bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Business group affiliation in rural contexts: Do small firms grow faster through working capital management?
Authors: Lefebvre Vivien 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates whether small firms affiliated with business groups that operate in rural regions grow faster through conservative working capital management. Conservative working capital management refers to granting long payment delays to customers and holding high levels of inventories to prevent stockouts. Small firms affiliated with business groups have access to the groups’ internal capital markets to finance conservative working capital management. They can therefore provide liquidity to their customers in rural regions where access to banking debt is more difficult compared to that in urban territories. Using a firm random effects model on a large panel of French small firms operating in the trade industry, we report that business group affiliation positively moderates the positive effect of working capital management on firms’ growth in rural contexts. Our results challenge a commonly held view that states that small firms grow faster as “light” organizations as we present evidence that growth is also achieved by firms holding larger inventories and granting more trade credit to their customers, at least in the French context.
Proportionate response to the COVID‐19 threat? Use of apps and other technologies for monitoring employees under the European Union's data protection framework
Authors: SUDER Seili , SIIBAK Andra 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article explores the potential uses by employers of contact‐tracing apps and other monitoring technologies to mitigate the spread of COVID‐19, and the potential concerns that these raise in the context of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation. Given the imbalance of power in the employment relationship, the authors call for national laws to strengthen employees' ability to refuse the use of such apps and technologies after the end of the COVID‐19 pandemic. When such tools are no longer needed to keep employees safe, additional regulations and guidance will be necessary to prevent future problems, such as function creep and other misuse by employers.
Controllable multi‐color upconversion in glass ceramics through engineering crystal lattice distortion
Authors: Zhao Jingtao , Lei Lei , Ye Renguang , Li Can , Lu Zhanling , Deng Degang , Huang Lihui , Zhang Xianghua , Xu Shiqing 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLanthanide‐doped up‐conversion (UC) materials with color tunable property show promising application in many fields, such as biological imaging, optical multiplexing, and information security. Although great efforts have been devoted to regulate UC emission color via modifying chemical composition, crystal structure, or external stimuli condition, it is remain a daunting challenge to develop a general strategy that probably suitable for various lanthanide‐doped nano‐systems. Herein, we verify the cross‐relaxation possibility between sensitizer Yb3+ and activator Er3+ as well as Er3+‐ Er3+ pairs can be well modified by engineering the crystal lattice distortion of matrix, leading to the evident UC emission color variations. Specifically, with incorporating Al3+ or Ca2+ ions into the Yb/Er co‐doped BaF2 nanocrystals (NCs) contained glass ceramics (GCs), the contraction of the crystal lattice lead to the change of UC emission color from green to red. On the contrary, the high laser excitation power results in the lattice expansion of the Al3+‐doped BaF2:Yb/Er GCs at different Yb3+ concentration as well as Al3+ doped CaF2 GCs, which leads to the greatly increased green‐to‐red ratio. These multi‐color UC GCs show potential application in anti‐counterfeiting filed. Our results open up a general avenue for the control of UC emission color via engineering crystal lattice distortion.
Fluoride‐mediately oriented assembly of zirconia nanoparticles: 3D monocrystalline architectures and dye degradation
Authors: Jing Wenjia , Yang Jianfeng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractNano subunits self‐assembly provides a powerful approach for creating unique architectures of relevance for applications. While the use of organic surfactants to direct the assembly of nanoparticles is most popular, it remains a challenge to manipulate the order‐assembly of a large number of nanoparticles along desirable facets. Here, we describe a fluoride‐mediately solvothermal approach for building 3D monocrystalline ZrO2 architectures through oriented attach of ZrO2 nanoparticles in three dimensions, the preferential adsorption of fluoride on specific crystallographic planes may be critical to promoting the oriented aggregation of ZrO2 nanoparticles along rigid directions. After calcination, the dense monocrystalline architectures are transformed into porous monocrystalline structures with inherited morphology, uniform and well‐dispersed open pores. The sample before calcination exhibits a better performance in photocatalytic degradation of conge red in aqueous solution, while the sample after calcination shows a better adsorption effect in dark, the mechanism is discussed in detail.
