Maastricht University - Open Journals
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Left-wing populist discourse in Belgium: The effect of the rise of the Parti du Travail de Belgique on mainstream parties
Get PDFSince 2009, the rise of the most important Belgian Francophone left-wing populist party, i.e. the Parti du Travail de Belgique (PTB), has been increasingly seen as a challenge for mainstream parties. Given the lack of research on Belgium within the field of political left-populist discourse, this paper analyses the effect of the growing popularity of the left-populist party on mainstream parties’ discourse. To investigate this issue, a discourse analysis has been conducted following the Modified Spatial Theory which argues that, when triggered, mainstream parties choose between three different strategies (accommodative, dismissive, or adversarial) to respond to the rise of populism. The findings show that, the rise of the PTB has had more effect on the Socialist Party’s discourse, which has accommodated and converged with the PTB on several typically populist issues, while the other two mainstream parties have rather dismissed and tried to discredit the political discourse of the PTB
A Submersion into Black Mirror’s Nosedive: Dredging Surveillance Theories to the Surface
Get PDFThis study is the result of a rather unique approach to the MaRBLe programme. Filed with the desire to explore the relationship between academic writings on surveillance and elements of popular culture that concern themselves with the modern dimension of surveillance, the author sought the opportunity offered by this programme to illustrate such relationship in an unedited and pedagogical way. To do so, an audio-guide companion to one of the most illustrative episodes of Black Mirror pertaining to surveillance theories, i.e. Nosedive, has been developed. This episode displays what appears to be a rather fertile ground for the illustration of surveillance theories as it unfolds in a general atmosphere where the norm is to watch, as much as being watched. This paper, in the form of a written reflective note, is thus dedicated to the emphasis of this project’s academic and societal relevance through the display of a thorough literature review on the field of surveillance theory, as well as the methodological logic behind the project
Maltese exceptionalism in the populist trend
Get PDFMalta, as the smallest state of the European Union (EU), has often been neglected when it comes to examining the surge of populism all over the Union. This is due to the fact, that Malta is believed to not have a problem with populism. Nevertheless, some populist parties exist, which are however unable to gain ground during elections and are not expected to enter the national parliament or government any time soon. This study examines why, so far, Malta was able to escape the populist trend and thus, represent an exceptional phenomenon. In order to do so, various factors are taken into account ranging from economy and culture to politics and geology. Populism in this research is examined as arising from severe conditions or i.e. a crisis, to take into account a widely-accepted scholarly argument. The main argument of the study holds that despite experiencing several crises, which could have led to populism, the country was able to withstand populism due to several factors
How is Privacy perceived in German Police Law? Rethinking Counterterrorist Policy in North-Rhine Westphalia
Get PDFBy December 2018, Germany’s biggest state, North-Rhine Westphalia (NRW) introduced its revised police law (PolG NRW). The PolG NRW enables previously forbidden surveillance practices to combat terrorism in Germany. Discussion surrounding the PolG NRW revolved around surveillance practices enabled through the law. By using a privacy taxonomy, developed by Daniel J. Solove (2010) this thesis has categorised, analysed and evaluated six sections of the PolG NRW with regards to infringements upon privacy. This thesis (1) identifies potentially harmful activities for personal privacy within the PolG NRW and (2) chases back shortcomings to an incomplete understanding of privacy. Thereby, this thesis suggests that future policy crafting must consider processes that follow the collection of information as potentially harmful activities. By limiting privacy risks to information gathering, activities that belong to information processing and distribution remain largely unregulated, putting the individual at serious risk
Who killed the TPP? An evaluation of societal influence upon the decision of the US’ withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement
Get PDFThis paper investigates the conditions which led the United States to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Trade agreement. The funnel of causality framework is used to determine whichcauses were mostly predominant in leading to this foreign policy decision. The paper will examine the impact of societal sources, specifically public opinion, media coverage, Congressional approvalprocesses, and interest groups. The role of each group is analysed within the context of the 2016 Presidential elections. The paper concludes that public opinion, amplified by media, is the source ofCongress’ opposition, and having trumped major interest groups, public opinion has evidently contributed to US’ withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership
Neurochemical, neurobiological and toxic effects of Amphetamine on memory consolidation. Review
No full textThere is consistent evidence that amphetamine at therapeutic doses can improve attention and memory via its direct and indirect impact on several neurotransmitters and amino acids. However,acute and chronic amphetamine use can deplete endogenous antioxidants, cause oxidative stress and toxicity. Interestingly, based on models of long-term potentiation it has been proposed that neuroplasticity may be affected by amphetamine-induced changes leading to altered gene expression, a process required for consolidation of new memories. These connections however remain yet unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to investigate the drug’s impact on consolidation taking into account its pharmacodynamic, -kinetic and toxic properties. Conclusively, it seems that amphetamine may facilitate consolidation, and dopamine can mediate amphetamine-induced neurtoxic effects via an interaction between excitatory and inhibitory pathways
The potential application of oxytocin in autism spectrum disorders
No full textAutism is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting a significant percent of the population. Affected individuals usually present with limited interests and impaired communication and social interactions. Despite researchers’ attempts, no specific pharmacotherapy has been developed, with behavioural interventions rendering the best results so far. However, there is an increasing amount of evidence that oxytocin intake could be beneficial in terms of improving social impairments in some of these individuals. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the proposed mechanisms underlying dysregulation in the oxytocinergic system and to assess the results and discuss the limitations of several clinical studies involving oxytocin administration
On the Ones Who Hear the Whistle: Towards an Analytical Framework for Analysing Complaint Recipients
Get PDFTax avoidance, fraud, endangerment of public safety – criminal offences that would often remain hidden without whistleblowers. Although whistleblowing is a common research subject (e.g. Brown, 2008; Culiberg & Mihelic, 2017), few studies systematically focus on the recipients of whistleblowers’ reports. This lack of attention is striking in light of the decisive role of complaint recipients in the whistleblowing process (e.g. Lewis, Brown, & Moberly, 2014; Read & Rama, 2003). Often, it depends on the recipient’s response, whether the process comes to a standstill and injustice prevails, or whether corrective action is initiated. Drawing on the scant existing literature, this study develops and applies a comparative framework which allows for a comprehensive analysis of the role of whistleblowing complaint recipients. Findings confirm the framework’s utility to assess recipients, their responses and responsibilities. Hence, this study paves the way for the application of a novel analytical focus within whistleblowing research.
RFID technology in the retail industry – bound for success or failure? A two-factor approach
Get PDFIn this thesis, the adoption of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the retail industry is analysed. Upon the review of substantial literature on technology adoption in the information management field, a two-factor model is established. This model incorporates enablers and inhibitors of RFID adoption, retrieved from reviewing supply chain management literature. The model is then tested in three expert interviews and based on the insights gained from those, a revised model is created which incorporates the main enablers and inhibitors as perceived by the experts. Additionally, an overview of the current status of the technology in the retail industry is give