bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of chronic pain following suburethral mesh sling implantation for post‐prostatectomy incontinence
Authors: MacAskill Findlay , Sheimar Kieran , Toia Bogdan , Sri Denosshan , Seth Jai , Sharma Davendra , Hamid Rizwan , Greenwell Tamsin , Ockrim Jeremy , Taylor Claire , Malde Sachin , Sahai Arun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate postoperative pain and complications following AdVance™/AdVance™ XP male sling implantation.Materials and MethodsA multi‐center retrospective medical notes review of patients implanted for bothersome post‐prostatectomy incontinence was conducted. All patients were telephoned to provide further information on pain or further complications related to their surgery. Statistical evaluation utilized logistical regression analysis. Additionally, a literature review was conducted reviewing pain outcomes following AdVance™/AdVance™ XP implantation.ResultsOne‐hundred and twenty‐seven men were reviewed over an 8‐year period. The mean age was 70 years, with mean follow up 52 months. Of those with mild stress urinary incontinence, 45 (79%) had a successful outcome compared to 42 (72%) in the moderate group. Twenty‐nine (23%) men reported postoperative pain, with a mean maximal pain score of 6 (range: 0–10). The majority of pain resolved within 4 weeks (19/29 men). A further seven patients resolved by 3 months. Only three men (2.3%) had chronic pain greater than 3 months, which all resolved by 1 year. Men less than 65 years were more likely to suffer pain (p = 0.009). Acute urinary retention occurred in 23 (18%) men and correlated significantly with postoperative pain (p = 0.04). Overactive bladder symptoms, severity of incontinence or radiotherapy were not correlated with postoperative pain. In our cohort, there were no extrusions, divisions, or explantations.ConclusionApproximately a quarter of men experience pain in the early postoperative period. However, the severity and rates of chronic pain (>3 months) are low (2.3%) but all settle within a year.
Two‐sided guaranteed bounds to individual eigenvalues of preconditioned finite element and finite difference problems
Authors: Pultarová Ivana , Ladecký Martin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNumerical methods for elliptic partial differential equations usually lead to systems of linear equations with sparse, symmetric, and positive definite matrices. In many methods, these matrices can be obtained as sums of local symmetric positive semidefinite matrices. In this article, we use this assumption and introduce a method that provides guaranteed lower and upper bounds to all individual eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrices. We apply the method for preconditioners arising from the same discretization problem but with simplified coefficients. The method uses solely the data over the solution domain and local connections between the degrees of freedom defined by the discretization.
Psychometric testing of the hemodialysis self‐management instrument (HDSMI‐18): A confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Chen Wen‐Chun , Lin Chiu‐Chu , Wu Chia‐Chen , Song Yi‐Chun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to probe the rigorousness of the factor structure of the HDSMI and to test the instrument's construct validity.DesignCross‐sectional study.MethodsThe hemodialysis unit of four hospitals in Taiwan provided data from 628 patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), through the period of September to December in 2012. The patients were divided into a calibration sample for CFA and model modification, and a validation sample for cross‐validation of the postmodification model. Goodness of fit was tested with standard fit indices.ResultsThe four latent variables (i.e. partnership, self‐care, problem‐solving and emotional management) were verified as dimensions of HDSMI through CFA. The construct validity of the HDSMI was improved by omitting two items, allowing one inter‐item correlation and transferring the loading of one item. These modifications improved fit indices of the calibration sample. Cross‐validation of the validation sample verified the construct validity of the modified HDSMI‐18.
