In this thesis, we investigate the co-deposition of cesium and antimony to develop efficient Cs3Sb photocathodes for Optical Near-field Electron Microscopy (ONEM), aiming to achieve ultra-smooth,...Show moreIn this thesis, we investigate the co-deposition of cesium and antimony to develop efficient Cs3Sb photocathodes for Optical Near-field Electron Microscopy (ONEM), aiming to achieve ultra-smooth, ultra-thin photocathodes with high quantum efficiency. The project involved implementing, designing and calibrating new equipment, such as a Dual Cluster Source evaporator, a Quartz Crystal Monitor, a QE measurement setup and a custom transfer arm extension with sample heater for temperature controlled growth. All the equipment is installed in the preparation chamber of the ESCHER LEEM, where we have successfully grown several photocathodes. Ultimately, a photocathode grown in the preparation chamber, with a measured moderate QE of around 0.3% at 450 nm light, has been successfully utilized for the first time to obtain an ONEM image of a biological sample.Show less
Introduction As dementia prevalence increases, more individuals are becoming caregivers for family members with dementia. This role can negatively impact the caregiver's quality of life (QoL), even...Show moreIntroduction As dementia prevalence increases, more individuals are becoming caregivers for family members with dementia. This role can negatively impact the caregiver's quality of life (QoL), even when the person with dementia resides in a nursing home. This study aimed to identify factors influencing caregivers' well-being. We investigated whether the type and stage of dementia, the QoL of the person with dementia, and their interactions could predict the family caregiver's QoL. Methods This study included 205 elderly participants with dementia from 19 nursing homes and their family caregivers. It measured the type of dementia by using a physician’s diagnosis, stage of dementia using the Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity-Scale (BANS-S) ( M = 14.92, SD = 4.58), QoL of the person with dementia using the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale (M = 22.88, SD = 7.96 ), and caregiver QoL using a scale question from the TOPICS-MDS questionnaire (M = 7.36 , SD = 1.18). A general linear model was employed to analyze the data. Results Neither the type of dementia (F(3, 189) = 0.62, p = 0.6030), stage of dementia (F(1, 189) = 0.871, p = 0.352), nor the QoL of the person with dementia (F(1, 189) = 0.225, p = 0.636) predicted the QoL of the family caregiver. Additionally, no interactions between these factors were significant predictors of the family caregiver’s QoL (Type x Stage; F(3, 189) = .264, p = .851) (Type x QoL); F(3, 189) =.548 , p =.650) (Stage x QoL; F(1, 189) = .388, p = .534) (Type x Stage x QoL; F(3, 189) =.149, p = .930). Discussion None of the characteristics nor their interactions were able to predict the caregiver's quality of life. These results contradict earlier research. Possible explanations are the violations of certain assumptions within the GLM, the methods that were used to measure the variables and the difference in care setting between this study and previous studies. Further investigation is needed to clarify these discrepancies and refine our understanding of factors affecting family caregivers' QoL.Show less
In recent years, many advancements have been made in the field of Simulation-Based Inference (SBI), due to the lack of tractable likelihoods in modern physics experiments. In the High-Energy...Show moreIn recent years, many advancements have been made in the field of Simulation-Based Inference (SBI), due to the lack of tractable likelihoods in modern physics experiments. In the High-Energy Physics (HEP) literature, a popular choice for doing SBI is by using binary classifiers, which can be used to obtain likelihood ratios by means of the likelihood-ratio trick. In the Astrophysics literature, on the other hand, more research is done on Normalizing Flows, which directly model the likelihoods. In this thesis, we compare the two methods, assessing their performance on a general HEP problem: inference of a signal ratio in the presence of a nuisance parameter. We perform this comparison on both a toy Gaussian example and a realistic Higgs decay example and do not find a clear winner over the two cases. We do find interesting qualitative differences, especially for poorly performing models, suggesting that it may be beneficial to implement both methods rather than selecting just one.Show less
