bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondria Load Degree in Hepatocytes of the Classical Hepatic Lobules in Chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Authors: GHIURCO Ioan Florin , DAMIAN Aurel , RUS Vasile Florin , MARTONOS Cristian , MATEI Maria Cătălina , BUZA Victoria , ȘTEFĂNUȚ Laura Cristina , LAȚIU Călin , VLASIUC Ion , ANDREI Sanda Maria , MICLĂUȘ Viorel , GAL Adrian Florin
Published: May 2021

Hepatocytes represent the majority of the liver cell population and are arranged in the form of cords placed in intimate contact with the sinusoidal capillaries. The functional complexity corroborated with the intensity of the activity of hepatocytes requires large amounts of energy. The organelles involved in the production of chemical energy used in the activity of hepatocytes are the mitochondria. The purpose of this study was to verify the mitochondrial load of hepatocytes in all areas of the classical hepatic lobules, in order to indirectly assess the intensity of hepatocyte activity in each area. Materials and Methods Five fresh corpses of chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) from an independent breeder from Bistrița-Năsăud county were used. Liver fragments were harvested and fixated in Kolster’s solution for 24 hours, stained with Heidenhain ferric hematoxylin, and assessed using Olympus BX41 microscope. Fixation with Kolster's solution and the staining with Heidenhain's iron hematoxylin clearly shows the hepatocytic mitochondria in shades from gray to black. The liver lobules displayed an uneven distribution of mitochondria depending on the area. In zone 1 of the classical hepatic lobule, the degree of loading of hepatocytes with mitochondria is larger than in zone 2 and much larger than in zone 3. Morphological features of the hepatocytes, including the number and distribution of mitochondria in the hepatic lobules, should improve the understanding of the physiology and pathology of the liver.
The Basic Values of Intraocular Pressure Measured by Rebound Tonometry in Guinea Pig
Authors: ANCUȚA Diana Larisa , ALEXANDRU Diana Mihaela , CRIVINEANU Maria , BOTEZATU Răzvan , COMAN Cristin
Published: May 2021

Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor associated with the progression of glaucoma and the research on animal models is constantly evolving. Rebound tonometry has been shown to be useful for the evaluation of IOP, not only for the human patient but also for the animal patient. The aim of the paper is to assess intraocular pressure in guinea pigs in order to establish reference values. IOP was measured for three days, at different time intervals, in 40 guinea pigs, using the iCare Tonovet TV01 tonometer. The mean values obtained in coloured guinea pigs were 13.82 mmHg ± 1.64 mmHg in the right eye, 14.11 mmHg ± 1.68 mmHg in the left eye, and in white guinea pigs 12.56 mmHg ± 0.95 mmHg in the right eye, 13.02 mmHg ± 1.29 mmHg for the left eye. The values obtained from this study it can be concluded that the strain of coloured, records the highest values in the morning, which remain linear during the day, and decrease in the evening compared to the white strain which has a constant evolution during the day, and in the evening increases.
Effect of Body Posture on Lung Ventilation and Oxygenation During Carbon Dioxide Pneumoperitoneum in Rabbit
Authors: MELEGA Iulia , DEJESCU Cosmina , DRAGOMIR Mădălina , DANCIU Cecilia , MATEI Florica , OANA Liviu , PEȘTEAN Cosmin
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of body position on respiratory compliance and oxygenation during iatrogenic pneumoperitoneum in the rabbit. The peak inspiratory pressure, dynamic compliance, static compliance and arterial gas parameters were calculated and measured 10 min before and 30 min after the creation of pneumoperitoneum with the patient in the horizontal position, 30 min after placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position and 30 min after placing the patient in the reversed Trendelenburg position. Following the creation of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg positioning, there was a significant increase in peak inspiratory pressure while dynamic and static respiratory compliance decreased. Similarly, arterial oxygenation increased during Trendelenburg position while arterial carbon pressure remained within limits during all positions. Overall, the reverse Trendelenburg position did not improve ventilation, neither the oxygenation. However, this position showed to be more appropriate because may reduce the risk of lung injury associated with high-pressure ventilation during pneumoperitoneum.
Study on Canine Hip Dysplasia and its Diagnosis by Imaging and Molecular Genetics Technique
Authors: LUCACI Felix Daniel , LĂCĂTUȘ Radu , PURDOIU Robert Cristian , PUSTA Dana Liana
Published: May 2021

The present paper is a bibliographical research on canine hip dysplasia using imaging and molecular genetics techniques. Ever since the first description in 1935 made by Schnelle, canine hip dysplasia has remained one of the most diagnosed orthopedic conditions present in the dog breeds. The gold standard method of diagnosis of hip dysplasia is the radiological examination in hip-extended position. While the radiological examination focuses mainly on the individual for the diagnosis of this condition, methods of diagnosis of an entire population are sought, and these methods are represented by molecular genetics techniques. Naming the etiology of canine hip dysplasia and finding out the latest methods of genetically and radiologically diagnosis of canine hip dysplasia and the best alternatives of treatment for this disease. Canine hip dysplasia continues to be a major problem for owners, breeders and veterinarians. Currently, there are five standardized systems worldwide that deal with the grading of canine hip dysplasia. In addition to digital radiology, CT and ultrasonographic examination are feasible diagnosis methods. Even if the standard method of diagnosis remains the radiological examination in the present, the near future provides to be of the molecular genetic techniques.
Acute Renal Failure and Laminitis Following Cesarean Section in a Friesian Mare. A Case Report
Authors: DARADICS Zsofia , RUS Mirela Alexandra , POPA Antonia , CRECAN Cristian M. , PEȘTEAN Cosmin P. , MIRCEAN Mircea , CĂTOI Cornel , MORAR Iancu
Published: May 2021

