Zoekresultaten

Underperforming institutions

This qualitative study examined how the complex institutional context of gas extraction in Groningen affects relations and processes of trust, and seeks to better understand what is necessary for restoring trust. In the Groningen gas case, responsibilities for dealing with multiple negative consequences of gas extraction are shared by many different organizations who together form a complex institutional system. Numerous professionals are doing their best to help solve the problems. As individuals, case managers and other professionals are seen as benevolent and hard-working people. But as representatives of (large) institutions these professionals struggle to be seen as trustworthy because of persistent problems with institutional performance, with professionals themselves feeling they have insufficient discretionary power. More than interpersonal trust, a different form of trust appears to be at stake here: confidence in the system itself. According to many respondents, confidence in the system is low because the perceived interests of the institutions that shaped this system are not aligned with those of residents and the region. In addition, the positions of power and responsibility within this system are opaque to both residents and professionals. Moreover, the institutional system is perceived to be based on a distrustful attitude toward citizens in general, resulting in elaborate procedures for accountability, control and monitoring. These factors have become obstacles to restoring confidence in the system, no matter how well residents and professionals get along as individuals.  

Climate Communication

Over the past few years the tone of the debate around climate change has shifted from sceptical to soberingly urgent as the global community has prioritised the research into solutions which will mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. So far this research has been insufficient. One of the major problems for driving public and private stakeholders to implement existing solutions and research new ones is how we communicate about climate change (Stoknes, 2014). There seems to be a lack of common language that drives the scientific community away from policymakers and the public. Due to this lack, it is hard to translate findings into viable and sustainable solutions and to adopt new climate-neutral economies and habits.

Antenne 2019

Increasing recreational nitrous oxide use: Should we worry?

Background: Since 2000, the prevalence of recreational nitrous oxide (N 2O) use has increased in the Western world. Although N 2O is a relatively safe drug, the overall increase in the use of N 2O has concomitantly also initiated a modest but important increase in the number of young excessive users. The recent introduction of large 2 kg N 2O tanks, allowing high and prolonged dosing, has facilitated this excessive use. This is of concern, because repeated exposure to high doses of N 2O for a prolonged time is known to induce neurological damage, such as (irreversible) neuropathy and paralysis due to N 2O-induced vitamin B 12 deficiency. The increasing trend of recreational users with N 2O-induced neurological damage at emergency departments confirms the urgency of this development. Objective/Methods: This narrative review describes recent trends in N 2O use and misuse, the adverse health effects associated with excessive use and the risk factors of excessive use. Results: Considering the rising trend in N 2O use, particularly among young and other vulnerable people, we propose to take legislative action to limit the availability of N 2O, and also advocate for better and timely education of non-users, users and medical professionals about the serious side-effects associated with excessive N 2O use. Conclusion: It is concluded that the increase in excessive N 2O use is of serious concern.

Katalysator tussen Recht en Techniek

Snelle technologische ontwikkelingen bieden kansen voor de maritieme sector. Zij maken de scheepvaart efficiënter, veiliger en schoner. De techniek heeft regelgeving en professionals nodig die ook klaar zijn voor de toekomst. Het lectoraat Maritime Law voert praktijkgericht onderzoek uit op de scheidslijn van recht en (maritieme) techniek samen met studenten, docenten, het bedrijfsleven en kennisinstellingen.

Dutch Logistics for the 21st century

In dit boekje vindt u inspirerende logistieke innovaties die studenten van de minor Airport Seaport Logistics de afgelopen vier jaar zijn tegengekomen tijdens hun contacten met het logistieke MKB.