bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distributed nonlinear model predictive control for cobalt removal process in zinc hydrometallurgy considering error compensation modelling
Authors: Wang Qianqian , An Aimin , Tang Minan , Lu Jiawei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTo address the strong nonlinearity, uncertainty, and mutual coupling in the cobalt removal process of zinc hydrometallurgy, an algorithm based on an improved genetic algorithm (GA) backpropagation (BP) neural network combined with distributed nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is proposed. This method was applied to improve the quality of the purification solution and reduce the consumption of zinc powder, overcoming the challenges faced by the current cobalt removal process. First, a synergistic continuously stirred tank reactor (SCSTR) model was constructed for the dynamic cobalt removal process. Second, aiming at the problem that a single SCSTR model has difficulty describing the process accurately, based on the highly nonlinear mapping ability of data‐driven models, a method that organically integrates the SCSTR model and an error compensation model based on the GA‐BP neural network was proposed (GA‐BP‐SCSTR) to provide a more accurate online prediction of the process indicators. Then, a distributed NMPC architecture was developed using the GA‐BP‐SCSTR model, control vector parameterization (CVP) technique, and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) algorithm to achieve the coordinated control of the cobalt removal process. Finally, simulation results of an actual site showed that the prediction accuracy of the GA‐BP‐SCSTR model was higher than those of other models. The proposed predictive control method can maintain the outlet cobalt ion concentrations at the set values while achieving accurate control of the zinc powder addition. This approach can provide guidance for on‐site production and eliminate the blindness of manual experience control.
Child drowning and associated risk factors: Findings from a qualitative study in Bangladesh
Authors: Al‐Mamun Md. , Alam Morshed , Hossain Md. Jamal , Khatun Mst. Rukaia , Das Pranto Kumer , Alam Falguni , Islam Md. Rabiul , Ahmmed Foyez , Islam Md. Monirul 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundWorld Health Organization (WHO) has classified drowning as a major public health problem. The most vulnerable victims of drowning are children from low and middle‐income countries. Previously, it was the primary cause of death among children aged between 1 and 17 years in Bangladesh.AimsThis study explored the surrounding circumstances and associated factors of child drownings in Bangladesh.MethodsA qualitative phenomenological approach has been used to conduct the study. Bangladesh was chosen as the study area, and data were gathered using a semi‐structured, open‐ended questionnaire. Using convenience and snowball sampling methods, we have collected data from Dhaka and seven additional districts in Bangladesh. We reached a total of 44 individuals, where 22 agreed to participate in an interview (face‐to‐face and online interviews). The remaining 22 participants were selected in two focus group discussions via the web platform “ZOOM cloud meeting.”ResultsOur investigation revealed several factors associated with child drowning, including a lack of adequate parental supervision and monitoring, geographic locations and environment, seasonal factors, low living standards, peer pressure and risky behaviors, social stigma and prejudices, and natural disasters and calamities. According to our findings, a lower socioeconomic position is linked to a higher risk of nonfatal drowning. Moreover, this research also indicates a substantial nexus between child drowning fatalities and the socioeconomic conditions of the families of the victims.ConclusionThe study adds to the existing body of knowledge by underlining the associated factors of child drowning fatalities in Bangladesh, which will aid in developing preventive policies. An essential aspect of any drowning prevention program for Bangladesh should be enhanced for community awareness of safe water rescue and resuscitation practices.