The term dystocia refers to an abnormal birth and the most common cause is an abnormal alignment of the head or forelimbs in the birth canal. Usually in adult horses, acute renal failure occurs as a complication of another disease process that causes hypovolemia . Diarrhea and severe laminitis may develop in more serious cases. The aim of this case report was to present a cesarean section in the mare that evolved with renal failure and subsequent with laminitis. A nine year old Friesian mare was referred to the Veterinary teaching hospital FMV Cluj-Napoca, after a dystocia that could not be resolved conservatively.During surgery, profuse hemorrhage was noticed during the incision and suture of the uterine wall. Hypovolemia was corrected and recovery was uneventful. Two days after surgery, the mare developed acute hyposthenuric renal failure. After 3 days of intensive therapy, kidney function started to improve but the mare developed laminitis. The mare improved over a few weeks and was discharged after orthopedic shoeing. According to the author’s knowledge, this is the first case report of a cesarean section in the mare that evolved into this cascade of sequelae.
COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2: a Brief Review on the Origins, Pathogenesis and Epidemiology
Authors: PAȘTIU Anamaria Ioana , COCOSTÎRC Vlad , TURCU Carmen , LUCACI Felix , PUSTA Dana Liana
Published: May 2021

December 2019 was marked by the emergence of a novel human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan, China, which causes a variety of symptoms, commonly known as COVID-19. The high contagiousness, rapid worldwide spread and case fatality rate have led to a sharp increase in number of infected persons and related deaths, which subsequently resulted in the recognition of the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. SARS-CoV-2 is an ongoing challenge not only for the healthcare professional but also for the general population. The aim of this literature review is to summarize the currently available data on COVID-19 regarding the origins, pathogenesis and epidemiology.
Veterinary Pharmacovigilance in Algeria: Situation and Prospects
Authors: DJEBRANE Chahinese , BOULEBDA Nadji , BELAHCENE Nabiha
Published: May 2021

An investigation was carried out to assess the real situation of veterinary pharmacovigilance, as well as the role and/or involvement of this medico-legal system in the surveillance and control of the use of veterinary medicines. A total of 150 veterinary doctors were surveyed to obtain information on the subject, our study revealed that the prescription of antibacterials with 85.5%, antiparasitic drugs with 75% and vaccination, immunological products 70.1%; Also showed an average consumption of other drug families, including drugs for the respiratory system with 66.7%, production drugs and vitamins 66.7% and digestive drugs with a prescription rate is 58.3%; Further a 62.5% of reports were made by veterinary practitioners, who are considered to be the main actors of the pharmacovigilance system in the region, with owners and farmers actively contributing to the functioning of the system with a reporting rate of 33.3. Findings show a several initiatives and actions have been taken, such as continuing training for veterinarians 41.7% through training courses and participation in seminars, initial training for veterinary students 37.5% in schools and university training institutes, the establishment and activation of committees for specific expertise in veterinary drug 37.5%, press releases 25%, through actions aimed at marketing authorization holders 20.8% and industrial subsidiaries of veterinary medicinal products, these results remain non-exhaustive but contribute strongly to determine the status of pharmacovigilance in the veterinary field and the region of study.
Taraxacum Officinale Alcoholic Extract Augments the Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Anti-Anthrax Vaccinated Sheep
Authors: POJAR Petru , ȘANDRU Carmen Dana , PASTOR Elisabeta , CERBU Constantin , POPESCU Silvana , ZĂBLĂU Sergiu , VASIU Aurel , OLAH Diana , SPÎNU Marina , GROZA Ioan Ștefan
Published: May 2021

Phytotherapy used various preparations in both human and veterinary medicine over time, due to their increased bioavailability and lower costs.  Taraxacum officinale of Compositae family, well-known for its therapeutic effects, abundantly grows on Romanian pastures. The research aimed to investigate its alcoholic extract’s effects on cell-mediated immunity in anti-anthrax vaccinated, grazing sheep. Local Turcana ewes kept on pasture from spring to fall were sc vaccinated with R1190 attenuated anthrax strain, and blood was sampled before and 14 days after the vaccination. In vitro cell-mediated immunity was monitored employing phagocytosis and blast transformation tests in the presence of T. officinale alcoholic extract. The extract increased phagocytosis two weeks after the vaccination (p<0.001), while the blastogenic response also showed significant variations (p<0.05) over time.  There was a positive effect of T. officinale extract on the cellular immunity, suggesting its stress alleviating effects in anti-anthrax vaccinated sheep.
Dosage Effects of Aqueous Extract of Baobab Tree (Adansonia digitata Linn) Bark on Growth Performance, Blood Profile, Intestinal Morphology and Microflora of Cockerel Chickens
Authors: ADEYOLANU Opeoluwa , SOGUNLE Olajide , ADEYEMI Olajide , ABIONA John
Published: May 2021

