Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phase II study evaluating the association of gemcitabine, trastuzumab and erlotinib as first‐line treatment in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (GATE 1)

In a previous phase II study (THERAPY), cetuximab and trastuzumab combination, as second‐line after progression with gemcitabine, showed disease stabilization in 27% of 33 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. In the present phase II multicenter study, we assessed the efficacy and tolerance of gemcitabine, trastuzumab plus erlotinib as first‐line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR, RECIST v.1); secondary endpoints were progression‐free (PFS), overall (OS) survival and toxicity (NCI‐CTCAE v3.0). Ancillary study addressed the predictive value of both EGFR/HER2 expression and KRAS mutational status. Sixty‐three patients from four centers were included (62 evaluable for toxicity, 59 for efficacy), median age was 62 years (35‐77), 59.7% men. The median treatment duration was 16.1 weeks (2.1‐61). Eleven patients (19%) reported a partial tumor response, and 33 (56%) disease stabilization. DCR was 74.6% (95%CI: 61.8‐85.0; 44/59 patients). After a median follow‐up of 23.3 months (0.6‐23.6), median PFS was 3.5 months (95%CI: 2.4‐3.8) and median OS 7.9 months (95%CI: 5.1‐10.2). PFS was significantly longer in patients with grade ≥ 2 cutaneous toxicities vs patients with grade 0‐1 toxicities (HR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.33‐0.92, P = .020). Expression of EGFR and HER2 was correlated with PFS and OS in multivariate analysis; HER2 expression was correlated with the tumor response. Main severe toxicities were neutropenia (32%), cutaneous rash (37%) and thrombosis/embolisms (35.5%). This triplet combination is effective in terms of disease control, PFS and OS, and acceptable for safety. A larger study to investigate this combination compared to the standard regimen should be discussed.
A Qualitative Approach to the Sustainable Orientation of Generation Z in Retail: The Case of Romania

In order to highlight the extent to which young consumers, or members of Generation Z, are familiar with the sustainability principles implemented by retailers operating in emerging markets, the authors conducted a qualitative empirical research study with the help of a semi-structured in-depth interview guide. Respondents were asked to express their perception of the extent to which their favorite retailers adopted and implemented the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainability. The results show that respondents viewed retailers’ sustainability orientation favorably, specifying concrete measures implemented by their preferred retailers. They seemed to favor those retail networks making a useful and proactive contribution to resource preservation and environmental protection, whilst taking care of employees’ welfare and being involved in their local communities. From a theoretical perspective, the paper makes a clear contribution to enhancing the generational theory-based studies on emerging markets, where market conditions and polyvalent consumer behavior are highly dynamic, and where sustainability principles play a major role in drawing and maintaining their customers. From a management perspective, the paper provides retailers with an overview on the measures, tactics, and actions that allow them to properly target consumers and develop a proper customer approach strategy.
Taxonomy and conservation status of Microchirita (Gesneriaceae) in Peninsular Malaysia

A revision of Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Yin Z.Wang (Gesneriaceae) in Malaysia is presented as a precursory paper for the Flora of Peninsular Malaysia account. The taxonomic treatment includes a key for identification, detailed descriptions of the species, information on seed morphology (illustrated by Scanning Electron Microscopy micrographs), and a discussion on distributions, including maps, and the conservation status for each species.
Modeling Climate Warming Impacts on Grain and Forage Sorghum Yields in Argentina

Sorghum is the world’s fifth major cereal in terms of production and acreage. It is expected that its growth will be affected by the increase in air temperature, an important component of global climate change. Our objective was to use the Agricultural Land Management Alternatives with Numerical Assessment Criteria (ALMANAC) model to (a) evaluate the impact of climate warming on forage and grain sorghum production in Argentina and (b) to analyze to what extent yield changes were associated with changes in water or nitrogen stress days. For model calibration, we used previous information related to the morpho-physiological characteristics of both sorghum types and several soil parameters. We then used multiyear field data of sorghum yields for model validation. Yield simulations were conducted under three possible climate change scenarios: 1, 2, and 4 °C increase in mean annual temperature. ALMANAC successfully simulated mean yields of forage and grain sorghum: root mean square error (RMSE): 2.6 and 1.0 Mg ha−1, respectively. Forage yield increased 0.53 Mg ha−1, and grain yield decreased 0.27 Mg ha−1 for each degree of increase in mean annual temperature. Yields of forage sorghum tended to be negatively associated with nitrogen stress (r = −0.94), while grain sorghum yield was negatively associated with water stress (r = −0.99). The information generated allows anticipating future changes in crop management and genetic improvement programs in order to reduce the yield vulnerability.
Effect of dose grid resolution on the results of patient-specific quality assurance for intensity-modulated radiation therapy and volumetric modulated arc therapy