Opening a debate on open‐source modeling tools: Pouring fuel on fire versus extinguishing the flare of a healthy debate
Authors: Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin , Bois Frederic Y. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs model‐informed drug development becomes an integral part of modern approaches to the discovery of new therapeutic entities and showing their safety and effectiveness, modalities of incorporating the paradigm into widespread practice require a revisit. Traditionally, modeling and simulation (M&S) have been performed by specialized teams who create bespoke models for each case and have reservations about letting modeling be done by the greater mass of scientists engaged in various stages of drug development. An analogy can be drawn between M&S and automobiles: typical drivers of ordinary cars use them for daily tasks, such as going from point A to B whereas specialized Formula 1 drivers using bespoke individually made cars to test the latest technologies. The reliability and robustness of ordinary cars for the first group requires elements related to quality and endurance that are very different from those applicable to any Formula 1 car supported by a large team of engineers. In this commentary, we frame and analyze the problems concerning the structure and setup of various M&S tools, and their pros and cons. We demonstrate that many misconceptions have precluded having an open discussion on what each modality of M&S tools strives to achieve, and we provide data and evidence that support the move of M&S to main stream use by many, as opposed to specialized usage by few. Parallels are drawn in many other areas involving laboratory instrumentation, statistical analyses, and so on.
Highly Z‐Selective Synthesis of Highly Substituted 1,3‐Oxathiolane‐2‐imines via TfOH‐Catalyzed Formal [3+2] Cycloaddition of Donor‐Acceptor Oxiranes and Isothiocyanates
Authors: Zhan Feng , Wang Zhe , Wu Guan‐Zheng , Shi Zhichao , Zhang Xun , Zuo Qinglu , Lin Jin‐Shun , Jiang Yuyang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractTfOH‐catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of donor‐acceptor oxiranes with isothiocyanates via chemoselective C−O bond breakage of D−A oxiranes was developed under metal‐ and additive‐free conditions. This method providing a facile access to a diverse range of highly substituted 1,3‐oxathiolane‐2‐imines in good to excellent yields and with high Z‐selectivity and excellent functional group tolerance. In addition, the established protocol can be easily scaled up to gram level in excellent yield. Furthermore, transformation of cycloadduct into 1,3‐oxathiolane‐2‐one by acid hydrolysis of the imino group is easily achieved in moderate yield.
Lessons for systems engineering from the Segura River reclamation project: A critical systems thinking analysis
Authors: Rodenas Miguel A. , Jackson Michael C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe International Council on Systems Engineering has long declared a wish to extend the scope of application of systems engineering from its traditional sphere of complex technical systems to more complex sociotechnical systems. The Segura River reclamation project was a successful systems engineering project, involving water treatment and management and environmental regeneration, which falls squarely into the latter category. Taking lessons from this project, the paper sets out to understand the circumstances in which systems engineering can be successful in guiding and managing interventions in nontraditional domains such as transportation, housing, infrastructure, health and environmental systems. This involves an analysis using critical systems thinking. The paper also seeks to suggest how systems engineering must change to ensure success in circumstances that are less propitious for its theory and practice than in the Segura case.
The Cognitive & Leisure Activity Scale (CLAS): A new measure to quantify cognitive activities in older adults with and without cognitive impairment
Authors: Galvin James E. , Tolea Magdalena I. , Chrisphonte Stephanie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntroductionPotentially modifiable dementia risk factors include diet and physical and cognitive activity. However, there is a paucity of scales to quantify cognitive activities. To address this, we developed the Cognitive & Leisure Activity Scale (CLAS).MethodsThe CLAS was validated in 318 consecutive individuals with and without cognitive impairment. Psychometric properties were compared with sample characteristics, disease stage, and etiology.ResultsThe CLAS has very good data quality (Cronbach alpha: 0.731; 95% confidence interval: 0.67‐0.78). CLAS scores correlated with gold standard measures of cognition, function, physical functionality, behavior, and caregiver burden. CLAS scores were positively correlated with other resilience factors (eg, diet, physical activity) and negatively correlated with vulnerability factors (eg, older age, frailty).DiscussionThe CLAS is a brief inventory to estimate dosage of participation in cognitive activities. The CLAS could be used in clinical care to enhance cognitive activity or in research to estimate dosage of activities prior to an intervention.
