Projects
Environment-epigenome interactions in the male germ line: an interdisciplinary approach to develop a new biomarker in chemical risk assessment using large human data sets, epidemiologic studies, and machine learning methods. KU Leuven
According to multiple animal studies the sperm epigenome is sensitive to various factors, including ageing, lifestyle-related factors and environmental pollutants. If these non-genetic alterations in germ cells can be inherited from parent-to-child in humans and increase the risk for offspring diseases, it is important to improve our understanding of environment-epigenome interactions. In a pilot study, our research team evaluated a few ...
RT 17/2 CAMPREVENT: Reduction of Campylobacter in broiler flocks: identification of risk factors, evaluation of increased biosecurity measures and the protective effect of the microbiota of Campylobacter free flocks Ghent University
The overall objective of this project is to draft an (enhanced) biosecurity protocol, efficient but also easily implementable to reduce the risk that broiler flocks become colonized with Campylobacter. In order to do so, following specific research questions will be answered:
1. "What are possible risk factors for the introduction of Campylobacter in broiler flocks in Belgium?" No risk analysis will be carried out as risk factors are ...
Reduction of Campylobacter in broiler flocks: identification of risk factors, evaluation of increased biosecurity measures and the protective effect of the microbiota of Campylobacter free flocks Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
In the industrialized world, Campylobacter is the most important bacterial cause of human gastro-enteritis. It is estimated that 50%-80% of all Campylobacter strains isolated from human cases are originating from the poultry reservoir. The overall objective of this project is to draft an (enhanced) biosecurity protocol, efficient but also easily implemented to reduce the ...
Recent data predict an increased risk for virus transmission upon Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) introduction in pigs: Study of JEV induced immune responses and evaluation of diagnostic tests Ghent University
The one year JEV-PIG project that was granted during the RF call of 2017 allowed our consortium to perform an in vivo infection study with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) in pigs to compare JEV pathogenesis and humoral immune responses after infection via 3 inoculation (oronasal inoculation to mimic the vector-free transmission and intradermal inoculation of virus alone or of virus combined with mosquito saliva to mimic vector-mediated ...
Crop based systems for sustainable risk based land management for economically marginal degraded areas, phase II: demonstration projects and evaluation decision support tool. Hasselt University
Landslide Risk and Risk Reduction: A Quantitative Outlook on a Socio-Environmental Issue in Uganda KU Leuven
I adopt a quantitative approach to measure the causes and consequences of landslide risk in the Rwenzori mountains in Uganda. I thereby aim at contributing to a better understanding of the causal pathways that lead to the reproduction of risks in the region.
The first chapter sets the scene. It introduces the research concepts and highlights relevant problems in micro-economic literature. I start by presenting the view that disaster ...
Clinical and preclinical studies of modulators of high-risk prostate cancer with metastatic potential KU Leuven
The overarching aim of this dissertation is to contribute to both clinical and preclinical knowledge of high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa).
It is currently accepted that high-risk PCa patients need radical treatment in an attempt to cure their disease. However, there are still important questions related to both oncological and functional outcomes that need to be addressed:
- Currently, the EAU PCa guidelines ...
Quantification of agricultural productivity in environmental sustainability assessments: methodological developments and case studies Ghent University
The rising demand for food, feed, and fuel has put an increasing pressure on agriculture, with agricultural intensification as a direct response. Notwithstanding the higher crop productivity, intensive agriculture management entails many adverse environmental impacts. Intensive agricultural practices take a huge toll on land resources; soil quality and hence the ability to produce biomass in the long term are therefore at stake. In the ...
Less successful pathways through secondary school. Studies on grade retention and early school leaving KU Leuven
at the same pace. There are students who repeat one (or more) years or even
students who never get a certificate of secondary education. This grade
retention and dropout issues will be the main focus of our study.
Grade retention is a common practice in our
educational system, with as many proponents as opponents. The variety of
conclusions concerningeffects ...