bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully ceramic versus steel gears: Potential, feasibility and challenges
Authors: Vasileiou G , Rogkas N , Markopoulos A , Spitas V
Published: October 2023

The most common gear strength calculations performed in accordance with ISO/TC 60/SC 2 include surface durability and root bending strength. Typical geared power transmissions are characterized by high Hertzian contact stresses (surface durability) on the flanks – frequently in the order of 103 MPa – versus almost half an order magnitude lower first principal stresses on the tooth root (tooth bending strength). Therefore, the use of high strength special steel alloys is almost mandatory, especially in high-end applications, mainly to withstand the high contact stress values. Ceramic materials are typically characterized by high compressive strength versus very low flexural strength that at first glance makes them inefficient for gear transmissions since they are unlikely to withstand the tensile root stresses. Nevertheless, ceramic materials possess a number of advantages that makes them potential candidates for geared transmissions, such as their exceptional thermal properties, their low density (weight), their excellent wear characteristics and limited lubrication demands. The present work investigates the main challenges of using high-end ceramic gears and attempts to provide an insight on defining the design envelope of such gears to counter the main disadvantages. The increase of the normal pressure angle beyond the 25° limit set by ISO 6336 is primarily investigated, since in minimizes the tensile tooth root stresses, while also increasing the curvature of the contact surfaces without greatly increasing Hertzian stresses. Comparative assessment of the performance of fully ceramic gear designs versus their conventional steel counterparts is performed through quasi-static FEA simulations to set the basic design requirements for such gears and to promote further investigation of the feasibility of their usage in high power density applications.
Investigations of the mechanical properties of dissimilar joint of GTD-111 superalloy and 316 stainless steel obtained by laser welding
Authors: Alavi Seyyed Amirhossein , Afshari Mahmoud , Nikbakht Maryam , Samadi Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is to improve the mechanical properties of dissimilar joint between 316 stainless steel and GTD-111 superalloy obtained by laser welding. Hence, the input variables of pulse frequency, welding speed and laser power were employed to optimize the output variables of weld penetration, hardness and tensile strength through the desirability function technique and response surface methodology. In order to study the changes of microstructure in the welded samples, the optical and scanning electron microscopies were applied. It was observed that an increase in the laser power from 1500 to 2500 W enhanced the penetration depth of weld, while it worsened the hardness and tensile strength owing to nucleation of solidification cracks and formation of Laves phase caused by segregation of Ta, Ti, Nb, W, and Mo elements. Moreover, the faster welding speed up to 1.5 mm/s resulted in a decrease in the penetration depth and an increase in the hardness and tensile strength, which is due to the nucleation of a small dendritic structure and the nucleation of fewer Laves phase owing to lesser heat input. When the variables of pulse frequency and laser power increased simultaneously, the liquation cracks were formed within HAZ of GTD-111 superalloy due to nucleation of γ′-γ eutectic phase, while the cracks and shrinkage voids were observed within HAZ of 316 stainless steel. The results of desirability function technique indicated that the optimum mechanical properties have been obtained at a pulse frequency of 15 Hz, welding speed of 0.8 mm/s and a laser power of 1550 W.
Enhanced flexural strength-to-weight ratio of Inconel718 lattice structure parts made of powder bed fusion process
Authors: Veeraiahgari Vamshi , Regalla Srinivasa Prakash , Kurra Suresh
Published: October 2023

The present work investigates the enhancement of the flexural strength-to-weight ratio on the lattice structure of additively manufactured Inconel-718 parts made using the powder bed fusion (PBF) process. ASTM-E290 standard three-point bending experiments and finite element modeling were conducted on solid and lattice structure parts. Four novel lattice structure unit cells with positive Maxwell’s number for stretch-dominant mechanical behavior were designed and used in the three-point bending specimens. The different lattice structure types investigated are strengthened-cubic (named Model_1), strengthened-cubic + kagome (named Model_2), strengthened-cubic + octet truss (named Model_3), and strengthened-cubic + kagome+octet truss (named as Model_4). Results obtained for the lattice structure specimens were compared with those obtained for solid specimens. The study revealed significant differences in strength-to-weight ratio among them, proving the tremendous potential of lattice structures in flexural loading applications by giving higher strength-to-weight ratios than solid specimens. Out of the four lattice structures and one solid structure investigated, Model_2 with only angular beams and Model_3 with only interior beams gave a better strength-to-weight ratio than solid specimens. Model_2 and Model_3 have beams along the unit cell’s body diagonal, leading to better performance. Out of all the lattice-structured specimens, Model_2 showed the highest strength-to-weight ratio. In the finite element model, the maximum equivalent strain was used as the criterion for failure. The failure sites found by finite element simulation coincided with those in the experiments.
Enhancing low-speed WEDM machining capabilities on Nitronic-50 with a constant frequency ultrasonic hybrid method
Authors: Balasubramaniyan C , Rajkumar K
Published: October 2023

