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This paper proposes a novel approach to decision-making based on a three-phase application of a new fuzzy logic model that embraces the principles of symmetry by balancing competing objectives in data collection and analysis. Our study, which employs a three-stage stratified random sample strategy with a randomized response technique, addresses the critical challenges of cost management and volatility reduction. Using the alpha-cut method, our model creates an effective allocation strategy that finds a balance between cost constraints and variance reduction objectives. We use numerical examples from real-world scenarios to demonstrate our approach's durability and practicality. Our revolutionary technique maintains data quality and cost-effectiveness while offering a game-changing answer to sensitive information acquisition concerns. By combining randomized response techniques and fuzzy logic, this study establishes a new standard for decision-making models that prioritizes both data-gathering precision and privacy preservation, encapsulating the essential principle of symmetry in balancing competing aims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of artificial intelligence has brought new challenges and opportunities to the global arms control regime. Integration of AI into military systems can complicate states' security matrix, due to its speed and accuracy, with additional problems of distinguishability, integration, and accountability. AI can be a useful tool to enhance transparency in verification measures for an effective arms control treaty. Arms control for the regulation or limiting use in military systems is as important as the use of AI for improving the arms control regime. The integration of AI in arms control is not without its pitfalls; it offers several new opportunities. Its use could help address some of the anxieties that prevent states from willingly engaging in an arms control agreements. These developments are important because of the shortcomings in global arms control treaties, and regional rivals like India and Pakistan. AI intergration could incentive the South Asian nuclear neighbours to maintain strategic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reasons for the birth and continuation of India's BMD programme argue for security concerns. However, those are not reflected in on-ground realities. The paper explores said gap and the resulting security implications and highlights defence policy options. The drivers behind India's BMD programme can be analysed by considering the external and internal political drivers that shape India's security interests. India's BMD programme started before formally declaring itself a nuclear weapon state. It grew parallel with the Indo-US strategic partnership to build India's political and military standing as part of the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy. An increase in India's military potential will likely have severe repercussions for security and strategic stability between two nuclear neighbours, India and Pakistan. BMDs could lead to a false sense of protection for the possessor state and provide an incentive for launching a 'first strike' against the adversary. In response, Pakistan can contemplate several options without embroiling itself in a BMD race. Pakistan has already developed several versions of air, land, and sea-launched cruise missiles and is expanding its MIRVs that can sufficiently evade and penetrate India's BMD systems. Additionally, indigenously built UAVs could counter India's BMD system and disrupt or degrade associated ISR through electronic warfare and jamming capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNWs) was negotiated with the primary purpose of creating a new international norm that could bring pressure upon all the nuclear possessor states to work towards nuclear disarmament. Instead, the TPNW may have led to more divisions between the nuclear weapon states (NWS) and the non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) that could affect the outcome of the 2020 NPT (Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty) Review Conference. Parallel initiatives with conflicting obligations, spearheaded by the nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and negotiated amongst the NNWS mainly, without taking into consideration security interests of all states, are likely to reduce the incentive for the nuclear possessor states (both NPT and the non-NPT states) to remain constructively engaged with the non-proliferation regime, thus making the goal of nuclear disarmament more elusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this communication, we report the synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole/zirconia (PPy/ZrO2) nanocomposites by an in-situ chemical polymerisation method and their application as sensor for detection of ethene gas for the first time. The as-prepared PPy and PPy/ZrO2 nanocomposites were characterised by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The nanocomposite containing 20 wt.% of ZrO2 was found to possess higher DC (direct current) electrical conductivity than PPy and the other PPy/ZrO2 nanocomposites. Sensing response was calculated on the basis of change in DC electrical conductivity. The most conductive nanocomposite was found to be highly sensitive and reversible to ethene gas. This study indicates an effective approach to possible future sensing technology for the detection of ethene gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the world is drawn increasingly into a web of shifting geopolitics, battle lines are being drawn and alliances are re-orienting themselves. Working from the premise that the competition between the United States (U.S.) and the People's Republic of China will define the dynamics of the international system for the foreseeable future, this paper takes a look at the U.S.'s evolving posture of Integrated Deterrence and the likely Chinese response, which would have implications for Asian security. It reviews the contours of 'Integrated Deterrence' as it is laid out in the U.S. National Security Strategy 2022 and how this may shape the policy decisions of the U.S. and its partners, especially Taiwan, as well as how major U.S. regional allies, including India are likely to play their role in support of the U.S. interests. The paper also analyses China's strategic thinking, national defence policy and national security objectives that are likely to influence its choices in the evolving great power competition. Taking Taiwan as the case study, the paper finds that in addition to pursuing more traditional approaches, both the U.S. and China will consider influencing domestic public opinion in China and Taiwan as a key focus of their respective policy considerations; it also finds convergences in the related responses of South Asia's two major players, India and Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Binary doped polypyrrole (PPy) encapsulated Titania (TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by oxidative polymerization using FeCl3 as oxidant in presence of camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) as surfactant. Both FeCl3 (oxidant) and camphorsulfonic acid (surfactant) also act as dopant and hence thus prepared polypyrrole/Titania (TiO2@PPy) is termed as binary doped nanocomposite i.e. FeCl3 dopes polypyrrole by oxidation mechanism while camphorsulfonic acid dopes polypyrrole by protonic doping mechanism. The TiO2@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and inductance-capacitance-resistance (LCR) measurements. The results indicated that the structural and electrical properties of the TiO2@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the extent of TiO2 nanoparticles loading of polypyrrole. The direct current (DC) electrical conductivity of the as-prepared TiO2@PPy coreshell nanocomposites was higher than that of PPy. As-prepared TiO2@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were also studied for their dielectric losses for alternating current (AC) which is useful characteristic for their application in the fabrication of charge storing devices. TiO2@PPy coreshell nanocomposites showed synergistic effect of combining components in improving their alcohol sensing properties. This improvement may be attributed to the adsorption on and desorption from alcohols TiO2@PPy interface of the nanocomposites and alcohol vapors causing decrease in depletion region. The TiO2@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were observed to show better reproducibility of electrical conductivity and fast self-recovery during the alcohol vapor sensing process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43411. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence of multivitamin supplement use among prescribed and non-prescribed population of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan. Study Design: It was a Quantitative analytical cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out among general population of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Pakistan, from Jan till Apr 2022. Methodology: Nonprobability convenient sampling technique was used. The sample size was 385. The data was gathered through an online survey and was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 25. Chi-square test was applied on qualitative variables with p-value significant at <0.05. Results: Only 41% of people were prescribed multivitamins by their doctors while 59% were self-medicated. An overall prevalence of multivitamin supplementation among the population was 66.9%. About 48.3% of people are aware of their harmful effects. Majority (88.1%) of population consider vitamins good for their health. 70% of people buy supplements via pharmacist and almost half of the people do not read the leaflets that come with supplements. Male gender was statistically significantly associated with awareness of vitamin supplement use and encouraging its use to others (p≤0.05). Conclusion: There exists a high prevalence of multivitamins use amongst the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Although most of the population had an awareness of what multivitamins are essentially, half the population do not know about the harmful effects of vitamins. Males had more awareness of multivitamins supplement use as compared to females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]