This thesis analyses the process in which Guatemalan migrants transit through Mexico towards the United States, emphasizing the role played by the financial, human and social capital, and taking... Show moreThis thesis analyses the process in which Guatemalan migrants transit through Mexico towards the United States, emphasizing the role played by the financial, human and social capital, and taking into account the differences in gender and ethnicity. The specific objectives are i) to examine the social demographic profiles and trends of the migrants; ii) to estimate their numeric dimension; iii) to explore the impact of the policy of migration control applied by the Mexican government; iv) to estimate the effect of the vulnerability and poverty levels with respect to the probability of overcoming the transit stage; v) to know who are more exposed to face risks and under what circumstances; vi) to investigate human rights violations and violence experienced by migrants; vii) to analyze the differences in the possession and use of the financial, human and social capital that depend on gender and ethnicity. A methodological triangulation was performed, using quantitative data from the microdata obtained in the Encuesta sobre Migración en Frontera Guatemala-México (EMIF Sur) and the American Community Survey (ACS), among others; as well as qualitative data from interviewed migrants who passed through Mexico. Show less
This thesis evaluates the benefit and safety of the treatment of painful long-standing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with percutaneous vertebroplasty. In addition, benefit and safety... Show moreThis thesis evaluates the benefit and safety of the treatment of painful long-standing osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures with percutaneous vertebroplasty. In addition, benefit and safety were investigated for specific treatment indications, risk factors for the occurrence of the two most common adverse events were identified and methods for optimization of the timing and execution of the procedure were explored. Show less
Throughout this research the focus has been on unraveling of the factors and relations that link different aspects of collaborative workflow to strategic performance management. However, the same... Show moreThroughout this research the focus has been on unraveling of the factors and relations that link different aspects of collaborative workflow to strategic performance management. However, the same issues that applied to strategic performance management of supply chains also apply to other areas of strategic performance in business. The following (to be - tested) recommendations, organized along the lines of the "expected managerial contributions" therefore apply both to strategic performance management of supply chains and other strategic business processes. a) The SPI (Strategic Performance Inhibitor) Model will enable an integrated approach to (i) Problem structuring (ii) Problem solving and (iii) Learning for managers on potential threats and problem to strategic performance of supply chains. b) The SPI classification will provide a systematic and structured manner of communicating and addressing potential problems and risk to strategic performance of supply chains. Once classified, each class will have its own type of impact on strategic performance of supply chains and consequently the resolution for it. c) Collaborative Workflow will enable inventory (i.e. right quantity at the right time and right place) to be substitutes by Information (i.e. the right information at the right time and the right place) resulting in cost reduction. Show less
Surgery always concerns the balance of risk and benefit. Both risk and benefit can vary immensely among patients. Outcome and prognosis are determined by several patient, tumour and treatment... Show moreSurgery always concerns the balance of risk and benefit. Both risk and benefit can vary immensely among patients. Outcome and prognosis are determined by several patient, tumour and treatment characteristics. In order to achieve the best possible outcomes for colorectal cancer patients, detailed and objective information on risk profiles is indispensible. For the individual patient it should guide clinical judgment and the administration of tailored care. On a hospital or population level knowledge of risk factors can lead to adjusted (better tailored) treatment protocols and better information on case mix influences adding to an improved care for colorectal cancer patients. Show less
