bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Phase II Study Investigating Pazopanib Versus Weekly Paclitaxel in Relapsed or Progressive Urothelial Cancer
Authors: Jones Robert J. , Hussain Syed A. , Protheroe Andrew S. , Birtle Alison , Chakraborti Prabir , Huddart Robert A. , Jagdev Satinder , Bahl Amit , Stockdale Andrew , Sundar Santhanam , Crabb Simon J. , Dixon-Hughes Judith , Alexander Laura , Morris Anna , Kelly Caroline , Stobo Jon , Paul James , Powles Thomas 
Published: April 2017

PurposeTwo previous single-arm trials have drawn conflicting conclusions regarding the activity of pazopanib in urothelial cancers after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy.Patients and MethodsThis randomized (1:1) open-label phase II trial compared the efficacy of pazopanib 800 mg orally with paclitaxel (80 mg/m2days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days) in the second-line setting. The primary end point was overall survival (OS).ResultsBetween August 2012 and October 2014, 131 patients, out of 140 planned, were randomly assigned. The study was terminated early on the recommendation of the independent data monitoring committee because of futility. Final analysis after the preplanned number of deaths (n = 110) occurred after a median follow-up of 18 months. One hundred fifteen deaths had occurred at the final data extract presented here. Median OS was 8.0 months for paclitaxel (80% CI, 6.9 to 9.7 months) and 4.7 months for pazopanib (80% CI, 4.2 to 6.4 months). The hazard ratio (HR) adjusted for baseline stratification factors was 1.28 (80% CI, 0.99 to 1.67; one-sided P = .89). Median progression-free survival was 4.1 months for paclitaxel (80% CI, 3.0 to 5.6 months) and 3.1 months for pazopanib (80% CI, 2.7 to 4.6 months; HR, 1.09; 80% CI, 0.85 to 1.40; one-sided P = .67). Discontinuations for toxicity occurred in 7.8% and 23.1% for paclitaxel and pazopanib, respectively.ConclusionPazopanib did not have greater efficacy than paclitaxel in the second-line treatment of urothelial cancers. There was a trend toward superior OS for paclitaxel.
Case Report: Making a diagnosis of familial renal disease – clinical and patient perspectives
Authors: Iqbal Zahra , Sayer John A. 
Published: April 2017

Background: A precise molecular genetic diagnosis has become the gold standard for the correct identification and management of many inherited renal diseases. Methods: Here we describe a family with familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and include a clinical and patient perspective on the diagnostic workup and relaying of genetic results following whole exome sequencing. Results: Through next generation sequencing approaches, we identified a pathogenic mutation in TRPC6, the underlying cause of the phenotype. The identification of this mutation had important clinical consequences for the family, including allowing a living-unrelated kidney transplant to proceed in the index case. There are also wider ranging social and ethical dilemmas presented when reaching a genetic diagnosis like this one, which are explored here by both physicians and the index case. Conclusions: Through physician and patient perspectives in a family with inherited renal failure we explore the implications and the magnitude of a molecular genetic diagnosis.
MSL: Facilitating automatic and physical analysis of published scientific literature in PDF format
Authors: Ahmed Zeeshan , Dandekar Thomas 
Published: April 2017

Published scientific literature contains millions of figures, including information about the results obtained from different scientific experiments e.g. PCR-ELISA data, microarray analysis, gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry data, DNA/RNA sequencing, diagnostic imaging (CT/MRI and ultrasound scans), and medicinal imaging like electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), echocardiography (ECG), positron-emission tomography (PET) images. The importance of biomedical figures has been widely recognized in scientific and medicine communities, as they play a vital role in providing major original data, experimental and computational results in concise form. One major challenge for implementing a system for scientific literature analysis is extracting and analyzing text and figures from published PDF files by physical and logical document analysis. Here we present a product line architecture based bioinformatics tool ‘Mining Scientific Literature (MSL)’, which supports the extraction of text and images by interpreting all kinds of published PDF files using advanced data mining and image processing techniques. It provides modules for the marginalization of extracted text based on different coordinates and keywords, visualization of extracted figures and extraction of embedded text from all kinds of biological and biomedical figures using applied Optimal Character Recognition (OCR). Moreover, for further analysis and usage, it generates the system’s output in different formats including text, PDF, XML and images files. Hence, MSL is an easy to install and use analysis tool to interpret published scientific literature in PDF format.
Parallel Nonstationary Direct Policy Search for Risk-Averse Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Moazeni Somayeh , Powell Warren B. , Defourny Boris , Bouzaiene-Ayari Belgacem 
Published: April 2017

