Microstrip antenna with DGS based on CSRR array for WiMAX applications

This paper reports a novel method for designing a miniaturized microstrip antenna with DGS based on CSRR array which operates in the frequency of 2.6GHz for low band WiMAX application. The proposed antenna is designed using ANSYS HFSS simulation software. The antenna with optimized parameters is fabricated using FR-4 substrate of thickness 1.6 mm. The simulated and measured performances of the antenna in terms of return loss, directivity and radiation patterns are presented in this work. When Complimentary Split Ring Resonators (CSRRs) array are placed on the ground plane, the resonant frequency is shifted  to a lower value and patch size is reduced .The measurements were taken and compared with the simulated results. The performance characteristics obtained from the measurements show that the proposed antenna is suited for WiMAX application at 2.6GHz

Circularly Polarized Split Ring Resonator Loaded Slot Antenna

A compact circularly polarized printed slot antenna operating at 2.45 GHz is reported. The antenna consists of a pair of rotated square split ring resonators (SRR) inside a rectangular slot etched on the ground plane of an FR-4 dielectric substrate. A microstrip open-loop feed is etched on the backside of the dielectric substrate to feed the slot and the split ring resonators. The overall size of the antenna is 60x42x1.6 mm3. The measured -10dB impedance bandwidth is 10.48% (2.38-2.64 GHz) and the measured 3dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidth covers the entire impedance bandwidth

Endocrine Autoimmunity in Association with Female Infertility

Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, affecting 10-15% of couples. Advanced age, obesity, and certain medications can hinder fertility. Endocrine autoimmunity is increasingly recognized as a significant contributor to female infertility, often complicating various gynecological conditions. Autoimmune issues involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, adrenal glands, and ovaries can impact fertility. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for diagnosing infertility, with a crucial focus on identifying potential endocrine disorders. Here we discuss how to identify endocrine autoimmune patients with ovulatory dysfunction. Women must be advised about limiting factors to be avoided, to protect their fertility. A comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, coupled with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, is crucial for effectively managing this complex condition and helping women achieve their reproductive goals

दक्षिणी अरब सागर में नोक्टिलूका सिन्टिलन्स के प्रस्‍फुटन से मात्स्यिकी और जलराशि की में प्रभाव

केन्द्रीय समुद्री मात्स्यिकी अनुसंधान संस्‍थान (सी एम एफ आर आइ) द्वारा दिनक 20 नवंबर, 2020 को एफ वी सिल्वर पोम्‍पानो में आयोजित समुद्री पर्यटन के दौरान दक्षिणी अरब सागर की ऊपरी परतों में 20 और 30 मीटर के स्टेशन पर एक हल्का हरा रंग देखा गया (चित्र 1)। सूक्ष्‍मदर्शी द्वारा जांच करने पर व्‍यक्त हुआ कि पानी का हरा रंग डाइनो फ्लाजेल्‍लेट नोक् टिलूका सि न्टिलन् स (मकार्टन), जि सका औसत कोशिका घनत्व 3.12 x 105 सेल L-1 और आकार 554.62–885.57 μm (चित्र 2) है, के प्रस्‍फुटन से होता है

First report of a rare bloom of Ornithocercus magnificus, Stein 1883 along the coastal waters of Kochi; A possible indicator of increasing sea surface temperature