Empathic Accuracy (EA) is an important skill in parenting. It promotes positive self- concept in adolescents and is a predictor for individual and family adjustment. Factors may influence parental...Show moreEmpathic Accuracy (EA) is an important skill in parenting. It promotes positive self- concept in adolescents and is a predictor for individual and family adjustment. Factors may influence parental EA, such as parental childhood maltreatment and parental or adolescent depression. Using a sample of 201 parents (55.2% mothers), this study measured with linear regression whether parental childhood maltreatment and parental depression contributed to parents misattributing their children’s negative emotions in the context of a conflict task. Adolescent depression was considered as a covariate. Parental childhood maltreatment, and depression of both adolescents and parents were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Parents (Mage = 49.31) and their adolescent child (Mage = 15.81) then participated in a video- recorded task, in which they were asked to solve a conflict. Afterwards, parents had to indicate how they thought their child was feeling on a 7-point Likert scale for positive and negative emotions during high affect moments in this task. The results suggested that parents who have experienced childhood maltreatment, but not parents who suffered from depression, tended to overestimate their children’s negative emotions during the conflict task, showing a negative bias. Additionally, when an adolescent was suffering from depression, parents tended to underestimate their negative emotions. These findings highlight that EA is an interactive process which may be influenced by different factors (e.g. parental childhood maltreatment, adolescent depression). This knowledge can make parents more aware of biases they might have towards the emotions of their children, and thereby improving their communicative and empathic skills.Show less
Patients with prolactinoma are often initially treated with dopamine agonists (DAs). Although in many cases effective, DAs can cause severe (psychological) side effects and sometimes require...Show morePatients with prolactinoma are often initially treated with dopamine agonists (DAs). Although in many cases effective, DAs can cause severe (psychological) side effects and sometimes require lifelong intake. Neurosurgical counseling offers an alternative treatment option. The current study investigated whether neurosurgical counseling leads to better outcomes than DA treatment regarding adverse mood symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and disease burden in patients with prolactinoma. A preliminary analysis of the Prolactinoma Clinical Trial-study was conducted. Patients were included in a randomized controlled trial or the observational arm, receiving either neurosurgical counseling or DA treatment. Adverse mood symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS), HRQoL (Short-Form Health Survey; SF-36), and disease burden (Leiden Bothers and Needs Questionnaire; LBNQ) were measured at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Demographic and clinical variables were derived from electronic patient files. To investigate the effects of time, group, and time*group interaction, multivariate linear mixed models were performed on outcomes of the HADS, SF-36, and LBNQ, controlling for age, sex, and prolactin levels at baseline. Data were available for 71, 61, and 69 patients in the analysis on the HADS, SF-36, and LBNQ, respectively. A larger decline in anxiety symptoms was found in the group of neurosurgical counseling (time*group; B = -3.66 (95% CI [-5.85 – -1.47]), p = .001) compared to the DA group. Prolactin levels at baseline were predictive of more adverse mood symptoms, lower mental well-being, and more perceived bothers at 12 months follow-up (all p < .004). Neurosurgical counseling showed comparable effects to DA treatment in terms of HRQoL and disease burden but was superior at relieving anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, prolactin levels emerged as a more potent predictor of these outcomes than the choice of treatment. These findings may optimize treatment for patients with prolactinoma, addressing their mood, emotional well-being, and HRQoL.Show less
Decisions made at child protection sittings significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing these decisions. Previous...Show moreDecisions made at child protection sittings significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing these decisions. Previous research indicates that these decisions are not always made correctly and exhibit substantial variability. This study utilizes the Decision Making Ecology Model to analyse the influence of risk assessment tools and work experience on these decisions. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a case file study. The analyses show that the use of risk assessment tools has a significant impact on the decisions made. Work experience did not have a significant direct influence, but the use of risk assessment tools indirectly affected work experience, which in turn had a small effect on the final decisions.Show less
