bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetic foot ulcers: evaluating the role of the specialist advanced practice nurse in complex chronic wounds
Authors: Jiménez-García Juan F , Jiménez-Abad Juan F , López Laura Alonso , García-Fernández Francisco Pedro 
Published: August 2024

Objectives: To determine the profile of diabetes patients with neuropathic and neuro-ischaemic lesions who are referred to the advanced practice nurse (APN) in complex chronic wounds; to determine whether a training strategy aimed at primary care nurses and nursing homes that care for patients with diabetic foot disease influences the performance of professionals; and to assess the extent, follow-up and evaluation of diabetic foot disease in patients with neuropathic ulcers and neuro-ischaemic ulcers referred to the specialist APN before and after the training. Methods: The characteristics of patients referred to the APN over a period of 6.5 years were analysed, as well as the numbers of amputations and deaths pre- and post-training. Results: of the total of 103 patients, 78 were men; across both sexes the average age was 69 years. Fifty patients had neuropathic ulcers and 53 had neuro-ischaemic ulcers, with healing rates of 59%. There were 50 amputations and 37 deaths over the study period. Conclusion: Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers depends on having in place a fast, agile, practical clinical pathway between primary care and hospital, with the role of the APN, including the co-ordination of care between primary and secondary settings, being key.
Gratings for enhanced sensitivity: advancing D-shaped optical fiber surface plasmon resonance sensors with Ag-Fe2O3 structures
Authors: Seliem Yomna , Abdellatif Sameh O. 
Published: August 2024

This research delves into enhancing biosensing sensitivity by optimizing D-shaped optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors employing Ag-Fe2O3 structures. By investigating the influence of different grating structures—rectangular, triangular, and elliptical—on sensor performance, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to ascertain the impact of these structural variations on sensitivity and detection precision. The study revealed that while the rectangular structure exhibited a sensitivity of 6.4 µm/RIU, the triangular structure outperformed with an impressive sensitivity of 7.2 µm/RIU. Moreover, the detection accuracy, quantified by the detection angle (DA), reached 15.7(µm)−1 for the triangular grating, surpassing the rectangular grating’s detection angle of 14.8(µm)−1. These results underscore the crucial role of structural design in enhancing sensor performance, with the triangular grating demonstrating superior sensitivity and detection precision in the context of plasmonic resonance. The extended detection range of refractive indices around 1.39 further expands the sensor’s applicability in diverse chemical and biomedical analyses. Notably, the sensor’s capability to detect various chemical solutions and diseases—including plasma, tuberculosis, white blood cells, and breast cancer cells—underscores its versatility and efficacy in dual-parameter detection. Through meticulous simulations and analysis, this study provides valuable insights into optimizing sensor sensitivity, detection accuracy, and application versatility, paving the way for advanced developments in biosensing technology with far-reaching implications for chemical and biomedical research.
Two-dimensional code marking and coloration mechanism on titanium alloy surfaces via laser gas nitriding
Authors: Li Xiashuang , Sun Kai , Li Guifeng , Zhou Bin , Tang Yibo 
Published: August 2024

