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This study examines the moderator function of inter-firm knowledge-sharing on absorption capacity and innovative capabilities in small and medium enterprises in the Information Technology and Communication (ITC) sector. We propose a two-mode inter-firm knowledge sharing model to classify firms into the stages of development or maturity. We used structural equations modeling by partial least squares (PLS) and PLS multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA). The empirical field used to test the model was a group of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the ITC sector in Brazil. Data were collected from 300 SMEs, using self-reporting measures were used. The analysis confirmed a positive moderator effect of inter-firm knowledge sharing on the relationship between absorption capacity and innovative capabilities. The effect of absorption capacity on innovative capabilities was found to be stronger for those firms in the maturity stage of inter-firm knowledge sharing. The findings of this study have implications for research and practice, shedding new light on managerial and strategic actions for generating innovations in SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including social care professionals experienced when providing end-of-life care to patients during the first wave of the COVID-19, and address the timing and urgency questions which arose during the COVID-19.

The study aims to relate to entrepreneurship and innovation to the dynamic capability focused on the beauty market, identifying characteristics, resource mobilization and capacity building that contribute to the activity and innovation. Empirical evidences were obtained through a qualitative and exploratory case study, and an interview with the director of the company studied, which is located in the region Grande Florianópolis. It was observed evidence about resource mobilization and capacity building for strategy innovation occurs, presenting communication ways adopted by the company and to create knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on the approach of journals to palliative medicine. The author cites one of the reasons why journals fail at the screening which include the lack of authors in identifying how the case or cases generate specific novel research questions that if answered could positively impact on professional practice or patient care.

A letter to the editor regarding the expression of gratitude of family members of palliative care patients toward healthcare professionals through a Thank You letter.

Background: Nurses are the largest professional group in healthcare and those who make more decisions. In 2014, the Committee on Bioethics of the Council of Europe launched the "Guide on the decision-making process regarding medical treatment in end-of-life situations" (hereinafter, Guide), aiming at improving decision-making processes and empowering professionals in making end-of-life decisions. The Guide does not mention nurses explicitly. Objectives: To analyze the ethical principles most valued by nurses working in palliative care when making end-of-life decisions and investigate if they are consistent with the framework and recommendations of the Guide; to identify what disputed/controversial issues are more frequent in these nurses' current end-of-life care practices. Design: Qualitative secondary analysis. Participants/context: Three qualitative datasets including 32 interviews from previous studies with nurses working in palliative care in Portugal. Ethical consideration: Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Research Lab of the Instituto de Bioética (Ethics Research Lab of the Institute of Bioethics) (Ref.04.2015). Ethical procedures are thoroughly described. Findings: All participant nurses referred to autonomy as an ethical principle paramount in end-of-life decision-making. They were commonly involved in end-of-life decision-making. Palliative sedation and communication were the most mentioned disputed/controversial issues. Discussion: Autonomy was highly valued in end-of-life care and decision-making. Nurses expressed major concerns in assessing patients' preferences, wishes, and promoting advance care planning. Nurses working in palliative care in Portugal were highly involved in end-of-life decision-making. These processes embraced a collective, inclusive approach. Palliative sedation was the most mentioned disputed issue, which is aligned with previous findings. Communication also emerged as a sensitive ethical issue; it is surprising, however, that only three nurses referred to it. Conclusion: While the Guide does not explicitly mention nurses in its content, this study shows that nurses working in palliative care in Portugal are involved in these processes. Further research is needed on nurses' involvement and practices in end-of-life decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]