Hvilke metoder brukes i rekruttering og hvor strategiske er disse? En casestudie av 6 virksomheter i Rogaland

For å besvare problemstillingen er det utført dybdeintervjuer med seks representanter fra virksomheter innen IT og olje og gass. I tillegg er det gjennomført en kort, digital spørreundersøkelse for å kartlegge harde data. Funnene i studien viser flere likhetstrekk i hvordan virksomhetene utfører sine rekrutteringsprosesser. Et sentralt skille finner vi derimot mellom virksomhetene innen olje/gass og virksomhetene innen IT. Blant IT-bedriftene ser vi også et skille mellom de veletablerte virksomhetene og de som har etablert seg i markedet de siste fem årene. Hovedfunnet viser at mange av virksomhetene har kommet langt i å etablere kompliserte systemer for rekruttering. Samtidig er det flere av virksomhetene som kan dra nytte av å formalisere prosessene sine ytterligere og legge ned mer arbeid i planleggingen og forarbeidet av rekruttering.In-depth interviews have been conducted with six representatives from companies within IT and oil and gas. In addition, a short, digital survey was conducted to map hard data. The findings of the study show several similarities in how companies carry out their recruitment processes. On the other hand, we find a key difference between the companies within oil / gas and the companies within IT. Among the IT companies, we also see a difference between the well-established companies and those that have established themselves in the market over the past five years. The main findings show that many of the companies have come a long way in establishing complicated systems for recruitment. At the same time, there are several of the companies that can benefit from further formalizing their processes and putting more work into the planning and preparation of recruitment

Development of MRI techniques for the assessment of chronic kidney disease

It is well established that patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are more susceptible to develop cardiovascular disease in comparison to the healthy population. This thesis aims to develop and apply MRI techniques to assess the human heart and kidney in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to inform on structure, function, perfusion and blood flow, without the need for ionizing radiation. In order to assess blood flow using MRI, gadolinium based contrast agents are often used. Patients with compromised kidney function are contraindicated to these contrast agents and so it is necessary to develop imaging techniques that can be used without a contrast agent. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is an MRI technique that provides a non-contrast enhanced method to assess tissue perfusion using the intrinsic signal from the water in the body. ASL is now becoming a well-established technique in the brain, however applications of ASL in the body are currently limited. In this work, a cardiac ASL technique is developed using a modified Look-Locker scheme to study the myocardium of the heart. This technique is then applied in patients with CKD Stage 3 and age-matched healthy control subjects to assess the changes in myocardial perfusion during a handgrip exercise challenge. MRI measurements of cardiac index and stroke volume index, global and regional contractile function (myocardial strain), coronary artery flow and myocardial perfusion using ASL are applied to assess changes in cardiac function in CKD Stage 5 patients during dialysis treatment. The measures are performed in a randomised design to assess the cardiovascular effects in patients undergoing both haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration. Finally, a comparison of 2D readout schemes for renal ASL is performed. Gradient and spin echo based readout schemes for multi-slice ASL of the kidney at 3 T are evaluated and directly compared in terms of temporal SNR, image SNR, spatial coverage, perfusion quantification and variability across slices/subjects. This work aims to determine the optimal readout scheme for pulsed ASL (PASL) of the kidneys at 3 T in healthy volunteers with normal renal function. In future work this could be applied to patients with compromised renal function where a robust imaging technique is needed. Finally, a summary of the key findings of this thesis and an outline of the potential future directions of this work is provided

The vitality, adulteration and impurities of Clover, Alfalfa and Timothy seed for sale in Iowa in 1906.

Clover and timothy are the most important hay crops grown in Iowa. The census of 1905 gives the area devoted to the growing of red clover in the state as 237,309 acres; of timothy as 3,642,424 acres. These figures do not Include the area devoted to minor clover crops such as alsike and white clover. It may be said, however, that only a small area in the state is devoted to the growing of the former. The white clover crop covers a much larger area than any other of the leguminous plants. It is, however, seldom sown as a forage crop, but it is largely spontaneous in pastures. Borne seasons it is abundant and in others it Constitutes only a small part of the forage in pastures. In addition to its use for this purpose it is sown in lawns as a nurse crop. Alfalfa is cultivated only to a limited extent in Iowa; the area thus devoted is not ascertainable, but is small. The demand for alfalfa seed is continually increasing, largely because of the success attending its cultivation in suitable soils and locations. This success has induced a large number of farmers to try it in an experimental way