In this study, a nanosecond laser marking machine was employed to nitride the surface of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy in a nitrogen-rich environment. Consequently, a crack-free and uniform nitriding layer was successfully achieved. Furthermore, a 2D code with enhanced contrast was imprinted on the sample, and subsequently, a durability test was conducted to assess its performance. The impacts of laser power (ranging from 9 to 11 W), scanning speed (17 to 23 mm/s), and line spacing (20 to 40 µm) on the surface morphology, thickness, and color alteration of the nitride layer were systematically investigated through experimental analysis. Utilizing a spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, energy dispersive spectroscopy instrument, and other advanced equipment, we further delved into the underlying mechanism of surface color change during laser gas nitriding of a Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Results indicate that an increase in laser power and a decrease in line spacing and scanning speed lead to the generation of higher energy densities on the material surface, intensifying ablation and causing the formation of more molten material. Consequently, this results in the development of more complex surface structures, thicker nitride layers, and lower reflectance. The surface microstructure of the nitride layer exhibits similarities and variations, and the thickness of the nitride layer differs, leading to distinct light absorption and reflection properties on its surface. Consequently, the nitride-layer surfaces prepared under varying laser parameters exhibit diverse contrasts.
Validation of an Epigenetic Prognostic Assay to Accurately Risk-Stratify Patients With Barrett Esophagus
Authors: Laun Sarah E. , Kann Lisa , Braun Jerome , Gilbert Stacey , Lunz Daniel , Pierre Francia , Kalra Andrew , Ma Ke , Tsai Hua-Ling , Wang Hao , Jit Simran , Cheng Yulan , Ahmed Yousra , Wang Kenneth K. , Leggett Cadman L. , Cellini Ashley , Ioffe Olga B. , Zaidi Ali H. , Omstead Ashten N. , Jobe Blair , Korman Louis , Cornish Drew , Zellenrath Pauline , Spaander Manon , Kuipers Ernst , Perpetua Lorrie , Greenwald Bruce D. , Maddala Tara , Meltzer Stephen J. 
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is the second-most lethal cancer in the United States, with Barrett esophagus (BE) being the strongest risk factor. Assessing the future risk of neoplastic progression in patients with BE is difficult; however, high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early EAC are treatable by endoscopic eradication therapy (EET), with survival rates of 90%. Thus, it would be beneficial to develop a molecular assay to identify high-risk patients, who merit more frequent endoscopic surveillance or EET, as well as low-risk patients, who can avoid EET and undergo less frequent surveillance.

METHODS:
Deidentified endoscopic biopsies were acquired from 240 patients with BE at 6 centers and confirmed as future progressors or nonprogressors. Tissues were analyzed by a set of methylation-specific biomarker assays. Test performance was assessed in an independent validation set using 4 stratification levels: low risks, low-moderate risks, high-moderate risks, and high risks.

RESULTS:
Relative to patients in the low-risk group, high-risk patients were 15.2 times more likely to progress within 5 years to HGD or EAC. For patients in the high-risk category, the average risk of progressing to HGD or EAC within 5 years was 21.5%, 4-fold the BE population prevalence within 5 years, whereas low-risk patients had a progression risk of only 1.85%.

DISCUSSION:
This clinical assay, Esopredict, stratifies future neoplastic progression risk to identify higher-risk patients with BE who can benefit from EET or more frequent surveillance and lower-risk patients who can benefit from reduced surveillance.
US National Estimates of Contemporary Mortality Rates in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis Undergoing Colectomy
Authors: Ahmed Newaz Shubidito , Krawchuk Satchel , Buhler Katherine A. , Solitano Virginia , Jairath Vipul , Shaheen Abdel Aziz , Seow Cynthia H. , Novak Kerri L. , Ingram Richard J.M. , Lu Cathy , Kotze Paulo G. , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Panaccione Remo , Ma Christopher 
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:
Despite a growing armamentarium of medical therapies for ulcerative colitis, colectomy remains an important therapeutic option. To better inform shared decision-making about surgery, we estimated the contemporary risk of mortality after colectomy.

METHODS:
Mortality rates were estimated using the National Inpatient Sample (2016–2020). Factors associated with postcolectomy death were evaluated in multivariable regression.

RESULTS:
Postcolectomy mortality occurred in 1.2% (95% CI: 0.8%, 1.9%) of hospitalizations. Comorbidity burden, emergent laparotomy, and delays to surgery >5 days after admission were associated with mortality.

DISCUSSION:
Colectomy may be associated with mortality; however, this risk is heterogeneous based on patient- and procedural-related factors.
Examining Chinese EFL learners’ acceptance of mobile-assisted vocabulary learning applications and its influencing factors
Authors: Han Yining , Chen Chen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Significant advancements in mobile technology have offered tremendous potential for mobile-assisted vocabulary learning (MAVL). Given the relatively few studies on learners’ acceptance of MAVL, this study integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with the Self-Determination Theory to assess participants’ acceptance and motivation levels regarding MAVL applications and to identify predictors of users’ intention to utilise these applications. Questionnaire data from 270 Chinese English as a foreign language university students revealed that the participants exhibited a strong intention to learn English vocabulary via mobile applications, and they reported high levels of motivation. Additionally, structural equation modelling analysis results indicated that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived competence accounted for 61 % of the variance in users’ behavioural intention to use MAVL applications, which demonstrated a stronger explanatory power than the original TAM. Perceived autonomy and perceived competence, however, failed to predict usage intention of MAVL. The proposed theoretical framework extends the original TAM and offers implications for application developers, suggesting the importance of designing user-friendly applications.
Convergence rate of the truncated Euler-Maruyama method for highly nonlinear neutral stochastic differential equations with time-dependent delay
Authors: Petrović Aleksandra M. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This article can be considered as a continuation of Petrović and Milošević [The truncated Euler-Maruyama method for highly nonlinear neutral stochastic differential equations with time-dependent delay, Filomat 35 (2021), no. 7, 2457–2484], where the authors established the