Nitronic-50 stainless steel is a high-strength and corrosion-resistant austenitic premium steel. It requires improved surface characteristics due to its wide use in various applications like fasteners, marine hardware, hydroelectric-power turbines, pressure vessels, etc. This work focuses on machining hard-to-machine Nitronic-50 steel is unconventionally machined using constant frequency ultrasonic-aided low-speed wire electrical discharge machining (USV-LS-WEDM) to enhance its machined surface integrity. This method achieves effective results when cutting high-strength materials with intricate shapes. Material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (Ra) were measured by considering inputs such as servo voltage (SV), pulse off time ( Toff), pulse on time ( Ton) and current (I) with an ultrasonic-vibration range of 20,000 Hz. The appropriate selection and usage of LS-WEDM parameters is a challenging process and is done with parametric analysis. The MRR of Nitronic-50 was enhanced with an increase in Ton and I along with a reduction in Toff and SV. Surface roughness (Ra) decreased with a gradual reduction in Ton, I, and an increase in SV. The USV-WEDM was compared with a stand-alone WEDM indicating that the MRR for USV-WEDM was improved by 12% and the Ra was decreased by 9% due to effective distribution of spark discharges, which increased material erosion and redistribution of molten metal characteristics. Machining quality for hard-to-machine Nitronic-50 steel was certainly enhanced via hybrid ultrasonic vibration with the existing LS-WEDM.
Use of sustainable cooling/lubrication strategies in improving the tribological and machining characteristics of gun metal
Authors: Danish Mohd , Gupta Munish Kumar , Garcia-Collado Alberto
Published: October 2023

The term “sustainable manufacturing” refers to both the production of sustainable products as well as the production of all products in a way that is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and safe for workers, communities, and customers. In the context of sustainable machining, the application of non-polluting cutting fluids plays an important role in improving the machining properties. However, the machining of gun metal is difficult because of generation of friction and cutting temperature at main cutting zone. Hence, it’s very difficult to obtain the product made from gun metal at specific size and desired tolerances. A primary goal of this paper is to establish an accurate method for measuring the machining responses of gun metal with the aid of sustainable cooling strategies. The machining has been carried out using the TiAlN coated tungsten carbide inserts and the machining performance in terms of temperature, surface quality, tool wear, chip condition and power consumed is measured under distinct speed-feed and cutting regimes. The cutting parameters selected were the speed of 75 and 115 m/min and the feed rate of 0.05–0.15 mm/rev. The utilization of cryogenic carbon dioxide (cryo) results in a maximum temperature reduction, which in turn leads to an improvement in the surface quality. In comparison to other cutting settings, the SEM pictures of chip indicate a relatively low level of serration; nonetheless, there is not a significant difference between MQL and flood circumstances. Moreover, cryo-CO2 consumed less power to machine the work material.
Kalman filtering for estimation of closed-die forging load based on shop floor data
Authors: Chatterjee Kaustabh , Zhang Jian , Dixit Uday S
Published: October 2023

Estimation of forging load in a closed-die forging process is important for process planners and designers. Physics-based models of the process require very high computational time as well as accurate input data. This work estimates the forging load by extracting the information from similar products in the shop floor. Accuracy of the estimate is optimized by means of a Kalman filter. A novel feature of this work is that instead of one deterministic estimate, three estimates, viz. lower, upper and most likely, are obtained. For demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed methodology, finite element method simulations using ABAQUS are used in lieu of real shop floor data. Six different products each having eight models are considered. Forging is supposed to be carried out with as well as without lubrication. In different cases, Kalman filtered most-likely estimate came very close to actual (FEM simulated) forging load and in no case deviation was more than 9%. The estimation error keeps on reducing with availability of data in an exponential manner. In an ideal case of no fluctuation in the measured actual (FEM simulated) forging load, error reduced from 30 to 5 kN after 7 data; further 13 data reduced the error to 1.7 kN. The interval of estimation (i.e. the difference between upper and lower estimates) also keeps on reducing with the availability of more data. For example, for an axisymmetric product, availability of 6 more data reduced the range of estimation from 62 to 25 kN. This establishes the efficacy of Kalman filter. In the proposed procedure the data is stored in an open source relational database management system, the MySQL, which can be retrieved easily. In Industry 4.0, shop floor data is easily available. Hence, the proposed method can be applied readily in real production shops.
Assessment of the elastic stiffness of human cardiac fibres after an apical infarction using finite element simulation
Authors: Córdova-Aquino Jacobo , Medellín-Castillo Hugo I
Published: October 2023

