Mechanical Model Research Articles

Ethanol extract of Ziziphus nummularia ameliorates formaldehyde-induced arthritis in rats by regulating oxidative stress biomarkers and haematological profile.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder that mainly affects bone and cartilage architecture. The continuous use of NSAIDs and DMARDs is associated with severe toxic effects. Therefore, the current study was designed to scrutinize herb-based therapy for the treatment of RA. To evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of ethanol extract of Ziziphus nummularia using formaldehyde-induced arthritic model in rats and elucidate the possible mechanism for anti-arthritic activity. Anti-arthritic activity of ETZN was studied at three oral doses, i.e., 200, 400, and 600mg/kg. Selected doses were studied using various clinical parameters viz. paw volume, inflammatory index, motility test, stair test, anti-nociceptive efficacy, walking track analysis, and motor activity) from day 1 to day 10. On the last day, the animals were killed for the evaluation of hematological parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, and histological and radiographic studies of the hind paw. Treatment with ETZN 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg markedly elicited a significant reduction in paw volume, inflammatory index, and nociceptive action compared to diseased animals. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory activity was confirmed by increased latency of pain threshold in thermal and mechanical algesia models. The anti-arthritic activity is mainly attributed to a reduction in oxidative stress biomarkers as well as restoration of haematological profile in treated animals when compared to diseased animals. Lastly, the anti-arthritic potential was confirmed by histological and radiological analysis which revealed a marked reduction in inflammatory cells and bone destruction as compared to diseased animals. The study revealed that ETZN exhibits significant anti-arthritic activity via modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers, restoration of hematological profile, and reduction in bone erosion.

Darobactin Substrate Engineering and Computation Show Radical Stability Governs Ether versus C-C Bond Formation.

The Gram-negative selective antibiotic darobactin A has attracted interest owing to its intriguing fused bicyclic structure and unique targeting of the outer membrane protein BamA. Darobactin, a ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP), is produced by a radical S-adenosyl methionine (rSAM)-dependent enzyme (DarE) and contains one ether and one C-C cross-link. Herein, we analyze the substrate tolerance of DarE and describe an underlying catalytic principle of the enzyme. These efforts produced 51 enzymatically modified darobactin variants, revealing that DarE can install the ether and C-C cross-links independently and in different locations on the substrate. Notable variants with fused bicyclic structures were characterized, including darobactin W3Y, with a non-Trp residue at the twice-modified central position, and darobactin K5F, which displays a fused diether ring pattern. While lacking antibiotic activity, quantum mechanical modeling of darobactins W3Y and K5F aided in the elucidation of the requisite features for high-affinity BamA engagement. We also provide experimental evidence for β-oxo modification, which adds support for a proposed DarE mechanism. Based on these results, ether and C-C cross-link formation was investigated computationally, and it was determined that more stable and longer-lived aromatic Cβ radicals correlated with ether formation. Further, molecular docking and transition state structures based on high-level quantum mechanical calculations support the different indole connectivity observed for ether (Trp-C7) and C-C (Trp-C6) cross-links. Finally, mutational analysis and protein structural predictions identified substrate residues that govern engagement to DarE. Our work informs on darobactin scaffold engineering and further unveils the underlying principles of rSAM catalysis.

Biofusion design and parameter optimization for a novel passive assisted knee exoskeleton robot based on eight-bar mechanism

Abstract In an effort to alleviate the issue of knee joint fatigue and injury during lower limb ambulation, a novel passive assisted exoskeleton robot with human–machine interaction is investigated to assist the movement of the human knee joint. The design of the exoskeleton configuration takes into consideration the physiological structure and gait function of the knee joint, ensuring that it satisfies the requirements for motion, force, and gait function of the knee joint. To explore the interaction between the wearer and the exoskeleton, a human–machine kinematic model after wearing exoskeleton is established, which is instrumental in analyzing the integration motion of the wearer and exoskeleton. In addition, the dynamic and static models of the knee joint after wearing the exoskeleton are established, utilizing the Newton–Euler method and force polygon method, respectively, to evaluate the effectiveness of the exoskeleton. Moreover, the size parameters and spring stiffness of the exoskeleton are optimized, using both human body kinematic model and mechanic model. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the exoskeleton in proving assistance is evaluated through human body simulation, using OpenSim. The results indicate that the exoskeleton significantly reduces the knee joint torque by 48.42%.

