This thesis starts with a literature review on the observation of aggression, then describes the development and implementation of an Observation Checklist in 2 Dutch Juvenile Justice Institutions ... Show moreThis thesis starts with a literature review on the observation of aggression, then describes the development and implementation of an Observation Checklist in 2 Dutch Juvenile Justice Institutions (JJI) and concludes with two papers researching the added value of data harvested with this tool, both for risk assessment and cultural sensitive assessment. Show less
The growing number of older patients presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) requires better risk stratification to guide treatment and dispositiondecisions. Therefore, it is essential to... Show moreThe growing number of older patients presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) requires better risk stratification to guide treatment and dispositiondecisions. Therefore, it is essential to understand the effect of age on the associations between physiological variables and outcomes. More importantly, most risk tools are not age or sex adjusted and are not based on a statistical approach. An age and sex adjusted risk tool could improve risk stratification in the ED.This thesis is divided into three parts and has four aims, regarding ageadjusted interpretation of physiological variables for risk stratification in ED patients, developing a new age- and sex-adjusted risk tool for the hospital, and describing potential bias if risk tools are used for comparing the quality of care among departments. Show less
There is an increasing number of adults who suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). These patients would benefit from a healthy lifestyle, as this improves the prognosis of CVD. However, even... Show moreThere is an increasing number of adults who suffer from cardiovascular diseases (CVD). These patients would benefit from a healthy lifestyle, as this improves the prognosis of CVD. However, even though improving one’s health and lifestyle is the focus of cardiac rehabilitation, CVD patients need support to also maintain a healthy lifestyle after their rehabilitation has ended. Even though the support of a healthcare professional seems to be an important factor in successful lifestyle change, there are barriers that hinder professionals from providing lifestyle support, such as a lack of time or expertise. Since the involvement of healthcare professionals is also not always possible or desirable, it is important to further investigate possibilities to provide patients with a self-help eHealth intervention. In such self-help eHealth interventions, feedback is automatically provided, making the interference of a healthcare professional no longer needed. However, self-help eHealth interventions can suffer from a low uptake and a low level of adherence. This PhD dissertation therefore focuses on (1) mapping out the needs and wishes of both healthcare professionals and CVD patients with regard to (human-supported and self-help) eHealth lifestyle interventions, and (2) investigating if and how self-help eHealth lifestyle interventions could be optimised. Show less
Molecular materials have been a subject of interest in fundamental research and applications for decades, and have been studied as bulk crystals, (thin) films and as individual molecules, due to... Show moreMolecular materials have been a subject of interest in fundamental research and applications for decades, and have been studied as bulk crystals, (thin) films and as individual molecules, due to the large variety in their properties. This dissertation explores pentacene crystals near the two-dimensional limit, i.e. in films of one to a few monolayers, primarily using an experimental technique called Low Energy Electron Microscopy (LEEM). We utilize the interaction of low-energy electrons with the molecular layers to learn about the properties of the layers, and also employ low-energy electrons as an external stimulus to create controlled changes in the properties of the sample. We study the real-time dynamics of growth of pentacene layers on various substrates. We study beam irradiation damage to molecular layers due to exposure to low-energy electrons, with implications for technological processes such as electron-beam lithography. We study photoemission and secondary electron emission from the molecular layers and highlight the critical role of unoccupied electronic band structure above the vacuum level in these processes. Finally, we present the design of, as well as the first scientific measurements in, a cryogenic sample chamber for LEEM that enables novel experiments addressing questions in surface science and condensed matter physics. Show less
