High Degree Of Positive Correlation Research Articles

Understanding Self Theory: “I” Or “Me” to Self & the Relationships of “I” & “Me” to Others from Character Sketch of Mahabharata

Purpose: Roger self theory is an important section in every organization in handling individual’s personality. Personality is a combination of behaviour, attitude emotion, perception and thought pattern that define an individual. On approach to personality emphasizes the self and it is characteristic. The research paper is an interesting blend of “I” or “Me” to self and relationships of “I” and “Me” to others to management, science and mythology. The researcher explains how self-theory to professional & psychology students with the help of characters from Mahabharata. The outcome of the research helps individual personalities to discover them as well as to understand basic individual differences. Objectives: The researchers have set the following primary objectives and the current study investigates 2 broad research questions: (1) To examine self theory from character sketch of Mahabharata (OCEAN). (2) To identify whether self-theory applies to actualizing tendency (Real Self). Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is based on both secondary & primary evidence. Hypotheses are stated for the various variables selected and analyzed to prove or disprove the same without any errors. Findings/Result: After analysis researchers conclude there is a fairly high degree of positive correlation between theory aspects and renewal trend. Therefore, the study concludes there is a correlation between the elements of theory and the renewal trend from Mahabharata characters to individuals with the ancient Indian texts. Research Limitations/Implications: In the present research an attempt is made by the researchers to understand the research gap in the area hence a conceptual idea is proposed and the research goes further to advance significance to discover the degree of relationship to interpret characters from Mahabharata to explain self-theory. Originality/New Knowledge/Interpretation/Value: Roger’s theory is very essential to safeguard the individual’s personality and committed himself to understanding the how attitude, behavior and perception change can come about. Thus, the researchers work aims at finding the self-theory & its impact on individual’s personality. Psychologists explain this by segregating personality into a private and public persona. Private is the ‘real’ inner person, while public is the way that the individual presents themselves to the outside world. We may be confident. Paper Type: The study is based on both secondary & primary evidence. There are many characters in the Mahabharata, with each one having self-theory. Many characters are similar but differ in their personality. However, this is not a definitive list.

Estimation of water inflows to reservoirs of irrigation dams in the Guinea Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT The study was carried out in the northern Ghana to estimate water inflows to nine reservoirs of irrigation dams for a period of 20 years (1999–2018) using the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Curve Number model. The key input parameters of the model were hydrologic soil group, rainfall amount, landuse/landcover, weighted curve number, antecedent moisture condition, and potential maximum soil moisture retention. The annual rainfall within the reservoir catchments was found to vary between 617.20 and 1,382.30 mm. The estimated annual runoff depths ranged from 54.10 to 125.55 mm. A high degree of positive correlation was found between rainfall and runoff depths with a coefficient of determination (R2) ranging from 79.80 to 90.70%. Hydrologic soil groups accounted for about 67.2 and 62.5% of the variation in runoff depth and percentage runoff, respectively. The estimated annual water inflows to the reservoirs ranged from 145,206 ± 125,814 m3/y at Gambibgo to 47,074,634 ± 4,395,860 m3/y at Tono. The variation in the annual water inflows and annual storage capacity recharge among the various reservoirs was noted to be influenced by reservoir size, catchment size, rainfall, and soil characteristics in the reservoir catchments.

Mixed Analysis of the Strategic Management and Economic-Financial Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises in the Service Sector

Purpose: To analyze the influence of strategic management on the economic and financial growth of micro and small enterprises in the service sector in Chimbote, Peru. Theoretical framework: The theories associated with strategic management, economic-financial growth of micro and small enterprises in the service sector and other factors were addressed. Method: A mixed approach of the Dexplis type was applied, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, being the population the total of micro and small enterprises of the service sector in Chimbote and the non-probabilistic sample for the survey and the interview was 40 micro and small enterprises of the service sector that served to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The quantitative data were obtained through the instrument adapted to measure strategic management (Gallardo, 2021), whose reliability was assessed by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient α = 0.905 and the economic-financial growth was evaluated through the instrument adapted for this case (Dutan & Ormaza, 2022), whose reliability was assessed by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient α = 0. 868 which was obtained when a pilot test of 20 participants was applied, where the quantitative data obtained were then processed in SPSS, and the qualitative data obtained from the questionnaire of open questions were evaluated with the Atlas.ti software considering 10 codes, 10 sub-categories and 5 categories, also taking into account other factors that influence economic-financial growth. Results and conclusions: The results support a high degree of positive correlation between strategic management and the economic-financial growth of micro and small enterprises in the service sector with an rs = 0.810 and a significance level of p = 0.000, where the coefficient of determination shows that strategic management has a 67.4% influence on economic-financial growth, while the remaining 32.6% is affected by other factors. In conclusion, there is a high positive correlation and there is a 67.4% influence of strategic management on the economic-financial growth of micro and small enterprises in the service sector, while the remaining 32.6% is due to other factors such as economic, public policy, legal, technological and ecological factors. Originality/value: To provide information on the perception of micro and small service sector companies in the handling of strategic management and its influence on economic-financial growth.