A bloom of the planktonic dinoflagellate, Ornithocercus magnificus was reported for the first time in the surface waters of the off Kochi coastal region with an evidently higher density of 1.7 x 106 cells L-1 on 18.12.2019. No conspicuous colouration of the surface waters was noticed even with the higher abundance of (1.7 x 106 cells L-1) observed near the barmouth area (6-7 m). The tracking on the occurrence of this genus in this region from 2013 to 2019 revealed their occurrence only during three times over the six years, i.e. the post monsoon season of 2013 and 2014 and during pre-monsoon of 2016. The SST of the three stations of the post monsoon season was compared for the last three years from 2017 to 2019, and an evident variation in the SST distribution was noticed in this region. The SST in 2019 was 2.1°C higher than that observed during 2017. The occurrence of Ornithocercus magnificus showed a positive correlation with SST (rs =0.425, p<0.05). It was also noted that the occurrence of this species was observed during the El Nino years. The Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) also positively correlated with the SST during the period (rs =0.432, p<0.05). The higher abundance of this species in 2019 when warmer SST was observed and their positive correlation with SST indicates the preferences of O.magnificus to warmer waters. The Shannon and Weiner diversity index (H’) ranged from 2.87-3.29 and the water quality index (WQI) remained good during the bloom. As Ornithocercus magnificus did occur during higher SST, this genus can be used as a proxy of climate change and hence has a strong potential to be used as indicator species of higher SST variation if found in novel environments

Report on egg mass of Hound needle fish Tylosurus crocodilus

During an oceanographic cruise of ICAR-CMFRI on board FV Silver Pompano on November 2021, a bunch of pale-yellow spherical egg consisting of about thousand numbers connected by strong filaments on the chorion were obtained while undertaking experimental trawling in off Kochi region at 20-meter depth (Fig 1). After taking photographs and enumeration of the egg bunch, a small sub sample was taken for further analysis and the remaining eggs were released back into the sea immediately. The collected egg samples were preserved in 95% ethanol and brought to lab for further analysis. Preserved eggs were observed and photographed in the lab by Nikon SMZ 25 stereo zoom microscope

Coconut-growing soils of Kerala: 1. Characteristics and classification

Coconut plantations are the major land use systems in Kerala state. The tropical hot humid climate and soils of the state are considered suitable for the palm, with the exception of highlands occurring 600 m above MSL. However, the productivity of coconut is abysmally low in the state with an average productivity of around 40 nuts per year per palm. To find out whether the highly weathered and leached low activity clay soils developed in tropical hot humid climate is responsible for the low yield, an assessment of soil qualities in the coconut-growing soils of the state was made. Six distinct regions of coconut cultivation in the state were identified and delineated based on the variability of agro-climate and soils, viz., Central and Eastern Palakkad, Northern Kerala, Central Kerala, Southern Kerala, Onattukara sandy plains and coastal sandy plains. Soil profiles were studied at representative sites in each region. Investigated morphological features and sampled horizon-wise for the analysis of physical and chemical properties of the soil. Coconut-growing soils of Kerala state are in general deep and well drained, clayey or sandy having good structure permitting rapid transmission of water. The soils of Palakkad, Southern Kerala and Coastal Sandy Plains have near neutral reaction whereas the extensive areas of laterite soils of Northern and Central Kerala and sandy soils of Onattukara were strongly acid and had high levels of KCl extractable aluminium. The acid soils also analysed for low levels of basic cations, potassium, calcium and magnesium. Soils from all regions except Palakkad have low CEC. Surface and sub-soils base status were extremely low for soils of Northern and Central Kerala and Onattukara sandy plain. The soils of Central and Eastern Palakkad were classified as Typic Haplustalfs, Northern Kerala as Plinthic Humults, Central Kerala as Typic Plinthustults, Southern Kerala as Rhodic Kandiustults and the soils of sandy plains as Ustipsamments, according to soil taxonomy

Comparative evaluation of darbepoetin therapy in non-regenerative anaemia associated with Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs

The present study describes a comparative evaluation of haemato-therapeutic response to darbepoetin therapy in non-regenerative anaemia associated with Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs. A total of 68 dogs, presented at Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy with signs of anaemia, weakness, anorexia and pallor of mucous membranes were screened for nonregenerative anaemia. Twenty dogs with a reticulocyte count of < 60,000/μL, haematocrit of < 30 per cent and positive for B. gibsoni were selected for detailed study. The twenty dogs were divided into two groups of ten animals and were subjected to estimation of complete blood count and analysis of serum protein and iron status. Ten dogs brought to the hospital for vaccination or health check-up served as healthy control. Haematological examination revealed significant anaemia and thrombocytopenia in both the groups. Serum total protein, albumin and total iron binding capacity revealed no difference between diseased groups with the healthy control. Serum iron and percentage transferrin saturation were similar in Group I and II, but significantly higher than healthy control. To compare darbepoetin efficacy, Group I dogs were administered with clindamycin and doxycycline for three weeks, whereas Group II was given with darbepoetin at the dose rate of 0.5 μg/kg body weight at weekly intervals for three weeks in addition to clindamycin-doxycycline as in Group I. Dogs of both groups showed complete remission of clinical signs within 10 days of therapy. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in haematological parameters between the treatment groups. It can be concluded from this study that there is no added advantage of darbepoetin therapy over conventional therapies against non-regenerative anaemia associated with B. gibsoni infection in dogs

Essential oils as valuable feed additive: A narrative review of the state of knowledge about their beneficial health applications and enhancement of production performances in poultry

New research has begun to develop safe and effective alternatives to feed-antibiotics as growth enhancers in response to mounting pressure on the poultry sector to do so. There is a significant demand for poultry products all across the world right now. To achieve this goal, key performance indicators are optimized, such as the rate of chicken growth, the amount of feed used, and the health of the flock as a whole. As a result of this growing need, various alternatives to antibiotics have entered the market. New approaches are desperately needed to keep poultry productivity and efficiency at a high level in the face of mounting pressure to limit the use of antibiotics. Recent years have seen an uptick in interest in the potential of aromatic plant extracts as growth and health boosters in poultry. The great majority of plants' positive effects are accounted for by essential oils (EOs) and other secondary metabolites. EOs have been proven to promote digestive secretion production, improve blood circulation, exert antioxidant qualities, reduce levels of dangerous microbes, and maybe improve the immune status of poultry. EOs are often believed to be safe, non-toxic alternatives because they are all-natural, chemical-free, and devoid of potentially harmful deposits. EOs are extracted from plants, and while there are thousands of them, only approximately 300 have been deemed to have significant commercial value. Many different types of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites are negatively affected by EOs in multiple studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. The review covers the fundamentals of EOs, their anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory capabilities, their growth-promoting benefits, and their effectiveness against numerous diseases in poultry

NAHA, a Novel Hydroxamic Acid-Derivative, Inhibits Growth and Angiogenesis of Breast Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo

BACKGROUND: We have recently synthesized novel N-alkylated amino acid-derived hydroxamate, 2-[Benzyl-(2-nitro-benzenesulfonyl)-amino]-N-hydroxy-3-methyl-N-propyl-butyramide (NAHA). Here, we evaluate the anticancer activity of NAHA against highly invasive human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 in vitro and in vivo. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Cell growth was evaluated by MTT and soft agar assays. Protein expression was determined by DNA microarray and Western blot analysis. Metastatic potential was evaluated by cell adhesion, migration, invasion, capillary morphogenesis, and ELISA assays. The anticancer activity in vivo was evaluated in mouse xenograft model. NAHA inhibited proliferation and colony formation of MDA-MB-231 cells together with the down-regulation of expression of Cdk2 and CDC20 proteins. NAHA inhibited cell adhesion, migration, and invasion through the suppression of secretion of uPA. NAHA suppressed secretion of VEGF from MDA-MB-231 cells and inhibited capillary morphogenesis of human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Finally, NAHA at 50 mg/kg was not toxic and decreased tumor volume and tumor weight in vivo. This suppression of tumor growth was associated with the inhibition of mitotic figures and induction of apoptosis, and the reduction of CD31 and VEGF positive cells in tumors. CONCLUSION: NAHA could be a novel promising compound for the development of new drugs for the therapy of invasive breast cancers