Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
011 Role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in chest pain evaluation in females

Introduction Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) has a high negative predictive value for excluding significant coronary artery disease (CAD) with those with <50% luminal stenosis not requiring further investigation. Those with >50% stenoses require further non-invasive or invasive evaluation. Current NICE guidelines recommend CT calcium scoring as first-line investigation in patients with chest pain and an estimated likelihood of CAD of 10–29%. In females this includes those under 65 at low risk with atypical angina. The aim of this study was to evaluate coronary CTA as a single imaging modality to rule out significant CAD in females. Methods We retrospectively assessed the coronary CTA findings of all female patients presenting with chest pain and undergoing assessment for possible underlying CAD at Bradford Royal Infirmary from January 2013 to December 2014. Patients were grouped according to age and this was assessed against the presence or absence of significant atheroma (>50% luminal stenosis). Results 462 female patients underwent Coronary CTA with a median age of 57 (range 31–82). Coronary CTA was able to rule out significant CAD in a high proportion of all age ranges but became less sensitive with advancing age. Those with a stenosis of greater than 50% required further evaluation. Exclusion of significant CAD varied from 90% for females aged 30–49 to 87% in those aged 50–69 and remained as high as 78% for those over 70. Conclusion Coronary CTA provides an effective single modality evaluation for chest pain in females including those over 65 years of age.
Integration of acquired consultancy firms

A large amount of M&As are each year carried out by firms, but a significant number of these fail by not performing as expected. In recent times, more and more research papers have been published discussing M&A integration and their effect on the employees. However, only a very limited amount of literature exist related to engineering consulting firms and the post-acquisition factors in this industry that allow for M&A success. This thesis sets out to search for these factors in existing literature and tries to identify factors that are not sufficiently represented in literature. This is done through a literature study and a multiple case study at ÅF. ÅF is currently focusing on the financial performance of their acquisitions and can gain a better understanding of how the integration can be improved for the employees through this report and how this can be related to the financial performance. Three research questions are hence answered in this thesis and revolve around identifying factors from existing theory, identify factors lacking in theory, and see if financial success can be linked to the success of the post-acquistion. Seven factors were found in theory and are presented within. Four regard in what ways employees are effected by M&As, anxiety and uncertainty, social identity, trust and knowledge transfer. Three remaining concern factors that affect the integration process and are found to be cultural integration, speed of integration and communication. 12 interviews were had with employees that were employed at firms acquired by ÅF between 2016 and 2017. The thesis carried out is a multiple case-study and a cross-case synthesis is hence also conducted. The findings from this study show a correlation between financial success and employee satisfaction is high in the studied cases. The importance of factors previously mentioned varies and what is found in this study corresponds to the theory in some ways, but quite often lack empirical evidence of being important as it is described by other authors. The factors which most correspond with the material in the theory are anxiety and uncertainty, trust, cultural integration and communication. Finally, some factors which are not represented in current M&A theory are identified, namely the difference in company size, vicious cycles, employee expectations versus reality and management involvement from both companies.
Success Factors for Rapid Expansion of Malaysia SMEs in Global Market: A Case Study Approach

ix Chapter 1: Introduction . 1 1.0 Overview of Globalization Phenomenon . 1 1.0. 1 Digitalization in the Modern Era . 2 1.1 Overview of SMEs in Global Market . 2 1.2 Overview of SMEs in Malaysia . 3 1.3 SMEs and Export Activities . 5 1.4 Challenges and Barriers Facing by SME in Global Market . 6 1.5 Research Objective . 7 1.6 Significance of the Research . 8 Chapter 2: Literature Review . 9 2.0 Definition of Born-Global Companies . 9 2.1 Theories of Internationalization . 11 2.1.1 Resource-based View (RVB) . 11 2.1.2 Network Approach Perspective . 12 2.1.3 Organizational Learning Theory . 13 2.2 External Environment . 13 2.2.1 Pull Factors . 14 2.2.2 Push Factors . 15 2.3 Entrepreneurial Orientation . 15 2.4 Networks . 19 2.5 Organization Innovativeness . 21 2.6 Organizational Culture . 22 2.6. 1 Market Orientation . 23 2.6. 2 Organizational Learning Orientation . 25
Modern Languages Transition from Primary to Secondary School: the German Pupils’ Voice.

