Far-Field DOA Estimation of Uncorrelated RADAR Signals through Coprime Arrays in Low SNR Regime by Implementing Cuckoo Search Algorithm

For the purpose of attaining a high degree of freedom (DOF) for the direction of arrival (DOA) estimations in radar technology, coprime sensor arrays (CSAs) are evaluated in this paper. In addition, the global and local minima of extremely non-linear functions are investigated, aiming to improve DOF. The optimization features of the cuckoo search (CS) algorithm are utilized for DOA estimation of far-field sources in a low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) environment. The analytical approach of the proposed CSAs, CS and global and local minima in terms of cumulative distribution function (CDF), fitness function and SNR for DOA accuracy are presented. The parameters like root mean square error (RMSE) for frequency distribution, RMSE variability analysis, estimation accuracy, RMSE for CDF, robustness against snapshots and noise and RMSE for Monte Carlo simulation runs are explored for proposed model performance estimation. In conclusion, the proposed DOA estimation in radar technology through CS and CSA achievements are contrasted with existing tools such as particle swarm optimization (PSO).This project has received funding from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid and the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant 801538

In vitro Cultures of some medicinal plant species (Cistus x incanus, Verbena officinalis, Scutellaria lateriflora, and Scutellaria baicalensis) as a rich potential source of antioxidants-evaluation by CUPRAC and QUENCHER-CUPRAC assays

Comparative estimations of the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from biomasses of different types of in vitro cultures of Cistus × incanus, Verbena officinalis, Scutellaria lateriflora, and S. baicalensis and also from plant raw materials were performed. The antioxidant measurements were based on the modern assays—cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and quick, easy, new, cheap, and reproducible CUPRAC (QUENCHER-CUPRAC). The total extractable antioxidants (CUPRAC assay) ranged from 10.4 to 49.7 mmol (100 g)−1 of dry weight (DW) expressed as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and the global antioxidant response (QUENCHER-CUPRAC assay) ranged from 16.0 to 79.1 mmol (100 g)−1 DW for in vitro cultures, whereas for plant raw materials the total extractable antioxidants ranged from 20.9 to 69.5 mmol (100 g)−1 DW, and the global antioxidant response ranged from 67.2 to 97.8 mmol (100 g)−1 DW. Finally, the in vitro cultures could be regarded as an antioxidant-rich alternative resource for the pharmaceutical, health food and cosmetics industries

Formulation and Evaluation of Hydrophilic Polymer Based Methotrexate Patches: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

This study attempted to develop and evaluate controlled-release matrix-type transdermal patches with different ratios of hydrophilic polymers (sodium carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) for the local delivery of methotrexate. Transdermal patches were formulated by employing a solvent casting technique using blends of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) polymers as rate-controlling agents. The F1 formulated patch served as the control formulation with a 1:1 polymer concentration. The F9 formulation served as our optimized formulation due to suitable physicochemical properties yielded through the combination of CMC-Na and HPMC (5:1). Drug excipient compatibilities (ATR-FTIR) were performed as a preformulation study. The ATR-FTIR study depicted great compatibility between the drug and the polymers. Physicochemical parameters, kinetic modeling, in vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation, skin drug retention, and in vivo studies were also carried out for the formulated patches. The formulated patches exhibited a clear, smooth, elastic nature with good weight uniformity, % moisture uptake, drug content, and thickness. Physicochemical characterization revealed folding endurance ranging from 62 ± 2.21 to 78 ± 1.54, tensile strength from 9.42 ± 0.52 to 12.32 ± 0.72, % swelling index from 37.16 ± 0.17 to 76.24 ± 1.37, and % drug content from 93.57 ± 5.34 to 98.19 ± 1.56. An increase in the concentration of the CMC-Na polymer (F9) resulted in increased drug release from the formulated transdermal patches. Similarly, drug permeation and retention were found to be higher in the F9 formulation compared to the other formulations (F1–F8). A drug retention analysis revealed that the F9 formulation exhibited 13.43% drug retention in the deep layers of the skin compared to other formulations (F1–F8). The stability study indicated that, during the study period of 60 days, no significant changes in the drug content and physical characteristics were found. ATR-FTIR analysis of rabbit skin samples treated with the formulated transdermal patches revealed that hydrophilic polymers mainly affect the skin proteins (ceramide and keratins). A pharmacokinetic profile revealed Cmax was 1.77.38 ng/mL, Tmax was 12 h, and t1/2 was 17.3 ± 2.21. In vivo studies showed that the skin drug retention of F9 was higher compared to the drug solution. These findings reinforce that methotrexate-based patches can possibly be used for the management of psoriasis. This study can reasonably conclude that methotrexate transdermal matrix-type patches with CMC-Na and HPMC polymers at different concentrations effectively sustain drug release with prime permeation profiles and better bioavailability. Therefore, these formulated patches can be employed for the potential management of topical diseases, such as psoriasis

