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Einstein aggregation operators for multicriteria group decision making in uncertain environments using cubic picture fuzzy sets
Computational insights into harmala alkaloids as novel antimalarial candidates against Plasmodium falciparum
Strength characterization of limestone lithofacies under different moisture states
Abstract This study characterized the mechanical behaviours of massive fractured (MLS), fossiliferous (FLS), and siliceous (SLS) limestone lithofacies under natural, dry, and saturated conditions. Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load index (PLI), and indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests, along with petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses, were used to evaluate the impacts of the lithofacies composition and environmental conditions on rock strength. The results indicate that lithofacies composition, including mineralogy and texture, has a considerable effect on rock strength and durability. Under dry conditions, UCS values increased by up to ~ 200% in MLS and SLS relative to natural conditions, while saturation reduced UCS by 30–60% depending on lithofacies. Similar trends were observed in ITS, which decreased by up to 55% under saturation. The high silica content of SLS produced the most durable lithofacies, whereas the high porosity of FLS made it the most vulnerable to weakening from water exposure. MLS exhibited intermediate properties, as it loses strength considerably when existing fractures become saturated. Statistical analysis indicates that the CaO, SiO 2 , and MgO contents strongly influenced the rock mechanical properties. The study reveals relationships between lithofacies geochemistry, microstructural attributes (fractures, porosity, fossil interfaces), and mechanical responses under different moisture states. These insights allow for predictions about carbonate rock mechanical performance, making them crucial for geological research, engineering projects, industrial applications, and infrastructure design.
Influence of non-Newtonian Rabinowitsch fluids on the operational efficiency of sine film thrust bearings with porous walls
Abstract This study explores the influence of a porous wall on the performance of a sine film thrust bearing (T-bearing) with the lubrication of non-Newtonian (n-N) Rabinowitsch fluid. Analytical expressions for pressure distribution, load-carrying capacity and volume flow rate are derived using a nonlinear Reynolds equation based on the Rabinowitsch fluid (RF) model, coupled with a small perturbation technique. The findings reveal that dilatant lubricants generate higher peak pressures, enhanced load-carrying capacities and increased volume flow rates compared to Newtonian and pseudo-plastic lubricants. However, an increase in porous pad thickness and capillary tube radius leads to a reduction in these performance metrics. The results underscore the effectiveness of n-N dilatant lubricants in optimizing the performance of T-bearings.
Socioeconomic disparities impacting breast cancer care and survival in Iran
The greenhouse gas emissions of the most remarkable Finnish fish product chains
Assessing genetic gain and diversity in Ethiopian bread wheat across six decades
Structural integrity assessment of an amphibious spider robot’s flapping fin using FEA method for underwater operating conditions
Abstract This study presents a finite element analysis (FEA)-driven design and preliminary experimental validation of a bio-inspired amphibious spider robot’s flapping fin mechanism for hybrid terrestrial–aquatic locomotion. The robot incorporates a six-legged walking system and a passive deployable fin-based swimming mechanism actuated via leg-tip hooks with spring-loaded retraction, enabling automatic transition between land and water operation when triggered by a water contact sensor. Structural performance of the fin under combined hydrostatic and dynamic pressures was evaluated in ANSYS, with dynamic loads derived from fin tip velocity corresponding to a baseline flapping frequency of 1 Hz. Candidate materials, including Nylon (PA12), PETG, TPU (98 A), and 304 L stainless steel foil, were compared through stress–strain–deformation analysis. A multi-criteria decision analysis identified 304 L stainless steel foil as the optimal choice for minimal deformation (0.64 mm) and high fatigue resistance. A functional prototype was fabricated using FDM-based 3D printing, integrating macro and micro servo motors for locomotion and fin deployment. Equipped with TPU fins (0.15 mm thickness) for initial trials, the 1.311 kg prototype achieved a measured flapping speed of 53.4 RPM (0.89 Hz) using a non-contact tachometer, closely matching simulation assumptions. The results confirm the feasibility of the proposed design, validate its actuation performance, and provide a foundation for future in-water propulsion measurements and fluid–structure interaction studies.