Association between regional tau pathology and neuropsychiatric symptoms in aging and dementia due to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tissot Cécile , Therriault Joseph , Pascoal Tharick A. , Chamoun Mira , Lussier Firoza Z. , Savard Melissa , Mathotaarachchi Sulantha S. , L. Benedet Andréa , Thomas Emilie M. , Parsons Marlee , Nasreddine Ziad , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Gauthier Serge 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundNeuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are frequent in aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we study the relationship between NPS and AD pathologies in vivo.MethodTwo hundred and twenty‐one individuals from the TRIAD cohort (143 cognitively unimpaired, 52 mild cognitive impairment, and 26 AD) underwent [18F]MK6240‐tau‐positron emission tomography (PET), [18F]AZD4694‐amyloid‐PET, magnetic resonance imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations. Spearman correlations and voxel‐based regression models evaluated the relationship between Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) scores, and tau‐PET, amyloid‐PET, and voxel‐based morphometry.ResultsFifty percent of individuals presented NPS; these correlated with tau, not amyloid beta or neurodegeneration. Associations between NPI‐Q score and tau‐PET were stronger in the parietal association area, superior frontal, temporal, and medial occipital lobes. NPI‐Q domains associated with distinct patterns of tau uptake.ConclusionsNPS are predominantly related to tau in aging and dementia. Regions affected are part of the behavioral circuits, and vulnerable to early AD pathology. Domain‐specific analyses showed NPS are related to the AD pathophysiological processes in a symptom‐specific manner.
Climate Change Adaptation Among Smallholder Farmers in Rural Ghana
Authors: Asare-Nuamah Peter , Amungwa Athanasius Fonteh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractClimate change has the potential to disrupt sustainable development initiatives, particularly in developing economies. A substantial body of literature reveals that developing economies are vulnerable to climate change, due to high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture. In Ghana, a growing body of literature has revealed multiple adaptation strategies adopted by smallholder farmers to respond to and reduce climate change impacts. However, there is a dearth of literature on the effectiveness of adaptation strategies. This chapter explores the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers and analyzed the predictors of effective adaptation. Through the technique of simple random sampling, 378 smallholder farmers were selected, and data was collected using a questionnaire survey. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using the SPSS software. The findings indicate that smallholder farmers adopt multiple adaptation strategies to reduce the impact of climate change. In addition, it is revealed that marital status, years of farming experience, knowledge of climate change, and education are significant predictors of adaptation. Moreover, the chapter found that marital status, weedicide application, change in staple food consumption, and planting of early-maturing crops are good predictors of effective adaptation. The chapter recommends the need to intensify adaptation strategies through agricultural extension programs and interventions that improve rural food security and livelihood. In addition, the chapter recommends strengthening the capacity of farmer organizations and rural institutions, particularly agricultural extension and advisory services.
Model-Experiment-Exercises (MEX)
Authors: Vowinckel Berhard , Frühwirt Thomas , Maßmann Jobst , Nagel Thomas , Nest Mathias , Ptschke Daniel , Rölke Christopher , Sattari Amir Shoarian , Schmidt Patrick , Steeb Holger , Yoshioka Keita , Ziefle Gesa , Kolditz Olaf 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe basic idea of Model-Experiment-Exercises (MEX) is to link modelling and experimental works from the very beginning i.e. in the conceptual phase. Due to the complexity of each part in the systems analysis, this combination is sometimes lost. Moreover, both models and experiments require highly sophisticated tools and equipment as well as highly specialized professionals, which also necessitate adequate measures and incentives for collaboration. GeomInt is introducing the MEX concept exactly for this purpose. Therefore, the following MEX studies occupy the largest part of the GeomInt book and feed most of the publications with research material.
Data Management
Authors: Helbig Carolin , Görke Uwe-Jens , Nest Mathias , Pötschke Daniel , Sattari Amir Shoarian , Schmidt Patrick , Vowinckel Bernhard , Yoshioka Keita , Kolditz Olaf 
Published: April 2021

AbstractData management includes the development and use of architectures, guidelines, practices and procedures for accurate managing of data during the entire data lifecycle of an institutional unit or a research project. Data are defined as different information units such as numbers, alphabetic characters, and symbols that are particularly formatted and can be processed by computer. The data in the project is provided by various actors which can be GeomInt partners, their legal representatives, employees, and external partners.
