Migratory fish populations have experienced great declines, and considerable effort have been put into reducing stressors, such as chemical pollution and physical barriers. However, the importance... Show moreMigratory fish populations have experienced great declines, and considerable effort have been put into reducing stressors, such as chemical pollution and physical barriers. However, the importance of natural sounds as an information source and potential problems caused by noise pollution remain largely unexplored. The spatial distribution of sound sources and variation in propagation characteristics could provide migratory fish with acoustic cues about habitat suitability, predator presence, food availability and conspecific presence. We here investigated the relationship between natural soundscapes and local river conditions and we explored the presence of human-related sounds in these natural soundscapes. We found that 1a) natural river sound profiles vary with river scale and cross-sectional position, and that 1b) depth, width, water velocity, and distance from shore were all significant factors in explaining local soundscape variation. We also found 2a) audible human activities in almost all our underwater recordings and urban and suburban river parts had elevated sound levels relative to rural river parts. Furthermore, 2b) daytime levels were louder than night time sound levels, and bridges and nearby road traffic were much more prominent with diurnal and weekly patterns of anthropogenic noise in the river systems. We believe our data show high potential for natural soundscapes of low-land river habitat to serve as important environmental cues to migratory fish. However, anthropogenic noise may be particularly problematic due to the omnipresence, and relatively loud levels relative to the modest dynamic range of the natural sound sources, in these slow-flowing freshwater systems. Show less
This thesis contributes to the quest to better understand, monitor and predict outcomes of critically ill patients in circulatory shock who are at risk of oxygen deficits in tissues and cells. In... Show moreThis thesis contributes to the quest to better understand, monitor and predict outcomes of critically ill patients in circulatory shock who are at risk of oxygen deficits in tissues and cells. In the studies performed, we explored hypoxia severity in tissue and cells in addition to the commonly used parameters for perfusion and oxygenation in critically ill patients. We investigated the added predictive value of lactate and lactate clearance to the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV model for predicting in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis. We subsequently validated the findings in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care cohort. We also studied characteristics of the recently developed protoporphyrin IX-triple state lifetime technique. This measures mitochondrial oxygenation tension (mitoPO2) in vivo at the bedside. We examined the variability of the mitoPO2 measurements between and within healthy subjects. Next, we similarly assessed mitoPO2 values at various timepoints in critically ill patients with anemia before and after red blood cell transfusions and examined the associations between mitoPO2 and other parameters of critical illness and of tissue oxygenation and perfusion in critically ill patients. Show less
This dissertation addresses various visual products that have characterized political and artistic practices related to the memory of the dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983). These practices... Show moreThis dissertation addresses various visual products that have characterized political and artistic practices related to the memory of the dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983). These practices create a visual matrix that paradoxically evokes the forced disappearance of political prisoners. Building upon these images, this dissertation explores the circumstances and challenges of conveying the past in contemporary Argentina and the formation of a collective memory about the recent past. Show less
This dissertation revolves around the design and implementation of novel instrumentation and related measurement techniques, at the single molecule level, for use in biophysical research. Chapter 1... Show moreThis dissertation revolves around the design and implementation of novel instrumentation and related measurement techniques, at the single molecule level, for use in biophysical research. Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the field of fluorescence-based single molecule measurements. In particular, two fluorescence-based confocal microscopy developments are presented in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, respectively. The room-temperature microscope in chapter 2 combines single-molecule detection capability, together with simultaneous polarization, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and lifetimes decay measurements with picosecond resolution. Its associated advanced electronics is also presented and discussed. On the other hand, Chapter 3 presents the novel thermal-cycles confocal microscope, capable of exerting extreme thermal gradients on single biomolecules for exploring their out-of-equilibrium configurations. The excitation and thermal pulses generation is achieved by purely optical means. To the author of this dissertation´s best of knowledge, up to date this system designed here is unique in its type in the world. Finally, Chapter 4 presents an experimental test of a prediction made by Theodor Förster in 1949, regarding the non-exponential lifetime decay for a single donor molecule surrounded by an ensemble of acceptors, and its comparison at the single-molecule level. Rhodamine 6G is used as the donor, and embedded in PMMA matrix. Show less
