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Aim: The present study was to investigate the effects of WSE improve cognitive, behavioral and mood disorders in animal models of bipolar disorder. Materials: Animals were divided into six groups each group contain 6 wistar rats of either sex, Behavioral and memory test were carried out followed by estimation of oxidative stress and neurotransmitters in rat brain using continuous sub anesthetic dose of Amph (1.5 mg/kg, i.p) with Withania somnifera extract (300 mg/kg, i.p) and Lithium chloride (100mg/kg, i.p.) administered daily for 21 days. Results: % Alternation was decreased in rat treated with WSE as compared to control indicating that it also improved spatial memory and learning. various oxidative parameters were estimated, oxidative stress was observed the levels of SOD and GSH reduced and increased in TBARS level compared to control groups, but reduced ion in oxidative stress upon administration of Withania somnifera extract and Lithium chloride indicates ameliorating effects of Withania somnifera extract in oxidative stress. Conclusion: We concluded that WSE showed improvement in learning and memory as animals treated with WSE spent more time in open arms as compared to Amphetamine with Withania somnifera and Lithium chloridetreated rats. Overall, the findings of this work show that neurotransmitters get imbalance and change the mood and chemistry of the brain. Hence Withania somnifera extract improve neurotransmitter imbalance which is directly linked with mood, behavior, anxiety and manic episodes in an animal model of bipolar disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we examined the Withania somnifera extract (WSE) improve cognitive, behavioral and mood disorder in animal model of bipolar disorder. The present study was undertaken to investigate cognitive, behavioral and mood disorder effects of WSE on bipolar disorder of the male/female Wistar albino rats' brain. We have observed after 24 hours of last dosing the behavioral, memory and test were carried out followed by estimation of markers of oxidative stress under six groups using continuous sub-anesthetic dose of Amphetamine (Amph) (1.5 mg/kg, i.p) with WSE (300 mg/kg, i.p) and LiCl (1.5 mEq/kg, i.p.) administered daily for 21 days. We have found the percentage alteration was decreased in rat treated with WSE as compared to control indicate that it also improved spatial memory and learning. We have examined various oxidative parameters such as levels of SOD, GSH and TBARS level as compared to control groups. The reduced level of oxidative stress parameters upon administration of WSE and LiCl indicates ameliorating effects of WSE in oxidative stress. We had concluded that WSE showed improvement in learning and memory as animal treated with WSE spent more time in open arm as compared to Amph with WSE and LiCl treated rats. Hence, we can say that WSE improve cognitive, behavioral and mood disorder in animal model of bipolar disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel multifunctional staggered $8\,\,\times12$ Butterfly phased array antenna is proposed at Ka-band (28 GHz) for 5G communications with key features of full-polarization reconfigurability, flexible radiation pattern, and wide-angle 1-D-beam steering performance. The unit cell of the proposed array is a two Butterfly radiating antennas separated by $2\lambda \text{g}$ ($\lambda \text{g}\,\,=$ effective wavelength) with two ports, where each Butterfly is a sequentially rotated series-fed microstrip patch antennas. Full-polarization reconfiguration (right-hand circular polarization (RHCP), left-hand circular polarization (LHCP), Linear-X, and Linear-Y polarization) is achieved by suitable excitation of the ports to realize increased system capacity. Flexible radiation pattern with dynamic 3 dB gain-beamwidth from 16° to 90° is achieved to realize a variable cellular range, angle, and gain requirements. The proposed staggered planar array configuration reduces the spacing between the adjacent series-fed linear array to $0.45\lambda _{0}$ , where $\lambda _{0}$ is the free-space wavelength at 28 GHz. The proposed array size of $8\,\,\times12$ Butterfly provides beam steering up to ±63° without any grating lobes. Analytical study using a periodic leaky-wave antenna (LWA) theory is included to provide insights into the radiation characteristics of the Butterfly series-fed linear array antenna. The beam steering characteristics were verified by using measured patterns of the individual branches and by applying the computed array factor. The full-polarization reconfiguration and flexible radiation patterns with sidelobe reduction are implemented and experimentally verified with a 16-channel Analog Devices ADMV4821 RFIC Ka-band beamformer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to synthesise and assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potency of derivatives from 2, 3, 3-benzathiazole. The present study has synthesised a number of derivatives for phosphorus oxychloride condensation (Benzothiazolyl Carboxyhydrazides and Aryl derivatives) namely two (5-substitutes-1,3,4-oxadiazol 2-yl). Benzothiazol (vt1-vt9). Synthesized IR, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy compound structures have been established. Checking of all synthesised materials was performed at 50 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg p.o. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic function for in-vivo. There were also positive anti-inflammatory and analgesic results of some drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel $W$ -band left-hand circular polarized (LHCP) cylindrical waveguide feed horn antenna is proposed. The proposed antenna features an inbuilt polarizer structure and a single side-fed linear polarized input to offer symmetric LHCP radiation pattern. The internal polarizer structure consists of nine pairs of circular cavities to generate a circularly polarized wave, eliminating the need for an orthomode transducer or a complex septum. The side-fed horn reduces the overall length by eliminating the rectangular to circular waveguide transition. The proposed horn antenna’s electrical dimension is $7.2\lambda \times 3.9\lambda \times 1.4\lambda $ at 84 GHz. The antenna has impedance matching ($S_{11}$ below −15 dB) and axial ratio below 1.2 dB from 79.5 to 88 GHz. The horn is used as a feed source for an offset parabolic reflector of 10 cm diameter and small $f/D$ ratio 0.25, which can fit inside a CubeSat. The reflector antenna provides the simulated right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) directivity of 36.6 dBic at 86 GHz with spillover loss of 0.83 dB. The feed reflector assembly is also simulated with the complete aluminum CubeSat chassis. The measurement of the prototyped feed horn and the offset parabolic reflector antenna validates the analysis and simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A compact triple-mode circular microstrip patch antenna capable of creating two nulls in the upper hemisphere and steering them independently is presented. The antenna consists of a central circular patch supporting TM11 mode, a TM21 mode shorted annular ring around it and another shorted annular ring supporting TM31 mode