Development of MRI techniques for the assessment of chronic kidney disease

It is well established that patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are more susceptible to develop cardiovascular disease in comparison to the healthy population. This thesis aims to develop and apply MRI techniques to assess the human heart and kidney in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to inform on structure, function, perfusion and blood flow, without the need for ionizing radiation. In order to assess blood flow using MRI, gadolinium based contrast agents are often used. Patients with compromised kidney function are contraindicated to these contrast agents and so it is necessary to develop imaging techniques that can be used without a contrast agent. Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is an MRI technique that provides a non-contrast enhanced method to assess tissue perfusion using the intrinsic signal from the water in the body. ASL is now becoming a well-established technique in the brain, however applications of ASL in the body are currently limited. In this work, a cardiac ASL technique is developed using a modified Look-Locker scheme to study the myocardium of the heart. This technique is then applied in patients with CKD Stage 3 and age-matched healthy control subjects to assess the changes in myocardial perfusion during a handgrip exercise challenge. MRI measurements of cardiac index and stroke volume index, global and regional contractile function (myocardial strain), coronary artery flow and myocardial perfusion using ASL are applied to assess changes in cardiac function in CKD Stage 5 patients during dialysis treatment. The measures are performed in a randomised design to assess the cardiovascular effects in patients undergoing both haemodialysis and haemodiafiltration. Finally, a comparison of 2D readout schemes for renal ASL is performed. Gradient and spin echo based readout schemes for multi-slice ASL of the kidney at 3 T are evaluated and directly compared in terms of temporal SNR, image SNR, spatial coverage, perfusion quantification and variability across slices/subjects. This work aims to determine the optimal readout scheme for pulsed ASL (PASL) of the kidneys at 3 T in healthy volunteers with normal renal function. In future work this could be applied to patients with compromised renal function where a robust imaging technique is needed. Finally, a summary of the key findings of this thesis and an outline of the potential future directions of this work is provided

Young adults with chronic kidney disease: an exploration of their relationships and support networks

Background: Young people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a number of key issues and life changes to manage while also possibly transitioning into adult care. During this time, the nature of their support networks including, social, romantic, family and health care relationships, is changing.Objective: To explore these young people's experience and perceptions of their past, current and future relationships and support networks.Design: Qualitative study.Participants and Methods : Fourteen young adults (8 male, 6 female, aged 18–26 years) with CKD Stages 3–5 participated. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in order to explore the relationships (friends, family and partners) of young adults with CKD at two UK NHS hospitals. These were transcribed and thematically analysed.Results: There were four themes identified. ‘Disclosure—To tell or not to tell?’ identified the challenges young adults face when disclosing their condition to friends and prospective partners. ‘Managing support networks’ showed that participants appreciated support from other young adults with CKD but also desired just ‘being normal’ with their friends. While family support is still significant and much appreciated, some young adults also found it harder to develop their independence. ‘Relationship strains and carer needs’ highlights the impact of CKD on all relationships. Participants were also aware of the needs of their ‘carers’. In ‘Happy ever after?’ young adults expressed concerns about meeting a partner and having children.Conclusions: Young adults with CKD need support in helping them manage new and existing relationships, at a time where relationships are taking on different forms and significance. Moreover, support needs for young adults extend beyond the patient, to those who support them; support services need to reflect this

Evaluation of 2D Imaging Schemes for Pulsed Arterial Spin Labeling of the Human Kidney Cortex

Purpose A number of imaging readout schemes have been proposed for renal arterial spin labelling (ASL) to quantify kidney cortex perfusion, including gradient echo based methods of balanced fast field echo (bFFE) and gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI), or spin echo based schemes of spin-echo echo planar imaging (SE-EPI) and turbo spin-echo (TSE). Here, we compare these 2D imaging schemes to evaluate the optimal imaging scheme for pulsed ASL (PASL) assessment of human kidney cortex perfusion at 3 T.MethodsTen healthy volunteers with normal renal function were scanned using each 2D multislice imaging scheme, in combination with a respiratory triggered FAIR (flow-sensitive alternating inversion recovery) ASL scheme on a 3T Philips Achieva scanner. All volunteers returned for a second identical scan session within two weeks of the first scan session. Comparisons were made between the imaging schemes in terms of perfusion weighted image (PWI) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and perfusion quantification, temporal SNR (tSNR), spatial coverage, and repeatability.Results:For each imaging scheme, renal cortex perfusion was calculated (bFFE: 276 ± 29 ml/100g/min, GE-EPI: 222 ± 18 ml/100g/min, SE-EPI: 201 ± 36 ml/100g/min, TSE: 200 ± 20 ml/100g/min). Perfusion was found to be higher for GE based readouts compared to SE based readouts, with significantly higher measured perfusion for the bFFE readout compared to all other schemes (P < 0.05), attributed to the greater vascular signal present. Despite the PWI-SNR being significantly lower for SE-EPI compared to all other schemes (P < 0.05), the SE-EPI readout gave the highest tSNR and was found to be the most reproducible scheme for the assessment of kidney cortex, with a CoV of 17.2%, whilst minimizing variability of the perfusion weighted signal across slices for whole kidney perfusion assessment.ConclusionFor the assessment of kidney cortex perfusion using 2D readout schemes, SE-EPI provides optimal tSNR, minimal variability across slices and repeatable data acquired in a short scan time with low specific absorption rate

