Present Research Research Articles

SAR-driven flood inventory and multi-factor ensemble susceptibility modelling using machine learning frameworks

Climate change has substantially increased both the occurrence and intensity of flood events, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, exacerbating threats to human populations and economic infrastructure. The present research employed novel ML models—LR, SVM, RF, XGBoost, DNN, and Stacking Ensemble—developed in the Python environment and leveraged 18 flood-influencing factors to delineate flood-prone areas with precision. A comprehensive flood inventory, obtained from Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data using the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, provided empirical data for entire model training and validation. Model performance was assessed using precision, recall, F1-score, accuracy, and ROC-AUC metrics. The results highlighted Stacking Ensemble’s superior predictive ability (0.965), followed closely by, XGBoost (0.934), DNN (0.929), RF (0.925), LR (0.921), and SVM (0.920) respectively, establishing the feasibility of ML applications in disaster management. The maps depicting susceptibility to flooding generated by the current research provide actionable insights for decision-makers, city planners, and authorities responsible for disaster management, guiding infrastructural and community resilience enhancements against flood risks.

Developing a machine learning-based methodology for optimal hyperparameter determination—A mathematical modeling of high-pressure and high-temperature drilling fluid behavior

Drilling fluids exhibit complex rheological behavior due to a non-linear response to shear rate variations and high sensitivity to changes in temperature, time, and pressure conditions. The prediction of drilling fluid rheological behavior is crucial for the success of oil well drilling, and it directly impacts the fluid's performance. The dataset used in this study was obtained from extensive rheometric tests of water-based and olefin-based drilling fluids in steady-state flow curves. The optimal hyperparameters were guided by performance metrics and compared with alternative models such as Power-law and Herschel-Bulkley rheological models. Different configurations with different hidden layers, using neuron sequences of 16, 32, and 64, learning rates of 0.001 and 0.01, and the ReLU activation function were used to improve the model's performance. Additionally, the paper delved into the impact of the number of training epochs on the accuracy of shear stress predictions. Finding this equilibrium was identified as a crucial factor in achieving precise results. The neural network model demonstrated remarkable accuracy when using the ML-C3 configuration, with MAE values of 0.535 and R2 of 0.987 in predicting the steady-state flow curves of drilling fluids, establishing itself as a powerful tool for forecasting the rheological behavior of these fluids under diverse operational conditions. The present research significantly contributes to the field of drilling fluid rheology and provides valuable insights for optimizing drilling operations in HPHT environments.

Geometric Morphometric and Pattern Discrimination of Handwritten Numeral Characters Based on Local Ethnicities and Native Linguistic Disparities in Malaysia for Forensic Applications

Handwriting can be influenced by factors like culture and native language disparities; however, the specific research to discriminate handwritten numeral characters for forensic questioned document investigation involving the diverse ethnicities (Malay, Chinese and Indian) in Malaysian population remains unreported. Despite its application in forensic anthropology, utilization of the landmark based analysis using the Geometric Morphometric (GMM) technique for examining handwritten numeral character specimens appears sparse. Therefore, this present research that attempted to discriminate ethnicities background of 390 consenting adult participants in Malaysia based on the handwritten numeral characters (0-9) using GMM technique, merits forensic and scientific considerations. Results revealed that while there were universal ones, ethnic-specific handwritten numeral characters that may possibly be influenced by culture and native language (Malay, Chinese and Tamil languages) also prevailed. Significant differences (p < 0.0001) in ethnic-specific characters for the Malay, Chinese and Indian participants who attended the different national primary school settings in Malaysia were also observed. In conclusion, the discrimination of handwritten numeral characters for forensic examination of questioned documents among Malay, Chinese and Indian authors for the development of forensic intelligence is empirically supported.