encompassing the other two radiators. Each mode is fed using two feed points to create right-handed circular polarization. Analytical and simulation studies show that by controlling the individual mode amplitude and phase ratios, radiation pattern can be reconfigured. Especially, two nulls can be generated in upper hemisphere and can be steered independently based on the ratio of applied excitation to each mode. This is a highly desirable feature for satellite receives antenna system with antijamming capability. To calculate the required modes excitation ratios, a MATLAB optimization code using a hybrid method of particle swarm optimization and pattern search was used. To apply the calculated excitation, an analog beamforming network consisting of digital variable gain attenuators, digital phase shifters, and low-noise amplifiers was used. This antenna was fabricated and tested for radiation patterns showing full hemispherical null steering along with limited beam peak steering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with the propagation of SH-wave in a vertically heterogeneous viscoelastic layer lying over a micropolar elastic half-space. Dispersion and damping equations are obtained analytically in closed form. Phase and damped velocities are computed numerically and depicted by means of a graph to exhibit the substantial effect of heterogeneity, viscoelasticity (internal friction), and micropolar parameter. As a special case of the problem, it is found that deduced dispersion relation is well in agreement to the classical-Love wave equation and damping equation vanishes identically for the isotropic case. Influence of micropolarity present in the medium of half-space is highlighted through comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiple mode approach to beam steering is extended to the case of 2-D scanning arrays. Beam pattern synthesis for a collection of arbitrary elements is accomplished using direct synthesis method. Three candidate arrays are defined on the basis of the type and number of radiating elements used in each array. A conventional patch antenna array consisting of a total of four elements each with two feed points is the baseline array against which the other two arrays are compared. A novel hybrid phased array contains the same number of patch antennas but with four additional collocated active monopole elements. The third array consists of nine patch antennas in which the array aperture has been oversampled by using smaller patch antennas with smaller spacing. The hybrid phased array is shown to produce the highest peak gain of 12.5 dBi with a 3 dB scan range that is 26° wider than the oversampled array and 36° wider than the baseline patch array in the \phi =0 ^\circ scan plane. Sidelobe and cross-polarization levels are also significantly improved over the baseline array. In terms of complexity, the hybrid phased array contains 50% more feed points than the baseline array but 33% less than the oversampled array. The hybrid phased array was fabricated and measured demonstrating a scan range of ±50°. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A mathematical model is developed in which the effect of imperfect bonding between the constituents of layer and half-space on the phase velocity and damped velocity of SH-wave is discussed. The model consists of a micropolar elastic half-space bonded imperfectly with a heterogeneous viscoelastic layer. The dispersion equation and damping equation of SH-wave propagation in the said model is obtained in the closed form analytically. The effects of imperfect bonding, internal friction, heterogeneity, micropolarity, and complex interface stiffness parameters highlighted through numerical computation and graphical demonstrations. Standard Love-wave equation and dispersion equation as well as damping equation for perfectly bonded micropolar half-space with heterogeneous viscoelastic layer is obtained as a special case of the problem. Through comparative study of homogeneity with heterogeneity in the layer; imperfect bonding of layer and half-space with their welded (perfect) contact; and presence of micropolarity in half-space with its absence in half-space are compared meticulously. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel multifunctional $1 \times 4$ phased array antenna employing wideband frequency agile microstrip patches with simultaneous polarization reconfiguration has been designed and experimentally verified. Each radiating element consists of a circular microstrip patch connected to an annular microstrip ring via four varactor diodes for achieving frequency agility between 1.5 and 2.4 GHz (frequency agility bandwidth \approx 46$ %, S_{11} \leq -10 dB). Employing two feed points per radiator enables switching among four polarization senses (two linear and two circular polarizations) using a polarization feed network (PFN). For realizing beam steering, the optimum amplitude and phase excitation coefficients for each radiating element were calculated using projection matrix method based on active element pattern, which is then applied to each corresponding radiating element using programmable digital phase shifters, low noise amplifiers, and attenuators arranged in a beam forming network. Measurement shows ±52° beam peak steering at 1.5 GHz and ±28° beam peak steering at 2.4 GHz based on 3 dB gain variation criteria for both the linear and circular polarizations. The simulated and measured results agree reasonably well. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fast growing food processing industry in most countries across the world, generates huge quantity of by-products, including pomace, hull, husk, pods, peel, shells, seeds, stems, stalks, bran, washings, pulp refuse, press cakes, etc., which have less use and create considerable environmental pollution. With growing interest in health promoting functional foods, the demand of natural bioactives has increased and exploration for new sources is on the way. Many of the food processing industrial by-products are rich sources of dietary, functional, and novel fibers. These by-products can be directly (or after certain modifications for isolation or purification of fiber) used for the manufacture of various foods, i.e. bread, buns, cake, pasta, noodles, biscuit, ice creams, yogurts, cheese, beverages, milk shakes, instant breakfasts, ice tea, juices, sports drinks, wine, powdered drink, fermented milk products, meat products and meat analogues, synthetic meat, etc. A comprehensive literature survey has been carried on this topic to give an overview in the field dietary fiber from food by-products. In this article, the developments in the definition of fiber, fiber classification, potential sources of dietary fibers in food processing by-products, their uses, functional properties, caloric content, energy values and the labelling regulations have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the biodiversity and the cultural intricacy with the tribal community in Rajasthan, India. It states that diversity and intricacy are not separate parts of the diversity of life but are intimately rated and mutually supports the other. It mentions that the cultural and biodiversity are facing common challenges in the age of globalization.

