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A class of planar antenna which offers better performance over broad band of frequencies that fits itself in wide range of applications are in need of research. The license free band from 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz that do not cause interference to narrowband signals is chosen as operating range of frequencies for the chosen Vivaldi antenna. The novelty of the proposed work consists in the remodeling of a mathematical equations for elliptic antenna structure and the study of the Vivaldi antenna operating over the frequency range between 2.63 GHz to 14.58 GHz that lies in Super High Frequency (SHF) bands – S, C and X bands. The designed antenna is fabricated and its radiation characteristics are studied and analyzed. Purpose. Analysis of the designed antenna on the basis of an elliptical curve mathematical model will allow the antenna to operate over wide band of frequencies thus extending its applications over the areas of application in the areas of satellite communication, military, weather radar, surface ship radar. Methods. The antenna is being designed using HFSS software and fabricated antenna is being tested at anechoic chamber. Results. A mathematical model of a structure of Vivaldi antenna was developed and studied. The performance measures of designed antenna such as return loss, gain, VSWR and radiation pattern are simulated and analyzed. The antenna is being fabricated and tested using vector network analyzer and anechoic chamber. Practical value. The analysis of designed antenna over wide band of frequencies is demonstrated. The further research directions of the designed antenna can be extended for the subsequent implementation of the results in suitable applications.

Introduction: The 2016 World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of tumours of the Central Nervous System (WHO CNS 2016 classification) is used to classify diffuse gliomas as astrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma (ODG), glioblastoma which are three prognostically distinct groups based on Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH1), alpha thalassaemia/mental retardation, x-linked (ATRX) mutations, p53 and 1p/19q co-deletion status. Although WHO CNS 2022 classification has been brought in use, it is based on molecular studies. In a resource limited setting like in many Indian diagnostic centres it's difficult to apply the WHO CNS 2022 classification. It is felt that WHO CNS 2016 classification has not lost its utility. Aim: To investigate the Immunohistochemistry (IHC) status of IDH1, ATRX, p53 in diagnosis of diffuse glial tumours and to classify them according to WHO 2016. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Pathology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India for two years and six months (July 2020 to December 2022). Thirty-two diffuse glioma cases and IHC markers IDH1, ATRX, p53 were evaluated. Ki-67 index was additionally done. Results: Total 32 cases were studied, 19 cases were male. Mean age of the patients was 40.13 years. Fourteen patients belonged to WHO Grade-II, six to Grade-III, and 12 to Grade-IV. As per the IHC findings and histopathological features, there were 16 (50%) patients with diffuse astrocytoma, while 12 (37.5%) and 4 (12.5%) patients were diagnosed as glioblastoma and ODG, respectively. Reclassification of these cases was done depending on IHC results where IDH1 was positive in 71.9% cases, ATRX was positive in 40.6% cases and p53 was positive in 15.6% cases. This result includes all the cases where these IHC markers showed reactivity. The diagnosis of four patients was modified based on findings of IHC markers. Conclusion: The study demonstrates subgrouping of gliomas based on IDH1, ATRX, p53. There was no significant association between grade of tumour and Ki-67 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of methane-reducing compounds (MRCs) to livestock drinking water presents an alternative method for enteric methane mitigation in extensive systems where these compounds cannot be fed through the diet. This work evaluated several such compounds with the potential to be deployed in this manner. Methane-reducing compounds were selected based on the existing literature and likelihood of dissolution when combined with a commercially available water-based nutrient supplement (uPRO) (uPRO ORANGE®, DIT AgTech, QLD, Australia). This, in turn, would demonstrate the capacity for MRCs to be administered through animal drinking water when such supplements are in use. This technique requires the analysis of MRC solubility and stability in solution, which was completed via Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. The uPRO supplement is comprised of urea, urea phosphate, and ammonium sulfate, providing nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur—limiting nutrients for ruminants grazing extensive systems during drier periods of the year. Accordingly, medium-quality Rhodes grass hay was used in fermentation runs to simulate a basal diet during the dry season. Methane-reducing compounds were assessed in accordance with each variable measured (gas/methane production, dry matter digestibility, stability under different environmental conditions) along with existing research in the field to determine the most suitable compound for co-administration. Whilst most compounds examined in this study appeared to retain their structure in solution with uPRO, fermentation results varied in terms of successful methane mitigation. The additive Agolin Ruminant L emerged as the most promising compound for further in vivo investigation.

Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, is esteemed for its rich reservoir of health-benefitting phytoconstituents nestled within its seeds. The composition of its seeds can be influenced by factors such as genotype diversity and agricultural practices. Understanding these dynamics is important for maximizing the nutritional and medicinal attributes of the seeds. This study investigated how different genotypes, growing densities, and sowing times affect oil yield and phytoconstituents of Nigella seeds in Northern Australia. The aim was to find the optimal combination of these factors to maximize desirable compounds. Our findings revealed variability in oil yield and phytoconstituents among different genotypes, growing densities, and sowing times. No single genotype stood out as having elevated levels of all desired compounds. For instance, genotype AVTKS#5 had high total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity, while AVTKS#8 and AVTKS#7 excelled in thymoquinone (TQ) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), respectively. Planting density had a nuanced impact, with no significant effect on oil yield and CUPRAC values, but higher densities decreased TPC, FRAP, and TQ. Interestingly, seeds cultivated at 20 and 30 plants/m2 had higher ratios of MUFAs/SFAs, PUFAs/SFAs, and (MUFAs + PUFAs)/SFAs, indicating the importance of planting density in shaping fatty acid profiles. Sowing times also had a noticeable effect, with late sowing leading to a decrease in oil yield from 19% to 14%. May-sown seeds had higher TPC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and fatty acid ratios, while TQ levels peaked in June-sown seeds. Our study highlighted positive correlations among TPC, FRAP, CUPRAC, and TQ, emphasizing their collective contribution to the nutritional and medicinal potency of Nigella seeds. Fatty acids, on the other hand, showed no significant correlation with these parameters, indicating independent regulation. In summary, our comprehensive analysis provides insights into the factors (genotype and agronomic practice) that shape the phytochemical profile of Nigella seeds, and suggests better genotype, planting density, and time of sowing for the cultivation and quality production.

Abstract The earth is warming, and the frequency of extreme weather events have been rapidly growing globally with unprecedented consequences to farming communities. In principle, weather and climate information services (WCIS) can help farmers better manage their activities and farm level outcomes by supporting their decision-making with relevant and usable information to address the potential impacts of expected changing climate conditions. But, in practice, can the availability and use of WCIS help improve agricultural outcomes given the weather and climate related uncertainties? To understand the use and impact of WCIS in the cotton-wheat cropping areas of Pakistan, we conducted a multistage stratified clustered random sample of 612 farm households in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. Over 55% of the farm households in the sample indicated that they used WCIS provided by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and other sources for making their agricultural decisions. Our analysis, however, suggests that the impact of using WCIS on major farm outcomes (i.e. farm revenue, costs, profits, and input usage) is not statistically significant when compared with those farm households not using WCIS (null result). This result is robust to different estimation techniques (i.e. ordinary least squares, instrumental variable approach, and propensity score matching method). From the focus group discussions, we gathered that farmers perceived WCIS as less reliable, often unclear, and difficult to understand as this information is not translated and transmitted in local languages. Addressing these issues can help reduce the impact of climate and weather variability on farm outcomes in those provinces as well as in Pakistan more generally. Our study suggests that, under uncertainty, emphasis should be on WCIS that farmers can rely on for making farming related decisions.