Environmental Awareness and Its Impact on University Social Responsibility of Students at A Private University in Chimbote, Perú

Purpose: To analyze the influence of environmental awareness on university social responsibility among students of a private university in Chimbote, Peru. Theoretical framework: Theories associated with environmental awareness, university social responsibility and other factors were addressed. Method: A mixed Dexplis-type approach was applied, with a non-experimental and cross-sectional design, where the total population was 1180 university students and the probability sample for the survey was 290 students and the non-probability sample for the interview was 30 students that served to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data were obtained through the ECA-FMEP instrument of environmental awareness (Laso et al., 2019), whose reliability was assessed by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient α = 0.905 and the RSU was evaluated through the RSU scale instrument of university social responsibility (Serrano et al., 2022), whose reliability was assessed by Cronbach's Alpha coefficient α = 0.868 which was obtained by being applied to a pilot test of 30 learners, where the quantitative data obtained were then processed in SPSS, and the qualitative data were obtained from the answers to the questionnaire of open questions that were evaluated with Atlas.ti software considering 20 codes, 12 sub categories and 8 categories, also taking into account other factors that influence the USR. Results and conclusions: The results support a very high degree of positive correlation between environmental awareness and university social responsibility with an rs = 0.967 and a significance level of p = 0.000, where the coefficient of determination shows that environmental awareness influences 94.7% of university social responsibility, while the remaining 5.3% is affected by other factors. It is concluded that there is a very high positive correlation and there is a 94.7% influence of environmental awareness on university social responsibility, where the remaining 5.3% is due to other factors such as socioeconomic level, previous education, personal experiences, influences and the legal framework in force. Originality/value: To provide insight into students' perceptions on the management of environmental awareness and its influence on university social responsibility.

Investor’s Intention to Adopt Online Stock Trading in Nepal

This study examines the effect of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, security risk, economic risk, functional risk, and investor’s intention to adapt online stock trading. This research is based upon the primary data. The primary source of the data was used to study the factors that influence the investor’s intention to adopt online stock trading in Nepal. For the purpose of collecting the responses on the study and getting into the research objectives, 89 respondents were selected as the sample size. Data were collected with the help of structured questionnaire,which was further subjected to Reliability test, Normality test, correlation regression analysis of respondents in SPSS. Results shows that Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy have a high degree of positive correlation with Behavioral Intention, while Social Influence, Security Risk, Economic Risk, and Functional Risk have a moderate degree of positive correlation with Behavioral Intention.

An Analysis into the Factors Affecting Online Customers’ Satisfaction: A Developing Country Perspective

An Analysis into the Factors Affecting Online Customers’ Satisfaction: A Developing Country Perspective

Teachers’ made writing assessment instrument: Pedagogical insight from process to product

Despite the urgency of assessment instruments in teaching foreign language writing, evidence regarding how teachers develop assessment instruments and maintain their quality, particularly for comparison and contrast essay writing based on a genre-based approach to teachers’ classroom practices, is scantily reported. To address this empirical need, this article showcases how a set of teacher-made assessment instruments for a comparison and contrast essay based on a genre-based approach in a writing essay course at a public university in East Java was carefully and deliberately developed. To attain the research objective, this research enacted design-based research (DBR) inspired by Cavallaro and Sembiante (2021). In addition to content validity, face validity and inter-rater reliability were ensured by involving ten students, three fellow writing teachers, and two trained raters. This assessment instrument development project produces a set of valid formative assessment instruments, comprising a writing prompt and scoring rubric. The inter-rater reliability shows a high degree of positive correlation with a reliability coefficient of 0.862 from a correlational analysis based on Pearson correlation coefficient. This in-practice assessment instrument development can be used as a reference, contributing to the teachers’ assessment literacy development. It also serves as a valuable model for future researchers to develop and expand nested classroom assessment scholarship. A well-structured validity and reliability process of assessment instrument development will practically enhance the teaching practices in the essay writing course in particular and EFL teaching in general.