This experiment investigated the dosage effects of the aqueous extract of Baobab Tree Bark (AEBTB) on growth performance, blood profile and intestinal micro-flora of cockerel chickens for 16 weeks. A total of 200 Isa brown day-old cockerel chicks were used in groups of AEBTB (0, 300, 325, 350 and 375 mg/ litre of water) for the experiment. Qualitative and quantitative (mg/100 g) phytochemical screening revealed that AEBTB contained flavonoid (36.33 mg), cardiac glycoside (31.46 mg), saponin (23.26 mg), alkaloid (24.86 mg), tannin (19.28 mg) and phenolic (17.06 mg). The most common components in GS-MSwas 9-Octadecenoic acid (C19H36O2; 296.0 g/mol). At the chick phase, significantly (p<0.05) highest final weight (416.50 g/bird) and weight gain of 47.69 g/bird/day were recorded in birds on 375 mg/litre when compared with the control. Alkaline phosphatase, RBC, Hb, PCV and MCHC were significantly (p<0.05) reduced by AEBTB in the birds when compared with the control and the lowest total bacterial count was in birds on 375 mg/litre of AEBTB. However, at the grower phase, birds on 300 mg/litre AEBTB had the best (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio. The study concluded that AEBTB at 300 mg/litre improved health status and growth performance of meat-type chickens.
Preliminary Study on Phenotypic Detection of ESBL and Amp-C β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli Isolates from Slaughtered Pigs
Authors: TIPIȘCĂ Marinela , COZMA Andreea Paula , ANIȚĂ Dragoș , IȘAN Elena , OȘLOBANU Luanda , ANIȚĂ Adriana , SAVUȚA Gheorghe
Published: May 2021

The presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in food animals is a public health concern. The aim of this study was to phenotypically detect the extended β-lactamase and AmpC β-lactamase-producing E. coli isolated from pig caecum from three slaughterhouses in the North-East of Romania. After collecting the cecal samples, they were phenotypically processed. ESBL and AmpC screening was carried out by cultivation on MacConkey medium with addition of cefotaxime (MC+CTX). The isolates were confirmed as being E. coli based on the biochemical properties using MIU, TSI and API 20E and as ESBL based on synergy tests between clavulanic acid and ceftazidime and/or clavulanic acid and cefotaxime.   Phenotypical detection of AmpC beta-lactamase-producing strains was carried out through a stable AmpC cephalosporin (cefepime). Following ESBL/AmpC screening, out of the 128 analysed samples, 51 (39.84%) grew on MC+CTX and they were identified as E. coli. After performing microdilution in broth using EUVSEC2 plates, 78.43% isolates were identified with ESBL phenotype, 9.8% isolates with ESBL/AmpC phenotype, and 11.77% isolates with AmpC phenotype. In this study, although a limited number of strains were analysed, the obtained results phenotypically confirm the presence of ESBL and AmpC enzymes in slaughtered pig populations from the North-East of Romania.
O ESPORTE NAS ESCOLAS PROTESTANTES: A EXPERIÊNCIA PRESBITERIANA E METODISTA EM GOIÁS (1942-1963)
Authors: Muniz Tamiris Alves , Souza Saulo´éber Tarsio de
Published: May 2021

Neste artigo apresentamos uma reflexão sobre a presença do esporte nas escolas protestantes por meio da experiência de duas instituições escolares que se instalaram no estado de Goiás no início dos anos 1940: uma presbiteriana, o Instituto Samuel Graham e outra metodista, o Instituto Granbery. Nessa direção, discutimos primeiro a relação entre protestantismo, educação e esporte no Brasil. Em seguida, mapeamos a inserção protestante em Goiás e sua relação com o campo educacional. Na segunda parte, analisamos a experiência esportiva dos institutos Samuel Graham e Granbery, o aparato material, as modalidades praticadas, a organização e as finalidades em cada instituição. Associado a ideia de um ensino integral, o esporte foi em muito valorizado em cada instituição, fez parte do currículo e da cultura escolar dessas escolas, acolheu meninos e meninas sem distinção de sexo e difundiu modalidades pouco praticadas como o voleibol, o basquete e o atletismo. Combinando elementos religiosos e do pragmatismo norte-americano, o esporte foi também um elemento de promoção institucional, sendo apropriado e representado como símbolo da modernização e excelência educacional propagada por essas instituições.
El COVID-19: Cuarentena y su Impacto Psicológico en la población
Authors: Medina Rosemary Marquina , Jaramillo-Valverde Luis
Published: May 2021