Analysis of Microwave-Induced Damage in Granite Aggregates Influenced by Mineral Texture

The use of microwave energy to recycle high-quality coarse aggregates from waste concrete or assist hard rock breakage in underground building engineering is promising. Controlling or promoting the damage of coarse aggregates, i.e., hard rocks, under microwave irradiation is a crucial issue faced by these techniques. Understanding the damage mechanisms of hard rocks exposed to microwaves is thus urgent. Fracture toughness is a significant mechanical parameter of rocks that reflects their ability to resist crack propagation and damage evolution. In this study, the fracture toughness degradation of microwave-heated granite was investigated by combining experimental investigations and numerical simulations. A three-point-bending (TPB) experiment was conducted on granite specimens after microwave irradiation. A coupled electromagnetic–thermal–mechanical model considering the actual mineral texture of the granite specimen was established. The evolution of the temperature gradient and stress field near the initial notch tip were investigated. The results suggest that the microwave-induced maximum temperature gradient and stress in granite are at the plagioclase–quartz (Pl–Qtz) interfaces or inside the Pl near the boundary. The region of cracking initiation was defined as the damage zone, which could be obtained by comparing the microwave-induced thermal stress with the critical value. The fracture toughness degradation, which corresponds to the evolution of the damage zones, can be divided into two stages. A relatively rapid decrease in fracture toughness in the first stage is primarily caused by the spread of the scattered damage zones along the Pl–Qtz interfaces; subsequently, a gentler fracture toughness degradation results mainly from the extension of the previous damage zones.

Gradients of properties increase the morphing and stiffening performance of bioinspired synthetic fin rays

Abstract State-of-the-art morphing materials are either very compliant to achieve large shape changes (flexible metamaterials, compliant mechanisms, hydrogels), or very stiff but with infinitesimal changes in shape that require large actuation forces (metallic or composite panels with piezoelectric actuation). Morphing efficiency and structural stiffness are therefore mutually exclusive properties in current engineering morphing materials, which limits the range of their applicability. Interestingly, natural fish fins do not contain muscles, yet they can morph to large amplitudes with minimal muscular actuation forces from the base while producing large hydrodynamic forces without collapsing. This sophisticated mechanical response has already inspired several synthetic fin rays with various applications. However, most “synthetic” fin rays have only considered uniform properties and structures along the rays while in natural fin rays, gradients of properties are prominent. In this study, we designed, modeled, fabricated and tested synthetic fin rays with bioinspired gradients of properties. The rays were composed of two hemitrichs made of a stiff polymer, joined by a much softer core region made of elastomeric ligaments. Using combinations of experiments and nonlinear mechanical models, we found that gradients in both the core region and hemitrichs can increase the morphing and stiffening response of individual rays. Introducing a positive gradient of ligament density in the core region (the density of ligament increases towards the tip of the ray) decreased the actuation force required for morphing and increased overall flexural stiffness. Introducing a gradient of property in the hemitrichs, by tapering them, produced morphing deformations that were distributed over long distances along the length of the ray. These new insights on the interplay between material architecture and properties in nonlinear regimes of deformation can improve the designs of morphing structures that combine high morphing efficiency and high stiffness from external forces, with potential applications in aerospace or robotics.

Lifetime assessment of deep-sea manned cabin with PMMA pressure-resistant hull prior to micro-cracks

Fully-transparent cabin type, utilized in manned submersibles, is typically constructed using viscoelastic PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) material. Accurate fatigue life assessment of manned cabin is of paramount importance to ensure structural safety. In this study, a calculation process for evaluating the fatigue life of PMMA manned cabins based on a continuum damage mechanics model combined with the viscoelastic constitutive relationship of the PMMA material in response to the absence of related specification is proposed. Fatigue tests of PMMA material are performed for determination of damage evolution model parameters and the calculation process is validated by the fatigue test data. Tailored subroutines are then developed by using ABAQUS software tool, respectively for structural analysis of a typical manned cabin with PMMA pressure-resistant hull, openings, hatches and penetration plates and simulating trapezoidal loading history acting on manned cabin. Subroutine coupling is accordingly employed to conduct parametric analysis on fatigue crack initiation life of the fully-transparent manned cabin with consideration of different outside pressure level and operation time and valuable results are obtained for identifying key areas of concern. This study intends to contribute to further cabins safety enhancement, as well as to design optimization and fatigue analysis of underwater structures involving PMMA materials.

