Institutional Repository Universiteit Antwerpen
Not a member yet
161620 research outputs found
Sort by
Resonant atmospheres : the techno-performance of affection
No full textAbstract: Dit proefschrift analyseert een serie artistieke live-evenementen die de logica van biosensoren als instrumenten voor emotieherkenning ondermijnen - een technologie uit het veld van affectieve computing - door ze opnieuw in te zetten voor het vormgeven van affectieve atmosferen. Het project onderzoekt hoe biosensortechnologie\uebn, wanneer ze worden losgekoppeld van hun oorspronkelijke functie, kunnen bijdragen aan het voelbaar maken van de intensiteit van migratie en ballingschap door hun vermogen om ontmoetingen tussen publiek, lichamen en media te bemiddelen. Resonant Atmospheres is gebaseerd op de manieren waarop biosensordata kunnen worden omgezet in geluid en beelden die de context van gedwongen migratie zowel onthullen als verhullen. Samen met de atmosferische eigenschappen van elke ruimte cre\uebren deze elementen mogelijkheden voor incommunicatie - niet-narratieve uitwisselingsvormen waarin betekenis niet expliciet wordt overgedragen of opgelost, maar waarin de affectieve lading centraal staat. Het eerste experiment, Breathless, plaatst mij als performer tegenover het publiek als toeschouwers die de intensiteit ervaren van geluid dat wordt be\uefnvloed door mijn biosensordata, vergezeld van videofragmenten die relevant zijn voor mijn migratie-ervaring. Als reactie hierop introduceren Curves & Reverbs I-III participatie, waarbij wordt onderzocht hoe het bijdragen aan de vormgeving van de atmosfeer een gedeelde affectieve ervaring tussen lichamen kan vormen. Door deze experimenten en hun ontwikkeling te analyseren, draagt dit proefschrift bij aan een nieuw begrip van hoe de samenvoeging van het technische, het artistieke en het sociaal-politieke contextgebonden scenario's kan cre\uebren die die voorbij gaan aan de beperkingen van elke afzonderlijke benadering
Singing the silences : a journey within a journey, on holding sonic spaces
No full textAbstract: This is the story of my artistic research journey freely floating in the songs of Bakhtiari women of the Zagros mountains, but not only that. A journey within a journey, of singing the silences that started in 2017. Within this period, not only I, but the whole world, went through unprecedented turmoil. Some believe that the old world came to an end, and we are going through a period of understanding and digesting what this end means and how one gets familiar with death and end energy. Regarding life's cyclical death and rebirth dynamic, it is essential to acknowledge that my story does not begin where I start. My story is part of a longer story that precedes me, and has been told already and will be told by someone else
Inventando Filipinas : discurso colonial en la literatura espa\uf1ola de finales del siglo XIX (1876-1894)
No full textAbstract: While at the end of the 19th century many colonial powers were in a period of expansion and prosperity, the Spanish colonial administration was undergoing significant adjustments to maintain the few colonial possessions remaining under its control after the independence of continental Latin America. During this period, metropolitan intellectuals devoted special attention to the Philippines, generating a vast cultural production around the archipelago in which the nature of Spanish colonialism and its future was a crucial theme. The aim of this work is to identify the essential elements of the Spanish colonial discourse on the Philippines during the last years of its dominion over the territory, by analyzing the literary images of the Philippine colony that emerged from the metropolis. For this purpose, I have selected nine works by eight Spanish authors who resided in the colony: Cuentos filipinos (Madrid, 1876) by Jos\ue9 Montero y Vidal; Recuerdos de Filipinas (Madrid, 1877 and 1879) by Francisco Ca\uf1amaque; Olvidos de Filipinas (Manila, 1881) by Francisco de Paula Entrala; Escenas filipinas (Madrid, 1882) by Francisco Vila y Goiry; Siluetas filipinas (Madrid, 1887) by Alberto D\uedaz de la Quintana; Filipinas. Esbozos y pinceladas (Manila, 1888) by Pablo Feced y Temprado; Cosas de all\ue1 (Madrid, 1893) by Wenceslao E. Retana; and Siluetas y matices. Galer\ueda filipina (Madrid, 1894) by Antonio Ch\ue1puli Navarro. These authors \u2014who fit the 19th-century profile of the traveling journalist and writer\u2014 showcase in these texts their personal experiences in the islands, seeking to offer to the Spanish public a close and favorable view of the Spanish interests in one of their last colonies. Despite the marked ideological differences among these authors, this dissertation also highlights the similarities among the literary images conveyed in these texts, which reveals the existence of a specific Spanish colonial discourse about the Philippines. This work contributes to the study of Spanish colonial literature by pointing out the particularities of the Philippine case which had gone largely unnoticed. Moreover, this research has recovered some largely unknown texts which may encourage scholars to undertake future research in this field. The study of Spanish colonial discourse on the Philippines provides a greater understanding of the relations between the two nations in their shared colonial past and a critical recovery of these connections may be beneficial in their present and future relations between the Philippines and Spain