Transition from primary to secondary school poses a range of challenges for children, parents and teachers. Transition in relation to modern languages, given the subject’s comparatively new place on the timetables of primary schools in England, raises its own specific issues. The purpose of this British Academy funded study was to find out what pupils in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, thought about transition. The same 34 pupils were interviewed in Year 4 (age 10) at primary school and again in Year 5 (age 11) at secondary school. They reported their enjoyment of English lessons at both primary and secondary school, although work got harder following transition. Provision was consistent across primary and secondary schools. English was the language taught in all primary schools. Teachers had undergone English-specific training, including time spent in England. Regular assessment ensured that pupils were aware of their attainment in English. Participation in Open Days at the secondary school led to primary pupils feeling comfortable about the transfer to secondary school. Well managed though transition appeared to be, this study identified some areas where improvements could be made, for example, in relation to communication and collaboration between primary and secondary colleagues.
Syndromes associate with trichotodystrophy

: Sparse, brittle, sulphur-deficient hair is an excellent marker for several autosomal recessive neurocutaneous syndromes. The term 'trichothiodystrophy' is commonly used in publications on such syndromes and the best characterized trichothiodystrophy syndrome is associated with skin photosensitivity and intellectual impairment. Patients with these three cardinal signs usually have an underlying DNA repair defect. Here we describe clinical and laboratory findings in two patients with trichothiodystrophy and defective DNA repair alongside findings in three other cases who have different trichothiodystrophy syndromes without defective DNA repair. These patients' features are discussed in the light of a practical classification scheme which is based upon a check-list of clinical abnormalities associated with trichothiodystrophy syndromes (Van Neste, 1991).
Co-creating effective and profitable customer solutions in business markets

In this thesis, I identify the drivers of customer solutions that are both effective for customer firms and profitable for supplier firms in business-to-business (B2B) markets. In a value aggregation framework, I investigate how value is created for each firm in a supplier-customer dyad when providing solutions. I introduce the co-creation orientation construct that reflects a supplier or customer firm’s attitude and perceived behavioural control for working on a solution with another firm to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. I propose that a firm’s high degree of co­ creation orientation leads to high level of dyadic investments into a customer solution. These dyadic investments combine with the dyad’s interaction efficacy to improve solution effectiveness. Solution effectiveness has a positive effect on customer-based relational performance. Importantly, I propose that, to maximise profits from a customer firm, supplier firms need to avoid making investments that are misaligned with each firm’s co­ creation orientation. Misaligned investments have a negative effect on solution effectiveness and customer-based profit performance. Finally, customer-based profit performance has a positive effect on a supplier firm’s overall profits. This study involved: (1) a qualitative stage to conceptualise and develop measurement scales for the focal constructs under investigation, (2) a pilot study to purify and refine measurement models, (3) a study to test the theoretical framework in a generalisable manner, and (4) a study to verify and extend the structural model using a new data set. Results across these studies broadly support my research hypotheses. This thesis makes three contributions to marketing theory and practice. First, co­ creation orientation’s elements give supplier firms actionable measures to develop the attitude and competencies required to survive in the customer solutions business. Second, by recognising their customer firms’ co-creation orientation and aligning their investments accordingly, supplier firms are more likely to maximise their profits. Third, recognising the co-creation orientation of both firms in a supplier-customer dyad allows the supplier firms to select the right customer firms to develop mutually beneficial relationships.
What is the Nature of the Conflict Experienced by Japanese Workers in International Companies Based in Japan and What Type of Conflict Management Do They Access

This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations and Theses by an authorized administrator of PDXScholar. For more information, please contact pdxscholar@pdx.edu. Recommended Citation Le, Tomoko Shinohara, "What is the Nature of the Conflict Experienced by Japanese Workers in International Companies Based in Japan and What Type of Conflict Management Do They Access? " (2017). Dissertations and Theses. Paper 3938.
Stress and Exercise in Undergraduate Health Professions Students

