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De moderne devotie in Amersfoort : bruiden van Christus, vrome broeders en hun kronieken, 1380-1637 /
No full textfunctional near-infrared spectroscopy for measuring brain activation to speech with and without background noise
No full textFootball & biometric access control : legal recommendations & best practices on digitalising access control with biometrics
No full textC
Investigating sapwood and heartwood density changes of short rotation teak wood after chemical and thermal modification using X-ray computed tomography
No full textDifferences in characteristics between sapwood and heartwood of short-rotation teak are a significant obstacle to valorize mixed boards containing both types of wood. Chemical and thermal modifications are attractive methods to improve the quality of short rotation teak wood allowing homogenization of both sapwood and heartwood properties like decay resistance, dimensional stability and color. However, no data are available on the difference in density between sapwood and heartwood of short-rotation teak, as well as on the effect of such treatments to achieve homogeneity. Density profiling is important to assess the homogenization of the modification process of chemically and thermally modified wood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of chemical and thermal modification on the density profile of sapwood and heartwood of short rotation teak from pith to the bark using X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The chemical and thermal modifications applied were furfurylation (FA), thermal modification at 150 and 220 degrees C, and a combination of glycerol-maleic anhydride (GMA) impregnation and thermal modification at 150 and 220 degrees C. XCT was used to investigate the density variation of short rotation teak wood before and after chemical and thermal modification. A registration process using Avizo software was applied to overcome the deformation effects due to chemical and thermal modification treatments. The results show that the vessel diameter increased after FA treatment due to polymer-induced swelling, while it decreased after GMA220 treatment due to vessel collapse caused by thermal effects. FA treatment increased the density of short rotation teak wood, and the density profile changes were rather uniform. There was a decrease in density due to thermal and GMA treatments, with a significant difference in density changes between sapwood and heartwood. The density profile allowed to observe the homogeneity of sapwood and heartwood density according to the applied treatment. Chemical and thermal modification showed weak effect on the homogenization of the density profile between sapwood and heartwood.Differences in characteristics between sapwood and heartwood of short-rotation teak are a significant obstacle to valorize mixed boards containing both types of wood. Chemical and thermal modifications are attractive methods to improve the quality of short rotation teak wood allowing homogenization of both sapwood and heartwood properties like decay resistance, dimensional stability and color. However, no data are available on the difference in density between sapwood and heartwood of short-rotation teak, as well as on the effect of such treatments to achieve homogeneity. Density profiling is important to assess the homogenization of the modification process of chemically and thermally modified wood. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of chemical and thermal modification on the density profile of sapwood and heartwood of short rotation teak from pith to the bark using X-ray computed tomography (XCT). The chemical and thermal modifications applied were furfurylation (FA), thermal modification at 150 and 220 degrees C, and a combination of glycerol-maleic anhydride (GMA) impregnation and thermal modification at 150 and 220 degrees C. XCT was used to investigate the density variation of short rotation teak wood before and after chemical and thermal modification. A registration process using Avizo software was applied to overcome the deformation effects due to chemical and thermal modification treatments. The results show that the vessel diameter increased after FA treatment due to polymer-induced swelling, while it decreased after GMA220 treatment due to vessel collapse caused by thermal effects. FA treatment increased the density of short rotation teak wood, and the density profile changes were rather uniform. There was a decrease in density due to thermal and GMA treatments, with a significant difference in density changes between sapwood and heartwood. The density profile allowed to observe the homogeneity of sapwood and heartwood density according to the applied treatment. Chemical and thermal modification showed weak effect on the homogenization of the density profile between sapwood and heartwood.A
The paradox of federalism and its many faces : reviewing conflict indicators against the background of decentralization in Belgium