Myco-Suppression Analysis of Soybean (Glycine max) Damping-Off Caused by Pythium aphanidermatum

The role of Pythium oligandrum as a biocontrol agent against Pythium aphanidermatum was investigated to avoid the harmful impacts of fungicides. Three isolates of P. oligandrum (MS15, MS19, and MS31) were assessed facing the plant pathogenic P. aphanidermatum the causal agent of Glycine max damping-off. The tested Pythium species were recognized according to their cultural and microscopic characterizations. The identification was confirmed through sequencing of rDNA-ITS regions including the 5.8 S rDNA. The biocontrol agent, P. oligandrum, isolates decreased the mycelial growth of the pathogenic P. aphanidermatum with 71.3%, 67.1%, and 68.7% through mycoparasitism on CMA plates. While the half-strength millipore sterilized filtrates of P. oligandrum isolates degrade the pathogenic mycelial linear growth by 34.1%, 32.5%, and 31.7%, and reduce the mycelial dry weight of the pathogenic P. aphanidermatum by 40.1%, 37.4%, and 36.8%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the most effective antagonistic P. oligandrum isolate (MS15) interaction showed coiling, haustorial parts of P. oligandrum to P. aphanidermatum hyphae. Furthermore, P. oligandrum isolates were proven to enhance the germination of Glycine max seedling to 93.3% in damping-off infection using agar pots and promote germination of up to 80% during soil pot assay. On the other hand, P. oligandrum isolates increase the shoot, root lengths, and the number of lateral roots

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Not AvailableThis research work explores the productive performance of local paddy landraces under different fertility levels as well as the role of microbial inoculants in improving the yields of paddy landraces and reducing nutrient additions by increasing nutrient use efficiency under changing climatic scenarios in coastal areas. The landrace Padmarekha recorded taller plants, more tillers per hill, higher total dry matter accumulation other than grain and straw yields besides better uptake of N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn. Further, nutrient management with the application of 100% of the recommended doses of fertilizers combined with biofertilizers including Azospirillum + Bacillus megatherium var. Phosphoticum + Frateuria quaratia + Thiobacillus thiooxidans + Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza recorded higher growth and yield traits in addition to improving the uptake of nutrients and partial factor productivity. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer, inoculated with biofertilizers, would be helpful in increasing the efficiency of applied nutrients in addition to improving yield and nutrient use efficiency.Not Availabl

Productivity of Paddies as Influenced by Varied Rates of Recommended Nutrients in Conjunction with Biofertilizers in Local Landraces

This research work explores the productive performance of local paddy landraces under different fertility levels as well as the role of microbial inoculants in improving the yields of paddy landraces and reducing nutrient additions by increasing nutrient use efficiency under changing climatic scenarios in coastal areas. The landrace Padmarekha recorded taller plants, more tillers per hill, higher total dry matter accumulation other than grain and straw yields besides better uptake of N, P2O5, K2O, S and Zn. Further, nutrient management with the application of 100% of the recommended doses of fertilizers combined with biofertilizers including Azospirillum + Bacillus megatherium var. Phosphoticum + Frateuria quaratia + Thiobacillus thiooxidans + Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza recorded higher growth and yield traits in addition to improving the uptake of nutrients and partial factor productivity. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of 100% of the recommended dose of fertilizer, inoculated with biofertilizers, would be helpful in increasing the efficiency of applied nutrients in addition to improving yield and nutrient use efficiency