Background: This study aims to investigate the effect of reference dose calculation grid size (RDCGS) on gamma passing rate (GPR) for patient-specific quality assurance of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients were retrospectively selected. Both IMRT and VMAT plans were generated for each patient. Reference dose distributions for gamma analysis were calculated with RDCGS of 1–5 mm at intervals of 1 mm. Dose distributions were measured using MapCHECK2 and ArcCHECK dosimeters. Both global and local gamma analyses with gamma criteria of 3%/3 mm, 2%/3 mm, 2%/2 mm, and 2%/1 mm were performed with various RDCGS. Results: As the RDCGS increased from 1 mm to 5 mm, the average global GPRs with 2%/2 mm for VMAT with MapCHECK2 and ArcCHECK decreased by 9.3% and 5.9%, respectively. The average local GPRs decreased by 14% and 11.7%, respectively. For IMRT, the global GPRs decreased by 4.8% and 6%, respectively, whereas the local GPRs decreased by 10.5% and 8.6%, respectively. The effect of the RDCGS on the GPRs became larger when performing local gamma analysis as well as when applying small distance-toagreement (DTA). As the RDCGS increased, the average changes in the GPR per mm of DTA change increased regardless of the type of radiotherapy, detector, or gamma analysis. Conclusion: For an accurate verification of the IMRT and VMAT plans, it is recommended that the reference dose distribution must be calculated with the smallest possible RDCGS.
Application of Scrum Maturity Model: A Case Study in a Telecommunication Company

Digitalization and internet penetration force telecommunication companies to perform a transformation to survive, to face competitions, and to gain opportunities. PT XYZ is a telecommunication company that has introduced a new leaner and agile working method for digital transformation. The organization is undergoing a transformation to implements an agile approach using a scrum framework. There are two divisions that use scrum that currently plagued with time estimation difficulties and inability to create an agile backlog due to the old change request mechanism. Scrum Maturity Assessment (SMM) is used to measure current scrum practice maturity. The data is retrieved using a questionnaire that was given to two Scrum Master from two divisions which have been implementing Scrum. There are 83 questions derived from SMM assessment questions. SMM assessment indicated the scrum practice is Level 1 (Initial). There are 31.76% of scrum practices in IT division and 36.25% of scrum practices in CS division need to be improved to achieve Level 5 Optimizing. In order to achieve Level 5, we proposed 38 steps and six recommendations which will guide the scrum practice improvement process.
Performance Characteristics of Pregnant Goats Fed Diets Containing Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder Supplementation

Thirty pregnant primiparous does which consist of 15 KalaWAD Crossbred (Kalahari Red x West African Dwarf) and 15 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used in this study to determine the effect of different inclusion levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder supplementation and breed on the performance characteristics. The goats were subjected to 3 dietary treatments of basal concentrate diet (TU0), basal concentrate diet + 2g/kg turmeric powder (TU2) and basal diets +5g/kg turmeric powder (TU5) with 5 animals/breed/treatment in a 2x3 factorial arrangement. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomized design. The final weight, weight within 24hours post kidding, net weight gain and daily weight gain (g/day) were significantly (p< 0.05) influenced by the breed of the goats, while turmeric powder inclusion at 2g/kg significantly (p< 0.05) influenced the net weight change of the goats. The interactive effect of breed and inclusion level revealed that KalaWAD does fed TU2 had significant higher value (80.96g/day) for daily weight gain. It could be concluded that KalaWAD does had better overall growth performance than WAD while turmeric powder inclusion at 2g/kg had the best daily weight gain during gestation period.
The Frequency of PAI, aer and traT Genes in Escherichia coli Commensal and Urinary Pathogenic E. coli Isolates in Shahrekord and the Relationship Between the Two Groups by Multiplex PCR

