk in the euro area banking sector during 2005–2017. Our answers clarify all the issues raised by Tsionas and show that the only challenging, in our opinion, point of the criticism has been based on a hypothesis that does not hold in the case of our study.
Entropy Measures for Plithogenic Sets and Applications in Multi-Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Quek Shio Gai , Selvachandran Ganeshsree , Smarandache Florentin , Vimala J. , Le Son Hoang , Bui Quang-Thinh , Gerogiannis Vassilis C.
Published: June 2020

Plithogenic set is an extension of the crisp set, fuzzy set, intuitionistic fuzzy set, and neutrosophic sets, whose elements are characterized by one or more attributes, and each attribute can assume many values. Each attribute has a corresponding degree of appurtenance of the element to the set with respect to the given criteria. In order to obtain a better accuracy and for a more exact exclusion (partial order), a contradiction or dissimilarity degree is defined between each attribute value and the dominant attribute value. In this paper, entropy measures for plithogenic sets have been introduced. The requirements for any function to be an entropy measure of plithogenic sets are outlined in the axiomatic definition of the plithogenic entropy using the axiomatic requirements of neutrosophic entropy. Several new formulae for the entropy measure of plithogenic sets are also introduced. The newly introduced entropy measures are then applied to a multi-attribute decision making problem related to the selection of locations.
Total Least-Squares Collocation: An Optimal Estimation Technique for the EIV-Model with Prior Information
Authors: Schaffrin Burkhard
Published: June 2020

In regression analysis, oftentimes a linear (or linearized) Gauss-Markov Model (GMM) is used to describe the relationship between certain unknown parameters and measurements taken to learn about them. As soon as there are more than enough data collected to determine a unique solution for the parameters, an estimation technique needs to be applied such as ‘Least-Squares adjustment’, for instance, which turns out to be optimal under a wide range of criteria. In this context, the matrix connecting the parameters with the observations is considered fully known, and the parameter vector is considered fully unknown. This, however, is not always the reality. Therefore, two modifications of the GMM have been considered, in particular. First, ‘stochastic prior information’ (p. i.) was added on the parameters, thereby creating the – still linear – Random Effects Model (REM) where the optimal determination of the parameters (random effects) is based on ‘Least Squares collocation’, showing higher precision as long as the p. i. was adequate (Wallace test). Secondly, the coefficient matrix was allowed to contain observed elements, thus leading to the – now nonlinear – Errors-In-Variables (EIV) Model. If not using iterative linearization, the optimal estimates for the parameters would be obtained by ‘Total Least Squares adjustment’ and with generally lower, but perhaps more realistic precision. Here the two concepts are combined, thus leading to the (nonlinear) ’EIV-Model with p. i.’, where an optimal estimation (resp. prediction) technique is developed under the name of ‘Total Least-Squares collocation’. At this stage, however, the covariance matrix of the data matrix – in vector form – is still being assumed to show a Kronecker product structure.
Linear Model Predictive Control for Physical Attractiveness and Risk: Application of Cosmetic Medicine Service
Authors: Liu Li-Ling
Published: June 2020