A preliminary assessment of the length-weight relationship and condition factor of Hydrocynus vittatus and Oreochromis niloticus in Lake Kariba, Zimbabwe

Background: Hydrocynus vittatus and Oreochromis niloticus are two economically important fish species in Zimbabwe. The length-weight relation can be employed to assess the health and well-being of fish so as to assist fish farmers. The objective of the study was to investigate the length-weight relationship and condition factor of these fish species. Methods: Thirty-four fish of each species (Hydrocynus vittatus and Oreochromis niloticus) were collected by seine netting in the Sanyati Basin, Lake Kariba in August 2019. The total length (TL) and standard length (SL) were measured in centimetre (cm), and the body weight (BW) was measured in grams (g). The body weight (BW) was measured using a digital top-loading electronic weighing balance. Results: The value of the exponent b in the LWR for H. vittatus was 2.984, indicating negative allometry (b<3). The exponent value of O. niloticus in the LWR was 3.04 (b>3) implying positive allometry. The r2 values for H. vittatus and O. niloticus were 92.3% and 97.3% respectively, indicating that there was a high degree of positive correlation. The condition factor for both fish species were greater than 1.60 implying good physiological conditions for both fish species. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary information on length-weight parameters of O. niloticus whose data was previously not available in the take.

Connection of genetic blood markers with the level of fatty acids in the intramuscular fat of pigs

Using large white, Kemerovo, Duroc, Landrace, and Pietrain pigs, an analysis was carried out of the relationship between the level of fatty acids in the intramuscular fat of pigs and the polymorphism of blood groups by conducting an experiment and reviewing studies by scientists from different countries. The concentration of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids were studied. A difference in the frequency of blood genotypes in animals with different levels of fatty acids was revealed. Thus, a significant difference was noted in the EA B system between the genotypes EA Ba/a and EA Ba/b in the content of arachidic C20:0 and heptadecenoic C17:1 fatty acid. In the EA D system, a similar difference was found between genotypes EA Da/b and EA Db/b in arachidic C20:0 and eicosandienoic C20:2 fatty acids. In the EA E system, an increased concentration of eicosadienoic C20:2 fatty acid was noted in pigs with the EA genotype E edg/edf, stearic C18:0, arachidic C20:0, palmitoleic C16:1, linoleic C18:2 – in pigs with the EA genotype Eaeg/edg. The EA G system contained significantly less arachidic C20:0 and eicosadienoic C20:2 fatty acids in individuals with the EA Ga/a genotype. A comparison of correlation coefficients allows us to state a high degree of positive correlation between margaric and heptadecenoic acids (r=+0.79), and a high degree of negative correlation was found between oleic and linoleic fatty acids (r= -0.94). The strength of the influence of blood group genotypes on the variability of several fatty acids ranges from 0.2 to 0.6. It is comparable to the effect of the breed factor on the variability of the assessed traits. These data can be used in breeding as candidates for genetic markers for selecting and selecting animals to improve the herd.

Synergizing Aptitude, Interest, and Intelligence: A Systematic Approach to Career Selection Decision-making in Higher Education