Background: Nosocomial infections are acquired during hospital treatment or in a hospital environment. One such infecting agent is uropathogenic Escherichia coli and many virulence genes enable it to become pathogenic, thereby causing damage to the host. Objectives: This study aimed to identify aer, traT, and PAI genes in E. coli isolates collected from fecal and urinary tract infection (UTI) specimens and determine the relationship between them in both populations studied in a center in Iran by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Methods: Seventy-five isolates of E. coli from the urine of inpatients and 75 isolates from commensal fecal without UTI and diarrhea were collected. The E. coli bacteria were detected and isolated, using biochemical techniques and supplementary tests in the Microbiology Laboratory of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern for 14 antibiotics was done utilizing the disc diffusion method. The existence of aer, traT, and PAI virulence genes among all isolates was investigated by multiplex PCR. Results: Among the urinary pathogenic E. coli isolates, the highest antibiotic resistance was observed in cefazolin, ampicillin, and cotrimoxazole antibiotics. The prevalence rates of aer, traT, and PAI genes in the fecal isolates were 92%, 90.6%, and 46.6%, respectively. Further, their prevalence rates in urine isolates were 96%, 97.3%, and 41.3%, in that order. Conclusions: The presence of the high frequency of pathogenic islands (PAIs), especially in fecal samples, is important because these genes are easily transmitted and convert a commensal bacterium into a pathogen. Because only the genome of pathogenic bacteria has been unwrapped, little attention has been paid to PAIs in commensal bacteria.
Biochar-Ca and Biochar-Al/-Fe-Mediated Phosphate Exchange Capacity are Main Drivers of the Different Biochar Effects on Plants in Acidic and Alkaline Soils

Because of the low consistency of the results obtained in the field, the use of biochar as a soil amendment is controversial. Thus, in general, in acidic soils, results are positive, while in alkaline soils, they are non-significant or even negative. The results regarding biochar action in acidic soils have been related to a lime-like effect due to its alkaline pH and the high doses normally used. However, the causes of biochar effects in alkaline soils remain unknown. Our objective was to explore the chemical mechanism of biochar interaction in acidic and alkaline soils. We used well-characterized biochar as a component of two complex N and PK granulated fertilizers at two different doses (1% and 5%). These fertilizers were applied to wheat cultivated in pots containing an alkaline soil and grown for 60 days. No effect was shown for the N-biochar fertilizer application. However, the PK-biochar fertilizer application caused a decrease in crop yield. In addition, the adsorption isotherms of Al, Fe, Mo, Mn, and Phosphate (Pi) in biochar were also studied. The results showed that Fe and Al were rapidly adsorbed in biochar, while Pi was only adsorbed on the Fe-, Al-biochar complex. Desorption experiments showed that P and Fe/Al were not desorbed from the P-Fe/Al-biochar complex by water or the Olsen reagent, while partial desorption was observed when HCl 0.1 M was used. This blockage of Fe/Al and P through Fe/Al bridges in biochar could partially explain the negative effects in alkaline soils. After these studies, soil solution sorption experiments were carried out in both acidic and alkaline soils and were complemented with a greenhouse trial using tomato plants. The results showed that biochar enhanced foliar Ca and N content, as well as growth in acidic soil only, and the possible mechanism of the failure in alkaline soils.
Eighth grade students’ views about giving proof and their proof abilities in the geometry and measurement

ABSTRACT In this paper, Harel and Sowder’s proof schemes of taxonomy were applied for identifying eighth grade students' learning of proof and proofing. This study aimed to examine what kind of proof schemes are used in geometry and measurement learning areas and student’s skills in giving proof and their opinions about proof. Qualitative methods were used. The first part consisted of 40 students', were selected by using convenient sampling, were administered the proof skills inventory. The second part consisted of semi-structured interviews with six students who were randomly selected through a convenient sampling. Proof skill inventory was administered to 40 students and semi-structured interviews with randomly selected 6 students were done. The results of the study indicated that eighth grade students had intermediate level proof skills. In-depth analysis of the students confirmed that the students who got high scores used the axiomatic proof schema, those who had a moderate score used basic proof examples, and those who had low scores used the authoritarian proof schemas.
On defensive alliance in zero-divisor graphs

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite undirected graph without loops or multiple edges. A non-empty set of vertices [Formula: see text] is called defensive alliance if every vertex in [Formula: see text] have at least one more neighbors inside of [Formula: see text] than it has outside of [Formula: see text]. A non-empty set of vertices [Formula: see text] is called a dominating set if every vertex not in [Formula: see text] is adjacent to at least one member of [Formula: see text]. A defensive alliance dominating set is called global. The global defensive alliance number [Formula: see text] is defined as the minimum cardinality among all global defensive alliances. In this paper, we initiate the study of the global defensive alliance number of zero-divisor graphs [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is a finite commutative ring. Hence, we calculate [Formula: see text] for some usual kind of rings. We finish by a complete characterization of rings with [Formula: see text].
Hard and Soft Euroscepticism in the European Parliament

Euroscepticism has become a stable component of the European Parliament. But is there one distinct Euroscepticism in the European Parliament or do various types exist there? Departing from the widely accepted definitions of hard and soft Euroscepticism, we analysed the behaviour of Eurosceptical groups in the European Parliament in order to assess how they differ. Using data from parliamentary questions, we argue that there are substantial differences between these two groups. This suggests that hard and soft Euroscepticisms do not represent different degrees of one phenomenon, but instead refer to two fundamentally different stances towards European integration.
Feedback Mechanism in Bifurcating River Systems: the Effect on Water-Level Sensitivity

