Freshwater ecosystems such as rivers and lakes are heavily threatened by a multitude of stressors, including noise pollution by human activities. Noisy activities on and in the water, such as the... Show moreFreshwater ecosystems such as rivers and lakes are heavily threatened by a multitude of stressors, including noise pollution by human activities. Noisy activities on and in the water, such as the prominent use of motorized boats, may alter natural underwater soundscapes. Traffic noise and sound from other human activities on land may also penetrate into the water, especially through bridges. Natural soundscapes vary with hydro-morphological variation among river types and sections and with the heterogeneity in local diversity of sound-producing animals and plants. Natural soundscapes may play an important role in orientation and navigation, in particular for migratory fishes, but still very little is known. It is clear that anthropogenic noise may deter, disturb, distract, and mask natural soundscapes, but few studies have addressed the extent of potential masking impact in freshwater systems. Many rivers flow through urban areas, where typically many bridges provide crossing opportunity to noisy road traffic. Weeklong underwater recordings reveal diurnal and weekly fluctuations of sound pressure levels (SPLs) in underwater soundscapes, likely related to road traffic over urban bridges, in a Dutch lowland river system. Weekdays and weekends can acoustically be distinguished in these underwater soundscape profiles. These results provide insight into the potential for noise pollution impact on migratory fishes and other aquatic animals. Show less
Since the fall of Indonesia's authoritarian New Order, workers have faced a paradox of political and economic changes as seen in the emergence of a new labour regime. This dissertation examines two... Show moreSince the fall of Indonesia's authoritarian New Order, workers have faced a paradox of political and economic changes as seen in the emergence of a new labour regime. This dissertation examines two forms of unionism that have developed in response to these shifts: traditional workplace-based unionism, centred on collective bargaining, and community unionism, which fosters collaboration between unions and local organisations to address broader social issues. Focusing on union activities in Semarang and Pekalongan, two industrial regions in Central Java, the author argues that the development of these models is shaped by both local structural forces and the strategic responses of unionists as movement agents. While both forms emphasize welfare struggles and have equally ventured into community activism through social advocacy and electoral politics, they differ significantly in the scale of resources mobilised and the values they promote within their constituencies. These differences influence how unionists engage with the diverse groups they represent, as they navigate the complexities of managing a broad and varied constituent base, reflecting the consequences of each union model. Show less
To conclude, this thesis provides valuable methodological insights to address data gaps and improve environmental impact assessments within the circular economy, with a particular focus on product... Show moreTo conclude, this thesis provides valuable methodological insights to address data gaps and improve environmental impact assessments within the circular economy, with a particular focus on product reuse and sharing practices. Through empirical analysis and innovative approaches, it aims to support informed decision-making, contributing to a more sustainable future. Show less
Article 12 of the Dutch Criminal Code of Procedure allows citizens to complain against non-prosecution. Originally, this procedure had been intended as a correction mechanism against the monopoly... Show moreArticle 12 of the Dutch Criminal Code of Procedure allows citizens to complain against non-prosecution. Originally, this procedure had been intended as a correction mechanism against the monopoly position of the Public Prosecution Service and its discretionary power. Later, the private interests of complainants became more central, so that the procedure gained an important societal function. This paper examines a new societal function of the complaint procedure in socially sensitive cases. Through interviews with complainants and their lawyers in four case studies – the Wilders-case, the Martijn-case, the Libor-case and the case Henriquez – it argues that a new democratic function of the article 12 Sv procedure emerges from within a traditionally liberal criminal justice system. Show less