In the online world, the “eyeball economy” has become mainstream. Whether regarding Internet cosmetic medicine endorsers or physical service providers, the topic of physical attractiveness has long been discussed in the field of medical beauty e-commerce. When receiving cosmetic medical services, consumers have frequent contact with employees. Physical attractiveness is the most apparent and easily observed employee characteristic, and consumers base their judgement and behavior on it. In this study, the relationship between the physical attractiveness of cosmetic service employees and consumers’ perceived risk is discussed and clarified. After 366 questionnaires were collected and analyzed, the results indicated that the physical attractiveness of cosmetic service employees was negatively associated with perceived financial, performance, physical, psychological, and social risk. The study offers suggestions for employers. They should recruit more attractive employees. This will increase consumer intention to purchase a service because the consumers’ perceived risks are reduced. It may also enhance repurchase intention and consumption frequency.
Exploring the Mechanism of Flaccidoxide-13-Acetate in Suppressing Cell Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yu-Jen , Wei Wen-Chi , Dai Guo-Fong , Su Jui-Hsin , Tseng Yu-Hwei , Tsai Tsung-Chang
Published: June 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver or hepatic cancer, accounting for 80% of all cases. The majority of this cancer mortality is due to metastases, rather than orthotopic tumors. Therefore, the inhibition of tumor metastasis is widely recognized as the key strategy for successful intervention. A cembrane-type diterpene, flaccidoxide-13-acetate, isolated from marine soft coral Sinularia gibberosa, has been reported to have inhibitory effects against RT4 and T24 human bladder cancer invasion and cell migration. In this study, we investigated its suppression effects on tumor growth and metastasis of human HCC, conducting Boyden chamber and Transwell assays using HA22T and HepG2 human HCC cell lines to evaluate invasion and cell migration. We utilized gelatin zymography to determine the enzyme activities of matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9. We also analyzed the expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Additionally, assays of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1/2 (TIMP-1/2), the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/phosphatidylinositide-3 kinases (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process were performed. We observed that flaccidoxide-13-acetate could potentially inhibit HCC cell migration and invasion. We postulated that, by inhibiting the FAK/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expressions were suppressed, resulting in HCC cell metastasis. Flaccidoxide-13-acetate was found to inhibit EMT in HA22T and HepG2 HCC cells. Our study results suggested the potential of flaccidoxide-13-acetate as a chemotherapeutic candidate; however, its clinical application for the management of HCC in humans requires further research.
Dropped Head Syndrome Attenuation by Hybrid Assistive Limb: A Preliminary Study of Three Cases on Cervical Alignment during Walking
Authors: Kadone Hideki , Miura Kousei , Kubota Shigeki , Abe Tetsuya , Shimizu Yukiyo , Hada Yasushi , Suzuki Kenji , Sankai Yoshiyuki , Koda Masao , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: June 2020

Background and Objectives: Dropped head syndrome (DHS) is characterized by apparent neck extensor muscle weakness and difficulty in extending the neck to raise the head against gravity. DHS affects forward vision and eating behavior, and hence impairs quality of life. However, standardized treatment of DHS has not yet been established. The purpose of this preliminary study is to seek for a possibility of effective non-surgical, conservative treatment for DHS, by applying a robotic treatment. Materials and Methods: A wearable exoskeleton type robot suit hybrid assistive limb (HAL) was applied to three patients with DHS. A course of HAL treatment included 10 sessions of gait training using HAL. One session lasted about an hour. Case 1 completed the course twice, the first time in two weeks (one session per day) and second time in 10 months (one session per month). Case 2 and Case 3 completed the course once in 10 weeks (one session per week) and in 6 months (one session per 2.5 weeks), respectively. Immediate and lasting effects of HAL on the reduction of cervical sagittal vertical alignment (SVA) during gait was evaluated using a motion capture system. Results: Case 1 showed improvement of cervical alignment during gait after the HAL courses of both different frequencies. Case 2 did not show improvement of cervical alignment during gait. Case 3 showed improvement of cervical kyphosis but not of cervical sagittal alignment during gait. Conclusions: The results of the preliminary study suggest that gait training using HAL may be an effective option of conservative treatment for a part of DHS patients. They also suggest that a lack of immediate effects on the cervical alignment and a lack of ability to perform compensatory trunk motion may indicate a non-responding patient. Generalization of the results requires further research with more cases.
Mechanical Properties of CoCr Dental-Prosthesis Restorations Made by Three Manufacturing Processes. Influence of the Microstructure and Topography
Authors: Padrós Roberto , Punset Miquel , Molmeneu Meritxell , Velasco Aritza Brizuela , Herrero-Climent Mariano , Rupérez Elisa , Gil Francisco Javier
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study is to compare the mechanical properties of three different dental restorations’ manufacturing processes (CADCAM milling, casting and laser sintering) generated by only one laboratory scanner focusing on marginal fit analysis and their mechanical properties. A chrome-cobalt (Cr-Co) alloy from the same batch was used for three different methods to make an implant abutment. This simulates a maxillary right first molar that was fixed in a hemi-maxillary stone model. Five scans were performed by each tested framework. Nine frameworks were manufactured for each manufacture procedure. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) direct vision was used to marginal gap measurement in five critical points for each specimen. In order to fix the samples in the microscope chamber, the restorations were submitted at a compression load of 50 N. The samples always have the same orientation and conditions. The resolution of the microscope is 4 nm and it is equipped by J image software. The microstructure of the samples was also determined with the FE-SEM equipped with EDS-microanalysis. Roughness parameters were measured using White Light Interferometry (WLI). The arithmetical mean for the Ra and Rq of each sample was calculated. The samples were mechanically characterized by means of microhardness and flexural testing. Servo-hydraulic testing machine was used with cross-head rate of 1 mm/min. Two-way ANOVA statistical analysis was performed to determine whether the marginal discrepancies and mechanical properties were significantly different between each group (significance level p < 0.05). The overall mean marginal gap values were: from 50.53 ± 10.30 µm for the samples produced by CADCAM to 85.76 ± 22.56 µm for the samples produced by the casting method. Laser sintering presents a marginal gap of 60.95 ± 20.66 µm. The results revealed a statistically significant difference (p-value < 0.005) in the mean marginal gap between the CADCAM systems studied. The higher flexure load to fracture for these restorations were for CADCAM restoration and the lower was for the casting samples. For these restorations, CADCAM Restoration yielded a higher flexure load to fracture and Casting ones yielded the lower. Porosity and microstructure play a very important role in the mechanical properties.
On the Application of Bipolar Electrochemistry to Characterise the Localised Corrosion Behaviour of Type 420 Ferritic Stainless Steel
Authors: Zhou Yiqi , Engelberg Dirk Lars
Published: June 2020