Investigating the Potential Use of End-of-Life Fire Extinguisher Powder as a Soil Amendment in Different Soil Types: A New Approach Following a Circular Economy Model

A first attempt to assess the potential alternative use of fire extinguisher filler powder after its exhaustion has been investigated in the present research. The chemical composition of fire extinguisher filler powder, specifically type ABC 40%, consists of monoammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. As its nitrogen and phosphorus content is particularly high, the thought of its possible use as a fertilizer and/or a soil amendment is a challenge. For this purpose, a pot experiment was carried out and two leafy vegetables (spinach and lettuce) were used as biomarkers. Two soil samples from rural areas, one acidic (pH = 5.8 ± 0.1) and one alkaline (pH = 8.2 ± 0.7), were selected for the experiments. Filler powder from a used fire extinguisher was added to the soil samples in two levels (1 and 2% v/v). It was found that the addition of fire extinguisher filler powder caused no toxicity to either of the two plants studied. On the contrary, an increase in their above-ground biomass was observed, proportional to the amount of powder added. It was established that in the pots where the powder was added, in both plant species observed, the plant height, root length, and chlorophyll content of leaves increased, the total antioxidant capacity was enhanced, and the concentrations of nitrate and phosphate in the leaves and roots of plants also increased, compared to the soil without the addition of fire extinguisher powder. The early signs appear to be encouraging, as an increase was observed in almost all aspects. The mandatory end of the life cycle of the powder as a fire-extinguishing agent and its disposal is also a challenge in the context of the circular economy, as reducing the energy requirements for fertilizer production is one of the objectives of sustainable development.

Enhancement of paclitaxel production by Neopestalotiopsis vitis via optimization of growth conditions.

Accessibility of paclitaxel and other taxoids from natural resources is restricted. Endophytic fungi are novel, rapidly growing resources for producing these compounds. Neopestalotiopsis vitis (N. vitis) has been recently isolated from Corylus avellana, and its ability to produce a variety of taxoids has been detected and confirmed by analytical methods. Simultaneous growth and high production of taxoids by application of different sorts and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen were targeted in the present research. These criteria were assessed in different acidities (pH 4.0-7.0), carbon sources (sucrose, fructose, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, and malt extract), and nitrogen forms (urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium phosphate, and ammonium sulfate) by testing one parameter at a time approach. The first analysis introduced pH 7.0 as the best acidity of the medium for N. vitis, where the highest paclitaxel yield was generated. Further analysis introduced 3% Malt extract as the best carbon-providing medium. In the next step, the effects of nitrogen forms on the growth rate, paclitaxel yield, alkaloids, and amino acid contents were evaluated. Based on the results of this experiment, 5 mM ammonium sulfate was selected as the best nitrogen source to obtain the maximum biomass and paclitaxel yield. Overall, the results introduce a medium containing 3% (w/v) malt extract and 5 mM ammonium sulfate at pH 7.0 as the best medium in which N. vitis produces the highest paclitaxel yield coincident with rapid and sustainable growth. The findings pave the way for industrial manufacturing of taxoids.

Long-Term Manuring and Fertilization Influence on Soil Properties and Wheat Productivity in Semi-Arid Regions

Information on the long-term effects of the addition of organics and fertilizers to wheat under the pearl millet–wheat cropping system with semi-arid conditions in north-western India is still lacking. The present research was conducted in an ongoing field experiment initiated during Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. After 25 years, the impacts of nutrient management practices on soil fertility and wheat productivity were evaluated. The experiment comprised a total of eight treatment combinations viz. half and full doses of recommended fertilizers (N and P), organic manures (FYM: farmyard manure, POM: poultry manure, and PRM: press mud) alone and in combination with NP fertilizers. The conjoint application of organic manure and chemical fertilizers resulted in a positive influx of nutrients via increasing total organic carbon (TOC), available N, P, K, and S, which ranged from 0.46 to 1.42%, 122.70 to 194.70, 15.66 to 74.92, 340.5 to 761.2, and 15.26 to 54.63 kg ha−1 in surface soil (0–15 cm), respectively. Carbon fractions and crop yield were significantly improved by adopting integrated nutrient management (INM). The TOC showed a positive and significant correlation with C fractions (r > 0.92) and with soil-available N, P, K, and S (r > 0.77) content. The data also revealed a strong relationship between TOC and soil-available (0–15 cm) nutrients i.e., available N (R2= 0.769), available P (R2 = 0.881), available K (R2 = 0.758), and available S (R2 = 0.914), respectively. Thus, practices that increased TOC were also beneficial in enhancing the availability of the nutrients in the soil. A positive and highly significant correlation was also found among wheat yield, nutrient (NPKS) content, and uptake. A polynomial relationship between grain yield and grain N (R2 = 0.962), P (R2 = 0.946), and K (R2 = 0.967) content, and between straw yield and straw N (R2 = 0.830), P (R2 = 0.541) and K (R2 = 0.976) content was obtained. Integrated use of PRM7.5 followed by FYM15 and POM5 coupled with NP fertilizers proved best, which could be beneficial for obtaining nutritious and highest wheat yield (grain: 6.01 t ha−1 and straw: 7.70 t ha−1) coupled with improved fertility within a sustained manner under the pearl millet–wheat sequence in prevailing semi-arid conditions of the North Indian state of Haryana.

