This study traces the history of debutante presentations in Dallas, Texas, from 1884 to 1976. Manuscript materials, organizational collections, interviews, and published sources were used to document and establish past and present information. The problem is organized topically and treated in chronological order within each subject. The role of four bachelors' clubs, Idlewild, Terpsichorean, Calyx, and Dervish, is emphasized and the influence of a business known as Party Service is considered. The evidence gathered for this work suggests the following conclusions: that a complicated and lavish process has evolved, that the influence of heritage and family prominence has gradually eroded, that emphasis centers now on the recently financially successful families, and that despite these changes, the ritual of debutante presentations in Dallas remains strong.

This study investigates how chief executive officer narcissism impacts the organizations strategic decisions and outcomes. Rooted in the idea that the organization is a reflection of its top managers, I theorize that narcissistic chief executive officers may influence the decision process leading to corporate acquisitions. Furthermore, taking into account the Dotcom bubble and subprime-crash, research on merger waves is incorporated into the research framework as an outside of the organization effect impacting organizational outcomes. Using a sample of 116 acquisitions by 60 chief executive officers at public listed U.S. firms this is tested from 1994-2017. The results show little to no connection between chief executive officer narcissism and corporate acquisitions in total, international acquisitions or through truly large acquisitions. Though there is a positive connection between observable characteristics such as education and age influencing the decision to acquire firms. When comparing the sample of 116 acquisitions to a general market sample of 4379 acquisitions, a connection to merger wave theory is identified. / Denna studie undersöker hur verkställande direktör narcissism påverkar organisationens strategiska beslut och utfall. Med förankring i idén att organisationen är en reflektion av sina ledare, teoretiserar jag för hur narcissistiska verkställande direktörer kan influera beslutsprocessen som leder till företagsförvärv. Vidare, genom att ta i beaktning IT bubblan och finanskrisen, inkorporeras forskning om merger waves i det teoretiska ramverket som en extern faktor vilket påverkar organisatoriska utfall. Med ett urval av 116 uppköp av 60 verkställande direktörer på publika företag i USA testas detta under perioden 1994-2017. Resultatet visar lite till ingen koppling mellan narcissistiska verkställande direktörer och företagsförvärv vare sig totalt, internationella förvärv eller genom mycket stora förvärv. Däremot visar denna studie en koppling mellan observerbara egenskaper såsom utbildning och ålder påverkar beslutet att förvärva företag. När urvalet 116 förvärv jämförs med ett generellt marknadsurval på 4379 förvärv, påvisas det en koppling till merger wave teori.

Patient reported outcome (PRO) measurement of disability is integral to a patient-centered approach to health care and gauging the biopsychosocial impact of health conditions from the patient's perspective. This thesis investigates disability after proximal humerus, elbow and distal radius fractures; conditions that constitute a major burden in musculoskeletal health care and a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Disability is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Classification of Disability, Functioning and Health (ICF) as ‘a multi-dimensional construct involving a dynamic interaction between impairment, activity limitations and participation restrictions, that are influenced by contextual factors'. This international, consensus-based framework acts as a guide for the application of outcome measures in performing scientific research. The WHO ICF also considers other patient perspectives on health and health care systems, including patient experience and patient activation within the contextual factors component. Patient experience encompasses aspects such as satisfaction, expectation management and confidence with care, and is measured using a variety of scales and questionnaires. Patient activation relates to 'the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing their own health and health care'. This concept is quantified using patient activation measures (PAMs). The overarching goal of this thesis is to identify the most influential factors predicting disability after proximal humerus, elbow and distal radius fractures. This work also aimed to define the relationship between disability, experience and activation to inform the development of a patient-centred approach to managing these challenging injuries. The first systematic review highlights the dominance of psychosocial factors in influencing disability associated with a range of upper extremity conditions. Few studies have assessed this relationship in specific trauma populations. The second review underlines the paucity of upper extremity PRO measures incorporating fracture populations in their original development. It also reports the highly variable quality of initial studies introducing these measures. The final review demonstrates the superior measurement properties of computer adaptive tests (CATs), a contemporary form of PRO measurement, over fixed-scale instruments. Few studies apply CATs in trauma and few have been performed outside the U.S. These reviews collectively informed the selection of PRO measures for the experimental studies in this thesis. Firstly, a pilot study establishes a methodology for addressing the key objectives and the feasibility of using a web-based platform for measuring patient outcomes. Strong correlation between PROMIS Physical function CAT, a computer adaptive measure of physical function, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), a region-specific, fixed scale is observed. The core experiment (n=734) expands upon this work and demonstrates correlations between a range of generic and region-specific measures in an upper extremity trauma population. Disability is shown to correlate with satisfaction, and the strength of this correlation increases over time. Applying PRO measures of disability in populations with shoulder, elbow and wrist fractures show that self-efficacy (i.e. coping ability) within 6 weeks of injury was the strongest predictor of medium-term disability at 6-9 months. In proximal humerus and elbow fractures, kinesiophobia (i.e. fear of movement) within a week of injury was also a strong predictor of disability. The final study concludes that greater patient activation is associated with greater health-related and experiential outcomes. However, psychosocial factors including self-efficacy, superseded activation in predicting disability and satisfaction. This thesis contributes evidence for musculoskeletal health care professionals (HCPs) to consider specific psychosocial factors, such as coping abilities, and patient activation early in the recovery process to improve disability following these injuries.