Impact of Silk-Ionomer Encapsulation on Immune Cell Mechanical Properties and Viability.

Encapsulation of single cells is a powerful technique used in various fields, such as regenerative medicine, drug delivery, tissue regeneration, cell-based therapies, and biotechnology. It offers a method to protect cells by providing cytocompatible coatings to strengthen cells against mechanical and environmental perturbations. Silk fibroin, derived from the silkworm Bombyx mori, is a promising protein biomaterial for cell encapsulation due to the cytocompatibility and capacity to maintain cell functionality. Here, THP-1 cells, a human leukemia monocytic cell line, were encapsulated with chemically modified silk polyelectrolytes through electrostatic layer-by-layer deposition. The effectiveness of the silk nanocoating was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy and on cell viability and proliferation by Alamar Blue assay and live/dead staining. An analysis of the mechanical properties of the encapsulated cells was conducted using atomic force microscopy nanoindentation to measure elasticity maps and cellular stiffness. After the cells were encapsulated in silk, an increase in their stiffness was observed. Based on this observation, we developed a mechanical predictive model to estimate the variations in stiffness in relation to the thickness of the coating. By tuning the cellular assembly and biomechanics, these encapsulations promote systems that protect cells during biomaterial deposition or processing in general.

Study on mechanical properties and bearing capacity calculation of eccentric compression of RC columns reinforced with prestressed lattice steel

The external steel structure and RC column under eccentric compression have a reduced ability to work together, and using prestressing technology can significantly improve their ability to work together. Therefore, the paper proposes a new prestressed column reinforcement technology by adopting a space profile steel structure instead of angle steel and combining prestressing technology with the bolted connection. By conducting eccentric compression test studies on 11 specimens with different reinforcement methods, prestressing and eccentricity, load-displacement curves, stress distribution laws, ultimate bearing capacity, damage modes and prestressing influence rules were obtained. The main conclusions are as follows: prestressing can significantly improve the ability of external reinforcement steel structure and core column to work together and inhibit the development of concrete cracks. Compared with the traditional angle steel reinforcement, the bearing capacity is increased by 17.5 %, the stiffness is increased by 26.6 %, and the ductility is increased by 12.3 %. However, the reinforcement effect will be reduced if the prestressing is too large. It is recommended that the prestressing should be applied according to the size of 0.09 fc of the unilateral area of the core column. According to the prestressed lattice steel constraint mechanism, a mechanical analysis model of the reinforced member was established. Finally, based on the cross-section equilibrium method, a calculation method of eccentric compressive ultimate bearing capacity was proposed, and the research results can provide a basis for the engineering application of the new reinforcement method.

A Low-Frequency Fiber Bragg Grating Acceleration Sensor Based on Spring Support and Symmetric Compensation Structure with Flexible Hinges

To measure vibration signals, a low-frequency fiber Bragg grating (FBG) acceleration sensor featuring a flexible hinge with a spring support and symmetric compensation structure has been designed. Based on the mechanical model of the sensor’s structure, the expressions for sensitivity and resonant frequency of the sensor are derived. The structural parameters of the sensor are optimized, and a simulation analysis is conducted using ANSYS 19.2 software. According to the results of simulation analysis and size optimization, the sensor prototype is constructed. Subsequently, its amplitude-frequency response, sensitivity, and temperature characteristics are investigated through vibration experiments. The experimental results show that the resonant frequency of the sensor is 73 Hz, the operating frequency range is 0~60 Hz, and the sensitivity measures 24.24 pm/g. This design meets the requirements for measuring vibration signals at low frequencies.