In silico analysis of the melamine structural analogues interaction with calcium-sensing receptor: A potential for nephrotoxicity

In recent years, melamine, and its structural analogues, as adulterants in various food products including protein supplements,have been widely studied for their nephrotoxic effects. Previous research has presented evidence that certain small molecules can alter the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) function, contributing to nephrotoxicity. Melamine, for example, has been observed in in vitro settings to interact with the allosteric binding site of CaSR, resulting in uncontrolled CaSR activation. This activation results in the production of reactive oxygen species, which eventually causes kidney cell apoptosis and/or necrosis. The present research used the in silico molecular modelling to evaluate the CaSR binding profilesof four common adulterants in protein supplements: melamine, cyanuric acid, uric acid, and melamine cyanurate. Using Schrödinger’s Maestro docking software (version 13.2.128), the docking studies coupled a noncovalent extra precision mode with the molecular mechanics-generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) simulation for enhanced binding affinity prediction accuracy. This study identified that cyanuric acid, uric acid, and melamine cyanurate have greater CaSR binding affinities than melamine. Interestingly, melamine cyanurate had the highest binding potential to CaSR. Previous animal studies have reported high concentrations of melamine cyanurate complex in rat kidneys following melamine administration. These findings demonstrate a molecular explanation melamine cyanurate complex-induced nephrotoxicity. This research offers new insight regarding the probable mechanism through which melamine, its analogues, and complexes may cause nephrotoxicity.

Constraints in the Production and Marketing of Soybean

The production pattern as well as the consumption pattern of India has dramatically changed in the recent past. Soybean, a miracle crop with 40 per cent protein and 20 per cent oil has gained demand for consumption as well as oil extraction leading to increase in area under production. This paper has made an attempt to decode the constraints faced by farmers in the production and marketing of soybean in the study region so as to draw the attention of concerned authorities to come up with possible solution. The data related to agricultural year 2021-22 is extracted for present research. the primary data is collected by the personal interview method with the pre-tested schedule. Garrett’s ranking technique is used to interpret the data. It is inferred from the results that among production constraints non-availability or Inadequacy of required improved variety seeds in adequate quantities at the right time is the major constraint with the highest mean Garrett score of 74.34 followed by scarcity of labour during peak periods (Garrett score 51.12). Among various marketing constraints encountered by farmer respondents in soybean marketing in the study region. It was inferred that high price fluctuation was the major constraint with the highest mean Garrett score of 92.29 followed by untimely payment of sale proceeds (Garrett score 72.82). This article highlights the important constraints to be addressed to help farmers prosper in soybean production and marketing.

Overcoming embarrassment in humorous narratives among Pakistani young men: A case study

This case study illustrates the use of humor support strategies by Pakistani young men in their conversation to overcome embarrassment and construct and maintain a humorous discursive frame. The present research draws on video recordings of Pakistani university young men’s conversation, analyzed using Hay’s framework of humor support strategies in relation to the pragmatic implicatures of full support. The findings reveal that laughter, overlaps, contributing more humor, repetition and contradicting self-deprecation are among the most prominent humor support strategies. These strategies not only indicate heightened involvement in the conversation but also serve to release the tension of being embarrassed. The study concludes that humor support is a coping strategy used by Pakistani young men for the release of the pressure of being in an awkward position and to open up space for the construction of humorous discourse.

Effect of Crop Protection Intensity and Nitrogen Fertilisation on the Quality Parameters of Spelt Wheat Grain cv. ‘Rokosz’ Grown in South-Eastern Poland

Spelt wheat is one of the oldest wheats cultivated by humans. It is characterised by high nutritional values and is sought after by consumers. Additionally, it does not have high habitat and fertilisation requirements and is resistant to diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different levels of nitrogen fertilisation and the intensification of fungicide protection on the grain quality characteristics of spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ grown under south-eastern Polish conditions. The present research showed that the intensification of fungicide crop protection and increasing the nitrogen dose from 70 to 130 kg ha−1 had a positive effect on the quality features of spelt grains. The highest protein, gluten and starch contents were found after four fungicide treatments. These parameters increased their values under the influence of fungicides. After the application of 130 kg ha−1, spelt wheat grain had the most favourable chemical composition, containing the most protein, gluten, soluble dietary fibre, insoluble dietary fibre and fat. It also had a positive effect on the Zeleny sedimentation index and the amino acid content of the grain. Due to the favourable response of the spelt cv. ‘Rokosz’ to intensified fungicide protection and nitrogen fertilisation, it should be recommended for cultivation in integrated technology.