No full textWhile holding-together federalism is often viewed as a tool for managing conflict in divided societies, many concerns exist about its counter-productiveness– the so-called ‘paradox of federalism’ (Erk & Anderson, 2010). This paper adds to the debate by evaluating experiences in Belgium – a former unitary state that was transformed into one of the most decentralized federations through six state reforms (1970-2011). Challenging the notion of a singular paradox of federalism, we argue that multiple, distinct indicators of stability and conflict can yield divergent, even contradictory, conclusions. Specifically, the paper brings together different existing indicators of intergovernmental dynamics, self-rule and shared-rule pressures – ranging from violent protest and support for separatism to the frequency of power-sharing tensions and gridlocks. The result is a nuanced and empirically-backed evaluation of decentralization’s effects in a fragile and bipolar federation. We conclude that (1) support for the paradox thesis varies depending on the indicator at hand, (2) generally, Belgium’s transition to federalism did not drive an escalation of conflict. Using these lessons from Belgium, we propose some speculative reflections on the prospect of a united Irish federation.While holding-together federalism is often viewed as a tool for managing conflict in divided societies, many concerns exist about its counter-productiveness– the so-called ‘paradox of federalism’ (Erk & Anderson, 2010). This paper adds to the debate by evaluating experiences in Belgium – a former unitary state that was transformed into one of the most decentralized federations through six state reforms (1970-2011). Challenging the notion of a singular paradox of federalism, we argue that multiple, distinct indicators of stability and conflict can yield divergent, even contradictory, conclusions. Specifically, the paper brings together different existing indicators of intergovernmental dynamics, self-rule and shared-rule pressures – ranging from violent protest and support for separatism to the frequency of power-sharing tensions and gridlocks. The result is a nuanced and empirically-backed evaluation of decentralization’s effects in a fragile and bipolar federation. We conclude that (1) support for the paradox thesis varies depending on the indicator at hand, (2) generally, Belgium’s transition to federalism did not drive an escalation of conflict. Using these lessons from Belgium, we propose some speculative reflections on the prospect of a united Irish federation.C
Modeling rodent population and pathogen dynamics in agricultural environments : assessing the impact of control strategies on disease transmission
No full textRodents pose a major challenge to livestock farms by causing structural damage and serving as reservoirs and carriers of pathogens that threaten both animal and human health. With increasing restrictions on rodenticide use, there is a critical need to understand how alternative rodent management strategies influence the dynamics of rodent-borne diseases. In this study, we develop a novel model that integrates rodent population dynamics within agricultural environments (e.g., pig and poultry farms) with pathogen transmission characterized by different life histories (e.g., long-lasting vs. short-lived immunity, direct vs. indirect transmission). Our model is informed by experimental data to realistically capture rodent and pathogen dynamics and to evaluate the relative effectiveness of different management interventions. Specifically, we assess the impacts of sanitation, culling, and fertility control strategies on both rodent populations and pathogen prevalence. Our framework integrates diverse pathogen life histories and explicitly links management interventions to their effects on both disease dynamics and rodent populations within a specific agricultural context. Our results show no substantial differences between direct and environmentally transmitted pathogens. However, farm sanitation was the most effective strategy when the pathogen elicited long-lasting immunity, while culling was effective when immunity was short-lived. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of considering both pathogen life history and host population dynamics when designing sustainable and effective rodent management strategies.Rodents pose a major challenge to livestock farms by causing structural damage and serving as reservoirs and carriers of pathogens that threaten both animal and human health. With increasing restrictions on rodenticide use, there is a critical need to understand how alternative rodent management strategies influence the dynamics of rodent-borne diseases. In this study, we develop a novel model that integrates rodent population dynamics within agricultural environments (e.g., pig and poultry farms) with pathogen transmission characterized by different life histories (e.g., long-lasting vs. short-lived immunity, direct vs. indirect transmission). Our model is informed by experimental data to realistically capture rodent and pathogen dynamics and to evaluate the relative effectiveness of different management interventions. Specifically, we assess the impacts of sanitation, culling, and fertility control strategies on both rodent populations and pathogen prevalence. Our framework integrates diverse pathogen life histories and explicitly links management interventions to their effects on both disease dynamics and rodent populations within a specific agricultural context. Our results show no substantial differences between direct and environmentally transmitted pathogens. However, farm sanitation was the most effective strategy when the pathogen elicited long-lasting immunity, while culling was effective when immunity was short-lived. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of considering both pathogen life history and host population dynamics when designing sustainable and effective rodent management strategies.A