The floral study of Udeshwar/Chhapli River gorge, southern Aravalli hill ranges in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan, India in 2020 resulted in documenting 79 species of vascular plants belonging to 65 genera from 39 families. Among these were 72.2% Dicots, 20.3% Monocots and 7.5% Pteridophytes. Ecologically, the gorge provided microclimatic conditions with high regime of moisture round the year which supported luxuriant growth of the plants. Biological spectrum of the study area revealed phanerophytes as the most dominating life-form (49.3%) in a desert environment. The habitat is endowed with glorious green appearance at the vicinity of the dried region which supports eco-tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the most crucial scientific issues in the world, and efforts to eradicate the disease are still ongoing. The acute inflammatory reaction associated with this disease is associated with several complications such as cytokine storm, multiple organ damage, lung fibrosis, and blood clots. PTX3, as part of the humoral innate immune systems, is one of the acute-phase proteins that perform various functions, such as modulating inflammation, repairing tissue, and recruiting immune cells. PTX3 is increased in people with SARS-CoV-2, and its level decreases with proper treatment. Therefore, it can be regarded as a suitable marker for the prognosis of the COVID-19 and evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment method applied. However, some studies have shown that PTX3 can be a double-edged sword and develop tumors by providing an immunosuppressive environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to beam steering is presented using an array composed of elements each supporting a unique radiating mode. The one-dimensional (1-D) beam synthesis properties of the novel ideal multiple mode dipole array are quantified using Fourier synthesis and shown to have significant improvement in scan range compared to a conventional linear dipole reference array. A hybrid phased array composed of multiple mode subarrays is also proposed and shown to be an efficient tradeoff between performance improvement and design complexity. Reasonable agreement is obtained between the simulated and measured impedance and radiation pattern properties of a four-element multiple mode array. Finally, a 16-element hybrid phased array composed of four four-element multiple mode subarrays is fabricated and measured. The array is shown to have a 3-dB scan range of \pm 68^\circ, which is in good agreement with the simulated value of \pm 69^\circ at the design frequency of 4.6 GHz. Additionally, the 3-dB bandwidth of the array is more than 1 GHz at broadside. This bandwidth reduces to approximately 300 MHz at the widest scan angles, which is consistent with an equivalent conventional linear array. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

To optimize the blend of sweet orange cv. Malta Common ( SOM) and Seabuckthorn ( SBT) pulps, for preparation of SOM-based Ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage rich in health-enhancing functional bioactives, a design layout with variable levels of three factors i.e., SBT pulp (13.18-46.82%) in SOM- SBT mixed pulp, sugar (109.77-160.23% of mixed pulp used) and peel oil (0.127-1.47 mL/L of beverage), were studied. The product with 40% SBT pulp in SOM- SBT mixed pulp, 140% sugar and 0.40 mL/L of peel oil was optimized with an overall desirability of 0.81. Optimized product had total soluble solids14.26 brix and acidity 0.34%, with vitamin C, amino acid, and total phenols at 21.75, 22.59 and 39.10 mg%, respectively, besides having high sensory acceptability. Thus, SBT pulp can substitute the requirement of exogenous addition of citric acid in preparation of SOM based RTS beverage besides enriching the product in its health enhancing attributes. Practical Applications With the increasing preference of consumers for natural and natural like ingredients in various food products, the technology of blending various juices to get desired combination of nutrients and quality characteristics, offers a great promise for the fruit juice industry. By this technique, a particular juice deficient in a particular nutrient can be enriched by blending with another natural juice, extract, etc., for compensating the deficit, without much compromising with the basic nutrient composition and consumer acceptability of the original juice. The results of the study therefore, can be utilized directly for practically, manufacturing blended juices from Seabuckthorn and orange fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A beam peak and null steering multiple radiating mode based microstrip patch antenna is presented for satellite receive applications operating at L1 Global Positioning System (GPS) band. Two collocated microstrip patch antennas were designed to produce TM11 and TM21 radiating modes. These orthogonal and circularly polarized radiation patterns were combined enabling full hemispherical steering of a single beam peak and null. Using theoretical analysis and full-wave simulation, the multimode aperture was designed to operate over a 25 MHz bandwidth centered at 1.575 GHz, which covers the L1 GPS band. Impedance and radiation pattern measurements of the passive antenna aperture were in close agreement with the simulated data. Next, this antenna was integrated with an active feed network allowing full hemispherical control over the beam null position and limited beam peak scan in \approx 5^\circ increments. Using a simple calibration scheme, the measured beam peak and null elevation angles were programmed to within <10^\circ of the intended value based on simulation. Azimuthal positions were consistently offset by \approx 20^\circ from the simulated value, which could be resolved in the board layout by phase matching the transmission lines and test point locations. The antenna maintained high total efficiency >68% and low axial ratio <3 dB over all steering angles. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A dielectric cover is used to enhance the gain of an aperture-coupled microstrip patch antenna. The cover is spaced off of the patch antenna by air and, as expected, is found to significantly increase antenna broadside directivity in some configurations. A parametric study on the effects of spacing height, cover size, and thickness of the cover are presented. This study uses a finite element method (FEM) based, commercial analysis tool to perform these parametric searches, and so accounts for finite size ground planes and dielectrics. The previous research work reported in literature considered infinite-area ground planes and dielectrics. The wide impedance matching bandwidth of the aperture-coupled microstrip patch also allows observation of the narrow-bandwidth effects of the added dielectric cover. Finally, a proposed design methodology is outlined, and a prototype of the antenna was fabricated and experimentally verified with a peak gain of 13.9 dBi. The measured results agree reasonably well with the simulated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ultrawideband (UWB) pentagon shape planar microstrip slot antenna is presented that can find applications in wireless communications. Combination of the pentagon shape slot, feed line and pentagon stub are used to obtain 124% (2.65-11.30 GHz) impedance bandwidth which exceeds the UWB requirement of 110% (3.10-10.60 GHz). A ground plane of 50 mm x 80 mm size is used which is similar to wireless cards for several portable wireless communication devices. The proposed antenna covers only the top 20 mm or 25% of the ground plane length, which leaves enough space for the RF circuitry. Three variations of the antenna design using the straight and rotated feed lines on two different substrates are considered. Effect of the conducting reflecting sheet on back of the antenna