Bipolar electrochemistry has been applied to Type 420 ferritic stainless steel in order to determine the full spectrum of anodic-to-cathodic polarisation behaviour. The occurrence of crevice corrosion, pitting corrosion in combination with general corrosion, pitting corrosion only, general corrosion only, followed by a cathodic region has been observed. Instances of pitting corrosion initiated near chromium-rich carbides with Cr23C6, Cr3C2, and Cr7C3 identified as pit nucleation sites. The observed pit growth kinetics were independent of the electrochemical over-potential. Characterisation of the pit size distributions supports the presence of a critical dissolved volume for the transition of metastable to stable pit growth and pit coalescence.
Recent Advances in Monitoring Cell Behavior Using Cell-Based Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Hassan Qusai , Ahmadi Soha , Kerman Kagan
Published: June 2020

Cell-based impedance spectroscopy (CBI) is a powerful tool that uses the principles of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) by measuring changes in electrical impedance relative to a voltage applied to a cell layer. CBI provides a promising platform for the detection of several properties of cells including the adhesion, motility, proliferation, viability and metabolism of a cell culture. This review gives a brief overview of the theory, instrumentation, and detection principles of CBI. The recent applications of the technique are given in detail for research into cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, toxicology as well as its application to 2D and 3D in vitro cell cultures. CBI has been established as a biophysical marker to provide quantitative cellular information, which can readily be adapted for single-cell analysis to complement the existing biomarkers for clinical research on disease progression.
Microfluidics as a Novel Tool for Biological and Toxicological Assays in Drug Discovery Processes: Focus on Microchip Electrophoresis
Authors: Caruso Giuseppe , Musso Nicolò , Grasso Margherita , Costantino Angelita , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Tascedda Fabio , Gulisano Massimo , Lunte Susan M. , Caraci Filippo
Published: June 2020

The last decades of biological, toxicological, and pharmacological research have deeply changed the way researchers select the most appropriate ‘pre-clinical model’. The absence of relevant animal models for many human diseases, as well as the inaccurate prognosis coming from ‘conventional’ pre-clinical models, are among the major reasons of the failures observed in clinical trials. This evidence has pushed several research groups to move more often from a classic cellular or animal modeling approach to an alternative and broader vision that includes the involvement of microfluidic-based technologies. The use of microfluidic devices offers several benefits including fast analysis times, high sensitivity and reproducibility, the ability to quantitate multiple chemical species, and the simulation of cellular response mimicking the closest human in vivo milieu. Therefore, they represent a useful way to study drug–organ interactions and related safety and toxicity, and to model organ development and various pathologies ‘in a dish’. The present review will address the applicability of microfluidic-based technologies in different systems (2D and 3D). We will focus our attention on applications of microchip electrophoresis (ME) to biological and toxicological studies as well as in drug discovery and development processes. These include high-throughput single-cell gene expression profiling, simultaneous determination of antioxidants and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, DNA analysis, and sensitive determination of neurotransmitters in biological fluids. We will discuss new data obtained by ME coupled to laser-induced fluorescence (ME-LIF) and electrochemical detection (ME-EC) regarding the production and degradation of nitric oxide, a fundamental signaling molecule regulating virtually every critical cellular function. Finally, the integration of microfluidics with recent innovative technologies—such as organoids, organ-on-chip, and 3D printing—for the design of new in vitro experimental devices will be presented with a specific attention to drug development applications. This ‘composite’ review highlights the potential impact of 2D and 3D microfluidic systems as a fast, inexpensive, and highly sensitive tool for high-throughput drug screening and preclinical toxicological studies.
Amplicon-Based High-Throughput Sequencing Method Capable of Species-Level Identification of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Diverse Communities
Authors: Van Reckem Emiel , De Vuyst Luc , Leroy Frédéric , Weckx Stefan
Published: June 2020