L

q

{L}^{q}

-convergence of the truncated Euler-Maruyama (EM) method for neutral stochastic differential equations with time-dependent delay under the Khasminskii-type condition. However, the convergence rate of the method has not been studied there, which is the main goal of this article. Also, there are some restrictions on the truncated coefficients of the considered equations, and these restrictions sometimes might force the step size to be so small that the application of the truncated EM method would be limited. Therefore, the convergence rate without these restrictions will be considered in this article. Moreover, one of the sufficient conditions for obtaining the main result of this article, which is related to Lipschitz constants for the neutral term and delay function, is weakened. In that way, some of the results of the cited article are generalized. The main result of this article is proved by employing two conditions related to the increments to the coefficients and the neutral term of the equations under consideration, among other conditions. The main theoretical result is illustrated by an example.
Generalized discrete Grüss and related results with applications
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Pečarić Josip , Tipurić-Spužević Sanja 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Grüss inequality is subject of interest for many authors due to its effectiveness in predicting bounds in several quadrature problems. In the present article, we give weighted treatment of the discrete Čebyšev and Grüss type inequalities pertaining two n-tuples of real numbers in which the bounding constants are mobilised with bounding sequences of real numbers. As an application estimations of discrete Ostrowski type inequalities are provided. Finally, by practicing obtained results along with Jensen’s difference, a wide range of estimations are formalised by considering Jensen-Grüss differences.
Oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of even-order nonlinear differential equations with mixed neutral terms
Authors: Grace Said R. , Li Tongxing , Chhatria Gokula Nanda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper deals with the oscillation and asymptotic behaviour of even order nonlinear differential equations with mixed nonlinear neutral terms. The findings are obtained via utilising an integral criterion as well as a comparison theorem with the oscillatory properties of a first order advanced and/or delay differential equation. We provide novel oscillation criteria that improve, extend, and simplify previously published ones. The results are illustrated by two examples.
On a solvable four-dimensional system of difference equations
Authors: Erdem İbrahim , Yazlik Yasin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
In this paper we show that the following four-dimensional system of difference equations

x

n
+
1

=

y

n

α

z

n
−
1

β

,

y

n
+
1

=

z

n

γ

t

n
−
1

δ

,

z

n
+
1

=

t

n

ϵ

x

n
−
1

μ

,

t

n
+
1

=

x

n

ξ

y

n
−
1

ρ

,

n
∈

N

0

,

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
x_{n+1}=y_{n}^{\alpha}z_{n-1}^{\beta}, \quad y_{n+1}=z_{n}^{\gamma}t_{n-1}^{\delta}, \quad z_{n+1}=t_{n}^{\epsilon}x_{n-1}^{\mu}, \quad t_{n+1}=x_{n}^{\xi}y_{n-1}^{\rho},
\qquad n\in \mathbb{N}_{0},
\end{array}$$

