bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Power Flow Adjustment for Smart Microgrid Based on Edge Computing and Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Pu Tianjiao , Jiao Fei , Cao Yifan , Liu Zhicheng , Qiu Chao , Qiao Ji , Zhang Shuhua 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
As one of the core components that improve transportation, generation, delivery, and electricity consumption in terms of protection and reliability, smart grid can provide full visibility and universal control of power assets and services, provide resilience to system anomalies and enable new ways to supply and trade resources in a coordinated manner.

In current power grids, a large number of power supply and demand components, sensing and control devices generate lots of requirements, e.g., data perception, information transmission, business processing and real-time control, while existing centralized cloud computing paradigm is hard to address issues and challenges such as rapid response and local autonomy.

Specifically, the trend of micro grid computing is one of the key challenges in smart grid, because a lot of in the power grid, diverse, adjustable supply components and more complex, optimization of difficulty is also relatively large, whereas traditional, manual, centralized methods are often dependent on expert experience, and requires a lot of manpower. Furthermore, the application of edge intelligence to power flow adjustment in smart grid is still in its infancy.

In order to meet this challenge, we propose a power control framework combining edge computing and machine learning, which makes full use of edge nodes to sense network state and power control, so as to achieve the goal of fast response and local autonomy. Furthermore, we design and implement parameters such as state, action and reward by using deep reinforcement learning to make intelligent control decisions, aiming at the problem that flow calculation often does not converge.

The simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method with successful dynamic power flow calculating and stable operation under various power conditions.
The expression and significance of inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 in the tears of the infected eye and contralateral uninfected eye in patients with fungal keratitis
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Wu Hui-Min , Cao Xiang-Ni , Zhang Xian-Qi , Gao Gui-ping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: We investigated bilateral tear cytokine levels including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in patients with fungal keratitis(FK). Meanwhile, we evaluated the relationship between the changes of tear cytokines with corneal perception and pain in infected eyes, and the relationship between tear cytokines and tear film function in contralateral uninfected eyes .Methods : A total of 60(20 FK, 20 contralateral, 20 healthy controls) tear samples were collected prospectively and analyzed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Approximately 50 to 60 ul of tear samples in each case were collected. Meanwhile ,we analyzed the changes of visual analogue scale(VAS), tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT) and corneal perception compared with healthy controls. Results :The concentrations of IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-17 increased in bilateral eyes compared with healthy controls(P<0.05). The tear concentrations of MMP-9 , TNF-α only significantly increased in affected eyes (P <0.05). Patients with FK showed significant reduction in corneal perception of infected eyes compared with controls(P<0.05). Corneal perception of the normal eyes in FK patients was slightly lower than that of control group, but there was not statistical difference (P>0.05).TBUT and SIT of contralateral uninfected eyes were significantly lower than that of control group(P<0.05), which were significantly correlated with levels of IL-1β, IL-17(P<0.05). SIT were also negatively correlated with MMP-9(P<0.05), while the levels of IL-1β, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α and MMP-9 in the tears of the healthy control group had no significant correlation with TBUT and SIT indicators(P>0.05).The corneal perception and VAS score of the affected FK eyes showed correlation with IL-1β, IL-17 and TNF-α(P<0.05).In addition, concentration of IL-10 inversely was correlated with VAS (P<0.05). Conclusion: Proinflammatory tear cytokines are elevated in bilateral eyes with unilateral FK as associated with tear film function ,pain and corneal sensitivity.
The Dual Effect and Mechanism of (-)-epicatechin on Hypoxic-induced Proliferation and Apoptosis of Cardiac Fibroblasts
Authors: Li Jiawen , Zheng Xingchang , Guo Zuoming , Fan Ying , Tian Fang , Li Teng , Pan Qing , Liu Fengyu , Liang Xiao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Objective: Cardiovascular diseases impose a considerable economic burden on health services and remain a threat to human being. (-)-Epicatechin [(-)-EPI], a traditional Chinese medicine is applied to treatment against the cardiovascular diseases. Herein, we aimed at investigating the underlying mechanism whereby (-)-EPI affects myocardial fibrosis (MF).Methods: The efficacy of (-)-EPI was determined in mouse models of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and hypoxia-treated fibroblasts. Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses were conducted to determine TGF-β1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 expression, as collagen content was detected. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were carried out to detect fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis. HE and Masson staining reflected the histological change of myocardial tissuesResults: Compared to sham-operated mice, AMI group exhibited MF and hypoxia-treated cardiac fibroblasts proliferation was restrained and apoptosis was increased. Treatment with (-)-EPI significantly attenuated the MF condition and restored fibroblast proliferation and apoptosis, whereas these effects were abrogated by the TGF-β1 agonist HY-100347A. (-)-EPI administration caused a decline in TGF-β1, SMAD2 and SMAD3 expression. Mechanistically, (-)-EPI targeting TGF-β signaling inhibits collagen deposition and attenuates MF.Conclusion: Collectively, (-)-EPI could improve MF following AMI through down-regulation of TGF-β1 signaling, providing a novel insight into treatment against the cardiovascular diseases.
Risk Factors for Malignancies in Pediatric Population: Results of A Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Saab Yolande , Naccache Mirna , Zeenny Rony , Nabhani-Gebara Shereen , Sholy Lydia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cancer is the most common cause of disease-related deaths in childhood. Many sociodemographic, socioeconomic, environmental and genetic risk factors have been associated with a childhood cancer risk. However, few to no such studies have been conducted in the Middle East including Lebanon. This is a population-based case-control study that was conducted in the Lebanese pediatric population. Data was collected through face- to-face interviews, using a questionnaire, with parents of children with cancer in Lebanese pediatric cancer centers over a two-year period. In total, the sample consisted of 322 participants. Results showed that there are several sociodemographic, socioeconomic, environmental factors, in addition to consanguinity between parents, level of education and occupation of the parents , area of residence of the child (location and proximity to high-voltage electrical networks, garbage disposal areas, industrial factories and high-ways) as well as sibling history of cancer are risk factors for childhood cancers in Lebanon. Conclusion: This study informs policy makers on the risk factors in order to find solution as well as policies to decrease and mitigate these risks.
Feedback of 5th-Year Pharmacy Students About Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) After the Pharmaceutical Care Course in Poland.
Authors: Dymek Justyna , Kowalski Tomasz Mateusz , Skowron Agnieszka , Nowakowski Michal , Golda Anna 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

