bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Digital literacy skills of students of Sacred Heart College, Chalakudy: an empirical study
Authors: Sunny Stephy K. , Ramasamy K. 
Published: March 2024

PurposeThe study aimed to assess the digital literacy skills of the students of Sacred Heart College, Chalakudy, to know whether they possess the digital literacy skills to perform well in the digital environment. The study also analyzed how digital literacy skills were affected by various factors.Design/methodology/approachThe study used stratified random sampling technique, and data were collected through a self-assessment survey using an online questionnaire designed based on DigComp 2.1: The Digital Competence Framework by the European Commission.FindingsThe results indicated that the college students needed training on digital literacy skills, as the majority students had only moderate to low digital literacy skills. It was proven that exposure to technology and the Internet will not necessarily yield skills to perform well in the digital environment. Also, digital literacy skills were not affected by various factors like age, level of study, etc.Practical implicationsThe study helped to identify the digital literacy deficiencies in the students of Sacred Heart College, and it can serve as a valuable model for conducting similar investigations in diverse educational institutions. Conducting such studies offers institutions valuable insights, enabling them to create and implement personalized digital literacy training programs that can enhance students' abilities to navigate the digital landscape with proficiency and effectiveness. The study results can be insightful for educators, policymakers and the Kerala Government to reassess the current approaches and design an effective curriculum for integrating technology in education.Originality/valueAlthough there are several studies that evaluated college students’ digital literacy in India and other countries, there are very few studies in the context of Kerala. Therefore, this study is distinctive and will serve as an example for all such studies in the future.
Managing under austerity: a qualitative study of management–union relations during attempts to cut labour costs in three South African public hospitals
Authors: Fana Thanduxolo Elford , Goudge Jane 
Published: March 2024

PurposeIn this paper, the authors examine the strategies used to reduce labour costs in three public hospitals in South Africa, which were effective and why. In the democratic era, after the revelations of large-scale corruption, the authors ask whether their case studies provide lessons for how public service institutions might re-make themselves, under circumstances of austerity.Design/methodology/approachA comparative qualitative case study approach, collecting data using a combination of interviews with managers, focus group discussions and interviews with shop stewards and staff was used.FindingsManagement in two hospitals relied on their financial power, divisions between unions and employees' loyalty. They lacked the insight to manage different actors, and their efforts to outsource services and draw on the Extended Public Works Program failed. They failed to support staff when working beyond their scope of practice, reducing employees' willingness to take on extra responsibilities. In the remaining hospital, while previous management had been removed due to protests by the unions, the new CEO provided stability and union–management relations were collaborative. Her legitimate power enabled unions and management to agree on appropriate cost cutting strategies.Originality/valueFinding an appropriate balance between the new reality of reduced financial resources and the needs of staff and patients, requires competent unions and management, transparency and trust to develop legitimate power; managing in an authoritarian manner, without legitimate power, reduces organisational capacity. Ensuring a fair and orderly process to replace ineffective management is key, while South Africa grows cohorts of competent managers and builds managerial experience.
HRM practices, organizational learning and organizational performance: evidence from the big four financial services in France
Authors: Alkhalaf Taher , Badewi Amgad 
Published: March 2024

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the mediation effect of organizational learning on the link between human resource management (HRM) practices and organizational performance in some Big4 financial services companies.

Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative methodology was chosen for this research, using resource theory and knowledge-based approach to explain the relationship between latent variables. A sample of 403 HR employees and managers of the companies under study in France was selected in 2022. Structural equations modeling was used based on the Spss-Amos program to test the research hypotheses.

Findings
The results revealed that organizational learning played a mediating role between HRM practices (hiring, training, motivation and decision-making) and organizational performance and that learning enabled the performance of workers to improve and achieve competitive advantages in this field.

Research limitations/implications
The sample was based on four international companies working in the field of financial services and consulting and providing their services within France, which may affect the generalisability of the results and limit them to the studied sector.

Practical implications
The contribution of the study is to improve the awareness of administrators, decision makers and company employees of the importance of organizational learning for companies, and to stimulate motivation to learn and exchange knowledge in a constructive way that enhances organizational performance. Working on organizational culture change through HRM-practices-based learning as an effective mechanism for organizational performance improvement is one implication. These practises influence cadres' attitudes toward their work, which improves their performance.

Social implications
Working on organizational culture change through HRM-practices-based learning as an effective mechanism for organizational performance improvement is one implication. These practises influence cadres' attitudes toward their work, which improves their performance.