where the parameters α, β, γ, δ, ϵ, μ, ξ, ρ ∈ ℤ and the initial values x
–i
, y
–i
, z
–i
, t
–i
, i ∈ {0, 1}, are real numbers, can be solved in closed forms, extending further some results in literature.
Equable parallelograms on the Eisenstein lattice
Authors: Aebi Christian , Cairns Grant 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
This paper studies equable parallelograms whose vertices lie on the Eisenstein lattice. Using Rosenberger’s Theorem on generalised Markov equations, we show that the set of these parallelograms forms naturally an infinite tree, all of whose vertices have degree 4, bar the root which has degree 3. This study naturally complements the authors’ previous study of equable parallelograms whose vertices lie on the integer lattice.
New results for the Marshall-Olkin family of distributions
Authors: Gómez-Déniz Emilio , Ghitany M. E. , Al-Mutairi D. K. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The Marshall-Olkin family of probability distributions has been the inspiration of numerous research publications in the field of probability distributions. In this paper, we present several new properties of this family. In particular, we focus on stochastic orders, stress-strength reliability, Lorenz and the Leimkhuler curves, compounding, and integrated tail distribution. Two applications related to Lorenz curves and ruin theory are finally presented.
Activating α7nAChR suppresses systemic inflammation by mitigating neuroinflammation of the medullary visceral zone in sepsis in a rat model
Authors: Peng Lin , Li Hongbing , Zhang Cheng , Jiang Weiwei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that activating α7nAChRs suppresses systemic inflammation and immunity through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) in early sepsis. Now that the medullary visceral zone (MVZ) is the center of CAP and responsible for regulating systemic inflammation, what changes will occur in MVZ’s pathology and function in sepsis, especially when interfering with α7nAChRs? Does activation of MVZ’s α7nAChRs contribute to the inhibition of systemic inflammation? To clarify these issues, we explored the systemic inflammation and immunity state by detecting serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1, sCD14, and CD4+CD25+Treg and TH17 lymphocytes percentage, meanwhile, we analyzed the apoptosis of cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurons and the expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and choline acetyltransferase (CHAT) in MVZ in sepsis and the interfering effects on α7nAChRs. In this study, we found that in sepsis, serum TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1, sCD14, CD4+CD25+Treg, and TH17 lymphocytes significantly increased and the ratio of Treg/TH17 significantly decreased, cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurons underwent apoptosis with low expressions of TH and CHAT in MVZ; activation of α7nAChRs not only significantly decreased the levels of septic serum TNF-α, IL-6, HMGB1, sCD14, and TH17 lymphocytes (P ＜ 0.05), but also significantly reduced cholinergic and catecholaminergic neurons’ apoptosis, and promoted expressions of TH/CHAT. Our study reveals that sepsis undermines MVZ through neuroinflammation which contributes to the uncontrolled systemic inflammation. Activating central α7nAChRs is not only helpful to restore MVZ’s structure and function but also beneficial to subside the inflammatory storm in sepsis. Even if MVZ is damaged in sepsis, cholinergic neurons in MVZ still regulate the systemic inflammation stably.
A variação na interlíngua: o caso das palavras funcionais do inglês
Authors: Silva Fragozo Carina , Regina Brescancini Cláudia 
Published: August 2024

Este artigo, fundamentado na interface entre Sociolinguística Variacionista e Aquisição de LE, busca identificar, a partir de exame tanto perceptual quanto acústico, os contextos segmentais e prosódicos que condicionam a produção de vogal reduzida em palavras funcionais produzidas por 16 falantes brasileiras de inglês como LE. A amostra considerada, obtida através de instrumento composto de 60 frases, compõe-se das preposições at, for, from, of e to. Tanto na verificação acústica quanto na perceptual, o condicionamento prosódico mostrou-se estatisticamente mais relevante para a redução vocálica do que o condicionamento segmental. Palavras funcionais seguidas por sílabas com acento primário e por palavras com acento frasal forte foram os contextos mais favorecedores. A vogal fonológica /u/, que corresponde à preposição ‘to’, mostrou-se como um contexto segmental relevante. A produção que mais favoreceu a percepção das vogais como reduzidas foi o apagamento, seguido do schwa e das vogais [ʊ ] e [E].
Introdução do Ensino da Língua Inglesa em Fases Iniciais do Ensino Escolar: a experiência do Londrina Global
Authors: Gimenez Telma , Jane Corrente Tanaca Jozélia , Constantino Valêncio Peres Rafaeli , Vieira de Oliveira Anísia 
Published: August 2024

