In the Dutch court of justice, judges judge threats based on the ‘Wetboek van Strafrecht, art. 285’. Jurisprudence shows that three criteria need to be met in order for a threat to be prosecutable....Show moreIn the Dutch court of justice, judges judge threats based on the ‘Wetboek van Strafrecht, art. 285’. Jurisprudence shows that three criteria need to be met in order for a threat to be prosecutable. The hearer of the threat must have knowledge of the threat, the perpetrator must have had the intention to threaten and the hearer must have experienced a reasonable amount of fear. Analysis of jurisprudence concerning threats shows that judges do not apply these criteria systematically, sometimes resulting in disputable judgements. By using the speech act theory and pragma-dialectics, we can discern two types of threats: expressive threats, wherein the speaker expresses an emotional state and instrumental threats. The speaker uses these threats to force the hearer to do something. Corpus study of cases with threats and the jurisprudence shows that expressive threats pose the greatest challenge in the Dutch legal system. These threats are often similar to speech acts like challenges and insults, making it difficult for judges to apply the criteria to determine if a threat is prosecutable or not. By using the speech act theory and pragma-dialectics, judges can become more aware of the similarity of threats to other speech acts and thus judge them more objectively and in a more systematic way.Show less
Although trees are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the aim of this thesis is to demonstrate that specific trees play a significant and active...Show moreAlthough trees are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Israel/Palestine conflict, the aim of this thesis is to demonstrate that specific trees play a significant and active role in the conflict and in the construction of Israeli and Palestinian collective memories and identities. Beyond providing mere metaphoric expressions of Israeli and Palestinian rootedness, trees give material form to claims to the contested land of Israel/Palestine. Thus, the Israel/Palestine conflict is not merely a struggle over land, but also a struggle conducted and articulated through the land and through trees more specifically, as both Israelis and Palestinians invest memory in “their” trees, the pine tree and the olive tree respectively.Show less
After having relied almost exclusively on its soft power in order to gain more global influence and importance, Brazil decided to develop another tool in its foreign policies that is nowadays...Show moreAfter having relied almost exclusively on its soft power in order to gain more global influence and importance, Brazil decided to develop another tool in its foreign policies that is nowadays equally necessary: hard power. For the past decade, Brazil has faced two relatively new challenges: the securitization of the Blue Amazon and the preservation of its natural resources as well as the reinforcement of the South Atlantic region as one of its platform to exert its leadership. Brazil quickly realized that it needed to further increase its expertise in defense armament and to develop advanced technology in order to protect its sovereignty as well as to concretize its position in the South Atlantic. To fulfill this goal, President Lula has signed a few strategic partnerships with several countries, but the one with France is considered as the most crucial one. The partnership established between President Lula and President Sarkozy not only guarantees the cooperation between both countries in the construction of Brazilian submarines but also the transfer of technology and French savoir-faire. This partnership will allow Brazil to acquire more hard power and consequentially become a more significant global player. France, on the other hand, will see its defense industry expand and its global image as a reliable partner grow.Show less
This thesis analyzes the main factors which are contributing to the popularity of cosmetic surgery among Chinese women, focusing on social contexts, such as marriage and finding a job,...Show moreThis thesis analyzes the main factors which are contributing to the popularity of cosmetic surgery among Chinese women, focusing on social contexts, such as marriage and finding a job, globalization and its outcomes such as the influence of mass media and South Korea. To understand these factors this thesis dives into the concept of beauty by understanding what it means to be beautiful in China throughout history and who ultimately defines it. It is argued that there has been a change of beauty standard in China, meaning that the steps of obtaining beauty changed from applying make-up and wearing certain hairstyles and clothes to a whole new high level which can now only be obtained by cosmetic surgery. A number of factors are ‘defining’ the beauty standard of today, which is globalization, which can be seen as mass media and the popularity of South Korea, and China’s beauty economy which also contributes to higher standards in personal and professional success.Show less
This thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining...Show moreThis thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining activities on the Lumwana community. To find out how the community has been impacted, the study combined primary and secondary data collection including a small survey, open and structured interviews,a documentary research, field observations and focus group discussions. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles.Show less
This thesis examines the use of the word 'Londongrad' in four British national newspapers and draws extensively upon the approach to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) outlined by Richardson [2007]....Show moreThis thesis examines the use of the word 'Londongrad' in four British national newspapers and draws extensively upon the approach to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) outlined by Richardson [2007]. The study compares the use of 'Londongrad' in a sample of articles from two time periods: 2005-8 and 2011-14, defining how it is used and how its use has changed over time, with reference to wider social, political and cultural contexts. Results indicate that 'Londongrad' is particularly prevalent in the right-wing press, and that its use has become more prominent over time. The thesis puts forward the argument that 'Londongrad' lacks concrete definition but carries implicit meaning that allows for the reinforcement of negative stereotypes with regard to Russian activity in the UK. In highlighting this, the intention is to draw attention to the way in which patterns of discourse can encode prejudice.Show less