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) make up a diverse bacterial group, appearing in a myriad of ecosystems. To unravel the composition of staphylococcal communities in these microbial ecosystems, a reliable species-level identification is crucial. The present study aimed to design a primer set for high-throughput amplicon sequencing, amplifying a region of the tuf gene with enough discriminatory power to distinguish different CNS species. Based on 2566 tuf gene sequences present in the public European Nucleotide Archive database and saved as a custom tuf gene database in-house, three different primer sets were designed, which were able to amplify a specific region of the tuf gene for 36 strains of 18 different CNS species. In silico analysis revealed that species-level identification of closely related species was only reliable if a 100% identity cut-off was applied for matches between the amplicon sequence variants and the custom tuf gene database. From the three primer sets designed, one set (Tuf387/765) outperformed the two other primer sets for studying Staphylococcus-rich microbial communities using amplicon sequencing, as it resulted in no false positives and precise species-level identification. The method developed offers interesting potential for a rapid and robust analysis of complex staphylococcal communities in a variety of microbial ecosystems.
Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Nocardia Species Isolated from the Soil; A Comparison with Species Isolated from Humans
Authors: Carrasco Gema , Monzón Sara , San Segundo María , García Enrique , Garrido Noelia , Medina-Pascual María J. , Villalón Pilar , Ramírez Ana , Jiménez Pilar , Cuesta Isabel , Valdezate Sylvia
Published: June 2020

Nocardia species, one of the most predominant Actinobacteria of the soil microbiota, cause infection in humans following traumatic inoculation or inhalation. The identification, typing, phylogenetic relationship and antimicrobial susceptibilities of 38 soil Nocardia strains from Lara State, Venezuela, were studied by 16S rRNA and gyrB (subunit B of topoisomerase II) genes, multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and microdilution. The results were compared with those for human strains. Just seven Nocardia species with one or two strains each, except for Nocardia cyriacigeorgica with 29, were identified. MLSA confirmed the species assignments made by 16S rRNA and gyrB analyses (89.5% and 71.0% respectively), and grouped each soil strain with its corresponding reference and clinical strains, except for 19 N. cyriacigeorgica strains found at five locations which grouped into a soil-only cluster. The soil strains of N. cyriacigeorgica showed fewer gyrB haplotypes than the examined human strains (13 vs. 17) but did show a larger number of gyrB SNPs (212 vs. 77). Their susceptibilities to antimicrobials were similar except for beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, minocycline, and clarithromycin, with the soil strains more susceptible to the first three (p ≤ 0.05). WGS was performed on four strains belonging to the soil-only cluster and on two outside it, and the results compared with public N. cyriacigeorgica genomes. The average nucleotide/amino acid identity, in silico genome-to-genome hybridization similarity, and the difference in the genomic GC content, suggest that some strains of the soil-only cluster may belong to a novel subspecies or even a new species (proposed name Nocardia venezuelensis).
Effect of Sulfuric Acid Baking and Caustic Digestion on Enhancing the Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from a Refractory Ore
Authors: Kim Rina , Cho Heechan , Jeong Jinan , Kim Jihye , Lee Sugyeong , Chung Kyeong Woo , Yoon Ho-Sung , Kim Chul-Joo
Published: June 2020