Building insights : craft, collective care, and architectural theoria in an itinerant workshop
No full textAbstract: This dissertation explores the implications of a resurgent interest in \u201ctraditional crafts\u201d for architectural theory, particularly in relation to contemporary investigations of tacit knowledge in architecture. Tacit knowledge refers to forms of human understanding that elude explicit articulation, as they are tied to bodily skill, practical experience, and cultural contexts. Such dimensions have historically been downplayed by canonical disciplinary theories. This study examines how projects of recovering \u201ctraditional\u201d building crafts can contribute to an architectural theory that is more receptive and sensitive to tacit aspects of architectural knowledge. It does so by focusing on the works of the crafts collective \u201cBoulouki \u2013 Itinerant Workshop on Traditional Building Techniques\u201d of which I am a co-founder. Specifically, it examines three projects centered on the reconstruction of kalderimia (dry stone paths) and other vernacular structures in remote areas of mountainous and island Greece. By engaging local residents, craftspeople, and participants from diverse backgrounds, these projects bridge an interest in \u201ctraditional\u201d building crafts with a contemporary sensibility around the care of landscapes that have historically been neglected or marginalized. To explore the theoretical implications of these participatory projects, the thesis uses concepts drawn from histories of vernacular building and early modern crafts in the Balkans and Europe, alongside contemporary debates in architectural theory. In terms of methodology, it draws on frameworks of reflective practice and thick description and utilizes a wealth of empirical data as captured in field notes, sketches, interviews, and a wide range of material from the collective\u2019s archive. The dissertation follows the journeys of the travelling workshop from the mountain settlements of Tzoumerka and Zagori (NW Greece) to the volcanic island of Therasia, in the Aegean Sea. Through a close examination of these projects, it traces artisanal engagements with tacit knowledge, analyzes them through key historical concepts, and explores their relevance for contemporary architectural theory. The study of Boulouki\u2019s work also correlates the insights gained on-site with two particular areas of theoretical discourse: architecture as a medium of cultural memory, and contemporary investigations into more-than-human agency in architecture. Drawing from the insights gained in Boulouki\u2019s projects, the thesis argues that an architectural theory sensitive to tacit dimensions of knowledge would also need to mediate these two distant discourses of cultural memory and more-than-human agency \u2013 engaging architects in a dialogue that enriches and deepens our understanding of both
Mechanisms of metabolism disruption across different life stages of the zebrafish : exploring the role of paraoxonase 1 in metabolic pathways
No full textAbstract: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a group of chemicals that interact with the endocrine system, causing adverse effects. Some EDCs, commonly known as metabolism disrupting chemicals (MDCs), have the potential to disrupt an organism\u2019s energy metabolism. MDCs are known to increase the risk of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and obesity. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is an enzyme with antioxidant functions that has been suggested to play a role in metabolism disruption: it has been associated with the occurence of human metabolic disorders by genome-wide association studies. In this work, we used the zebrafish, an established model in toxicology, to study the mechanisms of metabolism disruption in different life stages (embryo, larva, adult), including the role and responses of PON1. By exposing zebrafish embryos to different MDCs we demonstrated how metabolism disruption can lead to adverse effects in the earliest life stages of fish. Our larval and embryonic zebrafish data suggest that PON1 may respond to oxidative stress that is induced by metabolism disruption. In addition, by comparing wild type to PON1 knockout larvae we showed how PON1 may also play a role in metabolism disruption by modulating metabolic processes directly, in addition to its antioxidant role. Overall, our results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the interactions between metabolism disruption and PON1 in zebrafish. This work can support the development of novel approaches and test methods for the identification and characterization of MDCs
Collaboration and communication for sustainability-based value : a multi-level analysis of multi-stakeholder networks in the Amazon forest