is investigated, which can provide directional radiation patterns but with reduced matching criteria. Finally, experimental verification of the fabricated antenna for its impedance bandwidth is carried out, which shows agreement with the simulated data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we argue that shamans as compared to non-shamans demonstrate a deeper connection to wildlife. Shamans display particularly powerful love and reverence for leopards. That shamans more deeply revere, even worship, nature suggests that indigenous Animism does impact the environmental thought and practice of our informants. However, our indigenous informants' pro-environmental thinking is most strongly linked to only particular classes of people (like shamans) and to particular animals (like leopards). Likewise, shamans do not demonstrate significant differences with non-shamans on all survey items related to wildlife. Finally, the differences between the conservation sentiments of shamans and nonshamans are less striking than other pro-environmental feelings. We thus argue for a complex, and in some instances opposed, relationship between indigenous Rajasthani religion and pro-environmental thought and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the environmental ethics of Indigenous herbalists inhabiting the Phulwari ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan, India. Our respondents protected forests from activities like illicit tree felling because (a) they realized that their own human well-being is tied to the fate of the natural world, and (b) wild animals such as leopards form non-human communities that intrinsically deserve to live and prosper. Framing herbalists' environmental behavior as egocentric or altruistic (distinctions made in social psychological theories of environmentally significant behavior) oversimplifies the attitudes and behaviors. These distinctions only have meaning when the object of behavior is conceptualized as largely separate and distinct from the self, which is not the case in this Indigenous Rajasthani context. Here, humans and animals are understood to be interdependent family members who share substance, interests, and obligations to each other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new application for reflector antennas is proposed and developed. Using the aperture theory, a phase center on the reflector aperture is determined and shown that, its location is dependent on the field distribution. The proposed concept is, initially, verified by using a symmetric reflector. It is shown that the phase center is located at the aperture geometric center, when the reflector is illuminated symmetrically about its principal planes. Then, a dual mode feed, employing TE11 and TM01 modes, is used for generating different reflector illuminations, and causing displacement of its phase center. The concept is then extended to offset reflectors, and the influence of the reflector geometry on the phase center displacement and other reflector electrical parameters is investigated. Based on the established feed radiation pattern requirements, a feed horn is designed using circular waveguide that can propagate both modes. By modifying the amplitude and phase of the modes in the horn, a controlled asymmetric reflector aperture field is achieved. A prototype feed horn is fabricated and tested for its dual mode radiation patterns. The results are in good agreement with simulations. The reflector phase center properties are then investigated, by using the designed feed. A reflector-feed assembly, with its dual phase center capability, was developed for improving the performance of the ground moving target indicator radars. The concept allows the conversion of a single reflector to two or more reflectors, simply by modifying the mode excitation amplitudes and phases, in the feed alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the far-field phase shift properties of microstrip patch antennas are investigated. It is shown that, similar to reflectarrays, the resonant nature of microstrip patches can be used to change the phase of the radiated field. This phase change can be caused by the dimensional change of the microstrip patch, or by a reactive loading of its cavity such as an aperture on its ground plane. However, the available phase shift is limited by the antenna impedance bandwidth. The problem is initially investigated for conventional patch antennas, determining the available phase shift range. It is then studied for a wideband E-slot microstrip antenna, showing a considerably larger phase shift range. Then, a micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) based ground plane membrane, activated by an electrode from below, is proposed to adaptively generate and control the required phase shifts. It provides a low loss, continuously variable phase shifter that can be used at high frequencies for beam scanning in small arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the investigation results on the beam focusing properties of a wire circular monopole array (CMA) antenna consisting of six-elements on a finite ground plane, by exciting more than one monopole at a time. The excitation of more than one element provides enhanced horizontal and vertical plane peak directivities, and a reduced 3 dB beamwidth for the horizontal pattern. The effect of varying the number of monopole elements in the array is also discussed, when only one element is excited, and the remaining ones are shorted to the ground. The antenna was fabricated and tested for its impedance and radiation characteristics for one of the excitation schemes, and the results were found in reasonable agreement with the simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a reconfigurable microstrip structure where line impedance can be actively controlled to induce phase shift on a transmission-line signal. Use of micromachining to fabricate thin-film copper membranes in the ground plane below the transmission line; Performance of the reconfigurable microstrip transmission line as a phase shifter.

The advancement of technological development in the microstrip antenna and its applications in diverse areas, have given rise to the need for a frequency agile and frequency independent microstrip antenna which could be used for the same range of frequencies without altering the system. Requirements of such nature could be met by log periodic antenna. However, in the present endeavour a frequency independent microstrip stacked antenna consisting of nine elements operating in the S-band (2.000-4.000 GHz) has been proposed. The developed antenna has been experimentally tested over an achievable band of frequencies from 3.200 to 3.920 GHz. The antenna performance has characteristics like E-plane radiation patterns. The 3 dB beamwidth, radiated power and VSWR show very similar behaviour for the different frequencies of operation obtainable in the S-band. The coaxial-fed microstrip stacked antenna provides an operational bandwidth of approximately 23%, i.e. 3.200 GHz to 3.920 GHz. The VSWR for the entire operational band is around 2 whereas the gain for the antenna is found to vary from 4.00 to 8.36 dB. The 3 dB beamwidth has been found to fluctuate between 16.8 and 23.5 . The designed antenna can be well suited for the practical broadband applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The non-linear propagation of VLF waves in weakly as well as in strongly ionized plasmas has been investigated by solving the Boltzmann transfer equation for charged particle distributions. The wave equation for the electric field has been solved in W.K.B. approximation. A particular reference has been given for ionospheric propagation. The non-linear effects are shown to be of importance even for moderately strong electric fields. The effect of the motion of ions has been found to decrease the non-linearity.