Synthesis and Outlook
Authors: Kolditz Olaf , Görke Uwe-Jens , Konietzky Heinz , Maßmann Jobst , Nest Mathias , Steeb Holger , Wuttke Frank , Nagel Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs a result of the GeomInt research project (Chap. 1) a broad combined experimental and numerical platform for the investigation of discontinuities due to swelling and shrinking processes (WP1, Sect. 2.3), pressure-driven percolation (WP2, Sect. 2.4) and stress redistribution (WP3, Sect. 2.4) for important reservoir and barrier rocks (clay, salt, crystalline) has been developed. Model comparisons for damage and fracture processes driven by different processes provide information on the optimal areas of application of the numerical methods (Sect. 2.5).
Conclusion
Authors: Lips Wouter 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis book has been a collaboration between 20 authors who are all working on issues that link taxation with development and emancipation in the Global South in all sorts of different capacities. Together, we have offered ten chapters that explore four relevant themes: global tax governance and developing countries, external assistance for tax capacity building, tax incentives and attracting sustainable investment, and harmful and helpful tax practices for sustainable development. The book paints a picture of the difficulties countries in the Global South face when they participate in international tax relations, whether bilateral or multilateral, but each chapter also highlights opportunities for how the international community can do better in this regard.
The Suitability of BEPS in Developing Countries (Emphasis on Latin America and the Caribbean)
Authors: Arias Esteban Isaác Gonzalo , Calderoni Anarella 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn developing countries, where competing priorities often overwhelm capacity, the sweeping BEPS initiative can serve to motivate and justify the devotion of limited resources to the international tax field. It is hard to say whether all of the BEPS Actions are “suitable” for developing countries as their size, level of maturity, and many other factors that influence taxation vary drastically. An evaluation of domestic circumstances will help to determine the tax regime’s compatibility with the BEPS recommendations. This initiative represents a minimum level of commitment that is necessary to ascertain sustainable BEPS implementation. Certain attributes will influence the feasibility of this implementation such as the adaptability of the juridical system to enforce new regulations, the technological infrastructure, the capacity to process and protect mass information, efficient risk assessment procedures and analysis tools, and continual training and development workshops, among others. The BEPS project is still quite young; however, thanks to contributions from CIAT member countries, the BEPS Monitoring database was created. This can provide us with a general overview of how extensively each BEPS Action has been implemented in these countries so far.
Medium-Term Revenue Strategies as a Coordination Tool for DRM and Tax Capacity Building
Authors: Lips Wouter , Lesage Dries 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter investigates the introduction of Medium-Term Revenue Strategies (MTRS) in developing countries as part of technical assistance for tax capacity building. The MTRS concept was devised by the Platform for Collaboration on Tax and is supposed to be a holistic high-level roadmap for tax policy reform around which civil society and external aid donors can coordinate. Tax capacity building for domestic resource mobilization has become a crowded governance field over the last decade with multiple bilateral and multilateral partners involved, sometimes in the same country. While there have been multiple high-level coordination efforts, within-country coordination is still lacking. As such, we investigate the concept’s usefulness as a coordination tool for donors to ensure their assistance is matched with a country’s needs and preferences. We also critically examine the concept’s potential pitfalls and deficiencies in terms of scope and ambition, partners, and legitimacy. We conclude that if the MTRS is evaluated as it is intended, an additional tool in the larger toolbox of coordination in the tax capacity building regime, the concept holds promise but calls for close scrutiny to ensure that they are truly country-owned and country-specific roadmaps.
Foreign Investors vs. National Tax Measures: Assessing the Role of International Investment Agreements
Authors: Chaisse Julien , Kirkwood Jamieson 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis chapter focuses on the impact of the international law of foreign investment on tax issues with a view to assessing the interactions between the two regimes and identifying potential signs of convergence. In particular, this chapter focuses on the operation of International Investment Agreements (IIAs) and assesses the role of IIAs from the perspective of foreign investors vis-à-vis National Tax Measures (NTMs). Part I of this chapter provides an understanding of the convergence between investment law and tax issues. This aids in an understanding of the key characteristics of IIAs (such as the definition of investment and the use of specific tax exceptions) and the relationship between currently existing IIAs and tax disputes. Part II analyzes, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the recent trends of tax disputes in investment arbitration. Part III assesses how tax can be seen as the last barrier to cross border investment. Part IV concludes.
