The Medicalisation of Ayahuasca as a Depression Treatment : Cultural Reductivism and Biopiracy Concerns

This paper examines the possible consequences of medicalising the psychedelic Ayahuasca to be used as a treatment for depression. Through a science and technology studies (STS) understanding of the social construction of scientific facts, I consider how traditional indigenous uses of Ayahuasca are translated into Western medicine. Two special points of attention are: (1) the cultural reductivism entailed in the standardisation of the active substance of Ayahuasca (DMT), understood through Martin’s (2000) analysis of neuroreductivism in Western medicine, and (2) the issue of biopiracy, wherein biological resources are appropriated without fair compensation for indigenous communities. In conclusion, I suggest that the dangers of medicalising ayahuasca boil down to an unjustified hierarchy of scientific knowledge over indigenous knowledge systems, which might lead to serious consequences also for the effectiveness of the proposed treatment. Keywords: Medicalization, Ayahuasca, Neuroreductivism, Biopirac

Decisive mechanism for selectively inducing NMDAR-dependent LTP versus LTD: The role of Ca2+ influx

Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are two types of synaptic plasticity. Interestingly, NMDAR-dependent LTP and LTD are induced by Ca2+ influx into the post-synaptic cell. This raises the question how the cell selectively induces either LTP or LTD. Early research suggested Ca2+ amplitude as a decisive mechanism. This essay critically evaluates this hypothesis by reviewing evidence and alternative candidates (i.e., timing/location of Ca2+ influx, NMDAR subunits, competition between AMPAR exocytosis/endocytosis). In sum, the amplitude of Ca2+ influx should be seen as one of many components entailed in the complex decisive machinery for selective LTP and LTD induction

The manufacturer’s perspective on supply chain flexibility and customer satisfaction

Studies have shown how isolated flexibility dimensions are related to customer satisfaction. Little is known about what manufacturers perceive as important for customers. Yet, manufacturers’ perceptions govern their actions and are likely to determine the relative investments in each flexibility dimension. The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate supply chain flexibility from the manufacturer’s perceptive to see which flexibilities will increase the level of customer satisfaction when all flexibility dimensions are taken into account at the same time. We gather survey data from managers in Dutch manufacturing companies. Results from structural equation modelling imply that in the eyes of the manufacturer, only logistics and spanning flexibility are perceived to have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction. Using Bayesian model selection, we find that manufacturing managers prioritize spanning, then logistics, then manufacturing and then product development flexibility. Hence, the importance of product development flexibility and manufacturing flexibility, though highly valued by customers, are currently less acknowledged by manufacturers. With our study, we create awareness for the manufacturer’s perspective on supply chain flexibility, which tend to focus on the service to the customer. Our study identifies the directions in which a further improvement of customer satisfaction can be achieved

Representation of the Electorate in the Eerste Kamer: An Analysis of Political Representation in the First Chamber of the Dutch Parliament

This paper aims to assess to what extent the Eerste Kamer, one of the chambers of the Dutch parliament, provides political representation. This is done by comparing three models of political representation to the political reality. These three models are the trustee, the delegate, and the resemblance models. All three models and their respective characteristics are explained in the paper before moving to the analysis. The paper concludes that political representation is not realized through these three models in the instance of the Eerste Kamer, as it fails to fulfil key characteristics of all three. The paper also evaluates some possible solutions for increasing political representation in light of these models. Keywords: Delegate, Eerste Kamer, Trustee, Political Representatio

Confucianism and China’s Victims of SGBV: “My youth, my virginity, and my dignity were all buried at this comfort station"

The term ‘comfort women’ refers to young Asian females who were forced into prostitution by the Imperial Japanese Army between 1932 and 1945, resulting in gross human rights violations. The paper will explore how pre-existing gender relations and sociocultural dynamics contributed to this violence and will analyse the factors that allowed it to persist. As a conceptual framework, Confucianism, an ancient Chinese belief system that emphasises differentiation of women and men, is used to argue for the facilitation and legitimization of sexual and gender-based violence against Chinese women. Based on arguments of gender hierarchy, the sexual desire of Japanese soldiers, and ethnic victimization, victims faced social ostracization and discrimination. Keywords: Comfort Women, Confucianism, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), Gender Inequalit

Granting Nature Legal Rights: A Shift Towards an Ecocentric Conception of Nature in Germany?

This interdisciplinary research paper is centred around the concept of environmental personhood as a means of tackling the impending climate crisis. More specifically, it focuses on how the implementation of legal personhood as a juridical tool could lead to a shift towards a more ecocentric conception of nature. A philosophical approach will highlight the underlying discussion of the worth we grant nature and its correlated socio-cultural tradition. A legal approach will set this into the context of the German constitution and examine this issue by proposing constitutional amendments. Keywords: Environmental Personhood, Legal Personhood, Ecocentrism, German Constitution, Socio-Cultural Traditio

Not New, but Nearly Forgotten: An Undervalued Treatment for Addiction Combining LSD and Hypnosis

Hypnosis and psychedelics have long been used as adjuncts to psychotherapy for a range of psychiatric disorders such as addiction. However, the results were unsatisfactory as only a few patients successfully responded to each treatment. Therefore, combining them (= “hypnodelic” therapy) might prove to have an additive value for therapeutic outcomes. This review provides an outline of studies in which hypnosis and LSD are used in conjunction to aid the therapeutic process in drug addict patients. It was found that hypnodelic therapy produced significantly greater improvement on most scales (e.g. depression, anxiety) of the Psychiatric Evaluation Profile (PEP) questionnaire compared to other combinations of treatment techniques. Additionally, ego-dissolution and transcendent experiences were associated with converse levels of global functional brain connectivity. It is concluded that hypnodelic therapy deserves renewed scientific interest because it represents a promising treatment technique for drug addict patients. &nbsp

Neurobiological Correlates of Decision-Making in Framing Conditions

Human decision-making is a complex process, of which the neurobiological correlates are not well understood. Several theories have been proposed, among others Prospect theory which assumes a different evaluation of gains and losses of the same value. De Martino et al. tested the influence of the “framing effect” on decision-making and we aimed to replicate their study as some of the findings remained unclear. A general tendency to act in accordance with the frame was shown in a behavioural study. In order to uncover the underlying neural correlates, participants performed the same task in an fMRI scanner. Even though the amygdala could not be linked to framing, increased activity in the ACC when making frame-incongruent decisions was established. This can be related to acting in a more rational manner. Furthermore, activity in the cerebellum was increased when making a choice, indicating the involvement of this brain area in decision-making under uncertainty

Maastricht Student Journal of Psychology and Neuroscience, ed 10 colofon: Colofon MSJPN ed 10

Colofon for MSJPN ed 1

Freedom and Equality for the Sake of National Independance? The Liberalism of Fukuzawa Yukichi and its Shortcomings

Fukuzawa Yukichi is considered to be one of the most important Japanese philosophers during the Meiji period (1868-1912) who is known for his strong advocacy of liberal values such as freedom and equality. His plea contained the political demands of liberalising Japanese society and reforming its strict social hierarchy. However, within the logical structure of Fukuzawa’s argument, these principles only assume an instrumental value in which they are conceived as a means to secure Japan’s national independence, which ultimately weakens his endorsement of liberalism. The case of Fukuzawa Yukichi thereby constitutes a particularly important example of how the instrumental approach towards liberal rights by philosophers in Meiji Japan undermined the liberal movement itself and contributed to its own decline and the corresponding rise of nationalism. Keywords: Liberalism, Nationalism, Fukuzawa Yukichi, Meiji Japan, Japanese Philosoph