Chickpea is one of the economically important legume crops adapted for winter season production in tropical climates. This study evaluated the physiological, morphological, and biochemical traits of eight Kabuli chickpea genotypes in an Australian tropical environment. The result revealed significant differences between genotypes for seed emergence, plant height, primary shoots, leaf number, leaf area index, gas-exchange parameters, seed yield, carbon discrimination (Δ13C), and natural abundance for nitrogen fixation. Among the tested genotypes, AVTCPK#6 and AVTCPK#19 exhibited late flowering (60–66 days) and late maturity (105–107 days), and had higher leaf photosynthetic rate (Asat) (28.4–31.2 µmol m−2 s−1), lower stomatal conductance (gsw) (516–756 mmol m−2 s−1), were associated with reduced transpiration rate (T) (12.3–14.5 mmol m−2 s−1), offered greater intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) (2.1–2.3 µmol m−2 s−1/mmol m−2 s−1), and contributed a higher seed yield (626–746 g/m2) compared to other genotypes. However, a larger seed test weight (>60 g/100 seed) was observed for AVTCPK#24, AVTCPK#8, and AVTCPK#3. Similarly, a high proportion (45%) of larger seeds (>10–11 mm) was recorded for AVTCPK#24. Furthermore, a higher %Ndfa in AVTCPK#6 (71%) followed by AVTCPK#19 (63%) indicated greater symbiotic nitrogen fixation in high-yielding genotypes. Positive correlation was observed between %Ndfa and seed protein, as well as between seed yield and plant height, primary shoots, leaf count, leaf area index, leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate at pod filling stage, biomass, and harvest index. An inverse correlation between (Δ13C) and iWUE, particularly in AVTCPK#6 and AVTCPK#19, indicates greater heat and drought tolerance, required for high-yielding Kabuli chickpea production in northern Australia.

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), renowned for its aesthetic appeal and rich antioxidant content, has gained global popularity due to its numerous health benefits. In Australia, despite growing commercial interest in cultivating dragon fruit, there is uncertainty for local growers stemming from competition with imported varieties. Notably, there is a lack of comparative research on the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical contents of Australian-grown versus imported dragon fruit, which is crucial for enhancing market competitiveness and consumer perception. This study compares the shelf-life, antioxidant activity, and phytochemical content of Australian-grown and imported dragon fruits under ambient conditions, addressing the competitive challenges faced by local growers. Freshly harvested white-flesh (Hylocereus undatus) and red-flesh (H. polyrhizus) dragon fruit were sourced from Queensland and the Northern Territory and imported fruit were sourced from an importer in Queensland. All fruit were assessed for key quality parameters including peel color, firmness, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), total betalain content (TBC), and total anthocyanin content (TAC). The results indicate that Australian-grown white dragon fruits exhibited average one day longer shelf-life with less color degradation, better firmness retention, and less decline in weight loss, TSS, and acidity compared to imported fruits. Australian-grown red dragon fruits showed similar shelf-life compared to fruits from overseas. Antioxidant activities and phytochemicals were consistently higher in Australian-grown fruits throughout their shelf-life. These findings indicate that Australian-grown dragon fruits offer better physical quality and retain more nutritional value, which could enhance their marketability.

Understanding the extraction process of Nigella oil is crucial due to its significant impact on yield, quality, and therapeutic effectiveness. This study explored the effects of various screw press temperatures (40 °C, 50 °C, 60 °C, 70 °C, and 80 °C) on the quantity and quality of Nigella oil to optimize conditions that maximize yield while maintaining its nutritional and therapeutic attributes. Our findings indicate a linear increase in oil yield as screw press temperatures rose from 40 °C to 80 °C. There were no significant differences observed in total phenolic content (TPC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), or the composition and ratio of fatty acids across oils extracted at different temperatures. However, the ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was highest in oils extracted at 60 °C, while the thymoquinone (TQ) content peaked between 40 °C and 60 °C. These results underscore the importance of optimizing screw press temperatures to strike a balance between maximizing oil yield and preserving its valuable therapeutic and nutritional properties