Experimental and numerical study of the failure mechanism and stability of tunnel linings under different cavity conditions

In highway tunnels, the presence of a cavity behind the lining can affect the contact between the lining and surrounding rock, leading to the concentration of pressure from the surrounding rock and acceleration of cracking in the tunnel structure. Thus, such cavities pose significant safety hazards. However, due to the complexity of the interaction between the cavity behind the lining and the surrounding rock, it is challenging to clarify the mechanism of damage caused by the cavity. In this study, we developed a mechanical model for testing the linings of highway tunnels and conducted numerical simulations of the bearing capacity of the lining in the presence of cavities. The results showed that the presence of a cavity behind the arch crown significantly affected the overall lining structure along with the stress state and deformation of the lining, leading to cracking at the arch crown of the lining. In contrast, the effects of single voids at the arch shoulder and arch waist were relatively small. When the cavity is located on one side of the lining, the effect of the deviation angle of the cavity center on the overall safety factor of the lining becomes more significant, with a maximum decrease of 62% in the safety factor. This study provides an essential reference for detecting and evaluating tunnels during operation when voids are present behind the lining.

Effect of Pre-Heating on Residual Stresses and Deformation in Laser-Based Directed Energy Deposition Repair: A Comparative Analysis

Laser-directed energy deposition (DED), a metal additive manufacturing method, is renowned for its role in repairing parts, particularly when replacement costs are prohibitive. Ensuring that repaired parts avoid residual stresses and deformation is crucial for maintaining functional integrity. This study conducts experimental and numerical analyses on trapezoidal shape repairs, validating both the thermal and mechanical models with experimental results. Additionally, the study presents a methodology for creating a toolpath applicable to both the DED process and Abaqus CAE software. The findings indicate that employing a pre-heating strategy can reduce residual stresses by over 70% compared to no pre-heating. However, pre-heating may not substantially reduce final distortion. Notably, final distortion can be significantly mitigated by pre-heating and subsequently cooling to higher temperatures, thereby reducing the cooling rate. These insights contribute to optimizing DED repair processes for enhanced part functionality and longevity.

Analytic Gradients for the Electrostatic Embedding QM/MM Model in Periodic Boundary Conditions Using Particle-Mesh Ewald Sums and Electrostatic Potential Fitted Charge Operators.

Long-range electrostatic effects are fundamental for describing chemical reactivity in the condensed phase. Here, we present the methodology of an efficient quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) model in periodic boundary conditions (PBC) compatible with QM/MM boundaries at chemical bonds. The method combines electrostatic potential fitted charge operators and electrostatic potentials derived from the smooth particle-mesh Ewald (PME) sum approach. The total energy and its analytic first derivatives with respect to QM, MM, and lattice vectors allow QM/MM molecular dynamics (MD) in the most common thermodynamic ensembles. We demonstrate the robustness of the method by performing a QM/MM MD equilibration of methanol in water. We simulate the cis/trans isomerization free-energy profiles in water of proline amino acid and a proline-containing oligopeptide, showing a correct description of the reaction barrier. Our PBC-compatible QM/MM model can efficiently be used to study the chemical reactivity in the condensed phase and enzymatic catalysis.

A switching lung mechanics model for detection of expiratory flow limitation

Abstract Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) is an often unrecognized clinical condition with a multitude of negative implications. A mathematical EFL model is proposed to detect flow limitations automatically. The EFL model is a switching one-compartment lung mechanics model with a volume-dependent airway resistance to simulate the dynamic behavior during expiration. The EFL detection is based on a breath-by-breath model parameter identification and validated on clinical data of mechanically ventilated patients. In the severe flow limitation group 93.9 % ± 5 % and in the no limitation group 10.2 % ± 13.7 % of the breaths are detected as EFL. Based on the high detection rate of EFL, these results support the usefulness of the EFL detection. It is a first step toward an automated detection of EFL in clinical applications and may help to reduce underdiagnosis of EFL.

Residual stress relief strategy in thick steel weldments via local induction heat treatment: Simulation and neutron diffraction experiment

This study investigated the effect of local induction post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) on residual stress relief in thick submerged arc welded steel plates. A combination of numerical and neutron diffraction methods was used to examine the effect of various PWHT parameters, such as annealing temperature and holding time, on the relief of residual stress in welded plates with various thicknesses. A sequentially coupled thermal–mechanical finite element model was used to calculate the residual stress distribution in welded AH36 steel plates before and after PWHT. The model was validated by comparing its predictions with the experimental measurements, and the results showed good agreement. The residual stress of the thick welded plates was effectively reduced via PWHT with local induction. The primary mechanism for this stress release was identified as stress relaxation caused by creep strain. Furthermore, a process map was established considering the PWHT conditions and plate geometry. This map provides a means of determining the optimal PWHT conditions to achieve desired stress reduction levels.