Newborns can become critically ill from bacterial infections, a condition known as neonatal sepsis. The initial symptoms of neonatal sepsis are often subtle, leading to the treatment of thousands... Show moreNewborns can become critically ill from bacterial infections, a condition known as neonatal sepsis. The initial symptoms of neonatal sepsis are often subtle, leading to the treatment of thousands of newborns with antibiotics each year in the Netherlands. Preterm infants, who frequently require additional care, are particularly at risk for infection. However, the number of infants with a proven bacterial infection remains small. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota of newborns, potentially leading to colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). MDRO infections are more challenging to treat and may result in poorer outcomes. Reducing antibiotic use may potentially lead to a decrease in the colonization with MDRO and consequently, a reduction in infections caused by these organisms. Research described in this dissertation indicates that antibiotic treatment can be safely discontinued after 24 hours in certain groups of newborns, thereby potentially reducing the length of hospital admission. Additionally, the implementation of a novel laboratory test for meningitis may allow for shorter and lower-dose antibiotic treatments in newborns. Investigations into the transmission of MDROs in the neonatal ward have revealed that caring for newborns in single-patient rooms does not protect them from acquiring MDRO colonization. Show less
Nanodiscs are small, disc-shaped structures designed to mimic biological cell membranes, composed of a lipid bilayer stabilized by scaffold proteins. Membrane proteins play crucial roles in... Show moreNanodiscs are small, disc-shaped structures designed to mimic biological cell membranes, composed of a lipid bilayer stabilized by scaffold proteins. Membrane proteins play crucial roles in essential processes such as nutrient and waste transport, molecular recognition, and cell signalling, making them key targets in drug development. Nanodiscs offer a versatile platform for investigating these proteins under near-native conditions, providing valuable insights into their structure and function.Inspired by the specialized membranes of thermophilic archaea—microorganisms that live in extreme temperatures—my thesis explores whether implementation of lipid structural features adapted from these organisms can enhance the thermal stability of Nanodiscs, and the proteins they encapsulate. My findings showed that the fatty acid tails can be tuned to increase the stability of Nanodiscs and membrane proteins like CYP3A4, a detoxification enzyme in the human body. The lipids help to maintain protein folding at higher temperatures, which is crucial for activity. Additionally, I discovered that the lipid composition of Nanodiscs affects how well drugs and small molecules bind to Nanodisc membranes, providing key insights for developing drug screening methods for membrane protein targets.Stable Nanodiscs could also improve vaccines by making them more heat-resistant, reducing the need for cold storage and expanding access to vaccines in low-resource areas. Additionally, this could also extend the circulation time of therapies in the body, which could be beneficial for small molecule drug delivery or to give the immune system more time to respond to vaccine antigens delivered by Nanodiscs.In summary, my research shows how nature-inspired lipid adaptations can be harnessed to improve artificial membranes for biotechnology applications. Show less
Clinical research on the management of acute pancreatitis was the focus of my thesis. Various treatment strategies were evaluated 'from treatment to prevention'. Many opportunities to improve... Show moreClinical research on the management of acute pancreatitis was the focus of my thesis. Various treatment strategies were evaluated 'from treatment to prevention'. Many opportunities to improve clinical practice and promising areas for future research were identified. The mission of the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group to improve clinical outcomes for all patients with acute pancreatitis remains fundamental and will be continued. Show less
The Argive Plain in the northeastern Peloponnese, Greece, was a key region of Mycenaean culture during the Late Bronze Age (1600–1200 BCE). While its central settlements are known for their... Show moreThe Argive Plain in the northeastern Peloponnese, Greece, was a key region of Mycenaean culture during the Late Bronze Age (1600–1200 BCE). While its central settlements are known for their architecture, burial treasures, and written records, less is known about its agricultural communities. This study examines Mycenaean farming strategies and their societal impacts, exploring potential resource depletion in the Argive Plain area. By using an agricultural potential model, which analyses food consumption, energy needs, and land usage, the research reconstructs Mycenaean farming practices and assesses their sustainability. The resultss suggest that Mycenaean farmers practiced sustainable agriculture, adapting to challenges such as drought and crop losses. Nevertheless, the Argive Plain rural communities may have struggled to meet the additional demands of ruling elites. The study also reviews earlier estimates of the land needed to sustain one person during the Bronze Age, highlighting the overlooked importance of livestock. The inclusion of dairy and meat production in future models could significantly affect our understanding of ancient food production and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, the research provides insights into the agricultural systems and societal structures of Mycenaean society prior to the Bronze Age collapse. Show less