La llegada al Perú de la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) en Marzo del 2020 ha llevado que las personas, que potencialmente han sido expuestas a infectarse, busquen aislarse en su hogar o en una instalación de cuarentena. Las medidas gubernamentales de distanciamiento social y cuarentena, se encuentran basadas en la mejor evidencia disponible. Sin embargo, existe evidencia del impacto psicológico que existe durante y postpandemia; por lo tanto, la presente revisión se desarrolló con el propósito de analizar los impactos psicológicos que produce el efecto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en la población. En el cual encontramos efectos psicológicos negativos tanto en la población general como en personal de salud que son quienes se encuentran en la primera línea de la atención de este virus, entre los principales: síntomas de estrés postraumático, confusión y enojo. Los factores estresantes incluyen el alargamiento de la cuarentena, temores de infección, frustración, aburrimiento, suministros inadecuados, información inadecuada y pérdidas financieras. Por lo tanto existe la necesidad que los funcionarios proporcionen información adecuada sobre protocolos y suministros suficientes para la población. Así como incidir en la importancia de la cuarentena para la sociedad en general. Es importante la educación no solo por parte de los organismos del Estado sino también de los miembros del grupo familiar en si para evitar caer en estados depresivos o síntomas estresores puesto que los mismos pueden durar desde meses hasta años.
Methylphenidate-Induced Raynaud’s Phenomenon In Two Cases With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: FERAHKAYA Hurşit , AKÇA Ömer Faruk
Published: May 2021

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, for which there are several different treatment options. Among the suggested medications, methylphenidate (a central nervous system stimulant) is the first option in the treatment of ADHD. Psychostimulants are associated with various vascular problems including peripheral vasculopathy. This report describes two patients with ADHD who developed Raynaud's phenomenon during the modified-release methylphenidate treatment.
Our Celiac Disease Experience: Demographic Characteristics, Laboratory Findings and Concomitant Diseases of 94 Patients
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Ömer , KAPLAN Mustafa , HYMABACCUS MURADİ Ben Azir Begum , ÇİHANGİROĞLU Nurefşan , TENLİK İlyas , GÖKBULUT Volkan , ARI Derya , ALTIPARMAK Emin
Published: May 2021

Aim: Celiac Disease (CD) which is an autoimmune disease affecting 1% of the population is associated with other autoimmune diseases and has extraintestinal manifestations. In the present study, we investigated the demographic and laboratory data of 94 patients and diseases related to anemia, osteoporosis and other autoimmune diseases.
Material and Method: This study was conducted retrospectively by examining the records of 94 patients who were followed up with the diagnosis of CD between January 2014 and December 2019.
Results: Of the patients, 74 were female (79%), 20 were male (21%). The mean age of the patients was 35 (18-73). The average disease duration was 6.6 years (0-29). Anti-endomysium Ig A positivity in 81 patients (86%), tissue transglutaminase Ig A positivity in 87 patients (93%), and tissue transglutaminase IgG positivity in 45 patients (48%) were detected. 14 patients had hypothyroidism (15%) and 8 patients had diabetes mellitus (9%). Osteoporosis or osteopenia was detected in 61 patients as the result of bone mineral densitometry (65%). According to the ferritin results, half of the patients and according to the transferrin saturation result, 47% had iron deficiency. 13 patients had B12 deficiency (14%) and 24 patients had folic acid deficiency (26%). Vitamin D deficiency was found in 74% of the patients. TSH value was found over 4.5 mIU/L in 10 patients.
Conclusion: CD is associated with iron, folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin D deficiency and is associated with anemia and osteoporosis, and the disease is often accompanied by autoimmune thyroid diseases and diabetes.
The Relationship Between Colorectal Cancer and Abdominal Adipose Tissue Distribution
Authors: BAHADIR ÜLGER Fatma Esra , AKYÜZ Ümit
Published: May 2021