Drivers of household antibiotic use in urban informal settlements in Northern Ghana: Implications for antimicrobial resistance control
Authors: Vicar Ezekiel K. , Walana Williams , Mbabila Augustina , Darko George K. , Opare‐Asamoah Kwame , Majeed Saeed F. , Obeng‐Bempong Mauvina 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundUrban informal settlements have been described as the epicenters of frequent antibiotic misuse, which has local and global consequences on the goals of antimicrobial stewardship. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and practices of antibiotic use among households in urban informal settlements in the Tamale metropolis of Ghana.MethodThis study was a prospective cross‐sectional survey of the two major informal settlements in the Tamale metropolis, namely Dungu‐Asawaba and Moshie Zongo. In all, 660 households were randomly selected for this study. Households with an adult and at least a child under 5 years old were randomly chosen. An adult with knowledge of household healthcare practices was selected to respond to a structured questionnaire.ResultsIn all, 291 (44.1%) of the 660 households reported taking at least one type of antibiotic within the last month before the study and 30.9% (204/660) had used antibiotics without a prescription. Information on which antibiotics to use was obtained mostly from friends/family members 50 (24.5%) and were commonly purchased from a medical store or a pharmacy 84 (41.2%), saved up from a previously used antibiotic 46 (22.5%), a friend/family members 38 (18.6%), and drug hawkers 30 (14.7%). Amoxicillin 95 (26.0%) was the most frequently used antibiotic and the commonest indication for antibiotics use was diarrhea 136 (37.9%). Female respondents (odds ratio [OR] = 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.199–4.301; p < 0.0001), larger households (OR = 2.02; 95% CI = 1.337–3.117; p = 0.0011) and those with higher monthly household income (OR = 3.39; 95% CI = 1.945–5.816; p < 0.0001) were more likely to have good knowledge of appropriate antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, bad attitudes influenced participants' use of antibiotics without prescription (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 0.432–4.05; p = 0.0009).ConclusionThis study exposes the drivers of inappropriate use of antibiotics at the household level, particularly in urban informal settlements. Policy interventions aimed at controlling the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in such settlements could improve the responsible use of antibiotics. Keywords: antibiotic resistance, informal settlements, Tamale, Ghana
Outcomes and toxicity of concurrent CDK4/6 inhibitor and locoregional radiotherapy for patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Beddok Arnaud , Mouren Victoire , Cottu Paul , Laki Fatima , Fourquet Alain , Kirova Youlia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to assess the outcomes and toxicity of patients treated with concurrent administration of CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) and locoregional radiation therapy (RT), including the breast with a boost or the thoracic wall after mastectomy and the regional lymph node areas. We retrospectively analyzed data from 27 patients with hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐negative de novo metastatic breast cancer treated with CDK4/6i and concomitant locoregional RT in 2017/2022. Survival rates were calculated by Kaplan‐Meier method. Prognostic factors were tested with log‐rank test. CDK4/6i was used as the first systemic metastatic treatment for all the patients, and the median overall treatment time was 26 months. The median time from initiation of CDK4/6i to the start of RT was 10 months (IQR: 7‐14 months). The median duration of concomitant CDK4/6i and RT administration was 21 days (IQR: 14.5‐23 days). After a median follow‐up of 19 months (IQR: 14‐36 months), 1 patient died, 11/27 had distant metastases and 1 patient had local recurrence, respectively. The 1‐ and 3‐years progression‐free survival (PFS) were 61.4% (95% CI: 45.1%‐83.7%) and 53.7% (35.8%‐80.5%), respectively. The acute toxicities most observed during RT were neutropenia (44%) and dermatitis (37%). Dermatitis was significantly more frequent in patients with large target volumes (CTV > 911 cc and PTV > 1285 cc). CDK4/6i had to be discontinued in five patients during RT (due to toxicity in three cases and disease progression in two cases). One patient has developed grade 2 late pulmonary fibrosis. Finally, our study demonstrated that concurrent administration of locoregional RT and CDK4/6i did not induce severe late toxicity for most patients.
The effect of real earnings management on earnings persistence and informativeness before and during COVID‐19
Authors: Nhu Le Thi Bao , Diem Tran Thi Hong , Tran Yen Thi , Hoang Trang Cam 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study examines the effect of real earnings management (REM) on earnings persistence and informativeness and also considered in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. REM is quantified by two aggregate metrics. The sample consists of 2256 firm‐year observations of listed companies in Vietnam from 2016 to 2021. We find evidence that REM is negatively associated with the persistence of earnings and its components, with REM affecting cash flows more strongly than accruals. We also find that REM limits the relationship between current earnings and future cash flows. Furthermore, when confronted with the COVID‐19 pandemic, the effect of REM on earnings quality does not improve.