Several research works in the literature have focused on understanding the post-infarction ventricular remodelling phenomenon, but few works have considered the evaluation of the elastic behaviour of the cardiac tissue after a myocardial infarction. This paper presents an investigation focused on predicting the elastic performance of the human heart after a left ventricular apical infarction. The aim is to understand the elastic alterations of the cardiac fibres at different periods after an apical infarct. For this purpose, a hybrid method based on pressure and volume measurements of the left ventricle (LV) at different periods of ventricular remodelling, and the Finite Element Method (FEM), is developed. In addition, several performance indexes are defined to evaluate the heart performance during the ventricular remodelling process. The results show that during the first 2 weeks after a heart infarction, the cardiac fibres must support a much higher structural overload than during normal conditions. This structural overload is proportional to the aneurysm size but diminishes with the time, together with a significant reduction of the ventricular pumping capacity.
Work and the public understanding of science
Authors: Kunovich Robert M.
Published: October 2023

This study examines whether engaging in science work and work that is substantively complex (e.g. requiring independent thought and judgment) is related to interest in science, science knowledge, and confidence in the scientific community in the United States. It also examines whether the conditions of work mediate the relationship between education and these science-related outcomes. Occupation-level data from O*NET are merged with survey data from the General Social Survey. Results indicate that science work is related to interest in science and science knowledge and that work complexity is related to confidence in the scientific community. Results offer only limited evidence of mediation—science work mediates the relationship between educational attainment and science knowledge but not the relationships involving interest or confidence. In sum, results indicate that the conditions of work are associated with science attitudes, and that researchers should examine these connections in future research.
Institutional Pressure and Eco-innovation: The Moderating Role of Environmental Uncertainty
Authors: Zhu Dongyun , Zhu Hailun , Arkorful Vincent Ekow
Published: October 2023

The growing environmental difficulties triggered by enterprises’ activities have drawn academics and development experts’ attention to mechanisms to advance growth and development without compromising the environment. Discussions about eco-innovation have become topical as a result, yet there still remains a dearth of understanding on the subject. Eco-innovation emphasises the duality of technological innovation and environmental protection as long-term solutions to the inherent tensions between these goals. Despite this, there has been little research on methods to improve eco-innovation performance, taking into account internal and external factors. Cognizant of the external environment’s dynamics, this study, based on institutional theory, investigates how institutional pressure affects eco-innovation. We used a cross-sectional survey approach to draw data from 155 businesses. Results revealed institutional pressures, that is, normative, mimetic, and coercive, also environmental complexity (EC) has a positive role in promoting eco-innovation. While environmental dynamics was found to have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between normative pressure and eco-innovation, EC was revealed to have a moderating influence on the relationship between mimetic, normative pressure, and eco-innovation. In light of these seminal findings that have received little research attention, we propose policy, theoretical, and practical implications.
Why Pakistan Forges Ahead and India Lags Behind? Analysis of Sports Equipment Exports in Global Context
Authors: Jain Varinder
Published: October 2023

Focusing on India and Pakistan, this article examines their relative performance in sports equipment exports during the 2003–2020 periods. Utilizing secondary trade data available from UN Comtrade, it analyses their performance in sports equipment exports (HS-92) at the six-digit level, mainly to ascertain disparities in export performance at commodity level. Besides drawing inferences about global sports equipment exports (since 1990), it examines sports equipment export performance by tracing the pattern of export composition, export concentration and export growth, along with inferring the incidence of export instability, comparative advantage and trade balance. Indices like Herfindahl–Hirschman index (and its standardized version), Hall–Tideman index, entropy concentration index, Cappock instability index, Cuddy-Della Valle index, Balassa’s measure of comparative advantage and trade balance index are estimated to draw inferences. An analytical exercise indicates that India’s global share has not only declined over time, but it has also been lagging in exporting various types of sports equipment—its comparative advantage has waned over time, whereas such is not the case with Pakistan, which has recorded relatively better performance. A comparative perspective on the nature of the policy framework in both nations is drawn. Moreover, the article examines commodity-wise global dominance of India and Pakistan (in comparison with China) to trace commodities for which these countries have been gaining significance in global markets. Finally, the article urges the Indian State to devote serious attention to strengthening sports goods manufacturing in India, as India is currently facing a trade deficit in the global trade of sports equipment.
The Social Embeddedness of Leadership: Unfolding the Trajectories of Individual Policy Capacity in Regional Development in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Suaedi Falih , Raharja Wildan Taufik , Ningrum Ayu Puspita
Published: October 2023