Aim: To examine the relationship between obesity and the subcutaneous, visceral and retroperitoneal adipose tissue thicknesses of the abdomen.
Materials and Methods: The study included 62 control and 68 colorectal cancer patients. Abdominal computed tomography of the patients, which were taken within the last 6 months before preoperative or colonoscopic examination were evaluated. Colorectal cancer patients were divided into two groups as proximal and distal according to tumor localization. Subcutaneous, visceral and retroperitoneal adipose tissue thicknesses of the abdomen were measured using abdominal computed tomography scans.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the colorectal cancer group and the control group in terms of body mass index, retroperitoneal and visceral adipose tissue thickness and gender (p=0.091; 0.246; 0.531; 0.190,respectively). The mean age of the colorectal cancer group was higher (p<0.001). The mean subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness of the control group was higher (p=0.045). There was no statistically significant difference between the proximal and distal colorectal cancer group in terms of age, retroperitoneal, subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue thickness (p=0.734; 0.916; 0.800; 0.170, respectively). The mean body mass index of the group with distal mass was higher (p=0.028). The proportion of males was higher in the group with distal mass than in the group with proximal mass (p=0.024).
Conclusion: In the risky population evaluating the adipose tissue in the abdomen and its distribution before the colorectal cancer is diagnosed or the symptoms develop will indicate which patients should be followed up in more detail and help to prevent more cases of colorectal cancer.
Endometrial Cancer in 40 Years Old or Younger: A Single Center Experience
Authors: SELVİ DEMİRTAŞ Gülşah , GÖKÇÜ Mehmet
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify prognostic factors associated with the successful outcome of endometrial cancer (EC) in women aged ≤40 years.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. The medical records of all women aged ≤ 40 years with EC diagnosed on endometrial curettage between 1995 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients who underwent hysterectomy and whose final histopathological evaluation was made in our hospital, or who were evaluated by the members of the tumor board and followed up in our hospital, were included in the study.
Results: Median follow-up was 79 months (range 9-192). 42 of 44 patients underwent surgical intervention. 33,4%(n: 14) underwent total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), and pelvic paraaortic lymph node dissection (PPLND). 61.9% (n:26) underwent TAH BSO, and PLND. In one patient (2,4 %) only TAH and in the other patient (2,4%) TAH BSO was performed. Medical treatment was administered to 2 patients who desired to preserve their fertility and had grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma without any evidence of myometrial invasion and a comprehensive evaluation showed no evidence of extra-uterine disease. 26 (59,1%) patients had grade 1, 15(34,1%) had grade 2, and 3(6,8%) had grade 3 adenocarcinoma. CA 125 ≥35 IU/ml was statistically associated with lymph node metastasis (p=0,004), ˃ 50% myometrial invasion (p=0,044), and advanced-stage disease (p=0,048).
Conclusions: CA 125 ≥35 IU/ml was statistically associated with lymph node metastasis, deep myometrial invasion, and advanced-stage disease in EC patients ≤ 40 years of age.
Evaluation of Surgical and Systemic Treatment Results in Patients with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: DURHAN Abdullah , SÜLEYMAN Marlen , KOŞMAZ Koray , ŞENLİKCİ Abdullah , ERGÜDER Ender , BAĞ Yusuf Murat , PEKCİCİ Mevlüt Recep , EREL Serap
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical method and systemic treatment results, recurrence, and mortality rates in patients whose histopathological results were ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) following breast surgery in our general surgery clinic.
Methods: A retrospective review was made of the preoperative and postoperative histopathological results of all patients who underwent breast surgery in our general surgery clinic between January 2016 and January 2021. The demographic data, clinicopathological features, postoperative systemic treatments, local recurrence (LR) rate, and overall survival (OS) rate of patients whose histopathological results were reported as DCIS were obtained from the data system of our hospital and the national death reporting system.
Results: The study group consisted of 24 female patients with a histopathology result of DCIS. The average age of the patients was 49.96 ± 10.61 years. In the localization of the lesions in the breast, 11 (45.8%) were observed as unifocal, 7 (29.2%) as multifocal, and 6 (25%) as multicentric. The most common type of operation was lumpectomy (n = 16, 66.7%). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in 8 patients. The mean follow-up period of the patients after surgery was 32.20 ± 18.22 months. Anti-estrogen hormone therapy (HT) was applied to 21 (87.5%) patients and radiotherapy (RT) to 14 (58.3%) after the operation. There was no recurrence in any of the patients and no mortality was observed.
Conclusion: With a multidisciplinary approach and good preoperative staging, as applied in our general surgery clinic, it can be recommended that the most appropriate surgical method is applied, and risk factors determined for DCIS patients. RT is recommended for eligible patients after BCS and HT in estrogen receptor+ patients.
A Study on Factors Impacting Length of Hospital Stay of COVID-19 Inpatients
Authors: ÇETİN Şirin , ULGEN Ayse , ŞIVGIN Hakan , Lİ Wentian
Published: May 2021

Knowing the typical length of hospital stay of COVID-19 patients and which factors affecting the stay time is important for hospital management. 3184 COVID-19 patients from the Tokat State Hospital collected from were examined on arrival to the hospital and were either treated as inpatients, or as outpatients. By using simple, conditional and cause-specific Cox proportional-hazard regressions for competing risk, we examined factors impacting hospital stay time, both overall and by taking into account patient’s age or survival status and contribution from a factor to the rate of event of mortality, and to the event of discharge. Surviving ICU patients have longer hospital stay time than non-surviving ICU patients, which is longer than non-ICU patients. Older age is correlated with a longer hospital stay. Increased C-reactive protein (CRP), decreased hemoglobin (HGB) and calcium levels are associated with longer hospital stay, independent from the contribution from surviving status. Almost all factors we collected contribute to a faster/slower mortality or discharge rate. We also observed that glucose is more important than HbA1C or diabetes status in its influence on hospital stay time. This information could be used for a better hospital bed management.
Nobody can Really Afford Legal Services: The Price of Justice in Namibia
Authors: Zongwe Dunia
Published: May 2021

Nobody (except for the privileged few) can afford legal services in Namibia. In the light of this dawning awareness, how should the government and other stakeholders design the legal profession so that the greatest number of Namibians can access legal services and, ultimately, justice while preserving the profession's financial viability? The predominantly economic nature of this question means that its solutions lie less in the field of law than in the field of economics. Thus, this article adopts a methodology that reflects that insight.