We seek to study the in uence of substrate geometry on di usion of substrate attached particles by building a model system in which colloidal particles are attached to a supported lipid bilayer on...Show moreWe seek to study the in uence of substrate geometry on di usion of substrate attached particles by building a model system in which colloidal particles are attached to a supported lipid bilayer on TPA suitable material. We test a variety of lipid compositions and polyelectrolyte cushioning with respect to lipid mobility. Our experimental e orts show that DOPC/DOPE-PEG2000 uid lipid bilayers on glass and ORMOCER can be created. DNA linkers with cholesterol anchors are adsorbed in this bilayer and polystyrene colloids coated with complementary DNA linkers are coupled to the linkers in the bilayer. We show that the colloids di use in a two dimensional fashion on a glass substrate.Show less
In de laatste jaren proberen verschillende scholen gebruik te maken van gecomputeriseerde trainingsprogramma’s om de cognitieve vermogens van hun leerlingen te verbeteren. Er heerst een discussie...Show moreIn de laatste jaren proberen verschillende scholen gebruik te maken van gecomputeriseerde trainingsprogramma’s om de cognitieve vermogens van hun leerlingen te verbeteren. Er heerst een discussie in de huidige onderzoekswereld of deze programma’s daadwerkelijk werken of niet. In dit onderzoek is gekeken of er een vooruitgang van het werkgeheugen is opgetreden na een werkgeheugentraining. Daarnaast is onderzocht of motivatie invloed heeft op de verbetering van het werkgeheugen na een werkgeheugentraining. Dit onderzoek met een pretest post-test controlgroup onderzoeksdesign heeft een steekproef van 28 basisschoolleerlingen uit groep 5. Er is gebruik gemaakt van drie specifieke werkgeheugentaken om de vooruitgang van het werkgeheugen te kunnen bepalen: de digit span backward, de sentence span en het leeuwenspel. Om de mate van motivatie te bepalen is er gebruik gemaakt van 3 specifieke motivatievragenlijsten: de Grit, Expectancy-value en Growth-mindset questionnaires. Uit dit onderzoek is gebleken dat er alleen een vooruitgang is opgetreden op de werkgeheugentaak digit span backward in zowel de experimentele als de controle conditie. Daarnaast heeft motivatie geen voorspellende rol in het verbeteren van het werkgeheugen na de werkgeheugentraining. Het is van belang dat er extra onderzoek naar motivatie uitgevoerd wordt.Show less
Master thesis | Classics and Ancient Civilizations (MA)
open access
This MA thesis attempts to detect as much as possible democratic and undemocratic features in the Laws of Plato. At the next stage there is a comprehensive analysis on how and why these features...Show moreThis MA thesis attempts to detect as much as possible democratic and undemocratic features in the Laws of Plato. At the next stage there is a comprehensive analysis on how and why these features could be characterized as democratic or undemocratic. In the end of the thesis there is a concise comparison of Magnesia with democratic Athens and also with Callipolis, the ideal society from the Republic of Plato. Finally there is an attempt to decribe the political color of Magnesia.Show less
This thesis explores intersections between scientific, fictional and religious discourses in Milton's Paradise Lost and Cavendish's Blazing World, and the threat the scientific revolution posed to...Show moreThis thesis explores intersections between scientific, fictional and religious discourses in Milton's Paradise Lost and Cavendish's Blazing World, and the threat the scientific revolution posed to religion. Especially the development of optical instruments is taken into account.Show less
La tesis tiene por objetivo analizar el problema público de la salud mental infanto-juvenil en la agenda del gobierno chileno entre 1990-2015, considerándose todo el período posterior a la...Show moreLa tesis tiene por objetivo analizar el problema público de la salud mental infanto-juvenil en la agenda del gobierno chileno entre 1990-2015, considerándose todo el período posterior a la Dictadura y de retorno a la democracia en el país, el cual está marcado por un nuevo enfoque hacía las políticas sociales y la consolidación de la reforma en salud mental. El enfoque utilizado fue el cualitativo y la técnica el análisis de contenido. El material de análisis corresponde a los Planes Nacionales de Salud Mental promulgados por el gobierno en 1993 y 2000, así como los discursos presidenciales ante el Congreso Pleno cada 21 de Mmayo entre 1990-2015. Los resultados permiten concluir que la definición de este problema público cuenta con baja atención y escaso éxito en la agenda institucional, a excepción de la agenda de salud mental donde ha sido definido como un problema prioritario. Existen, por sobre todo, una estructura organizacional en las políticas sociales que fijan limitaciones políticas, económicas, administrativas y mentales a la salud mental y a la infancia y juventud.Show less
The purpose of this research is to investigate the performace of a prototype detector for a neutrino telescope built in the Mediterranean Sea. The telescope consists of photomultiplier tubes which...Show moreThe purpose of this research is to investigate the performace of a prototype detector for a neutrino telescope built in the Mediterranean Sea. The telescope consists of photomultiplier tubes which record the position and time stamps of Cherenkov light created by charged particles form e.g. neutrino interactions. This investigation is done to find neutrino sources in the cosmos which could lead to a better understanding of active galactic nuclei, supernova remnants, micro-quasars and gammaray bursts. We used the data of a prototype where most of the signals stem from muons created in atmospheric interactions of cosmic rays. In the first part the properties of the detected signals are being investigated and we look for a lower limit to have a noise free signal when looking for Cherenkov light created by charged particles between multiple digital optical modules. The last part of this project is devoted to calibrating the observed data with the simulated data so that in future experiments it could be seen at which time a particle is detected with nanosecond precision and thus with an angular precision of a tenth of a degree the direction and path of particles could be constructed.Show less
