A Study on Automated Process for Extracting White Blood Cellular Data from Microscopic Digital Injured Skeletal Muscle Images

Skeletal muscle injury is one of the common injuries caused by high-intensity sports activities, military related works, and natural disasters. In order to discover better therapies, it is important to study muscle regeneration process. Muscle regeneration process tracking is the act of monitoring injured tissue section over time, noting white blood cell behavior and cell-fiber relations. A large number of microscopic images are taken for tracking muscle regeneration process over multiple time instances. Currently, manual approach is widely used to analyze a microscopic image of muscle cross section, which is time consuming, tedious and buggy. Automation of this research methodology is essential to process a big amount of data. The objective of this thesis is to develop a framework to track the regeneration process automatically. The framework includes dynamic thresholding, morphological processing, and feature extraction.Based on the clinical assumptions, the threshold is calculated using standard deviation and mean of probable single cells. After thresholding, six parameters are calculated including average size, cell count, cell area density, cell count on the basis of size, the number of cytoplasmic and membrane cells as well as the average distance between cellular objects. All these parameters are estimated over the time, which helped to note the pattern of change in leukocytes (White blood cells) presence. Based on these results, a clear pattern of leukocyte movement is observed. Our future work includes deriving the mathematical equations using regression model on the data set of increased time points

The Impact of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction

Satisfying customers needs with good quality services have become the key ingredient in organizational strategy in today's business world. To achieve maximum advantage, an organization must provide high-quality services that satisfy customers. "Service quality has been described as a form of attitude related but not equivalent to satisfaction, which sets for a comparison between customers' expectations with providers' performance”. (Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry, 1988). The SERVQUAL tool developed by Parasuraman, et.al (1988) with its five dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy) was used to find out the gap between customers' expectation and their perceptions regarding service quality. One hundred fourteen questionnaires were distributed, of which 65 were completed and used. This paper determines the gap between customers' expectations and perceptions among three Indian restaurants in Stavanger, Norway. The three restaurants were selected as their target segment, menu prices are similar, and the expectation would be identical. Three of the restaurants chosen for this research are affordable ethnic restaurants. The satisfaction was calculated as E-P (expectation – perception). Spearman correlation coefficient was used to find if there was any correlation between customer satisfaction and five dimensions of service quality. The paper concludes that there is a significant relationship between the five dimensions of service quality and satisfaction. Finally, this paper provides beneficial recommendations that restaurants can use to achieve maximum customer satisfaction by providing quality services

Structure and Kinetics of Twin Boundaries in Shape Memory Alloys

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are functional materials that recover from large strains without permanent deformation. In magnetic shape memory alloys (MSMAs), the reversible deformation is driven either magnetically or mechanically. Two underlying phenomena are responsible for the shape memory effect: (a) a diffusionless, martensitic transformation and (b) twinning in the martensite phase. In MSMAs, the reversible plastic deformation occurs via twinning in the martensite phase, particularly via the movement of twinning disconnections (TDs) along the twin boundaries (TBs). A geometric algorithm called the classical model (CM) of deformation twinning describes operative twinning modes of a given crystal system. There are four types of twins - compound, non-conventional (NC), type I, and type II, which are distinguished based on the crystal\u27s orientation relationship (OR) across the TB. Recently, Pond, Hirth, and coworkers developed a dislocation model of twinning called the topological model (TM) to describe the formation and growth of twins. We apply the TM to characterize the defect structure of junction lines and TBs. We show that the relaxed structure of type II TBs differs distinctly from those of type I and compound TBs. Furthermore, depending on the crystal, the type II interface can either relax into a coherently faceted structure (e.g., NiTi) or remain inherently irrational (e.g., 10M Ni-Mn-Ga (NMG)). One of the characteristic features of type II twins is that chains of quadruple junction lines (QJLs) appear in the vicinity of the TB. Our analysis shows that QJLs have no long-range stress field. Triple junction lines (TJLs), on the other hand, contain a rotational displacement field, i.e., a disclination. A stable chain of TJLs requires a local minimum of the strain energy associated with the disclinations. A disclination quadrupole approximation shows that the system’s total energy scales with the distance of the defects. So, as we approach larger defect spacing, two TJLs may coalesce to form a QJL, thus minimizing the system\u27s energy. A complete description of twinning includes the kinetic relation, i.e., the relationship between the driving force acting on the TB and the resulting velocity of TB motion. In 2014, Faran and Shilo presented an analytic kinetic relation for TB motion, a general kinetic law typical of viscous interface motion in a periodic potential. We refine the model by incorporating the structural differences between type I and type II twins in the kinetic relation. We establish the structure of type II TBs in various alloys and correlate their kinetic properties with the interface\u27s structure. Our work helps establish the kinetic relation for type II twins. Our model predicts the mechanism responsible for the high mobility and temperature insensitivity of type II TBs. Furthermore, we correctly predict the twinning stress of an alloy for compound and type I twins. Our investigation and discovery help enhance the understanding of the dynamic behavior of SMAs

Designing and assessment of different CRISPR/Cas9 RNP complexes to establish basis for eIF4E genome editing in potato protoplasts.