Taxonomic significance of anatomical and micro‐morphological characteristics of Silene takesimensis Uyeki & Sakata
Authors: Zaman Wajid , Park SeonJoo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study used the foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics through microscopic techniques to compare the foliar anatomy of Silene takesimensis Uyeki & Sakata (Caryophyllaceae). The species is endemic to South Korea. This study examined the foliar epidermal anatomical traits. The leaf morphological traits of the species are essential to distinguish the species from other taxa. The comparative systemic significance of the character species was examined. The epidermal cell shape, the epidermal cell wall, and the number of lobes per cell were among the distinctive foliar anatomical characteristics. The variations in quantitative characteristics were significant. The systematics of the genus Silene were supported by various microscopic methods. The foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics of the endemic species S. takesimensis have significant taxonomic characteristics to differentiate the species.Research Highlights
Silene takesimensis, a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, has been studied in‐depth.
Valuable insights and knowledge were obtained about the unique characteristics and behaviors of Silene takesimensis using SEM.
Coral growth persistence amidst bleaching events
Authors: Mantanona Hanna C. , DeCarlo Thomas M. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAs mass bleaching events decimate stony coral populations, production of calcium carbonate is diminished on reefs, dampening their capacity to keep pace with rising sea levels. However, perturbations to the calcification process of surviving wild corals during bleaching are poorly constrained, owing to the lack of suitable techniques to retroactively extract this information from coral skeletons at sufficient resolution. Here, we use novel Raman spectrometry techniques to test the biogeochemical response of long‐lived corals before, during, and after bleaching. Maintenance of high aragonite saturation state (ΩAr) in the coral calcifying fluid is key to driving rapid skeletal growth but would be expected to decrease when corals become energetically depleted without their symbionts. Contrary to this expectation, our results demonstrate that corals upregulate calcifying fluid ΩAr during bleaching and for at least 2 yr after recovery. This indicates that the calcification process of coral‐bleaching survivors is unexpectedly resilient.
Niedervalente Hauptgruppenelemente
Authors: Neubauer Max , Hering‐Junghans Christian 
Published: June 2023

AbstractVerbindungen von Hauptgruppenelementen in ungewöhnlich niedrigen Oxidationsstufen machen Reaktionen, die für Übergangsmetalle typisch sind. Unter anderem aktivieren niedervalente Hauptgruppenverbindungen kleine Moleküle wie N2 und CO.
Interview: Chemisches Recycling ist keine neue Idee
Authors: Neubauer Uta 
Published: June 2023

AbstractDie Chemieindustrie will Plastikmüll in einen Erdölersatz verwandeln und so Kunststoffe im Kreislauf halten. Kerstin Kuchta, Expertin für Abfallwirtschaft und Professorin an der Technischen Universität Hamburg, ist skeptisch und sieht noch viele technische Hürden.
Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz: Für immer Hanna?
Authors: Kretschmer Robert 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIm März wurden Vorschläge zur Reform des Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetzes vorgelegt, und seit Juni ist der Referentenentwurf öffentlich. Die Wissenschaftswelt bleibt skeptisch. Was sind die Gründe und welche Probleme des Gesetzes sind zu lösen?
Nachruf: Helmut Ringsdorf (1929 – 2023)
Authors: Gros Leo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract„Ein Hochschullehrer hat eine klare politische und soziale Verantwortung“, sagte Helmut Ringsdorf, Polymerchemiker und bis 1994 Professor an der Uni Mainz, vor drei Jahren in den Nachrichten.1)
Synchronizing lockdown and vaccination policies for COVID‐19: An optimal control approach based on piecewise constant strategies
Authors: Salcedo‐Varela Gabriel A. , Peñuñuri Francisco , González‐Sánchez David , Díaz‐Infante Saúl 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe are still facing the devastating consequences of COVID‐19. At the beginning of this pandemic, lockdown and non‐pharmaceutical measures were the unique, effective strategy to overcome the ongoing outbreak. After almost a year, an exceptional effort gave the first efficient protective vaccines. Despite these significant advances, new challenges as its mass production and fair distribution emerge. Our work aims to address this balance by formulating an optimal epidemic control problem controlled by lockdown and vaccination but in a synchronized manner. In such a way that the sought‐after solution optimizes the burden and economic implications of COVID‐19 infections and deaths. Thus, we formulate an optimal control problem with a differential equation to describe the spread of COVID‐19. Our formulation measures the efficiency of these controls by a functional cost involving the burden of COVID‐19 quantified in DALYs and the costs regarding vaccination and lockdown. Then we minimize this cost subject to the controlled system and find optimal policies that are constant in time intervals of a given size. To this end, we apply the well‐established heuristic method known as differential evolution. One of the advantages of these policies relies on their practical implementation since the health authority has to make only a finite number of different decisions. Our methodology to find optimal policies allows changes in the dynamics, the cost functional, or how frequently the policymaker changes actions. We show how a well‐synchronized tradeoff between vaccination and lockdown could under‐peak of the outbreak, with a delicate balance to overcome possible economic consequences.
