Search Results (97)

Recent investigations at the Cortijo de las Mezquitas complex (Antequera–Campillos–Sierra de Yeguas, Province of Málaga, Andalusia, Spain) have focused on clarifying the construction history of the monument and on contextualising the presence of an early medieval rural mosque, a rare example within the Iberian Peninsula. The reassessment of the complex, conducted within the methodological framework of Building Archaeology, has made it possible to describe the constructive characteristics of the building with greater precision, both in terms of its architectural design and its construction process. This approach has enabled a more detailed definition of the technological context employed in the original construction phase, as well as of the chronological range to which it belongs, spanning between the late ninth and early tenth centuries. Subsequent phases of reoccupation and transformation, particularly from the sixteenth century onwards, were also documented, although the dating of some interventions remains uncertain. This research provides a fundamental framework for the historical contextualisation of the monument within the history of al-Andalus and highlights the urgent need for its conservation, restoration, and valorisation. Full article

Health equity and financial inclusion (FI) are at the core of the Sustainable Development Goals, yet their intersection remains critically under-studied. This bibliometric study maps this emergent and fragmented field by analyzing 24,140 publications from Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Lens.org over five decades. Employing co-citation and co-word analysis via VOSviewer, chart research trends, governance frameworks, and policy linkages were systematically presented. The analysis reveals that less than 0.3% of the identified literature explicitly bridges financial inclusion with health outcomes, and direct investigations into health equity are virtually absent. Despite recent growth, fundamental gaps persist, including a lack of empirical studies on digital financial tools in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) health contexts and insufficient focus on disadvantaged populations. As the first comprehensive empirical mapping of this nexus, this study underscores the urgency for scholarly and policy action to strategically leverage financial instruments for equitable healthcare access. The findings provide a foundational map and a structured agenda to consolidate this nascent field. Full article

Background: While archaeological evidence is crucial for understanding the origins of ancient rose varieties in Western Europe, the botanical composition of medieval Islamic gardens remains largely unknown. This study focuses on the rose cultivation at the 12th-century Almunia del Castillejo de Monteagudo in Murcia, Spain, a key Islamic site in al-Andalus. Methods: Morphometric analysis and Bayesian hypothesis testing were applied to characterize rose prickle remains recovered from the site. The prickles were found in stratigraphic contexts above the original garden and yielded post-medieval radiocarbon dates (18th–19th centuries AD). The morphological parameters of the archaeological specimens were statistically compared against reference collections of known rose species to determine their probable botanical origins. Results: The analysis identified two distinct prickle morphotypes. Statistical comparisons indicate these correspond to the white musk rose (Rosa moschata Herrm.) and to yellow roses from the Rosa foetida Herrm. complex (including R. lutea Mill. var. persiana Lem.). Both species are historic introductions from West Asia. The morphometric parameters demonstrated significant diagnostic value for the species-level identification of archaeological rose remains. Conclusion: Despite the post-medieval date of the prickles, the presence of R. moschata and R. foetida suggests the continuity of cultivation for rose species originally already known during the medieval Islamic period. This provides direct archaeological evidence for the role of al-Andalus gardens in the dissemination of West Asian rose diversity, highlighting the lasting impact of medieval Islamic horticulture on the Iberian Peninsula. Full article

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) remains a core Sustainable Development Goal challenge for Arab nations, with structural inequalities and conflict ongoing in threatening equal access to health. Although literature concurs on the presence of a relationship between UHC and financial inclusion, contextual mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain poorly understood. This study offers an integrated Explainable AI (XAI)–Econometric methodology to unveil how financial inclusion—through digital as well as physical channels for services—drives UHC progress in 17 Arab nations (2011–2022). With the use of Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS), Panel-Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE), and Random Forest regression with SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values, we estimate both average causal and heterogeneous contextual effects. The combined model increases predictive strength by 18% over conventional econometric baselines (R² = 0.83), while the SHAP results identified top predicators. The findings suggest that ATM density and electricity access remain the overriding drivers of UHC whereas digital financial services play a role only with the complement of strong public health expenditures. The diagnostic result allows policymakers to designate country-specific challenges and prioritize joint investments in infrastructure and inclusive finance. While data constraints in conflict settings need cautious interpretation, the proposed XAI–econometric strategy supplies a replicable methodology template for contextualized SDG diagnostics. Full article