The number of heart failure patients progressively increased over the past decades, and heart failure is therefore designated as a global pandemic. Despite pharmacological and technological... Show moreThe number of heart failure patients progressively increased over the past decades, and heart failure is therefore designated as a global pandemic. Despite pharmacological and technological advances contributing to improved quality of live and survival, the prognosis of heart failure patients still remains poor. To reduce the burden of disease and halt the progression on an individual level, early detection of decompensated heart failure is an easily identifiable target.Over the last decade, timely detection of fluid retention became feasible with invasive hemodynamic sensors or with multisensory cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED)-based algorithms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote monitoring facilitated a pivotal shift and enabled the allocation of healthcare resources to those in most urgent need. Consequently, this thesis endeavors to provide novel insights into enhancing the quality and efficiency of heart failure care through CIED-supported management. This thesis demonstrated that remote monitoring-guided care of heart failure patients with a CIED is feasible, safe and can successfully be implemented in a real-world setting. Furthermore, alert-based remote monitoring allows for timely and individually tailored medical interventions. Robust negative predictive values can guide the transition of care and resources to those who need it the most. Technological advances and the growing number of studies demonstrate beneficial effect on the number of worsening heart failure events resulting in increasingly structurally implemented remote monitoring strategies in regular heart failure care. Show less
In Serbia, script diversity remains the norm whereby Serbian is routinely written in both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. This is not free of political contestation. Metadiscourses construct... Show moreIn Serbia, script diversity remains the norm whereby Serbian is routinely written in both the Cyrillic and Latin alphabets. This is not free of political contestation. Metadiscourses construct Cyrillic as the authentic script and central to ethnoidentity or, alternatively, as indexing dangerous nationalism, conservatism and Russian-leaning politics. On the flip side, metadiscourse associates Latin with modernity and progress, but for some with unwelcomed Western influence. But how do individuals themselves understand script preferences? This paper takes a folk linguistic approach to investigate whether the metalinguistic talk of Serbian individuals about script preferences is indeed informed by political metadiscourse. The data concern not only the stated preferences of individuals but also, borrowing from theory of mind, metatalk about how people explain the script preferences of others. The paper shows that the ideological oppositionality presupposed in metadiscourse tends not to be validated in metalinguistic talk, reminding us to be cognisant of chasms between societal-level metadiscourse and the lived experiences of individuals, and to avoid assumptions about the reach and impact of critical metadiscourse. Show less
Ze zitten in de lucht, het water en zelfs in je lichaam: microplastics. De meeste van deze minuscule stukjes plastic, kleiner dan 5 millimeter, komen in Nederland van slijtende auto- en... Show moreZe zitten in de lucht, het water en zelfs in je lichaam: microplastics. De meeste van deze minuscule stukjes plastic, kleiner dan 5 millimeter, komen in Nederland van slijtende auto- en vrachtwagenbanden. We vroegen wat jullie hierover wilden weten. Show less
Zantis, L.J.; Kazour, M.; Borchi, C.; Agati, R.; Colpaert, R.; Gimbert, F.; ... ; Bosker, T. 2024
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for both complications related to their condition and a variety of other health issues, particularly vascular events. Despite the... Show morePatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for both complications related to their condition and a variety of other health issues, particularly vascular events. Despite the uncertainty surrounding these risks, patients express a strong desire to be informed. Prediction models can provide personalized risk assessments tailored to individual needs. This thesis is divided into two parts: (1) we explore which outcomes are prioritized by patients with CKD, and (2) we evaluate the predictive performance of models predicting the risk of ischemic stroke. Each part includes a methodological chapter that details the specific methods used. Our research underscores the importance of understanding CKD patients' priorities for outcomes and care planning in order to deliver patient-centered care. Given the high risk of misclassification with conventional ischemic stroke models - primarily due to the exclusion of CKD patients from development studies - we recommend using the Modified-CHADS score instead of the CHA2DS2-VASc score for this population. Show less
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic neovascularization is an alternative therapeutic strategy aimed at improving blood flow to the lower... Show morePeripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic neovascularization is an alternative therapeutic strategy aimed at improving blood flow to the lower extremities and promoting blood vessel growth. The major components of neovascularization are; arteriogenesis and angiogenesis. These processes differ from each other. Arteriogenesis is initiated by shear stress and is the formation of collateral arteries from the pre-existing arteriolar network, and will mainly be found in the upper limb of the mice after ligation of the arteries in the limb. The molecular mechanism for arteriogenesis is based on shear stress regulated inflammatory responses, accompanied by the influx of inflammatory cells in the perivascular compartment around the collateral that are being formed. This thesis provides an analysis of two different in vivo models, the mouse hind limb ischemia (HLI) model and Matrigel plug assay. Furthermore, in the second part of this thesis, we focus on investigating the underlying mechanism of neovascularization in order to identify potential targets for therapeutic neovascularization. Show less