The trade of the servants of the East India Companies, known as private trade, forms the core of this thesis. It is argued that the studies on the Dutch maritime empire in Asia have hitherto...Show moreThe trade of the servants of the East India Companies, known as private trade, forms the core of this thesis. It is argued that the studies on the Dutch maritime empire in Asia have hitherto neglected the theme of private trade. In order to understand the decline of the VOC vis-à-vis the English EIC, it is crucial to have a better understanding of the Dutch private trade.Show less
Idols are the most popular performers in the Japanese entertainment world. They sing, dance, act and appear in magazines. Their pictures are sold in specialized shops and they sell several thousand...Show moreIdols are the most popular performers in the Japanese entertainment world. They sing, dance, act and appear in magazines. Their pictures are sold in specialized shops and they sell several thousand copies per single. But in Europe and America such idols don’t exist. What is it that makes these idols so popular in Japan, while they are not popular in Europe and America? What is important for a Japanese idol to become popular? I will look at three different aspects: looks, talent and personality. The general conclusion is that talent is more important for Japanese idols than looks and personalityShow less
This dissertation assesses the impact of sustainable development and livelihood strategies on the indigenous communities of Maolin National Scenic Area (NSA) in Taiwan. I examine the relationship...Show moreThis dissertation assesses the impact of sustainable development and livelihood strategies on the indigenous communities of Maolin National Scenic Area (NSA) in Taiwan. I examine the relationship between the directives of indigenous policy relevant and the sustainability indicators for small islands proposed by Jesinghaus (2002) to answer the leading question: What is the influence of sustainable tourism strategies present in the CIP policies on the Maolin NSA indigenous communities in the matters of land conservation practices, heritage protection and risk management? This dissertation offers two leading hypothesis: [1] the sustainable development indicators for Maolin are the same as for all Taiwan, [2] the sustainable development strategies should not be evaluated per se, but only in relation to the particular case study. The aim of this dissertation is to present how the indigenous policies inspired by the Taiwan's cultural transition, indigenous rights movement and idea of sustainable development influenced Maolin NSA. Synthesizing the most relevant theories in indigenous tourism studies and sustainable development studies, this research attempts to show Maolin’s case study in a broad context. The most important contribution of this thesis is explaining new tendencies in Taiwanese inbound tourism on the example of recently established protected area. Using Maolin NSA case analysis, this research explored the role of the indigenous policy implementation in the process of protected area establishment and management. This dissertation offers an insight into the latest tendencies in indigenous tourism development and management in Taiwan.Show less
In this thesis the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the natural sciences is discussed. I will show that this is a deep philosophical problem for which no easy solution is available. A...Show moreIn this thesis the unreasonable effectiveness of mathematics in the natural sciences is discussed. I will show that this is a deep philosophical problem for which no easy solution is available. A historical analysis of the role of mathematics in science shows that basic mathematics, an abstraction from empirical observation, evolved into complex mathematics, a human invention completely detached from its empirical roots. The conclusion of this analysis is that the applicability of mathematics cannot be explained by adhering to the empirical roots of mathematics. This poses a philosophical problem: how can something that is anthropocentric describe and predict the intricate workings of natural phenomena so accurately? This question is my main research question and is also thoroughly discussed by Mark Steiner (1998). He places emphasis on the predictive power of mathematics in the natural sciences and I will show that Steiner’s main argument, that anthropocentric elements in mathematics play a crucial, and unreasonable effective, role in the discovery of new physical theories is a valid observation in need of an explanation. The mapping accounts of Pincock (2004) and Bueno and Colyvan (2011) are discussed, who attempt to render the anthropocentric elements in mathematics intelligible. They both turn out to be incomplete and therefore, I have provided an improved inferential mapping account that is able to render parts of the anthropocentric influences in mathematics intelligible. However the successful use of tractability assumptions cannot be explained by this mapping account. This leads to the conclusion that the world looks ’user-friendly’, because our anthropocentric assumptions result in correct knowledge about the natural world. Therefore, one cannot refrain from a metaphysical discussion about the relation between mathematics, mind and world. I discuss several metaphysical accounts, of which the most reasonable is the simple explanation that we just ’see what we look for’. A price needs to be paid however; complete knowledge about the world around us will never be possible. Moreover, it remains mysterious that we are able to control natural phenomena in such a detailed way, whilst only having knowledge of a small part of it. The final chapter mentions the changing role of mathematics in science in the last 30 years, where advancements in theoretical physics increased the importance of mathematical methods, whereas advancements in computer science decreased this role. I conclude that now more than ever, it is important to reflect on the role of mathematics in the scientific method.Show less
