Given the profound environmental impact of single-use plastic packaging, this study addresses the influence of moral appeals and environmental attitudes regarding plastic-free consumer choices in...Show moreGiven the profound environmental impact of single-use plastic packaging, this study addresses the influence of moral appeals and environmental attitudes regarding plastic-free consumer choices in the UK. Utilizing an experimental between-subject design (N = 263), moral appeals were expected to influence plastic-free choices. Stronger pro-environmental attitudes were expected to increase plastic-free choices following an individualizing moral appeal, whereas weaker pro-environmental attitudes were expected to increase plastic-free choices following a binding appeal. Results did not support the hypotheses, as plastic-free choices did not differ between the moral appeal conditions and the control condition, and pro-environmental attitudes did not moderate this relationship. Surprisingly, the individualizing appeal prompted more plastic-free choices than the binding appeal. The roles of price, culture, and self-construal, as well as the partially failed manipulations, are discussed as possible explanations for the findings. In conclusion, using an individualizing moral appeal effectively promotes plastic-free purchasing behaviour in the UK.Show less
An SCT is a genetic disorder in which children are born with an extra sex chromosome that arises during pregnancy. Even though SCTs are one of the most common chromosome duplications, many people...Show moreAn SCT is a genetic disorder in which children are born with an extra sex chromosome that arises during pregnancy. Even though SCTs are one of the most common chromosome duplications, many people with SCTs go undiagnosed due to a lack of evidence or visible symptoms. Previous studies showed that the neurocognitive functioning, especially executive functions and social cognition of children with SCT differ from those of children without SCT. However, that research focuses mostly on older children, so there was a need for knowledge of the development of children under 4 years with an SCT. Research also showed that ADHD symptoms in children with an SCT increased as these children got older and that there are differences in social-emotional development between boys and girls. This study examined which factors influence the difference in social-emotional development between children with and without SCT. Social-emotional development is about the social and emotional skills that children acquire to communicate and deal with emotions. Differences between SCT and no SCT and between boys and girls as well as the influence of age on social-emotional development were examined. The sample of this study is part of a larger ongoing project investigating development in different domains of children with an SCT. The total score on the Ages & Stages Questionnaires was used to measure social-emotional development. This research shows that there is a significant difference in social-emotional development between children with and without an SCT. Specifically, children with an SCT grow into a deficit as they get older. It could not be shown that gender has an influence. The recommendation is to perform more research towards the early diagnosis of SCTs in children in order to be able to intervene at a young age. This will prevent them from growing into deficit when they get older.Show less
Migration as a theme has held a prominent position in the (European) museum world since the 1990s. An extensive theoretical debate on its representation has been evolved since then. City museums...Show moreMigration as a theme has held a prominent position in the (European) museum world since the 1990s. An extensive theoretical debate on its representation has been evolved since then. City museums have emerged as important arenas for the exploring of the migration theme. In the development of migration-themed exhibitions, a common practice involves collaborating with local migrant communities to gather narratives previously untold or underrepresented. Whether the collected (hi)stories are presented and stored through tangible or intangible means, often this collected information is “new”. Despite the enduring presence of migration as a phenomenon throughout human history, relatively little attention has been directed towards exploring it within existing historical museum collections. While some scholars recognize the potential of historical collections to contribute to inclusive migration representations, this aspect remains relatively underexplored. This study employed two primary research strategies to address this gap. Firstly, interviews were conducted with six city museum professionals. Secondly, collection research was undertaken at the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, focusing on revisiting its historical collection. The research uncovered that revisiting historical city museum collections can yield valuable insights into migration-related histories. By posing different questions and embracing an interdisciplinary approach, previously overlooked objects can be reinterpreted to narrate migration stories. The effectiveness of this approach was demonstrated through the case study of the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, where several migration-related objects were identified within the historical collection. These objects, including a curved draw knife, a painting, and a sketch, symbolized various migration stories to Schiedam, such as German, Polish, and Huguenot migrations. The interdisciplinary aspect was found to be essential in enriching the revisiting process. Linking historical or archaeological data to museum collections facilitated a deeper understanding of migration-related narratives. Furthermore, exposing historical museum objects to present-day impulses can offer fresh perspectives. While participative projects have been advocated as a primary method for gathering new migration stories, this research revealed a certain hesitancy, fearing the reduction of migrants' experiences to stereotypical representations. Instead, there was a preference for embedding migration within other themes, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of individuals' lives beyond their migrant status. Overall, this research revealed that revisiting historical city museum collections can offer valuable insights into migration-related histories. Furthermore, it contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the use of participative strategies in sourcing migration objects, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and thoughtful integration in the European city museum context.Show less
Chronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) is a much debated topic and the current clinical literature states that up to 40% of the maxillary sinusitis cases can be caused by dental disease. This is called...Show moreChronic maxillary sinusitis (CMS) is a much debated topic and the current clinical literature states that up to 40% of the maxillary sinusitis cases can be caused by dental disease. This is called odontogenic maxillary sinusitis (OMS). Unilateral CMS is even believed to be induced by dental disease in approximately 75% of the cases. In bioarchaeology, odontogenic sinusitis has been somehow understudied, since very few archaeological studies on sinusitis have taken dental disease into consideration. Studying the impact of dental disease can give more contextualisation to previous studies on respiratory disease, including CMS. Both CMS and dental disease can be observable in archaeological context as various skeletal changes. This thesis research aims to test if the presence of CMS is related to the presence of dental disease within two post-medieval populations from Arnhem and Middenbeemster. The dental pathological conditions that are included here are periapical abscesses, periodontal disease, ante-mortem tooth loss and oroantral fistulae. First, the relation between CMS and dental disease has been investigated for the sample in its entirety, as well as on the intrasite level. After this, differences in the prevalence rates of OMS were investigated on the intersite level (i.e., between populations and between sex groups across populations). Chi squared tests and the Fisher’s Exact Test were used to test the hypotheses. The results show that there is no statistically significant correlation between the presence of chronic maxillary sinusitis and the presence of dental disease. Moreover, the differences in the prevalence rates of CMS did not hold any statistical significance either. It can be suggested that other factors, such as climate, smoking, or hazards as the result of urbanisation, have played a bigger role in the development of chronic maxillary sinusitis in the current sample. Although not significant, there was a stronger correlation between CMS and dental disease in the rural sample than in the urban sample. A stronger relationship was also observed in females than in males. Therefore, it might be suggested that dental disease played a more important role in the development of CMS among these subgroups. Furthermore, it is observed that OMS is slightly more prevalent in the urban population and has a slight female predominance.Show less
Research implies that stroke rehabilitation might benefit from music as an add-on in physical therapy. Nevertheless, it is still not widely used and researched. This research aims to examine if...Show moreResearch implies that stroke rehabilitation might benefit from music as an add-on in physical therapy. Nevertheless, it is still not widely used and researched. This research aims to examine if sonification, translating movement into sound, or rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) of movement, using background music, shows a greater learning process while playing the Pizzicato game. As both have shown to be a profitable add-on, the current research question is, “Which auditory-motor training method is most suitable for stroke rehabilitation?”. Here, we predict that sonification will show a greater learning increase over RAS, while a combination of the two exceeds all the conditions. 75 participants were randomly assigned over four conditions to play the Pizzicato game. The results arising from a 1x4 ANOVA show a lack of overall significant effects, even though significant effects are seen in sonification, and RAS compared to no sound. Concluding sonification and RAS can possibly enhance motor learning performance, while a combination of the auditory stimuli could result in a cognitive overload. Sonification or RAS could cautiously be implemented in stroke rehabilitation only if it is to increase enjoyability in rehabilitation.Show less
The HMC project started in 2021 to trace interconnection patterns in the rural region close to the city of Chalkida in Euboea, during the Medieval period. Field surveys in 2022 and 2023 at the...Show moreThe HMC project started in 2021 to trace interconnection patterns in the rural region close to the city of Chalkida in Euboea, during the Medieval period. Field surveys in 2022 and 2023 at the sites of Feges, Bailelekas, and Kastri, and the excavation trench of Kastri in 2023 retrieved multiple animal bones, requiring an archaeozoological analysis that would shed light on inquiries related to their nature and connection to the studied archaeological sites. This, in combination with the fact that no adequate archaeozoological study has been conducted in the Medieval Euboea, has been the main reason why this thesis was essential for both Byzantine Archaeology and Archaeozoology. For the current thesis, I studied faunal material coming from mammals. The main research questions aimed to comprehend from what period the material was derived, what species were present, how they were exploited, and whether these results are equivalent or different from the previous Early Byzantine Period. In addition, other questions included the interpretation of the main excavation site of the project, Kastri, based on the faunal analysis, and consequently, how animal remains can complement an archaeological analysis. It was determined that the faunal material derived from a Middle Byzantine refusion pit, and that caprines, pigs, and cows were mainly exploited for their primary products. Other species that were present included hare which would possibly be hunted, as well as limited rodent and dog bones. While not studied for the current thesis, the existence of fishes and birds was also mentioned to state the variety of animals that were probably used during the period. Most animals were exploited in similar ways as in the earlier period, except for cattle, which showed primarily signs of meat exploitation, contradicting their primary use as working animals in other assemblages from the earlier era. As for the function of Kastri, it was considered a wealthy premise of a central or administrative character, where animals would be gathered, slaughtered, and consumed in situ. It was further understood that faunal remains are essential for a vast number of archaeological questions regarding the period of interest, especially when it comes to the determination of socio-economic-related inquiries. This initial endeavour of archaeozoological analysis in these faunal remains is one of the first in the area, but also one of the very few ones regarding the period. Thus, along with answering the research questions of this thesis, new ones arise that would enlighten us more about the site in the future, especially regarding other species, diets, paleoenvironmental interpretation, as well as the chronology of the material.Show less