As principais desordens dos membros superiores e cervical (CANS - Complaints of arms, neck and shoulders) podem ser definidas como queixas musculoesqueléticas nas regiões de membro superior, ombro e pescoço não atribuídas a trauma agudo ou a desordens sistêmicas. Essas desordens são comuns entre trabalhadores usuários de computador. O Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) é uma das poucas ferramentas existentes na literatura para avaliação de risco ergonômico e psicossocial em trabalhadores, além da vantagem de ser específico para usuários de computador, porém não está validado no português-brasileiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar a adaptação transcultural para o português-brasileiro e validação do MUEQ em trabalhadores de escritório usuários de computador e verificar a prevalência das CANS na amostra recrutada. A tradução e adaptação transcultural seguiram as diretrizes do Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments nos estágios: tradução, síntese, retrotradução, revisão pelo comitê de especialistas e pré-teste. Na etapa do teste da versão pré-final, foram aplicados 55 questionários em trabalhadores usuários de computador, que relataram dificuldades de compreensão abaixo do valor estipulado de 20%, não sendo necessária a reformulação da ferramenta. Para testar a confiabilidade, outros 50 sujeitos preencheram o questionário, em dois momentos, com nível de reprodutibilidade considerado excelente (ICC>0,75). A amostra para a análise da consistência interna e análise fatorial do questionário contou com 386 trabalhadores usuários de computador de mesa entre 18 e 60 anos. Para a consistência interna foram observados valores de de Cronbach maiores que 0,7 para todos os domínios. Na análise fatorial os domínios/subdomínios apresentaram valores de eigenvalue superiores a 1 e os valores de variância explicada acumulada dos fatores de cada domínio variou entre 40% e 60%. A prevalência das CANS nos últimos três meses por pelo menos uma semana foi de 73,32% (IC=0,69-0,77) na amostra total (n=283) e 82% (IC=0,76-0,87) das mulheres e 62% (IC=0,55-0,69) dos homens relataram alguma das CANS. Os domínios foram mantidos iguais à versão original do MUEQ. A queixa musculoesquelética mais observada foi a dor no pescoço (51%). A partir deste trabalho disponibilizou-se um instrumento abrangente e confiável para a avaliação ergonômica e psicossocial relacionado às queixas em cervical e membro superior em trabalhadores usuários de computador brasileiros e foi observada alta prevalência de CANS na população observada. / Complaints of the Arm, Neck and Shoulder (CANS) have a multifactorial etiology, and, therefore, its assessment should take into consideration work-related ergonomic and psychosocial aspects. The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) is among the few specific tools available to evaluate the nature and occurrence of CANS in computer office workers. The purpose of the present study was to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the MUEQ to Brazilian Portuguese and verify the psychometric properties of the MUEQ-Br in Brazilian computer office workers and to assess the prevalence of CANS in a sample of Brazilian computer office workers. The translation and cultural adaptation followed the guidelines of the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments in six stages: translation, synthesis, back translation, review by the expert committee, pre-test and submission of documents to the committee. In the test of pre-final version, 55 questionnaires were administered to computer workers who reported difficulties in understanding below the stipulated 20%, without the need for redesign of the tool. The pre-final version test counted on the participation of 55 computer office workers. For reproducibility, it was considered a sample of 50 workers who answered the questionnaire twice with a one-week interval. A sample comprised by 386 (37.44 years, Confidence Interval (CI) 95%:36.50-38.38, 216 women and 170 men) workers from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto campus to validate the structure of the questionnaire, verify internal consistency and CANS prevalence. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for the statistical analysis of reproducibility, Cronbachs Alpha for Internal Consistency, and the Principal Component Analysis method for Exploratory Factor Analysis. The psychometric properties of the MUEQ were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, which revealed 14 factors. The calculation of internal consistency, reproducibility and cross validation provided evidence of reliability and lack of redundancy. It was verified ICC values greater than 0.75 and cronbachs alpha greater than 0.7. Factor analysis was conducted for every section of the questionnaire and 14 factors were found, two for each section accounting for approximately 40 to 60% of the variance. The prevalence rate of CANS indicated that 73% (IC=0,69-0,77) of the respondents reported at least one complaint in the arm, neck and/or shoulder in the total sample (n=283), 82% (IC=0,76-0,87) of the women and 62% IC=0,55-0,69) of the men. The highest prevalence rates were found for neck symptoms (51%). The MUEQ-Br demonstrated to be a valid tool for the assessment of risk factors related to pain in the upper extremity among Brazilian computer office workers.