No full textAbstract: The Amazon forest plays a central role in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly traditional and local communities. At the same time, growing extractive pressures, global market demands, and persistent social inequalities make sustainability in the region a deeply contested challenge, often characterized as a wicked problem with no single or definitive solution. In this context, multi-stakeholder networks involving communities, NGOs, companies, and public institutions have emerged as promising mechanisms to foster sustainability-based value. However, existing evidence remains fragmented regarding how such value is created, undermined, and effectively communicated across interconnected actors and markets, limiting both theoretical integration and practical guidance. Against this backdrop, this dissertation examines sustainability-based value in the Amazon across three ecosystem analytical levels, focusing on processes of co-creation, co-destruction, and consumer adoption. Using a multi-method research design that combines qualitative inquiry, mixed methods, and survey-based experiments, the study analyzes how collaboration dynamics, expectation misalignments, and communication strategies shape sustainability outcomes. The findings offer theoretical contributions and practical insights for building more inclusive and durable sustainability pathways in the Amazon
Applications of photoredox catalysis on the valorisation of plastic-waste, CO2 transformations and C-H bond oxygenation
No full textAbstract: The advancement of sustainable technologies is imperative for mitigating global environmental issues. Photoredox catalysis leverages light to facilitate chemical reactions, representing an energy-efficient and environmentally benign strategy. Complementary to this, circular chemistry (CC) provides a framework for chemical researchers, emphasizing resource efficiency and waste minimization, which is crucial for driving a sustainable future. By converting plastic waste into valuable resources, advanced catalytic processes like photoredox catalysis can substantially lower environmental impact. Furthermore, integrating CO2 capture technologies with CC principles is vital for combating climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, the direct oxidation of C(sp3)\u2013H bonds using O2 as an oxidant is a significant process in fine chemical industries, underscoring the importance of efficient and sustainable oxidation processes. This thesis investigates the synergistic potential of photoredox catalysis, circular chemistry, plastic waste valorisation, CO2 capture, and efficient oxidation processes, illustrating how these methodologies can effectively reduce environmental impact, optimize resource use, and support sustainable development. The thesis is divided into four chapters: \u2022Chapter 1: An overview and introductory exposition of the fundamental principles and concepts of photoredox catalysis are provided. \u2022Chapter 2: We have developed a metal-free photocatalytic system for the valorisation of plastic waste, specifically targeting 13 different polystyrene-based plastics which are commonly found in daily life. These plastics were successfully converted into benzoic acid. Subsequently, benzoic acid was transformed into aromatic building blocks such as benzene, toluene, salicylic acid, and biphenyl. This approach demonstrated significant potential in addressing the challenges posed by plastic pollution and the requirement of the production of aromatic compounds. \u2022Chapter 3: We have pioneered a methodology for utilizing CO2 from exhaust gases to synthesize \u3b3-lactam to mitigate atmospheric CO2 accumulation. This approach boasted a wide substrate scope and high functional group tolerance. Furthermore, it enabled the construction of a \u3b3-lactam core between diverse bioactive compounds, highlighting substantial potential for drug design applications. \u2022Chapter 4: We have developed an efficient single-atom heterogeneous photocatalyst for the oxygenation of allylic C-H bonds by utilizing O2 as the oxidant which did not require an additional hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) agent. This reaction system has been meticulously engineered, demonstrating excellent substrate compatibility and functional group tolerance, which underscores its industrial applicability and validates the significance of this approach
Play the hero, or play God : characterization of Greco-Roman mythological characters in video games
No full textAbstract: Video games are increasingly seen as an important medium for the reception of the past. From God of War to Assassin\u2019s Creed Odyssey and Hades, examples abound of well-researched game titles inspired by antiquity, history, or mythology. Likewise, academic scholarship has grown progressively more interested in how games engage with the past, as illustrated by continuous advances in the fields of classical reception studies and historical game studies. One topic that has previously escaped attention in these fields is that of characterization, a term from literary studies and narratology referring to the ascription of character traits to the textual entities we call characters. Combining classical reception with game studies and narratology, this dissertation asks how games characterize Greco-Roman mythological characters. How does characterization operate in video games? How can players impact these processes? How are Greco-Roman gods and heroes represented in such games, and what can games do in this regard that other media cannot? First, I establish a theoretical framework of characterization in games, which outlines the various cues through which characterization takes place in the medium. Second, I provide five case studies of