An important part of the pharmaceutical study program is a thorough assessment of students' practical skills. The new form of assessing skills in pharmacy teaching is the Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE).
Methods

The study was conducted in the winter semesters in the academic years 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The study was attended by students of the 5th -year of pharmacy who first time taking the OSPE. After the exam, students filled in an anonymous questionnaire about their general approach to OSPE. They assessed each station and the self-assessment. The results were analyzed by performing statistical analyses and compared between years.
Results

A total of 183 5th -year pharmacy students participated in the study, including 108 students in the 2018–2019 academic year and 75 students in the 2019–2020 academic year. Pharmacy students rated OSPE as a reliable tool for assessing their practical skills. Half of the students had a positive attitude towards OSPE, but the vast majority stated that OSPE was stressful for them. Over 70% of students assessed that stations with simulated patients create real situations in pharmacy. Students found that OSPE is a better form of the exam than the written exam.
Conclusion

Pharmacy students rated the OSPE exam as a reliable tool for assessing their practical skills. The results of the survey indicate that the students accepted the new form of the examination. As well, they evaluated the OSPEs well in terms of testing their skills.
Posterior Semicircular Canal Gene Delivery in the Adult Mammalian Inner Ear
Authors: Zhu Jianliang , Choi Jin Woong , Ishibashi Yasuko , Isgrig Kevin , Grati Mhamed , Bennett Jean , Chien Wade 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hearing loss is a common disability affecting the world’s population today. While several studies have shown that inner ear gene therapy can be successfully applied to mouse models of hereditary hearing loss to improve hearing, most of these studies rely on inner ear gene delivery in the neonatal age, when mouse inner ear has not fully developed. However, the human inner ear is fully developed at birth. Therefore, in order for inner ear gene therapy to be successfully applied in patients with hearing loss, one must demonstrate that gene delivery can be safely and reliably performed in the mature mammalian inner ear. The posterior semicircular canal approach has been shown to be an effective gene delivery method in the neonatal mouse inner ear. In this study, we examine the steps involved in posterior semicircular canal gene delivery in the adult mouse inner ear. We observe that the adult mouse inner ear is more susceptible to surgical trauma. We also find that the duration of perilymphatic leakage and injection rate have a significant effect on the post-surgical hearing outcome. Our results show that AAV2.7m8 is capable of transducing the adult mouse inner and outer hair cells with high efficiency.
Compatative Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Sesquiterpene Biosynthesis among 1-, 2- and 3-year Old Atractylodes Chinensis
Authors: Zhao Jianhua , Sun Chengzhen , Ma Shanshan , Zheng Jinshuang , Du Xin , Zhang Liping 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz is a well-known medicinal plant containing the major bioactive compound, atrctylodin, a sesquiterpenoids. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that atrctylodin was most abundant in 3-year old A. chinensis rhizomes, compared with those from 1-year and 2-year-old plants, however, the molecular mechanisms underlying accumulation of atrctylodin in rhizomes are poorly understood. Results: In this study, we characterized the transcriptomes from 1-, 2, and 3-year old (Y1, Y2, and Y3, respectively) A. chinensis, to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We identified 205 and 226 unigenes encoding the enzyme genes in the mevalonate (MVA) and methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) sesquiterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, respectively. To confirm the reliability of the RNA sequencing analysis, eleven genes key genes encoding factors involved in the sesquiterpene biosynthetic pathway, as well as in pigment, amino acid, hormone, and transcription factor functions, were selected for quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. The results demonstrated similar expression patterns to those determined by RNA sequencing, with a Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.9 between qRT-PCR and RNA-seq data. Differential gene expression analysis of samples from different ages revealed 52 genes related to sesquiterpenoids biosynthesis. Among these, seven DEGs were identified in Y1 vs Y2, Y1 vs Y3, and Y2 vs Y3, of which five encoded four key enzymes, squalene/phytoene synthase, squalene-hopene cyclase, squalene epoxidase and dammarenediol II synthase. These four enzymes directly related to squalene biosynthesis and subsequent catalytic action. To validate the result of these seven DEGs, qRT-PCR was performed and indicated most of them displayed lower relative expression in 3-year old rhizome, similar to transcriptomic analysis. Conclusion: The enzymes SS, SHC, SE and DS down-regulated expression in 3-year old rhizome. This data corresponded to the higher content of sesquiterpenes in 3-year old rhizome, and confirmed by qRT-PCR. The results of comparative transcriptome analysis and identified key enzyme genes laid a solid foundation for investigation of production sesquiterpenoid in A. chinensis.