Background: Stress is prevalent among undergraduate students, especially students in health professions majors. Exercise as a health promoting behavior decreases stress. At the same time, increased stress may decrease exercise. This study described exercise and stress among undergraduate health professions students. More specifically this study described the intensity and duration of each exercise and the frequency of exercise during a typical week of the semester for students in health professions majors. Theoretical framework: Pender’s Health Promotion Model guided this study. Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive survey. Methods: A convenience sample of 437 undergraduate students in a college of health professions (N =2,700) at a Midwest public university completed an electronic survey and reported stress and exercise during one typical week (a regular academic week without mid-term exams, final exams, or breaks) of the semester. Data analysis plan: Descriptive statistics described the sample, exercise habits, and presence of
Impact of Comprehensive Smoking Bans on the Health of Infants and Children

As evidence of the negative effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) has mounted, an increasingly popular public policy response has been to impose restrictions on smoking through 100 percent smoke-free bans (comprehensive smoking bans). Yet sparse information exists regarding the impact these smoking bans at the state and local levels have on the health of children and infants. A rationale for expansion of smoke-free laws implicitly presumes that potential public health gains from reducing adult cigarette consumption and declines in adult ETS exposure extend to children. However, if smokers compensate by shifting their consumption of cigarettes from public venues that impose a comprehensive smoking ban to smoking at home, then these policies may have a harmful effect on children and infants. This study provides estimates of how comprehensive smoking bans impact the venue of smoking, and the health of children and infants. Using models that exploit state- and county-level changes to smoking ban legislation over time, estimates suggest that smoking bans have improved the health of both infants and children, mainly through implementation of more comprehensive bans. Further, we find no evidence of displacement among smokers (both smokers with and without children in the household), and actually find that the bans had a positive spillover effect in terms of reducing smoking inside the home—an effect that may further explain the improvement in infants’ and children’s health. Our effect magnitudes imply that expanding comprehensive coverage from 60 percent (current level) to 100 percent of the population can prevent between approximately 1,110 and 1,750 low birth weight births among low-educated mothers, resulting in economic cost savings of about $71–111 million annually. Health improvements among older children add to these economic benefits.
Material Sustainability Information and Stock Price Informativeness

As part of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s revision of Regulation S–K, which lays out reporting requirements for publicly-listed companies, many investors proposed the mandatory disclosure of sustainability information in the form of environmental, social and governance data. However, progress is contingent on collecting evidence regarding which sustainability disclosures are financially material. To inform this issue, we examine materiality standards developed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). Firms voluntarily disclosing more SASB-identified sustainability information exhibit greater price informativeness, while the disclosure of non-SASB information does not relate to informativeness. The results are robust to a changes analysis and a difference-in-differences analysis that exploits the staggered release of SASB standards across different industries over time. We also document stronger results for firms with higher exposure to sustainability issues, poorer sustainability ratings, greater institutional and socially responsible investment fund ownership, and coverage from analysts with lower portfolio complexity.
Why some SMEs grow and others do not : toward an opportunity-centric growth theory

• A submitted manuscript is the author's version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Commitment and Financial Flexibility in Payout Decisions: Evidence from Rule 10b5-1 Preset Repurchase Plans

We exploit a new and growing form of payout — Rule 10b5-1 preset repurchase plans — to examine the tradeoff between commitment and financial flexibility in payout decisions. Relative to open market repurchases, preset plans provide an expanded repurchase window and increase legal cover, albeit at the cost of reducing repurchase flexibility and the option to time repurchases. These costs and benefits are significantly associated with Rule 10b5-1 adoption. Consistent with preset plans signaling commitment, Rule 10b5-1 repurchase announcements are associated with greater and faster completion rates and with more positive market reactions than matched open market repurchases.
The Swedish Mortgage Margin. Do the commercial banks hinder the Riksbank from reaching their full intended effects

