bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 and Radiotherapy
Authors: Uslu Gonca Hanedan , Kucuktulu Eda , Rakici Sema Yilmaz 
Published: August 2022

Background:
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has also had a profound impact on cancer treatment delivery and organization. Oncology clinics have developed a number of procedures and used formulas related to radiotherapy doses to continue their activities. Aims and Objectives: We explored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemy on the personnel and cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy in a radiotherapy department during the first year.

Materials and Methods:
845 patients were treated over the course of a year, 195 of whom consented to participate in the study. The Elekta Mozoiq system and radiotherapy cards were evaluated, and the time intervals between the treatments during the radiotherapy were recorded. Biologically Effective Dose losses were calculated in the radiotherapy dose due to the interruption to treatment, and necessary calculations were made for the delivery of the initially planned dose.

Results:
The mean age of the patients was 59 years (range 19-78). There were 110 male (56.4%) and 85 female (43.5%) participants. The treatment of 4.6% (9 patients) of the patients was discontinued because of SARS-CoV-2 infection during radiotherapy. The greatest added fraction for a patient with prostate cancer was three while the lowest was one for a patient with lung cancer, based on the TDF calculation. During this period, 16% of the staff was infected with COVID-19.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemy on patients and personnel in a radiotherapy clinic, and its management during one year.
Influence of Successors’ Entrepreneurial Competencies on Performance in Family-Owned Small and Medium Enterprises in Arusha City, Tanzania
Authors: Kiwia Rose H. , Bengesi Kenneth M.K. , Ndyetabula Daniel W. 
Published: August 2022

This paper examines attributes of successors’ entrepreneurial competencies such as risk-taking propensity, ability to exploit business opportunities, innovation and commitment in family businesses in Arusha City, Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design was employed using a quantitative survey approach, in which two hundred family business successors provided data for this paper. The data were analysed using the Hierarchical Regression Model to assess the influence of successors’ entrepreneurial competencies on the performance of family-owned SMEs. The findings indicate that successors’ risktaking propensity and the ability to exploit business opportunities influence the performance of family-owned SMEs. The paper concludes that familyowned SMEs managed by successors who can take calculated risks and are also able to exploit business opportunities are in a good position to realize better performance in terms of net profit. It is recommended that family business founders should build their successors’ entrepreneurial competencies.
The Influence of Indiscipline on Teacher’s Attrition in Public Secondary Schools in Kilimanjaro and Manyara Regions, Tanzania
Authors: Chikoyo Rashid A. , Nzalayaimisi Gabriel K. , Telli Godfrey G. 
Published: August 2022

This paper intended to assess the influence of indiscipline on teacher attrition in public secondary schools in Kilimanjaro and Manyara regions. Specifically, the paper aimed at examining the indiscipline cases that cause teachers’ attrition; examine the frequency of cases on indiscipline issues; and the measures taken to address indiscipline cases. The paper was guided by motivation theory based on conduct for efficient management and administration of punishment to violators. The study employed cross section research design with mixed approaches. The sample size of the study was 140 respondents. Simple random and snow ball sampling was used to select in-service and teachers who left teaching respectively. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and binary logistic regression. The findings revealed that examination malpractices, student sex harassment and truancy influenced teacher attrition. Among the measures taken were: transfer, summary dismissal and reduction in salary that led to teachers quitting teaching. As for frequency of indiscipline cases among teachers, the study revealed the mean score of indiscipline as above 50 per cent which revealed that the variable influences teacher attrition. The study concludes that indiscipline cases influences teacher attrition. The study recommends to the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government to improve teachers discipline by equipping Teacher Service Commission staff with all necessary inputs to supervise accordingly. School management should remind their staff on professional code of ethics, and the Government should execute the law number 3 of 1972 for teachers who engaged in indiscipline cases by imposing severe punishment to offenders.
Towards a Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility Discharge and Accountability in the Extractives Industry
Authors: Asare Emmanuel Tetteh , Addo Salomey O. , Aveh Felix Kwame 
Published: August 2022

The paper examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities manifest and their respective discharge and accountabilities in the extractives industry. The study employs content analysis to examine the sustainability reports of two leading extractive firms in Ghana namely, AngloGold Ashanti and Tullow plc. Thereafter, it engages relevant stakeholders in interviews to probe deeper into the results of the content analysis to corroborate the evidence from the companies. The results indicate that the CSR discharge and accountability of the firms are inconsistent with society’s expectations and that the firms employ legitimation mechanisms in their CSR practices to obtain and retain social licenses to operate. Hence, CSR discharge and accountability of the firms are rather superficial and rhetoric in nature and performed just to keep themselves in a positive light, while enhancing corporate reputation and visibility. The study contributes to the CSR literature by specifically focusing on how CSR activities manifest and their respective accountability discharge in the extractives industry. The paper takes a holistic multidimensional methodological approach to resolve CSR and respective accountability issues, unlike existing studies that look at the substantive issue on a piecemeal basis, thus, either through interviews or content analysis. It provides useful information to policymakers and a reference point to industry on their CSR accountability strategies and subsequent implementation.
Keywords: Accountability; Corporate Social Responsibility; Extractive Industry
A comparison of the sensory processing skills of children (6-10 years old) with autism and those that are typically developing as assessed by a short sensory profile in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutapurwa P , Mlambo T , Mavindidze E 
Published: August 2022