Abstract— The process of making informed career decisions during higher education holds great significance, both for individuals and society at large. Careful evaluation of factors such as aptitude, interests, and intelligence is essential when selecting a suitable career path. The impact of this choice is far-reaching, influencing professional paths and contributing to personal contentment and societal advancement. This study delves into the pivotal roles played by aptitude, interest, and intellect in shaping students' career choices, particularly within the realm of higher education. The primary objective of this paper is to examine existing research on the process of career decision-making within the context of higher education. By establishing connections among aptitude, interest, and intelligence, the study aims to offer insights into an effective framework for supporting career decision-making approaches, thereby guiding students toward careers that align with their aspirations and yielding successful outcomes.To achieve this goal, a fuzzy-based technique is used to aid students in making well-informed career selections subsequent to completing their higher education. The system incorporates interest, intellect, and aptitude as input variables, encompassing a comprehensive array of eleven inputs, including nine specific aptitude dimensions. The ultimate output variable encompasses the chosen career option. The synthesis of scores from diverse aptitude, interest, and intelligence assessments serves as the basis for determining the most suitable career path. Employing the Mamdani technique within a fuzzy logic framework facilitates a thorough analysis of these inputs, offering pragmatic career alternatives congruent with individual skill sets. In order to gauge the system's efficacy, a comparative analysis is conducted between the proposed fuzzy-based approach and the traditional manual methodology employed by career counselors. The system's effectiveness is tested by comparing its results with those of the counselor. A high degree of positive correlation (0.988) is observed between the two results, indicating the system's good efficiency. The results of this correlation reveal that the fuzzy-based approach demonstrates a high degree of similarity to the outcomes generated by human counselors, thus validating its effectiveness as a valuable tool for aiding students in their career decision-making process. Keywords — Career selection, Decision making, Aptitude, Interest, Intelligence, fuzzy

Exploring the Long-Term Relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and GDP: Empirical Insights from Bangladesh

The study's purpose is to examine the long-term correlation between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Bangladesh. The article is mostly based on secondary data collected from Bangladesh Bank’s website covering for the period 1980-2021. Data were processed with the assistance of the Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS IBM 23 Version). Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the data in the study. The results suggest that there is a high degree of positive correlation (0.976) between FDI and GDP, along with the implication that FDI has a significant positive impact on GDP in the long run within the Bangladesh economy. The results also suggest that if FDI changes by 1 unit, then the GDP will positively change by 0.92381 at the level of 5% significant statistically. This finding is reinforced by the regression analysis, which indicates a statistically significant relationship between FDI and GDP growth. So, it is understandable that there is a well-built impact of FDI on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the long-run in the Bangladeshi economy. These results are further supported by regression analysis, underscoring a statistically significant relationship between FDI and GDP growth. However, it is important to acknowledge certain limitations, such as data availability constraints and potential confounding variables not addressed in the analysis. Future research endeavors could address these limitations and explore additional factors influencing the FDI-GDP relationship in Bangladesh. Overall, the study highlights the substantial impact of FDI on Gross Domestic Product in the long run and discusses policy recommendations to attract FDI inflows to Bangladesh.

Students’ Satisfaction on Service Quality at Prithvi Narayan Multiple Campus of Tribhuvan University in Nepal

This study examines the students’ satisfaction on service quality of PNC. The main objective of the study is to analyze the major influencing factors of academic aspect of service quality, to measure the relationship of academic aspect of service quality with students’ satisfaction and to analyze the impact of academic aspects on students’ satisfaction on service quality. Philosophical foundation of this research is based on positivist research paradigm. Based on the philosophical foundation, this research has used descriptive and analytical research design. Using multi-phase sampling technique, this study reveals major influencing factor of academic aspect of service quality is quality of lecturers. The overall students’ satisfaction towards service quality provided by PNC is more than average. The learning environment of academic aspect has more influence in students’ satisfaction. Overall, there is high degree of positive correlation between academic aspect of service quality and students’ satisfaction. For academic aspect of service quality, only learning environment shows a statistically significant impact on students’ satisfaction. This study shows that academic aspects of service quality have positive impact on students’ satisfaction.

Characterization, Quality Assessment and Comparison of Selected Rice Landraces (Anadi, Bhotange, and Kalo Nuniya) of Nepal

