ABSTRACT It is unknown whether heterogeneity in effects of self-management interventions in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be explained by differences in programme characteristics. This study aimed to identify which characteristics of COPD self-management interventions are …

This dissertation is focused on the relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation in light of the recent developments in Ukraine. The research provides evidence on the relations between these parties, keeping the dissolution of the Soviet Union in mind. It looks at various theories …

Coltan is a rare mineral which is mined, both legally and illegally, at Congolese dig sites at the expense of the wellbeing of coltan miners. This dissertation provides an understanding on the living and working conditions of the Congolese coltan miners and the relation of coltan to armed conflict in …

Corporate social responsibility, particularly in the field of the apparel industry, is subject to lots of discussion. Several tragedies have led to a growing concern with regard to the impact of the fashion industry on the environment. The apparel industry needs to find a balance between taking responsibility …

Background The caesarean delivery (CD) rate has risen in most countries over the last decades, but it remains relatively low in the Netherlands. Our objective was to analyse the trends of CD rates in various subgroups of women between 2000 and 2010, and identify the practice pattern that is attributable …

Background: In general people after stroke do not meet the recommendations for physical activity to conduct a healthy lifestyle. Programs to stimulate walking activity to increase physical activity are based on the available insights into barriers and facilitators to physical activity after stroke. However, …

A report showing the experience and lessons learned from the knowledge workplace in Emmen established to generate and disseminate knowledge pertaining to the region. This instrument was a forerunner of the innovation workplaces being used today.

Based on a survey of 162 respondents, interviews with H.J. Heinz employees and a literature review, this thesis aims to answer the question: ‘How should H.J. Heinz translate the Dutch consumer preferences in their Heinz Tomato Ketchup product format rationalization?’ Following a reorganization and a …

Motivation: Unambiguous sequence variant descriptions are important in reporting the outcome of clinical diagnostic DNA tests. The standard nomenclature of the Human Genome Variation Society (HGVS) describes the observed variant sequence relative to a given reference sequence. We propose an efficient …

Background: Improved preferred gait speed in older adults is associated with increased survival rates. There are inconsistent findings in clinical trials regarding effects of exercise on preferred gait speed, and heterogeneity in interventions in the current reviews and meta-analyses. Objective: to determine …