Background: Sensory processing is a key component in the development of children. We sought to compare the sensory processing problems experienced by children (6-10 years) with and without autism in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional study was done at public hospitals, non-profit organisations and urban public primary schools. Sensory processing abilities of children were assessed using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) and compared between those with autism and those without, using Multivariate Analysis Of Variance (MANOVA). Ethical approval was granted and participants were voluntary.
Results: Seventy-four primary caregivers and their children participated in the study (40 for typically developing and 34 for those with autism). The overall mean age of the children was 8.1 years (SD 1.2), children with autism were older (mean 8.2 years SD 1.2) but not attending school. Those without autism were purposively matched for gender while there were more males (61.8%) than females among children with autism. Over 95% of children without Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) were rated as displaying normal sensory processing skills in all domains except for movement sensitivity where a quarter did not display typical performance. This was in contrast to less than half of children with ASD who displayed normal sensory processing domains. The only exception was visual/auditory acuity in 70.6% of children with ASD displayed normal sensory processing skills. There was a statistically significant difference in sensory processing skills between children with and without ASD in all domains (p=<0.01) with those with ASD displaying poorer performance.
Conclusion: Children with autism performed poorer than their typically developing peers on the SSP. The areas in which these children experience greatest impairment need to be targeted in interventions and caregivers should be equipped to address some of these problems.
An observational examination of houses built under the ``Breaking New Ground`` housing policy of South Africa
Authors: Mkuzo Tim Zamuxolo , Mayekiso Thokozile , Gwandure Calvin 
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to examine the physical condition of houses built under the ``Breaking New Ground`` scheme and the environment that surround the residential areas. The Breaking New Ground housing plan seeks to provide housing to low-income groups in South Africa. The housing structures were examined in accordance with the ``Breaking New Ground`` housing policy, the Constitution of South Africa and the Freedom Charter. The study was qualitative in nature and an observational method was used to collect data. The study examined the physical condition of 45 housing units and their surroundings. The observational examination indicated that most of the residential units had structural defects and the environment was not conducive to the promotion of health and wellbeing among housing beneficiaries and their families. The design and aesthetic appeal of the houses was distorted by poor workmanship as they presented with inherent flaws. It was observed that the location of some of the housing clusters was isolated and far from places of work and the transport network was not efficient. Recommendations include improved quality control, aesthetic appeal and durability of housing units constructed under the Breaking New Ground housing scheme in South Africa.
Keywords: Low-cost housing; observation; breaking new ground; South Africa
An assessment of psychosocial and health risks associated with shift work in a South African manufacturing context
Authors: Mhlongo Philisiwe , Gabela Sibusiso Derrick , Reddy Poovendhree 
Published: August 2022

Shift work is a necessity to ensure continuous and optimized operations in different occupational scenarios. However, there are numerous adverse effects associated with working shifts. This study is aimed at evaluating the psychosocial and health risks associated with working shifts in a manufacturing context in South Africa (SA). A cross sectional design using a modified form of the validated Standard Shift Work Index (SSI) questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Most participants were considered to be in good health, however they reported health complaints relating to swollen feet, weight gain, loss of appetite and gastrointestinal disorders. In addition, participants reported that their domestic lives were somewhat affected (45%) and their social lives were adversely affected (47%) by working shifts. Shift work experience (11 to 20 years) was also found to be significantly associated with more time for both social (OR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.03; 0.30) and domestic activities (OR= 0.25; 95% CI = 0.11; 0.57; p < 0.05) compared to those with less experience. This may be attributed to the healthy worker survivor effect; it is likely that shift workers with longer working experience have developed practical coping strategies to mitigate some of the problems related to shift work.
Keywords: Shift work; health effects; psychosocial effects; disorders
What is the Problem with Stabilization Clauses in Petroleum Agreements?
Authors: Nalule Victoria R. 
Published: August 2022