In this thesis we construct an extension associated with the Furstenberg compactification of symmetric space of noncompact type. From this extension we get a cycle in equivariant KK-theory... Show moreIn this thesis we construct an extension associated with the Furstenberg compactification of symmetric space of noncompact type. From this extension we get a cycle in equivariant KK-theory representing the extension. The construction of the extension and the corresponding cycle is a generalization of previous work on boundary extensions by Mesland and Şengün in the case of hyperbolic spaces. Show less
Since the 1990s, Chile's mixed mining exploitation model has delegated a significant portion of decisions regarding the labor market and human capital development in the mining industry to the... Show moreSince the 1990s, Chile's mixed mining exploitation model has delegated a significant portion of decisions regarding the labor market and human capital development in the mining industry to the transnational private mining sector. Along with the above, it has been observed that three decades after the repeal in 1993 of the law that prohibited women from working in mining, female participation in the sector remains low. While both the state mining company and some private mining companies have made progress in increasing female employment (including job insertion and retention), this progress appears driven by productivity and profitability factors in large copper mining companies, rather than as a direct or uniform result of gender-focused government policies. Based on this finding, this research examines the degree of influence of gender approaches and corporate social responsibility in the development of the public-private collaboration model for the formation of female human capital in Chilean mining. It argues that the intersection between the intergenerational mobility approach to human capital, social return on investment and gender mainstreaming in public policies could help close the gap between stakeholders. This would support a public-private partnership model for the development of human capital that aligns with the long-term objectives of sustainable and inclusive mining development in Chile. Show less
This thesis explores two distinct scenarios in which sleep disturbances occur: in the context of central disorders of hypersomnolence (Part I), including narcolepsy type 1, type 2 and idiopathic... Show moreThis thesis explores two distinct scenarios in which sleep disturbances occur: in the context of central disorders of hypersomnolence (Part I), including narcolepsy type 1, type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia, and in the critical care environment (Part II). Although the causes of disrupted sleep differ in these two settings, the resulting sleep patterns exhibit similar and overlapping characteristics. Enhancing our understanding of sleep-related aspects in one domain could enhance our understanding of sleep in the other domain as well.The outcomes of studies explored in this thesis underscore the opportunities in both fields. The necessity for refining diagnostic criteria and assessment methods is highlighted as well. By pinpointing areas for future investigation, this thesis sets the stage for more precise diagnostic tools and a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between sleep and overall well-being, with the ultimate goal of better prevention or treatment and thus better (patient) care. Show less
The advancement of technology and digitization has made reproductions of art omnipresent. However, 3D printing stands apart from previous and current reproduction methods due to its unique ability... Show moreThe advancement of technology and digitization has made reproductions of art omnipresent. However, 3D printing stands apart from previous and current reproduction methods due to its unique ability to accurately replicate all material characteristics of a painting, such as three-dimensionality, translucency, and glossiness, at a high level of detail. Additionally, its digital nature enables limitless possibilities for adding, modifying, and manipulating new or existing data. Indistinguishable Likeness investigates how the original and its 3D-printed twin disrupt the Western emphasis on the materially unique artwork. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, this dissertation integrates technical art history, 3D printing, contemporary museum and conservation studies, philosophy, cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and ethics to achieve a profound understanding of this technology. Applied to several case studies, the research demonstrates how 3D-printed reproductions provide new perspectives on original artworks, deepening our understanding of art history, conservation methods, and public engagement with art. Show less