This paper examines whether the short term mortgage rate set by the commercial banks changes at the same pace as the nominal interest rate. This is done by empirically analyzing data from the four largest commercial banks in Sweden between the years 1997 and 2015. It also includes other determinants that are of importance when examining the mortgage margin. For the tested time period, the reported findings show that the mortgage margin has increased as the nominal rate has been decreasing. This paper argues that the four largest commercial banks in Sweden have such a high market power, making it possible for them to use the changes in the nominal interest rate to both strengthen their capital structure, as well as, paying high dividends to their owners. This indicates a monopolistic structure. The nominal rate could therefore be hindered to reach its full intended effect. Supervisor: Conny Wollbrant
Understanding Consumer Preference towards Wristwatch Buying Decision through its Product Attributes

The purpose of this study is to analyze consumers’ preference towards a wristwatch by assessing consumers’ valuation on each attribute of the product. Consumers choose an option that gives them the highest utility, and thus it is believed that consumers’ preference can be observed through their choices. This study uses a discrete choice experiment to reveal true preferences. It is found that attribute price, strap materials, and movements have significant influence in the process of determining preferences. On the other hand, brands and additional features have no significant influence. Price is found to be the most important among all attributes. This study indicates demographic variable of gender plays a significant role in determining preferences. The most significant interaction is found between gender and strap materials. Another demographic variable, age, is divided into two sub-generations, Y and Z. However, this variable doesn’t yield big influence in determining consumers’ preference. This study aims to help wristwatch manufacturers to understand the true preferences of Indonesian consumers, thus a discussion on several managerial implications are also included. This study also suggests several directions for future research related to consumer preference.
The flux-reversal machine: a new brushless doubly-salient permanent-magnet machine

A new brushless doubly-salient permanent-magnet machine called the flux-reversal machine is described. Design, analysis, construction and experimental results for a prototype machine built as a single-phase, high-speed generator are presented. Qualitative comparisons are made with other types of brushless machines in its class, using the flux-MMF diagram technique. An elementary CAD program developed for designing flux-reversal machines and the associated drive electronics is also described.
Radiofrequency thermal ablation of the prostate: the TUNA technique.

Radiofrequency (RF) needle ablation has been developed for use in treating the symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. The transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) device permits accurate needle placement in the prostate and the RF generator has been designed to create reproducible lesions in prostate tissue. The procedure may be done on an outpatient basis using topical anesthesia only. Fifteen patients were studied prospectively as part of a Canadian multicenter trial. Significant improvements in peak flow (7.4-8.9 ml/s), A.U. A. Symptom Score (21-16) and Quality of Life score (4.6-3.1) have been documented in early follow-up, mirroring the improvements found in other series. The technique was well tolerated and resulted in a 20% retention rate. TUNA is a minimally invasive technique that has been shown to create lesions in the prostate and is suitable for outpatient application. Early results show a clinical effect. The ultimate indications and role for this technique will be established by randomized controlled study.
Malignant External Otitis With Multiple Cranial Nerve Palsies: The Use Of Hyperbaric Oxygen

Malignant (invasive) otitis externa is an infection involving the external ear canal primarily caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It may involve widespread areas of soft tissue around the skull base and in more advanced cases may give rise to osteomyelitis and cranial neuropathy. Elderly diabetics are at highest risk, but patients with malnutrition and immunosuppression are also susceptible. We report a case of malignant otitis externa complicated by cranial neuropathy and of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement, which was successfully treated by aggressive intravenous antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Dimensions affecting customer satisfaction in Indian retail banking: a qualitative perspective

Customer satisfaction is essential for long-term success. In this study the construct of customer satisfaction with respect to Indian retail banking is studied from a qualitative perspective. Grounded Theory, a tool for qualitative analysis was applied. Depth interviews and focus groups of Indian retail banking customers were conducted. The interviews and focus groups were analyzed based on Grounded Theory. Open coding of the data was done and memos were written to understand the phenomena. Concepts were generated from the phenomena. Index card sorting was applied to segregate the concepts into different categories and sub-categories. Axial coding was done to relate the different categories and sub-categories. Finally, selective coding was done to determine the central or core category. The concepts generated based on open coding would determine the dimensions which might affect customer satisfaction. The dimensions would help practitioners and banking professionals to understand customer satisfaction in Indian retail banking better.