As a primary purpose, this article works towards solving the high cost of legal services in Namibia. It utilises a literature-review methodology that searches the scholarship on the legal profession for practical, down-to-earth solutions put forward in other countries to take the edge off the prohibitive cost of legal services. The article mainly finds that, if structured as a compulsory salary deduction, legal insurance promises the greatest positive impact on costs. And it concludes that the optimal solutions should consist of measures aimed at heightening competition in the legal profession and measures that broaden cost-sharing in providing legal assistance to the public. The article argues that competition can be effectively increased by lubricating the flow of information about prices and services, and by having more public entities bear the burden of expanding the system of legal assistance.
Training and match load in professional rugby union: Do contextual factors influence the training week?
Authors: West Stephen W , Williams Sean , Tierney Peter , Batchelor Tom , Cross Matthew J , Kemp Simon P T , Stokes Keith A
Published: May 2021

Background: Rugby union demands a multifaceted approach to training, given the multiple physical and technical attributes required to play the sport.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe the distribution of training throughout the week and investigate how this may be influenced by match-related factors. Methods: Training load data (session Rating of Perceived Exertion [sRPE], total distance and high-speed running [HSR]) were collected from six professional English rugby teams during the 2017/18 season. Five contextual factors were also recorded including: standard of opposition, competition type, result of previous fixture, surface type, and match venue.

Results: The day prior to matches demonstrated the lowest training load (101 AU (95% CIs: 0-216 AU) , 1 047 m (95% CIs:1 128-1 686 m) and 59 m (95% CIs: 0-343 m), respectively), while four days prior to the match demonstrated the highest training load (464 AU (95% CIs: 350-578), 2 983 m (95% CIs: 2 704-3 262m) and 234m (95% CIs: 0-477m), respectively). Of the five contextual factors, competition type was the only variable that demonstrated greater than trivial findings, with training before European fixtures the lowest stimulus across the four different competition types. Standard of opposition, previous result, surface type and venue had only trivial effects on training load (effect sizes = -0.13 to 0.15).

Conclusion: Future studies should outline the distribution of other training metrics, including contact and collision training. This study provides a multi-club evaluation that demonstrates the variety of loading strategies prior to competitive match play and highlights competition type as the most influential contextual factor impacting the average training load.
The impact of backyard gardening on livelihoods of households in Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Thomas M , Terblanche SE
Published: May 2021

The study was conducted to evaluate the impact of backyard gardening on the livelihoods of households in Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Data were drawn from 60 household vegetable producers. A structured questionnaire was used to conduct one-on-one interviews to gather data which were then analysed to compare variables and the level of livelihoods of household vegetable production. The results suggested that variables such as gender, household size, marital status and household income influence vegetable production. Women, as the primary caretakers of children, were found to be more involved in vegetable production than men. The vegetable production increased when households were headed by females. Households indicated that the implementation and evaluation of the programme under study, which was successfully undertaken with the assistance of Agricultural Advisors from Gauteng’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), did impact their livelihoods positively. In conclusion, the study found that household vegetable projects can assist in alleviating poverty, create job opportunities and improve livelihoods of the community of Sedibeng District Municipality.
Information and communication technologies (ICT) towards agricultural development in rural areas: case of smallholder farmers in Umzimvubu local municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa
Authors: Makaula Z
Published: May 2021

This paper was initiated in order to find the usage and relevance of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by the smallholder farmers of the Umzimvubu Local Municipality of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. A survey questionnaire was then developed to collect the relevant data from randomly selected six villages of Umzimvubu Local Municipality targeting 138 respondents. The questionnaires structure employed both closed and open-ended questions that were administered using a face to face interview, conducted on the sample population in each village. There seems to be a correlation between ICT usage and the economies of scale in agricultural development, where smallholder farmers tend to use less of highly modernized ICT, while commercial large scale farmers use more of the modernized ICT. This disparity amongst farmers is exacerbated in many areas by the differing support systems employed by the public extension services.
Analysis of technical efficiency of small-scale commercial farmers in Vhembe district
Authors: Muzekenyi M , Zuwarimwe J , Kilonzo BM
Published: May 2021

Small-scale commercial farmers are regarded as the strategic avenue to achieve meaningful development in rural areas of South Africa.  The government acknowledged that the inclusion of small-scale commercial farming in its development strategies. The paper aims to measure the efficiency of small-scale commercial farming enterprises in Vhembe District in Limpopo Province. Quantitative data were collected from 217 small-scale commercial farmers using structured questionnaires. The data were standardized using a farming enterprise budget system and analysed using the maximum likelihood and stochastic frontier analysis. The results revealed that aggregate output was positive and significantly influenced by age, education level, farm experience, farm labour, and government grants. However, the projected stochastic production frontier model combined with the efficiency parameters showed that labour and credit computed a negative effect on technical efficiency. The results indicated that the average level of technical efficiency ranged between 20% and 96% with a mean of 54%. This indicates that there is potential to increase production among small-scale commercial farmers in the study area by 46 % through efficient use of existing resources. As such, the local government should provide necessary supports such as formal agriculture training, access to credit and information to increase productivity.
Why do agricultural co-operatives fail to attract youth and create rural employment? Evidence from a case study of Zanokhanyo in Butterworth, Eastern Cape
Authors: Zantsi S
Published: May 2021