Cartoonist Bernhard Holtrop was absent on January 7, 2015 during the terrorist attack on the editorial office of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. His aversion to meetings saved his life... Show moreCartoonist Bernhard Holtrop was absent on January 7, 2015 during the terrorist attack on the editorial office of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. His aversion to meetings saved his life. However, he now found himself the subject of global attention.Of the various Dutch post-second world war editorial cartoonists, Bernhard Holtrop is the most interesting for historians to study. Starting off in the Netherlands, before advancing his career in France, he managed to gain worldwide renown in his field. However, his rise to fame was in no way straightforward. Throughout his career Holtrop tested the boundaries of freedom of speech. In 1966, at a young age, this led to his arrest by the Dutch police on suspicion of lese-majesty and insulting public authority. During his time in France, his political cartoons and comics led to further legal troubles, even culminating in censorship. These and other conflicts can all be traced back to Holtrop's cartoon trademark: political pornography.Provo of Political Pornography: The Life and Work of Bernhard Willem Holtrop offers an analysis of editorial cartoonist Bernhard Holtrop's career and work by inquiring into three research questions. Show less
Animal diet studies are critical for understanding ecological processes such as trophic interactions, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. By examining what animals consume, ecologists gain insights... Show moreAnimal diet studies are critical for understanding ecological processes such as trophic interactions, energy flow, and nutrient cycling. By examining what animals consume, ecologists gain insights into species specialization, predator-prey relationships, and ecosystem management. These analyses are also essential for managing invasive species, predicting environmental changes, and assessing ecosystem health.Researchers use both non-genetic and genetic methods to study diets. Non-genetic methods, like examining stomach contents or feces, offer direct insights but may be biased due to digestion. Genetic approaches, such as DNA sequencing, allow precise identification of consumed species, offering both qualitative and quantitative data. This thesis explores the strengths and limitations of DNA-based techniques, especially DNA metabarcoding, which has revolutionized dietary studies. However, challenges like incomplete reference databases and issues with quantitative accuracy remain. To address these, the thesis focuses on developing standardized protocols using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) to improve the accuracy of (rare) diet constituents quantification. By refining these methods, the research enhances our understanding of complex dietary interactions and provides tools for more accurate ecological (diet) analysis. Show less
Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) is widely used to automatically build a suitable practical Machine Learning (ML) model for an arbitrary real-world problem, reducing the effort of practitioners... Show moreAutomated Machine Learning (AutoML) is widely used to automatically build a suitable practical Machine Learning (ML) model for an arbitrary real-world problem, reducing the effort of practitioners in the ML development cycle for real-world applications. Optimization is a key part of a typical AutoML framework, and several optimization approaches have been developed to enhance AutoML performance and maximize its ability to find high-performing ML models on a wide range of real-world problems. Many AutoML studies treat the problem as a Hyperparameter Optimization (HPO) problem, which may limit the effectiveness of the underlying optimizer for the actual AutoML problem. Instead of using the HPO-based approach, the problem can be approached as a ML pipeline optimization problem with a hierarchically structured search space. Two optimization algorithms have been developed based on this paradigm to improve the performance of Bayesian Optimization (BO) in solving the AutoML optimization problem. A wide range of experiments indicates that our approaches have significantly improved BO's performance. In summary, this thesis focuses on enhancing AutoML performance through solving the ML pipeline optimization problem. Show less
Veltink, O.; Jansen, A.B.; Berg, J.H. van den 2024
This thesis investigates the diffuse form of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor (D-TGCT), a rare tumor predominantly affecting relatively young individuals. It highlights the complexity of D-TGCT,... Show moreThis thesis investigates the diffuse form of Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor (D-TGCT), a rare tumor predominantly affecting relatively young individuals. It highlights the complexity of D-TGCT, detailing the patient journey from diagnosis to evaluating treatment options. The Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumour Observational Platform Project (TOPP) is the first prospective disease registry for TGCT. It reveals that diagnosis often takes years and that D-TGCT significantly impacts patients' daily lives. MRI scans are essential for diagnosing D-TGCT, and a structured assessment protocol has been developed. Surgery is generally the primary treatment, but a watchful waiting approach may be suitable for some. Surgical resection carries a high recurrence risk, and incomplete removal can lead to disease progression. Complete resection is advised but may not always be feasible without causing significant harm to the body. Systemic therapies, such as CSF1R-targeted treatments, offer new possibilities for patients unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. While these therapies show promise, further research is needed to understand their long-term effects. The benefits of systemic treatments must be weighed against potential side effects. This thesis emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for managing this complex disease. Show less