To improve the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from a refractory ore, this study investigated two different chemical decomposition methods, namely sulfuric acid baking and caustic digestion, with their respective leaching processes. The studied lateritic ore contained goethite (FeOOH) as a major constituent with REEs scattered around and forming submicron grains of phosphate minerals, such as apatite and monazite. Therefore, despite the substantially high content of REEs (3.4% total rare earth oxide), the normal acidic leaching efficiency of REEs reached only 60–70%. By introducing sulfuric acid baking and caustic digestion, the REE-leaching efficiency was significantly improved. After sulfuric acid baking at 2.0 acid/solid ratio and 200 °C for 2 h, the leaching efficiency reached 97–100% in the subsequent water-leaching. When the ore was digested with a solid/liquid ratio of 100 g/L in a 30 wt% NaOH solution at 115 °C and 300 rpm for 3 h, the REE-leaching efficiency of 99–100% was attained at 80 °C using a 3.0 M HCl solution. The correlation between the REE and the Fe-leaching was determined. The improvements in REE-leaching in both methods were mostly attributed to the mineral phase and crystallinity changes of Fe-bearing minerals due to the ore pretreatments. Such findings were also supported by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses.
Review of Potential Microbial Effects on Flotation
Authors: Kinnunen Päivi , Miettinen Hanna , Bomberg Malin
Published: June 2020

Microorganisms enter the flotation process mainly from intake water and ore material. The diversity and number of microorganisms can vary significantly from mine to mine. In flotation, the conditions including oxygen levels, temperature, and nutrients from ore, intake water, and reagents are often favorable for the microbial growth. The mining industry aims to close the water loops, which is expected to result in the accumulation of microorganisms in the process waters with potential effects on flotation performance. Bioflotation, bioleaching, and bio-oxidation have been studied for decades as tools for concentrating and dissolving minerals. In contrast, there is limited scientific literature or industrial knowledge about microorganisms that naturally inhabit and prevail in minerals processing applications over a wide pH range. Microorganisms affect minerals when they selectively attach to the surfaces, produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and polysaccharides, oxidize or reduce the minerals, change the pH and Eh of the process solution, and degrade organic flotation chemicals. Microorganisms contain different structural components that affect their surface chemistry, charge, and behavior in flotation, but these properties may also change via adaptation and solution conditions. Almost all studies on flotation have focused on chemical and physical parameters, and the role of naturally occurring microorganisms has remained underexplored. Advances in genomics and proteomics offer possibilities to describe not only which microorganisms are present, but also which physiological functions are being exercised. This article reviews the current knowledge of microorganisms in various mineral processes, identifies potential microbe–mineral interactions in flotation, describes the gaps in current knowledge, and concludes with the potential effects of microorganisms on flotation, especially in closed water loops.
Surface Interactions and Mechanisms Study on the Removal of Iodide from Water by Use of Natural Zeolite-Based Silver Nanocomposites
Authors: Inglezakis Vassilis J. , Satayeva Aliya , Yagofarova Almira , Tauanov Zhandos , Meiramkulova Kulyash , Farrando-Pérez Judit , Bear Joseph C.
Published: June 2020

In this work a natural zeolite was modified with silver following two different methods to derive Ag2O and Ag0 nanocomposites. The materials were fully characterized and the results showed that both materials were decorated with nanoparticles of size of 5–25 nm. The natural and modified zeolites were used for the removal of iodide from aqueous solutions of initial concentration of 30–1400 ppm. Natural zeolite showed no affinity for iodide while silver forms were very efficient reaching a capacity of up to 132 mg/g. Post-adsorption characterizations showed that AgI was formed on the surface of the modified zeolites and the amount of iodide removed was higher than expected based on the silver content. A combination of experimental data and characterizations indicate that the excess iodide is most probably related to negatively charged AgI colloids and Ag-I complexes forming in the solution as well as on the surface of the modified zeolites.
In Vitro Biological Impact of Nanocellulose Fibers on Human Gut Bacteria and Gastrointestinal Cells
Authors: Lopes Viviana R. , Strømme Maria , Ferraz Natalia
Published: June 2020