International Oil Companies (IOCs) continue to invest in countries which do not have stabilization clauses. Why is this so? What is the essence of these clauses? One of the curiosities of stabilization clauses in petroleum agreements, is that most developed countries will not offer them to investors. So, why do developing countries with stable political, fiscal and regulatory climate offer them? Additionally, history shows that these stabilization clauses have not deterred host governments from expropriating petroleum investments. While governments may be able to make commitments of their own, as a matter of national sovereignty they may not be able to bind the legislative competence of the State into the future. These concerns are the main driver behind this article, which is influenced by the various questions asked by policymakers in the Global South on the importance of stabilization clauses for the sustainable development and management of natural resources.
Keywords: Stabilization; sustainable development; natural resources; oil and gas
Oil Spills in the Niger Delta-Does the Petroleum Industry Act 2022 Offer Guidance for Solving this Problem?
Authors: Ele Millicent 
Published: August 2022

Oil exploration and production in the Niger Delta have resulted in massive oil spills and lasting environmental damage to the region. This article critically examines the legal and regulatory dimensions of this problem. It looks at the general statutory provisions governing oil spills in the Niger Delta to see whether there are gaps and deficiencies in the existing laws and policies which cause or exacerbate oil spills in the region. It further looks at the implementation and enforcement of the laws, particularly the effectiveness or lack thereof of the polluter-pays principle, adequacy of funding for environmental remediation, issues relating to standard setting and ministerial discretion, as well as the issues associated with the security problems in the Niger Delta. The article concurrently reviews relevant sections of the newly enacted Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 to see whether it offers guidance for solving the endemic problem of oil spills in the Niger Delta. It is concluded that poorly developed laws, and weak institutions that result in weak implementation and enforcement protocols remain largely to blame for the problem of oil spills in the Niger Delta. It also discusses how the PIA can be strengthened to address persisting gaps in the design and implementation of oil spill responses in Nigeria.
Keywords: Oil spill; Niger Delta; Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021; multinational oil companies; polluter-pays principle; oil pipeline sabotage
Effect of a combination of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine derivative molecule S-1 on expression levels of IL-9 and CysLTR-1 in a rat model of colon cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Huang Bin , Zou Xiangcai , Guo Xiongbo , Lin Yikun 
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a combination of oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine derivative molecule S-1 on the expression levels of IL-9 and CysLTR-1 in rats with colon cancer.
Methods: One hundred and eighty healthy Spraque Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups A (healthy control), B (model), and C (treatment) with 60 rats in each group. Western blotting was used to determine contents of CysLTR-1 and related pathway proteins, while the levels of IL-9 and IFN-γ were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) was used to determine cell proliferation, while cell apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry.
Results: Tumor volume was larger and tumor diameter was longer in group B than in group C (p < 0.05). The expression levels of CysLTR-1, LTD4, β-catenin, COX-2, IL-9 and IFN-γ were significantly up-regulated in groups B and C, relative to group A (p < 0.05). Cell proliferation was also significantly faster in groups B and C than in group A, while apoptotic rate was lower (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Combined use of OX and S-1 inhibits CysLTR-1 expression level in colon cancer rats. Furthermore, it down-regulates IL-9 expression, thereby inhibiting the proliferation and apoptosis of tumor cells. Therefore, the combination treatment has potentials for development as a therapeutic strategy for the management of colon cancer.
Keywords: Oxaliplatin; Fluoropyrimidine derivative molecule; Colon cancer; CysLTR-1
Neuroprotective effects of delavatine A on LPS-induced activation of microglia in vitro and in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Xing Huijuan , Sun Qiang 
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the neuroprotective effects of deloratine A on liposaccharide (LPS)-induced microglia activation in vitro and in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Methods: LPS-induced microglial activation was successfully established in mouse microglia BV2 cell line. Then, the cells were randomly divided into model group, 2.5 μM delavatine A group, 5 μM delavatine A group, and 10 μM delavatine A group. The effect of delavatine A on the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in BV2 cells was determined. In the vivo studies, 21 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used to establish a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, and effect of delavatine A on neural function and cerebral infarction area was determined.
Results: The NO content was significantly higher in LPS-induced microglial activation model than in blank control, but it was significantly lower in the 3 delavatine A groups than in model group (p < 0.05). The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were significantly higher in model group than in blank control group, but they were significantly and dose-dependently lower in delavatine A groups than in model group (p < 0.05). In the in vivo rat studies, neural function score and cerebral infarction area in the model group were significantly higher than those in the sham group, while cerebral infarction area in delavatine A groups were significantly lower than that in the model group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Delavatine A significantly reduces the inflammation associated with LPS-induced microglial activation, mitigates loss of neural function, and reduces cerebral infarction area in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury. These findings may lead to the development of new neuroprotective drugs.