Leadership competencies act as a precursor in catalysing bureaucratic reform and propelling long-term development, yet the multitude of political tensions and policy conundrums has called for a deeper examination of the individual capabilities needed to satisfy public expectations. Taking on a comparative case study approach in East Java, Indonesia, we dissect the dynamic relationship between leadership competencies, individual policy capacity and regional development, positioning that these three elements form a symbiotic capability matrix that transcends their individual boundaries. We unveil how autonomous and proactive leaders, while operating within established structures and networks, leverage the power of social embeddedness, thus crystallizing it as an integral pillar for successful regional development. Through the embodiment of interdependence and relational dynamics, we foster a paradigm shift from an individualistic perspective to a context-aware, relation-centred approach within leadership and regional development landscapes.
Recent advancements in piezoelectric energy harvesting for implantable medical devices
Authors: Upendra B , Panigrahi B , Singh K , Sabareesh GR
Published: October 2023

Biomedical implantable devices like deep brain stimulators, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and cardiac pacemakers are essential for treating the human heart and brain-related diseases. In the past few decades, a considerable amount of research has focused on improving bio-implant technologies. Conventional bio implant devices consist of an external generator like a battery to power the system, which requires replacement after a particular time. Therefore, in recent years, self-powered implants with various energy harvesting techniques have been proposed to avoid frequent surgery for battery replacement and to miniaturise the implant systems. However, the research communities have yet to explore all the limitations and possibilities of improvement on such energy-scavenging technologies, especially when the application is in vivo. Several aspects of recent developments in energy harvesting technologies feasible for biomedical implantable devices are reported systematically. A detailed review of piezoelectric energy harvester mechanism and miniaturisation, electric output and power management and biocompatibility of an energy harvester for implantable medical devices in vitro and in vivo environments. Furthermore, the piezoelectric energy harvester’s durability, packaging material, connection and evaluation criteria are discussed.
Exploring Chinese higher vocational college teachers’ perceptions of reading and teaching reading in English
Authors: Xu Jing
Published: October 2023

The current article presents the findings of a qualitative study which focused on six Chinese higher vocational college teachers’ evolving understandings of reading and teaching reading in English through a three-month teacher professional learning programme. Methods of data collection included questionnaire, professional learning conversation, classroom observation and reflective practice. Results showed that a skill-based view was the mainstream understanding of reading and teaching reading in English. Through the teacher professional learning programme, however, there was a shift in the participants’ perception from a skill-based to a social-practice perspective of reading and teaching reading in English. Accordingly, the focus of teaching shifted from language to language and content integrated instruction with criticality development as a key component. The findings indicated that higher vocational college teachers were capable of weaving between a skill-based and a social-practice perspective of language and literacy practices while highlighting the need for cultivating a social-practice perspective in order to develop higher vocational college students as whole persons as locally grounded and globally minded citizens with critical minds. A more significant implication was that it was possible to empower higher vocational college students by enlightening teachers through a systematic teacher professional learning programme.
Responsibility networks in media discourses on automation: A comparative analysis of social media algorithms and social companions
Authors: Saurwein Florian , Brantner Cornelia , Möck Leonie
Published: October 2023

The diffusion of algorithms, robots, and artificial intelligence has sparked public debates regarding opportunities, risks, and responsibility for addressing problems and developing solutions. Since media cover and shape sociotechnical imaginaries, this study investigates the Austrian media discourses on responsibility in two domains of automation: social media algorithms and social companions. Using a machine learning approach, relevant articles were identified, followed by a manual comparative content analysis. The findings indicate that media coverage of social media algorithms tends to be more critical compared to social companions. In the debate about social media algorithms, journalists emerge as the most common speakers raising responsibility issues and primarily attributing them to Internet platform providers. Conversely, responsibility for social robotics is predominantly articulated by experts, considering it as a responsibility shared by society, economy, and research. Furthermore, the media present different perspectives on the agency and responsibility of social media algorithms and social robots themselves.
User behaviour in public squares after dark
Authors: Hennig VKR , Gentile N , Fotios S , Sternudd C , Johansson M
Published: October 2023