In the National Development Plan, cooperatives and agriculture development are identified as possible solutions for addressing rural poverty and unemployment, especially among the youth. However, according to most research/literature, agricultural cooperatives fail for many reasons, including but not limited to lack of capital, incompetent management and organizational deficiencies. This study applied a qualitative analysis to the qualitative data using a case study of Zanokhanyo Food Security Cooperative (ZFSC) in Ndabakazi, Butterworth. Interviews with the project members, ex-members, extension officers and youth were conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire administered in IsiXhosa. According to the results, lack of intensive production resulting in very low incomes is one of the reasons why projects such as ZFSC fail to attract young people and provide employment for rural people. Agricultural extension advisory services play a very limited role because of their generalist approach; they lack depth of knowledge about diverse agricultural subject areas. This study recommends that agricultural extension and the farmers’ support system be improved by employing or outsourcing specialists to cater to the needs of agricultural cooperatives in order to improve the productivity and income of agricultural cooperatives.
Assessment of socio-economic characteristics that determine farmers’ access to agricultural extension services in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Loki O , Aliber M , Sikwela MM
Published: May 2021

The study reported on in this paper investigated smallholder farmers’ access to extension services. The study sought to distinguish the varying degrees of access to services of smallholder farmers engaged in different production systems, that is, home gardening, field cropping, and livestock production. The study was conducted in Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, specifically in two communities, namely Ngcabasa and Phathikhala villages. Research activities included a survey of 100 farmers as well as focus group discussions. Employing logistic regression analysis, the study aimed to understand what influences whether or not a smallholder farmer accesses extension. The study also used various types of comparative statistics (T-test) to assess the implications of access to extension support, for instance for production and farm income. The main findings of the study were that 68% of the farming households interviewed in Ngcabasa and 71% of those in Phathikhala had access to extension services. Farmers who had access to extension had more farm income in both enterprises compared to those who had no access to extension services. From the regression analysis, farmers who were more likely to receive extension support appeared to be those who were older, those with less education, and those farming with livestock.
THE MAIN STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE CRYPTOGRAPHIC PROTOCOLS SSL/TLS AND IPsec
Authors:   Astrakhan State Technical University (Astrakhan, Russia), Martynenkov I. V.
Published: May 2021

The paper discusses the main stages of development of cryptographic protocols from SSL 2.0 (Secure Socket Layer) to TLS 1.3 (Transport Layer Security), which ensure the protection of transport layer data in the OSI model. A brief description of the modification of the RuTLS protocol based on TLS 1.3 and their main differences is given. The development of IPsec, which provides cryptographic protection of communications at the network level of the OSI model, is considered using examples of the development of the three most commonly used protocols. These include IKE (Internet Key Exchange), AH (Authentication Header), and ESP (Encapsulation Security Payload). For the SSL/TLS and IPsec specifications, the basic handshake protocols and the main stages of their development are considered. The described handshakes include primary cryptographic information exchange cycles in the form of identifiers of interaction participants, one-time numbers, lists of supported cryptographic combinations. Authentication of participants based on certificates, shared symmetric keys, data exchange for establishing a shared Diffie — Hellman secret, development of key material for secret keys of communication sessions, message authentication, and other cryptographic parameters are presented. For different versions of SSL/TLS and IPsec, the logical structures of application data cryptographic protection functions are described.
GROUP AUTHENTICATION SCHEME BASED ON ZERO-KNOWLEDGE PROOF
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University (Moscow, Russian Federation), Shliakhtina E. A. , Gamayunov D. Y. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University (Moscow, Russian Federation)
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we address the problem of mutual authentication in user groups in decentralized messaging systems without trusted third party. We propose a mutual authentication algorithm for groups using zero-knowledge proof. Using the algorithm, which is based on trust chains existing in decentralized network, users are able to authenticate each other without establishing a shared secret over side channel. The proposed algorithm is based on Democratic Group Signature protocol (DGS) and Communication-Computation Efficient Group Key algorithm for large and dynamic groups (CCEGK). We have performed security analysis of the proposed mutual authentication scheme against several attacks including Sybil attack and have made complexity estimation for the algorithm. The algorithm is implemented in an experimental P2P group messaging application, and using this implementation we estimate overhead of the authentication scheme and convergence time for several initial configurations of user groups and trust chains.
ON GENERIC COMPLEXITY OF THE ISOMORPHISM PROBLEM FOR FINITE SEMIGROUPS
Authors:   Sobolev Institute of Mathematics (Omsk, Russia), Rybalov A. N.
Published: May 2021

