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The nexus of socio-emotional wealth, organisational identity to explain corporate entrepreneurship: The challenge of human resource consistency in family firms
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Purpose: This study examines the relationship between socio-emotional wealth, human resource (HR) practices, and organisational identity to explain corporate entrepreneurship using the context of family firms.
Methodology: This study used a time-lagged research design and data collection from multiple sources to draw a unique dataset of family businesses operating in an emerging market. Using Hayes' process macros in combination with SPSS version 22, we analysed the dataset.
Findings: The study finds that socio-emotional wealth positively influences corporate entrepreneurship among family-related employees but negatively impacts corporate entrepreneurship among non-family employees. Furthermore, the study also probes the mediating role of organisational identification and the moderating role of HR practices. Lastly, a unique moderated mediation model was conceptualised and tested to deal with the challenge of complex HR practices in family firms.
Implications: The study suggests that both positive and negative effects of socioemotional wealth on corporate entrepreneurship exist among family and non-family employees, which is conditional upon biased HR practices.
Originality/value: This study adds originality and value in several ways. First, this study leverages the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory to treat the heterogeneous group of family employees. Second, we explained bifurcated HR practices in emerging markets by examining family businesses operating in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Thirdly, given the scarcity of time-lag research and heterogeneity in the datasets, our study contributes to the methodology. Finally, our study advocates for the impartial treatment of employees and the implementation of customised HR practices for family firms' long-term survival
Estimating digital adaptation and governance in international businesses by targeting environmental sustainability
Get PDFBy aiming at multidimensional environmental sustainability, international firms can venture into digital adaptation for better environmental quality. This study acquired data from Europe, Australia, and the United States of America for five years (2018–2023), comprising 2606 international firms. Robust machine learning panel data analysis uncovered the significant role of digital transformation on environmental sustainability impacting societies. Digital transformation is estimated using capital expenditures, research and development expenses, and cybersecurity policies that encompass technological investments, strategic readiness, and digital governance. The regression outcomes reveal wholistic understanding regarding the role of digital initiatives in environmental sustainability while machine learning provides relative importance of policy options. Both methods address strategic integration and tension between economic decisions and sustainable goals. This study highlighted the importance of digitalization and sustainable development in the context of business internationalization that provides actionable insights into business and policy management of global business sustainability while enhancing environmental quality
Additive manufacturing for space applications: a review of materials, methods, and future frontiers
No full textAdditive manufacturing (AM), globally referred to as 3D printing, is a highly flexible manufacturing method that enables the design and creation of complex geometries with ease. This review article comprehensively examines the materials, methods, and applications of AM specifically for the space sector, while identifying current research gaps and proposing future directions. The primary advantages of AM over conventional subtractive manufacturing for space implementations include economic efficiency, unparalleled design freedom, high customizability, tailor-made production, and the ability to process a wide range of materials including metals, polymers, composites, and ceramics. The article focuses on space-grade materials such as high-performance alloys, polymers, and ceramics used in applications ranging from electronic equipment to propulsion systems. It provides a detailed analysis of prevalent metal AM techniques like Powder Bed Fusion and Directed Energy Deposition, as well as non-metal methods including Fused Deposition Modelling and Selective Laser Sintering. Through specific case studies, it demonstrates how AM enables part consolidation, weight reduction, and the production of multifunctional components with integrated capabilities. This review will help readers comprehend current trends in space additive manufacturing and understand its future potential in next-generation space applications, from in-situ manufacturing to the realization of fully additively manufactured spacecraft
Sustaining Digital Mental Health Services in South African Higher Education
No full textThis chapter introduces a strategic sustainability framework to overcome the post-pandemic integration challenges of digital mental health services (DMHS) in South African higher education institutions (SA HEIs). Although e-health tools offer transformative benefits for staff well-being, their long-term adoption is threatened by interconnected economic, social, environmental, and technological barriers. This chapter moves the discourse forward by not only diagnosing these challenges but also by recommending practical, context-specific pathways for sustainable implementation. It details how SA HEIs can leverage strategic partnerships, inclusive design, leadership commitment, and robust data governance to build resilient DMHS. The conclusions provide a novel blueprint for institutional policymakers to ensure equitable service delivery, thereby directly advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 through enhanced staff mental health support
MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF LAYERED PLA–TPU COMPOSITES USING MULTI-MATERIAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