This research concerns the influence of electric lighting on user behaviour in public squares and whether differences in people’s use of the square can be observed between daylight and darkness. Previous research on pedestrians suggests that lighting can support human needs for reassurance, accessibility, comfort and pleasure. While these findings are also likely to be applicable to the use of public squares, there is little empirical evidence to verify that. A field study was conducted to explore user behaviour in two differently illuminated public squares. Observations of the movements and stationary activities of people in the squares were recorded at both squares for the same times of day in the weeks before and after the daylight savings clock change, enabling a comparison of activity in daylight and after dark. 5296 observations were recorded and lighting conditions were captured with HDR-photography and aerial photos. Kirseberg square, with asymmetric luminaires and metal halide lamps, revealed a decrease in stationary activity after dark. Lindeborg square, with omnidirectional luminaires and high-pressure sodium lamps, revealed an increase in stationary activity. In conclusion, the patterns of user behaviour in the two public squares after dark seem to be differently influenced by electric lighting, pointing to a need for further understanding of users’ experience of the squares after dark.
Voting for the Future: Electoral Institutions and the Time Horizons of Democracy
Authors: Birch Sarah
Published: October 2023

The urgency of climate change has prompted political theorists to consider how democracy might be reconfigured to cope with the future challenges that our current social and economic practices will generate. There have been in recent years numerous promising proposals for how political systems might be reformed so as to make them more forward-looking. This article offers an assessment of a number of such proposals that touch on elections. The main contribution of the article is to bring together suggestions put forward by political theorists and evidence from empirical social science that is of relevance to these suggestions.
Successful parturition and lactation after a deslorelin implant removal in a pregnant cat
Authors: Paganotto Alessandra , Truttmann Annouck , Rosset Émilie
Published: October 2023

Case summary

The aim of this clinical case presentation was to describe the effect of a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant placement in a pregnant queen during the second half of gestation, and the consequences of its removal on the pregnancy and parturition. A 5-year-old female cat exhibiting nesting behaviour and weight gain 10 days after placement of a deslorelin implant was presented for examination. Gestation was confirmed on ultrasound, with two well-formed kittens of a gestational age of approximately 7 weeks. The deslorelin implant placed on the umbilicus was removed 1 week later. No change in the pregnancy was observed after removal of the implant. The fetuses showed no signs of distress on ultrasound and radiography examination 4 days after removal of the implant. One week after implant removal, the queen naturally delivered two healthy kittens. The queen showed maternal behaviour with normal milk production.

Relevance and novel information

In the light of the lack of literature on implant injection and removal in the pregnant queen, this case report showcases a successful birth of healthy kittens without any subsequent adverse effect on the queen. Further study is needed to assess the safety of implant removal during pregnancy and potential use as a means to induce fertile oestrus in the queen.
Using social practice theory to examine parenting: A scoping review
Authors: McLean Caitlan , Slack-Smith Linda , Ward Paul R
Published: October 2023

Practice theory-based research has been established theoretically as an answer to health and social problems, but its use in empirical research is still emerging. We conducted a scoping review in accordance with JBI guidelines for evidence synthesis to identify methodological characteristics of practice theory-based research concerning parenting. A total of 2681 abstracts were identified, with 214 retained for full text screening. A total of 33 articles were included in the review. The included studies in the review focussed on a range of practices relating to parenting including meal preparation and cooking, mobility and transport, homework and school engagement. Major findings from this scoping review identified the use of multiple methods to draw on different aspects of practice and a high variety of time frames for data collection. The tailoring of practice theory approaches was highly varied, and some studies also combined practice theory with alternate theory and concepts. The results reveal significant diversity in the use of social practice theory, the range of methodological approaches used and the application of a high variety of methods. All studies used some form of interview to investigate practices and ethnography was a main methodological approach adopted. Across the studies there were recommendations for expanding sampling and recruitment strategies. Given the call to adopt new approaches to parenting and child development research, our review serves as a mapping of the multitude of ways practice theory-based research can provide can be used to examine parenting.
Removal of broken screws on implant abutment by digital guide plate: A case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Honglan , Zhang Zhisheng , Lin Pingting , Xiang Yan , Xu Yuchen , Chen Yayun , Hong Yanru , Cheng Qianhuang , Yin Lu
Published: October 2023

Implant restoration is currently the most mainstream method for repairing missing teeth. With the increasing number of plantings, various planting complications begin to be paid attention to. Among them, there are many reports of disability phenomena such as loose and broken abutment screws and broken top screws, which cause the implant to fail or fail to function. In recent years, with the development of computer-aided software and its application in the field of oral treatment, digital guide plates based on 3D printing of oral CBCT scanning data are widely used in oral implants. Therefore, we explore the application prospect of post-core crown restoration after removing broken screws from the implant abutment with a digital guide plate. We reported a case of upper right first molar implant abutment screws broken, which were removed by a digital guide plate and customized turning bur. The resin-matrix ceramics crown post core was prepared, and then the occlusal force was tested by the T-ScanIII system. It provides a reference for the application of digital guide plates in special cases such as broken screws of implant abutment.
Evaluating the wearing-off effects of fremanezumab in high-frequency episodic migraine and chronic migraine: A real-world observational study in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Shiho , Suzuki Keisuke , Shiina Tomohiko , Haruyama Yasuo , Hirata Koichi
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To determine the rate of wearing-off effects of monthly and quarterly dosing of fremanezumab based on real-world data.