A thrust vector control test system of large range solid rocket engine utilizing a four-point support piezoelectric dynamometer and a deflected flange structure

The accurate measurement of thrust vector is very important to improve the life and safety of aircraft engine. In order to meet the requirements of thrust vector test of a solid rocket engine and overcome the contradiction between large thrust (>50 kN) and high-frequency response (≫30 Hz)/high precision measurement (<3%), a thrust vector control test system utilizing a four-point support piezoelectric dynamometer (FSPD) and a deflected flange structure was proposed. The test system mainly consists of a four-point support piezoelectric dynamometer and some vector force simulation loading devices. The theoretical mechanical model and the thrust vector control test system was set up to study the performance of solid rocket engine. Firstly, the piezoelectric elements and four-point support piezoelectric dynamometer were calibrated by the three-direction force calibration loading device. Secondly, the rationality and feasibility of the thrust vector control test system were proved by the simulated loading experiment. The research results show that the static and dynamic performance of the test system meet the test requirements, and it has good linearity and repeatability, errors are less than 1.00 %, and interphase interference is less than 2.00 %. The measuring system proposed in this paper provides a new idea for the accurate measurement of vector force with large load and high-frequency response.

Compressive mechanical properties of styrene-butadiene rubber under medium-low strain rates: Experiments and modeling

Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is widely employed as a cushioning material in engineering applications to resist impact loadings due to its excellent mechanical properties and energy absorption capacity. This paper aims to investigate the compressive mechanical properties and constitutive model of SBR under medium–low strain rates both experimentally and theoretically. Firstly, quasi-static and dynamic compression tests of SBR were carried out under the strain rate up to 220 s−1 using an electronic universal testing machine and a drop-weight machine, respectively. Subsequently, the effect of loading rate on mechanical properties, strain rate sensitivity and energy absorption capacity was examined. The results indicate that SBR exhibits visco-hyperelastic characteristics with reversible compression deformation and strain rate dependency, ie., the yield stress, flow stress and dynamic increase factor (DIF) increase approximately exponentially with increasing logarithmic strain rate. In addition, the SBR exhibits excellent energy absorption capacity during compression, especially under higher strain rates and larger strain levels. Finally, a visco-hyperelastic constitutive model was proposed by replacing the nonlinear spring with a hyperelastic element in Zhu-Wang-Tang (ZWT) viscoelastic constitutive model to describe the nonlinear mechanical behaviors in SBR, and an acceptable agreement between experimental results and model predictions were observed. The findings of this research can provide a valuable guide for designing and optimizing the impact resistance of SBR structures.

Damage evolution of tunnel lining under creep action considering interlayer effect in gently inclined layered surrounding rock

The anisotropy and creep characteristics of layered sandstone mudstone with different structural inclinations have a significant impact on the safety of tunnel construction and operation. we conducted research of the layered sand-mudstone of the Yunding Tunnel on the Dazhou-Chengdu line, based on the mechanical response mechanism of layered surrounding rock and employing a numerical coupling analysis method, established a creep damage mechanical model of layered rock to study the progressive failure characteristics of layered rock and the failure mechanism of tunnel lining. The results indicate that:(1) The response mechanism of layered rock mechanics based on the delamination effect can well reflect the progressive fracture of the layered rock and distinguish the failure mode of layered rock; (2) The established layered rock mechanics contact model can effectively characterize the anisotropic macroscopic mechanical properties of layered sand-mudstone in biaxial test and triaxial creep test; (3) The fracture characteristics of the layered surrounding rock matrix change significantly with the change of the dip angle of the structural plane, the cracks mainly appear in the direction perpendicular to the structural plane. And it can be determined that the critical angle of sliding failure of layered sand mudstone is α1 = 28.77°, α2 = 65.47° (4) The damage evolution of lining can be divided into four states: 1. elastic state 2. injury working state 3. ultimate bearing state 4. damage state. With the increase of the dip angle of the structural plane, the time for the lining to enter the ultimate bearing state is gradually delayed, and the delayed rate shows the characteristics of ’slower-faster-slower’. This research achievement can provide a certain foundation for the analysis of the failure mode and the failure mechanism of tunnel lining.