Structural, Dielectric, Magnetic and Magneto-Dielectric Properties of (1-x)BiFeO3–(x)CaTiO3&nbsp;Composites
Authors: Khan Bushra , Kumar Aditya , Yadav Preeti , Singh Gulab , Kumar Ashok , Singh Manoj Kumar 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
(1-x) BiFeO3–(x) CaTiO3 [(1-x) BFO – (x) CTO, (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3)] composites were synthesized using sol-gel chemical rout method. X-ray diffraction investigation shows the crystal structure changes from rhombohedral to monoclinic for 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2, and it changes to orthorhombic at x ≤ 0.3. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) investigation confirms the the microstructure consists of randomly oriented, homogenous, and non-uniform grains. The dielectric permittivity (ε) and tangent loss (tanδ) decreases with increasing frequency and show dielectric anomalies (as a hump) at different temperatures for different compositions. The incorporation of CTO, decreases three order of leakage current (up to x = 0.2) and significantly improve the magnetization and magneto-dielectric coupling. The frequency-dependent ac conductivity obeys Jonscher’s power law with large ac conductivity dispersion for higher frequencies with increasing CTO concentration. The variations of ac conductivity with the inverse of temperature obey the Arrhenius equation and show negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) behavior. The ferromagnetic (FM) properties in BFO-CTO increases significantly with an increase of the CTO concentration. The coercive field increases with increasing CTO concentration suggesting a competition between the antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic ordering. At room temperature, all the samples show strong magneto-dielectric coupling.
Direct Measurement of Surface Adhesion Between Thin Films of Nanocellulose and Urea–Formaldehyde Resin Adhesives
Authors: Wibowo Eko Setio , Park Byung-Dae 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
When applying an adhesive to wood, the chemical heterogeneity of the wood cell walls makes it difficult to understand the contribution they make to the interfacial adhesion between the adhesive and the wood as the adhesion is a very complex physical and chemical phenomenon. This study, for the first time, directly measured the surface adhesion between cellulose, a major component of wood, and urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin adhesives. The adhesion between thin, smooth nanocellulose films, such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), carboxymethylated nanofibrils (CM)–CNFs, and carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (C–CNCs), and UF resins with two formaldehyde to urea (F/U) molar ratios of 1.0 and 1.6 was measured using two approaches: 1) direct measurement of the adhesion force between nanocellulose films and liquid droplets of the UF resins, and 2) calculation of the work of adhesion between films of the nanocelluloses and UF resins using the contact angle and the van Oss–Chaudhury–Good (OCG) method. The results show that the total surface energies, either between the different nanocelluloses or between the two UF resins are somewhat similar, indicating the similarity in their surface properties. However, the adhesion force and work of adhesion of 1.6 UF resins with different types of nanocellulose are higher than those of 1.0 UF resins, which shows that van der Waals forces are dominant in their molecular interactions. These results suggest that the adhesion between 1.6 UF resins and nanocellulose is stronger than that when 1.0 UF resins are used because the 1.6 UF resins have a more branched structure, smoother surface, and higher surface energy.
The Role of PI3K and Wntsignaling Pathways and CSC Markers in Melanoma (B16F10) Therapy
Authors: javarsiani marjan hajimoradi , sajedianfard javad , Javanmard Shagayegh Haghjooy , Fiori Micol Eleonora 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Metformin has been the subject of recent studies aimed at the treatment of melanoma cancer. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, was investigated in-vitrousing the B16F10 melanoma cell line.
Methods