Originality/value
This study seeks to provide cadres and executives with an in-depth analysis of HRM and organizational learning, which, through its integration of these attributes, can contribute to the earning of knowledge-based competitive advantage and achieve superior and sustainable performance.
Nuances of Sales–Service Ambidexterity across Varied Sales Job Types
Authors: Temerak Mohamed Sobhy , Micevski Milena , Kadić‐Maglajlić Selma , Latinovic Zoran 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAn ambidextrous approach to selling, in which salespeople are concurrently responsible for both selling to and servicing the customer, has become the norm in today's selling organizations. To date, the literature points to a ‘the more, the better’ mentality when it comes to the servicing part of sales–service ambidexterity. However, little is known about the value of servicing across sales jobs with varying demands for selling effort. To address this gap, the authors first propose a more generalizable sales job typology that is based on the amount of effort salespeople are required to invest in selling, that is, sales provision effort (SPe). Second, in two subsequent studies, they show that the value of servicing depends on the type of sales job performed. Interestingly, servicing is less valued among customers in sales encounters with low levels of SPe, while salespeople in such jobs find high demands for servicing to be a welcoming challenge. For managers, this implies the need to find a balance between challenging their salespeople and ensuring effective direction of sales resources towards improvement of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Breads formulated with avocado pulp powder as a fat substitute: Quality parameters and in vitro inhibition activities
Authors: Santos Newton Carlos , Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , de Andrade Eduardo Wagner Vasconcelos , Gomes Josivanda Palmeira , de Medeiros Maria de Fátima Dantas , Pedrini Márcia Regina da Silva 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the influence of increasing contents (5%–25%) of avocado pulp powder (APP) produced by foam‐mat drying (FMD) as a substitute for hydrogenated vegetable fat in bread on its nutritional composition, physical properties, α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, and lipase inhibition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, color, structure, and x‐ray diffraction patterns. The increase in the APP content decreased the values of lipids, carbohydrates, energy, firmness, and specific volume of breads. The inhibition of lipase activity showed a pronounced increase, while the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were significantly elevated. The color parameters a* and b* were higher in the breads with added APP. The crystalline structure transitioned from type A to type V with 15% APP incorporation. Taken together, these results suggest that APP has potential to act as a healthier substitute for saturated fats in breads, paving the way to develop creative and innovative solutions for the functionalization of bakery food products.
Established advanced practice roles in radiation therapy: A scoping review
Authors: Lawlor Sarah , Leech Michelle 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAdvanced practitioners are healthcare professionals that are highly skilled with a particular area of expertise. These roles have been successfully implemented in many healthcare settings, improving efficiency of the service, as well as enhancing the standard of care received by patients. Although advanced practice roles have been implemented in some radiation therapy departments, their implementation have yet to be facilitated in the majority of countries. The purpose of this review is to scope the literature available regarding established advanced practice roles in radiation therapy. The PRISMA strategy for the identification of relevant literature was adhered to. Two data bases, EMBASE and PubMed, were searched using combinations of the key words ‘Advanced’, ‘Practice’, ‘APRT’, ‘Radiation’, ‘Therapy’ and ‘Radiotherapy’. Exclusion criteria were applied, and citation lists were also screened for additional relevant sources, including grey literature sources. A total of 35 relevant sources were identified that discussed advanced practice radiation therapy roles in the United Kingdom, Singapore, Canada, Australia and the USA. Means of role establishment and scope of practice were defined, and a number of advantages and challenges for advanced practice radiation therapist roles were identified. There are many benefits of implementing advanced practice roles in radiation therapy departments. Though the implementation of these roles can be challenging, the existing evidence indicates that it would be beneficial for the patient, the radiation therapist and the department as a whole. A more systematic approach, including reporting of quantitative outcomes may assist in the more widespread implementation of these roles.
Thirty‐day mortality after palliative radiotherapy in advanced cancer patients: Optimizing end‐of‐life care in Asia
Authors: Kim Mi Sun , Cha Hyejung , You Sei Hwan , Kim Sunghyun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIntroductionEvidence‐based guidelines recommend hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy (PRT); nonetheless, many patients receive prolonged course of PRT. To identify patients with limited benefits from PRT in end‐of‐life care, we evaluated the pattern of PRT at an Asian institution and factors associated with 30‐day mortality after PRT (30dM).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 228 patients who died after PRT in Yonsei Wonju Severance Christian hospital between October 2014 and March 2022. The associations between clinical factors and survival were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards method. Survival was analysed using the existing models to evaluate their performance in our cohort.ResultsThe median PRT duration was 13 (IQR, 7–15) days. Only 11.4% of the patients were treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy. One‐third of the patients (32.9%) could not complete PRT and 39 (17.1%) died during PRT. The 30dM was 31.6%. The median time from PRT to death was 17 (IQR, 11–23) days for the patients who died within 30 days. The number of involved organs (≤2 vs. >2; P < 0.001), albumin level (<3.3 vs. ≥3.3; P = 0.016), admission during PRT (P < 0.001), admission 3 months before PRT (P = 0.036) and ICU care during PRT (P < 0.001) were prognostic factors. A comparison of survival based on the existing models yielded unsatisfactory results in our cohort.ConclusionAlmost one‐third of the patients received PRT in the last 30 days of life. The use of hypofractionation for PRT was low in this Asian population. Further research is necessary to develop a predictive model of early mortality, allowing tailored end‐of‐life care for Asian patients.