Achieving a best-fit prosthetic socket is essential to comfort, functional performance, and long-term residual limb health in lower-limb amputees. To our knowledge, no previous study has quantitatively compared in vivo residual limb geometry under vacuum versus non-vacuum conditions using high-resolution computed tomography (CT). In this patient-specific case study of a bilateral knee-disarticulation (KD) amputee, both residual limbs were scanned under standardized conditions: one enclosed in a vacuum-compressed sleeve and the contralateral limb untreated as a natural control, thereby minimizing inter-subject variability. CT-based 3D reconstructions enabled volumetric and cross-sectional quantification, including symmetry/asymmetry analysis of paired limbs, while finite element analysis (FEA) assessed the biomechanical consequences for socket performance. Vacuum application resulted in a 4.1% reduction in total limb volume and a 5.3% reduction in mid-thigh cross-sectional area, with regionally asymmetric displacement of soft tissues. FEA demonstrated that vacuum-induced geometry reduced peak Von Mises stresses (27.43 MPa to 15.83 MPa), minimized maximum displacement (1.72 mm to 0.88 mm), and improved minimum factor of safety (~2.0 to ~3.0), while homogenizing contact pressure distribution (peak fell from 2.42 to 1.28 N/mm²). These findings provide preliminary CT-based evidence that vacuum application induces measurable morphological adaptations with implications for socket conformity, comfort, and load transfer. While limited to a single patient, this study highlights the potential of vacuum-induced modeling to inform personalized prosthetic socket design. Full article

Medieval Islamic bustān gardens in the western Mediterranean played a crucial role in preserving and enriching rose diversity through the cultivation of species from the eastern Mediterranean and western Asia. These gardens, particularly in Al-Andalus, maintained distinctive rose varieties characterized by diverse flower morphology—ranging from white to deep crimson and near-black hues, including various yellow shades—and complex fragrance profiles with multiple olfactory nuances. The botanical heritage from these medieval Islamic gardens demonstrates remarkable persistence, with several of these cultivated rose species still found today in abandoned cortijos and aldeas throughout the mountains of eastern Spain. This study examines the transmission of rose culture through medieval Islamic bustān gardens, analyzing how these gardens served as repositories for ancient cultivars while introducing new varieties from eastern regions. Through examination of historical texts, iconographic evidence, and field documentation of surviving populations, we trace the continuity of medieval Islamic rose cultivation practices and their lasting impact on the rural landscape of eastern Spain. Flower scent is prominent as the leading factor determining preferences for medieval heritage rose cultivars, together with color and shape. The survival of these roses in abandoned settlements provides unique insight into the durability of medieval horticultural systems and the adaptation of cultivated species to semi-wild conditions over centuries. Full article

Spain is among the European countries with the greatest number of preserved castles and defensive structures—some estimates place the total at around 10,000, the majority of which date back to the medieval period. Yet, surprisingly, many of these fortifications remain uncatalogued and in an advanced state of ruin. This study focuses on a small fortress that has been overlooked by historiography and neglected by public authorities, yet which still stands after seven centuries: the Tower of Lopera, a castle belonging to the so-called Banda Morisca (the frontier of Al-Andalus in the 14th century). Using a combination of digital documentation techniques—namely, portable laser scanning, photogrammetry (via drone and camera), and digital image processing software—we have been able to digitize, geometrize, and document both the surviving architectural remains and their immediate physical environment. Rather than pursuing the latest technological innovations, this methodology prioritizes practical and realistic solutions based on the resources typically available to cultural heritage administrations. Our work serves two main objectives: to demonstrate the viability of applying such tools to this typology of architectural heritage and to conduct a detailed graphic and geometric analysis of the structure. Given the abundance of similar abandoned fortresses in Spain, the findings presented here could inform future heritage documentation strategies on a broader, potentially national, scale. Full article