Wood-derived nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) has long been recognized as a valuable nanomaterial for food-related applications. However, the safety of NFC cannot be predicted just from the chemical nature of cellulose, and there is a need to establish the effect of the nanofibers on the gastrointestinal tract, to reassure the safe use of NFC in food-related products. The present work selected the intestinal cells Caco-2 and the gut bacteria Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus reuteri to evaluate the in vitro biological response to NFC. NFC materials with different surface modifications (carboxymethylation, hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium substitution, phosphorylation and sulfoethylation) and unmodified NFC were investigated. The materials were characterized in terms of surface functional group content, fiber morphology, zeta potential and degree of crystallinity. The Caco-2 cell response to the materials was evaluated by assessing metabolic activity and cell membrane integrity. The effects of the NFC materials on the model bacteria were evaluated by measuring bacterial growth (optical density at 600 nm) and by determining colony forming units counts after NFC exposure. Results showed no sign of cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells exposed to the NFC materials, and NFC surface functionalization did not impact the cell response. Interestingly, a bacteriostatic effect on E. coli was observed while the materials did not affect the growth of L. reuteri. The present findings are foreseen to contribute to increase the knowledge about the potential oral toxicity of NFC and, in turn, add to the development of safe NFC-based food products.
Zn-Doped Calcium Copper Titanate Synthesized via Rapid Laser Sintering of Sol-Gel Derived Precursors
Authors: Huang Yanwei , Qiao Yu , Li Yangyang , He Jiayang , Zeng Heping
Published: June 2020

Zn-doped calcium copper titanate (CCTO) was successfully synthesized by rapid laser sintering of sol-gel derived precursors without the conventional long-time heat treatment. The structural, morphological, and crystalline properties were characterized, and the performances of dielectrics and impedance were measured and discussed. The X-ray diffractometer results show that Zn-doped CCTO is polycrystalline in a cubic structure, according to the doping ratio of Ca(Cu2Zn)Ti4O12. Electron microscopy showed that Zn-doped CCTO has a denser microstructure with better uniformness with shrunken interplanar spacing of 2.598 nm for the plane (220). Comparing with undoped CCTO, the permittivity almost remains unchanged in the range of 102–106 Hz, demonstrating good stability on frequency. The electrical mechanism was investigated and is discussed through the impedance spectroscopy analysis. The resistance of grain and grain boundary decreases with rising temperature. Activation energies for the grain boundaries for Zn- doped CCTO were calculated from the slope for the relationship of ln σ versus 1/T and were found to be 0.605 eV, smaller than undoped CCTO. This synthesis route may be an efficient and convenient approach to limit excessive waste of resources.
Precision Landing Test and Simulation of the Agricultural UAV on Apron
Authors: Guo Yangyang , Guo Jiaqian , Liu Chang , Xiong Hongting , Chai Lilong , He Dongjian
Published: June 2020

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been used to assist agricultural production. Precision landing control of UAV is critical for application of it in some specific areas such as greenhouses or livestock/poultry houses. For controlling UAV landing on a fixed or mobile apron/platform accurately, this study proposed an automatic method and tested it under three scenarios: (1) UAV landing at high operating altitude based on the GPS signal of the mobile apron; (2) UAV landing at low operating altitude based on the image recognition on the mobile apron; and (3) UAV landing progress control based on the fixed landing device and image detection to achieve a stable landing action. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed control method, apron at both stationary and mobile (e.g., 3 km/h moving speed) statuses were tested. Besides, a simulation was conducted for the UAV landing on a fixed apron by using a commercial poultry house as a model (135 L × 15 W × 3 H m). Results show that the average landing errors in high altitude and low altitude can be controlled within 6.78 cm and 13.29 cm, respectively. For the poultry house simulation, the landing errors were 6.22 ± 2.59 cm, 6.79 ± 3.26 cm, and 7.14 ± 2.41cm at the running speed of 2 km/h, 3 km/h, and 4 km/h, respectively. This study provides the basis for applying the UAV in agricultural facilities such as poultry or animal houses where requires a stricter landing control than open fields.
Direct and Indirect Tourism Online Channels. Do They Have a Different Potential for Customer Loyalty?
Authors: Múgica José , Berné Carmen
Published: June 2020

To manage their competitive goals, e-tourism service companies, in direct and in indirect channels respectively, need to know the antecedents of customer loyalty. Customer loyalty, generated by satisfaction in its various forms, is the cornerstone of the company’s assets and financial sustainability. Current literature does not provide a comparative analysis on this issue. To fill this gap, this research presents a model that includes customer satisfaction and participation as the main drivers of customer loyalty. The empirical research relies on one survey conducted by a market research company addressed to Internet users in Spain with experience in online purchases of tourism products. The estimation method is 3SLS (Three-Stage Least Squares), a simultaneous equations model applied to the database obtained. The results reveal a different potential of the two types of e-channels in producing higher levels of loyalty through customer participation. Increasing the participation of customers in indirect e-tourism channels results in higher returns on loyalty while the impact is lower in the direct channels. These findings are especially interesting for tourism service providers.
Factors Affecting the Consumption of Energy-Efficient Lighting Products: Exploring Purchase Behaviors of Thai Consumers
Authors: Apipuchayakul Nuttakrij , Vassanadumrongdee Sujitra
Published: June 2020

