Ageing workers in SMEs and the influence on corporate’s internationalization

The „Ageing of Europe‟ phenomenon is related to a higher life expectancy of European inhabitants as well as to decreasing fertility and mortality rates. Those developments affect small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) because the number of older workers in SMEs is increasing too. Our research investigates whether older workers support corporation‟s internationalization. The research was conducted in SMEs in Germany, the Netherlands and United Kingdom by using a mixed method approach (questionnaires and interviews). Respondents provided us with 62 filled questionnaires and results of six semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed by simply searching for answer patterns. Findings revealed that older workers remain professional to keep international relationships running although older workers show less developed language skills, cultural awareness and flexibility. In the future, SMEs in Europe should offer trainings for older workers in foreign languages, how to work in an international environment and how to increase cultural difference awareness

Validation of a low dose simulation technique for computed tomography images.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of a new software tool for generation of simulated low-dose computed tomography (CT) images from an original higher dose scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Original CT scan data (100 mAs, 80 mAs, 60 mAs, 40 mAs, 20 mAs, 10 mAs; 100 kV) of a swine were acquired (approved by the regional governmental commission for animal protection). Simulations of CT acquisition with a lower dose (simulated 10-80 mAs) were calculated using a low-dose simulation algorithm. The simulations were compared to the originals of the same dose level with regard to density values and image noise. Four radiologists assessed the realistic visual appearance of the simulated images. RESULTS: Image characteristics of simulated low dose scans were similar to the originals. Mean overall discrepancy of image noise and CT values was -1.2% (range -9% to 3.2%) and -0.2% (range -8.2% to 3.2%), respectively, p>0.05. Confidence intervals of discrepancies ranged between 0.9-10.2 HU (noise) and 1.9-13.4 HU (CT values), without significant differences (p>0.05). Subjective observer evaluation of image appearance showed no visually detectable difference. CONCLUSION: Simulated low dose images showed excellent agreement with the originals concerning image noise, CT density values, and subjective assessment of the visual appearance of the simulated images. An authentic low-dose simulation opens up opportunity with regard to staff education, protocol optimization and introduction of new techniques

Time flow of CT scans at different dose levels.

<p>First, all native scans were performed. Afterwards, contrast enhanced scans were acquired, in a random order of the different dose levels. There was a gap of 30 minutes between the scans. 100 mAs scan ( =  base of the simulations) was achieved twice in order to minimize discrepancies between originals and simulations caused by differences in contrast accumulation.</p

Differences of the mean and confidence interval for noise (a) and CT values (b) for bone, fat, fluid, lung, and muscle at different dose levels.

<p>Differences of the mean and confidence interval for noise (a) and CT values (b) for bone, fat, fluid, lung, and muscle at different dose levels.</p

Image noise for different anatomical regions in original and simulated images at different dose levels.

<p>There were no significant differences between originals and simulations (p>0.05).</p><p>Image noise for different anatomical regions in original and simulated images at different dose levels.</p

Coronal reformations with lung window settings (left side) showed similar image appearance of the lungs in simulated (right column) and original (left column) images.

<p>Simulated (right column) versus original (left column) images of the abdomen in transverse orientation are shown in the middle part. Image noise and streak artifacts are increased in lower dose images without visually detectable differences between original and simulated images. Also the simulated (right column) and original (left column) reformations of the abdomen including the kidneys in coronal orientation matched closely (right side).</p

Subjective image evaluation.

<p>The total of 160 images (80 original and 80 simulated) were presented to four radiologists. The four possible combinations of image type (original or simulation) and image rating (original and simulation) showed similar percentages of about 25% (range 24.5%–28.8%), suggesting a subjective rating by random.</p><p>Subjective image evaluation.</p