Methods:

We conducted an observational, single-center cohort study including 101 high-frequency episodic migraine or chronic migraine patients receiving fremanezumab over a 9-month observation period. Weekly migraine days (WMDs) were assessed by headache diaries. Regarding monthly dosing, comparisons of WMDs were performed between week (W) 1–2 and W3–4 and between W2 and W4 in months 3, 6 and 9. Regarding quarterly dosing, comparisons of WMDs were performed between W1–2 and W11–12 and between W2 and W12 in the first, second and third quarters. Wearing-off effects were defined as a >1 day increase in WMDs at any of the 3 time points.

Results:

There was no increase in mean WMDs at the end or the second half of the week in the monthly and quarterly dosing groups over 9 months. Wearing-off effects occurred in 6.7–11.7% of the 60 patients in the monthly dosing group and 9.8% of the 41 patients in the quarterly dosing group.

Conclusion:

Our findings of a low incidence of wearing-off effects support the sustainability of the effect of fremanezumab as headache prophylaxis.
Pre-pandemic factors associated with delayed health care among US older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jones Alyssa N , Power Melinda C
Published: October 2023

Background:

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, more than one-third of US older adults (aged 65 years and older) reported delaying medical care. Delayed health care may exacerbate short- and long-term health changes in older adults. Older adults more likely to delay health care may benefit from targeted follow-up to return these individuals to the health care system.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe pre-pandemic sociodemographic, psychological, cognitive, and medical factors associated with delayed health care among US older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

We conducted a secondary analysis of 2905 participants from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative, prospective cohort of US older adult Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods:

Pre-pandemic factors were reported at the Round 9 interview (2019). Delayed health care, including medical (e.g. usual doctor) and supplementary (e.g. dental) care, was reported on the COVID-19 questionnaire (2020). We calculated adjusted odds ratios using weighted logistic regression, accounting for the NHATS sampling design.

Results:

Overall, 40% of participants reported delayed care. After adjustment, female participants and those reporting fair (vs good) health were consistently more likely to delay health care while persons with lower income or excellent health were less likely to delay care. Other associations varied by care type.

Conclusion:

Women and those with higher income or fair health before the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to delay care during the pandemic. Our results may inform targeted outreach to older adults who delayed care during the COVID-19 pandemic, or other disruptions to the health care system, to return these individuals to care and promote better management of their health needs.
Compressive optic neuropathy due to posterior ethmoid mucocele
Authors: Che Song-A , Lee Yong Woo , Yoo Yung-Ju
Published: October 2023

Mucoceles are cystic formations characterized by the presence of mucus-secreting epithelial cells, which enlarge when the excretory duct becomes obstructed. Posterior ethmoidal mucoceles are rare conditions that can lead to severe ocular complications requiring immediate intervention. The close anatomical proximity of posterior ethmoidal mucoceles to the optic nerve underscores their significance. In this case report, we present a case of rapidly progressing compressive optic neuropathy secondary to a posterior ethmoidal mucocele. A previously healthy forty-six-year-old woman presented with sudden visual loss in her left eye, preceded by left-sided headache and periorbital pain. Clinical examination and imaging studies revealed an oval-shaped mass within the posterior ethmoid cell compressing the left optic nerve. Emergency surgery was performed to alleviate optic nerve compression, which successfully relieved periocular pain. However, the patient’s visual acuity and visual field defect remained unchanged postoperatively. Thinning of the ganglion cell layer in the macula region was observed during follow-up examinations. The role of corticosteroids and antibiotics in visual rehabilitation and the impact of delayed surgical decompression on visual outcome remain subjects of debate. Additional cases of mucocele-associated optic neuropathy should be published and analyzed to establish optimal treatment approaches.
Concurrence of familial Mediterranean fever and Behçet’s disease: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Mir Adhora , Ivory Catherine , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: October 2023

Background

Familial Mediterranean fever and Behçet’s disease are distinct disorders that are prevalent in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern populations. They are characterized by unprovoked inflammatory episodes caused by overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines. Although reported previously, the overlapping presentation of familial Mediterranean fever and Behçet’s disease remains uncommon.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old Lebanese–Canadian man who presented with recurrent oral and genital ulcers, polyarticular synovitis, ocular swelling, recurrent infections, and fevers was later found to have heterozygous mutations of pathogenic MEFV c.2080A > G (p. Met 694Val) and c.2082G > A (p.Met694IIe) genes indicating familial Mediterranean fever. He was treated with prednisone, colchicine, and azathioprine, with inadequate symptoms control. Treatment was complicated by recurrent infections.