The increasing incidence of oil contamination in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in oil-rich regions such as Qatar, poses significant threats to marine life and human activities. Our study addresses the critical need for effective and eco-friendly oil-water separation techniques, focusing on developing graphene and chitosan-based three-dimensional (3D) polymeric sponges. These materials have demonstrated potential due to their high porosity and surface area, which can be enhanced through surface treatment to improve hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. This study introduces a new technique dependent on the optimization of the graphene oxide (GO) concentration within the composite sponge to achieve a superior oil uptake capacity (51.4 g oil/g sponge at 3% GO), and the detailed characterization of the material’s performance in separating heavy oil-water emulsions. Our study seeks to answer key questions regarding the performance of these modified sponges and their scalability for industrial applications. This research directly aligns with Qatar’s environmental goals and develops sustainable oil-water separation technologies. It addresses the pressing challenges of oil spills, ultimately contributing to improved marine ecosystem protection and efficient resource recovery. Full article

This study investigates the biotribological performance of alumina–UHMWPE and alumina–PEEK hip implant couples through finite element simulation (ANSYS v24) and statistical inference (STATA v17). During gait cycle loading simulations, significant disparity in wear behaviour was observed. Alumina–UHMWPE demonstrated superior mechanical resistance, with a wear volume of 0.18481 mm³ and a wear depth of 6.93 × 10⁻⁴ mm compared to alumina–PEEK, which registered higher wear (volume: 8.4006 mm³; depth: 3.15 × 10⁻² mm). Wear distribution analysis indicated alumina–UHMWPE showed an even wear pattern in comparison to the poor, uneven alumina-PEEK high-wear patterns. Statistical comparison validated these findings, wherein alumina–UHMWPE achieved a 27.60 hip joint wear index (HCI) value, which is better than that of alumina–PEEK (35.85 HCI), particularly regarding key parameters like wear depth and volume. This computational–statistical model yields a baseline design for biomaterial choice, demonstrating the potential clinical superiority of alumina–UHMWPE in reducing implant failure risk. While this is a simulation study lacking experimental validation, the results pave the way for experimental and clinical studies for further verification and refinement. The approach enables hip arthroplasty design optimization with maximal efficiency and minimal resource-intensive testing. Full article

Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of reduced dose compared to standard dose Enzalutamide treatment for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials and cohort studies reporting the use of Enzalutamide in reduced and standard doses in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Searches were limited to articles published in the English language. Outcome assessments included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), adverse events, and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, including 2481 patients treated with Enzalutamide. Seven studies were retrospective cohorts, two were prospective trials, and one was a prospective cohort. No consistent relationship was identified between OS and PFS and the Enzalutamide dosage. Reduced doses of Enzalutamide decreased the incidence of adverse events, particularly among elderly patients. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests that reduced doses of Enzalutamide in CRPC may maintain therapeutic efficacy in selected patients while improving tolerability. However, inconsistent findings and methodological limitations highlight the need for prospective randomized trials to define optimal and individualized dosing strategies. Full article

The production and creation of jewelry in al-Andalus must be understood as a phenomenon having to do with images signifying power; not only that of rulers, but also of families boasting high socio-economic status. This study aims to highlight the adoption of Middle Eastern models in the design of some pieces, as can be appreciated in the examples studied, dated between the end of the 10th century and the beginning of the 11th. To undertake this study, it was necessary to consult written sources that reveal the use of jewelry as images of power, and its importance in the society of al-Andalus. Rulers used jewels as symbols of personal authority, but also as gifts for other leaders and prominent members of their families and members of the social elite. It was necessary to formally study all the treasures preserved and dated between the end of the tenth century and the beginning of the eleventh, which made it possible to establish formal parallels with pieces of Eastern jewelry, from Fatimid Egypt and Iraq, dating from the same time. These artistic parallels manifest the adoption of Eastern models in al-Andalus jewelry, through the commercial relationships maintained with the East, especially as of the ninth century. Full article