Potato crop is considered as a key to food security; however, potato virus Y infection have been causing seed potato and primary yield loss of up to 80%. Moreover, none of the commercially available potato cultivars has been reported to present natural resistance against potato virus Y. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been widely used for precise genome editing and efficient plant mutation research and breeding. This system depends on single guide RNA to guide the Cas9 protein mediated genome editing. Thus, designing and assessing of target gene or allele specific single guide RNA is a crucial step in precise genome editing. Furthermore, commercial potato cultivars are highly heterozygous and encompasses several single nucleotide polymorphisms. Hence, this study aimed to identify allelic variants of eIF4E gene in Desirée, Kuras, Celandine, and Innovator potato cultivars, and to design and analyse suitable candidate sgRNAs to perform CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) based genome editing to obtain potato virus Y-resistant potatoes. Firstly, using PCR amplification combined with Sanger sequencing, different allelic variants specific to four cultivars were identified. So far, 3 allelic coding sequences were identified from Desirée cultivar, and 2, 4, and 5 variants were detected from Celandine, Kuras and Innovator, respectively. Using the coding sequences seven different sgRNAs were designed, in-vitro transcribed and assessed by performing in-vitro cleavage assay. The results indicated that the SpCas9 derived by all seven sgRNAs, cleaved the three allelic CDS complementary DNA specific to Desirée cultivar. Finally, two different protoplast isolation tests were performed, resulting in isolation of moderate number (1 ×10^4 protoplasts / µl, and 2× 10^6 protoplasts /µl) of protoplasts from Desirée and Kuras cultivars respectively. Thus, this study concluded that a basic platform was established for further RNP complex based in-vivo eIF4E genome editing, on potato protoplasts to produce PVY resistant potatoes

Antibiogram and Phytochemical Analysis of Cinnamon, Clove, and Sichuan Pepper Extracts

A wide range of medicinal plant extracts has phytochemicals that possess antimicrobial properties and these plants are used to treat several infections. The study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activities of some spices extracts and to evaluate the phytochemicals present in them. The extracts of spices were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus refluxing with methanol and ethanol. The well diffusion technique was implemented for the evaluation of antimicrobial activities of the extracts and the zone of inhibitions was recorded in millimeters. The antimicrobial test was done against five bacterial isolates: Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus and a fungal isolate: Candida albicans. The extracts were concentrated by Rotary Vacuum Evaporator and a stock solution of 200 mg/mL was prepared by dissolving in 10 % DMSO. Concentrations of 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/mL extracts were used for antimicrobial activity. The result of this study showed that clove extracts had the highest antimicrobial property against all the test microorganisms. Methanolic extract of clove had the highest inhibitory effect against Proteus mirabilis (24.21±0.15 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.78±0.23 mm), and Candida albicans (20.07±0.08 mm) whereas ethanolic extract was effective against Escherichia coli (20.44±0.16 mm), Salmonella Typhi (21.66±0.31 mm) and Candida albicans (21.11±0.09 mm). Cinnamon and pepper extracts, leaving some exceptions, also had antimicrobial properties. The presence of phytochemicals: polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins are the major components responsible for antimicrobial activity. Thereby, this study successfully demonstrated the possibilities of using spices extracts in the treatment of microbial infections

Cardiac myxoma with glandular elements: A case report

Cardiac myxoma with glandular elements is extremely rare cardiac myxomas that show glandular differentiation, the pathogenesis of which is unknown. The present case study reports a case of glandular cardiac myxoma. A 21-years-old female presented with left atrial mass which was surgically resected and sent for histopathological examination. Microscopically, there were well formed mucinous glands in a background of cardiac myxoma and hence cardiac myxoma with glandular elements was confirmed. Though rare, it should always be differentiated from metastatic adenocarcinoma. </p

IMPACT OF HIGH-Κ METAL OXIDE AS GATE DIELECTRIC ON THE CERTAIN ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF SILICON NANOWIRE FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS: A SIMULATION STUDY

Standard Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) are gaining prominence in low-power nanoscale applications. This is largely attributed to their proximity to physical and thermal limits, rendering them a compelling option for energy-efficient electronic devices. In this study, we hypothesized that the high-κ HfO2 in a quasi-ballistic SiNW MOSFET acts as the gate dielectric. In this case, the data from the TCAD simulation and the model demonstrated exceptional agreement. The proposed model for a SiNW MOSFET with high-κ HfO2 exhibits a consistently increasing drain current, albeit with a smaller magnitude compared to a quasi-ballistic device (QBD). Additionally, it shows reduced mobility and decreased transconductance when considering the combined effects of scattering and temperature. As gate voltage increases, temperature-induced transconductance decline in SiNW MOSFETs becomes significant. Our method is suitable for modeling scattered SiNW MOSFETs with temperature effects, as TGF values are similar in the subthreshold region for both Near Ballistic and Scattered SiNW MOSFET models