Cognitive processes play an important role in human mate choice. However, far less is known about this topic in non-human animals. In this thesis, I take a comparative approach to sexually... Show moreCognitive processes play an important role in human mate choice. However, far less is known about this topic in non-human animals. In this thesis, I take a comparative approach to sexually selective cognition by studying humans (Homo sapiens) and Bornean orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus). I start by reviewing the literature on sexually selective cognition. Hereafter, I show that visual, but not auditory or olfactory attractiveness, plays a major role in initial human mate choice. Furthermore, I show that attractiveness has a profound influence on visual attention in humans, and that attentional biases towards attractive conspecifics may be associated with mate choice. I explore the same topic in Bornean orang-utans by presenting them with stimuli of fully developed males or males experiencing arrested development. The results of these studies suggest that orang-utans preferentially attend to fully developed males, but only in the eye-tracking task and not in touchscreen tasks. The last chapter explores vocalisations, and suggests that orang-utan mate preferences might reflect in female vocal behaviour. Altogether, the results of this thesis suggest that humans and orang-utans show cognitive biases towards mate-relevant traits. However, better understanding of the link between such biases and actual mate choice remains of pivotal importance. Show less
The Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project was initiated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and G20 in 2013 to address tax avoidance schemes used by... Show moreThe Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project was initiated by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and G20 in 2013 to address tax avoidance schemes used by multinational enterprises (MNEs). Drawing on interviews with a range of tax policy stakeholders, this book analyses the BEPS Project’s impact on developing countries’ approaches to combatting international tax avoidance, developing novel typologies to categorize policies and conducting case studies in Colombia, India, Nigeria, and Senegal. Contrary to public communication surrounding it, the BEPS Project does not endorse any kind of approach against tax avoidance, but puts an emphasis on finely delineating responses rather than blunt measures to tackle the problem. However, blunter approaches have been used more often by developing countries due to limited administrative resources. Examining countries’ responses, this research uncovers that the BEPS Project has influenced approaches to transfer pricing, albeit with delays and varied enforcement. The study also reveals discrepancies in addressing treaty shopping, showcasing measures beyond BEPS recommendations that countries adopt when revenue losses are high. The findings further show that the interplay between different governmental departments is pivotal in shaping policy responses to tax avoidance. Show less
Parental socialization refers to the process through which parents transmit values and beliefs to their children. During this process, children learn to understand the world and shape their social... Show moreParental socialization refers to the process through which parents transmit values and beliefs to their children. During this process, children learn to understand the world and shape their social functioning. The impact of parental socialization can vary across different cultures. My research focuses on family interactions within Chinese cultures, emphasizing the importance of cultural nuances when examining the role of parental behaviors in children's social development. The study utilized samples of Chinese children and their parents, employing various research methods, including observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The findings indicated that Chinese mothers' psychological control had a relatively minor negative effect on children's emotion regulation and social anxiety. Additionally, the research revealed racism and colorism among Chinese children, which were associated with mothers' color-evasive socialization behaviors. Chinese mothers did not avoid talking about racial appearance and cultural background, which contrasts with studies in White Western populations where most White mothers showed color evasion. Chinese mothers’ acknowledgement of shared culture predicted children’s positive attitudes towards their own racial ingroup with a darker skin tone. My research underscores the unique features of Chinese culture that play a pivotal role in shaping the nature and consequences of parental socialization on children's social functioning. It highlights that Western theories related to parenting and color-evasive socialization may need adaptation when applied to non-Western cultural contexts. Show less
Metabolomics has the potential to play a pivotal role in understanding disease onset and progression, and ultimately personalized treatments. One of its major challenges is its large-scale... Show moreMetabolomics has the potential to play a pivotal role in understanding disease onset and progression, and ultimately personalized treatments. One of its major challenges is its large-scale implementation, which is necessary to deal with the high variability of the metabolome. In this work we have developed tools for automated sample handling and preparation for metabolomics analysis, and bioanalysis in general. The tools are versatile, suitable for high-throughput, and able to deal with sensitive and biomass-limited samples. Sample transfer through segmented-flow can accommodate a wide range of samples and volumes, and can work seamlessly with many downstream processing or analysis. Two sample preparation tools based on droplets; one universal preconcentration tools using controlled evaporation, and one based on simultaneous extraction and enrichment, also provide a versatile interface and can be used to bridge gaps between processing steps. The working principles of these sample handling and preparation tools are universal and can be adapted for specific applications. Show less