This paper presents an analysis of the non-linear propagation of VLF and ELF waves in magnetoplasmas, taking into account the motion of ions. It has been assumed that only the electrons are responsible for the non-linear phenomenon. This is a valid assumption because of the fact that the mass of the electron is very small as compared to the mass of the ion ; therefore, the energy transfer to other heavier species and to the surroundings is much less in the earlier case than in the latter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents an ultrathin absorber for lower microwave frequency applications. The structure is designed using a thin dielectric substrate and a commercially available magnetic sheet superstrate. Due to its low thickness, it is suitable for both planar and conformal applications. For the normal incidence of the electromagnetic wave, the measured reflectivity (R)≤–10 dB extends from 1.75–3.4 and 1.7–3.36 GHz in the transverse electric (TE) and the transverse magnetic (TM) modes, respectively. All these have been achieved for a total thickness of 0.023λL where λL is the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency. Due to the low thickness, the structure has been bent around a cylindrical base. In the conformal design, with the decrease in the curvature radius, in comparison to the planar structure, the bandwidth expansion has been observed. The equivalent circuit model of the structure has also been rigorously analyzed to understand the behavior of the magnetic sheet superstrate and the dielectric substrate. The absorption peaks (fAPs) in the operating band have been noticed. At the normal incidence, against the simulated fAPs of reflectivity magnitude $ \approx $ −20 dB, the measured fAPs $ \approx $ −22 dB, and $ \approx $ −30 dB in TE and TM modes, respectively, have been obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aim of the present research work is to prepared fast mouth dissolving film of frovatriptan succinate monoydrate. Methods: Fast dissolving buccal film is prepared by Solvent casting method, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E3 and E15 are helpful in the film-forming polymer, plasticizer in polyethylene glycols disintegrant is croscarmellose sodium, the artificial sweetener in Sodium saccharin as, citric acid as saliva stimulant, fructose as diluents and natural sweetener, wild cherry as a flavour and Brilliant blue dye for elegance was selected for fast dissolving film preparation. By prism, software result is obtained and then evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The result suggested that the formulation containing 20% w/w Sodium saccharin, 10% w/w fructose and 5% citric acid was found to effectively obscure the bitter taste of drug with best overall acceptability. The same composition of Sodium saccharin, citric acid and fructose were used for further optimization using design of an experiment to continue obscuring the bitter taste of frovatriptan succinate monoydrate. Simple lattice mixture design which is helpful in drug formulation by using polymer plasticizer and disintegrant concentration for disintegration time-independent variable tensile strength and percentage elongation for the response. Conclusion: The effect of each variable, two and three-factor interactions were studied. The batches were numerically optimized to give a design space. fast mouth dissolving films are also found to behave better patient compliance in all the age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a novel single dielectric layer wideband bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) topology. The structure is designed using a kind of the tripole type FSS which has been analysed for its behaviour. Next, the operating bandwidth has been increased by using the meander lines in the middle of the unit-cell. The proposed FSS structure covers the X-band (45.03% fractional bandwidth) of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum with a −3 dB transmission bandwidth. Its −1 dB bandwidth extends from 7.93 to 11.93 GHz. The wide operating bandwidth with a single dielectric layered structure makes it suitable for the hybrid radome applications. For the normally incident EM wave, adjacent to the lower and upper cut-off frequencies, the structure offers better than 18 dB attenuation which increases the out of the band rejection. Finally, the proposed structure is fabricated and experimentally verified for the dual polarisation and angle stability up to 45°. Eventually, to prove the novelty in terms of the operating bandwidth and the fabrication simplicity, an exhaustive state-of-the-art comparison is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Aim of the present research work is to prepared rapid mouth dissolving film of frovatriptan Succinate. Methods: Rapid Dissolving Film is prepared by Solvent casting method, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E3 and E15 are helpful in the film-forming polymer, plasticizer in propylene glycol disintegrant is croscarmellose sodium, the artificial sweetener in aspartame as, citric acid as saliva stimulant, xylitol as diluents and natural sweetener, wild cherry as a flavour and Brilliant blue dye for elegance was selected for Rapid Dissolving Film preparation. By prism, software result is obtained and then evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The result suggested that the formulation containing 20% w/w aspartame, 10% w/w xylitol and 5% citric acid was found to effectively obscure the bitter taste of drug with best overall acceptability. The same composition of aspartame, citric acid and xylitol were used for further optimization using design of an experiment to continue obscuring the bitter taste of frovatriptan Succinate. Simple lattice mixture design which is helpful in drug formulation by using polymer plasticizer and disintegrant concentration for disintegration time-independent variable tensile strength and percentage elongation for the response. Conclusion: The effect of each variable, two and three-factor interactions were studied. The batches were numerically optimized to give a design space. Rapid mouth dissolving films are also found to behave better patient compliance in all the age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents a novel single dielectric layer wideband bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) topology. The structure is designed using a kind of the tripole type FSS which has been analysed for its behaviour. Next, the operating bandwidth has been increased by using the meander lines in the middle of the unit‐cell. The proposed FSS structure covers the X‐band (45.03% fractional bandwidth) of the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum with a −3 dB transmission bandwidth. Its −1 dB bandwidth extends from 7.93 to 11.93 GHz. The wide operating bandwidth with a single dielectric layered structure makes it suitable for the hybrid radome applications. For the normally incident EM wave, adjacent to the lower and upper cut‐off frequencies, the structure offers better than 18 dB attenuation which increases the out of the band rejection. Finally, the proposed structure is fabricated and experimentally verified for the dual polarisation and angle stability up to 45°. Eventually, to prove the novelty in terms of the operating bandwidth and the fabrication simplicity, an exhaustive state‐of‐the‐art comparison is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from Cannabis sativa, has gained remarkable attention for its potential therapeutic applications. This thorough analysis explores the increasing significance of CBD in treating neurological conditions including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease, which present major healthcare concerns on a worldwide scale. Despite the lack of available therapies, CBD has been shown to possess a variety of pharmacological effects in preclinical and clinical studies, making it an intriguing