Generic-case approach to algorithmic problems was suggested by A. Miasnikov, V. Kapovich, P. Schupp, and V. Shpilrain in 2003. This approach studies behavior of an algorithm on typical (almost all) inputs and ignores the rest of inputs. In this paper, we study the generic complexity of the isomorphism problem for finite semigroups. In this problem, for any two semigroups of the same order, given by their multiplication tables, it is required to determine whether they are isomorphic. V. Zemlyachenko, N. Korneenko, and R. Tyshkevich in 1982 proved that the graph isomorphism problem polynomially reduces to this problem. The graph isomorphism problem is a well-known algorithmic problem that has been actively studied since the 1970s, and for which polynomial algorithms are still unknown. So from a computational point of view the studied problem is no simpler than the graph isomorphism problem. We present a generic polynomial algorithm for the isomorphism problem of finite semigroups. It is based on the characterization of almost all finite semigroups as 3-nilpotent semigroups of a special form, established by D. Kleitman, B. Rothschild, and J. Spencer, as well as the Bollobas polynomial algorithm, which solves the isomorphism problem for almost all strongly sparse graphs.
The parenting attitudes and effects on their gifted children: a literature review
Authors: YILDIZ Sümeyye , ALTAY Naime
Published: May 2021

Family is essential for physical, emotional, social developments of the gifted children. The parenting attitudes could affects the child's emotional and social development. This literature review was conducted to examine parenting attitudes and effects on their gifted children. According to inclusion criteria, 11 studies were included in study. Gifted children perceived parental attitudes as tolerant and democratic, while peer groups perceived them as authoritarian and permissive. It was also found that the authoritarian attitudes of the parents of the gifted children have negative impacts on children mental developments, anxiety level, sense of self, inter-family relations and on level of well-being. The having democratic, tolerant attitudes of parents of gifted children will increase the academic performance, self-esteem, well-being, and relations among the family members. It has been determined that the partnership of the parenting attitudes of the mother and the father should be and the mother-child interaction is important.
Estudio sobre la creación y desarrollo del cortometraje y del vídeo documental en el entorno actual – Líneas del tiempo
Authors: Liu Jianxiong
Published: May 2021

El 2020 está siendo un año plagado de incertidumbres. El virus Covid-19 ha arrasado el mundo, afectado enormemente a las relaciones interpersonales y al tejido económico e industrial de todos los países. Por supuesto, España y China también se han visto perjudicadas, y algunas de sus industrias se han estancado o, incluso, han retrocedido. Sin embargo, con el desarrollo de la tecnología y de la información, el uso de los vídeos de corta duración se ha integrado en todos los ámbitos de nuestras vidas, rompiendo las limitaciones temporales y espaciales.
Gracias a su inmediatez, brevedad, diversidad de temas y a los múltiples canales de difusión, el formato vídeo se ha asentado en las plataformas virtuales, despertando el interés de la población más joven y activa en las redes sociales y convirtiéndose en una manera muy habitual para divulgar contenidos.
Durante estos meses de confinamiento y las posteriores fases de desescalada, grabé imágenes de como el Covid-19 afectó al comportamiento de diferentes personas. Con este material, he realizado la pieza de video “Líneas del Tiempo”.
En mi opinión, a causa de la epidemia de Covid-19, la difusión de la información en red y la comunicación online se han convertido en una parte inseparable de nuestras vidas. Tal vez la utilización de estos nuevos medios, como herramienta para desarrollar las propuestas creativas y comunicarnos sin limitaciones geográficas, puedan ser una posibilidad para este tiempo de incertidumbre.
1971/10/1. Dama de Elche: Investigación y creación artística en el entorno digital desde la perspectiva A/R/Tográfica
Authors: Gallego Martínez María Dolores
Published: May 2021

El presente trabajo de investigación y creación artística versa sobre el patrimonio arqueológico como fuente de inspiración para los artistas contemporáneos y, más específicamente, sobre la escultura  pétrea conocida como la Dama de Elche. Así, pues, la Investigación Basada en las Artes Visuales ha sido llevada a cabo en el entorno digital, partiendo de multitud de fotografías y dibujos sobre el busto femenino; se han utilizado diversas herramientas digitales de creación de modelos 3D (Autodesk ReCap Photo) y edición de vídeo (Filmora9); y ha sido realizada desde la perspectiva A/R/Tográfica. Por tanto, el presente artículo se focaliza en exponer tanto el proceso creador interdisciplinar desarrollado como el resultado de una de las obras generadas y titulada 1971/10/1. DAMA DE ELCHE (2020).
Nature-Based Deployment Strategies for Multiple Paces of Change: The Case of Oimachi, Japan
Authors: Roggema Rob , Tillie Nico , Keeffe Greg , Yan Wanglin
Published: May 2021

In this article a planning approach is proposed to accommodate different paces of urbanisation. Instead of responding to a single problem with a Pavlov-type of response, analysis shows that the transformational tempi of different urban landscapes require multiple deployment strategies to develop urban environments that are sustainable and resilient. The application of nature-based solutions, enhancing both human and natural health in cities, is used as the foundation for the design of deployment strategies that respond to different paces of urban change. The results show that urban characteristics, such as population density and built space is, partly, dependent on the underlying landscape characteristics, therefore show specific development pathways. To create liveable and sustainable urban areas that can deal holistically with a range of intertwined problems, specific deployment strategies should be used in each specific urban context. This benefits the city-precinct as a whole and at the local scale. Even small nature-based solutions, applied as the right deployment strategy in the right context, have profound impact as the starting point of a far-reaching urban transformation. The case-study for Oimachi in Japan illustrates how this planning approach can be applied, how the different urban rhythms are identified, and to which results this leads.