Utilizing the polymeric platform of polypept(o)ides, this thesis describes synthesis and investigation of novel triblock copolymers to obtain carrier systems with multiple compartments for... Show moreUtilizing the polymeric platform of polypept(o)ides, this thesis describes synthesis and investigation of novel triblock copolymers to obtain carrier systems with multiple compartments for efficient siRNA delivery. Although the individual microstructure of nanoparticles differs depending on the polymeric building blocks, desired application and cargo, the final nanoparticles always combine a polysarcosine (pSar) shell with a polypeptide core, providing the ability of siRNA complexation by a polycationic segment. In addition, a third block enabled either covalent cross-linking, hydrophobic / π- π-stacking mediated stabilization or co-encapsulation of small hydrophobic drugs. Broadening the structural variety of such polypept(o)ides, a novel synthetic procedure was introduced to access AA'B- and ABC-type miktoarm star polymers.Investigations have been dedicated to the design of novel polymeric structures based on polypept(o)ides, to improve the delivery of siRNA by Polyion Complex Micelles (PICMs), provide access to different polymeric architectures, and to establish novel synthetic methods for the synthesis of these materials. Covering aspects from the synthesis of novel polymeric species up to advanced drug delivery strategies for siRNA in vivo, developments throughout this thesis extent the accessibility of the polypept(o)ide platform for nucleic acid delivery, highlight their potential in nanomedicine and further elaborate delivery strategies for next-generation nanomedical applications. Show less
The outbreaks of AIDS and COVID-19 showed clearly how infectious viruses can influence people’s lives. Investigating the changes in the host metabolism may provide a paradigm shift to consider... Show moreThe outbreaks of AIDS and COVID-19 showed clearly how infectious viruses can influence people’s lives. Investigating the changes in the host metabolism may provide a paradigm shift to consider immune-metabolic interactions as therapeutic targets. The aim of this thesis is to examine the interplay between the immune system and metabolism during viral infections, such as HIV and coronavirus. These investigations will utilize metabolomic and lipidomic mass spectrometry techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic changes that occur during viral infections. To enhance the coverage of the lipidome, a new method will be developed. Show less
In the current global context, there is a pressing need to address sustainable energy supplies to safeguard our Planet and its ecosystems. The choices made by human society have a significant... Show moreIn the current global context, there is a pressing need to address sustainable energy supplies to safeguard our Planet and its ecosystems. The choices made by human society have a significant impact on genetic evolution and climate. To ensure a better future for all, it is crucial to exercise foresight, foster collaboration across various sectors, and reach agreements based on fair and ethical principles. Science plays a pivotal role in advancing energy conversion, offering the potential for significant scientific breakthroughs that contribute to the protection and respect of our World. Specifically, the development of solar-to-fuel devices holds promise for achieving this transition to green energy. This Ph.D. dissertation centers on the development and functionalization of 2D membranes and materials, which constitute integral components of these conversion devices. The optimization of functionalized 2D materials necessitates a comprehensive computational design approach. This involves the adoption of a multiscale computational framework for the thorough design of these materials and the precise prediction and understanding of molecular processes, encompassing molecular self-assembly, ion transport, and catalytic surface reactions. Show less
We show that Kirchhoff ’s law of conservation holds for non-commutative graph flows if and only if the graph is planar. We generalize the theory of (Euclidean) lattices to infinite dimension and... Show moreWe show that Kirchhoff ’s law of conservation holds for non-commutative graph flows if and only if the graph is planar. We generalize the theory of (Euclidean) lattices to infinite dimension and consider the ring of algebraic integers as such a lattice. We compute some invariants using capacity theory and obtain a partial solution to the (algorithmic) closest vector problem. We generalize the results on (universally) graded rings by Lenstra and Silverberg. We study the special case of group rings, and show that under similar assumptions rings can be uniquely decomposed into a group ring in a maximal way. We give a functorial algorithm to compute roots of fractional ideals of orders in number rings. Show less