This paper presents an algorithmic strategy to nonstationary policy search for finite-horizon, discrete-time Markovian decision problems with large state spaces, constrained action sets, and a risk-sensitive optimality criterion. The methodology relies on modeling time-variant policy parameters by a nonparametric response surface model for an indirect parametrized policy motivated by Bellman’s equation. The policy structure is heuristic when the optimization of the risk-sensitive criterion does not admit a dynamic programming reformulation. Through the interpolating approximation, the level of nonstationarity of the policy, and consequently, the size of the resulting search problem can be adjusted. The computational tractability and the generality of the approach follow from a nested parallel implementation of derivative-free optimization in conjunction with Monte Carlo simulation. We demonstrate the efficiency of the approach on an optimal energy storage charging problem, and illustrate the effect of the risk functional on the improvement achieved by allowing a higher complexity in time variation for the policy.The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2016.0733 .
Pricing and Capacity Allocation for Shared Services
Authors: Kostami Vasiliki , Kostamis Dimitris , Ziya Serhan 
Published: April 2017

We study the pricing and capacity allocation problem of a service provider who serves two distinct customer classes. Customers in each class are inherently heterogeneous in their willingness to pay for service, but their utilities are also affected by the presence of other customers in the system. Specifically, customer utilities depend on how many customers are in the system at the time of service as well as who these other customers are. We find that if the service provider can price discriminate between customer classes, pricing out a class, i.e., operating an exclusive system, can sometimes be optimal and depends only on classes’ perceptions of each other. If the provider must charge a single price, an exclusive system is even more likely. We extend our analysis to a service provider who can prevent class interaction by allocating separate capacity segments to the two customer classes. Under price discrimination, allocating capacity is optimal if the “net appreciation” between classes, as defined in the paper, is negative. However, under a single-price policy, allocating capacity can be optimal even if this net appreciation is positive. We describe in detail how the nature of asymmetry in classes’ perception of each other determines the optimal strategy. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2016.0606 .
Latino Student Persistence Strategies in Transferring from Community College to Tier 1 Universities: A Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Harris Linwood N. 
Published: April 2017

<p style="text-align:justify">This study is a departure from discussions on why community college students do not transfer in large numbers, but instead, provides an analysis of Latino students from community college who have successfully transferred to Tier 1 universities. The conceptual framework included student engagement theory (Kuh, 2003), the support for student autonomy (Koestner et al., 2015), and the importance of students studying to mastery (Sarwat & Irshad, 2012). These theories were applied to the central research question, ‘What strategies do Latino students from a community college use to create a successful transition from community college to Tier 1 colleges and universities?’ The researcher generated six themes on how Latino students experienced successful transfer: institutional support, student transfer experiences, strategies to adapt, financial support, studying to mastery, and family support as major factors for academic success. These findings would be significant to student development specialists in community colleges. Further, such findings can be used to support Latino community college students as they sought transfer to four-year colleges and universities.</p>
An Investigation of Teacher Candidates' Perceptions About Physical Dimension of Classroom Management
Authors: Ozsezer M. Sencer Bulut , Saban Ayten Iflazoglu 
Published: April 2017

<p style="text-align:justify">The purpose of this research is to investigate teacher candidates’ perceptions about the physical dimension of classroom management. A hundred two 3rd year students at the Primary School Education Department of a state university were instructed to visit a primary school and to observe a classroom in terms of its physical dimensions. The students were guided both to tell about the actual classroom they observed and to tell about their dream classroom. Thus, this study aims to discover students’ perception on actual classroom and their construction of dream classroom in terms of physical characteristics. The research findings revealed that most of the teacher candidates mentioned their dream classroom according to the actual classroom and only one third of them designed the classroom according to their own dream classroom characteristics. Also teacher candidates did not mention the affective influences of physical layouts and environments on individuals.</p>
System dynamics models as decision-making tools in agritourism
Authors: Jere Jakulin Tadeja 
Published: April 2017

Abstract Agritourism as a type of niche tourism is a complex and softly defined phaenomenon. The demands for fast and integrated decision regarding agritourism and its interconnections with environment, economy (investments, traffic) and social factors (tourists) is urgent. Many different methodologies and methods master softly structured questions and dilemmas with global and local properties. Here we present methods of systems thinking and system dynamics, which were first brought into force in the educational and training area in the form of different computer simulations and later as tools for decision-making and organisational re-engineering. We develop system dynamics models in order to present accuracy of methodology. These models are essentially simple and can serve only as describers of the activity of basic mutual influences among variables. We will pay the attention to the methodology for parameter model values determination and the so-called mental model. This one is the basis of causal connections among model variables. At the end, we restore a connection between qualitative and quantitative models in frame of system dynamics.
Feed intake, body weight changes and haematology of West African dwarf goats fed dietary levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal
Authors: Jiwuba Peter-Damian Chukwunomso , Ahamefule Francis Okechukwu , Okechukwu Okechukwu Samuel , Ikwunze Kingsley 
Published: April 2017