competitor. This review brings together the most recent findings on the endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter systems, as well as anti-inflammatory pathways, that underlie CBD's modes of action. Synthesized efficacy and safety assessments for a range of neurological illnesses are included, covering human trials, in vitro studies, and animal models. The investigation includes how CBD could protect neurons, control neuroinflammation, fend off oxidative stress, and manage neuronal excitability. This study emphasizes existing clinical studies and future possibilities in CBD research, addressing research issues such as regulatory complications and contradicting results, and advocates for further investigation of therapeutic efficacy and ideal dose methodologies. By emphasizing CBD's potential to improve patient well-being, this investigation presents a revised viewpoint on its suitability as a therapeutic intervention for neurological illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice is an important staple food for more than half of the world's population. Though the genetic potential of commonly cultivated varieties of rice is diminished due to various biotic and abiotic constraints, bacterial leaf blight (BLB) of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is considered one of its most destructive diseases in India. Based on morpho-cultural characteristics, bacterial pathogens isolated from the leaves of a rice plant showing typical BLB symptoms were identified as Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Morphological studies revealed that the pathogen is Gram-negative, a short rod, with rounded ends, single or in pairs, light yellow, circular, whitish yellow to straw-colored, convex, yellow, slightly raised, motile with a single polar flagellum, capsulate and non-spore-forming. Biochemical tests, viz., the Gram reaction, KOH test and catalyst test, showed a positive reaction for all the isolates. Twenty isolates of Xoo were collected from the basmati-growing areas of the Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts in the Jammu sub-tropics during 2019, and their pathogenicity was confirmed on five susceptible rice cultivars, viz., Basmati-370, Pusa-1121, TN-1, SJR and Jaya, by the leaf-clipping method, and subsequently, Koch's postulate was established in each case. Seven Xoo pathotypes, viz., Pathotype 1, Pathotype 2, Pathotype 3, Pathotype 4, Pathotype 5, Pathotype 6 and Pathotype 7, were identified from the total sample of 20 isolates. Pathotype 2 was the most dominant (100%), followed by Pathotype 5 (44.44%), Pathotype 4 (40%), Pathotype 6 (40%), Pathotype 7 (33.33%), Pathotype 3 (22.22%) and Pathotype 1 (20%), in the Jammu sub-tropics. In Jammu district, Pathotype 5 was highly distributed (44.44%) followed by Pathotype 7 (33.33%) and Pathotype 3 (22.22%). Pathotype 4 and Pathotype 6 each showed a 40 percent distribution in Kathua district, followed by Pathotype 1 (20%). Only one pathotype, i.e., Pathotype 2, was recorded in Samba district with a 100 percent distribution. Five genes, viz., Xa13, Xa4, Xa13 and Xa5 + Xa13, showed complete resistance, whereas Xa4, Xa5, Xa7, Xa8, Xa21, Xa4 + Xa5 and Xa4 + Xa21 showed susceptible response against the test isolates. It was observed that most of the single BLB-resistant genes were moderately to highly susceptible to almost all the Xoo isolates, whereas combinations of BLB resistance genes possessed high resistance against all the Xoo isolates. The studies revealed that diverse pathogenic variations existed in the Xoo population in the basmati-growing region of Jammu and Kashmir. Based on the response exhibited by Xoo isolates on differential lines, seven pathotypes (Pathotype 1–7) were identified, and their virulence spectrum on rice differentials showed the occurrence of 5, 3, 10, 10, 20, 10 and 15 percent, respectively, in the Jammu sub-tropics. To develop durable and sustainable resistant cultivars, it is essential to identify predominate race(s) in a specific geographical area and continuously monitor the virulence pattern there. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional food market is dominated by dairy based probiotic products mainly yoghurt. There is need to develop dairy alternatives due to allergenic milk proteins, lactose and high cholesterol content. In this paper, efforts have been made to develop yoghurt like probiotic product from peanut milk utilizing single probiotic culture and without any supplements. The conditions were optimized utilizing response surface methodology by studying the individual and interactive effects of three process variables i.e . inoculum concentration, incubation temperature and time. Inoculum concentration of 1.9%, incubation temperature of 38 °C and 12 h incubation time was found optimum for probiotic peanut yoghurt preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Widespread changes in the expression of microRNAs in cancer result in abnormal gene expression for the miRNAs that control those genes, which in turn causes changes to entire molecular networks and pathways. The frequently altered miR-31, which is found in a wide range of cancers, is one cancer-related miRNA that is particularly intriguing. MiR-31 has a very complicated set of biological functions, and depending on the type of tumor, it may act both as a tumor suppressor and an oncogene. The endogenous expression levels of miR-31 appear to be a key determinant of the phenotype brought on by aberrant expression. Varied expression levels of miR-31 could affect cell growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and other process by several mechanisms like targeting BRCA1-associated protein-1 (BAP1), large tumor suppressor kinase 1 (LATS1) and protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A). This review highlights the current understanding of the genes that miR-31 targets while summarizing the complex expression patterns of miR-31 in human cancers and the diverse phenotypes brought on by altered miR-31 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology was adopted in order to optimize the fermentation process conditions for the development of probiotic soy yoghurt utilizing single probiotic culture i.e., Streptococcus faecalis, without using any additives. The experiments were designed following central composite rotatable design with three independent variables i.e., inoculation concentration (1-3% v/v), incubation temperature (37-43C) and incubation time (12-15 h). Lack-of-fit tests were insignificant and determination coefficients were high ranging from 79.59 to 95.11%, except in the case of syneresis (53.54%). The results revealed that inoculum concentration, incubation temperature and incubation time influence the physicochemical properties of soy yoghurt. The optimized conditions were as follows: inoculum concentration, 1.78%; incubation temperature, 40.53C (41C); and incubation time, 16 h, for the preparation of probiotic soy yoghurt with 80.7% desirability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of agriculture is questionable under the current climate change scenario. Climate change and climate-related calamities directly influence biotic and abiotic factors that control agroecosystems, endangering the safety of the world's food supply. The intricate interactions between soil microorganisms, including plants, bacteria, and fungi, play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration. Soil microbes play a major part in nutrient cycling, including soil organic carbon (SOC), and play a pivotal function in the emission and depletion of greenhouse gases, including CH 4 , CO 2 , and N 2 O, which can impact the climate. At this juncture, developing a triumphant metagenomics approach has greatly increased our knowledge of the makeup, functionality, and dynamics of the soil microbiome. Currently, the involvement of plants in climate change indicates that they can interact with the microbial communities in