Highly disordered ionic distribution in α‐dicalcium silicate for structure relaxation
Authors: Suzuki Masanori , Umesaki Norimasa , Ishii Yoshiki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDicalcium silicate, which is found in steelmaking slag for dephosphorization, exists as the hexagonal α phase at high temperatures. The α‐dicalcium silicate forms a solid solution with tricalcium phosphate in the entire composition range, although the reason for high solubility of phosphorus remains unclear in view of the crystal structure. It has previously been reported that the crystal structure of α‐dicalcium silicate consists of a symmetric arrangement of Ca2+ ions and SiO44− tetrahedra, although other polymorphs exhibit asymmetric arrangements. However, because the occupation probability of each atomic site in the α polymorph is not limited to unity, it has not been qualified how these ions are exactly arranged. In this study, the ionic distribution in the α polymorph of dicalcium silicate was evaluated by first‐principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT), as well as by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with a polarizable ion model optimized by DFT calculation. The results indicated that the completely symmetric ionic arrangement, as reported for the α phase, is the most unstable. Electronic‐state calculation and MD simulation indicated that a highly disordered ionic arrangement spontaneously forms in the α‐phase crystal for structure relaxation when held at high temperatures, or when phosphorus is incorporated.
Experiences of weight stigma in adolescents with severe obesity and their families
Authors: Roberts Karyn J. , Polfuss Michele L. , Marston Emma C. , Davis Renée L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimTo describe the experiences of weight stigma in adolescents with severe obesity and their parents.DesignQualitative descriptive secondary analysis.MethodsA secondary analysis on 31 transcripts from a larger study of 46 transcripts conducted between February 2019 and June 2020. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 19 parents (n = 17 mothers, n = 2 fathers) and 12 adolescents (n = 7 male, n = 5 female). Interviews were digitally audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using conventional content analysis.ResultsFour common themes were identified reflecting experiences of weight stigma: weight‐based teasing and bullying, interactions with healthcare providers (HCPs), family interactions and blame. Subthemes were fairness and impact on mental health.ConclusionThis secondary analysis adds to the sparse literature documenting the experiences of weight stigma from adolescents with severe obesity and their families. It is important to understand the experiences of weight stigma from the adolescent and parent perspective as it can inform healthcare, education and policies across communities and facilitate holistic health for this vulnerable population.ImpactThe need for research to better understand how experiences of weight stigma correlate with physiological and psychological outcomes and inform innovative interventions are critical to improve treatment of severe obesity. Healthcare providers across disciplines are in a strategic position to change the paradigm through which we provide care to youth with severe obesity and guide families in supporting their children's weight management efforts without contributing to weight stigma.
Postgraduate nursing students' experiences of simulation training and reflection in end‐of‐life communication with intensive care patients and their families
Authors: Lindberg Elisabeth , Fridh Isabell 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLosing a loved one in the intensive care unit relates to a risk of developing stress and complicated grief. Education in intensive care nursing should cover end‐of‐life care, and the use of simulation in nursing education is a powerful instrument to develop confidence in end‐of‐life care. The aim of this study was to explore postgraduate nursing students' experiences with simulation training in end‐of‐life communication with intensive care patients and their families. Twenty‐nine students answered a questionnaire and nine students participated in an interview. Analyses were conducted according to the principles of phenomenography. The result is presented in four categories including the following: the design of the scenario affects learning, uncertainty overshadows learning, intertwining theory and practice contributes to learning, and learning to encounter existential dimensions. The conclusion is that high‐fidelity simulation training contributes toward preparing students to be attuned to what it can be like to be a family member in this situation. The scenarios contributed toward preparing the students to engage in end‐of‐life conversations during clinical placements.
Physical activity decline is disproportionate to decline in pulmonary physiology in IPF
Authors: Prasad Jyotika D. , Paul Eldho , Holland Anne E. , Glaspole Ian N. , Westall Glen P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and objectivePatients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have reduced levels of daily physical activity (DPA); however, little is known about how DPA changes as disease progresses. We aimed to (i) describe change in DPA over 12 months, (ii) analyse its association with conventional markers of disease severity and quality of life and (iii) assess DPA as a prognostic tool.MethodsA total of 54 patients with IPF had DPA monitored at baseline and at 6 and 12 months with a SenseWear armband for 7 consecutive days. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Leicester Cough Questionnaire at each time point and provided clinical data including forced vital capacity (FVC), diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide and 6‐min walk distance (6MWD).ResultsBaseline and 12‐month daily step count (DSC) were 3887 (395) and 3326 (419), respectively. A significant reduction in DSC (mean = 645 [260], p = 0.02) and total energy expenditure (mean = 486 kJ [188], p = 0.01) was demonstrated at 12 months. The decline in DSC over 12 months was proportionally larger than decline in lung function. Annual change in DPA had weak to moderate correlation with annual change in FVC % predicted and 6MWD (range r = 0.34–0.45). Change in physical activity was not associated with long‐term survival.ConclusionIn IPF, decline in DPA over 12 months is significant and disproportionate to decline in pulmonary physiology and may be a useful tool for assessment of disease progression.