Unlike the commonly held view, saliva is not a homogenous biofluid, but rather a complex mix of serous and mucus type secretions. These individual secretions present with characteristic molecular... Show moreUnlike the commonly held view, saliva is not a homogenous biofluid, but rather a complex mix of serous and mucus type secretions. These individual secretions present with characteristic molecular compositions, functions, and rhythm. The thesis displays empirical proof of the biochemical diversity of subtypes of saliva at both spatial and temporal dimensions. Furthermore, the implications and prospects of such distinctive biochemistry are discussed. Show less
This dissertation describes two alternative testing methods that clarify children’s potential for learning and educational needs: cognitive training focused on solving arithmetic problems and a... Show moreThis dissertation describes two alternative testing methods that clarify children’s potential for learning and educational needs: cognitive training focused on solving arithmetic problems and a dynamic for reading and writing. Both methods target the zone of proximal development, with the cognitive training emphasising metacognitive knowledge and working memory in solving mathematical problems and the dynamic reading and writing test focusing on phonological awareness, prosodic awareness, writing competence and context-dependent words. The primary aim of this dissertation was to investigate the effectiveness of these two alternative testing methods, applied online, in the classroom or a treatment setting. It focused on the potential for learning of three groups of children: potentially gifted in mathematics, typically developing children and children diagnosed with dyslexia in reading and writing. It was concluded that cognitive training in mathematical problem solving and the dynamic reading and writing test offer opportunities to improve education and clinical dyslexia treatments. These methods provide deeper insight into children’s strengths, weaknesses, and educational needs, allowing them to demonstrate their potential for learning. By adopting these alternative testing methods, teachers and dyslexia clinicians can better tailor their approaches to meet the educational needs of all children. Show less
In the past decade many population studies have been performed with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to understand the bulk properties of protoplanetary disks around young... Show moreIn the past decade many population studies have been performed with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) to understand the bulk properties of protoplanetary disks around young stars. These population studies mostly consisted of low mass stars, with relatively few of the disks around the more massive Herbig stars, even though the latter are important formation sites of giant exoplanets. This thesis presents the first systematic view of Herbig disks at millimeter wavelengths, and compares these results to the population of disks around lower mass stars. This thesis obtains the dust and gas mass of Herbig disks and their precursors, compares these values to the accretion rates of their stars, computes their vertical structure, and obtains the first complete millimeter study of Herbig disks in a single star-forming region. The results of this thesis have laid an important foundation for future research, especially for obtaining a full sample of the Herbig disk population and for detailed chemical and high-resolution follow-up studies. Show less
De incubatietijd (van infectie tot de eerste symptomen) en latente periode (van infectie tot de start van besmettelijkheid) zijn cruciaal voor het informeren van controle maatregelen aan het begin... Show moreDe incubatietijd (van infectie tot de eerste symptomen) en latente periode (van infectie tot de start van besmettelijkheid) zijn cruciaal voor het informeren van controle maatregelen aan het begin van een infectieziektenuitbraak. Een voorbeeld is de duur van quarantaine voor potentieel geïnfecteerden, een controle maatregel die na het uitbreken van SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 veelvuldig gebruikt is. Observaties van de incubatietijd en latente periode zijn doorgaans schaars én grillig, wat de noodzaak van toegespitste methoden benadrukt, die ook nog eens tijdig geïmplementeerd moeten kunnen worden. We kwantificeerden verschillende vertekeningen die voorkomen in schattingen van de incubatietijd en latente periode en breidden de huidige gereedschapskist uit met gebruiksklare software die de contextuele kenmerken van de specifieke uitbraak in ogenschouw neemt. Schattingen van de latente periode zijn in het bijzonder zeldzaam, omdat niet alleen de informatie over blootstelling, maar ook over de (start van de) besmettelijkheid lastig en niet exact te verkrijgen is. Met behulp van een dataset uit Vietnam -de eerste van dit type buiten China, en verzameld in afwezigheid van grootschalige vaccinatie of eerdere infectie-, schatten we de latente periode van de SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in Vietnam (2021). Onze resultaten zijn een indicatie dat de latente periode in niet-immune individuen korter zou kunnen zijn dan bleek uit eerder onderzoek. Show less