Keywords: Delavatine A; LPS; Microglia activation; Ischemia-reperfusion injury; Neural function; Cerebral infarction area
Network pharmacology approach to screen hypoglycemic extracts from Coptidis rhizoma and study their targets and pathways
Authors: Xiao Liu , Li Yi , Liu Xin-guo , Yang Quan-wei , Yang Lei , Huang He-gui , Huang Lei , Wei Ming 
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To screen the hypoglycemic active ingredients of Coptidis rhizoma, and study their targets as well as signal pathways via network pharmacology.
Methods: Fifty-nine ingredients of Coptidis rhizoma were screened. Their targets were confirmed by comparing with the hypoglycemic targets in DrugBank databases. The relationship between ingredients and targets was revealed through String database. The ingredient-target-passageway network was constructed. Coptidis rhizoma was soaked in boiling water and concentrated. Rat models were rendered diabetic by the administration of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneal injection. The hyperglycemic rats received Coptidis rhizoma extract (0.40 g/kg, once a day by gavage).
Results: After four weeks of treatment, the blood glucose levels (BG) of all treated hyperglycemic rats decreased (p < 0.05). Twenty-four hypoglycemic active compounds were obtained after screening the extract of Coptidis rhizome via network pharmacology. These active compounds activated 13 targets, including D (2) dopamine receptor (DRD2), Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), 5- hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (HTR2C), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3A (HTR3A) and sodiumdependent noradrenaline transporter (SLC6A2). These targets were involved in 141 pathways, e.g., cAMP signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, and apelin signaling pathway.
Conclusion: Coptidis rhizoma contains several active compounds that exhibit good hypoglycemic effects. Thus, there is a need for human studies on the hypoglycemic effects of Coptidis rhizome extracts.
Keywords: Coptidis rhizome; Hypoglycemic effects; Network pharmacology; D (2) dopamine receptor (DRD2); Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor
Effect of Ferula elaeochytris root extract on smooth muscle contraction of vas deferens gland in rat
Authors: Cimentepe Ozge Ozturk , Gocmen Cemil , Eser Nadire , Buyuknacar Hacer Sinem , Cimentepe Mehmet 
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of Ferula elaeochytris (FE) at the prostatic and epididymal ends of rat vas deferens.
Methods: The effects of cumulative concentrations of FE (10 μL; 31.25 mg/μL and 20 μL; 62.5 mg/μL) were investigated on prostatic and epididymal ends of rat vas deferens in the presence of prazosin (0.3 μM), suramin (100 μM), atropine (10 nM) and nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NOARG; 100 μM). The muscle contractions were induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS; 4 Hz, 50 V, 0.15 ms). Calcium (3 and 6 mM) was added into the bath medium while electrical field stimulation (EFS) was in progress.
Results: Ferula elaeochytris significantly inhibited the muscle contractions induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in a concentration-dependent manner. In the presence of prazosin or suramin, the contractile responses to EFS were significantly inhibited by FE at the prostatic and epididymal ends of vas deferens (p < 0.05). However, this inhibition was not affected by atropine and L- NOARG, suggesting that there is no direct interaction of FE with cholinergic and nitrergic responses. However, in the presence of prazosin or suramin, Ca2+ addition to the organ bath significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of FE at the prostatic and epididymal ends of vas deferens (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: These results show an inhibitory effect for the extract of FE on neurogenic contractile activity of prostatic and epididymal ends of vas deferens. This effect of FE may be associated with Ca2+ channels.
Keywords: Contractile activity; Electrical Field Stimulation (EFS); Ferula elaeochytris; Rat; Vas deferens
Effect of combined treatment with linezolid and ulinastatin on respiratory function and serum inflammatory factors in elderly patients with severe pneumonia
Authors: He Zhengqiong , Wu Xi , Zhang Wei , Li Yan , Zeng Zhiyou , Zhang Yan , Du Guipeng 
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the clinical effect of linezolid in combination with ulinastatin on respiratory function and serum inflammatory factors in elderly patients with severe pneumonia.
Methods: Ninety-eight (98) elderly patients with severe pneumonia in Nuclear Industry 416 Hospital (January 2019 - January 2020) were equally randomized into group M and group N. Group M patients received linezolid alone, while those in group N received linezolid in combination with ulinastatin. Indices related to respiratory function such as maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMF), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal expiratory pressure (PEmax), maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax), as well as serum inflammatory factors such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), were determined.
Results: Total treatment effectiveness, pulmonary function indexes and arterial blood gas indices were higher in group N, while serum inflammatory factors and CPIS and APACHE II scores were lower, when compared with group M (p < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in both groups was comparable (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Combined use of linezolid and ulinastatin produces marked therapeutic effect in elderly patients with severe pneumonia. It effectively lowers serum inflammatory factor levels, elevates arterial blood gas indices and improves pulmonary function. However, further clinical trials are required prior to its introduction in clinical practice.
Keywords: Severe pneumonia; Respiratory function; Serum inflammatory factor; Linezolid; Ulinastatin