Within school environments many texts are read on screens. These screens are often multifunctional and used for multiple tasks. This opens up the possibility of distractions in the form of pop-up...Show moreWithin school environments many texts are read on screens. These screens are often multifunctional and used for multiple tasks. This opens up the possibility of distractions in the form of pop-up notifications. The current study looks at the effect of pop-up notifications on reading comprehension. It makes use of the contradiction paradigm, which uses reading times to comment on the storing of information in a reader’s working memory. The paradigm can be used when comparing consistent stories with contradicting stories. Target sentences in contradicting stories are read slower than the same sentences in consistent stories. In the current study twenty-one participants, read a total of 60 stories. Half of these stories are interrupted by pop-ups, making four conditions: uninterrupted consistent; uninterrupted contradicting; interrupted consistent stories and interrupted, contradicting stories. The reading times of the target sentences in different conditions are compared. The first research question focuses on the overall effect of pop-ups on reading comprehension, by comparing the reading times in all four conditions. No significant difference in reading times was found. Therefore no evidence was found for an effect of pop-ups on reading comprehension. Research question two looked into a difference in response to the interruption, between people with lower and higher levels of reading skills. Participants were divided into two groups based on a Maze Task. The results show no significant difference in reading times between the groups. The last research question looked at the effect of interruptions on the answering of comprehension questions asked directly after reading the texts. There was no significant difference in the percentage of questions answered correctly between interrupted and uninterrupted texts. Therefore no evidence was found for an effect of pop-up notifications on reading comprehension. In total the current study found no evidence of a negative effect of pop-ups on reading comprehension.Show less
Expectations of pain significantly influence individuals’ pain experiences and contribute to the nocebo effect, which is defined as unfavourable outcomes resulting from negative expectations about...Show moreExpectations of pain significantly influence individuals’ pain experiences and contribute to the nocebo effect, which is defined as unfavourable outcomes resulting from negative expectations about treatment beyond any pharmacological effects. When individuals inaccurately predict pain levels, a mismatch occurs, leading to either under or overpredictions of the pain experience. These mismatches can affect pain perception and emotional states, potentially impacting treatment outcomes. The literature presents mixed findings on how these expectancy mismatches shape pain perception. Thus, our first research question aimed to replicate the nocebo effect by assessing whether higher negative expectations induce greater experienced pain. Secondly, we investigated whether a (mis)match in pain expectancy and actual pain experience predicts the nocebo effect. Healthy participants (n = 94) were randomly assigned to either a control (n = 47) or an active group (n = 47). The latter received a nocebo manipulation induced by negative verbal suggestion and conditioning through electrical pain stimulation, which produces negative expectations of pain and can induce higher pain experiences. Participants’ pain expectations of upcoming pain stimulation and actual pain experiences were measured on a numerical rating scale. RM ANOVAs and linear regression were utilised to investigate our primary and secondary research question, respectively. Our results revealed a statistically significant nocebo effect induction to electrical pain stimulation. Additionally, the active group showed overpredictions of their pain experience, while there was no significant relationship between expectancy mismatch and nocebo responses, suggesting that mismatch alone may not be sufficient to explain nocebo responses. Prior experiences of pain might predict the nocebo effect better, as they can contribute to the formation of negative expectations, increasing susceptibility to nocebo responses. In conclusion, while we replicated the nocebo effect through verbal suggestion and conditioning, expectancy mismatch alone did not predict nocebo responses. Future studies should investigate a potential non-linear relationship for the mismatch of pain expectations and pain experiences on nocebo responses and how under- and overpredictions relate to nocebo responses separately.Show less