Conclusions

Our case contributes to the growing literature demonstrating the presentation of predominantly Behçet’s disease-like features in the setting of diagnosis of familial Mediterranean fever. These findings emphasize that clinicians should be aware that patients with familial Mediterranean fever may present with Behçet’s disease-like clinical manifestations.
Childhood immunization delay during the first wave of COVID-19 in an urban area of Sangli district from Maharashtra, India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dhanawade S. S. , Kawade R. V. , Waghachavare V. B.
Published: October 2023

Background

COVID-19-related lockdowns had resulted in overburdening on health services. The lockdowns along with anxiety of the disease have resulted in delay in routine vaccination of many under-5 children. The current study was undertaken to understand the extent of the delay in under-5 vaccination during COVID-19-related lockdown in March-December 2020.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study conducted during January-December 2021. Study population was under five children due for vaccination during the first COVID-19 lockdown at March-December 2020. Vaccination cards were used to confirm the status of vaccination, and questionnaire was used to study the attitude of parents towards vaccination and reasons for delay in vaccination, if any. The calculated sample size was 1434. But cluster random sampling method was applied; hence, 2274 subjects were included in the study. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS-22™, using descriptive statistics and chi-squared test.

Results

Percentages of children with delayed vaccination ranged from lowest for “at birth dose” (12.47%) to highest for “9th month dose, i.e. MR vaccine” (54.29%). Majority of parents stated lockdown and risk of COVID-19 infection as to be reason of the delay in vaccination. There was no uniform association between vaccination delay and attitude of parents towards vaccination.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown are the reasons stated by majority of parents with delayed vaccination in their children. This could be important lesson to plan for such contingencies for developing health services in future.
Efficient in vitro oxaliplatin delivery with functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube for enhanced colon cancer treatment
Authors: Randive Dheeraj S. , Shejawal Kiran P. , Bhinge Somnath D. , Bhutkar Mangesh A. , Jadhav Namdeo R. , Patil Sandeep B. , Nadaf Sameer J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Site-specific transport of medicinal products to malignant cells and tissues is an intriguing area since it has an ability to safeguard healthy cells. Selective upregulation of folate receptors on colon cancer cells is usual. Consequently, folate receptors have become one of extensively studied target moieties for targeting the delivery of chemotherapeutics. Hence, the study aimed to anchor folic acid, chitosan and oxaliplatin to the functionalized nanotube (FA-CHI-FSWCNT-OXA) for targeting folate receptors on colon cancer cells. The purification process of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) involved the use of an ultrasonic-assisted acid digestion method. The developed complex was evaluated using FTIR, DSC, SEM, XRD and in vitro dissolution studies. SRB and MTT assays were used to assess in vitro cytotoxicity of oxaliplatin and FA-CHI-FSWCNT-OXA) against HT29 and COLO320DM cell lines. Further, progression of apoptosis in cells was investigated using flow cytometry.

Results

The FTIR results corroborated drug attachment over carbon nanotube (CNT), whereas the TEM results validated the nanosizing (1–300 nm) of the developed system. Drug entrapment in CNT was found to be 93.43 ± 1.65%, and in vitro drug release was found to be 94.73 ± 0.90% after 24 h. The complex reduced viability of 92.35 ± 0.942% cells than oxaliplatin’s 66.58 ± 0.38% inhibition, revealed by MTT assay. In the SRB assay, the developed system showed 91.22 ± 0.90% inhibition, whereas oxaliplatin showed 76.69 ± 0.52% inhibition against HT29 cells.