their environment to relieve various stresses through the innate microbiome assortment of focused strains, a phenomenon dubbed "Cry for Help." The metagenomics method has lately appeared as a new platform to adjust and encourage beneficial communications between plants and microbes and improve plant fitness. The metagenomics of soil microbes can provide a powerful tool for designing and evaluating ecosystem restoration strategies that promote sustainable agriculture under a changing climate. By identifying the specific functions and activities of soil microbes, we can develop restoration programs that support these critical components of healthy ecosystems while providing economic benefits through ecosystem services. In the current review, we highlight the innate functions of microbiomes to maintain the sustainability of agriculture and ecosystem restoration. Through this insight study of soil microbe metagenomics, we pave the way for innovative strategies to address the pressing challenges of food security and environmental conservation. The present article elucidates the mechanisms through which plants and microbes communicate to enhance plant resilience and ecosystem restoration and to leverage metagenomics to identify and promote beneficial plant-microbe interactions. Key findings reveal that soil microbes are pivotal in nutrient cycling, greenhouse gas modulation, and overall ecosystem health, offering novel insights into designing ecosystem restoration strategies that bolster sustainable agriculture. As this is a topic many are grappling with, hope these musings will provide people alike with some food for thought. [Display omitted] • Soil microbes metagenomics can provide useful approach for ecosystem restoration. • Soil microbes play a major role in nutrient cycling. • Soil health can influence agricultural productivity and long-term sustainability. • Ecological restoration significantly impacted on food security and nutrient quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine the environmental thought and practice of indigenous peoples living in and around a wildlife sanctuary in North India. Analysis reveals that those religious specialists (such as shamans) who possess knowledge of herbal healing are more committed than other villagers to preventing or mitigating the overharvesting of natural resources. To explain these results, reference is made to a specific juncture of native traditions and modern conditions and in particular to an intersection of local economies with global discourses of “ecodevelopment.” Drawing on theories and methods from political ecology and cultural psychology, we present a framework for testing the extent that local actors—in this case, shamanic and herbalist healers—are differently positioned to resist or accommodate state and parastate structures of “environmentality” than are other villagers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced size microstrip monopole slot antennas with different slot shapes- straight, L and inverted T, and placed on a small ground plane, are investigated. The ground plane size is 50 mm × 80 mm, which is about the size of a typical PC Wireless card. Detailed simulation and experimental investigations are conducted to understand their behavior and optimize for broad- band operation. It is shown that, the variation in the slot shape, from straight to L and T shapes, helps in generating additional resonances, which when coupled to the original resonances of the slot, further increases impedance bandwidths. The bent shapes of the L and T slots reduce their height and provide more space on the ground plane for electronics. A mirror image dual L-slot antenna, placed at two adjacent corners of the ground plane, is also investigated and optimized for the polarization diversity. They pro- vide an impedance bandwidth of 87%, with near orthogonal radiation characteristics. The measured impedance bandwidths (S11 = -10 dB) of up to 60%, 84%, and 80% are achieved for these straight, L and inverted T slots respectively, by suitably selecting their design parameters. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental data considering several practical issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of cooling media on microstructural and mechanical properties of the joint. • Study of fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) properties along and across the weld. • Relationship between residual stresses developed during welding and FCGR. • Influence of hardness and tensile properties on FCGR in weld nugget and HAZ. • Establishment of relationship between FCGR and mechanical, microstructural properties. The Al-Mg-Cr aluminium alloy shows high resistance against fatigue crack propagation. This alloy loses its properties in weld nugget and nearby region due to excessive heat generation during welding. To see the effect of heat input during welding, in present study, friction stir welding of this alloy was done at different speeds in three cooling environments i.e. natural air, water, and liquid nitrogen. Study outcomes show that fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) is lower in case of water cooling while presence of oxides in weld nugget zone in case of liquid nitrogen cooling causes a significant increase in FCGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel compact single-substrate planar multiband five-element multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna system is presented in this paper. The tunable two-element folded meandered MIMO antenna covers the long-term evolution frequency bands below 1 GHz (687–813 MHz) and radio frequency identification bands centered around 2.4 and 5.8 GHz. The other two-element compact MIMO antennas operate over 754–971 MHz, 1.65–1.83 GHz, 2–3.66 GHz, and 5.1–5.6 GHz frequency bands. Furthermore, the proposed antenna elements are integrated with a wideband sensing antenna for the spectrum sensing in 0.668–1.94 and 3–4.6 GHz, which also acts as the ground plane for the MIMO elements in the cognitive radio application environment. The antenna is fabricated on a 65 mm $\times \,\, 120$ mm $\times \,\, 1.56$ mm low-cost FR-4 substrate. The antenna’s radiation characteristics are experimentally verified, and the results are in agreement with the full-wave simulation. The 3-D radiation pattern-based envelope correlation coefficient of the MIMO antennas is also experimentally verified which is below the desired value of 0.5. Finally, to show its utility at the Internet-of-Things platform, the antenna is tested in the realistic application environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A broadband and compact coplanar waveguide (CPW) coupled‐fed metasurface (MS)‐based antenna for C‐band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging application is proposed in this article, which is consisted of 16 uniform periodic square patches performed as radiators. The CPW feeding structure gives two following functions: (1) It excites an aperture coupling slot structure underneath the center of MS patch array. (2) It acts as a ground plane for the metasurface patch units. Different slots were investigated and eventually an hourglass‐shaped slot is applied to enhance bandwidth for imaging applications. A prototype with a dimension of 60 × 60 × 1.524 mm3 (1.1λ0 × 1.1λ0 × 0.03λ0) operating at the center frequency 5.5 GHz (f0) has been fabricated and measured to verify the design principle. This antenna has a measured impedance bandwidth of 12.4% from 5.14 to 5.82 GHz, a peak gain of 9.2 dBi and averaged gain of 7.2 dBi at broadside radiation. Microwave imaging experiments using the proposed antenna have been carried out and a good performance is achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel topology of the coplanar waveguide fed truncated octahedron-shaped antenna is proposed. The linearly polarized antenna operates over the triple radio frequency identification technique (RFID) bands of 858–930MHz, 