Preparation of high‐performance hyperbranched polybenzoxazine with low dielectric constant
Authors: Lin Hao , Lu Xin , Lu Angui , Yuan Manlin , Xin Zhong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA high‐performance hyperbranched polybenzoxazine with low dielectric constant was prepared. A hyperbranched benzoxazine (HTTr‐d) was synthesized from 1,1,1‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl) ethane, 1,12‐dodecanediamine and paraformaldehyde through an A2 + B3 approach with p‐tertbutyl phenol as an end‐capping reagent. After thermal curing, hyperbranched polybenzoxazine (PHTTr‐d) was obtained. For comparison, trifunctional polybenzoxazine (PTr‐s) with long alkyl groups was also synthesized. The introduction of long alkyl chains can effectively reduce the dielectric constants of polybenzoxazines. Due to the presence of tertiary butyl groups and the forming of hyperbranched structure, the dielectric constant of PHTTr‐d was 2.59 at 1 MHz, which was lower than 2.68 of PTr‐s. Compared with PTr‐s, PHTTr‐d exhibited higher thermal stability with the glass transition temperature (Tg) of 197 °C. These results indicated that the hyperbranched polybenzoxazine has potential application as a low dielectric constant material in the field of electronic information.
First‐principles quantum analysis of promising double perovskitesZ2SiF6(Z = K, Li, Na, Rb) as prospective light harvesting materials: Optoelectronic, structural and thermodynamic properties
Authors: Fatima Kisa , Abbas Zeesham , Butt Fabeya , Butt Komal , Hussain Sajjad , Ali Ahsan , Muhammad Shabbir , Algarni H. , Al‐Sehemi Abdullah G. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractFor energy‐efficient and high‐power illumination systems, phosphor materials have attracted huge research attention over the recent decades. Herein, applying the first‐principles method, we investigate and predict the optoelectronic and structural properties of light‐harvesting phosphors Z2SiF6(Z = K, Li, Na, Rb) as promising candidates for weight‐light‐emitting diodes w‐LEDs. The calculated direct energy band gaps are of order 1.56, 1.461, 1.479, and 1.585 eV for Z2SiF6(Z = K, Li, Na, Rb), respectively, thus rendering the compound's semiconducting nature suitable for optoelectronic applications. Calculated structural properties show that Rb2SiF6is the most stable compound among Z2SiF6(Z = K, Li, Na, Rb). The optical properties in the energy range of 0–14 eV have been investigated using the well‐known (GGA) formulism available in the literature. Studied compounds are active optical materials as the value of their refractive index is between 1.0 and 2.0. Based on investigated optical parameters, we can say that Z2SiF6(Z = K, Li, Na, Rb) are potential candidates for optoelectronic device applications like white LEDs (w‐LEDs). Thermodynamic parameters of Z2SiF6(Z = K, Li, Na, Rb) are provided to establish the thermodynamic stability of these compounds.