Get PDFThis study investigates the tensile performance of layered PLA–TPU composites produced by multi-material additive manufacturing (MMAM) via fused deposition modelling (FDM). Although PLA–TPU is a widely used rigid–flexible polymer pair, tensile performance is often limited by weak interfacial bonding and limited evidence on how layer thickness, material ratio, and stacking sequence influence load transfer and fracture. A screening study of 30 layered specimens quantified the effects of layer thickness (0.1 and 0.2 mm), material ratio (33:67, 50:50, and 67:33 PLA:TPU), and stack order on apparent stiffness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elongation, and post-fracture failure features. PLA-rich configurations achieved high strength (up to 33.5 MPa) with semi-ductile failure behaviour, whereas TPU-rich configurations showed large elongations (up to 298%) but lower strength (12–14 MPa). Across the configurations tested, a 67/33 PLA/TPU laminate provided the best balance of strength and ductility, reaching an average UTS of 33.5 MPa with 7.7% elongation, consistent with improved interlayer load transfer despite the intrinsic surface-energy disparity between PLA and TPU. Overall, the results demonstrate that MMAM by FDM can combine dissimilar thermoplastics within a single build to achieve an adaptive mechanical response, while interfacial optimisation remains the primary constraint for further performance gain
Navigating Cultural Sensitivity in Sexual Health Education: Practical Tips for Nurses
Get PDFCulturally sensitive sexual health education is vital in today’s diverse healthcare environments, where nurses increasingly work with patients from varied cultural, religious, and linguistic backgrounds. Without cultural awareness, sexual health discussions risk reinforcing stigma, discouraging engagement, and widening health inequalities. Research highlights that culturally competent approaches, grounded in respect, empathy, and responsiveness, improve communication, build trust, and enhance patient outcomes. This article explores the distinction between cultural sensitivity, competence, and humility, outlining why each is important for equitable sexual health education. It also identifies common cultural barriers nurses may face, such as language differences, stigma, and mismatched expectations, and offers practical, evidence-based strategies to overcome them. By highlighting best practices in education, communication, interpreters, and teaching, the article equips nurses to deliver inclusive, respectful care. The aim is to empower nurses to reduce disparities, foster safe spaces, and support diverse communities in achieving better sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Keywords: Cultural sensitivity; Sexual health education; Nursing practice; Health inequalities; Cultural competenc
Providing an e-cigarette starter kit for smoking cessation and reduction as adjunct to usual care to smokers with a mental health condition: findings from the ESCAPE feasibility study
Get PDFBackground: Smoking rates in the UK have declined steadily over the past decades, masking considerable inequalities, as little change has been observed among people with a mental health condition. This trial sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of supplying an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) starter kit for smoking cessation as an adjunct to usual care for smoking cessation, to smokers with a mental health condition treated in the community, to inform a future effectiveness trial. Methods: This randomised controlled feasibility trial, conducted March-December 2022, compared the intervention (e-cigarette starter kit with a corresponding information leaflet and demonstration with Very Brief Advice) with a ‘usual care’ control at 1-month follow-up. Participants were ≥ 18 years, receiving treatment for any mental health condition in primary or secondary care in three Mental Health Trusts in Yorkshire and one in London, UK. They were also willing to address their smoking through either cessation or reduction of cigarette consumption. The agreed primary outcome measure was feasibility (consent ~ 15% of eligible participants; attrition rate < 30%). Acceptability, validated sustained abstinence and ≥ 50% cigarette consumption reduction at 1-month, were also evaluated and qualitative interviews conducted to further explore acceptability in this population. Results: Feasibility targets were partially met; of 201 eligible participants, 43 (mean age = 45.2, SD = 12.7; 39.5% female) were recruited (21.4%) and randomised (intervention:48.8%, n = 21; control:51.2%, n = 22). Attrition rate was 37.2% at 1-month follow-up and was higher (45.5%) in the control group. At follow-up (n = 27), 93.3% (n = 14) in the intervention group and 25.0% (n = 3) in the control group reported e-cigarette use. The intervention was well received with minimal negative effects. In intention-to-treat analysis, validated sustained abstinence at 1-month was 2/21 (9.5%) and 0/22 (0%) and at least 50% reduction in cigarette consumption 13/21 (61.9%) and 3/22 (13.6%), for the intervention and control group, respectively. Qualitative analysis of participant interviews (N = 5) showed the intervention was broadly acceptable, but they also highlighted areas of improvements for the intervention and trial delivery. Conclusions: Offering an e-cigarette starter kit to smokers with a mental health condition treated in the community was acceptable and largely feasible, with harm reduction outcomes (i.e. switching from cigarette smoking to e-cigarette use and substantial reduction in cigarette consumption) favouring the intervention. The findings of the study will be used to help inform the design of a main trial. Trial Registration: Registry: ISRCTN. Registration number: ISRCTN17691451. Date of registration: 30/09/202
A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Pre‐School Language Interventions—Building Early Sentences Therapy and an Adapted Derbyshire Language Scheme