Indian agriculture is widely believed to be in crisis. There is broad consensus among scholar, policymakers and activists that economic hardships and the changing climate have made sustaining a... Show moreIndian agriculture is widely believed to be in crisis. There is broad consensus among scholar, policymakers and activists that economic hardships and the changing climate have made sustaining a livelihood through farming increasingly untenable. There is a strong sense that something has to be done to help farmers deal with the crisis, and in recent years agricultural insurance has been presented as a possible fix for rural distress. This dissertation studies how a new agricultural insurance scheme called PMFBY becomes part of everyday social interactions and experiences. Insurance companies often assert that quantified procedures can accurately - and fairly - calculate the extent of agricultural risk, attach a price tag to it and protect against it. Can quantification really be the antidote to crisis? To answer this question I explore how insurance numbers translate to the everyday experiences of rural people in central Maharashtra. I find that, when seen from the perspective of those encountering them in their daily lives, the numbers are anything but straightforward. The effects of quantification were often arbitrary, and despite promises of transparency, they had a tendency to obscure rather than clarify. In short, the numbers turned out to be inconsistent and ambiguous. The dissertation describes how people attempt to make sense of this ambiguity through their moral understandings. It focusses on the (often heated) discussions, the collective pondering such discussions led to, the personal dilemmas it posed as well as the dreams and aspirations numbers became entwined with. I explore how such quandaries unfold and argue that a focus on the morality of quantification brings to light the social life of numbers beyond their 'objective' factuality. Show less
Two types of financial incentives can help improve healthy lifestyles: carrots (a reward where one can gain something) and sticks (a deposit contract where one can lose something). In a deposit... Show moreTwo types of financial incentives can help improve healthy lifestyles: carrots (a reward where one can gain something) and sticks (a deposit contract where one can lose something). In a deposit contract, participants deposit own money and can lose or earn it back depending on lifestyle changes. We studied the potential of deposit contracts to stimulate a healthy lifestyle.A smartphone app was developed together with the Swiss university ETH Zurich to conduct experimental research into the effects of deposit contracts. In addition, we collaborated with the American company WayBetter to observe the effects of commercially available deposit contracts. Finally, the opinion of people with cardiovascular disease and healthcare professionals regarding financial incentives and deposit contracts for lifestyle change was investigated.The results show that deposit contracts can have strong effects on exercise behavior (daily step counts) in the short term. The results also show that voluntary participation in deposit contracts is limited, but can be increased by doubling the amount deposited and by allowing participants to determine the amount themselves. Finally, healthcare providers think it is a good idea to use financial incentives, but people with cardiovascular disease themselves are skeptical about the use of deposit contracts. Show less
Most of current public-key cryptography is considered insecure against attacks from sufficiently powerful quantum computers. Post-quantum cryptography studies methods to secure information... Show moreMost of current public-key cryptography is considered insecure against attacks from sufficiently powerful quantum computers. Post-quantum cryptography studies methods to secure information resistant against such attacks. One proposal is isogeny-based cryptography, which bases its security on computational hardness assumptions related to maps between elliptic curves. We analyze the security of isogeny-based cryptographic schemes, in particular those based on class group actions. We find special cases in which the underlying computational hardness assumptions can be broken, sometimes even by classical computers. Furthermore, we study a method, known as radical isogenies, to accelerate the execution of isogeny-based protocols. Finally, we introduce multivariate generalizations of Hilbert class polynomials, which may yield computational benefits compared to their univariate counterparts. Show less
Polymyxins are clinically used antibiotics, discovered in mid-20th century. Once abandoned due to excessive nephrotoxicity, they are now used increasingly to address infections caused by multi-drug... Show morePolymyxins are clinically used antibiotics, discovered in mid-20th century. Once abandoned due to excessive nephrotoxicity, they are now used increasingly to address infections caused by multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria.In this thesis, we describe the development and synthesis of analogues of polymyxin, aimed at reducing its associated nephrotoxicity. Analogues were made by semisynthesis, with modifications introduced mostly in the exocyclic portion of the molecule. Especially the introduction of a disulfide bond within the linked lipid helped in reducing the toxicity of the molecules, as evidenced by testing on proximal tubule epithelial cells. For most potent analogues, the antimicrobial activity was completely retained.In addition, this thesis describes studies on the mechanism of action of polymyxin, mostly based on the full stereoisomer of polymyxin B4. This analogue lacks antimicrobial activity, indicating its original stereochemistry to be of utmost importance for its use as an antibiotic.Hybrids based on polymyxin B derivatives are described, addressing non-conventional targets. A hybrid with vancomycin (typically active on Gram-positive bacteria only) shows activity on Gram-negative bacteria. A polymyxin-based hybrid coupled to a peptide with a beta-hairpin motif addresses Gram-negative bacteria, presumably by binding to outer membrane protein BamA. Show less