This thesis explores the concept of linguistic secession and its implications within the framework of international law, focusing on the case studies of Québec and Abkhazia. Through a detailed...Show moreThis thesis explores the concept of linguistic secession and its implications within the framework of international law, focusing on the case studies of Québec and Abkhazia. Through a detailed examination of historical contexts, it highlights how linguistic identity can fuel secessionist movements and evaluates the extent to which linguistic discrimination can justify claims for independence. By analysing legal doctrines and international treaties, the study assesses the applicability of remedial secession as a response to linguistic subjugation. The findings suggest that while language plays a pivotal role in shaping national identity, the legitimacy of secession based on linguistic grounds remains contentious. The research underscores the importance of ensuring that internal self-determination is properly implemented and the need of protecting linguistic rights within existing state structures, offering insights into the evolving nature of self-determination in the global legal landscape.Show less
Education serves as a pivotal driver of societal advancement, yet persistent obstacles hinder universal access to quality education in low-middle-income countries. Concurrently, the phenomenon of...Show moreEducation serves as a pivotal driver of societal advancement, yet persistent obstacles hinder universal access to quality education in low-middle-income countries. Concurrently, the phenomenon of brain drain, characterized by the migration of skilled individuals to foreign shores, poses a considerable challenge to these nations. This study employs linear regression analysis to delve into the impact of educational assistance on emigration rates, with a particular focus on the dynamics of brain drain. Drawing from diverse theoretical frameworks, including Schumpeter's theory and insights gleaned from entrepreneurship studies, this research formulates hypotheses to elucidate the relationship between educational development and emigration. It undertakes a comprehensive examination of perspectives surrounding brain drain and delineates the role of education in nurturing sustainable development, with the overarching goal of unraveling the intricate interplay between education and emigration. This research contributes to the discourse on development by offering evidence-based insights into the complications of education assistance affecting brain drain. By understanding the nexus between education and emigration, policymakers can formulate targeted strategies to harness youth talent and drive economic progress in low-middle-income countries, without driving them abroad.Show less
The actual numbers of international climate-related migration are not as large as expected, considering the rapid increase in the uninhabitability of these places in the Global South. This...Show moreThe actual numbers of international climate-related migration are not as large as expected, considering the rapid increase in the uninhabitability of these places in the Global South. This discrepancy may partly stem from the complex and multifaceted nature of migration, with the climate factors influencing economic opportunity and conflict, making it difficult to differentiate between people that migrate for climate reasons and people that migrate for other reasons, such as economic opportunities. However, it more likely arises from people being trapped within their increasingly uninhabitable homes, because they do not have the capacity to move or willingness to leave their home. Therefore, policymakers and researchers should redirect their attention to immobility, as the ‘trapped populations’ are an urgent and underexposed problem. This thesis will examine the term 'trapped populations,' by using conceptions of Zickgraf (2019, 2023) and De Shalit (2011) and clarifying the complexities inherent in their immobility. I will argue for ‘the right to stay’ as the most protective right for the interests of the trapped populations, as it respects the importance of a home in a person their life.Show less
Since 2014, Europe has faced an explosive increase in migrants, leading Europe into a migration crisis. Political parties in European countries have responded differently to this influx of people....Show moreSince 2014, Europe has faced an explosive increase in migrants, leading Europe into a migration crisis. Political parties in European countries have responded differently to this influx of people. This study aims to clarify the relationship between the agenda of these political parties and the European migration crisis. Based on qualitative research, a content analysis was used to study the differences between left-wing, right-wing and centre-parties and how the European migration crisis has impacted these points of view. The analysis shows that political parties with different ideologies about migration react differently to the crisis. The European migration crisis has little to no effect on the agenda of left-wing parties and right-wing parties, but a major effect on the agendas of centre-parties.Show less
This thesis looks into the effects of horizontal inequalities on civilian victimisation during civil wars. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, it gave an extensive overview of...Show moreThis thesis looks into the effects of horizontal inequalities on civilian victimisation during civil wars. The contribution of this paper is two-fold. First, it gave an extensive overview of relevant research from numerous fields, which were subsequently combined into one overarching theoretical framework. Secondly, a preliminary empirical analysis was conducted using multiple linear regression (OLS) models to test the resulting expectations - that horizontal inequalities (economic and political) are likely positively related to civilian victimisation during civil wars. The analysis came back with mixed results, and at best limited and indirect support for the expected positive link between horizontal inequality and civilian victimisation.Show less
This thesis examines the dynamics of the military-industrial complex and its impact on defense procurement and foreign relations within the European Union. Analyzing the Dutch submarine order and...Show moreThis thesis examines the dynamics of the military-industrial complex and its impact on defense procurement and foreign relations within the European Union. Analyzing the Dutch submarine order and Rheinmetall's industrial expansion into Ukraine, it explores the interplay between government policies, corporate interests, and international security. Utilizing realism and corporatism, the study highlights how states and industries navigate defense procurement to achieve national security and economic goals. Realism emphasizes state interests and competition, which is utilized by the military-industrial complex to their advantage. Corporatism focuses on collaborative interactions between government and industry which can be used by governments to get the best offer. The findings reveal that defense procurement is influenced by government priorities, key players, corporate strategies, and lobbying. Overall, this research provides insights into the military-industrial complex's role in shaping EU defense policies and international relations.Show less