Het doel van dit experimentele scriptie onderzoek was om het effect van de verwachtings-optimalisatie tool op de verwachte omgang met pijn tijdens de bevalling te onderzoeken. Met de verwachtings...Show moreHet doel van dit experimentele scriptie onderzoek was om het effect van de verwachtings-optimalisatie tool op de verwachte omgang met pijn tijdens de bevalling te onderzoeken. Met de verwachtings-optimalisatie tool vormen vrouwen positieve, maar realistische verwachtingen. Verwachtingen zijn belangrijk, aangezien het voldoen aan eerdere verwachtingen een positieve ervaring van de bevalling creëert. Dit is essentieel omdat een negatieve bevallingservaring één van de grootste uitdagingen in de zorg is. Het overkoepelende pilotonderzoek wil de algemene bevallingservaringen verbeteren door met verwachtingen de effectiviteit van pijnbehandelingen te vergroten. Voor een positieve bevallingservaring is effectief omgaan met pijn cruciaal. In dit scriptie onderzoek waren er twee hypotheses, namelijk dat respondenten na het doorlopen van de tool een betere verwachte omgang met pijn verwachten en dat dit effect versterkt werd door een hoge zelfeffectiviteit. De steekproef (N = 32) bestond uit vrouwen met zwangerschapsplannen binnen vijf jaar, willekeurig verdeeld over een interventie- (n = 16) en een controlegroep (n = 16). De interventiegroep voltooide de tool, terwijl de controlegroep enkel het geboorteplan invulde in Qualitrics. Data-analyse werd uitgevoerd middels een onafhankelijke t-toets en Hayes’ PROCESS-macro. De resultaten toonden geen significant effect van de tool op de verwachte omgang met pijn (d = 0,40 ), noch een interactie-effect in de moderatieanalyse (b = - 0,07 ). Ondanks dat de hypothesen niet werden bevestigd, vormt dit onderzoek een eerste stap in de ontwikkeling van interventies gericht op het cultiveren van positieve, realistische verwachtingen om de bevallingservaring te verbeteren en in het begrijpen wat voor rol zelfeffectiviteit speelt.Show less
Monochorionic (MC) twins share a placenta, which leads to a heightened risk of developing medical complications. This study explored the impact of adverse intrauterine circumstances on the...Show moreMonochorionic (MC) twins share a placenta, which leads to a heightened risk of developing medical complications. This study explored the impact of adverse intrauterine circumstances on the temperament development of 6-month-old infants, focused on Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS), and selective Fetal Growth Restriction (sFGR). The investigation measured temperament in terms of positive and negative affectivity. It was hypothesized that MC twins affected by TAPS and sFGR would display differential affectivity, with donors and smaller twins exhibiting lower positive affectivity and higher negative affectivity compared to their co-twins. For TTTS, no significant long-term temperamental differences between twins were anticipated. Additionally, it was expected that MC twins from uncomplicated pregnancies would show higher positive affectivity and lower negative affectivity compared to those with medical complications. Conducted as part of the TwinLIFE study, this research examined 103 MC twin pairs, a group naturally controlling for genetic and environmental confounders, thereby exploring the effects of these specific prenatal circumstances. The Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised Very Short Form (IBQ-R-VSF) was administered to assess temperament for each individual twin at 6 months of age. Results indicated no significant within-pair differences in temperamental development among medically complicated twins, as expected for TTTS, but contrary to expectations regarding TAPS and sFGR. These results indicate a sense of relief for parents with twins from complicated pregnancies, as they suggest no need for additional intervention to promote healthy development. Contrary to expectations, comparisons between twins from uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies revealed lower positive affectivity in the uncomplicated group. These findings could be explained by a potential influence of parental focus on positive reinforcement in children with complications in the context of the child's survival and well-being. These results highlight that intrauterine circumstances do not necessarily cause any substantial differences but suggest a complex interplay between parental interactions and temperamental expression, warranting further investigation into the long-term outcomes and support programs.Show less
Extinction learning is a pivotal phenomenon in which an individual’s fear response gradually diminishes after the associated stimulus no longer predicts the expected negative outcome. This...Show moreExtinction learning is a pivotal phenomenon in which an individual’s fear response gradually diminishes after the associated stimulus no longer predicts the expected negative outcome. This phenomenon can be examined by using the fear conditioning paradigm. The procedure of extinction learning is considered the experimental equivalent of exposure therapy. While exposure therapy is shown to be an effective approach for treating anxiety disorders, it is not effective for everyone.Therefore, novel interventions are needed to enhance the impact of exposure therapy. Two key factors potentially influencing extinction learning are social learning and early life stress (ELS). Past research has shown a positive effect of social learning on extinction learning in adults and indicated an association between ELS and extinction learning in rats, rodents, and humans. However, extinction learning is diminished in adolescence, a crucial period in which there is an increase in the prevalence of anxiety disorders. Little is known about the reason behind this reduction. A possible cause for diminished extinction learning is