This study aimed to characterize, assess and compare the milling-, physical-, cooking-, and eating qualities of brown and milled rice landraces (Kalo Nuniya, Anadi, and Bhotange). Paddysamples (~10 kg each) were cleaned, sun-dried to bring the moisture content to about 13-14%, shelled and then milled to obtain brown (unpolished) rice and milled (white/polished) rice, respectively. Milling-, physical-, cooking-, eating-, and nutritional properties of the rices were studied. The data generated were statistically analyzed using Genstat®version 12.1 for two-way ANOVA, and MS-Excel version 2019 for the Jarque-Bera test of homogeneity, correlation, and to generate graphical presentations. Bhotangehad better brown rice recovery (BRR=76.70%) and milled rice recovery (MRR=58.91%). Anadiand KaloNuniyahad poorer BRR (71.11%) and MRR (49.97%), respectively. Classifying rice samples based on the ‘grain type’, Anadi-, Bhotange-, and KaloNuniya-white were found to be of Medium-, Long-and Medium-'grain type'. Similarly, Anadi-, Bhotange-,and KaloNuniya-brown were found to be of Medium-, Medium-and Small-'grain type', respectively. In terms of size (1000-kernel weight, TKW), Anadi, Bhotangeand KaloNuniya(all white/polished) were found to be 'Small', 'Small' and 'Tiny'. Equilibrium moisture content during soaking (EMC-S) negatively (moderate degree) correlated with apparent amylose content (AAC) for both milled-(R2=0.73) and brown rices (R2=0.70). In white-rices, apparent water uptake ratio (AWUR) showed moderate degree of positive correlation (R2=0.367) with length/breadth (l/b) ratio. But for brown rices, AWUR showed high degree of positive correlation (R2=0.793) with l/b ratio. Volume expansion ratio (VER) positively (moderate degree) correlated (R2=0.63) with AAC for milled rices. This simple correlation established between 2 parameters (assuming other factors to be the same) with few data points cannot be generalized and further investigations are needed to establish solid correlations. Both Bhotangewhite and Bhotangebrown, respectively, had better cooking properties with lower solid loss (both 1.36 ± 0.11%), cooking times (17.67±1.52 and 25.33±2.51 min), higher VER (2.78±0.03 and 2.70±0.04), and l/b ratios after cooking (3.03±0.03 and 2.59±0.03). Anadiwhite had a sticky texture shown by the least VER (2.63 ± 0.13) and the lowest AAC (15.70±1.03%). Classifying rice samples based on the ‘AAC’, Anadi-, Bhotange-,and KaloNuniya-white had Low-, Low-, and Intermediate AAC. Anadi-, Bhotange-, and KaloNuniya-brown had very Low-, Low-, and Low AAC, respectively. Classifying rice samples based on the GT, Anadi-, Bhotange-, and KaloNuniya-white had Low-, Low-, and Intermediate GT. Similarly, Anadi-, Bhotange-, and KaloNuniya-white had Intermediate-, High-, and High-GT, respectively.

Quantitative morphometric analysis of streams in extreme humid areas a case study of the Um-Mawiong river basin, Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Quantitative morphometric analysis of the drainage system is essential to characterising a watershed, as all the hydrologic and geomorphic processes occur within the watershed. Consequently, this plays a crucial role in understanding the geo-hydrological attributes of a drainage basin to the terrain feature and its flow patterns, thus enabling the estimate of the incidence of infiltration and runoff and other related hydrological characteristics of a watershed, which strongly impacts natural resource conservation. The study area selected is the Um-Mawiong River basin in Mawsynram, Meghalaya. The basin shows a dendritic pattern that highlights the homogeneity in the texture of the basin. Results suggest that the stream frequency of the basin is 19.10 km², suggesting a faster surface runoff and less infiltration. In addition, it has an Elongation ratio of 0.75 indicating an elongated basin shape. The current study demonstrates that the implementations of GIS techniques are trustworthy, efficient, and capable of managing extensive databases for managing river basins. The present study tries to analyse the linear, areal and relief aspects of the basin using a GIS environment and manipulated for different calculations. The analysis reveals that the total number of stream segments and length are maximum in first-order streams and decrease as stream order increases. The drainage density exhibits a high degree of positive correlation, i.e., 0.87, with its frequency suggesting an increase in stream population concerning increasing drainage density and vice versa.