Automated Information Supply of Worker Guidance Systems in Smart Assembly Environment
Authors: Reisinger Gerhard , Hold Philipp , Sihn Wilfried 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe global megatrends of digitization and individualization substantially affect manufacturing enterprises. Assembly workers are exposed to increased process complexity resulting in physical and cognitive workload. Worker guidance systems (WGS) are used to overcome this challenge through output of information regarding what should be done, how it should be done and why it should be done. An unsolved scientific challenge in this context is efficient information supply of WGS. Information such as worker’s instruction texts, pictures or 3D representations are created by employees of the work preparation department and transferred to the WGS. Manual information supply is a time-consuming and complex process, which requires a high (non-value-adding) effort as well as comprehensive knowledge in handling 3D CAD modelling and software programming. This paper presents a novel approach to reduce the required manual effort in information supply process. A knowledge-based model is proposed that enables an automated information supply of WGS in smart assembly environment by means of algorithms and self-learning expert systems, which pursues a holistic and consistent approach without media breaks. The automated approach assists employees of work preparation department, which means they can concentrate on their essential core competencies instead of being busy, for example, creating assembly plans, instruction texts or pictures for individual WGS. Finally, the technical implementation as a software-based proof-of-concept demonstrator and sub-sequent integration into the IT environment of TU Wien Pilot Factory Industry 4.0 is outlined.
Einleitung
Authors: Aumüller Matthias , Kindt Tom 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungDie Einleitung erläutert Begrifflichkeit und Fragestellung der im Band versammelten Beiträge zu Nachkriegsromanen aus der Bundesrepublik und der DDR, Österreich und der Schweiz. Der erste Teil gibt einen Überblick über Modellierungen und Typologien „unzuverlässigen Erzählens“ und umreißt das Verständnis, in dem die vorliegenden Aufsätze den Begriff als Analysekategorie und heuristisches Konzept nutzen. Der zweite Abschnitt ist dem Versuch gewidmet, die literarhistorische Periode der „Nachkriegszeit“ als (Mikro-)Epoche zu charakterisieren. Abgeschlossen wird die Einleitung in einem kurzen dritten Teil durch die skizzenhaft entwickelte These, dass narrative Unzuverlässigkeit hinreichend ist, um einen Text als eine Form literarischer Rede auszuweisen.
„Es gibt eine Art moralischen Handelns, bei der die Moral in die Binsen geht!“ Zur Axiologie in Günter de Bruyns Buridans Esel (1968)
Authors: Grubner Bernadette 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungIst Günter de BruynsBuridans Esel(1968) ein sozialistischer Ehebruchsroman, der die Verfehlungen eines egozentrischen Bibliothekars vor dem Hintergrund der konsoliderten DDR-Gesellschaft nachzeichnet, oder eine subtile Gesellschaftskritik, die sich gegen den real existierenden Sozialismus wendet? In den Rezeptionszeugnissen lassen sich beide Auffassungen finden. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt, worauf diese höchst unterschiedlichen Lesarten zurückzuführen sind, indem er den Roman im Hinblick auf seine Wertorientierung untersucht – also die Frage, wer oder was im Text moralisch verurteilt oder affirmiert wird. Durch eine genaue Analyse der Erzählweise wird gezeigt, dass die Bewertung des Figurenverhaltens durch gezielte Strategien der Sympathieerzeugung und Entlarvung in der Schwebe gehalten wird. Dadurch entsteht gelegentlich der Eindruck axiologischer Unzuverlässigkeit, den die genaue Analyse allerdings nicht bestätigt. Der Text ordnet weder dem Verhalten der Hauptfigur noch der sozialistischen Gesellschaft als solcher widerspruchsfreie Werte zu. Stattdessen wird die Frage der Beurteilung des Geschilderten konsequent an den Leser und die Leserin zurückgespielt.