An analysis of digital twin technologies enhancing supply chain viability: empirical evidence from multiple cases

Recent challenges, including the semiconductor shortage, the Suez Canal blockage, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Huthi attacks in the Red Sea, have shifted the focus of top management towards ensuring continuity and building resilience in their supply chain (SC). These threats manifest in supply shortages, manufacturing halts and significant revenue losses, prompting a re-evaluation of SC strategies and increased investment in digital technologies. Specifically, adopting digital twin technologies (DTTs) enhances organizations to cope with SC disruptions by providing real-time data, facilitating quick decision-making and enabling immediate actions or responses. Applying the theoretical lens of the practice-based view (PBV), the present research analyses five cases to illustrate how DTTs beneficially support SC viability (SCV) practices, enhancing operational performance subsequently. The study uses secondary data to provide empirical evidence on the Digital supply chain practice model (DSCPM). The findings highlight the DTT’s role in facilitating SCV practices, enhancing visibility, adaptability and velocity. From a managerial perspective, however, the study reveals a notable gap between potential benefits and practical implementations of DTTs.

Characterization of bauxite residue filled sisal/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites for structural applications

Abstract Composite materials with high compressive, flexural, and shear strength are essential for constructing various structural elements in automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction sectors. The present research aims to create bauxite residue filled sisal/glass fiber reinforced polyester composites. The different weight percentages of sisal fiber (35 %, 30 %, 25 %, and 20 %), red mud (0 %, 5 %, 10 %, and 15 %), glass fiber (5 %), and polyester matrix (60 %) were used to fabricate composites. The combined use of compression molding and hand layup technique was employed in the creation of composite materials due to its frequent utilization in the manufacturing of large-scale components found in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction. In this work, investigated the physical, compressive, flexural and v notch rail shear strength of the fabricated composites. Results revealed that the composites with 30 % of sisal fiber and 5 % of red mud has the highest compressive, flexural, and v notch rail shear strength of 83.45 MPa, 182.74 MPa, and 10 MPa, respectively. Further, this composite showed high density, less void content, and less thickness swelling than other composites. According to the outcomes, this composite material demonstrates suitability for various structural applications across automotive, aerospace, marine, and construction sectors.

Speaking in Private: Privacy Expectations Depend on Communication Modality

Consumers disclose personal information when they interact with connected technologies. The advent of voice technology has enabled consumers to interact with connected technologies not only through typing but also through speaking. The present research investigates whether consumers expect different levels of privacy for information they disclose via different communication modalities. The results of three studies suggest that consumers have more restrictive privacy expectations for information disclosed via speech as compared with text. The studies probe the viability of several mechanisms that may drive this effect and test practically relevant moderators. The results suggest that the effect is driven, at least in part, by increased feelings of ownership over content disclosed via speech as compared with text. Of relevance to multiple stakeholders, the article discusses implications for privacy regulation, privacy-preserving application design, targeted advertising, and the “privacy paradox.” This paper has been This paper was accepted by Catherine Tucker for the Special Issue on the Human-Algorithm Connection. Funding: This work was supported by Marketing Science Institute [4001309], NYU Stern Center for Global Economy and Business. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.03954 .

Diallyl disulfide alleviates hepatic steatosis by the conservative mechanism from fish to tetrapod: Augment Mfn2/Atgl-Mediated lipid droplet-mitochondria coupling