Enhancing zinc oxide photocatalysis with hydrochar from fish waste : a feasibility study for sustainable antibiotic degradation
No full textC
The Role Of Oxytocin In Modulating Pain And Its Interaction With Stress In The Context Of Musculoskeletal Pain
No full textAnalysis of a contra-rotating pump–turbine for low-head applications: An experimental study and numerical comparison
No full textLow-head pumped hydro storage technology has been identified as a promising contributor to grid-scale energy storage and the provision of ancillary services. Low-head systems have differing characteristics compared to conventional high-head systems, including larger relative head ranges and increased inertias of both, the water column and the pump–turbines. These differences require new designs as well as a detailed evaluation of their steady-state performance and transient behaviour. For this purpose, an experimental 50kW setup incorporating a 1:22 scale version of a novel reversible pump–turbine, with two contra-rotating runners and independent drivetrains, is designed and constructed. Steady-state performance tests are conducted in turbine and pump modes for several speed ratios between runners. Using head and torque coefficients, the results are compared to a numerical pump–turbine model based on a range of computational fluid dynamics simulations. Additionally, the transient response for a change of operating points is tested and used to benchmark a 1-D numerical model covering dynamic effects including coupling between the conduit and drivetrains. The developed numerical model is then used to simulate the transient behaviour during a shutdown sequence in turbine mode. During the steady-state tests a maximum efficiency of 89% was measured in turbine mode and 92% in pump mode. The test results show that the steady-state RPT characterisation accurately predicts the RPT performance, particularly in turbine mode, with correlation coefficient values between 0.9–0.97. The comparison of the pump mode results shows a minor offset and difference in the correlation between experimental and numerical results. Similarly, the comparison of the transient test case shows a good agreement between the experimental and the simulated dynamic response of the flow rate and rotational speeds. The results have shown the capability of the numerical modelling approach to provide accurate results for steady-state and dynamic performance evaluations. Finally, the simulation of the shutdown sequence indicates that there is no risk of dangerous pressure transients during the desired deceleration of the runners and concurrent closure of the valve.Low-head pumped hydro storage technology has been identified as a promising contributor to grid-scale energy storage and the provision of ancillary services. Low-head systems have differing characteristics compared to conventional high-head systems, including larger relative head ranges and increased inertias of both, the water column and the pump–turbines. These differences require new designs as well as a detailed evaluation of their steady-state performance and transient behaviour. For this purpose, an experimental 50kW setup incorporating a 1:22 scale version of a novel reversible pump–turbine, with two contra-rotating runners and independent drivetrains, is designed and constructed. Steady-state performance tests are conducted in turbine and pump modes for several speed ratios between runners. Using head and torque coefficients, the results are compared to a numerical pump–turbine model based on a range of computational fluid dynamics simulations. Additionally, the transient response for a change of operating points is tested and used to benchmark a 1-D numerical model covering dynamic effects including coupling between the conduit and drivetrains. The developed numerical model is then used to simulate the transient behaviour during a shutdown sequence in turbine mode. During the steady-state tests a maximum efficiency of 89% was measured in turbine mode and 92% in pump mode. The test results show that the steady-state RPT characterisation accurately predicts the RPT performance, particularly in turbine mode, with correlation coefficient values between 0.9–0.97. The comparison of the pump mode results shows a minor offset and difference in the correlation between experimental and numerical results. Similarly, the comparison of the transient test case shows a good agreement between the experimental and the simulated dynamic response of the flow rate and rotational speeds. The results have shown the capability of the numerical modelling approach to provide accurate results for steady-state and dynamic performance evaluations. Finally, the simulation of the shutdown sequence indicates that there is no risk of dangerous pressure transients during the desired deceleration of the runners and concurrent closure of the valve.