Visual outcomes and anatomical biomarkers of Faricimab for diabetic macular edema in the J-CREST real-world comparison of naïve and treated eyes
Optimizing ancient DNA recovery from archaeological plant seeds
The association between self-efficacy and social support with physical activity in older adults: a cross-sectional study
Machine learning evaluation of PI control effects on neutral equilibrium in bridge virtual pier systems
Reverse vaccinology-driven construction and bioinformatics validation of a multi-epitope vaccine against Brucella spp.
A community cross-sectional study on oral health status among rural and urban inhabitants of Zambia
Abstract Information on the prevalence of oral diseases and associated factors in Africa is limited. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the oral health status in adults living in urban Ndola ( N = 188) and rural Mansa ( N = 211) where participants were interviewed on oral health, followed by an oral examination. The chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to examine associations between socio-demographic factors, oral disease risk factors, and oral disease presence across urban and rural participants. Dental caries occurred in 72.9% of urban and 47.9% of rural participants ( p < 0.0001). DMFT was 4.0 in urban participants compared to 2.2 in rural participants ( p < 0.0001). Gingivitis occurred in 84.5% and 88.1% of urban and rural participants, respectively ( p = 0.297). Age and habitat were factors significantly associated with dental caries, DMFT, and gingivitis. Smoking and alcohol use were significantly associated with gingivitis, while age, education, smoking, and alcohol use were factors significantly associated with periodontal disease. Only three study participants in the rural population were diagnosed with leukoplakia. In conclusion, dental caries was particularly common in the urban population in Zambia, while gingivitis was high in both the urban and rural populations. Unmet dental care calls for broad interventions to address oral diseases in Zambia.
Development, testing and comparison of novel lifestyle-based prediction models for risk of coronary heart disease
Mechanism of Artemisia argyi Levl.et Vant. aqueous extract in alleviating dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis
Psychometric evaluation of an instrument measuring artificial intelligence utilization in decision-making domains of healthcare organizations
Abstract The decision-making process in healthcare services encounters numerous challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly contributed to enhancing healthcare decision-making. There is a lack of validated instruments available in the literature to measure AI utilization across various healthcare domains. This study aimed to validate an instrument designed to assess the level of AI utilization across various healthcare domains within healthcare organizations. This study was conducted in Iran during the 2024–2025 period, utilizing a methodological design for the development of the study instrument. Initially, the authors formulated and constructed items for a preliminary questionnaire based on a previously published study within the relevant context. To ensure the instrument’s validity and reliability, a comprehensive evaluation was performed using multiple methods, including assessments of face validity, content validity, construct validity, and reliability analysis. The final version of the study instrument consisted of 12 items. The instrument demonstrated excellent validity and reliability. The average factor loading across the instrument’s items was 0.8, and the principal component accounted for 65.31% of the total variance. Additionally, both Cronbach’s alpha and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were 0.95, indicating high internal consistency and reliability. Furthermore, the findings indicated that the level of AI utilization in Iran was predominantly low across most assessed items. The study presented a validated instrument for assessing AI implementation across healthcare decision-making domains. Further research is needed to develop specialized instruments for each decision-making domain to enhance data comprehensiveness.
Influence of climatic and land use factors on post-monsoon distribution of Aedes mosquito vectors in Udupi taluk
Abstract Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for 17% of the global disease burden, causing approximately 700,000 deaths annually. Among these, dengue is a major public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions, transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus . This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Udupi taluk, Karnataka, India, to examine the influence of climatic factors and land use/land cover (LULC) on Aedes distribution during the post-monsoon season. With a 5 km × 5 km grid sampling design, 28 locations (560 households) were surveyed between October and December 2023. Aedes larvae were detected in 71.42% of houses. Of the 425 mosquitoes identified, A. albopictus (57.64%) were more abundant than A. aegypti (23.52%), with the rest belonging to Culex and Armigeres. Climatic factors such as temperature and humidity showed positive correlation with A.albopictus , while A.aegypti showed weak negative correlation. GIS analysis highlighted the Aedes high-density breeding areas, and larval indices maps were developed. Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) regression identified HI as a significant predictor of A. aegypti abundance. LULC mapping indicated Aedes breeding activity concentrated in fragmented urban areas and croplands. The study highlights the importance of integrating climatic and spatial data for targeted vector control.