Despite increasing evidences has highlighted the importance of mitochondria-lipid droplet (LD) coupling in maintaining lipid homeostasis, little progress in unraveling the role of mitochondria-LD coupling in hepatic lipid metabolism has been made. Additionally, diallyl disulfide (DADS), a garlic organosulfur compound, has been proposed to prevent hepatic steatosis; however, no studies have focused on the molecular mechanism to date. To address these gaps, this study investigated the systemic control mechanisms of mitochondria-LD coupling regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, and also explored their function in the process of DADS alleviating hepatic steatosis. To this end, an animal model of lipid metabolism, yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco were fed four different diets (control, high-fat, DADS and high-fat + DADS diet) in vivo for 8 weeks; in vitro experiments were conducted to inhibit Mfn2/Atgl-mediated mitochondria-LD coupling in isolated hepatocytes. The key findings are: (1) the activations of hepatic LDs lipolysis and mitochondrial β-oxidation are likely the major drivers for DADS alleviating hepatic steatosis; (2) the underlying mechanism is that DADS enhances mitochondria-LD coupling by promoting the interaction between mitochondrion-localized Mfn2 with LD-localized Atgl, which facilitates the hepatic LDs lipolysis and the transfer of fatty acids (FAs) from LDs to mitochondria for subsequent β-oxidation; (3) Mfn2-mediated mitochondrial fusion facilitates mitochondria to form more PDM, which possess higher β-oxidation capacity in hepatocytes. Significantly, the present research unveils a previously undisclosed mechanism by which Mfn2/Atgl-mitochondria-LD coupling relieves hepatic LDs accumulation, which is a conserved strategy from fish to tetrapod. This study provides another dimension for mitochondria-LD coupling and opens up new avenues for the therapeutic interventions in hepatic steatosis.

Tribological and corrosion performance of duplex electrodeposited Ni-P/Ni-W-P coatings

The present research investigates the properties of duplex electrodeposited Ni-P/Ni-W-P coatings consisting of Ni-P and Ni-W-P as inner layers alternately. This study aims to examine how various heat treatment conditions affect the mechanical, tribological, and electrochemical properties of the coatings.The results show that the heat treatment temperature and duration have a profound influence on the coating’s microstructure, which significantly affects its overall performance. Optimal microhardness and lower wear rates are observed at 400 °C temperature for 1 h duration. However, at 800 °C for 4 h, duplex electrodeposited coatings display cracks and increased oxide layers, negatively impacting mechanical, tribological, and corrosion properties. The Ni-W-P outer layer coating exhibited higher hardness and a lower wear rate compared to the Ni-P outer layer coatings. However, the assessment of corrosion behavior shows that Ni-P offers increased corrosion resistance, largely due to its ability to form a passive layer, which is further enhanced after heat treatment. When compared to their individual single-layer coatings, the present duplex coatings demonstrate superior overall performance.

Improved wear and corrosion resistance of magnesium AZ80 alloy prepared by laser surface remelting

Laser surface remelting (LSR) is a laser-based surface treatment method. In the LSR process, microstructural defects such as cracks and porosity are suppressed in addition to grain refinement, and the mechanical properties are improved. The present research investigated the effects of LSR parameters on the microstructure, wear, and corrosion behavior of Mg AZ80 alloy. The results showed that in LSR, the coarse-grained (29.8 μm) structure of AZ80 was transformed into a fine-grained structure (3.1 μm) with no microstructural defects. The evaporation of Mg during LSR and the formation of Al-rich and Mg-poor phases are the most important challenges in the surface treatment of AZ80. This limitation was solved by optimizing the LSR parameters, which included a gas flow rate of 2 L min−1, pulse duration of 3 ms, scanning speed of 3 mm s−1, pulse frequency of 8 Hz, and heat input of 64 J mm−1. The prevention of Mg evaporation was associated with the elimination of porosity and cracks, reducing of the solidification range, and uniform distribution of β-Mg17Al12 precipitation phases in α-Mg refined grains. The tribological behavior of the laser-treated region showed that the COF, depth of the wear scar, wear rate, and wear volume loss were reduced by 18%, 48%, 37%, and 66%, respectively, compared to AZ80. This result is attributed to the refinement of α-Mg grains and the uniform distribution of β-Mg17Al12 in the laser-treated region. The results of the polarization curves of the corrosion test in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution showed that the optimal laser-treated region with the lowest corrosion current density (34.68 × 10−6 μA.cm−2) and highest self-corrosion potential (1.425 V) exhibited the highest corrosion resistance. A slight change in the breakdown potential current slope in the laser-treated region indicates the formation of a protective film on the surface after the completion of LSR, which increases corrosion resistance.