A positive correlation between mutated gene of sickle cell anemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase among gond tribes of Chhattisgarh, India

BackgroundGlucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common enzymopathy affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is believed that the prevalence of G6PD deficiency in different ethnic populations increases its association with other pathological conditions especially sickle cell anemia (SCA), as they both are well-known adaptations against malaria. Thus, the present study aims to determine the frequency of G6PD deficiency among SCA patients and the association between them in the tribal community (Gond) of Chhattisgarh, India. MethodA total of 810 samples from three different age groups i.e., 10–20, 21–30, and 31–40 years were collected from the tribal community (Gond) of Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh. The frequency of SCA was determined by a slide test followed by cellulose acetate paper electrophoresis and G6PD deficiency by methemoglobin reduction test. Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) gene polymorphism in sickle celled individuals and variant analysis in G6PD deficient individuals were analyzed by RT-PCR. ResultsThe frequency of SCA and G6PD deficiency was reported at 9.75% and 17.16% respectively and a high degree of positive correlation between SCA and G6PD deficiency was also found (HbSS-G6PD deficient: r = 0.84, p = .356; HbAS-G6PD deficient: r = 0.89, p = .345). Results of the GST gene revealed that GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are present in almost all sickled individuals while GSTP1 and GSTP1a exist in the mutated form in a maximum percentage of individuals. G6PD variant analysis also showed that 70% and 60% of individuals have mutated Mahidol and Union variants respectively, while none of the individuals have mutated Chinese variants. ConclusionA high degree of correlation between SCA and G6PD was reported among Gond tribes of Chhattisgarh, India with a high degree of mutated GSTP1, GSTP1a, Mahidol, and Union variants. The study makes it possible to take specific preventive measures concerning the medication of anti-oxidizing drugs.

Synergistic interaction between Bambusa arundinacea and Euphorbia hirta leaf extract on antioxidant, antiglycation and DNA protective properties.

Oxidative stress and enhanced non-enzymatic protein glycation result in the pathogenesis of various disorders in humans, including diabetes mellitus. This study examined the synergistic action of Bambusa arundinacea with Euphorbia hirta leaf extract for anti-oxidant potential, antiglycation effect on fructose-mediated proteins, and DNA-protective properties. The methanolic extract shows significantly (P<0.01) higher total phenolic and flavonoid content when compared with ethyl acetate and hexane extract in both plants. The combined methanolic extract (CME) of both plants exhibits higher antioxidant potential, as indicated by the lower IC50 values obtained for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity (4.82 μg/ml) and NO (nitric oxide) scavenging activity (3.94 μg/ml) with stronger Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity when compared to B. arundinacea and E. hirta individually. The antiglycation analysis revealed that CME is more potent to inhibit fructose-mediated glycation of human serum albumin (HSA) at the early and middle stages. In addition to this, CME more effectively inhibits protein glycation in the late phase, which was confirmed by declining fluorescence intensity. Furthermore, a high degree of positive correlation was obtained between antioxidant and antiglycation capacities through Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The results also demonstrated that CME displays a synergistic effect in protecting DNA from oxidative damage and preventing the formation of glycation of DNA.

Impact of Inventory Management on Profitability of the Manufacturing Company: Empirical Evidence from Himalayan Distillery Limited

Better inventory management is essential for preventing excess costs and waste of money for the distillery. The funds used in managing inventory could be used in branding and marketing the products. Hence, the paper tries to find an impact of inventory management on the profitability of one of the listed companies of Nepal, Himalayan Distillery Limited. A paper followed a correlation research design using secondary data for the sampled company. The paper found a high degree of positive correlation between closing stocks and raw materials and also closing stocks with packaging and other materials. A regression analysis reflected no significant relationship or statistical association between the inventory-related variables and the profitability of the sample company.

Mucosal Impedance Spectroscopy for Objective Real-time Assessment of Mucosal Health

Background and AimsThere is a need for a real-time objective tool to assess the mucosal health of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during endoscopy. Our aim was to develop, design, and validate a low-cost mucosal impedance (MI) device and determine its role in differentiating diseased mucosa from normal mucosa. MethodsA biocompatible catheter was designed and developed after multiple iterations. It was validated with a commercially available catheter and histopathological analysis in a blinded manner. Patients undergoing resection of the GI tract were recruited after consent, and the resected specimens were analyzed ex vivo for MI within 10 minutes of resection. An average of 3 MI readings of the visually diseased segment and adjacent normal segment were analyzed. MI values of diseased and non-diseased mucosa were compared. ResultsThe in-house catheter was validated with a commercially available impedance measuring device. It showed a high degree of positive correlation (rho = 0.616; P < 0.001). Two hundred and thirty-two patients (age 46 ± 15 years; 68% females) (180 inflammatory and 52 malignant pathology) who were undergoing abdominal surgery were enrolled. The median impedance value of diseased segments was significantly lower than that of the adjacent normal segments of gut in 130 paired samples [1832(727)Ω vs 2604(1295)Ω; P < 0.001]. The MI value of segments containing malignant tissue (n = 50) and inflamed tissue (n = 80) was significantly lower than the MI value of adjacent normal segments of the GI tract [1880(977)Ω vs 2583(1431)Ω; P < 0.001 and 1787(557)Ω vs 2515(1244)Ω; P < 0.001, respectively]. There was a 24% reduction in visually diseased segments [median reduction 712(661)Ω] from adjacent normal segments. A biocompatible endoscopic catheter (3-mm diameter) has been developed and tested in 3 patients and was found to differentiate diseased from normal mucosa. ConclusionImpedance spectroscopy is an effective real-time, simple, objective tool to differentiate diseased gut mucosa from healthy mucosa.