O ensino de inglês para crianças no Brasil é uma iniciativa recente que tem demandado esforços de gestores públicos para promover mudanças curriculares, mesmo diante da ausência de políticas claras sobre como geri-las. Neste artigo apresentamos alguns dos desafios do projeto “Londrina Global”, que promoveu a inserção dalíngua inglesa em escolas municipais. De acordo com o ciclo de planejamento de projetos (Tribble, 2012), abordaremos as etapas de formulação, implementação e avaliação do projeto pela equipe da Secretaria Municipal da Educação e discutiremos os seguintes aspectos: a) orientações curriculares; b) avaliaçãoda aprendizagem; c) materiais didáticos; d) formação de professores. Em virtudede sua característica de projeto, este ainda não alcançou a universalização da oferta, fato que acirra a heterogeneidade nas salas de aula. Faz-se necessário estabelecer essa universalização por meio da adoção do projeto como política pública.
Práticas discursivas político-ideológicas no Facebook: um estudo de emergência genérica
Authors: De Lima-Neto Vicente , Cabral Nobre Kennedy 
Published: August 2024

Com mais de um bilhão de pessoas cadastradas, é natural que variadas práticas discursivas ali sejam construídas, e o espaço seja um berço para novos gêneros. Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar como determinados textos que se materializam no Facebook e circulam no discurso político-ideológico estão caminhando para mais um caso de emergênia genérica em sites de redes sociais. Para atingir este objetivo, apoiados no conceito de gênero de Miller (2009 [1984]), analisamos um corpus de 25 postagens no Facebook à luz dos critérios que marcam o discurso político (CHARAUDEAU, 2006). Como resultados preliminares, apontamos que os textos de cunho político-ideológicos do Facebook apresentam alguns elementos que levam a um caso de emergência genérica, como a não nomeação do gênero, a recorrência de padrões formais e conteudísticos e o acabamento.
Análisis de los patrones espaciales del desarrollo y pobreza en Costa Rica
Authors: Rodríguez Soto Jorge 
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to analyze the relationships between the different dimensions of poverty and development from a multidimensional and spatial perspective. Methodologically, this research is composed of two phases. The first, a descriptive statistics analysis of the Multidimensional Poverty Index and the Human Development one, was carried out, departing from the definitions of territoriality used in Costa Rica (rural-urban and by planning regions) with county-level data. In second place, a cluster analysis, with K-means method, was developed with a database of 32 variables for development and poverty at the country level. About the results, we discovered that the typologies of rural and urban areas are significant but can be self-explanatory; the category of planning regions reveals relevant patterns in the center-periphery dynamics, particularly due to asymmetries between the center, the Pacific coast and, the Atlantic coast and borders. The cluster analysis confirms these patterns, showing that in terms of development, the country seems to be divided into 3 regions, while in terms of poverty is possible to identify 4. Concluding with some public and economic policy recommendations.
Morphometric and functional changes in the kidney of rats induced by inorganic selenium
Authors: Randjelović Pavle , Radulović Niko , Stojanović Nikola , Ilić Ivan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractSelenium (Se) is an essential trace element. Depending on concentration, Se can manifest both beneficial and harmful effects on the cell and can have both oxidative and antioxidant effects. Because the therapeutic index for Se is very narrow and it can depend on the form of Se used, we aimed to investigate the potential safety and side effects of inorganic Se on kidney function and structure in rats. After 8 days of treatment, no detectable signs of microscopic changes or oxidative stress in kidney tissue were observed. We detected a moderate increase in urea and creatinine levels in the blood as a sign of a slight decrease in kidney function. The most notable changes in our study were morphometric alterations in proximal tubules and glomeruli, both of which were considerably enlarged. The short-term application of inorganic Se to rats in a supratherapeutic dose induced mild functional and ultrastructural changes in the kidneys. The dose of inorganic Se used could be considered relatively safe for short-term application in situations where Se could be beneficial to the organism, such as the usage of known nephrotoxicants or high levels of oxidative stress in the body.
Introduction
Authors: Dalby Andrew 
Published: August 2024

The Treatise is a didactic poem in Anglo-Norman which surveys a host of practical matters, ranging from childbirth and our passage through life, to estate management and life in fields, workshops, to activities in the home, the kitchen and the dining-hall, to the flora and fauna (and even the weather) of thirteenth-century England. The author and the intended audience for this poem are discussed in the introduction which follows, as are also as its date, the language, modern interpretations and its bibliography.