When and how do adolescent girls in Japan become aware of premenstrual symptoms from menarche? A cross-sectional study among senior high school students
Authors: Yoshimi Kana , Matsumura Noriomi , Takeda Takashi 
Published: August 2021

ObjectiveTo investigate the interval from menarche to the onset of premenstrual symptoms and its relationship with menarche age.DesignCross-sectional school-based survey.SettingUrban areas of Sendai, the largest city in northeastern Japan.Participants1422 female Japanese 10th–12th grade senior high school students participated in the survey.Main outcome measuresThe time of awareness of premenstrual symptoms, and the interval from menarche to the onset of premenstrual symptoms.Results1290 students had menstruation and completed the whole survey. The median age at menarche was 12 years (IQR: 11–13 years). The prevalence of self-reported premenstrual symptoms was 49%. The median age at which students became aware of premenstrual symptoms was 15 years (IQR: 14–16 years). The median time from the onset of menarche to awareness of premenstrual symptoms was 2 years. This time was negatively correlated with menarche age (ρ=−0.47, p<0.001). A Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that early menarche was significantly associated with a lower cumulative risk of developing premenstrual symptoms (OR: 0.73 (95% CI 0.58 to 0.91)).ConclusionsHigh school students in Japan began experiencing premenstrual symptoms at around 15 years old, and within 2 years of menarche. This study suggested that social factors other than hormonal factors, such as early menarche, might be associated with the onset of premenstrual symptoms.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and concurrent cognitive training on episodic memory in patients with traumatic brain injury: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study
Authors: De Freitas Daglie Jorge , De Carvalho Daniel , Paglioni Vanessa Maria , Brunoni Andre R , Valiengo Leandro , Thome-Souza Maria Sigride , Guirado Vinícius M P , Zaninotto Ana Luiza , Paiva Wellingson S 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionDeficits in episodic memory following traumatic brain injury (TBI) are common and affect independence in activities of daily living. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and concurrent cognitive training may contribute to improve episodic memory in patients with TBI. Although previous studies have shown the potential of tDCS to improve cognition, the benefits of the tDCS applied simultaneously to cognitive training in participants with neurological disorders are inconsistent. This study aims to (1) investigate whether active tDCS combined with computer-assisted cognitive training enhances episodic memory compared with sham tDCS; (2) compare the differences between active tDCS applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (lDLPFC) and bilateral temporal cortex (BTC) on episodic memory and; (3) investigate inter and intragroup changes on cortical activity measured by quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG).Methods and analysisA randomised, parallel-group, double-blind placebo-controlled study is conducted. Thirty-six participants with chronic, moderate and severe closed TBI are being recruited and randomised into three groups (1:1:1) based on the placement of tDCS sponges and electrode activation (active or sham). TDCS is applied for 10 consecutive days for 20 min, combined with a computer-based cognitive training. Cognitive scores and qEEG are collected at baseline, on the last day of the stimulation session, and 3 months after the last tDCS session. We hypothesise that (1) the active tDCS group will improve episodic memory scores compared with the sham group; (2) differences on episodic memory scores will be shown between active BTC and lDLPFC and; (3) there will be significant delta reduction and an increase in alpha waves close to the location of the active electrodes compared with the sham group.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Ethical Institutional Review Border (CAAE: 87954518.0.0000.0068).Trial registration numberNCT04540783.