A novel stochastically stable variational Bayesian Kalman filter for spacecraft attitude estimation
Authors: Qiu Zhenbing , Zhang Jianchun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn the context of nonlinear systems, variational Bayesian filters play an important and alternative role to sampling‐based Monte Carlo methods. Although they have been used in conjunction with derivatives of Kalman filters, their behavior, both in terms of convergence, stability, and a solution without a stepwise approximation procedure, has not been well explored. In this paper, we propose a novel, stochastically stable, stepwise approximation‐free variational Bayesian Kalman filter (hence, termed as VBKF) for nonlinear systems. The proposed filter, unlike other posterior distribution estimation methods, is very flexible with the number of parameters that should be known a priori, offers an excellent convergence rate, stochastic stability, and more specifically in its ability to handle non‐Gaussian, unknown, inaccurate and drifting noise models. Furthermore, one of the key advantages of the proposed solution is that it is stepwise approximation‐free, and as such, less computationally demanding. We also prove that the proposed filter is stochastically stable using the Posterior Cramér–Rao Lower Bound. In addition to the stability, by using Lyapunov function, we show that the estimation errors are exponentially bounded by the mean square error under certain conditions. In addition to this, we also demonstrate the practical applicability of the proposed approach by developing a novel filter for estimating the attitude of spacecrafts using star cameras and gyro‐sensors. We then evaluate the efficacy of the novel filter for attitude estimation, and thus that of the VBKF, using a set of detailed simulations mimicking different initialization errors that are common in attitude estimation. Our results show that the proposed approach offers an excellent convergence rate within conventional bounds, better root mean square error when compared against several of the common, and state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Systemic Delivery of a STING Agonist‐Loaded Positively Charged Liposome Selectively Targets Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Suppresses Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Go Eun‐Jin , Yang Hannah , Park Wooram , Lee Seung Joon , Han Jun‐Hyeok , Kong So Jung , Lee Won Suk , Han Dong Keun , Chon Hong Jae , Kim Chan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAlthough stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists has shown great promise in preclinical studies, the clinical development of STING agonist therapy is challenged by its limited systemic delivery. Here, positively charged fusogenic liposomes loaded with a STING agonist (PoSTING) are designed for systemic delivery and to preferentially target the tumor microenvironment. When PoSTING is administered intravenously, it selectively targets not only tumor cells but also immune and tumor endothelial cells (ECs). In particular, delivery of STING agonists to tumor ECs normalizes abnormal tumor vasculatures, induces intratumoral STING activation, and elicits robust anti‐tumor T cell immunity within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, PoSTING can be used as a systemic delivery platform to overcome the limitations of using STING agonists in clinical trials.
Changes in the distribution of occlusal forces in the course of the orthodontic retention phase
Authors: Fritz F. , Daratsianos N. , Bourauel C. , Papageorgiou Spyridon N. , Jäger A. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Aim of the present study was to assess the relative distribution of occlusal forces after orthodontic treatment and during the first 3 months of the retention phase using a computerized occlusal analysis system (T-Scan, Tekscan Inc., Norwood, MA, USA).

Materials and methods
A total of 52 patients were included in this prospective cohort study and underwent analysis of occlusal forces on the level of tooth, jaw-half, and -quadrant during a 3-month period. Furthermore, differences between three retention protocols (group I: removable appliances in both jaws; group II: fixed 3–3 lingual retainers in both jaws; group III: removable appliance in the maxilla and fixed 3–3 lingual retainer in mandible) were assessed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests at 5%.

Results
Directly after debonding, measured forces distribution were similar to published references for untreated samples. In the following, no significant difference was found between retention protocols II and III with regard to the asymmetry of the anterior occlusal forces. Both groups maintained an asymmetric force distribution in the anterior segment during the study period. There was also no difference between groups II and III in the distribution of occlusal forces for the posterior segments. Both retention concepts kept the symmetrical distribution of occlusal forces stable over the observation period. The retention concept of group I demonstrated a symmetrical distribution of occlusal forces in the anterior segment after debonding and this remained stable during the 3‑month period. In the posterior segment, no improvement of the initially asymmetric masticatory force distribution could be observed.

Conclusions
All three studied retention protocols showed stability in retaining their original symmetrical or asymmetrical occlusal force distribution posteriorly/anteriorly during the 3‑month observation period. Therefore, an even distribution of occlusal forces should be the aim of the finishing phase, as no relative benefit of any single retention scheme in terms of post-debond improvement during the retention phase was seen.