How Management Accountants Purposefully Create Cash Flow Forecasts in Capital Budgeting: A Field Study of Product Development Decisions*
Authors: Wouters Marc , Stadtherr Frank 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACTIn capital budgeting, management accountants may have their own agendas when they are creating cash flow forecasts and recommending particular capital investments. What are the mechanisms management accountants can use to influence cash flow forecasts in capital budgeting? This field study investigates how management accountants prepared cash flow forecasts for product development investment decisions at a car company. We describe in detail two instances of the technical design of new cars, the preparation of cash flow forecasts, and decisions on capital investment projects. When management accountants monetarily quantify various kinds of inputs, they not only make pragmatic choices as part of their normal work of dealing with complexity and uncertainty, but they also purposefully intervene in various ways to make their cash flow forecast support a particular capital investment. These interventions can be differentiated in terms of their nature (qualitative or quantitative) and timing (initiating or counteracting). This field study contributes a conceptualization and empirical evidence on accounting tactics in the context of capital budgeting.
A preconception cohort study of sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption and semen quality
Authors: Joseph Marlon D. , Koenig Martha R. , Kuriyama Andrea S. , Wang Tanran R. , Wesselink Amelia K. , Eisenberg Michael L. , Sommer Greg J. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Stuver Sherri O. , Wise Lauren A. , Hatch Elizabeth E. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundDietary factors, including high sugar intake, may have adverse effects on male reproduction. Studies of the association between sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and semen quality have reported inconsistent results.ObjectiveWe estimated the effects of SSB consumption on semen quality in a North American preconception cohort study.MethodsWe analyzed baseline data from 690 males (n = 1,247 samples) participating in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) during 2015–2022. Participants aged ≥21 years completed a baseline questionnaire on which they reported information about intake of SSBs, including sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices. After enrollment, we invited U.S. participants to a semen testing substudy, in which they collected and analyzed two samples using an at‐home semen testing kit. We used linear regression models to estimate adjusted percent differences (%D) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of SSB intake with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC). We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs for the association of SSB intake with World Health Organization semen parameter cut points.ResultsRelative to non‐consumers of SSBs, those who consumed ≥7 SSBs/week had lower semen volume (%D = −6, 95% CI: −13, 0), sperm concentration (%D = −22, 95% CI: −38, 0), TSC (%D = −22, 95% CI: −38, −2), motility (%D = −4, 95% CI: −10, 2), and TMSC (%D = −25, 95% CI: −43, −2). High SSB consumers also had greater risks of low sperm concentration (≤16 million/mL; RR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.21), low TSC (≤39 million; RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 0.92, 3.33), low motility (≤42%; RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.75) and low TMSC (≤21 million; RR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.38). Associations were stronger among participants with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2.ConclusionGreater SSB consumption was associated with reduced semen quality in a North American preconception cohort.
NovoSorb® biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) in the reconstruction of cutaneous malignancies in a major cancer centre: a case series
Authors: Devine Maxim , Edmondson Mark , Gearing Peter , Concannon Elizabeth , Findlay Michael , Zinn Richard , Webb Angela 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundNon‐graftable or composite defect reconstruction represents a major challenge to the reconstructive surgeon, with many wounds requiring local flap or free microvascular tissue transfer approaches. The recent advent of synthetic skin substitutes such as Biodegradable Temporizing Matrix (BTM) have revolutionized the management of complex defects including those caused by burns, trauma and infection, with low‐morbidity and low‐complexity surgery. However, limited data exist supporting their use in cancer reconstruction in Australia.MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing cancer resection and reconstruction with BTM between February 2021 and February 2023 in our institution. Reported outcomes included matrix integration, infection, and return to theatre.ResultsTwelve patients underwent reconstruction of primary or secondary defects following cancer resection during this period. Eight patients were male, four female, mean age at surgery was 70 years. Pathology resected included squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma of the head and neck, sarcoma resection of the lower limb, and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the scalp. T‐stage of primary tumours ranged from T2 to T4 and one in‐transit metastasis of melanoma. Four patients were treated with radiotherapy, two of whom received postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) and two who received neoadjuvant radiotherapy, three additional patients had an intervention to a previously irradiated wound bed for recurrence or ORN. Overall matrix integration was 83% (10/12), with a 50% integration rate (2/4) observed in the post‐radiotherapy group, requiring return to theatre for alternative reconstructive approaches.ConclusionWe report our experience with a synthetic dermal matrix (BTM) in cancer reconstruction, the largest cohort of this type in the Australian literature. BTM represents an exciting reconstructive tool for the cancer reconstructive surgeon, with a high rate of success and low morbidity.
Impact of revised International Staging System 2 risk stratification on outcomes of patients with multiple myeloma receiving autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Alzahrani Kamal , Pasvolsky Oren , Wang Zhongya , Milton Denái R. , Tanner Mark R. , Bashir Qaiser , Srour Samer , Saini Neeraj , Lin Paul , Ramdial Jeremy , Nieto Yago , Lee Hans C. , Patel Krina K. , Manasanch Elisabet E. , Kebriaei Partow , Thomas Sheeba K. , Weber Donna M. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Shpall Elizabeth J. , Champlin Richard , Qazilbash Muzaffar H. 
Published: March 2024