Cette étude se concentre sur la caractérisation des blocs-H préservés dans les marges de type « upper plate ». L’approche terre-mer a permis de diviser l’architecture crustale d’une « upper plate » en trois terrasses et deux zones d’escarpement, possédant leurs propres architectures crustales et stratigraphiques. Les limites de terrasses sont liées à des changements dans les modes d’extensions et définissent des points majeurs. Dans les Alpes il apparait que les principales structures Alpines correspondent à la réactivation des zones d’escarpements ou des failles de détachement. La collision finale est contrôlée par la présence des butoirs pouvant coïncider avec la zone de necking et le point de couplage de la marge de rift. La comparaison entre les observations de terrain et l’imagerie à l’échelle crustale, a permis d’intégrer plus de détails géologiques dans les observations sismique. / This study focused on the characterization of so called “H-blocks” recorded in upper plate. The onshore-offshore approach used in this study enabled to characterize and divide the crustal architecture of upper plate margins in three terraces and two ramps, characterized by diagnostic structural and stratigraphic features. Limits of terraces and location of ramps are considered to coincide with changes in the mode of extension and to define major limits/points. It appears that major Alpine structures result from the reactivation of former ramps or extensional detachment faults. Final collision appears to be controlled by the presence of strong buttresses that may coincide with the necking zone/coupling point of the former margin. The comparison of the different datasets ranging from field outcrops to seismic sections enables integrate more detailed geological observations in seismic observations.

Cette thèse a pour ambition de contribuer à la reconstitution de la géographie religieuse et de l'histoire des XVIIe et XVIIIe provinces de Haute-Égypte, provinces communément désignées par l'appellation « nome cynopolite » à partir de l'époque ptolémaïque. Fondée sur une analyse diachronique des sources épigraphiques égyptiennes issues des domaines sacré et profane, son principal objectif est de déterminer à quel moment ces deux provinces ont fusionné, mais aussi d'appréhender le rôle joué par Hardaï, la Cynopolis des Grecs, dans cette modification territoriale. L'examen de la toponymie et des traditions cultuelles locales associé à une étude prosopographique des individus ayant œuvré dans les XVIIe et XVIIIe provinces de Haute-Égypte permettent ainsi d'éclaircir ces faits afin de mieux retracer l'histoire mouvementée de cette région. / This thesis aims to contribute to the reconstruction of the sacred geography and history of the XVIIth and XVIIIth provinces of Upper Egypt commonly referred to as « Cynopolite nome » from the Ptolemaic period. Based on a diachronic analysis of the Egyptian epigraphic sources from the sacred and profane realms, its main purpose is to determine when these two provinces have merged but also to understand the role played by Hardaï, the Greek Cynopolis, in this territorial change. The examination of toponymy and local religious traditions together with a prosopographical study of individual office-holders in the XVIIth and XVIIIth provinces of Upper Egypt enable us to clarify these facts in order to better trace the eventful history of this region.

With the ongoing globalization and changes in the economic environment, organizations need to be flexible and adaptable towards new situations and opportunities. In a context where firms strategically reach across national borders, firms are encountering differing cultural backgrounds. Multinational corporations (MNCs) are confronted with the question of how to fill executive positions. The need for employees with international expertise arises to reap the advantage of nationality diversity by matching the complexity of the global environment with the right level of board capital. Such firm managers must work in increasingly international contexts and cross-cultural environments. Scholars have regarded diversity as an essential element that helps organizations and their executives to deal with uncertainties arising from globalization. (Koles 2014). The top executives of an organization are regarded as an essential criterion for firm´s success. Top managers have considerable influence over the fate of the organizations they lead. These trends have led to increasing instability in classic employment relationships and show greater diversity and mobility within organizational and occupational boundaries (Dokko/Wilk/Rothbard 2009; Greenhaus/Callanan 2012; Biemann/Zacher/Feldman 2012; Koch et al. 2017). This dissertation further aims at advancing our empirical understanding of top managers diversity, internationalisation and their careers. The three research manuscripts that form the core of this thesis advance research on top managers in several ways and extend knowledge in the area of executive characteristics. All three manuscripts are anchored in the European context and address topics that are relevant yet underexplored in extant, mostly centred in the US and Western economies top management literature (Tosi/Greckhamer 2004; Carter et al. 2009; Boyd et al. 2012; Dauth 2012).