ELS, and a potential solution could be social learning. Therefore, research on the effect of social learning and ELS on extinction learning is needed for adolescents specifically. This research aimed to identify the relationship between (mild) ELS and social extinction learning in adolescents. To address this issue, typically developed participants (N = 35) aged between 9 and 16 performed a fear conditioning task in an MRI scanner. Furthermore, participants and parents had to fill out several questionnaires on early life events. Participants were divided into a social and non-social condition. Our findings showed that fear acquisition was successful. However, fear extinction was not successful. Besides, no difference was found in extinction learning in a social and non-social condition of adolescents. Also, no association was found between (mild) ELS and extinction learning in adolescents. No evidence was found for the effect of social learning or (mild) ELS on extinction learning in adolescents. This study shows that extinguishing fear in adolescents is challenging, as previous research has found. Future research with a larger research sample and a refined methodology is necessary to draw more robust conclusions. Nonetheless, this type of research is promising for improving therapy and could impact the prevention and intervention of anxiety disorders.Show less
Functioneren is een belangrijk concept in de zorg, maar dit wordt nog niet uitgevraagd als single item vraag in gezondheidsmonitors, zoals dat bij ervaren gezondheid gebeurt. De verwachte stijgende...Show moreFunctioneren is een belangrijk concept in de zorg, maar dit wordt nog niet uitgevraagd als single item vraag in gezondheidsmonitors, zoals dat bij ervaren gezondheid gebeurt. De verwachte stijgende prevalentie van ouderdomsziektes door vergrijzing levert een behoefte aan een oplossing voor de hoge werkdruk bij zorgpersoneel en single item vragen verminderen werklast bij zorgpersoneel en patiënt. Het doel van dit onderzoek was om te onderzoeken of ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid twee verschillende constructen zijn. De hypothese was dat dit twee verschillende constructen zouden zijn. Deze zouden naast elkaar uitgevraagd kunnen worden in gezondheidsmonitors en gezondheidsevaluatielijsten in de zorg om aanvullende informatie te geven over kwaliteit van leven en welzijn van een patiënt. Uit verschillende bestaande gezondheidsmonitors is een vragenlijst samengesteld. Hieraan zijn items over demografische kenmerken en de ervaren gezondheid en zelf ontworpen ervaren functioneren vraag toegevoegd. De vragenlijst bestond uit 47 vragen en is verspreid via sociale media. De dataset bestond uit 281 respondenten, waarvan 42,3 % man, 55,9% vrouw en 1,1% non-binair. 65,5% van de respondenten had geen ervaring met een langdurige ziekte, 22,8 % met één langdurige ziekte en 11,7% met twee of meer langdurige ziekten. De correlaties tussen drie van vijf items van de EQ-5D5L (mobiliteit, pijn/ongemak en angst/somberheid) en ervaren functioneren waren significant verschillend met de correlaties tussen de items en de ervaren gezondheid vraag. Ook de EQ-VAS correleerde significant verschillend. Hoewel ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid niet significant verschillend correleerden op elk item van de EQ-5D5L, reageerden ze niet identiek. Dit kan een aanwijzing zijn dat ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid twee verschillende constructen zijn. Er is meer onderzoek nodig naar de domeinen waarop ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid wel dan niet verschillen.Show less
This study investigates the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social feedback learning rate. Rejection sensitivity is an aspect of social anxiety disorder which is especially prevalent...Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social feedback learning rate. Rejection sensitivity is an aspect of social anxiety disorder which is especially prevalent in adolescents. SAD has a significant relationship with social feedback learning rate and this study aims to go a step further and research whether rejection sensitivity is a leading factor in this relationship. Participants fill in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale as well as the Children’s Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire. Afterwards they will do a speech task which includes a public speaking section and is judged by confederate judges who will rate them on their performance. The participants rate themselves before and after the feedback from the judges. The difference between individual’s rating before and after the feedback will be measured and this will form the basis of our data for analysis. During the analysis a correlational relationship will be analyzed between rejection sensitivity, its sub measures and social feedback learning rate. The hypothesis of the study is that individuals with higher rejection sensitivity score will have higher negative social feedback learning rates. Results show no significant relationship between the variables.Show less