Understanding how galaxies form, interact, and evolve comes largely from comparing theory predictions with observational data. Numerical simulations of galaxies provide the most accurate approach... Show moreUnderstanding how galaxies form, interact, and evolve comes largely from comparing theory predictions with observational data. Numerical simulations of galaxies provide the most accurate approach to testing the theory, as they follow the non-linear evolution of gas and dark matter in great detail and incorporate numerous baryonic processes, among which are energy feedback from supernovae (SNe) and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). In this thesis, we show the results of the development of the new model COLIBRE for cosmological simulations of galaxy formation that include a cold interstellar medium. First, we present a new SN feedback recipe developed for COLIBRE, whereby SN energy is injected into the gas in thermal and kinetic forms, and the total energy and momentum of the system of gas and stars are exactly conserved. Second, we conduct a detailed comparison of different ways in which SN energy is distributed in the gas environment around young stellar populations. Third, by using our simulation setup originally developed to test COLIBRE’s SN feedback, we show that the radioactive isotope Fe60 that has been detected on Earth is likely of SN origin. Finally, we present the calibration of the SN and AGN feedback of the COLIBRE model using machine learning. Show less
This book is about three West African sign languages with different time-depths, community sizes and patterns of social interactions. Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL), Ghana, is an old village sign... Show moreThis book is about three West African sign languages with different time-depths, community sizes and patterns of social interactions. Adamorobe Sign Language (AdaSL), Ghana, is an old village sign language used by 33 deaf people. Langue des Signes de Bouakako (LaSiBo), Côte d'Ivoire, is a new village sign language, used by six deaf people. Língua Gestual Guineense, Guinea-Bissau, is an emerging school-based sign language used by around 500 deaf people.In the three sign languages, 45 narratives of personal experiences were analysed to better understand how the time depth, the community size and the socialisation frequency influenced the three sign languages. Four different descriptive analyses of the narratives were carried out. Study 1 analysed the structure of the narratives, following Labov & Waletzky's model (1967) and Freytag's dramatic pyramid (1894). Studies 2, 3 and 4 focus on specific narrative devices that work to make narratives more convincing, as part of Labov's (1972) "evaluation" component. These devices refer to the moments when storytellers give dramatic prominence to narratives through the incorporation of characters, such as the use of different signing perspectives (Study 2), the use of role shifting between characters and constructed dialogues (Study 3) and the use of different types of descriptions of the animal (Study 4).These studies show that AdaSL and male LGG signers use devices that reflect a greater ability to capture the audience's attention, while LaSiBo and female LGG signers tend to show similar patterns in using simpler or reduced devices.This study shows that the frequency of social interaction between deaf peers is the most crucial factor in language change over time. Show less
The research presented in this thesis explores the chemotherapeutic potential of metal-based compounds as chemotherapy agents, with an initial focus on the synthesis and DNA interaction studies of... Show moreThe research presented in this thesis explores the chemotherapeutic potential of metal-based compounds as chemotherapy agents, with an initial focus on the synthesis and DNA interaction studies of platinum and palladium compounds utilizing the [Pt(bapbpy)]2+ scaffold. The study identifies intercalation as the primary mechanism of action for these complexes. Furthermore, it provides a detailed structure-activity relationship analysis, highlighting the critical role of the complex's protonation state in influencing its biological activity and efficacy. Subsequently, the study delves into photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) using ruthenium (II) complexes, where light activation of ruthenium complexes enables targeted drug delivery to tumor cells, thereby reducing adverse effects. This research emphasizes the development of ruthenium-based compounds that can photorelease a DNA repair inhibitor, specifically targeting the RAD51 protein, essential for Homologous Recombination (HR). By disrupting the DNA repair mechanisms in cancer cells, this approach seeks to enhance the cytotoxicity of the therapy and address drug resistance. Show less