The continued usage of inefficient lighting products in residential sectors is one of the major causes of the rapid growth in global energy consumption. Their replacement with highly efficient lighting appliances could avoid large amounts of electricity consumption and reduce CO2 emissions worldwide. In this regard, the collective contribution by the residential sector is extremely important and the increase in demand for energy-efficient lighting products can help achieve sustainability goals. This study aims to examine the determinants of household consumers’ behaviors in purchasing energy-saving lighting products by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the main theoretical framework. Data (n = 288) from a survey in Thailand were analyzed using causal Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results suggested that attitude has the largest direct effect, while subjective norm was the weakest predictor of purchase intention towards light-emitting diode (LED) products. In addition, this study expands the TPB by including an investigation of a direct effect of attitude on purchase behavior. The results suggest that attitudes have a strong direct influence on the purchasing behavior for LED products. Additionally, only some socio-demographic variables have significant effects on purchase behavior. The study’s findings highlight several implications for policymakers, the private sector, and green marketers in developing practical strategies. Furthermore, suggestions and future research directions are discussed.
Special Issue “Transmission Dynamics of Insect Viruses”
Authors: Stapleford Kenneth A.
Published: June 2020

At the close of this Special Issue of Viruses on the Transmission Dynamics of Insect Viruses, we would like to thank all of the authors for their submissions and the great work expanding our knowledge of insect virus biology and transmission [...]
A Review on Decision Processes for Wood Harvesting in Turkish Forestry
Authors: EKER Mehmet
Published: June 2020

This review article provides an overview of decision-making processes for harvesting of wood based forest products, which should include criteria that are environmentally friendly, technically feasible, economically viable, socially and institutionally acceptable. The decision-making on wood harvesting is a complex task that requires supporting management strategies for, not only satisfy socio-economic expectations but also handle environmental considerations. The changing paradigms and developing technologies related to forestry have a significantly impact on the contents of the decisions. In order to measure and evaluate the effectiveness of the decisions, it is necessary to analyze the issues taken into consideration and focused in decision making processes. The aim of the article was to demonstrate the state-of-the-art of the decision making processes in Turkish forestry and review the contents of decisions in terms of adaptation to changing forestry operations management and technologies. Depending on the current status, the decision process related to wood harvesting system was firstly divided into two sub-process as managerial (administrative) and operational (technical), and then, each process was separately analyzed. To analyze managerial process in forest administrations, it was used a job analysis method by following of hierarchical and ordinary the paper-work procedure. For analysis of operational process, process mapping and work flowcharts were used by means of work study methods belonging to previous researches. It was found that the decisions were economical oriented (budget balanced) and societal sophisticated in administrative process. In the operational step, the harvest operations were based on technical and economic completion with basic and to moderate technologies. Environmental issues were not completely prioritized as a primary subject in any of the decision-making processes, yet.
Noise
Authors: Sundell Johan , Berglund Birt
Published: June 2020

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Relational Citizenship
Authors: Santos Ana Cristina
Published: June 2020

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Sperm
Authors: Mohr Sebastian
Published: June 2020

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L'utopie mexicaine d'Alexander von Humboldt
Authors: Péaud Laura
Published: June 2020

Dans les années 1820, Alexander von Humboldt décrit à deux de ses correspondants le fonctionnement d'un centre scientifique novateur dont il rêve depuis son retour d'Amérique. Situé idéellement au Mexique et réunissant des savants du monde entier, ce centre doit réaliser l'utopie rêvée par Humboldt d'une science cosmopolite, détachée des contingences politiques et sociales de son temps. À travers l'analyse de cette utopie, cet article montre quelle conception de la science anime Humboldt et quelle relation ambivalente il entretient avec le monde politique.
La Suisse : le lac et les jours
Authors: Vilallonga Mariàngela
Published: June 2020