National identification weakens, and territorial identification strengthens, the relationship between masculine honor values and the justification of practices of connivance with the mafia

AbstractOrganized crime's governance raises questions about mechanisms facilitating the exercise of illegal authority in society. The present research tested the association between masculine honor ideology and the justification of connivance practices facilitating criminal groups' activities. We examined the novel idea that national identification would attenuate and territorial identification would strengthen such a relationship, reflecting different sources of authority at the national and territorial levels. In Studies 1a and b (N = 398 and N = 399), we measured individuals' endorsement of masculine honor, justification of connivance practices, and national and territorial identifications. In Study 2 (N = 390), we experimentally manipulated the salience of these identities. Results supported the hypotheses that the link between masculine honor and justification of connivance was weaker at higher levels of national identification and stronger at higher levels of territorial identification. Implications and future directions are discussed.

The House-Scale Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Italian Property Market

The present research aims at identifying any changes in the market appreciations of the residential segment in Italy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With reference to the first half of 2023 (phase III, “post-COVID-19”), in the paper, a logical–operational methodology is implemented: a sample of properties sold in the two-month period January–February 2023 is collected and an econometric analysis is applied for determining (i) the most influential factors on selling prices and (ii) the functional links between prices and each selected explanatory variable. Furthermore, the findings obtained are compared with those related to the phases I, “ante-COVID-19”, and II, “COVID-19 in itinere” (by recalling a previous study of the same authors), to highlight the variations between the periods and provide useful guidelines for the design of domestic spaces in different Italian geographical contexts. In addition, this work conducts a comparison of the outputs derived from the econometric analysis starting from the real estate data collected on the reference markets (revealed preferences) with the results of a direct survey carried out on a sample of individuals through the administration of an ad hoc developed questionnaire and aimed at investigating the opinions of potential buyers of residential properties (stated preferences). The use of the “twin” approach (an analysis of perceptions via the direct survey integrated by the implementation of an econometric technique) allows us to verify the consistence of the real dynamics of market (expressed by the interviewees) with the mathematical model results for investigating the house-scale effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the considered cities.

Modeling Kinetics and Transport Mechanism Study of Poorly Soluble Drug Formulation in High Acidic Medium

Some medicinal particles are poorly soluble in highly acidic solutions, particularly those subjected to various production processes. Therefore, the present research investigated the kinetics and mechanisms of the drug release rate of newly formulated solid pills in a low pH medium. Three pills were prepared: one from a non-moisturized powder mixture (PILD) and the other two, PILC and PILM, from the dried powder mixtures, which were dried using hot-air heating and microwave radiation, respectively. These pills were subjected to drug release tests, and the outcomes were considered in the kinetics investigation using various models. Zero-order, Hixson–Crowell, First-order, Higuchi, Hopfenberg, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Logistic, and Peppas-Sahlin were the kinetic models used to inspect the release rate mechanism of these tablets. It was found that the Peppas-Sahlin and zero-order were the most reliable models to represent the drug release profile of all prepared pills with very high accuracy, estimated by R^2>0.99. The Hixon and first-order models were the weakest to characterize this work outcome. This work also applied these models to describe the controlling mechanism of the drug release for each prepared pill. It is detected that the non-Fickian diffusion and polymer chain relaxation control the PILC’s release behavior. However, case II transport and super case II transport with erosions is the dominant mechanism for PILD and PILM pills, respectively. Additionally, new semi-empirical models were modified to describe the kinetics of the solid release of those tablets with greater accuracy.

Design of compact signal source with reduced phase noise for airborne pulse Doppler RF sensor

Abstract In this article, a low phase noise signal source to be used as local oscillator in pulse Doppler radio frequency (PDRF) sensor is proposed. Innovative design techniques for realization of the low phase noise frequency source using phase-locked loop (PLL) and dielectric resonator (DR) are presented. Qualitative investigations have been carried out on the effect of phase noise in PDRF sensor performance. An X-band vibration resistant PLL-based frequency source with phase noise better than −95 dBc at 1 kHz frequency offset has been designed here. It also presents the design of a 7.6 GHz low phase noise, vibration resistant DR oscillator. Systematic analysis of the key design aspects, their thermal-vibrational stability, and ease of integration with hybrid microwave integrated circuits have been disclosed. A prototype board is fabricated, assembled in a compact mechanical enclosure of dimension 55 × 55 × 15 mm3. Finally, developed module is experimentally validated under 7.6 g rms magnitude random vibration test in three axes and compared results with other state of-the-art similar works. The comparison clearly shows the merit of present research work over other similar existing works.