Get PDFBackground: Children's language abilities set the stage for their education, psychosocial development and life chances across the life course. Aims: To compare the efficacy of two preschool language interventions delivered with low dosages in early years settings (EYS): Building Early Sentences Therapy (BEST) and an Adapted Derbyshire Language Scheme (A‐DLS). The former is informed by usage‐based linguistic theory, the latter by typical language developmental patterns. Methods: We conducted a pre‐registered cluster randomized controlled trial in 20 EYS randomized to receive BEST or A‐DLS. Children aged 3;05–4;05, who were monolingual, with comprehension and/or production scores ≤ 16th centile (New Reynell Developmental Language Scales—NRDLS) and no sensorineural hearing impairment, severe visual impairment or learning disability were eligible. A total of 102 children received the intervention. Speech and language therapists delivered interventions with high fidelity in 15‐min group sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Baseline (T1), outcome (T2), and follow‐up (T3) measures were completed blind to the intervention arm. Outcomes were NRDLS comprehension and production standard scores (SS), measures of language structures targeted in the interventions and communicative participation (FOCUS‐34). Results: Both interventions were associated with significant change from T1 to T2 and from T1 to T3 in all outcomes. There were no differences between interventions in gains in NRDLS comprehension SS at T2 or T3. BEST produced greater gains in NRDLS production SS between T1–T2 (d = 0.40) and T1–T3 (d = 0.55) and in BEST‐targeted sentences (d = 0.77). Children receiving BEST made significantly more progress after intervention (T2–T3) in both comprehension and production. Both interventions were associated with large, clinically significant changes in communicative participation as measured by teacher reports (FOCUS‐34). Conclusions: A low‐dosage intervention can produce language gains with moderate to large effects. The accelerated progress after the BEST intervention underscores the significant potential of interventions designed with reference to usage‐based theory, which precisely manipulates language exposure to promote the specific cognitive mechanisms hypothesized to promote language learning. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on the subject Early language development sets the stage for children's educational and psychosocial development and their life chances into adulthood. Early language interventions can be effective; however, there is a need to develop and evaluate early interventions which bring large effects and which can be delivered within the constrained resources of early years provision. Usage‐based linguistics have not been explicitly applied to the design of early language interventions. There is evidence that the Derbyshire Language Scheme (DLS) promotes positive outcomes in comprehension abilities and BEST in production. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Findings from a cluster‐randomized controlled trial demonstrate that BEST, an 8‐week, 15‐min, small‐group intervention, delivered twice weekly can produce moderate to high effects in expressive language outcomes for 3–4‐year‐old children with low language. A‐DLS and BEST bring similar gains in comprehension standard scores but BEST leads to larger and more sustained progress in expression. Faster progress after intervention for BEST supports the hypothesis that it promotes the development of abstract representations of predicate‐argument structures, supporting generalization and accelerating language learning. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? BEST, a low‐dosage, manualized intervention delivered with high fidelity can be effective for children from a range of socio‐economic backgrounds bringing moderate to high effects. Effective and efficient intervention can be delivered through the precise manipulation of active ingredients within intervention sessions (in this case, the cognitive mechanisms hypothesized to promote language learning and abstract knowledge in usage‐based theory)
Foreign-language skills of student paramedics studying undergraduate Paramedic Science in the UK: a nationwide cross-sectional exploratory study
No full textIntroduction: Communication is essential in healthcare, but language barriers between patients and clinicians can hinder care quality, especially as the UK sees an increasing number of non-native English speakers. The 2021 UK census revealed that 5.1 million people do not speak English as a first language, with many having limited or no proficiency. Despite these trends, little research has been carried out to explore the experiences of these individuals in pre-hospital care, where language challenges often arise. UK paramedic education includes communication training, but foreign-language learning is not part of most curricula. Some universities offer optional language modules, yet there is no data on how many paramedics or student paramedics speak additional languages. Clinicians with foreign-language skills could enhance patient satisfaction and reduce communication barriers, but there is a lack of pre-hospital evidence in this area. This exploratory study aimed to capture the foreign-language skills of student paramedics in the UK, addressing a gap in the literature and laying the groundwork for future research.Methods: This exploratory study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design using an online survey distributed to student paramedics across 24 higher education institutions in the UK during April and May 2024. The survey captured demographic data and language competencies, with descriptive statistics used for analysis.Results: Out of 105 respondents, 73 were female (69.5%), and the mean age was 23.65 (± 8.25). Over half (53.3%) reported proficiency in at least one foreign language, predominantly languages spoken in Europe, such as French (48.2%), Spanish (35.7%) and German (21.4%). Most respondents had beginner-level skills (64.3%), with no formal language training in their programmes. However, 57.7% expressed interest in studying an optional foreign-language module.Conclusion: This study found that over half of student paramedics possess foreign-language proficiency. The majority of the sample indicated a desire to study a foreign language if given the opportunity during their paramedic training. Given the increasing linguistic diversity in the UK, integrating language modules into paramedic education could enhance patient care and satisfaction. Further research is needed to explore the feasibility of such training and its impact on pre-hospital care outcomes for non-native English speakers
From data to dashboard: blended approaches to engage our stakeholders and shape our services.
Get PDFAn overview of the different approaches that University of Sunderland Libraries and Learner Development are taking to connect, analyse and share data insights – leveraging Alma Data Visualisation, PowerBI and machine learning modelling to enable agile data access and inform best value procurement and service delivery