Abstract A 90-day study was carried out with 36 West African Dwarf goats to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on feed intake, body weight changes and haematology of WAD does. Four diets were formulated such that diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 contained MOLM at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%, respectively. The diets were offered to the goats, which were randomly divided into four groups of nine goats each in a completely randomized design. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily weight gain (ADWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and heamatology of the animals were determined and statistically analyzed. Results showed that ADFI, ADWG differed significantly (P<0.05) with T4 goats having better values. FCR was however best for does fed T4 diet. PCV, RBC, MCV and WBC differed (P<0.05) significantly among the treatments. Packed cell volume (29.50-32.75%) was improved (p<0.05) by MOLM supplementation at 15% inclusion level. White blood cell counts for goats in treatment groups were significantly (p<0.05) higher and better than the control. Incorporation of 15% MOLM in diets of WAD does enhanced their performance and heamatological profile. Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation level at 15% was recommended for optimum West African Dwarf goat production.
The effect of late autumn cutting of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) on the growth rhythm of the first cut in the following year
Authors: Podvršnik Miran , Gselman Anastazija 
Published: April 2017

Abstract The field experiment aimed at determination of influence of autumn harvest on rhythm of the growth of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) and yield quality of the first cut in the following year was carried out in Spodnji Gabernik (258 m above sea level, 46°15′54.94″ N and 15°34′6.05″ E), in the fourth growth year of the lucerne variety ‘Soča’. The experiment was designed as a randomized block in four replications. The individual treatments represented weekly autumn cuttings (1) 24/9/2014, (2) 01/10/2014, (3) 08/10/2014, (4) 15/10/2014 and (5) 22/10/2014. The paper presents data associated with the amount of lucerne dry matter yield (DMY) per treatment compared with the DMY of the first spring cut in the year 2015 (18/05/2015). The growth rhythm of lucerne in each treatment, which took place before the first cut in year 2015, was based on the measurements of the height of the plants. The yield quality was evaluated by NIRS method for determination of crude protein (CP), the net energy of lactation (NEL) and metabolic energy (ME) in dry samples regarding to DMY of each treatment. In autumn 2014, statistically significant higher dry matter yields were obtained in later harvested treatments (5 and 4). Similarly, in spring 2015 the trend of higher crop dry matter yield was observed in treatments harvested later in the autumn of 2014. However, the differences were not significant. Statistically significant differences between treatments were acquired within CPY, NELY and MEY. Before the first mowing, in spring 2015, statistically significant trend of higher plants was also detected in treatments with later cutting in 2014.
Glass fiber supports modified by layers of silica and carbon nanofibers
Authors: Popov Maxim V. , Zazhigalov Sergey V. , Larina Tatyana V. , Cherepanova Svetlana V. , Bannov Alexander G. , Lopatin Sergey A. , Zagoruiko Andrey N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe new multi-layered composite was manufactured by deposition of the carbon nanofibers (CNF) at the surface of the glass-fiber fabric, which is pre-modified by application of additional external layers of NiO and porous silica. Carbonization of synthesized catalytic template was performed at 450 °C in propanebutane media at ambient pressure. CNF was deposited in amount of ~130% of initial template mass or 65 g per g of nickel, the specific surface area of the material is ~100 m
Can Differences in Characteristics Explain Ethnic Wage Gap in Latvia?
Authors: Vilerts Kārlis , Krasnopjorovs Oļegs 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
We used anonymized micro data from Labour Force Survey to estimate the ethnic wage gap in Latvia and find the factors that explain it. We found that a notable ethnic wage gap still exists in Latvia with non-Latvians earning 10 % less than Latvians in 2015. The results of Oaxaca-Ransom decomposition show that approximately two thirds of the ethnic wage gap are explained by differences in characteristics with the most important effects in favour of Latvians caused by segregation in better paying occupational groups, having Latvian citizenship and better education (higher education levels and more favourable segregation by education fields). This was partly offset by favourable segregation in sectors for non-Latvians. Quantile regressions show that ethnic wage gap is statistically significant in all deciles of wage distribution.
Measuring Patients′ Satisfaction in For-Profit Orthopedic Hospital
Authors: Kuzmina Jekaterina 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Patients′ satisfaction plays the central role in management of private hospitals, therefore the development of appropriate methodology and its adjustment to specific needs is necessary. The goal of the research is to develop and test methodology for the assessment of patient satisfaction in a private for-profit orthopedic hospital in Latvia that is consistent for results, as it should help to determine potential areas of progress in the coming periods. Moreover, satisfied patients are likely to return, to fulfil medical treatment requirements achieving better clinical results, as well as to recommend the hospital to others thus contributing to better overall performance of the organization. The results of the study show that the developed tool could be a valid instrument for measuring patient’s satisfaction, allowing to improve the existing processes inside the organization, as well as benchmark different segments in the hospital as far as possible and develop best-practice approaches.
Real Options and Discounted Cash Flow Analysis to Assess Strategic Investment Projects