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are specialized perioperative care guidelines. The protocol was first published in 2005. Since then, it has been associated with improved perioperative outcomes. This multimodal peri-operative protocols standardize the perioperative care to minimize the surgical stress response and post-operative pain, reduce complications, improve post-operative outcomes, expedite recovery and decrease the length of hospital stay. It initially started with colorectal surgery, but now it is used in hepatobiliary, upper gastrointestinal system, urology, gynecology, vascular surgery, bariatric, and non-gastro intestinal specialties. Its role is well established in elective surgery. Now there are enough evidence suggesting its role in emergency surgeries as well. There are 24 elements of the ERAS bundle. However, only some critical elements of the ERAS bundle are feasible to be used in emergency surgery. Postoperative pain management is one of the significant elements in the ERAS bundle. Multimodal analgesia is the optimal modality for pain control. It facilitates early ambulation and rehabilitation. Current evidence recommends the ERAS protocol. However, each item within the protocol constantly changes over time, depending upon the evidence

COVID-19 vaccination up-take in three districts of Nepal

Vaccine hesitancy during the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be an issue in terms of global efforts to decrease transmission rates. Despite high demand for the vaccines in Nepal, the country still contends with challenges related to vaccine accessibility, equitable vaccine distribution, and vaccine hesitancy. Study objectives were to identify: 1) up-take and intention for use of COVID-19 vaccines, 2) factors associated with vaccine up-take, and 3) trusted communication strategies about COVID-19 and the vaccines. A quantitative survey was implemented in August and September 2021 through an initiative at the Nepali Ministry of Health and Population Department of Health Services, Family Welfare Division. Data were collected from 865 respondents in three provinces (Bagmati, Lumbini, and Province 1). Ordinal multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine relationships between vaccination status and associated factors. Overall, 62% (537) respondents were fully vaccinated and 18% (159) were partially vaccinated. Those respondents with higher education (p \u3c .001) and higher household income (p \u3c .001) were more likely vaccinated. There were also significant differences in vaccine up-take across the three provinces (p \u3c .001). Respondents who were vaccinated were significantly more likely to perceive vaccines as efficacious in terms of preventing COVID-19 (p = .004) and preventing serious outcomes (p = .010). Among both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, there was a high level of trust in information about COVID-19 vaccines provided through local health-care workers [e.g. nurses and physicians]. These results are consistent with other findings within the South Asia region. Targeted advocacy and outreach efforts are needed to support ongoing COVID-19 vaccination campaigns throughout Nepal

Opportunities for Finnish firms in Nepal's energy sector : research on hydropower

The globalization has utterly changed the image of the economic world. Financial incapability of a nation is no longer an excuse for not obtaining economic development. If a nation has potential and an environment that counterparts with the interest of global opportunity seekers then it’s easy for nation to attract those opportunity seekers to make an investment in the country. Especially, when this scenario comes to developing nation like Nepal than the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) becomes more precious to speed up the development process of the nation. As a tool to invite FDI, Nepal has the capacity to generate 83,000 MW of hydroelectricity, of which about 43,000 MW is techno-economically feasible (NEA, Annual report 2012). Despite of having abundant of capacity Nepal generated only 700 MW at the end of 2011, and this amount is not even sufficient to fulfill domestic need which is about 1200 MW per year. As a consequence, currently Nepal is suffering through an aggressive power cuts problem which last long 10 to 14 hours per day. Due to financial incapability Nepal is not able to tap the available potential in hydropower and solve the problem of Energy crisis. In this condition FDI is inevitable to bring the solution. This research took place to find out the possible ways of solution to the problem of Nepal. Finnish firm’s are at the focal point of the research. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied to carry out the research. Primary data were collected through formal and informal interviews with professionals. Books, articles, news, journals etc. were reviewed to find out the appropriate secondary data to take the research into the logical conclusion. With all these combine efforts, research got some useful result. Without FDI it’s terribly hard for Nepal to develop infrastructure to extract energy from hydro resources. At the same time International business hubs and Finnish firms are able and somehow interested in hydropower sector of Nepal. Similarly, Nepal and Finland have quite good diplomatic and business relationship. In other hand, We can see lots of improvements in the FDI condition of Nepal in recent years. If the leadership of Nepal shows a higher level of commitment toward the FDI than it motivates foreign investor to invest in Nepals’ hydropower potential and can exploit the available opportunity for bilateral benefits