Islamic ornamentation is important to mosque architecture, reflecting Islamic culture’s rich traditions and artistry. In contemporary European mosques, the challenge lies in combining these traditional styles with modern architectural designs, creating spaces that honor heritage and foster inclusivity among varied Muslim communities. These challenges impact mosque design’s cultural, esthetic, and functional dimensions, essential for sustaining Islamic identity. To explore how these factors influence cultural architectural expressions, this study examines ornamentation in four contemporary European mosques: Cologne Central Mosque (Germany), Cambridge Central Mosque (United Kingdom), Al-Ándalus Mosque (Spain), and Rijeka Mosque (Croatia). It evaluates their impact on cultural heritage, esthetic appeal, functionality, and Islamic identity within the context of modern architectural styles through a comparative analysis. The results demonstrate adaptations to local contexts and modern trends. Al-Ándalus Mosque reveals a strong identity by preserving traditional heritage, while Cologne and Cambridge Mosques balance tradition and modernity. Rijeka Mosque, heavily influenced by minimalism, reduces cultural richness despite a contemporary approach. Modern innovations like sustainable materials enhance functionality but sometimes dilute Islamic identity. The study concludes that integrating traditional elements with modern esthetics and functionality is essential to aligning mosque design with contemporary styles, while preserving Islamic identity and fostering a sense of belonging within Muslim communities in Europe. Full article

During the Islamic period, ceramic workshops were commonly established in settlements throughout the Gharb al-Andalus region (Western Iberia at the time), to produce ceramics for local supply. Along the middle valley of the Tagus river (i.e., nowadays central Portugal), hundreds of Islamic ceramic sherds, either glazed or common wares, were recovered over different archaeological excavations. At the archaeological site of Serradinho, located at Muge (Municipality of Salvaterra de Magos, Santarem District, Portugal), a fortuitous finding was unearthed during agricultural works in which ceramic sherds from the Emiral (8–9th century) to the Almoravid (mid–12th century) period were recorded. The uninterrupted time lapse evidenced by these ceramic artefacts is a one-off opportunity to trace back early Islamic ceramic production and to link it with the long-lasting ceramic tradition documented at Muge by ethnographic studies. In this study, insights into the provenance of raw materials and the pottery-manufacturing processes will be approached by means of different optical and analytical methods, namely Optical Microscopy (OM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and granulometric tests on sediments offering some interesting parallels between archaeological and modern ceramic production. Results suggested that most ceramics were locally produced, while others were imported into the settlement during the Islamic Middle Ages. Moreover, data indicate that a locally available raw material which is still used nowadays for the production of traditional ceramics had been employed. This result confirms the exploitation of the same raw material over time, linking Islamic Middle Ages ceramic production to the modern one. Full article

The material legacy of the Almoravid dynasty is evident in a limited number of public and military works promoted by the authorities, reflecting their policies on territorial expansion and urban planning. Other aspects, such as its integration into the Mediterranean economy, its ideological spread, and the vitality of its productive sectors, are well represented through coinage, inscriptions, and sumptuary arts. However, understanding everyday material culture beyond aristocratic circles remains elusive. This paper explores the influence of the Almoravid period on al-Andalus’s material culture, identifying antecedents and impacts on later periods. We analyze artifacts from the Albalat site (Romangordo, Cáceres, Spain), contextualized in the first half of the 12th century, comparing them with contemporary and earlier examples across the Almoravid empire. Emphasis is placed on ceramics, highlighting their diverse nature with inherited traits from the Taifa period, and innovations that persisted into Almohad culture, considering the role of production centers in disseminating these models. The transition from Almoravid to Almohad is also examined through everyday items like a casket adorned with bone inlays, representing a link in Andalusian ivory handicraft evolution. This analysis aims to deepen understanding of Almoravid heritage in the Iberian Peninsula. Full article

This study presents an advanced control system for liquid level regulation, comparing a traditional proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller with a fuzzy logic controller. The system integrates a real-time monitoring and control interface, allowing flexible adjustments for research and training applications. Unlike the PID controller, which relies on predefined tuning parameters, the fuzzy logic controller dynamically adjusts control actions based on system behavior, making it more suitable for processes with non-linear dynamics. The experimental results highlight the superior performance of the fuzzy logic controller over the PID controller. Specifically, the fuzzy logic controller achieved a 21% reduction in maximum overshoot, a 62% decrease in peak time, and an 83% reduction in settling time. These improvements demonstrate its ability to handle process fluctuations more efficiently and respond rapidly to changes in liquid levels. By offering enhanced stability and adaptability, the fuzzy logic controller presents a viable alternative for liquid level control applications. Furthermore, this research contributes to the development of flexible and high-performance control solutions that can be implemented in both industrial and educational settings. The proposed system serves as a cost-effective platform for hands-on learning in control system design, reinforcing contemporary engineering education and advancing intelligent control strategies for industrial automation. Full article