L'auteure nous emmène dans un voyage sentimental et littéraire à travers la Suisse, où chaque localité est associée à un écrivain, une écrivaine, un inventeur, un scientifique ou à une qualité intrinsèque du lieu. Ainsi traverse-t-on la Genève de Mercè Rodoreda, le Coppet de Germaine de Staël, le Lausanne de Gibbon. Le trajet se poursuit au bord du lac de Constance à Friedrichshafen (musée Zeppelin), St.-Gall et sa Bibliothèque humaniste, Trogen (Appenzell) et son École Cantonale, puis Berne avec Einstein, Aarau, Interlaken, pour finir à Sils Maria avec Nietzsche, Proust, Rilke, Hesse, Benjamin, et le poème du Lac de Lamartine en filigrane.
Los Angeles : un enfer au paradis, un paradis en enfer
Authors: Delépine Nadège
Published: June 2020

Dans la cité des anges, les choses sont rarement ce dont elles ont l'air. Ce récit de voyage, rédigé lors d'un séjour de quatre mois à l'Université de Californie, présente côte à côte deux expériences de la ville afin d'illustrer les concepts géographiques de topophilie et topophobie. Y apparaissent des impressions et réflexions sur les clichés liés à la ville, qui ont constitué la toile de fond de ce voyage outre-Atlantique. On y trouve une confrontation choquante face à la pauvreté des oubliés de l'Amérique (San Alvarado) et une expérience phénoménologique prenant place dans une nature complètement aménagée (Venice).
Adâlete Yönelik Kusurlar Karşısında İmam Müslim’in Metodu
Authors: TAŞ Mustafa
Published: June 2020

ÖzHadis râviler aracılığıyla
nakledilmiş ve bu râvilerin güvenilirliğini tespitte adâlet ve
zabt temel koşul kabul edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda Müslim’in de adâlet ve zabt
unsurları açısından râvileri nasıl değerlendirdiğinin araştırılması elzemdir. Müslim (ö. 261/875) İlel ve Rical ilminde otorite olarak
görülmüş ve Cerh-ta‘dîl âlimlerinden kabul edilmiştir. Kur’an’dan sonra Buhârî’nin (ö.
256/870) el-Câmi‘u’s-sahîh’i ile birlikte en sahih kaynak olarak kabul
edilen İmam Müslim’in el-Câmi‘u’s-sahîh’i yanında el-Akrân, el-İhve
ve’l-ahavât, Ma’rifetü ruvâti’l-ahbâr, et-Târîh ve el-İlel gibi ricâl ve cerh-ta‘dîlle ilgili kitapları bunun
işareti olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Müslim’in râvileri tetkik ve tenkidi, günümüze
kadar gelen Sahîh’inin Mukaddime’si, et-Tabakât, Kitâbu’l-künâ
ve’l-esmâ ve et-Temyîz gibi diğer eserlerinde görülmektedir. Bunun
yanında bu alanın kaynak eserlerinde de onun değerlendirmelerine yer
verilmiştir. Bu çalışmada râvinin adâletine yönelik kusurlar
arasında görülen kizb, fısk, bid‘at ve cehâlet karşısında İmam Müslim’in metodu
incelenmeye çalışılmıştır.  Anahtar Kelimeler: Hadis,
Müslim, Ricâl, Cerh-Ta‘dîl, Adâlet, MetotImam Müslim’s Method against
The Faults Related to The Justice Abstract The hadith was transferred
through the transferors, and the justice and suppression were accepted as the
main requirements. So it is important how Müslim evaluated the transferors in
terms of the justice and suppression factors. Müslim (D. 261/875) was seen as
an authority in the sciences of diseases and dignitaries, and he was accepted
as one of the scholars in Sublation and Rectification. Imam Müslim’s books
related to the dignitaries, sublation and rectification such as el-Akrân, al-İhva
ve’l-ahavât, Ma’rifetü ruvâti’l-ahbâr, at-Târîkh and el-İlel
with al-Jâmi as-sahîh that they are accepted as
the correct sources were evaluated as its sign with Buhari’s (D. 256/870) al-Jâmi
as-sahîh after The Koran. Müslim’s transferors are seen in the other works
such as Sahîh’inin
Mukaddime’si, et-Tabakât,
Kitâbu’l-künâ ve’l-esmâ and et-Temyîz that their investigation
and criticism have come to today. Furthermore, His evaluations were included in
the source works of this field. In this study, Imam Müslim’s method was tried
to be reviewed against the lie, sin, emergent one and ignorance which are
accepted among the faults related to the justice of transferor.

Key Words : Hadith, Müslim, Rijal,
al-Jarh at-Ta’dîl, Justice, Method