Authors: Pivorienė Agnė 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In today’s uncertain and highly competitive business environment, the difficulty to make strategic investment decisions is growing. The dominant discounted cash flow analysis requires the assumption of perfect certainty of project cash flows. However, under uncertainty traditional DCF approach falls short of providing adequate strategic decision support, and this situation demands new methods for investment evaluation. Real options approach (ROA) has shown the potential for valuation of strategic corporate investment decisions and managerial flexibility in situations of high uncertainty. Under ROA, projects are viewed as real options that can be valued using financial option pricing techniques. This framework allows their owner to keep investment options open and to benefit from the upside potential of an opportunity while controlling the downside risk. The main aim of this research is to investigate the feasibility of real options approach and traditional DCF analysis for assessment of strategic investment projects under environmental uncertainty.
Challenges of Nation-Branding for Stimulation of Latvian Exports
Authors: Bekasova Angelina , Sloka Biruta , Muravska Tatjana 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The presented research aims to contribute to the conceptualisation of the nation-brand of Latvia with the purpose of stimulation of national export performance. The subject of the research is three aspects presumably challenging the branding of Latvia with reference to national export development. The investigated challenges are the barriers and opportunities for green-branding of Latvia; the absence of the generally accepted indication of the geographical identity of the Baltic region; and the contradictable popular image of Latvia as a cheap country. The research poses two research questions inquiring into the issues of nation-branding of Latvia currently being faced in the context of exports and possible measures to overcome them. The applied research methods are theoretical analysis of scientific literature and empirical analysis of the representation of Latvia on the official website of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and its comparison with the official websites of respective institutions in Lithuania and Estonia. The research observes the interconnection between the defined challenges, offers the perspective for the possible transformation of the challenges into nation-branding opportunities, and estimates the green brand of the country as a gateway for feasible solution for the defined challenges and for the stimulation of national exports. In addition, the research identifies further challenges the nation-branding of Latvia is currently facing for further discussion.
Enzymatic Activity of Some Industrially-Applied Cellulolytic Enzyme Preparations
Authors: Dąbkowska Katarzyna , Mech Monika , Kopeć Kamil , Pilarek Maciej 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEnzymatic hydrolysis is the essential step in the production of 2ndgeneration biofuels made from lignocellulosic biomass, i.e. agricultural or forestry solid wastes. The enzyme-catalysed robust degradation of cellulose and hemicellulose to monosaccharides requires the synergistic action of the independent types of highly-specific enzymes, usually offered as ready-to-use preparations. The basic aim of the study was to experimentally determine the enzymatic activity of two widely industrially-applied, commercially available cellulolytic enzyme preparations: (i) Cellic®CTec2 and (ii) the mixture of Celluclast®1.5L and Novozyme 188, in the hydrolysis of pre-treated lignocellulosic biomass, i.e. (a) energetic willow and (b) rye straw, or untreated (c) cellulose paper as well, used as feedstocks. Before the hydrolysis, every kind of utilized lignocellulosic biomass was subjected to alkaline-based (10% NaOH) pre-treatment at high-temperature (121°C) and overpressure (0.1 MPa) conditions. The influence of the type of applied enzymes, as well as their concentration, on the effectiveness of hydrolysis was quantitatively evaluated, and finally the enzyme activities were determined for each of tested cellulolytic enzyme preparations.
Application of Neural Networks in Diagnostics of Chemical Compounds Based on their Infrared Spectra
Authors: Macek-Kamińska Krystyna , Stemplewski Sławomir 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper presents possibilities of using the so-called „finger-print“ identification method and artificial neural network (ANN) for diagnosis of chemical compounds. The construction of a tool specifically developed for this purpose and the ANN, as well as the required conditions for its proper functioning were described. The identification of chemical compounds was tested in two different ways for proving correctness of the assumptions. First of all, initial studies were carried out with the objective to verify the proper functioning of the developed procedure for IR spectrum interpretation. The second research stage was to find out how the properties of artificial neural networks will satisfy identification or differentiation in case of spectra with very similar structures or for mixtures consisting of several chemical compounds. Interpretation of infrared spectra of mono-constituent substances was successfully performed for both - the training and test data. Interpretation process of infrared spectra of bi-component substances, based on the example of structurally related compounds obstructing identification process, should also be described as positive. The model was able to interpret spectra of mixtures, which were previously registered into the database. Unfortunately, the program is not always able to determine which chemical substances reflect their presence in the infrared spectrum of ternary mixtures. During the research tests, it was also noted that the more complex the structure of a substance being present in the mixture was, the more difficult the interpretation of the spectra to be carry out properly by the program was. On the other hand, positive results were obtained for mixtures of compounds with not so complex structure. It must be emphasized that the results so far are promising and more attention should be paid to them in further studies.