SummaryThe second revision of the International Staging System (R2‐ISS) is a simple tool to risk‐stratify newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients. Here, we completed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the utility of R2‐ISS in NDMM patients who underwent up‐front autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto‐HCT). A total of 1291 patients were included, with a median age of 62 years (range 29–83). The distribution of R2‐ISS stages was: 123 (10%) stage I, 471 (36%) stage II, 566 (44%) stage III and 131 (10%) stage IV. With a median follow‐up of 42.2 months (range 0.3–181.0), the median PFS was 73.0, 65.2, 44.0 and 24.8 months, (p < 0.001) and the median OS was 130.8, 128.5, 94.2 and 61.4 months (p < 0.001) for patients with R2‐ISS stages I, II, III and IV respectively. On multivariable analysis (MVA) for PFS, using R2‐ISS stage I as reference, R2‐ISS stages III (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 1.55 [1.05–2.29]; p = 0.028) and IV (2.04 [1.24–3.36]; p = 0.005) were associated with significantly inferior PFS. In the MVA of OS, using R2‐ISS stage I as reference, only R2‐ISS stage IV was associated with significantly inferior OS (2.43 [1.18–5.01]; p = 0.017). Overall, we found that R2‐ISS is a reliable prognostic tool for NDMM patients undergoing up‐front auto‐HCT.
Embodied practice in a disembodied time: How the COVID‐19 pandemic shaped direct work with children and young people
Authors: Ellis Heather , Critchley Ariane 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic and related restrictions imposed in the UK had a significant impact on social work practice with children and young people. As has been widely reported, practitioners were deprived of multisensory information in their assessments and of opportunities to connect with children. In this article, we consider data from Scotland, created through interviews with practitioners during May 2021, a time of tentative optimism between periods of widespread lockdown. The Scottish policy context offers particular tensions and contrasts through which to understand how practice was impacted by physical distancing measures. Just prior to the beginning of pandemic restrictions, in February 2020, the report of Scotland's Independent Care Review, The Promise, was published and emphasized the importance of love, nurture, and care for children. The Promise encouraged professionals to ‘bring their whole selves to work’ and to relate to families in ways that are natural, and not constrained by ideas of professionalism. The following month, the country was in a national lockdown with strict restrictions on the contact workers could have with families. Drawing on data from practitioners working in this context, we aim to explore how social workers reconceptualized direct work with children during this period.