Accurate and reliable estimates of water levels are essential to assess flood risk in river systems. In current practice, uncertainties involved and the sensitivity of water levels to these uncertainties are studied in single-branch rivers, while many rivers in deltas consist of multiple distributaries. In a bifurcating river, a feedback mechanism exists between the downstream water levels and the discharge distribution at the bifurcation. This paper aims to quantify the sensitivity of water levels to main channel roughness in a bifurcating river system. Water levels are modelled for various roughness scenarios under a wide range of discharge conditions using a one-dimensional hydraulic model. The results show that the feedback mechanism reduces the sensitivity of water levels to local changes of roughness in comparison to the single-branch river. However, in the smaller branches of the system, water-level variations induced by the changes in discharge distribution can exceed the water-level variations of the single-branch river. Therefore, water levels throughout the entire system are dominated by the conditions in the largest branch. As the feedback mechanism is important, the river system should be considered as one interconnected system in river maintenance of rivers, flood-risk analyses, and future planning of river engineering works.
Green manufacturing practices and sustainable performance among Ghanaian manufacturing SMEs: the explanatory link of green supply chain integration

The aim of this study is to examine the explanatory link of green supply chain integration (GSCI) between green manufacturing practices (GMPs) and sustainable performance (economic [EP], environmental [EnP] and social [SP] performances) by using data from an emerging country. ,An explanatory research design was employed for the study. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 178 Ghanaian manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Hypotheses were formulated and tested using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). ,The results indicate that GMPs have a significant positive effect on sustainable performance (EP, EnP and SP). Again, GMPs have a significant positive effect on GSCI. Additionally, GSCI plays a mediating role between green manufacturing practices and sustainable performance. ,In this study, GSCI was compositely measured despite having three dimensions. Generalizing the findings is also not guaranteed since the sample constitutes Ghanaian manufacturing SMEs. ,The results provide significant ramifications for managers of manufacturing SMEs within Ghana and those in other sub-Saharan African context. Based on the results, managers of manufacturing firms will have stronger backing to invest in GMPs, while at the same time establish strong ties with eco-oriented supply chain partners so as to achieve their sustainable performance goals. ,This study adds to the literature in the area of sustainability and triple bottom line by providing evidence from a fast growing industrialized and emerging country.
Changes in offender-rated working alliance in probation supervision as predictors of recidivism

ABSTRACT Although the association between working alliance and outcome is a consistent finding in voluntary psychotherapy research, there is a lack of knowledge of the significance of this concept in mandated treatment. This study examined the relationship between the offender-rated working alliance and recidivism in a sample of 199 offenders mandated to community supervision. Working alliance was disentangled in trait-like and state-like components. Cox regression analysis was used. The working alliance subscales were measured by the Working Alliance with Mandated Clients Inventory (WAMCI). When controlling for crime history or risk level, the state-like change patterns of the working alliance subscale Trust predicted general and serious recidivism during the four year follow-up period. When controlling for crime history, the trait-like early alliance subscales Trust and Reactance predicted serious recidivism. These findings imply that the concept of the working alliance and specifically the facet Trust deserves more attention in the training of Probation Officers.
Structure, motives, and performance effects of divestitures

When firms divest to reconfigure their portfolio of businesses, they separate businesses or assets from their firm through sell-offs, spin-offs, equity carve-outs, or split-ups. Divestitures are complex events, structured in diverse ways, undertaken for manifold motives, and ultimately affect the future performance of the divesting firm. While their causes and consequences have been well-examined in literature, research gaps remain. This dissertation undertakes three comprehensive studies to resolve existing research gaps concerning the structure, motives, and performance effects of divestitures. The first study seeks to further differentiate research by considering the role of motive and structure when examining the effects of divestiture and divestiture experience on post-divestiture accounting performance. It specifically examines the effects of sell-offs in general, sell-offs driven by a strategic motive, and sell-offs structured as part of a divestiture program. The second study acknowledges the diversity of divestitures and undertakes an in-depth exploration of divestiture programs. It describes their nature, examines when firms announce such programs in contrast to stand-alone divestitures, and measures how the market reacts to their announcement. The third study provides evidence from a consolidating industry where players usually seek efficiency gains and growth through mergers and acquisitions. The study is set in the global brewing industry, where the five largest players accounted for 60% of the global volume in 2018. It analyzes the market reaction to divestitures and its determinants.