Conclusions

Conclusively, the developed system exhibited better cytotoxicity effects as compared with plain oxaliplatin. Our findings are suggestive of the potential development of CNT-anchored antineoplastic agents for target-specific delivery.
Seasons of Nonbinary and Neurodivergence; or, So What If We’re All X?
Authors: Smilges J. Logan
Published: October 2023

Abstract: The category of nonbinary has entered a new season. No longer emergent but maturing, it is facing new, pressing questions about what the term means, who it is for, in what ways it can be mobilized toward specific political agendas, and how it facilitates or impedes forms of community. In this essay, I unpack the anxieties that some trans and nonbinary people have expressed toward these questions and that are sometimes invoked to cast doubt on the politics or ethics of nonbinary . Rather than accept or reject these anxieties at face value, I re-story them to honor their sources while yet insisting on a path forward for nonbinary , a path that depends not on how we define it but on how we occupy it. By allegorizing the anxieties in nonbinary and neurodivergent communities, I propose that the language of access needs and disability impacts may provide models for negotiating accountability and care in pursuit of trans justice.
Nonbinary Pronouns in Literary History: Queer(ing) Pronouns in the Works of Aphra Behn and Margaret Cavendish
Authors: Mattheis Lena
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article seeks to explore how nonbinary, ambiguous, and gender-neutral pronouns are used for gender nonconforming characters in seventeenth-century British literature. Focusing on a particularly interesting time for gender nonconformity in British literature, the article traces queer pronoun use in three poems by Aphra Behn and in the prose narrative Assaulted and Pursued Chastity (1656) by Margaret Cavendish. While the history and grammaticality of singular they and other gender-neutral pronouns has been explored in several linguistic studies, the aesthetic dimension and historicity of gender-neutral language in literature is still frequently questioned. An examination of what is only a small sample of literary texts that consciously play with unstable pronouns, ambiguously gendered characters, and gender nonconforming language emphasizes the artistic and creative dimension of nonbinary and gender-neutral pronouns. The fact that we find ambivalent pronouns and gender nonconforming characters at the core of many plays, poems, and novels in literary history also shows that readers have been able to comprehend and empathize with queerly gendered characters and pronouns for centuries.
Nature Is Nonbinary: Gender and Sexuality in Biology Education in Chile
Authors: Ardiles Tebi , Bravo Paulina , Fernández Fabián , González-Weil Corina
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article brings together four educators to collaboratively discuss how nonbinary representations and narratives circulate through education, especially in biology education in the context of Chile. This discussion is illustrated with an experience that began in August 2020 with a master’s course and continued with the practice of teaching biology to students in a school science classroom and to teachers-to-be at the university, both with a focus on the natural, the human, and the nonbinary features of the nonhuman. Finally, the implications of these experiences for our practice and a broader context of teaching biology are discussed.
Tracing “Gender Critical” Ideology in Turkey: A Study of the Feminist Movement on Sex/Gender in Relation to Trans and Queer Inclusivity
Authors: Boyacı Denis E. , Boyacıoğlu Aslıhan Öğün
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Drawing from queer theory and transfeminism, this article discusses whether queer- and trans-inclusive feminism is a possibility within the contemporary feminist movement in Turkey by analyzing its approach to the concept of sex/gender. In this context, in-depth interviews were conducted with activists who took part in the feminist movement and the LGBTQIA+ movement in Izmir, Turkey. These interviews reveal that the feminist movement bases its understanding on the sex and gender distinction and heteropatriarchy’s gender binarism, questions the identities of trans subjects, and establishes power domains in terms of being white and cishet. The present study has concluded that the feminist movement does not build sufficiently on transfeminism and queer theory, and reinforces a cisnormative sex/gender approach.
Trans* Lives of Jadzia Dax: A Queer Ecology Reading of Symbiosis in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Authors: Senturk Gizem
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article explores the symbiotic relationship of the Trill species in Star Trek from nonbinary, trans*, and queer ecological perspectives. The Trill’s unique physiology allows them to enter into a symbiotic relationship with a symbiont, leading to nonheterosexual, nonbinary, and androgynous features. By examining the trans metaphor represented by Jadzia Dax, a Trill character in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , the article highlights the ways in which the Trill challenge traditional notions of gender, biology, and symbiosis by introducing queerness. Furthermore, the article argues that symbiosis, when viewed through the lens of queer ecology, posthumanism, and more-than-humanisms, reveals that all living beings engage in queering, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the absence of living without symbiosis.
Making Pictures: Disabled Nonbinary Praxis in Leslie Feinberg’s screened-in Photography Series
Authors: Ellison Joy
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This paper expands historical and theoretical engagements with Leslie Feinberg’s life by analyzing the nonbinary and disability politics of hir screened-in photography series. Through a consent-based method called “making” photographs, Feinberg challenged the conventions of photographic representation of disabled and transgender people. The screened-in series provides a nonbinary political/relational model of gender, sexuality, race, and disability.