characterization in specific mythological titles: Smite, Assassin\u2019s Creed Odyssey, Immortals Fenyx Rising, the God of War series, and the indie game Theseus. Third, characterization is analyzed from the perspective of the audience, via an active play experiment where ten players played Assassin\u2019s Creed Odyssey for eight weeks and reported on their individual experiences and characterization decisions. Finally, I consider characterization and game production, by conducting and investigating interviews with the developers of Apotheon, Hades, and Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, and proposing a new model of design motivations that structure the creative process of historical and mythological video games. These analyses ultimately lead to a new taxonomical framework for classical reception studies that distinguishes between different mythological \u2018languages\u2019 in these titles. Above all, this dissertation aims to show how this medium provides intriguing contexts for engagement with mythology, and to pave the way for a more sustained analysis of mythology in video games
"Das ungewisse\u201d : the uncertain time of Paul Celan\u2019s \u201cGrabschrift f\ufcr Fran\ue7ois\u201d
No full textAbstract: This dissertation is a detailed study of the poem \u201cGrabschrift f\ufcr Fran\ue7ois\u201d [Epitaph for Fran\ue7ois], written by the Holocaust survivor and mid-20th-century German-language poet, Paul Celan. Celan\u2019s poetry is regarded in the scholarship as a site of mourning for the brutalities of the Holocaust, including the murders of his parents. \u201cGrabschrift f\ufcr Fran\ue7ois,\u201d however, marks a critical point of loss for Celan that post-dates those losses from the Holocaust, deaths with which his poetry is traditionally associated. The poem\u2019s title points to Celan\u2019s most significant loss since the end of the Holocaust, the death of his first-born son, Fran\ue7ois, on October 8th, 1953. This dissertation remains with this poem and its treatment of this death in order to re-orient the way we think about loss in Celan\u2019s oeuvre. In order to do so, the project examines the figures, form, and unique language of this poem through a detailed close-reading. This reading is informed by Celan himself\u2014his speeches, letters, and other archival materials\u2014along with scholarly works from the fields of psychoanalysis, continental philosophy, and contemporary literary theory. Through this analysis we come to the intervention of \u201cuncertain time,\u201d time that has encountered loss and loses its linearity, predictability, and measurability. This is \u201ctime out of joint\u201d or time at odds with itself, that is, time \u201cin contretemps.\u201d Such time produces a specific kind of relationship of the survivor to loss, that of the \u201cexilic mourner.\u201d It is through these various interventions that I conclude that uncertain time is not simply an idea but part of the poem, part of the poetic structure of the text, that serves to keep the poem\u2014in Celan\u2019s own terms\u2014\u201cspeaking\u201d of loss
Brain health oriented care in multiple sclerosis : a critical role for specialst nurses?
No full textAbstract: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neuro-inflammatory and degenerative disease, with a prevalence of 1/1000 in Belgium. It causes a wide variety of disabling neurological symptoms and is associated with comorbidities such as depression and anxiety. Despite recent pharmaceutical advances, many persons with MS (pwMS) continue to suffer from hidden and burdensome symptoms such as fatigue or cognitive problems and often still develop progressive disability in the long term. These problems frequently remain inadequately addressed and, according to multiple stakeholders, require a multidisciplinary approach coordinated by an MS specialist nurse. Currently, access to and standardization of this type of care remains fragmented and limited by several hurdles. This dissertation tried to frame the current provision of healthcare for MS in Belgium and investigated the impact of an MS nurse and multidisciplinary care on health-related quality of life. Furthermore, the role of brain healthy behavior and its association with progression in MS was investigated, as nurses may play a crucial role in promoting brain health. The studies performed, show that there are structural differences between centers with and without an MS nurse or multidisciplinary team (MDT) regarding quality of care. However, the impact of an MS nurse or MDT remains inconclusive, mainly due to methodological limitations, variability of the MS nurses tasks and/or multidisciplinary team profile and heterogeneity of interventions offered. Future research should consist of longitudinal nurse-led and multidisciplinary interventions that focus on psychosocial variables such as self-efficacy, social support and coping. These studies should also take comorbidities and socio-economic background into account. Simultaneously, interventions promoting health behavior should be designed and investigated given that a brain healthy lifestyle may beneficially impact disease progression. Moreover, to substantiate the importance of a reimbursement for an MS nurse and MDT at a hospital network level, cost-effectiveness analyses need to be integrated in these interventional studies