PEP4LEP study protocol: integrated skin screening and SDR-PEP administration for leprosy prevention: comparing the effectiveness and feasibility of a community-based intervention to a health centre-based intervention in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania
Authors: Schoenmakers Anne , Hambridge Thomas , van Wijk Robin , Kasang Christa , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Bobosha Kidist , Mitano Fernando , Mshana Stephen E , Mamo Ephrem , Marega Abdoulaye , Mwageni Nelly , Letta Taye , Muloliwa Artur Manuel , Kamara Deus Vedastus , Eman Ahmed Mohammed , Raimundo Litos , Njako Blasdus , Mieras Liesbeth 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionLeprosy, or Hansen’s disease, remains a cause of preventable disability. Early detection, treatment and prevention are key to reducing transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (SDR-PEP) reduces the risk of developing leprosy when administered to screened contacts of patients. This has been adopted in the WHO leprosy guidelines. The PEP4LEP study aims to determine the most effective and feasible method of screening people at risk of developing leprosy and administering chemoprophylaxis to contribute to interrupting transmission.Methods and analysisPEP4LEP is a cluster-randomised implementation trial comparing two interventions of integrated skin screening combined with SDR-PEP distribution to contacts of patients with leprosy in Ethiopia, Mozambique and Tanzania. One intervention is community-based, using skin camps to screen approximately 100 community contacts per leprosy patient, and to administer SDR-PEP when eligible. The other intervention is health centre-based, inviting household contacts of leprosy patients to be screened in a local health centre and subsequently receive SDR-PEP when eligible. The mobile health (mHealth) tool SkinApp will support health workers’ capacity in integrated skin screening. The effectiveness of both interventions will be compared by assessing the rate of patients with leprosy detected and case detection delay in months, as well as feasibility in terms of cost-effectiveness and acceptability.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained from the national ethical committees of Ethiopia (MoSHE), Mozambique (CNBS) and Tanzania (NIMR/MoHCDEC). Study results will be published open access in peer-reviewed journals, providing evidence for the implementation of innovative leprosy screening methods and chemoprophylaxis to policymakers.Trial registration numberNL7294 (NTR7503).
Benefits of the addition of continuous or flash glucose monitoring versus standard practice using self-monitored blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c in the primary care of diabetes mellitus: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Kieu Alexander , Govender Romona Devi , Östlundh Linda , King Jeffrey 
Published: August 2021

IntroductionStudies demonstrate that optimal glycaemic control reduces morbidity from diabetes mellitus but remains elusive in a significant portion of patients. Although research shows that continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and flash glucose monitoring (FGM) improves glycaemic control in selected subsets of patients with diabetes in specialty practices, we found no systematic reviews evaluating the use of CGM/FGM in primary care, where the majority of patients with diabetes are cared for.This systematic review aims to answer the questions: ‘compared with usual care of self-monitoring blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), does the addition of CGM/FGM use in the primary care of patients with diabetes improve glycaemic control, decrease rates of hypoglycaemia, and improve patient and physician satisfaction?’ and if so, ‘what subgroups of primary care patients with diabetes are most likely to benefit?’.Methods and analysisAligning with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guidelines, a search will be conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science. We will include studies investigating CGM/FGM use and reporting the primary outcome measure of HbA1c and secondary outcome measures of hypoglycaemia, time in range, time below range, time above range and patient/staff satisfaction. We will examine which patient populations appear to benefit from CGM/FGM. Three independent researchers will use the Covidence systematic review software for blinded screening and study selection. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence.Ethics and disseminationThe systematic review methodology does not require ethics approval due to the nature of the study design. Study findings will be publicly available to a wide readership across disciplines and will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021229416.
Emotional states and coping methods in nursing and non-nursing students responding to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Miao Qunfang , Xie Lin , Xing Bingyu , Wang Xiaolei , Tang Shiming , Luo Hong 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo evaluate the emotion, coping strategy, dealing methods and their correlation in the COVID-19 outbreak among nursing and non-nursing students.Design and settingA cross-sectional online survey.ParticipantsFull-time nursing and non-nursing undergraduate students.Main outcome measureThe Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to determine the emotional status in the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing and non-nursing students. Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) was used to measure the emotion regulation strategies and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) was used to evaluate the coping methods among nursing and non-nursing students.ResultsIn total, 746 students including 366 nursing students and 380 non-nursing students participated in the survey. Compared with the non-nursing students, a significant decrease was noticed in GAD-7 score (p<0.01) and PHQ-9 (p<0.01) in the nursing students. The cognition re-evaluation score in the nursing students was significantly lower than that of the non-nursing students (p<0.05). In the nursing students, the score of anxiety was positively correlated with ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01), while the score of depression was also positively correlated with ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between SCSQ and the scores of anxiety (p<0.05) and depression (p<0.05). In the non-nursing students, the anxiety score was positively correlated with the SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01), while the depression score was positively correlated with the ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01).ConclusionsCOVID-19 affected the emotional status of nursing and non-nursing students. The emotional status was correlated with the emotional regulation and coping methods. Staff involved in the nursing professionals should pay attention to the psychological status of the nursing and non-nursing students, and give moderate psychological interference in the presence of COVID-19.