Background: This study aimed to assess the serum activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) based on two genetic variants including the -108C/T variant in the promoter region and the rs3735590 variant in the binding site of miR-616 at the 3ʹ-UTR of the PON1 gene. Materials and Methods: A total of 140 subjects who exhibited clinical symptoms of CAD underwent diagnostic coronary angiography. The patients with CAD were further categorized into two groups: single-vessel disease (SVD) and multi-vessel disease (MVD). The study variants were genotyped using the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique after polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, metformin, and statin usage, a significant association was observed between the -108C/T variant and PON1 activity (P < 0.001). In the sub-groups of both SVD and MVD, individuals with the TC+CC genotypes exhibited significantly higher PON1 activity compared to TT homozygotes (P = 0.001 for SVD and P = 0.01 for MVD). As for the rs3735590 variant, individuals with the A allele (GA+AA genotypes) had higher PON1 activity compared to those with the GG genotype in both the SVD and MVD groups, although the results did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Our study findings indicate a significant decrease in PON1 activity among patients with obstructive CAD. Notably, our results suggest that the -108C/T variant exerts a greater influence on PON1 activity compared to the rs3735590 variant. These findings highlight the crucial role of the -108C/T variant in modulating PON1 activity within the context of atherosclerosis.

This study explored the performance and physiological responses of three commercially used peanut cultivars in Australian farming systems under ambient and elevated CO2 conditions, aiming to identify the most suitable genotype for dual-purpose (grain and graze) cropping experiments. The experiment utilized an open-top chamber (OTC) facility to regulate CO2 concentrations. The elevated CO2 (EC) treatment targeted approximately 650 ± 50 µmol mol−1, while both ambient CO2 (AC) and control plots operated at a concentration of approximately 400 µmol mol−1. Notably, control plots without chambers served as a reference for current CO2 and environmental conditions. In contrast, despite having the same ambient CO2 concentration, AC plots were enclosed in chambers, allowing for plant growth comparisons with EC plots with the same environmental conditions aside from CO2 levels. The analyses revealed significant effects of CO2 enrichment on peanut plants. In particular, the EC treatment led to enhanced photosynthetic rates (20% in Kairi, 31% in Holt, and 19% in Alloway), alongside reduced stomatal conductance (−55% in Kairi, −32% in Holt, and −40% in Alloway), transpiration, and increased water use efficiency compared to AC conditions. Elevated CO2 levels positively influenced pod yields in Kairi (+41%) and Alloway (+36%). However, CO2 enrichment did not significantly alter the protein content, total phenolic content, cupric-reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of peanut plant material. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in the phytochemical composition among the three cultivars under ambient or elevated CO2 conditions. On the other hand, analysis of the fibre structure conducted on peanut stover harvested at plant maturity suggested potential declines in feedstock quality. Based on the findings of this research, further investigations and testing, including simulated grazing trials, will be carried out to identify a single breed line suitable for dual-purpose management under future elevated CO2 conditions.

Abstract Faba bean (Vicia faba) is growing in popularity in Australia, partly due to its higher levels of health‐benefiting compounds compared to other grain crops. This study investigated infrared spectroscopy for predicting levels of bioactive compounds such as antioxidants and phenolics in faba bean flour. Calibration models were performed on 60 samples of faba bean, comprising 10 varieties grown across two field locations in 1 year. For model validation, an independent test set comprising the same varieties grown in a different year was utilised. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) showed promise for the prediction of total phenolic content, with an R2pred of 0.66 and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 76 mg/100 g. Similarly, prediction of ferric reducing antioxidant power, a measure of antioxidant activity, gave an R2pred of 0.59 and RMSEP of 87 mg/100 g. Additionally, moving window optimisation was used to determine the most important wavelength region for the prediction of these analytes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy did not yield any suitable models for the analytes investigated. Although the NIRS models developed were not capable of exactly quantifying phenolic or antioxidant content, infrared spectroscopy appears useful for rapidly discriminating between samples containing high and low levels of phenolics or antioxidant compounds. With further refinement, this technique could potentially be applied for the quality assurance of phenolic content or antioxidant capacity in faba bean seeds.