Bakgrund: Kvinnors väg till toppositioner inom näringslivet kantas av fler hinder än deras manliga motsvarigheter. En anledning kan vara de antaganden som finns kring kvinnors riskundvikande. Liknande antaganden finns även när det kommer till ålder och ämbetstid i beslutsfattande positioner. Det strategiska risktagandet är ett resultat av det strategiska beslutsfattande styrelser och ledningsgrupper utför, varpå intresse finns i att se om samband råder mellan variablerna eller om antagandena är felaktiga. Syfte: Studiens syfte är att få ökad förståelse för relationen mellan ledningsgruppens och styrelsens sammansättning och bolags strategiska risktagande. Metod: Det är en kvantitativ metod som appliceras på studien med en deduktiv ansats. Teorierna som behandlas är Prospect theory, Social identity approach och Upper echelons. Datainsamlingen utgår från nyckeltal från respektive bolags årsredovisningar och Infotorg Företag. Resultat: Alla hypoteser förkastas och slutsatsen blir därför att kvinnor, ålder och styrelsens respektive ledningsgruppens ämbetstid inte har något specifikt inflytande på det strategiskt risktagande då det inte hittades några samband för detta. / Background: Women's path to top positions in organisations is lined with more obstacles than their male counterparts. One reason may be the assumptions that exist about women's risk avoidance. Similar assumptions also exist when it comes to age and tenure in decision-making positions. The strategic risk-taking is a result of the strategic decision-making boards and top management teams carry out, whereupon there is interest in seeing if there is a connection between the variables or if the assumptions are false. Purpose: The study aims to gain an increased understanding of the relationship between the composition of the board of directors and the top management team, and companies' strategic risk-taking. Method: It is a quantitative method that is applied to the study with a deductive approach. The theories covered are Prospect theory, Social identity approach and Upper echelons. The data collection is based on key figures from each company's annual reports and Infotorg Företag. Conclusion: All hypotheses are rejected and the conclusion is therefore that women, age and the term of office of the board and management team have no specific influence on the strategic risk-taking as no connection was found for this.

Resultatjustering är ett hot mot trovärdigheten i den finansiella rapporteringen, och är ett ämne som erhållit mycket uppmärksamhet i tidigare forskning. Dock domineras den tidigare forskningen av studier på publika bolag, trots att det givits indikationer på att resultatjustering förekommer mer i en privat kontext. Under senare år har det dessutom framkommit att redovisningsval kan förklaras utifrån ledande befattningshavares individuella karaktärsdrag, förenligt med upper echelons theory. En förutsättning för resultatjustering är således att upprättaren av redovisningen är benägen till det. Förekommandet av resultatjustering i de finansiella rapporterna är utöver en benägenhet från upprättaren även beroende av revisorns förmåga att förhindra det. Eftersom forskning saknas i en svensk privat kontext, finns ett behov av en ökad förståelse om situationer utsatta för resultatjustering både från upprättarens och revisorns perspektiv. Studiens resultat indikerar att resultatjustering förekommer mindre i de svenska privata bolag som drivs av en gift VD. Därtill antyder resultatet att resultatjustering förekommer mindre i de svenska privata bolag som revideras av en kvinnlig revisor, samt i de svenska privata bolag som betalar ett högre revisionsarvode. / Earnings management is a reliability threat in financial reporting, and is a subject which has gained considerable attention in previous research. However, most previous research has focused on public companies, even though indications has been given that earnings management is more prominent in private companies. In recent studies, choices of accounting methods have also showed to be explained by characteristics of the top management, consistent with upper echelons theory. Hence, a precondition for earnings management to occur is a willingness by the accountor to implement it. Besides this willingness, earnings management is affected by the auditor’s ability to prevent it. Due to the empirical gap in a Swedish private context, there is a need for increased understanding of conditions where earnings management tends to occur, both from the perspective of the accountor and the auditor. The study ́s result indicates that earnings management is less present in Swedish private companies with a married CEO. The result further suggests that earnings management is less present in Swedish private companies audited by a female auditor, and in Swedish private companies paying a higher audit fee.

This paper examines three English teachers’ attitudes towards teaching pronunciation. The teachers involved are teachers at upper-secondary level in Sweden. The study is based on a qualitative method, since the research involves collecting data to understand opinions and experiences. The data in this study are collected through semi-structured interviews to analyze teachers’ attitudes. All of the three teachers agreed on their students having good pronunciation and mentioned different sounds as pronunciation difficulties that are problematic for their students. Furthermore, the three teachers expressed that they avoid correcting their students most of the time, however, when the teachers correct their students, they usually use a corrective method that can be interpreted as implicit feedback. Earlier research has shown that explicit feedback is the most effective method to use in a teaching environment to make it possible for students to improve their pronunciation.