2.4–2.454 GHz, and 5.725–5.875 GHz at ultrahigh frequency (UHF), microwave-, and super high-frequency bands, respectively. In addition, it also supports long-term evolution 4G, TV broadcasting, and 5G bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. The S11 = -10 dB impedance bandwidth is 294 MHz (697–991 MHz), 120 MHz (2.38–2.5 GHz), 310 MHz (3.07–3.35 GHz), and 310 MHz (5.61–5.92 GHz) in the various bands. The antenna is fabricated on a polyguide substrate of 0.3023\lambda L\times 0.209\lambda L \times 0.014\lambda L dimension, where \lambda L is the free-space wavelength at the lowest operating frequency. The antenna’s S11 and the radiation patterns have been measured, and a good agreement between simulated and the measured results has been found. In addition, the proposed antenna is also experimentally verified for the UHF band RFID detection and the global standard for mobile communications 900 band cellular applications. We also propose a system-level schematic to integrate this antenna to other communication standards for the automated RFID applications needed for the Internet of Things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In India syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae) is commonly used traditional medicine to treat diabetes. The present study was undertaken to assess an investigation of antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic properties of aqueous extract of Syzigium Cumini ( SC) in diabetic rats fed a high cholesterol diet. The aqueous extract of SC was screened for antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic activity by streptozotocin induced diabetes in rats. Animals were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of SC. Metformin were used as reference antihyperglycemic drugs for comparison. Administration of aqueous extract of SC or metformin for 21 days resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in serum glucose, insulin and Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) compared with diabetic controls. Treatment with 100 mg/kg/day aqueous extract of SC did not result in a significant reduction in serum insulin levels, but 200 mg/kg/day and 400 mg/kg/day, aqueous extract of SC and metformin showed significant reductions 17.89%, 19.60% and 24.40%, respectively. Furthermore, administration of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day, aqueous extract of SC and metformin resulted in significant decrease in insulin resistance of 19.20%, 41.59%, 51.55% and 68.68%, respectively. In high fat diet- streptozotocin (HFD – STZ) treated rats β-cells function (HOMA-B) were markedly reduced (5.8-fold), however observed a significant (P < 0.01) improvement of β-cell function with aqueous extract of SC (400 mg/kg/day) and metformin. The aqueous extract of SC seeds exhibits significant insulin-sensitizing, antidyslipidemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and β-cell salvaging activity in HFD-STZ-induced type 2 diabetic rats via overexpression of PPARγ and PPARα activity, affirming its potential to be used in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Further isolation and characterization of active components in SC seed extract are needed to explore the other possible mechanisms and pathways that are involved in its anti-diabetic effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the problem of a moving load causing fracture is used in the interpretation analysis of geophysical fracture. This paper aims to study the stress produced in an irregular fiber-reinforced half-space due to a normal moving load on a free surface. The stress produced in this case has been obtained in a closed form. Three different cases of irregularity, viz. rectangular, parabolic and no irregularity, have been discussed and compared. The effects of depth, irregularity factor and maximum irregularity depth on stress have been investigated. Also, the stress produced from a normal moving load in an irregular isotropic half-space has been deduced as a special case of the problem and comparative study has been made with that of fiber-reinforced medium. Moreover, some important peculiarities have been depicted with the use of graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carpal malalignment following the malunited distal radial fracture is described to develop as an adaptation to realign the hand to the malunion. It worsens gradually after healing of the fracture due to continued loading of the wrist. It is also reported to develop during the immobilization itself rather than after fracture healing. The present work was aimed to study the natural course and the quantitative assessment of such adaptive carpal realignment following distal radial fracture. Methods: In a prospective study, 118 distal radial fractures treated with different modalities were followed-up with serial radiographs for a year for assessment of various radiological parameters. Results: Two patterns of carpal malalignment were identified depending upon the effective radiolunate flexion (ERLF) measured on pre-reduction radiographs. The midcarpal malalignment was seen in 98 radial fractures (83%) with the lunate following the dorsiflexed fracture fragment and a measured ERLF of less than 25°. The second pattern of radio-carpal malalignment showed the fracture fragment to dorsiflex without taking the lunate with a measured ERLF of more than 25°. The scaphoid did not follow the fracture fragment in both the patterns of malalignment. Conclusion: It is better to assess distal radial fractures for any wrist ligamentous injury on the post-reduction film with the restored radial anatomy than on the pre-reduction film since most carpal malalignments get corrected with the reduction of the fracture. Similar carpal malalignment reappear with the redisplacement of the fracture as seen in pre-reduction radiographs and develops during the immobilization rather than as a later compensatory mechanism for the malunion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saffron, comprising of dried stigmas of the plant known as Crocus sativus, is one of the most important and scantly cultivated agricultural products. It has been used as a precious spice for the last at least 3500 years. Due to its numerous medicinal qualities and pharmacological applications, it is considered as a "golden condiment", and its demand and consumptions has risen over a period of time. Although efforts are continuously being made to enhance the productivity in the traditional areas and promote the cultivation of saffron in the newer areas, there are several constraints hindering these efforts. Prevalence of corm rot is one such limiting factor which results in the reduction in saffron production and decline in the area under its cultivation. The disease not only reduces the yield substantially, but also adversely affects the production of daughter corms. Complete understanding and knowledge about the disease is still lacking due to the inadequate information about its etiology and epidemiology. Moreover, due to the non-availability of resistant genotypes and lack of improved cultural practices, presently no effective and sustainable management strategies are available. This review article gives an overall account of the history and impact of saffron corm rot, its present status, yield losses caused by it, dynamics of the pathogens associated with the disease, their survival and dispersal, factors influencing disease intensity, epidemiology and sustainable management strategies. As comprehensive information on the disease is presently not available, an attempt has been made to review the current knowledge regarding corm rot of saffron. The information about the disease discussed here can eventually be beneficial for the growers, students, researchers, plant protection organizations, development departments, extension workers, policy makers, government agencies and public organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]