This thesis focuses on surgical treatment to improve glottic closure in patients with glottic insufficiency due to vocal fold atrophy and sulcus and how to demonstrate this improvement. Surgical... Show moreThis thesis focuses on surgical treatment to improve glottic closure in patients with glottic insufficiency due to vocal fold atrophy and sulcus and how to demonstrate this improvement. Surgical treatments evaluated in this thesis are trial vocal fold injection (VFI), bilateral VFI with autologous fat and bilateral medialization thyroplasty. Lastly, a systematic literature review was performed to identify outcome measurements instruments (OMIs) for this specific patient group.With the results we hope to attribute to the optimal counseling and treating of these patients by obtaining more insight into (1) patient selection, (2) voice outcome after surgical treatment, (3) voice outcome measurements. Show less
Patients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis often experience a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to various symptoms and high intensity of their treatment. Our research shows that patients who... Show morePatients with kidney failure undergoing dialysis often experience a reduced quality of life (QoL) due to various symptoms and high intensity of their treatment. Our research shows that patients who have a negative outlook on their disease, as expressed by feelings of helplessness or worrying, tend to have a lower QoL, while social support helped protect against this decline. For nearly all patients, fatigue stood out as patients' number one priority. Other symptoms and priorities varied greatly among patients, necessitating a personalized approach. To address this, we developed a screening tool, patient-specific norm scores, and a personalized questionnaire to better assess individual patient functioning, and a therapist-guided personalized online treatment targeting patients' most important issues. While there was no overall improvement in QoL, we found a large effect on the personalized outcome measure, with the intervention group showing significantly larger improvements on the QoL areas they prioritized for improvement as compared to the control group. Additionally, patients reported better coping skills. However, the online format and tasks were often considered too complex, with patients expressing a preference for personal contact, simpler tasks, and lower treatment intensity. These insights provide concrete suggestions to improve the suitability and effectiveness of future interventions. Show less
Topel, S.; Ma, I.; Duijvenvoorde, A.C.K. van; van Steenbergen, H.; Bruijn, E.R.A. de 2024
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
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
Velde K. te; Mairo A.; Peeters E.T.H.M.; Winter H.V.; Tudorache C.; Slabbekoorn H. 2024
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
The supramolecular assembly of proteins into irreversible fibrils is often associated with diseases in which aberrant phase transitions occur. Due to the complexity of biological systems and their... Show moreThe supramolecular assembly of proteins into irreversible fibrils is often associated with diseases in which aberrant phase transitions occur. Due to the complexity of biological systems and their surrounding environments, the mechanism underlying phase separation-mediated supramolecular assembly is poorly understood, making the reversal of so-called irreversible fibrillization a significant challenge. Therefore, it is crucial to develop simple model systems that provide insights into the mechanistic process of monomers to phase-separated droplets and ordered supramolecular assemblies. Such models can help in investigating strategies to either reverse or modulate these states. Herein, we present a simple synthetic model system composed of three components, including a benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide-based supramolecular monomer, a surfactant, and water, to mimic the condensate pathway observed in biological systems. This highly dynamic system can undergo "micelle-droplet-fiber" transition over time and space with a concentration gradient field, regulated by competitive interactions. Importantly, manipulating these competitive interactions through guest molecules, temperature changes, and cosolvents can reverse ordered fibers into a disordered liquid or micellar state. Our model system provides new insights into the critical balance between various interactions among the three components that determine the pathway and reversibility of the process. Extending this "competitive interaction" approach from a simple model system to complex macromolecules, e.g., proteins, could open new avenues for biomedical applications, such as condensate-modifying therapeutics. 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