Quantification of Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue (SAT) Based on CT Scan Tissue Segmentation Associated with Urolithiasis Recurrence

Introduction: The aim of this study is to applied CT scan-based tissue segmentation to measure visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volumes. Then, the ratio of both fat tissue volumes was calculated to get two more parameters: visceral fat volume ratio (VFVR) and subcutaneous fat volume ratio (SFVR). After that, the relationship between these factors and urolithiasis recurrence was examined using correlation analysis. Other parameters, which are the patient’s age and gender, were also tested for correlation analysis with urolithiasis recurrence. Finally, logistic regression analysis was performed to find the association between urolithiasis recurrence and the parameters (age, gender, VAT volume, SAT volume, VFVR and SFVR). Methods: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional study design using the images collected from CT Urology cases in the year 2019. The patients selected have a history of stone removal in 2014. The application used for CT tissue segmentation is 3D Slicer. Results: Urolithiasis recurrence shows medium and high degree of positive correlation with total fat volume, VAT volume, and VFVR (correlation coefficient, cc = 0.254, p = 0.023), (cc = 0.390, p&lt; 0.001) and (cc = 0.688, p&lt; 0.001), respectively and high degree of negative correlation with SFVR (cc = -0.688, p&lt; 0.001). However, using logistic regression analysis, only VAT volume was significantly associated with urolithiasis recurrence (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22, p= 0.03), while the total fat volume, VFVR, and SFVR are not significant. Conclusion: CT scan-based tissue segmentation has a huge impact on fat volume quantification. This study confirms that VAT volume was strongly correlated with urolithiasis recurrence, indicating that VAT volume plays a more important role than SAT volume, total fat volume, VFVR and SFVR in the production of urinary stone. Thus, VAT volume can be further considered as a new independent risk factor for urolithiasis.

Evaluation of the Circadian Rhythm Neuropeptides and Hippocampus in Rat Model of Posttraumatic Stress

ABSTRACT We investigated hippocampus weight and the levels of circadian rhythm-related neuropeptides; Somatostatin (SST), Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), Melatonin (MLT), and Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone (CRH) in plasma (p) and hippocampus tissue (h) of rats with posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Thirty four healthy Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and PTS groups. Single prolonged stress (SPS) model was used to mimic PTS. Elevated Plus Maze Test (EPMT) was used to assess anxiogenic behavior. Rats were sacrificed under anesthesia and hippocampus weight, SST, NPY, CRH, MLT, and VIP levels were measured by the Enzyme-Linked-Immuno-Sorbent-Assay method. Hippocampus weights in the PTS group were significantly lower compared to controls. NPYh and MLTh levels were significantly higher in the PTS group. NPYh and MLTh and MLTp were significantly higher in the PTS. CRH, VIP, and SST levels in hippocampus tissue and CRH, NPY, VIP, and SST in plasma did not differ between groups. A positive correlation was found between MLTh and VIPh tissue levels. There was a positive correlation between NPYh and VIPh levels, and a high degree of positive correlation between NPYp and VIPp levels. As far as we know, this is the first study in which 5 neuropeptides’ hippocampus tissue and plasma levels were evaluated together in a PTSD model. Hippocampus weights may tend to decrease in PTS. Especially, NPY and MLT from circadian rhythm neuropeptides play an important role in PTS etiology. After the 7th day of trauma exposure, the hippocampal NPY and MLT levels may increase as a stress-adaptive mechanism in PTS.