Stigma among primary care providers (PCPs) is a barrier to successful integration of mental health services in primary healthcare settings globally. Therefore, cross-culturally adaptable and feasible strategies are needed to reduce stigma among PCPs. This protocol is for a multi-site pilot study that aims to adapt and evaluate cross-cultural feasibility and acceptability of a social contact-based primary healthcare intervention in 7 sites in 5 low-and-middle-income countries. A mixed methods pilot study using an uncontrolled before-after study design will be conducted in China (Beijing, Guangzhou), Ethiopia (Sodo), India (Bengaluru, Delhi), Nepal (Syangja), and Tunisia (Testour). The intervention, entitled REducing Stigma among HealthcAre ProvidErs (RESHAPE), is a collaboration with people with lived experience of mental health conditions (PWLE), their family members, and aspirational figures (who are PCPs who have demonstrated high motivation to integrate mental health services). PWLE and their family members are trained in a participatory technique, PhotoVoice, to visually depict and narrate recovery stories. Aspirational figures conduct myth busting exercises and share their experiences treating PWLE. Outcomes among PCPs will include stigma knowledge, explicit and implicit attitudes, and mental healthcare competencies. To understand the feasibility, and acceptability of the intervention, qualitative interviews will be carried out with PWLE, family members, and aspirational figures, PhotoVoice trainers, mental health specialists co-leading the primary care trainings, and PCPs receiving mental health training. The sites will also generate evidence regarding feasibility, acceptability, recruitment, retention, fidelity, safety, and usefulness of the intervention to make further adaptations and modifications. The results will inform cross-cultural guidelines for collaboration with PWLE when conducting mental health training of primary healthcare workers. The results will be used to design future multi-site hybrid trials focusing on effectiveness and implementation.

Adzuki bean is a minor pulse crop in Australia, but there is potential to expand its production if it can be established as a high-value crop. This study profiled the phenolics in the seed and seedcoat material of nine Australian adzuki bean genotypes using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The most abundant phenolic compounds were catechin, rutin and quercetin-3-glucoside. The total phenolic content of the seedcoat (2714–3764 mg gallic acid equivalents [GAE]/100 g) was much higher than that of the seed material (60–286 mg GAE/100 g). The seedcoat material also showed moderate anti-acetylcholinesterase activity, which may provide potential anti-Alzheimer benefits. This may support the use of adzuki bean material – particularly the seedcoat – in the functional food market.

Background and purpose: Recent studies suggest that HDL-C may not serve as a useful biomarker in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aimed to improve the prediction of CAD in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients with nephropathy by substituting the activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) for HDL-C. Materials and methods: This study examined 48 T2D patients who underwent coronary angiographic examination. The subjects were divided into two groups: non-CAD and CAD. For measuring PON1 activity, the initial rate of substrate hydrolysis (phenylacetate) was spectrophotometrically assayed at 270 nm. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to compare the predictive performance of the study biomarkers. Results: The area under the ROC curve showed increases in the diagnostic performance of the study atherogenic ratios by replacing HDL-C with the PON1 in T2D patients with nephropathy. LDL-C/PON1 (AUC=0.72, P=0.048) and log (TG/PON1) (AUC=0.81, P=0.005) had higher predictive powers compared with LDL-C/HDL-C (AUC=0.56, P=0.276) and log (TG/HDL-C) (AUC=0.67, p=0.038) for CAD risk assessment. Conclusion: The ratios of LDL-C/PON1 and log (TG/PON1) improve the prediction of CAD in T2D patients with nephropathy. Our findings support efforts to practically use HDL function instead of HDL-C levels for CAD diagnosis.