Melanoma cells were treated for 24 h with various concentrations of metformin, alone or incombination withdacarbazine. The effects of these two treatment agents on cell viability were evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, stemness and the activation of specific signaling pathways were evaluated by FACS and immunoblotting.
Results

Metformin induced β-catenin phosphorylation and decreasedmTOR and PARP expressions. Also, a normal dose of metformin was found toreducethe phosphorylation levels of4E-BP1, AKT, and S6rp.In this study, we evaluated the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent against CSCs in the adjuvant setting.
Conclusion

Our data indicate that some transcriptional regulators and proteins in the above-mentioned pathwayswere associated with cancer progression and inhibited by adjuvant chemotherapy with metformin.Metformin significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation pathways, including Wnt and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. These findings show the potential of metformin in cancer treatment.
Associations of Acute Exposure to Airborne Pollutants with COVID-19 Infection: Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Bingqing , Wu Na , Jiang Jiakui , Li Xiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread across many countries globally. Greatly limited study concerned the effect of airborne pollutants on COVID-19 infection, while exposure to airborne pollutants may harm human health. This paper aimed to examine the associations of acute exposure to ambient atmospheric pollutants to daily newly COVID-19 confirmed cases in 41 Chinese cities. Using a generalized additive model with Poisson distribution controlling for temperature and relative humidity, we evaluated the association between pollutant concentrations and daily COVID-19 confirmation at single-city level and multi-city level. We observed a 10 μg/m3 rise in levels of PM2.5 (lag 0−14), O3 (lag 0−1), SO2 (lag 0) and NO2 (lag 0−14) were positively associated with relative risks of 1.050 (95% CI: 1.028, 1.073), 1.011 (1.007, 1.015), 1.052 (1.022, 1.083) and 1.094 (1.028, 1.164) of daily newly confirmed cases, respectively. Further adjustment for other pollutants did not change the associations materially (excepting in the model for SO2). Our results indicated that COVID-19 incidence may be susceptible to airborne pollutants such as PM2.5, O3, SO2 and NO2, and mitigation strategies of environmental factors are required to prevent spreading.
Leather cutting waste minimization Techniques in Ethiopian footwear industry: case study ELICO -Universal Leather Products Industry
Authors: Solomon Biniyam Bekele 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This research paper mainly focused on the leather-cutting issues and waste minimization in footwear industry in Ethiopia. The footwear industry is developing every year. The quality is an important parameter for middle scale footwear sectors and lot of inline problems focused in this research process. The objectives of this study were to analyze leather waste scrapes in Ethiopia footwear industry, identifying and implementing advanced leather cutting techniques. The paper selected for an exploratory study, including in-depth raw data collocation for two months in the company by using a spread sheet, automated machine vision for Leather Defect Inspection machine and checklist and one expert group discussion with employees representing cutting departments and the research conduct the top management to analyze the current system those implanted in the company to reduce leather cutting waste. The data were complemented by documentary analysis, to compare and contrast after implementation of advanced cutting system in the company. The paper provides how much waste of leather scrap is producing cutting operations, and by what method they eliminating waste and controlling the waste in current time. The paper includes implications for the implementation-advanced techniques/method in cutting a section to reduce leather waste scrape through by giving training for operators. This paper fulfils an identified need to study how much Leather cutting waste generated and by what method and Techniques minimizing the waste in Ethiopian footwear industry: case study ELICO -Universal Leather Products. The analytical findings show that the application of Jigsaw Puzzle cutting method, tools, and techniques has been expanded beyond traditional cutting concepts and has improved Leather Shortage (Extra Norms) eliminated and Leather Saving Norms was increased and leather waste scrapes was reducing from 212.89 m2 to 151.09 m2 of leather.
Are Cities Developing Climate Change Awareness? Two Case Studies for Assessing and Developing Cities’ Climate Awareness Through a Framework
Authors: Iturriza Marta , Hernantes Josune , Labaka Leire 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Cities are dealing with the challenge of climate change (CC). However, due to a lack of awareness on the part of certain city stakeholders, cities’ plans, strategies and studies dealing with CC have been hampered. Studies have demonstrated that city stakeholders become engaged and act collaboratively when they become aware of CC, yet the studies that highlight the need to become aware do not address how this awareness might be developed. This paper presents a framework to develop climate awareness in city stakeholders through a co-creation process that uses different research methods and 67 expert participation of different nationalities and backgrounds. The framework, under the name Climate Awareness Development framework, defines the city stakeholder climate awareness-development process through four attributes that are activated by four mechanisms during a four-step gradual process that leads to higher awareness levels. The steps are complemented by a set of nine policies that boost progression along the four-step process. The contribution of our research is highlighted through the comparison of two case studies in the city of Kristiansand (Norway) and Donostia (Spain).