Non-Linear Dynamics of Simple Elastic Systems Undergoing Friction-Ruled Stick–Slip Motions

The stick–slip phenomenon is a jerking motion that can occur while two objects slide over each other with friction. There are several situations in which this phenomenon can be observed: between the slabs of the friction dampers used to mitigate vibrations in buildings, as well as between the components of the base isolation systems used for seismic protection. The systems of this kind are usually designed to work in a smooth and flawless manner, but under particular conditions undesired jerking motions may develop, yielding complex dynamic behavior even when only a few degrees of freedom are involved. A simplified approach to the problems of this kind leads to the mechanical model of a rigid block connected elastically to a rigid support and at the same time with friction to a second rigid support, both the supports having a prescribed motion. Despite the apparent simplicity of this model, it is very useful for studying important features of the non-linear dynamics of many physical systems. In this work, after a suitable formulation of the problem, the equations of motion are solved analytically in the sticking and sliding phases, and the influence of the main parameters of the system on its dynamics and limit cycles is investigated and discussed.

Development of a musculoskeletal shoulder model considering anatomic joint structures and soft-tissue deformation for dynamic simulation.

The shoulder joint has a high degree of freedom and an extremely complex and unstable kinematic mechanism. Coordinated contraction of the rotator cuff muscles that stop around the humeral head and the deltoid muscles and the extensibility of soft tissues, such as the joint capsule, labrum, and ligaments, contribute to shoulder-joint stability. Understanding the mechanics of shoulder-joint movement, including soft-tissue characteristics, is important for disease prevention and the development of a device for disease treatment. This study aimed to create a musculoskeletal shoulder model to represent the realistic behavior of joint movement and soft-tissue deformation as a dynamic simulation using a rigid-body model for bones and a soft-body model for soft tissues via a spring-damper-mass system. To reproduce the muscle-contraction properties of organisms, we used a muscle-expansion representation and Hill's mechanical muscle model. Shoulder motion, including the movement of the center of rotation in joints, was reproduced, and the strain in the joint capsule during dynamic shoulder movement was quantified. Furthermore, we investigated narrowing of the acromiohumeral distance in several situations to induce tissue damage due to rotator cuff impingement at the anterior-subacromial border during shoulder abduction. Given that the model can analyze exercises under disease conditions, such as muscle and tendon injuries and impingement syndrome, the proposed model is expected to help elucidate disease mechanisms and develop treatment guidelines.

The relationship between anaemia and the use of treated bed nets among pregnant and non-pregnant women in Ghana.

Studies have indicated that the risk of malaria, particularly its association with anaemia in pregnant women, increases when treated bed nets are not used. This paper utilizes a statistical mechanical model to investigate whether there is a statistical relationship between the presence or absence of anaemia in pregnant and non-pregnant women and their decision to sleep under treated bed nets. Data from the Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey (GMIS), which includes both rural and urban malaria-endemic areas in Ghana, were employed in this study. A total of 2,434 women, comprising 215 pregnant and 2,219 non-pregnant participants, were involved. Among these, 4.76% of the pregnant and anaemic women and 45.89% of the non-pregnant and anaemic women slept under treated bed nets, while 0.86% of the pregnant and anaemic and 6.82% of the non-pregnant and anaemic women did not. The findings revealed that, in the absence of social interaction, non-anaemic pregnant women have a lower prevalence of choosing to use bed nets compared to their anaemic counterparts. Additionally, non-pregnant anaemic women showed a positive private incentive (30.87%) to use treated bed nets, implying a positive correlation between anaemia and the choice to sleep in a treated bed net. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that both pregnancy and anaemia status have a relationship with the use of treated bed nets in Ghana, especially when social interactions are considered. The interaction strength between non-pregnant and anaemic women interacting with each other shows a negative estimate (-1.49%), implying that there is no rewarding effect from imitation. These insights are crucial for malaria prevention and control programs, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to enhance the use of treated bed nets among both pregnant and non-pregnant women in Ghana's malaria-endemic regions.