Sodium MRI: a new frontier in imaging in nephrology

Purpose of review This review focuses on the recent technological advances in quantitative sodium (23Na) MRI to provide a noninvasive measure of tissue viability for use in clinical studies of patients with kidney disease. 23Na MRI is the only non-invasive imaging technique that allows for the absolute spatial quantification of tissue sodium concentration (TSC), providing assessment of the corticomedullary sodium gradient (CMSG) in the kidney, and allowing measures of TSC in the skin and muscle. Recent findings 23Na MRI of the kidney has demonstrated the sensitivity to measure the CMSG, providing the normal range in healthy subjects and demonstrating a reduction in CMSG in kidney disease and transplanted kidneys. Studies using 23Na and 1H MRI have shown that in humans skeletal muscle and skin can store sodium without water retention, and that sodium concentrations in muscle and skin increase with advancing age. Recent studies have shown that TSC can be mobilised during haemodialysis, and that skin sodium content links closely to left ventricular mass in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease. Summary 23Na MRI is currently a research technique, but with future advances, 23Na MRI has potential to become a noninvasive renal biomarker to measure tissue sodium storage for clinical studies

Intradialytic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to assess cardiovascular responses in a short-term trial of hemodiafiltration and hemodialysis

Hemodynamic stress during hemodialysis (HD) results in recurrent segmental ischemic injury (myocardial stunning) that drives cumulative cardiac damage. We performed a fully comprehensive study of the cardiovascular effect of dialysis sessions using intradialytic cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the comparative acute effects of standard HD versus hemodiafiltration (HDF) in stable patients. We randomly allocated 12 patients on HD (ages 32–72 years old) to either HD or HDF. Patients were stabilized on a modality for 2 weeks before undergoing serial cardiac MRI assessment during dialysis. Patients then crossed over to the other modality and were rescanned after 2 weeks. Cardiac MRI measurements included cardiac index, stroke volume index, global and regional contractile function (myocardial strain), coronary artery flow, andmyocardial perfusion. Patients had mean6SEMultrafiltration rates of 3.862.9 ml/kg per hour during HD and 4.462.5 ml/kg per hour during HDF (P=0.29), and both modalities provided a similar degree of cooling. All measures of systolic contractile function fell during HD and HDF, with partial recovery after dialysis. All patients experienced some degree of segmental left ventricular dysfunction, with severity proportional to ultrafiltration rate and BP reduction. Myocardial perfusion decreased significantly during HD and HDF. Treatment modality did not influence any of the cardiovascular responses to dialysis. In conclusion, in this randomized, crossover study, there was no significant difference in the cardiovascular response to HDF or HD with cooled dialysate as assessed with intradialytic MRI

Quantitative assessment of renal structural and functional changes in chronic kidney disease using multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND:Multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides the potential for a more comprehensive non-invasive assessment of organ structure and function than individual MRI measures, but has not previously been comprehensively evaluated in chronic kidney disease (CKD).METHODS:We performed multi-parametric renal MRI in persons with CKD (n = 22, 61 ± 24 years) who had a renal biopsy and measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR), and matched healthy volunteers (HV) (n = 22, 61 ± 25 years). Longitudinal relaxation time (T1), diffusion-weighted imaging, renal blood flow (phase contrast MRI), cortical perfusion (arterial spin labelling) and blood-oxygen-level-dependent relaxation rate (R2*) were evaluated.RESULTS:MRI evidenced excellent reproducibility in CKD (coefficient of variation

The characteristics of cognitive neuroscience tests in a schizophrenia cognition clinical trial: Psychometric properties and correlations with standard measures.

In comparison to batteries of standard neuropsychological tests, cognitive neuroscience tests may offer a more specific assessment of discrete neurobiological processes that may be aberrant in schizophrenia. However, more information regarding psychometric properties and correlations with standard neuropsychological tests and functional measures is warranted to establish their validity as treatment outcome measures. The N-back and AX-Continuous Performance Task (AX-CPT) are two promising cognitive neuroscience tests designed to measure specific components of working memory and contextual processing respectively. In the current study, we report the psychometric properties of multiple outcome measures from these two tests as well as their correlations with standard neuropsychological measures and functional capacity measures. The results suggest that while the AX-CPT and N-back display favorable psychometric properties, they do not exhibit greater sensitivity or specificity with functional measures than standard neurocognitive tests